April 2024

THE FOODIE ISSUE

Celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger

Chamber CEO Nona Watson and Chamber President

Dax Davis

Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken of Alice B.

Liz & Mark Ostoich of FARM, Tac/Quila, The Front Porch, and Clandestino

Gabriel Woo of Livs and Bar Cecil

Paul O’Halloran of PaulBar

Harold Matzner of Spencer’s Restaurant at the Mountain

A Message from the City Manager

City launches Engage

Palm Springs / Restoration of historic Plaza Theatre kicks off

City’s first affordable housing project in over a decade / Public invited to series of workshops for Parks and Recreation

Q&A with Chief Economic Development Officer Wayne Olson

Homeless navigation center update / Stay & Play at PSP

Measure J street repaving

PS Chamber new members

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dax Davis (President)

Alpha Media

Wendy Beerbower

Eisenhower Health

Kristin Bloomer

Angel View

John Bolton

Oak View Group/Acrisure Arena

Todd Burke

Visit Greater Palm Springs

John Fritch

Elevated Experiences

Angie Hoyt

Desert Care Network

Daniel Meier

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

Shannon Miller

Coach Miller

Julie Montante

PSA Organica

Candace Patencio Anderson

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Kim Roznoski Grocery Outlet

Jen Seymour Hunters

Gabriel Terrado

Lulu California Bistro

PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL

Jeffrey Bernstein Mayor

Ron deHarte Mayor Pro Tem

Grace Garner Councilmember

Christy Holstege Councilmember

Lisa Middleton Councilmember

CHAMBER STAFF

Nona Watson CEO

Brittne Meier

Executive Assistant

David White

Business Development Director

Michael Ellis

Community Relations Director

Evan Gray

Director of Programs

Araceli Flores Office Assistant

Chamber Magazine Staff

Nona Watson

Amy Blaisdell Executive Editors

Daniel Vaillancourt

Editor

Maru Palmersheim

Art Director

David A. Lee

Photographer

Aaron Jay Young

Photographer

misinformation. Please contact the publisher at the address below with any additions or corrections. 190 W. Amado Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 | (760) 325-1577 www.pschamber.org

David A. Lee

On the Cover: Celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger photographed atop the bar at Alice B. by David A. Lee.

Groundbreaking restaurateurs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger have been playing an award-winning fine dining duet for more than four decades.

DAX DAVIS CHAMBER PRESIDENT

On the edge of California’s Colorado Desert, Palm Springs stands as a vibrant oasis known worldwide for its stunning landscapes, mid-century modern architecture, and thriving culinary scene. From trendy eateries to hidden gems, Palm Springs boasts a diverse culinary scene that reflects its rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. This edition of PSILU is dedicated to our vibrant community of local restaurants, all of which play multiple critical roles in shaping our city’s unique identity.

Consider for a moment the economic vitality that local restaurants infuse into our community. By choosing to dine at these cherished establishments, we aren’t merely enjoying a meal — we’re actively investing in the prosperity of our neighbors and the growth of our local economy. From the bustling kitchen of Sherman’s Deli & Bakery to the cozy ambiance of Spencer’s, every bite we savor contributes to Palm Springs’ economic landscape.

Yet the allure of local restaurants extends far beyond their economic impact. These culinary havens are living testaments to Palm Springs’ cultural diversity and culinary heritage. From the savory spices of El Mirasol to the innovative creations at Birba, each dish tells a story, weaving together the rich flavors and traditions that define our city. By patronizing these establishments, we’re not just dining — we’re immersing ourselves in the vibrant mosaic of Palm Springs’ cultural identity.

And what of the intangible magic that permeates the air of our local restaurants?

Here, within the welcoming embrace of Cheeky’s or Lulu California Bistro, we find more than just nourishment for the body — we discover nourishment for the soul. These gathering places serve as the beating heart of our community, where friends become family, strangers become friends. It also appears that local restaurants have become the final frontier in America, where individuals with opposing views

NONA WATSON CHAMBER CEO

It’s with immense pleasure and enthusiasm that I welcome you to our first — but surely not our last — restaurant issue of PSILU. In my travels, I’m always thrilled to highlight the culinary richness that defines our city, making it a gastronomic destination.

To me, restaurants are the pulse of a community. Not just places where deals are sealed over power lunches, but sanctuaries where friends and families reunite and connect. Not to mention that these establishments contribute greatly to our city’s economy, be it through their sales tax or the steady, secure employment they provide to their staff members.

Our city is uniquely positioned, benefiting from a constant influx of tourists hailing from every corner of the country and the globe. This diverse audience challenges our local restaurateurs — from cherished family-run enterprises with recipes passed down through generations to avantgarde, modern eateries pushing the envelope of epicureanism — to continuously elevate their offerings, resulting in an unparalleled foodie landscape. I certainly can’t think of another community of 45,000 full-time locals to boast eight Michelin-recommended restaurants: 4 Saints atop the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, Bar Cecil, dog-friendly Boozehounds, Cheeky’s, Tac/Quila, The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge, The Colony Club within the Colony Palms Hotel, and Workshop Kitchen + Bar.

As you peruse the pages of this magazine, I encourage you to savor the stories behind each of the seven food & beverage experts we chose to spotlight: the famous newcomers on our cover, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken (Alice B.); the Gourmet Godfather himself, Harold Matzner (Spencer’s Restaurant at the Mountain); New York City transplant/mixologist Paul O’Halloran (PaulBar); power hospitality couple Liz and Mark Ostoich (FARM, Tac/Quila, The Front Porch, Clandestino); and homegrown boy wonder Gabriel Woo (Bar Cecil, Livs at the Palm Springs Art Museum).

The passion that fuels their kitchens and dining rooms is as legendary as the creativity that graces their menus, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that creates an enticing tapestry of flavors. May your appetite be whetted, your palate delighted as you explore the diverse and delectable offerings showcased within these pages.

can engage in civil and respectful political discussions around the table.

But perhaps most compelling of all is the profound impact that dining at local restaurants has on our environment and future. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and stewardship, many of these establishments champion the farm-to-table movement by sourcing ingredients locally. From the lush fields of the Coachella Valley and the Inland Empire to the tables of FARM and Workshop Kitchen + Bar, we witness firsthand the power of conscious dining to preserve our natural resources and safeguard the legacy of Palm Springs for generations to come.

Lastly, every local restaurant in Palm Springs is a dream nurtured by passion and ambition. Wilma & Frieda transcends the mere label of a brunch spot to embody the realization of a comfort food dream. Similarly, Bootlegger Tiki goes beyond being a cocktail venue to become a dreamer’s sanctuary. By choosing local, you’re not just having a meal — you’re investing in dreams and supporting the vibrant dreamscape of our city.

Let us further embrace the culinary treasures that grace our city streets. Let us celebrate the visionaries and artisans who bring our local restaurants to life, igniting our palates with their creativity and passion. With every reservation made, every meal enjoyed, we affirm our commitment to the vibrant tapestry of Palm Springs’ culinary landscape. For in dining at our local restaurants, we not only savor the essence of Palm Springs — we become a part of it.

Until we dine again!

Dax Davis Director of Sales and Programming Alpha Media – Palm Springs

Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce CEO

David A. Lee

SUSAN MARY SUE FENIGER MILLIKEN &

The legendary celebrity chefs bring nearly a century of combined culinary experience to Palm Springs at Living Out’s Alice

BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT

When they opened the doors to their latest lauded eatery, Alice B. at Palm Springs’ groundbreaking Living Out — the new luxury apartment complex for 55-and-over members of the LGBTQ+ community — Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken became the most famous restaurateurs in the desert overnight.

Throughout a business partnership that has lasted almost 45 years, the pair have owned and operated more than a dozen restaurants, authored best-selling cookbooks, cohosted radio and TV shows, won both the James Beard and Julia Child award, and been the subject of Feniger’s wife Liz Lachman’s 2023 documentary “Susan Feniger: Forked,” which sold out at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Sundance earlier this year.

Having accomplished so much, the pair wasn’t necessarily looking for a new project, much less one in Palm Springs. But five years ago, when friend and fellow Los Angeles LGBT Center board member Loren Ostrow shared his dream for Living Out with Feniger — which included the pioneering pair creating its in-house restaurant — she was intrigued.

“It’s interesting,” Feniger says of Ostrow and co-developer Paul Alanis as I sit with her and Milliken in Alice B.’s deserted dining room on a sunny Friday afternoon. “Theirs is also a partnership of 40 plus years. One’s straight, one’s not. I loved their idea, and I thought we should just go for it.”

“When Paul and I decided to break the mold for active adult communities and open Living Out’s restaurant to the public, I wanted it to celebrate two women who broke convention and lived their lives openly,” says Ostrow, who named the eatery Alice B. in honor of Alice B. Toklas and her life partner Gertrude Stein. “Susan and Mary Sue are two entrepreneur/ chefs who years ago broke the glass ceiling for women in the restaurant industry. Inviting them to join us at Living Out was a natural choice.”

“We never say no to anything,” says Milliken. “Susan is the Energizer Bunny. ‘Let’s do this, let’s do that…’ But I was excited about it from the first time she told me about the whole big-picture vision, which is that if we can make this work here, we can partner with Loren and Paul to repeat the Living Out/Alice B. success in other cities with large LGBTQ+ communities.”

B.

“Cracking the code on how to bring culinary vibrancy to a community like this is very exciting to us,” says Feniger. If anyone can do it, it’s this gastronomic dynamic duo. Feniger (a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York) met Milliken (who’d studied at Chicago’s Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute) in 1978, when they were the two sole women in the kitchen at the Windy City’s famed Le Perroquet. “Susan was the first person I met in the kitchen, male or female, who I got along with well,” recalls Milliken. “We both worked really hard, took everything seriously. I hadn’t met anybody like that in chef school or in any kitchens I’d worked in.”

Despite their budding friendship, the two went their separate ways after a little more than a year there — Feniger to L.A. to work at Ma Maison under Wolfgang Puck, and Milliken to head up Chicago’s Society Cafe. A year after that, unbeknownst to each other, they both decided to move to France to pursue apprenticeships. Feniger was stationed in the south, outside Cannes, while Milliken chose Paris. When time permitted, they visited each other.

It was in Milliken’s Paris apartment in October 1980 — after spending the day marketing, and the evening cooking — that, on their second bottle of wine during dinner, they planted a seed. “We’d had too much to drink after a rainstorm and a rainbow,” remembers Feniger. Adds Milliken: “I don’t think we really thought anything of it other than, ‘Look, there’s a rainbow! Let’s go into business together.’”

By April of 1981, the two had unveiled their new menu at L.A.’s City Café. That success was followed by City Restaurant in 1985, and Santa Monica’s Border Grill in 1990. The latter spawned a Las Vegas Border Grill at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Border Grill food trucks, and Border Grill Catering. Then came KCRW’s “Good Food” radio show, 400 episodes of The Food Network’s “Cooking with Too Hot Tamales” and “Tamales World Tour,” an appearance on Julia Child’s “Cooking With Master Chefs,” and separate-season competitions on Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters.” Not to mention those aforementioned best-selling recipe tomes and a slew of other smashing restaurants, among them a Ciudad in Downtown Los Angeles, Border Grill at LAX, Vegas’ BBQ Mexicana and Pacha Mamas, and Santa Monica’s Socalo.

David A. Lee

“Therapy,” deadpans Feniger when asked what’s kept the two together after more than four decades. “But I think the shared values — the trust and respect — are probably the strongest things we have.”

At the end of the day, Feniger and Milliken see each other as more than just business partners or besties who’ve forged their way to the top of an industry still dominated by men. “I think of us as family,” says Feniger. One so close that Milliken has been married to Feniger’s exhusband, architect Josh Schweitzer, for the last 39 years.

“It’s not like there’s never been a moment when we both looked at each other and said, ‘Oh, f— this! I don’t want to be your partner anymore,” volunteers Milliken with a chuckle. “It’s fine to succeed together, but I value our partnership most when we’re suffering a failure like losing a deal, or unhappily closing a restaurant after pouring our hearts into it.”

Such a fate will surely not befall Alice B. Already, the new venture is the hotspot on everyone’s lips, the excitement of having Feniger and

Milliken in town is palpable, and reservations sell out fast. Trading on the legends’ imprimatur, and guided by Executive Chef Lance Velasquez — a protégé of Michelin-starred Chef Gary Danko at San Francisco’s The Ritz-Carlton who was named “Rising Star Chef” by Esquire and “Best New American Chef” by Food & Wine, and in whom Feniger and Milliken have the greatest faith — Alice B. has become a destination, not just for residents of Living Out, but for locals and tourists too. “It really needs to be that, otherwise it won’t last,” confesses Feniger. “It takes a city to support a restaurant, and this city can do it.”

“If Alice B. is going to be the anchor of Living Out and the beating heart of this wonderful community, it needs to have food that’s accessible to everybody,” adds Milliken, who shares she and Feniger are most excited about having worked closely with Velasquez to help create a menu they all agree is California with a Mediterranean spin. “You can eat here more than once or twice a week. The menu changes all the time. It’s food that’s seasonal, fresh, minimally fussed with, and just straight up delicious.”

Feniger and Milliken — each of whom serves on a variety of nonprofit boards, such as the L.A. LGBT Center for Feniger, and the James Beard Foundation for Milliken — are also very excited to grow their Alice B. Catering, and to continue giving back. “One of our strong beliefs is that the community supports us, so it’s our responsibility to support the community,” says Feniger. “There’s so much opportunity here.”

Establishing a new brand in a new market also permits the pair to mentor a new generation of professionals. “We both love our employees so much,” says Milliken. “Seeing these kids in the kitchen, they’re fantastic, so hardworking, and so much fun. They’re learning from Lance and learning from us, and we’re learning from them.”

“I love everything about opening a new place,” concludes Feniger. “The chaos, the craziness, the complete upheaval of my life. There’s just something wonderful about kitchens and restaurants. It’s magic.”

aliceb.com

Courtesy of Border Grill.

Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger in the Border Grill kitchen in the '80s.

LIZ AND MARK

In prior lives, Liz and Mark Ostoich — the power couple behind a quartet of booming Palm Springs eateries — were lawyers. Their shift into food and beverage was less a lifelong dream and more the product of discovering their shared affinity for hospitality. Initially considering a wine bar, fate led them to overtaking FARM in 2016.

“Our experience was limited to eating out — a lot!” says Mark. “Business, marketing, and people management came naturally to us, but our employees trained us in restaurant lingo and procedures. On the job!”

That first triumph spawned the Michelin Guide-recommended Tac/Quila in 2019. In 2022 came both The Front Porch and Clandestino. The Ostoich Method is simple: invest in people, insist on the best ingredients, and create an environment that

stimulates all the senses. This ethos extends to their commitment to providing diverse menu options at various price points, making their fare accessible to all.

“Our first three restaurants are located in historic Spanish buildings,” notes Liz, adding that she and Mark are profound preservation proponents. “Those spaces provided the canvas for gardens, artwork, and authentic accessories to enhance the story. Tac/Quila honors our chefs, many of whom shared family recipes from Jalisco. The Front Porch answers the need for healthy bites focused on cold, raw, and vegan dishes. Clandestino is Tac/Quila’s hidden, moody sister. Our executive chef there is quite creative, bringing exceptional dishes to the menu: Mexican-inspired osso buco, Mark’s favorite salmon, and a crowd-pleasing cochinita pibil.”

The sweetest part of success? The opportunity to love and elevate people all around the table.

“We have four incredible teams, and we want to help each member see that the sky’s the limit,” says Mark. “We try to promote from within and give them uncommon opportunities and perks.

We also love that we’re able to share with our community of patrons through partnerships with DAP Health and the Plaza Theatre Foundation, to name but two deserving organizations we proudly support.”

So, numero cinco — where and when? “Oh, my. Don’t draw us into an argument,” sighs Liz. “Mark’s ready to go, but I think it’s time to take a breath.”

farmpalmsprings.com tacquila.com frontporchpalmsprings.com clandestinopalmsprings.com

Legal eagles turned foodie fan favorites dish it up.

OSTOICH

GABRIEL WOO

Palm Springs’ Michelin man branches out.

“It’s a huge deal for me,” says Gabriel Woo, referring to the fact that while still under 40 — he’s 39 — he’s already been at the helm of two of this city’s only eight restaurants to have earned a Michelin Guide recommendation: The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge and Bar Cecil, where he currently serves as executive chef. “At the moment, there are no Michelin-starred restaurants in Palm Springs, so we’re working hard at being better each day so we can be the first to earn that star.”

Born in Guadalajara and raised in the Coachella Valley from age 4, Woo confesses, “I never thought about cooking until my siblings and I started watching Julia Child after school on PBS. She made it seem fun. Soon, I was checking out cookbooks from my school library. I tried making cookies, and would always enjoy my mother’s food. It wasn’t until my late teens that I realized cooking had chosen me.”

His father — who worked in the locker room at Tamarisk Country Club in Rancho Mirage — got 15-year-old Gabe his first restaurant job, as a steward. Woo’s classical training would come from the Art Institute of the Inland Empire, after which he apprenticed with many greats in Sonoma and Napa. Rotations at various desert country clubs followed, each season’s new executive chef teaching insatiable Woo invaluable lessons.

Finally, in 2016, the lifechanging call came: An invitation to head up fine dining operations at Sparrows Lodge. That partnership with owners Richard Crisman and Jeff Brock is still going strong, and has yielded not only The Barn Kitchen, but Holiday House and Bar Cecil.

With Crisman and Brock’s blessing, Woo recently launched Livs at the Palm Springs Art Museum. “My wife Jackie and I always dreamed of opening a cute little restaurant in which our daughters, Aniston and Olivia, could grow up,” he says, adding that the new place is named for the latter, who’s 2.

How does Woo manage the stress of operating Bar Cecil while launching Livs? Sobriety, family, positivity, and orderliness. “Playing golf is also a nice way to put everything on pause for a few hours, then come back and look at things with a different mindset.”

And his hospitality philosophy? “It’s simple. Anticipate the needs of guests and never miss an opportunity to go above and beyond. If your goal is to create a memorable experience, you have to focus on every detail.”

barcecil.com

David A. Lee

PAUL

O’HALLORAN

PaulBar brings a taste of Manhattan to Palm Springs.

Divorce can often be a blessing. When the man of his dreams — for whom he moved here from New York City — turned out, well, less dreamy, debonair Paul O’Halloran, who’d been toiling as one of Mr. Lyons’ most beloved bartenders, and been repeatedly told he should hang out his own shingle, did just that.

The erstwhile Irish Catholic boy from the Bronx, who recently turned 60, unearthed the longabandoned Palm Springs Sports Tavern in a sketchy strip mall on Vista Chino just east of Gene Autry in the north end of town. One look at its long, massive cherrywood bar was all it took for him to know he’d struck gold. “I started to cry,” he recalls.

Lovingly restoring the rectangular space in the vein of the celebrated Manhattan landmarks at which he’d worked, like Joe Allen, O’Halloran slapped a plain sign that read Bar/Food over the door outside, knowing it would cause “this weird buzz.” He christened his joint PaulBar, then tipped off all his regulars as to what he’d done. They came first, but word soon spread like wildfire, and the man’s never looked back. Somehow, he knew just what desert dwellers desired.

“I mean, I like a bottle of rosé by the pool like any other self-respecting homosexual in Palm Springs,” he says, describing his intimate, bustling brasserie’s fare as classic American. He and chef Gustavo Hernandez have never taken the iceberg wedge, steak frites, or chocolate pot de crème off the menu. “But occasionally, you just want a dark bar, a good bourbon, and a good cry. I’m not gonna console you or anything, but you can cry.”

The only ones shedding tears are the patrons lining up 90 minutes prior to opening in desperate hopes of scoring one of PaulBar’s 49 seats. So fervent remains demand more than six years after debuting in April 2018 that O’Halloran’s finally taken over the space next door, which will double the square footage (most of it for an expanded kitchen and storage) and add 20 seats, enough to accommodate large parties. Expect a grand opening when he and his team return from their annual September hiatus.

Just like the original, the expanded haunt will not take reservations. Or should we say, take reservations for but one lucky son of a gun: Gary Oldman. Incensed, are you? “When you win an Academy Award,” says O’Halloran, “come talk to me.”

thepaulbarps.com

David A. Lee

HAROLD

MATZNER

A Q&A with the man who made Spencer’s Restaurant at the Mountain a desert institution.

Spencer’s is a legendary breakfast, lunch, and dinner hotspot that’s truly for everyone: the ladies who lunch, the gays who brunch, the country club set, business titans, and tourists of all stripes. It’s where one goes to celebrate personal milestones, or to toast the closing of a big business deal.

Behind it all is Harold Matzner, arguably the most generous philanthropist/entrepreneur in the Coachella Valley. Having made his fortune in branding, advertising, and marketing in New York City and New Jersey, Matzner — who’s called Palm Springs home for more than 30 years, and who’s taken a seat on countless boards, often heading them — is the man who put the Palm Springs International Film Festival and its starstudded Film Awards on the map, serving as chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Society for more than a quarter century before recently stepping down. Most impressively, it’s estimated that Matzner has personally contributed more than $50 million to local nonprofits since 1995. PSILU decided to chat him up.

What year did Spencer’s open?

February 2000.

What made you decide to embark on that adventure?

I wanted to bring attention to the Palm Springs Tennis Club, a nonprofit club that has been bringing tennis to the community since the 1930s, but that had fallen upon hard times financially. I rebuilt the entire club, which was my first significant involvement with philanthropy in this city. The PSTC is now very, very successful, and Spencer’s manages the facility. The city was struggling a bit in 2000, and we wanted to demonstrate it was possible to open a successful restaurant here. We did, and it is.

Had you had restaurant experience?

I had had lots of event experience. No restaurant experience. But I do love to eat good food. Spencer’s has two good chefs that lead each shift in the kitchen. It’s known for its food and ambiance, it’s extraordinarily successful, and very few people know it’s named after my 110-pound Siberian Husky, whose picture hangs in the lobby. He was beautiful, loyal, and extremely intelligent. A wonderful friend who passed at 14 in 2007. I still miss him every day.

What makes you proudest about Spencer’s longevity and the fact that it’s truly a beloved local landmark? It’s a very welcoming, beautiful restaurant with a gorgeous main patio that provides shade from five giant ficus trees. Many employees have been here since the beginning or shortly thereafter. General Manager Julieta Quinn arrived in 2003. It’s a great team of people who are extraordinarily friendly and provide excellent service. Despite all the increased competition in Palm Springs, sales have continued to grow. The food continues to win awards.

Is it true you don’t keep a dime of its profits — that those are what fuel your philanthropic endeavors? That is true.

spencersrestaurant.com

David A. Lee

President’s Circle

Thank you to the following Chamber members without whom many of our programs would not be possible.

A Message From the City Manager

Dear Palm Springs:

As I celebrate my one-year anniversary as your city manager, I remain completely awestruck by this incredible city of engaged residents, businesses, and tourism and hospitality partners who tirelessly work together to make this uniquely special desert oasis truly like no place else!

I am continually amazed by the incredible array of special events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week, Tour de Palm Springs, Splash House, White Party, Dinah Shore Weekend — and a host of others that really do keep our economic engine roaring full speed ahead!

And with continued economic prosperity one of the City Council’s top priorities, I am excited to announce Wayne Olson has been hired to serve as the city’s new chief economic development officer. Wayne comes to us from the city of Palm Desert — and we are excited to welcome him to the executive management team. Take a moment to read more about Wayne and how he plans to work with local businesses and stakeholders in the following pages.

In other exciting developments, the opening of the early entry facility at the much anticipated new homeless navigation center in the northern part of the city occurred in March, with 50 overnight shelter beds now available for our unhoused residents. The full facility, which will feature modular residences with an additional 80 beds for temporary permanent supportive housing will open in late August. In addition, we also celebrated the grand opening of the first new affordable housing project developed in Palm Springs in over decade. The City Council has long been committed to finding solutions to addressing homelessness and building more affordable housing. These two long-awaited projects are a huge step in the right direction. Keep turning the pages to learn more about what the city is doing to keep the momentum moving forward.

Also in early March, the city of Palm Springs joined together with the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Board Foundation, the Oak View Group, and members of the Measure J Commission to celebrate the kickoff for the $34-million restoration of the historic Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs. For years this iconic theatre, which hosted the 1936 world premiere of the Greta Garbo film “Camille,” has sat vacant waiting for its next act. When the restoration is complete, the theatre will serve the community by hosting many kinds of events and productions, and will be an exciting venue in downtown. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the opening.

Finally, I want to encourage every Palm Springs resident to visit the recently launched EngagePalmSprings.com, a onestop-shop digital engagement platform where you can now find important city-related news and latest information on city projects and initiatives all in one place. This will not replace the main website, palmspringsca.gov, but will provide easier access for residents to communicate, ask questions, provide feedback, and offer ideas to city staff while getting the latest updates on hot topic items. We want your input, so make sure to visit EngagePalmSprings.com and check it out!

All the Best,

Scott Stiles

Palm Springs City Manager

City Launches Engage Palm Springs

The city of Palm Springs recently launched EngagePalmSprings.com, a new one-stop-shop digital engagement platform where residents and businesses can now find important city-related news and latest information all in one place. This will not replace the main website, palmspringsca.gov, but will provide easier access for residents to communicate, ask questions, provide feedback, and offer ideas to city staff while getting the latest updates on some of the city’s hot topic items. The platform highlights important capital improvement and development projects in progress at any one time, such as engineering, road and

bridge projects, street closures, the library renovation, Parks and Recreation programs, information regarding the new homeless navigation center, affordable housing, economic development, sustainability efforts, news from Palm Springs International Airport, and much more! The goal is to provide the most current information to keep our community up to date and informed about the important work happening at City Hall that affects us all.

Visit EngagePalmSprings.com and check it out. City Hall wants to ENGAGE with you!

Restoration of Historic Plaza Theatre Kicks Off

Restoration of the historic Plaza Theatre is now underway – and expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.

The long-awaited kickoff celebration was held on March 4 in front of the iconic theatre, which was built in the heart of downtown in 1936, playing host to the world premiere of the famed Greta Garbo film “Camille.” The theatre was also home to the very first Palm Springs International Film Festival – and later, the much loved Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.

The kickoff celebration, hosted by the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation board, included a formal signing ceremony acknowledging the partnership of the

Foundation and the city of Palm Springs with the Oak View Group, which will operate the theatre and provide an array of diverse programming and entertainment. Oak View, the largest developer of sports and entertainment venues in the world, is well known in the Coachella Valley for managing Acrisure Arena, the home of world-class live concerts and entertainment as well as the Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey team. They have also generously donated $1 million in a matching grant to the restoration project.

The $34-million project is being funded by the Foundation and its donors, and the city of Palm Springs — with significant funding from Measure J — has provided access to $22 million

to commence the project. $10 million of that will be offset by additional fundraising from the Foundation, which has committed to fundraise $22 million of the project’s costs, and has already raised more than $15 million towards its goal.

Restoration and modernization of this important city-owned facility provides numerous tangible benefits for the community, and is one of the final pieces in the Downtown Revitalization Plan. It is estimated that when the theatre is operational, it will accommodate 135,000 patrons per year. Half of them are estimated to be out-of-town guests who will book more than 50,000 hotel nights per year. The theatre is expected to generate more than $40 million in incremental spending and provide more than $4 million direct economic impact to Palm Springs through sales and transient occupancy taxes.

“This new partnership with the Oak View Group will be transformational for Palm Springs when it comes to delivering game changing economic impact for our downtown and local businesses,” said City Manager Scott Stiles. “We can’t thank the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation enough for their incredible fundraising efforts — and to the leadership at Oak View, we are incredibly grateful for their investment in the Palm Springs destination. This is an exciting time for the city.”

Visit SavethePlazaTheatrePS.org for more information, or to make a donation.

City’s First Affordable Housing Project in Over a Decade Now

The of city of Palm Springs recently celebrated the opening of the new Monarch Apartments, a much-needed 60-unit affordable housing project in the northern part of the city that is the first of its kind for low-income residents in over a decade.

The $36 million-project, developed by Fairfield-based Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) in collaboration with the city of Palm Springs, Lift to Rise, and the state of California was designed by local architect Maria Song, principal with Interactive Design Corporation.

The project features 28 one-bedroom, 16 two-bedroom, and 16 three-bedroom units for single residents and families making at least 60% of our region’s median income. In addition, 14 units are for people making 50%

Public Invited to Series of Workshops for Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Your input is needed!

The city of Palm Springs invites the public to help shape the future by participating in a series of Parks and Recreation master planning workshops led by consultant Kounkuey Design Initiative over the next several months. In addition, a series of community engagement sessions will be held at various special events.

Broad community input is imperative in the Parks and Recreation master planning process as the city crafts the vision and develops the roadmap to reflect the recreational needs and priorities for Palm Springs neighborhoods.

“With your input, together, we can make our Parks and Recreation system more accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone,” says Palm Springs Director of Parks and Recreation Yvonne Wise.

To get the dates for the upcoming workshops, visit EngagePalmSptings.com.

Officially Open

of the median income, and 15% for those making 30%.

The complex was designed to blend in perfectly with the city’s famed modernist architecture in surrounding neighborhoods, and features sloping overhangs, bright accent colors and front doors, and butterfly motifs prevalent throughout. There is also a playground and splash pad for children, as well as a dog park.

“Affordable housing is critical when it comes to building stable, healthy communities that allow low-income residents to live closer to where they work — and in some cases avoid homelessness,” says Palm Springs Director of Housing and Community Development Jay Virata, who adds it also plays a role in better mental and physical health.

In fact, over the past decade, the city has diligently worked to ensure more affordable projects get funded, setting aside available land and millions of dollars for development which has led to two additional projects under construction. Vista Sunrise II, which will consist of 61 one- and two-bedroom units adjacent to DAP Health, is expected to be complete later this year. Aloe Palm Canyon, a 71-unit, two-story project for seniors, is expected to be completed in 2025.

“Palm Springs has long needed more affordable housing, and these new units will help be a huge step in the right direction,” Virata says.

For more information about affordable housing projects, visit EngagePalmSprings. com.

with Palm Springs’ New Chief Economic Development Officer Wayne Olson Q&A

Wayne Olson, the City’s new Chief Economic Development Officer took some time out of his day to catch us up on what he has been doing since starting his new role in January. Wayne’s background is in economic development and real estate finance. He started his career in Minnesota with a downtown council organization. He went on to work for both the public and private sectors including the City of Minneapolis, and most recently, the City of Palm Desert where he secured $90M in state funding for the Cal State Palm Desert campus. His private sector work included real estate development and consulting in strategic capital acquisition for large land developments in both Minnesota and California. Over the course of his career, he has worked on nearly $1B of projects and investments.

Tell us a little more about your background? First and foremost I am a huge fan of Palm Springs. I started visiting in 1999 and made regular visits at least twice a year until moving with my now-husband to Palm Springs in 2018. We are proud residents of Canyon South neighborhood. Prior to working here, I worked with Palm Desert in economic development and accomplished a lot there. Prior to that I was in the private sector doing real estate development consulting, primarily in capital acquisition strategy with a focus on equity sources. Earlier in my career, I worked at the City of Minneapolis and for a district council in St. Paul, MN. After a couple years of consulting following my work in Palm Desert, I was looking for a new challenge.

What have you been doing since you started with the City?

I started January 2, 2024, so my first few weeks was building the new department and getting the administrative aspects together. Also I am meeting as many people as I can. I call what I am doing “situational analysis,” which is fancy way of saying I am meeting with key stakeholders both internally and externally, to get the “lay of the land.” This also helps to see what top level issues are common among all the stakeholders. I am nearing completion on that and hope to start working with the City Manager and the Council to initiate our strategic planning phase over the next few quarters.

What are you doing to help small and medium sized businesses here in Palm Springs?

Small and medium sized businesses are the heartbeat of any community. Having

developed and worked with many start-ups and more mature businesses throughout my career, I understand the pressures and challenges of running a small business. Many of our small business owners are family enterprises that have been here many, many years. It’s important that we respect and help retain the legacy of those businesses in our community, as well as grow, and attract new business. We have many good programs already in place, like our facade enhancement program; but I would like to look at other ways we might be able to continue to support, and grow, our business community. We also provide linkages to many of the great small business organizations like the Small Business Development Centers, and Caravanserai. We heard about your partnership with Caravanserai, can you give us some highlights of that program?

Caravanserai is a local 501c3 Small Business Development Center. Their leadership approached the City looking for a way to help early-stage entrepreneurs from underserved communities (Spanish speaking, LGBTQIA+, undocumented workers, etc.). Staff developed a pilot program which the City has agreed to fund that hopes to enhance business literacy, business planning, and provide access to early capital in the form of individual micro-grants. Participants will be required to complete a series of trainings and demonstrate the ability to responsibly use the funds in the growth of their business. For more information about the program, visit caravanseraiproject.org.

What do you hope can get accomplished with the Chamber of Commerce?

Any community’s backbone is its Chamber of Commerce. Nona Watson and the Chamber have done an incredible job of being responsible managers of the membership and their fees. Dean Grubl, our Business District Administrator will rely heavily on the Chamber’s membership and staff to help get the word out on City initiatives and policies. We plan to continue to partner with the Chamber on a variety of programs and events into the future.

What’s the first things on your list to focus in on?

The bulk of the work right now is integrating in to current and ongoing projects and programs, as well as working with staff and the community on setting a path for the future. Specifically, we need to respond to the growing visitor and convention demand by providing the assets that help support that

growth. We need to build on the energy of the airport expansion. We need to look at the challenges of seasonality and develop ideas on how to grow off-season spending. We need to help our business districts get established and help them to continue to thrive. We need to help expand our economic opportunities for our underserved communities. We need to look at smart preservation of our community resources while balancing that with responsible economic growth. And, certainly collaborating with our community partners like Palm Springs Tourism, Greater Palm Springs, and the Chamber are going to be a regular activity for this role and the new staff of our department. The list is long, but I am ready and excited for the challenge.

What’s your favorite thing about Palm Springs?

I would have to say that the urban feel of our downtown. For a City of 45,000 year-round residents, the vibrancy and activity of our downtown on any given day or night, has a “big city” feel. Shopping, dining and enjoying our many shops and restaurants, Citywide, is a big appeal as well.

How can people get a hold of the department?

We have an email set up at Business.Info@ palmspringsca.gov. Residents and businesses are encouraged to reach out to us there with any questions, ideas, or concerns.

Any final thoughts?

We are at an exciting time in Palm Springs from an economic standpoint. Considerable community investment is occurring both from the private and public sector. We have exciting events that draw worldwide attention. I am truly honored to be able to build on that success and help support the growth of Palm Springs as we move forward into the future.

Palm Springs Homeless Navigation Center Update

The city of Palm Springs is pleased to announce that its muchanticipated new homeless navigation center, operated by Martha’s Village and Kitchen, recently opened the early entry portion of the project in March. This new facility houses up to 50 residents waiting to be placed in independent modular units when they become available. This is not a drop-in center. The facility is by referral only from the Palm Springs Access Center, which is also operated by Martha’s Village and Kitchen.

Once the navigation center on McCarthy Road fully opens to unhoused residents this summer, it will include 80 prefabricated residential interim units and two rehabilitated buildings on site. The units will include kitchenettes and bathroom facilities. Sixty-five units are designated for unhoused residents, and five units are designated for families. An additional 10 units are for transitional-aged youth experiencing homelessness. A children’s play area, green space, and dog park are also planned.

In addition, unhoused residents will receive comprehensive wraparound services that include:

Assistance obtaining permanent housing.

Health and dental insurance.

Additional support services, such as behavioral health and counseling.

Assistance with food stamp benefits, laundry vouchers, and obtaining birth certificates and identification cards.

Career services and skills training.

Client case management.

A family reunification program.

Transportation assistance.

When fully open this summer, the navigation center is expected to serve as many as 130 unhoused residents at any given time. For more information, visit EngagePalmSprings.com.

PSP’s Stay & Play: Your Ticket to Airport Adventures

By Jake Ingrassia

Do you remember a time when you could stroll through an airport, hand in hand with your loved ones, heading straight to the gate to bid them a bittersweet farewell, or eagerly await their return, ready to joyously greet them the second they step off the plane?

For many, it may seem like a distant relic of a bygone era, but Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is bringing back the nostalgia with its brand new Stay and Play Visitor Pass Program.

You no longer need a boarding pass to venture beyond the security checkpoint. A simple online application can grant you free, sameday access to all of the airport’s amenities. Stay & Play visitors can indulge in the excitement of plane spotting from PSP’s scenic outdoor restaurant patios, or explore the enticing array of new shops and restaurants opening later this year. The journey can now become a destination itself.

Obtaining a Stay & Play pass is as simple as a few clicks. Head over to flyPSP.com/StayAndPlay and complete the online application up to seven days before your visit. Once approved, your digital pass will arrive via email on the day of your visit — granting you access to the secure area with a TSA-approved ID.

At the heart of the Stay & Play program lies a commitment to prioritizing the needs of ticketed passengers, while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. During peak hours from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. — when the airport buzzes with activity — visitor passes are suspended to reduce congestion and stress on parking lots and security lines, ensuring a smoother experience for travelers on the move. Nevertheless, once inside, Stay & Play visitors can rest assured knowing they are subject to the same stringent security regulations as passengers, maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone. Stay & Play guests are reminded to leave their luggage and prohibited items behind, in accordance with TSA guidelines.

From heartfelt farewells to joyful reunions, PSP is paving the way for unique airport experiences, and fostering meaningful connections along the journey. So, whether you’re a local looking for a new hangout spot or a traveler’s companion seeking to share in their airport experience, PSP’s Stay & Play program is your ticket to unlocking adventures beyond the ticket counter — ensuring an even warmer welcome from one of America’s friendliest airports.

City Council Approves Nearly $9 Million in Measure J Funds for 2024 Street Paving Rehabilitation Project

Palm Springs Measure J, a one-cent sales tax increase approved by voters in 2011, continues to improve quality of life and give back to our community.

Beginning this spring, 50 distinct street segments throughout Palm Springs will be freshly paved with asphalt following the City Council’s February approval of a total of $9 million in Measure J funding for the project.

“This is the most money ever allocated for annual street paving — and it’s all thanks to Measure J, which continues to be a huge economic booster for the City of Palm Springs,” said Palm Springs Director of Finance Kris Mooney, who added that the funds primarily come from tourist dollars and not residents.

A list of streets slated for rehabilitation is available for review at EngagePalmSprings.com.

“The city of Palm Springs is delighted to begin this important project that will truly make a tangible difference in our neighborhoods,” said City Manager Scott Stiles. “A big thank

you to the residents of Palm Springs for voting to approve Measure J, which continues to bring in millions of dollars for capital and community improvement projects that are improving quality of life in Palm Springs for generations to come.”

ABOUT MEASURE J

In November 2011, Palm Springs voters approved Measure J, a one-cent sales tax increase that has funded hundreds of important citywide services and capital improvement projects, including the Downtown Revitalization Project and public improvements, the new Downtown Park, hundreds of miles of city street paving, new bathrooms in the parks at Demuth and Desert Highland, the renovation of the Welwood Murray Memorial Library, the fire station on LaVerne Way, the dog park behind City Hall, and a much-needed new kitchen at Mizell Center. Coming soon, Measure J tax dollars will fund improvements at Palm Springs International Airport, help expand pickleball courts at Demuth, improve playground park

equipment, fund new field lighting at Demuth and Sunrise parks, a new shade structure at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, and help fund important renovations of the Palm Springs Public Library and the historic Plaza Theatre. Visit PSMeasureJ.com for information.

Juniper Pickleball 1579 E. San Lorenzo Road Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (541)282-4589 www.juniper.brown@spoton.com

Tail Waggers Pet Food & Supplies 1124 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (323)464-9600 www.tailwaggerspets.com

David Perry & Associates 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (415)767-1067 www.davidperry.com

LGBTQ+ Ride 34920 Vaquero Drive Cathedral City, CA, 92234 (760)239-8245

PS Ventures LLC dba Dunes 390 S. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (949)689-1895

PlanIT Print Works 39350 Berkey Drive Palm Desert, CA, 92211 (760)345-2500 www.PlanItPrintWorks.com

Palm Springs Vitamin Infusions 242 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)285-8763

1-800-GOT-JUNK? 19345 N. Indian Canyon Drive Desert Hot Springs, CA, 92240 (323)448-1710 www.1800gotjunk.com

Platinum Star Properties

610 S. Belardo Road Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (762)275-2974

MOGO Silent Disco LLC

PO Box 4782

Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (917)442-2596 www.mogosilentdisco.com

Disco Dog

1345 N Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (408)375-4775 lynnae@discodog.shop

Michele Fine Art, Inc.

314 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)567-9795

Stone Roofing

730 N. Coney Avenue Azusa, CA, 91702 (626)969-6515 www.stoneroof.com

Teserra

38822 El Desierto Road

Palm Desert, CA, 92211 (760)398-9222 www.teserraoutdoors.com

Ambitious Supply Co.

2304 E. Bellamy Road Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (866)312-4435 www.ambitioussupplyco.com

HMC (I Heart Mac & Cheese) 190 S. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)424-8012 www.ihmccorp.com

The Velvet Rope Palm Springs 120 W. Veredasur Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)285-5074 www.thevelvetropeps.com

MelinaMade Residential Design + Interiors 1143 Linda Vista Road Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (650)392-4100 www.melinamadeinteriors.com

Bali Breeze

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive Ste. 5 Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (442)677-0398

Blue Elephant Wellness

333 N. Palm Canyon Drive Ste. 32 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (424)571-0283

Bridge Home Health and Hospice

777 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Suite 341 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)327-5317 www.brisgehh.com

Rise Artworks LLC 1414 6th Street Santa Monica, CA, 90401 (310)394-7111 www.riseartworksllc@gmail.com

Living Out, Palm Springs

1122 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (833)548-3688 www.livingout.com

The Modernist Travel

2388 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way #80 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (714)458-7266

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