FALL 2026
PA L M S P R I N G S C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
ART
the
issue
CONTENTS
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wendy Beerbower (Immediate Past President) Eisenhower Health John Bolton Oak View Group, Plaza Theatre Kate Anderson Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Kristin Bloomer Mizell Senior Center Todd Burke (President Elect) Visit Greater Palm Springs Chris Drumm Hall Wines Kelly McLean Poppy
Bryan Rogers Boozehounds Kim Roznoski Grocery Outlet Scott Saunders Walter Clark Kelly Teo Parker Palm Springs Gabriel Terrado Sherman's Deli & Bakery Alexandra Phillips General Manager O’Donnell Golf Club Catherine Abbott College of the Desert Foundation
PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL
“The Bob Hope House Designed by Architect John Lautner,” giclée print on canvas by Mark Higden.
6 | Message from PS City Manager Scott Stiles
26 | Vacay Secure | Map & Data Portal
7 | Messages from Chamber CEO Nona Watson and President Todd Burke
34 | New PS Chamber Members
12 | Cover Story: Art Is Everywhere 23 | Parade Season in Palm Springs
Ron deHarte Councilmember Grace Garner Councilmember
FALL 2026
CHAMBER STAFF
PA L M S P R I N G S C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
ART
the
Naomi Soto Mayor David H. Ready Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Bernstein Councilmember
issue
Nona Watson CEO Brittne Meier Executive Assistant 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 Stephen Baumbach Lance Gerber John Goucher Photographers
24 | COD Palm Springs Campus ©2026 Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and city of Palm Springs. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Information in this publication is gathered from various sources and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. The publisher assumes no responsibility for omissions, errors, or misinformation. Please contact the publisher at the address below with any additions or corrections.
25 | Holidays | VillageFest
On the cover: “Shall We Dance” by Marconi. Mixed media on leather, 30 x 14 in. Photo by Stephen Baumbach
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190 W. Amado Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 | (760) 325-1577 www.pschamber.org
OFFICIALS
A Message From the City Manager Dear residents, Fall has arrived in Palm Springs, bringing cooler evenings, vibrant community events, and plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy our uniquely one-of-a-kind city. From beloved traditions to exciting projects shaping our future, there is much to look forward to this season. This fall, the city is making it easier to stay informed with the launch of our new Map & Data Portal. Residents, businesses, and visitors can explore everything from parks, trails, and public art to zoning, property information, street projects, and community resources, all through an easy-to-use interactive map. For residents planning a fall getaway, the Palm Springs Police Department’s new Vacay Secure Program offers added peace of mind. By providing an emergency contact while you are away, you can help officers respond more efficiently if an issue occurs at your home. Of course, fall in Palm Springs means parade season! From the muchloved Palm Springs High School Homecoming Parade and Greater Palm Springs Pride to the patriotic Veterans Day and magical Palm Springs Festival of Lights, these free community celebrations bring energy and excitement to worldfamous Palm Canyon Drive. VillageFest also returns to its Fall hours of 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. every Thursday in October, with local vendors, artists, food, music, a special Halloween celebration, and a plethora of free, fun, and festive holiday-themed events. Speaking of the holidays, the city ’s popular Palm Springs Holidays program kicks off November 15 through January 3. Keep turning the pages to learn more about the magical events planned throughout the city, highlighting the spirit of the holiday season, Palm Springs style! Looking ahead, construction continues on the much-anticipated College of the Desert Palm Springs Campus, which is on track to open in fall of 2027. The 27-acre campus will expand educational, workforce, 6 PSILOVEYOU | Fall 2026
and community opportunities throughout the Coachella Valley. And on November 17, Palm Springs residents and the business community are invited to gather at the beautifully restored historic Plaza Theatre for our annual State of the City, celebrating our accomplishments over the past year and looking toward a future for everyone. As we move into another fall season, I invite you to enjoy all that Palm Springs has to offer while supporting our local businesses, attending community events, and connecting with your neighbors. Fall is a wonderful time to experience the energy and community spirit that makes our city truly like no place else. A grateful farewell As many of you know, I have announced my retirement as city manager of Palm Springs — effective November 1, 2026 — after more than 43 years in public service and nearly four years serving this extraordinary community. Serving Palm Springs has been a privilege I will always carry with me. I have been inspired by the people who call this city home, by your passion, your generosity, your creativity, and your unwavering commitment to Palm Springs. I leave knowing that Palm Springs is well-positioned for the future, with a dedicated team, a strong foundation, and so many exciting possibilities ahead. Most of all, I leave with a deep sense of gratitude. To the residents of Palm Springs: thank you for welcoming me, trusting me, challenging me, and allowing me to serve this community. While my role as your city manager will come to an end, my affection for Palm Springs and its people will not. Welcome to fall, Palm Springs, and, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Warmest regards, Scott Stiles City Manager, Palm Springs
Nona Watson Chamber CEO
One of the great pleasures of living in Palm Springs is discovering just how much creativity surrounds us. You see it in our galleries and museums, of course, but also on our buildings and benches, in our shops and studios, in fashion and design, and even on the people walking down Palm Canyon Drive. Art truly is everywhere in Palm Springs. In this issue of PSILOVEYOU, we celebrate just a handful of the remarkable artists who contribute to that creative energy. Their stories are as diverse as their work. Some were born and raised here. Others found their way to Palm Springs from New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and places much farther away. They are painters, muralists, illustrators, digital artists, tattoo artists, and multidisciplinary creators. They represent different generations, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. What unites them is that each has found something in Palm Springs that encourages creativity to flourish. That should make all of us proud. But please realize that in featuring these artists in our pages, we’re only scratching the surface. Throughout Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, countless creative people are working every day—some internationally known, others quietly building their career—adding beauty, ideas, color, and new perspectives to our community. Creativity has long been part of Palm Springs’ identity, from our celebrated architecture and design heritage to our thriving contemporary arts scene. But what excites me most is that this story continues to evolve. New artists arrive. Young artists emerge. Established artists reinvent themselves. And people from remarkably different backgrounds find a community where they can express who they are.
Matthew Mitchell
At the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, we know the arts enrich our quality of life while also contributing to the vitality of our local economy. Artists help make Palm Springs the distinctive, welcoming, and endlessly interesting place we are fortunate to call home. I hope this issue inspires you to discover their work—and perhaps discover an artist you didn’t know before. Nona Watson CEO, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce
From the President It’s an incredible honor to serve as this year’s president of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. As I begin my term, I’m excited for the opportunity to work alongside our local businesses, community leaders, residents, and creatives who make Palm Springs such a remarkable place to live, work, visit, and call home. And I can’t think of
a better way to begin than with an issue of this magazine dedicated to one of the things that gives our city so much of its character: art. Art is everywhere in Palm Springs. It’s in our spectacular Palm Springs Art Museum and multitude of galleries, of course, but it’s also on our walls, in our businesses, on our streets — and sometimes even on our skin! Creativity has long been part of the identity of this city, and this issue celebrates the people who continue to shape and expand what art in our community can be. Inside this issue, you’ll meet seven talented local artists working across a wonderfully diverse range of mediums — from painters and a tattoo artist to a graffiti artist and other creative voices. Each brings a different perspective,
style, and story, but together they reflect something uniquely Palm Springs: a community that embraces individuality, encourages selfexpression, and isn’t afraid to be bold. Art also plays an important role in the vitality of our local economy. It brings people together, inspires visitors, supports businesses, and adds to the quality of life that makes our city so special. I hope you enjoy discovering the artists featured in these pages as much as we enjoyed sharing their stories. Here’s to a year of creativity, connection, and continued pride in this extraordinary community we all love. Todd Burke Vice President of Communications Visit Greater Palm Springs
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PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
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Thank you to the following Chamber members without whom many of our programs would not be possible.
ArtIS
In Palm Springs
eveR YwH ere BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT
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For generations, ambitious artists flocked to New York, Paris, London, and Los Angeles. Now, Palm Springs is proving that a much smaller city can provide what artists are looking for: community, inspiration, patrons, space, and permission to create differently.
No self-respecting art aficionado would dare describe Palm Springs as one of the art capitals of the world. But many an expert would agree the desert has become an increasingly significant artist enclave/destination — one of those smaller places that disproportionately attracts artists and creative people, such as New Mexico’s Santa Fe (the benchmark), Marfa in Texas, and Massachusetts’ Provincetown. Santa Fe offered landscape and artistic tradition. Marfa offered isolation and experimentation. Provincetown offered freedom and community. Palm Springs offers a little of all three, what with its unusual combination of ingredients: Proximity to Los Angeles. An extraordinary architecture and design heritage highlighted by the globally popular Modernism Week. The world-class collection of the Palm Springs Art Museum. Desert X alighting every two years. Relatively accessible studio space compared with larger metropolises. A massive LGBTQ+ creative population. Affluent collectors and second-home owners. Dramatic landscapes and light. And finally, a longstanding culture of people coming to the desert specifically to reinvent themselves. Thanks to the expert advice of Palm Springs Public Arts Commission current Chair Gary Armstrong and former Chairs Ann Sheffer and Russell Pritchard, we assembled a handful of artists for The Art Issue who together illustrate exactly that phenomenon. Mark Higden leaves decades in New York and finds his subject matter in Palm Springs. Tysen Knight leaves Los Angeles and develops his artistic career here. Marconi comes from Manila through Saipan and San Francisco. California’s SUPERBLOOM (Alexis Palomino and Chris Ramirez) come out of New York and say Palm Springs gave them “room to blossom.” Sofia Enriquez provides the inverse story: a Coachella Valley native demonstrating that an ambitious artist doesn’t have to leave for a major city. And Cheryl Lynn represents a younger generation building an artistic career here — thanks to her tattoo artistry!
Christopher Cummings in his Palm Springs gallery, Cicada Fine Art. Artwork: René Porter’s “Hello Norma Jean (Marilyn),” oil on canvas, 40 x 60 in. cicadafineart.com 901 N. Palm Canyon Drive, #107 Palm Springs, CA 92262 | 619.618.6757
Photo by John Goucher
“For centuries, the desert has been a sanctuary and inspiration for painters, sculptors, architects, actors, and musicians drawn in by its earth tones, quiet nature, endless skies, and rich history,” says local gallery owner Christopher Cummings of Cicada Fine Art on North Palm Canyon Drive. “I chose this area to open and exhibit emerging artists because of my accessibility to talent and proximity to my collectors. Art is one of the few universal languages where two people who’ve never met have a conversation. It’s a beautiful experience of which I am very proud to be a part.”
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z Sofia Enrique
The Coachella Valley isn’t a place Sofia Enriquez discovered. It’s home — and the complex reality behind its picture-perfect image has helped shape the artist she’s become. Born in Indio and raised in Cathedral City, Enriquez, 33, is a Mexican American, first-generation contemporary painter and muralist whose work explores identity, labor, gender, and pop culture. After earning a BFA from Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, she made a choice familiar to many young desert creatives — but in reverse. She came home. “Staying here was a choice,” she says. “A lot of creators and artists leave the valley to advance their careers in bigger cities. This community is worth painting, and a first-gen person from here doesn’t always have to leave to build a real practice.” Enriquez has been making art for as long as she can remember. “Otis gave me the language for it,” she says, “but the urge was there way before that.” Her work is largely autobiographical, with her Mexican American heritage informing both her vivid color palette and recurring symbolism. And growing up in the Coachella Valley gave her a perspective on Palm Springs that visitors — and even some residents — may never see. “There’s the postcard version of Palm Springs, and then there’s the rest of us,” she says, citing the region’s hardworking families, its Indigenous land, and people like her parents who built lives here. “That tension is in everything I make.”
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“Control,” acrylic painting, 20 x 18 x 3/4 in. Photo by Lance Gerber
Her creativity also extends beyond paintings and murals. Enriquez has produced apparel for years, and recently launched Mucho.Gallery, a sustainable online shop featuring vintage clothing she sources throughout the Coachella Valley. She transforms purses, boots, and other oneof-a-kind finds by painting them, turning discarded or overlooked objects into wearable works of art. “Giving old things a second life feels like how I was raised,” she says. “Things don’t always need to get thrown out. Much of it can be made beautiful again.” That philosophy could also describe Enriquez’s relationship with her hometown. Rather than looking elsewhere for subjects worthy of an artist’s attention, she finds them in the people, histories, and contradictions that have surrounded her all her life. For her, the desert isn’t simply inspiration. It’s identity, inheritance, and responsibility — and proof that an artist doesn’t have to leave home to make work that matters. @sofiaenriquez sofiaenriquez.com @mucho.gallery
Mark Higden Mark Higden truly believes Palm Springs architecture has personality. A roofline can have attitude, a façade can suggest movement, and a splash of desert color can capture the mood of an entire era. That perspective comes naturally to Higden, 64, who spent more than 35 years designing fashion in New York City before making Palm Springs home. Born and raised in Massachusetts, he earned a BFA in textile surface design from the University of Massachusetts and an MFA in illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where he also taught for more than 25 years. Higden and his husband first discovered Palm Springs while visiting friends during Modernism Week. After decades in New York, they were ready for a change. “The Palm Springs community is very welcoming,” he says, “and I find the midcentury architecture and desert landscape very inspiring.” Today, those surroundings are the primary subjects of his work. An illustrator and digital artist, Higden creates distinctive portraits of the midcentury architecture found throughout Palm Springs and the surrounding desert. His architectural work also draws directly upon his fashion background. As a fashion illustrator, Higden sought to capture “the essence, emotion, and fluid movement of fashion.” He now approaches buildings with much the same sensibility, using expressive lines and color to convey not simply what a structure looks like, but the attitude and mood of the era that produced it.
"House of Tomorrow Designed by William Krisel,” giclée print on canvas, available in 10 x 10, 20 x 20, and 30 x 30 in.
Inspiration often begins on foot. Higden takes sketch walks through Palm Springs, frequently accompanied by Dottie, his rescue dog. “My art reflects living in Palm Springs for close to five years,” he notes. “Midcentury architecture, desert flora and fauna, and warm sunlit skies are visual inspirations from which I draw daily.” His decades in fashion have also helped him extend his artwork beyond traditional prints. He offers his designs on T-shirts, note cards, printed canvases, tote bags, and other products, allowing admirers to bring a little Palm Springs style home with them. Visitors can see Higden’s work at his studio gallery in the Backstreet Art District, where he is part of a community of working artists contributing to the city’s creative identity. After a lifetime spent making art alongside a long career in fashion, Higden has found a new muse in Palm Springs — one whose clean lines, striking shapes, and unmistakable sense of style seem particularly well matched to his own. markhigden.com @mark_higden Backstreet Art District 2688 South Cherokee Way, Palm Springs
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Tysen Knight Tysen Knight will tell you art doesn’t belong only on gallery walls. It belongs on buildings and benches, on clothing and film screens — and in the hands of the next generation of artists. Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and raised in New Jersey, Knight, 50, began creating as a child. Drawing eventually led to graffiti, airbrushing, and painting clothing. His parents nurtured that talent with art supplies and private lessons, and at 15, Knight received recognition through the NAACP ACT-SO program for an oil painting of an African queen. Primarily self-taught, Knight considers curiosity and experimentation his continuing education. His distinctive pop urban art combines street art, pop, contemporary, and fine-art influences across canvases, murals, and public installations. After spending several years in Los Angeles, where he worked as a master barber, Knight moved to Palm Springs in 2011 at a friend’s suggestion. The decision transformed his career. “I connected with the landscape, the architecture, the colors, and the creative energy,” says the man who describes himself as also being an author, philanthropist, and filmmaker. He began creating every day and showing his work locally, eventually realizing he could build a career around his art.
Photo by Tysen Knight Productions
“Masterpiece MashUp: History in Motion,” acrylic on canvas, 24 x 36 in. Photo by Tysen Knight Productions
Palm Springs’ modernist architecture and desert palette remain potent influences. But equally important is the opportunity the city provides to make creativity part of everyday life. Knight has contributed to that landscape through murals, exhibitions, and public art, including his involvement in Palm Springs’ paintedbench initiative, which grew from a pilot project into a broader effort providing artists opportunities to put their work in public spaces. “I believe art should do more than simply look good on a wall,” he says. “It should make you feel something, tell a story, and create a connection.” That philosophy extends to Tysen Knight Productions, his South Palm Canyon Drive creative lounge and working studio, where he creates and exhibits art while hosting workshops, creative experiences, and community events. Mentoring emerging artists has become an increasingly important part of his mission. He also expresses his creativity through film. His documentary work has explored street artists and artists experiencing homelessness, earning him multiple awards. Whether the medium is a canvas, mural, painted bench, or film, Knight sees creativity as an instrument for connection and change. “My goal is the same,” he says. “To inspire people, connect with communities, and use creativity to make a positive impact.” tysenknight.com | Tysen Knight Productions 1510 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs Studio visits by appointment please
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Cheryl Lynn As it is for most creative souls, art is deeply personal to Cheryl Lynn. Her canvas just happens to be skin. At 25, the Reno, Nevada, native has transformed a lifelong love of drawing into a career as a tattoo artist in Palm Springs, where her work allows clients to permanently express something about who they are. “My philosophy is that tattoos should be a way that people are able to freely express themselves with something that has meaning and tells a story,” she says. “I want to create something that the individual will feel proud to wear for the rest of their life.” Lynn has been drawing since she could hold a pencil. In high school, she took every art class available to her, building the foundation for a creative career she would eventually pursue outside the traditional art world. She began tattooing three years ago, around the same time she moved to Palm Springs. Her connection to the city, however, stretches further back. Lynn’s grandfather loved visiting Palm Springs with her mother, making her eventual move here feel fixed in family history. A quartet of original tattoos
Today, Lynn works at Adornment Piercing & Private Tattoo, where the city itself influences what she creates. “I want my tattoos to reflect the color and vibrancy that downtown Palm Springs has to offer,” she says. “The community in Palm Springs is unlike any other, and I’m truly grateful for everyone here who supports me and trusts me with their skin.” That trust is particularly significant in tattooing, an art form in which the relationship between artist and client can be as important as technical skill. Unlike a painting that can be moved or replaced, Lynn’s creations become part of another person — and often commemorate identities, experiences, relationships, or milestones. Building her career has also meant finding her place in an industry traditionally populated by men. As the only female tattoo artist at Adornment, Lynn says that experience has motivated rather than discouraged her. “Working in a maledominated industry has really inspired me to push my artistic abilities and boundaries,” she says. “It has made me strong as an individual and passionate about my work.” As her career develops, Lynn hopes her example might encourage other women to pursue their own creative ambitions — even in spaces where they have historically been underrepresented. For an artist whose work is literally about making a lasting impression, that may prove to be one of Lynn’s most meaningful marks. @cheryltattoos | Adornment Piercing & Private Tattoo 2825 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Unit 200B, Palm Springs
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Marcon
i
For Marconi, color is more than an artistic choice. It’s a language of optimism, identity, and belonging. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Marconi Calindas Cafege — known professionally as Marconi — began making art in 2006 after working as a photojournalist on Saipan. He moved to San Francisco in 2009, becoming a full-time visual artist represented by galleries and other arts venues. Eventually, love brought him to the desert. “My husband moved to Palm Springs; hence I had to follow, obviously,” says the 51-year-old, who now divides his time between Cathedral City and Palm Springs. “I have loved the decision ever since.” What surprised him was just how naturally the desert would complement his work. Palm Springs’ dramatic landscape, brilliant sunlight, vivid sunsets, and midcentury modern architecture all influence his mixed-media creations. But the inspiration goes deeper. The city’s strong LGBTQ+ presence and culture of openness resonate with an artistic philosophy centered on diversity, equality, and cultural identity. “I create vibrant, joy-filled art that celebrates diversity, equality, cultural identity, and the shared humanity that connects us all,” he says. That exuberant visual language has increasingly escaped the confines of the canvas. Marconi has created merchandise for duty-free shops in Guam, Saipan, and California, transforming his imagery 18 PSILOVEYOU | Fall 2026
into wearable art under his trademarked Wear-AMarconi brand. For him, merchandising is another way of making art accessible — something people can wear, share, and carry into the world. His work has also moved into the public realm on a much larger scale. Among his projects is “A Flight to History,” a monumental 60-by30-foot mural at Long Beach Airport celebrating community, diversity, and shared experience. In San Francisco, he contributed to the celebrated "Hearts in San Francisco" public-art project. Now deeply embedded in the Coachella Valley, Marconi sees Palm Springs as particularly fertile ground for artists. “I didn’t realize that art thrives more in our little town,” he says. “I am grateful and, at the same time, amazed at how vibrant the art community is in Palm Springs.” That community reflects what Marconi strives to put into every piece: boldness without apology, optimism without reservation, and the conviction that art can create connection. “Public art can do more than beautify a space,” he says. “It can tell the stories of a community, celebrate the people who shape it, and create a sense of connection and belonging.” marconicalindas.com galleriamarconi.com 68413 Paseo Real, Cathedral City
“Dolly Will Always Love You” Mondrian/Marconiinspired digital art.
OM O L B R E P U S
Color isn’t simply something you see, according to California natives Alexis Palomino and Chris Ramirez — from Orange and Los Angeles, and West Covina and Danville, respectively. It can say something about who you are.
Together, Palomino, 35, and Ramirez, 38, are SUPERBLOOM, a Palm Springs-born creative partnership spanning painting, sculpture, public art, objects, and experiences — with color as their primary medium.
A rendering of “Desert Superbloom – California Poppies – A Blue Zones Project,” a 30 × 12 ft. acrylic mural coming October 20 to the south parking lot across from the Palm Springs Art Museum downtown.
Their paths to becoming artists were unconventional. Palomino studied at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising before building a career working alongside creative leaders in fashion. Ramirez studied economics and political science, minored in digital arts, and later pursued graduate studies in business and entrepreneurship. “In many ways, our real art education has come from observing the world,” says the couple. “We think of ourselves almost like antennas, constantly absorbing creative inputs from art, fashion, technology, nature, culture, architecture, people, travel, and everyday life. We then allow those influences to collide unexpectedly.” Their individual time in New York eventually brought them together. Palm Springs came next — literally because of a dream. In 2019, mentor Carl Smith called the pair to say Palm Springs had appeared in a dream and he felt they needed to visit. They took his advice, planned a weekend getaway, extended their stay, and soon found themselves contemplating a move. Seven years later, Palm Springs remains home alongside New York City. The desert gave the pair something they hadn’t realized they needed: room to slow down, experiment, and reconsider what they wanted to create. “Palm Springs gave SUPERBLOOM room to blossom organically,” they say. Central to their work is a vocabulary of 10 colors, each assigned a human meaning — from SelfLoving Purple and Equality Hot Pink to Bold Aqua, Offline Forest Green, and Optimistic Blush. Through that language, choosing a color becomes an act of self-expression. The concept takes its name from the natural phenomenon in which dormant wildflowers suddenly blanket a landscape. For Palomino and Ramirez, it is also a metaphor for humanity: distinctive individuals whose differences make the larger landscape more beautiful. Their practice extends beyond conventional artworks into fashion, footwear, accessories, and collaborative products — as well as their signature Paint With Meaning experiences, which use creativity to explore self-discovery, connection, and emotional well-being. Now SUPERBLOOM is expanding coast to coast with a Manhattan presence while remaining firmly rooted in Palm Springs. Locally, the artists are partnering with Blue Zones Project Palm Springs and Parks & Recreation on three large-scale wildflower murals in the heart of downtown. It’s an apt evolution for two artists inspired by the desert itself: different colors, different stories, flourishing together. superbloom.world | SUPERBLOOM 1555 South Palm Canyon Drive, Suite G102, Palm Springs Studio visits by appointment please
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It’s Parade Season in Palm Springs! Fall in Palm Springs means cooler evenings, colorful crowds, and one of the city’s favorite traditions: parade season! From school spirit and LGBTQ+ pride to a heartfelt salute to our veterans and the dazzling Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade holiday spectacular, there’s a parade for everyone in Palm Springs! Best of all, these beloved community events are brought to you by the city of Palm Springs and are fun and FREE! HERE’S YOUR CALENDAR OF CAN’T-MISS PARADES: Palm Springs High School Homecoming Parade Wednesday, October 14 3:00 p.m. Bring your school spirit! The parade travels along Palm Canyon Drive from Baristo to Alejo Roads, featuring the Palm Springs High School Indians football team. 40th Annual Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade Sunday, November 8 10:00 a.m. Palm Springs Pride takes over Palm Canyon Drive with a celebration of love, inclusion, and the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The parade runs from Tachevah to Amado Road, with the Pride Festival taking place November 6 to 8. For more information, visit pspride.org. 29th Annual City of Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade Wednesday, November 11 3:30 p.m. Join the community in honoring those who serve. This year’s theme, “Honoring All Who Serve,” sets the tone for a patriotic afternoon along Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon to Alejo Roads. Following the parade, enjoy a
patriotic concert and fireworks finale featuring the 300th Army Reserve Band. The parade will also be broadcast live on NBC Palm Springs.
Mark your calendar, make plans with your friends and family and celebrate parade season in Palm Springs!
34th Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade Saturday, December 5 5:45 p.m. This year’s theme is “Desert Dreaming: A Retro Holiday.” Start time is 5:45 p.m. along the iconic Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. Expect plenty of holiday magic, including twinkling lights, spectacular floats, marching bands, giant holiday balloons, festive floats and, of course, Santa Claus. The parade will be broadcast live on NBC Palm Springs.
For more information, visit EngagePalmSprings.com.
And the parade fun continues into the new year: 40th Annual Palm Springs Black History Month Parade and Town Fair Saturday, February 27, 2027 11:00 a.m. The city of Palm Springs together with the Palm Springs Black History Committee proudly invite the community to this special Palm Springs tradition. The parade starts at 11:00 a.m. on Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs, followed immediately by the Town Fair at the Downtown Park, across the street from the Palm Springs Art Museum.
A New Palm Springs Campus Is Taking Shape For anyone traveling along Tahquitz Canyon Way or Farrell Drive, the transformation of the former Palm Springs Mall site is impossible to miss. College of the Desert’s new Palm Springs Campus is steadily moving from plans and renderings to a very real new presence in the city. Across the 27-acre site, crews are now advancing building enclosures, interior construction, specialized systems, utilities, and the many details that will eventually turn the construction site into a working college campus. And while the buildings themselves are taking shape, so is something larger: a new educational, workforce, and community resource designed specifically for Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley. The 175,000-square-foot campus is being developed as a regional hub for learning, creativity, careers, and community engagement. Planned spaces include an academic accelerator, artificial intelligence hub, film and television studios, radio and recording facilities, technology-rich makerspaces, healthcare and allied-health laboratories, hospitality classrooms, a culinary institute, an event center, and a range of student support and workforce development spaces. The campus is also being designed differently from a traditional collection of classrooms. College of the Desert’s vision is that learning happens everywhere — in laboratories and studios, kitchens and collaborative spaces, demonstrations and events, and in the places where students can interact directly with employers, industry partners, and the community. That approach is intended to create stronger connections between education and the opportunities available throughout the Coachella Valley.
include an all-electric central plant and rooftop solar installations, while major campus technology infrastructure is being built to support highbandwidth teaching, media production, and emerging technologies. Construction is now progressing on classrooms, laboratories, student support areas, media production spaces, teaching kitchens, and the mechanical, electrical, technology, and audiovisual systems that will support them. Work also continues on parking, roadways, utilities, sidewalks, and landscaping throughout the site. As that work advances, Palm Springs residents will increasingly be able to see the campus evolving from the outside in. When it opens, the campus will serve recent high school graduates and university-transfer students, as well as working adults, employers, industry partners, and lifelong learners from throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond. There is still significant construction and preparation ahead, but with each passing month, it becomes easier to see not simply the buildings under construction, but the Palm Springs Campus that students will soon call their own. College of the Desert’s Palm Springs Campus is on target to open in Fall 2027. To follow the project, view the latest construction photographs and drone footage, and learn more about the programs and spaces planned for the campus, visit codpscampus.org or contact inquire@ collegeofthedesert.edu.
The campus itself will become part of that learning experience.
When it opens, the campus will serve recent high school graduates and university-transfer students, as well as working adults, employers, industry partners, and lifelong learners from throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond.
Palm Springs’ architectural and environmental identity has influenced the project from the beginning. The design incorporates generous shade, strong indoor-outdoor connections, desert-responsive landscaping, and architectural elements inspired by the region. Sustainability features
There is still significant construction and preparation ahead, but with each passing month, it becomes easier to see not simply the buildings under construction, but the Palm Springs Campus that students will soon call their own.
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November 15 to December 3 There’s no place like Palm Springs during the holidays! You’re invited to celebrate the magic of the holiday season and enjoy a spectacular lineup of fun, festive events throughout the city — from November 15, 2026, through January 3, 2027 — featuring holiday markets, concerts, family activities, tree lightings, and of course, the city’s signature holiday event, the 40th Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade! During this wonderful time, VillageFest will transform into a holiday market on December 3, 10, and 17 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., offering free admission, live music, seasonal treats, and holiday activities. Programming will include appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a hot cocoa bar, photo opportunities, and a trackless train. Bring the whole family! Other highlights include the annual Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting and Carols at Frances Stevens Park on Friday, December 4 at 5:15 p.m. sharp, followed by the muchloved Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 5 at 5:45 p.m. along world famous Palm Canyon Drive. The holiday calendar continues with performances at the historic Plaza Theatre, and events at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the Walk of the Inns, Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum, and the Santa Paws 5K Run/Walk. Check the Palm Springs Holidays event calendar regularly for updates, schedule changes, and newly announced events. Visit PalmSpringsHolidays.com for the latest!
Celebrate the Season at VillageFest As the desert evenings cool down, VillageFest brings even more energy and celebration to downtown Palm Springs. Beginning October 1, VillageFest moves to its fall hours of 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. every Thursday, giving locals and visitors more time to enjoy Palm Canyon Drive, which comes alive with local artists, makers, food vendors, musicians, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to shop, stroll, and enjoy the community. Fall & Winter Events: Presented by the Palm Springs Department of Parks and Recreation, the following special events are free and open to the community. September 17 Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrate the culture, traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community. October 29 Monsters on Main Street: Costumes, Halloween fun, treats and entertainment make for a night of family fun! All November Pride Celebration: Join the community for an evening celebrating Palm Springs’ vibrant LGBTQ+ community. November 12 Letters to All Who Served: Take a moment to honor and recognize the men and women who have served our country. November 19 Indigenous People’s Day: Celebrate and
recognize Indigenous cultures, history, and contributions. December 3 Cookies with Mrs. Claus: A festive evening filled with holiday cheer and a special visit from Mrs. Claus. December 10 Holiday Performance: Enjoy the sounds and spirit of the season with a special holiday performance. December 17 Santa’s Cozy Shop: Wrap up the season with Santa, holiday fun, and a cozy Christmas atmosphere downtown. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting Palm Springs for the season, VillageFest is the perfect way to enjoy a desert evening. Come for the shopping and food, stay for the music, entertainment, and community spirit — and make Thursday nights part of your fall and winter tradition. For more information, visit villagefest.org. PSILOVEYOU | Fall 2026 25
Palm Springs Police Launches Vacay Secure Program designated emergency contact to help address the situation. The program offers an additional layer of security by improving communication between residents and PSPD when homeowners are away. While officers continue to respond to calls for service and suspicious activity, having a current emergency contact on file allows for a faster response when immediate assistance from a responsible party is needed. Whether you’re leaving for a weekend getaway, an extended vacation, or a seasonal trip, Vacay Secure is a convenient way to help protect your home while you’re away. The program reflects the police department’s ongoing commitment to community partnerships and proactive public safety.
Planning a vacation or extended trip? The Palm Springs Police Department is making it easier for residents to enjoy their time away with peace of mind through its new Vacay Secure program. Designed to enhance neighborhood safety, Vacay Secure allows residents to voluntarily provide emergency contact information before leaving town. If officers respond to an alarm activation, discover signs of a possible break-in, or observe trespassing, unauthorized occupancy, or other suspicious activity at a registered property, they can quickly contact a
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this free service and share information about Vacay Secure with neighbors, friends, and family members who may also benefit. Working together, the Palm Springs community and PSPD can help keep neighborhoods safe year-round, whether you’re at home or enjoying time away. Enrollment is simple. Residents can sign up by completing the Vacay Secure registration form available on the Palm Springs Police Department website. Those who prefer can also request a registration form by emailing PSPDSubstsation@palmspringsca.gov. For more information or to enroll visit: palmspringsca.gov/government/ departments/police/pspd-vacation-form.
Discover Palm Springs Through the City’s New Map & Data Portal The city of Palm Springs is delighted to announce the launch of a new Map & Data Portal, making it easier than ever for residents, businesses, visitors, and developers to access important city information through interactive maps and data. Powered by Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, the portal brings together a wide range of public information in one convenient location. Whether you’re using a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can quickly search for maps, explore city resources, and find location-specific information with just a few clicks. The portal offers practical tools for everyday use. Residents can search for their City Council district, view zoning and property information, locate parks and recreational facilities, explore hiking and biking trails, and discover public art throughout the city. Users can also find information about street sweeping schedules, pavement improvement projects, cooling center locations, affordable housing resources, and other community services. One of the portal’s most valuable features is its simple search function. By entering an address or street name, users can instantly access information specific to their neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for nearby amenities, checking city services, or learning about planned infrastructure improvements, the portal provides easy access to reliable information that helps residents stay informed and engaged. The Map & Data Portal also supports businesses, developers, educators, and community organizations by providing access to trusted geographic 26 PSILOVEYOU | Fall 2026
data for planning, research, and decision-making. Making this information readily available reflects the city’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and open government. As the portal continues to evolve, additional maps, applications, and datasets will be added, expanding the information available to the community. These enhancements will provide even more opportunities for residents to connect with city services and better understand the community around them. The new Map & Data Portal is more than just a collection of maps. It’s a valuable resource that helps residents explore Palm Springs, stay informed about local projects and services, and engage more easily with their city. Visit the Maps and Data Portal at palmspringsca.gov/mapportal.
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PS Chamber New Members A Neighbors’ Care Senior Advocacy & Services Serving the Coachella Valley Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 668-3236 www.a-neighbors-care.com/ Minuteman Press 950 S. Vella Road Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 969-5500 Beesmart Bee Removal 43780 Skyward Way La Quinta, CA, 92253 (951) 216-5621 www.beesmartbeeremoval.com Inner Center Psychological Corporation 1276 Palm Canyon Drive Ste. 109 34 PSILOVEYOU | Fall 2026
Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 403-0571 www.innercenter.net Be Kekoa Serving the Coachella Valley Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (951) 219-9492 www.bekekoa.com Modern Joy Studio 272 N. Center Street Orange, CA, 92866 (951) 283-2002 anagaydon.com Eventi Productions 67782 E. Palm Canyon Drive Ste. B104-188 Cathedral City, CA, 92234 (415) 516-9154 www.eventiproductions.com
Emerge Home Services 314 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 800-0702 emergehomeservices.com DC13, LLC 7901 4th Street N. Ste. 300 Petersburg, FL, 33702 (352) 677-3399 www.dci3.com Shannon Diversified Inc. 10251 Trademark St. Unit B Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91730 (909) 484-8244 Colonial Life 400 N. Sunrise Way Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (909) 957-2000
Millennium Community Management 44901 Village Court, Ste. C Palm Desert, CA, 92260 (760) 834-8948 www.mcmiskey.com BOOK HEAD 2566 E. Miramonte Circle Unit E, Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (408) 313-5209 www.instagram.com/ bookheadps California Enlisted Association, Inc. PO Box 785, Folsom, CA (916) 467-4295 www.caleangus.org
Desert Regional Tourism Agency 56711 29 Palms Hey Yucca Valley, CA, 92284 (760) 567-6014 www.californiawelcomecenter. com Hocker Productions 2286 N. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 409-1530 hockerproductions.com
Millennium Community Management 44901 Village Court Palm Desert, CA,92260 (760) 834-8948 www.mcmiskey.com T-Mobile 5200 Ramon Road, Ste. J3 Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (805) 602-0153 www.t-mobile.com
Everchella Studios 405 Villaggio North Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (310) 877-2967
Scan to view the full directory of Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce members
Fresh Dining Concepts Nothing Bundt Cakes 3488 Jefferson Corner Monroe, CA, 28110 (951) 805-5247 www.freshdiningconcepts.com Jessup Auto Plaza 68111 Highway 111 & Auto Park Drive, Cathedral City, CA, 92234 (760) 328-9999 www.jessupautoplaza.com Luke Bennett Home 333 N. Palm Canyon Drive Unit 104 A Palm Springs, CA, 92264 www.lukebdesign.com
Fashion Fix 192 S. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (310) 721-4786 Wanderlust Cohost 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive #110 #5033 Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 760-2437 www.wanderlustcohost.com C2C Cruises 1311 Fuego Circle Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 409-4983 www.cruisec2c.com
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psdesertwinds.org
Palm Springs Desert Winds Celebrates 25 Years of Music, Community & Pride For 25 years, Palm Springs Desert Winds (formerly Desert Winds Freedom Band) has united musicians and audiences through the power of music. Under the vibrant LGBTQA+ musical organization’s umbrella is an outstanding symphonic band, highly accomplished jazz band, and additional smaller ensembles. Desert Winds’ 25th Anniversary Season opens in spectacular fashion on November 22 at the McCallum Theatre with Stronger Together: Music of Hope and Resilience, celebrating the progress of the LGBTQ+ community and hope for the future. Concert guests include Broadway star Adam Jacobs, best known for originating the title role in Disney’s Aladdin, along with members of Modern Adam Jacobs Men and the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus. The concert will feature challenging works including Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and a special brass and percussion-only rendition of Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. The season continues into 2027 with an intimate Chamber Music Concert January 10 in Palm Desert and the Color My World Jazz Gala & Fundraiser in Palm Springs on January 30.
In the spring, the All Creatures Great and Small concert March 20-21 will feature guest composer and clinician Rossano Galante and his The Dominion of the Snow Leopard. Galante, who is known for his contributions to major Hollywood film scores and symphonic band Rossano Galante music, will also present educational clinics to Coachella Valley school band programs. Desert Winds regularly champions new music by commissioning works by LGBTQ+ composers—ensuring new voices and stories are heard. In fact, in 2019 Desert Winds commissioned A Mother of a Revolution by composer Omar Thomas—the piece that was recently at the center of the Watertown, Wisconsin, School Board’s controversy. The Desert Winds symphonic band will also perform this powerful piece in its November concert. Beyond the stage, Desert Winds invests in music’s future through scholarships for students pursuing music degrees. To date, the organization has awarded more than $79,000. Desert Winds invites you to celebrate 25 years—and hear why their next chapter will be music to your ears.
2026-27 Season SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2026 Fall Concert Stronger Together McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert Tickets: bit.ly/PSDWMcCallum SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2027 Chamber Music Concert St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Palm Desert SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2027 Jazz Band Gala Concert Color My World Temple Isaiah, Palm Springs SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MARCH 20-21, 2027 Spring Concert All Creatures Great and Small Temple Isaiah, Palm Springs SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2027 Season Finale Concert Potpourri Temple Isaiah, Palm Springs Additional performances planned throughout the year. Check Desert Winds’ website for details.
LEARN MORE & PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
psdesertwinds.org
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TRAVEL
WITH THE PALM SPRINGS CHAMBER Join Us For An Adventure!
MOROCCO
Marrakech • Casablanca • Rabat • Meknes • Fez
April 16 – 24, 2027 $3,999
GERMANY
Berlin • Munich • Frankfurt • Bonn • Cologne • Dusseldorf
July 11 – 19, 2027 $4,299
SOUTH KOREA Seoul • Suwon • Andong • Gyeongju • Busan
October 16–23, 2027 $3,999 VERY SPECIAL 8-10-DAYS PACKAGES INCLUDING HOTELS, MEALS, DAY TRIPS, AND AIRFARE FROM LOS ANGELES
Full itineraries online at PSChamber.org
TRAVEL ORIENTATION FOR ALL 3 TRIPS Tuesday, October 20, 2026 4-6pm Mizell Senior Center 480 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs
ALL TRIPS INCLUDE: • • • • • • •
Roundtrip international airfare & Tax 8-10 day deluxe tour package 4-star hotel accommodations Breakfast & lunch Deluxe bus Fluent English-speaking tour guides Entrance fees to attractions
For more details and reservations contact Nona at the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce
nwatson@pschamber.org (760) 325-1577
Plan now to join Palm Springs Chamber group for this once in a lifetime adventure. Please call Nona at the Palm Springs Chamber at 760-325-1577, email your registration form to nwatson@pschamber.org Website www.pschamber.org