PS I <3 U - Spring 2025

A FEAST OF GIVING

OUR COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO SUPPORT DAP HEALTH WITH DINING OUT FOR LIFE

SPRING 2025

PALM SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS

2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Anna Grace Lynch

CONTENTS

Kristin Bloomer (President) Angel View Wendy Beerbower Eisenhower Health John Bolton Oak View Group / Acrisure Arena Todd Burke Visit Greater Palm Springs Dax Davis Alpha Media John Fritch Elevated Experiences Angie Hoyt Desert Care Network Kelly McLean Poppy

Copley’s Restaurant’s Trio of Hawaiian Tacos, with avocado, green onion, sesame shell, ginger soy, and orange and green tobiko ( Japanese flying fish roe).

6 | A Message from City Manager Scott Stiles 7 | Chamber CEO Nona Watson and Chamber President Kristin Bloomer

29 | Employee Spotlight: Q&A With New Director of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Nick Gonzalez 31 | PS Chamber New Members

PALM SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

22 | Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival

SPRING 2025

10 | Dining Out Does Good

25 | 2025 Summer of Fun In the City with Palm Springs Parks & Recreation.

26 | The Plaza Theatre Unveils Star-Studded Performance Lineup 27 | PSFD’s Wildfire Mitigation Initiative Begins May 1 Does Your Property Measure Up? 28 | Be A Champion / Level Up For Summer Reading at the Palm Springs Public Library

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A FEAST OF GIVING

OUR COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO SUPPORT DAP HEALTH WITH DINING OUT FOR LIFE

On the cover:

The Chamber’s Office Assistant Araceli Flores, CEO Nona Watson, Board President Kristin Bloomer, and Director of Programs Evan Gray enjoy a sunset cocktail on the patio of Copley’s Restaurant in Palm Springs. Photo by Anna Grace Lynch.

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 Scott Saunders Walter Clark Gabriel Terrado Lulu California Bistro

PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL Ron deHarte Mayor Naomi Soto Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Bernstein Councilmember

Grace Garner Councilmember David H. Ready 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 Anna Grace Lynch Photographer

©2025 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.

190 W. Amado Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 | (760) 325-1577 www.pschamber.org

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PSILOVEYOU | Spring 2025 5

A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER As we approach the summer season, I want to take a moment to highlight some important updates and exciting opportunities for our residents.

Fire Chief Paul Alvarado reminds us that clearing brush and other fire hazards around your home is a critical step in protecting your property as we head into peak fire season. From May 1 to July 31, the Palm Springs Fire Department will begin implementing their Fire Risk Reduction Plan, clearing brush from city-owned vacant lots across areas with the highest fire risk. We encourage all residents to create a defensible space to keep their homes safe for their families, community, and our firefighters.

Read more in the coming pages.

This summer also brings our “Blue Zones” project to the forefront. This initiative aims to enhance walkable neighborhoods, provide access to nutritious food, and promote regular exercise — all to support a healthy and active lifestyle in our community. We’re excited to see these changes take root, making Palm Springs an even better place to live.

Meanwhile, the Palm Springs Public Library and Parks & Recreation Department are gearing up for a vibrant summer! From summer reading programs to fun-filled sports and refreshing activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And in this month’s Employee Spotlight, we’re excited to introduce you to Nicholas Gonzalez, our new director of Parks & Recreation.

His vision will help the city continue to elevate our parks, community programs, and quality of life.

Finally, the restoration of the historic Plaza Theatre is full speed ahead and this cityowned venue will soon come alive again with incredible, star-studded performances from Lily Tomlin, Billy Porter, Jane Lynch, and comedian Kathy Griffin, just to name a few. It’s a thrilling new chapter for this iconic theatre, which first opened in 1936 with a visit from the legendary Greta Garbo starring in the world premiere of “Camille.” We look forward to many unforgettable events to come!

Wishing you all a wonderful and safe summer ahead!

Sincerely, Scott Stiles City Manager, Palm Springs

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NONA WATSON CHAMBER CEO

Dear readers:

Cheers!

Palm Springs has always been a place where community spirit shines as brightly as the desert sun. Whether it’s rallying around a new local business to see it succeed, championing the homegrown arts scene, or standing up for causes that matter, our city has a way of showing up in powerful ways.

And nowhere is that more evident than in our extraordinary participation in Greater Palm Springs Dining Out For Life.

Araceli Flores, Kristin Bloomer, Nona Watson, and Evan Gray raise a glass to Dining Out For Life at Copley’s Restaurant in Palm Springs.

This beloved international event, where restaurants donate a portion of their day’s and night’s proceeds to local HIV/ AIDS service organizations, takes on special significance here. Despite being a relatively small market, Palm Springs ranks second in fundraising every year — trailing only Denver but surpassing major meteropolises like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. That’s no accident.

It’s a testament to our city’s deep sense of civic pride and commitment to taking care of one another.

This year, as nearly 100 local restaurants, cafés, and bars open their doors to diners eager to make a difference, the impact will be felt far beyond the dinner table. Every meal enjoyed, every cocktail sipped, and every reservation made supports DAP Health, a beloved organization that for more than 40 years has ensured access to compassionate, comprehensive care for not only those affected by the virus, but for everyone, no matter their gender, age, orientation, or circumstance.

So, please enjoy our deep (dish) dive into this great charitable event, which this year takes place on Thursday, April 24 for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late-night. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a visitor, or a restaurateur, take heart in knowing that your participation in Dining Out For Life is more than just a day or night out — it’s a statement of solidarity, a tradition of generosity, and one more reason Palm Springs continues to be a place like nowhere else.

Bon appétit — and on behalf of DAP Health and its 84,000 patients and 950 team members at 25 fixed locations and eight mobile units from the Coachella Valley to the San Diego Coast, thank you for dining out for life!

Nona

KRISTIN BLOOMER C H A M BER P R ESI D ENT Dear readers: In Palm Springs, nonprofits help make our community a better place. These groups provide important services, support people in need, and bring us all together.

Their hard work changes lives and makes our city more caring and welcoming.

During my career in fundraising, I have discovered the Palm Springs community embraces philanthropy in many ways. From supporting the arts and education to helping animals and protecting the environment, people here care about making a difference. Whether it’s through fundraising events, volunteering time, or donating goods, everyone can find a cause that speaks to their heart.

Every meal during Dining Out For Life is more than just food — it’s a way to show kindness and support. By making a reservation or enjoying a meal, you help

provide medical care, counseling, and safe places to live. Eating together shows that no one has to face their struggles alone.

Events like Dining Out For Life remind us how generous and united Palm Springs is. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply share a meal, every little bit helps create a healthier, fairer community.

Let’s keep supporting nonprofits and the amazing work they do. Together, we can spread kindness and help others for years to come.

With gratitude, Kristin Bloomer Major Gifts Officer, Angel View

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Araceli Flores, Kristin Bloomer, Nona Watson, and Evan Gray raise a glass to Dining Out For Life at Copley’s Restaurant in Palm Springs.

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DINING OUT DOES

BY JEFFREY NORMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA GRACE LYNCH

Every April, members of the Greater Palm Springs community sit down together to raise funds for DAP Health by participating in Dining Out For Life.

I

f you go to Townie Bagels at around 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, you may have to wait in line a little longer than usual. That’s because, once again this year, the beloved local eatery is participating in Dining Out For Life, donating 110% of their earnings that day to DAP Health.

For 20 years, the Greater Palm Springs community has played an invaluable part in this international foodie philanthropy extravaganza, founded in 1991 to help raise critical funds for HIV/AIDS service organizations. The premise remains very simple. Participating restaurants, cafés, and bars donate a generous percentage of their daily and nightly sales to a local nonprofit, while that organization helps spread the word to fill seats morning, noon, and night.

A Long History “Dining Out For Life has been very successful for us,” says DAP Health Director of Development: Events and Partnerships Debbie Chapman. “For several years, Greater Palm Springs has come in second place in dollars raised out of nearly 50 regions throughout the U.S. and Canada. Denver just barely edges us out, and they have three times the number of participating restaurants.

PSILOVEYOU | Spring 2025 11

“We hope to raise excitement and awareness of Dining Out For Life, bring out more people, and get their families and friends to come too. It’s more important than ever to get as many people involved and invested in the critical work of DAP Health.”

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Araceli Flores, Nona Watson, Kristin Bloomer and Evan Gray do it family style at Copley’s Restaurant in Palm Springs.

Copley's Restaurant's Chicken & Lemongrass Pot Stickers, with caramelized fennel ginger and onions, pickled mushrooms, crushed wasabi peas, and miso, sweet soy, and bacon dressing.

“This event is restaurant- and volunteer-driven. We have a very generous restaurant community in the desert, and most of them sign on year after year. We also have extraordinary volunteers who serve as ambassadors at the restaurants and also help with logistics leading up to — and on — the big day. We absolutely couldn’t do this without them. The third part of the equation is our committed diners.”

Powerful Event Partners As always, DAP Health’s generous media sponsors are committed to spreading the good word far and wide, led by NBC Palm Springs.

Others stepping up in a big way include The Desert Sun, Alpha Media, The Standard Magazine, GED Magazine, and KGAY radio.

DAP Health is excited to also announce new partnerships that will further amplify the event and drive diners to participating locations.

For the first time, Visit Greater Palm Springs has signed on as a sponsor of the event, lending its keen insights around hospitality and tourism.

In addition to promoting the event to local partners, the organization will be tapping its social media platforms and drive market billboards to ensure this year’s event is on everyone’s must-do list.

“At Visit Greater Palm Springs, we believe a thriving community is built on compassion, inclusivity, and support for those in need,” says VGPS VP of Government and Industry Relations Davis Meyer.

“That’s why we’re honored to be a partner in DAP Health’s Dining Out For Life Greater Palm Springs 2025. This initiative not only brings people together over great food, but also fuels critical programs that provide health care and support services to our neighbors. By uniting hospitality and philanthropy, we can help create a healthier, stronger, and more connected Greater Palm Springs for everyone.”

In addition, the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce has joined the communal effort, and is activating its ambassadors to help grow event participation in the cities it represents.

Finally, the social-first video content of local culinary social media influencers (and husbands) David Witzke and David Cox, of Dining With the Davids, will shine a bright light on participating locations while explaining how Dining Out For Life Greater Palm Springs makes a meaningful impact in our community.

“We want to help expand DAP Health’s social media presence,” says Witzke. “We hope to raise excitement and awareness of Dining Out For Life, bring out more people, and get their families and friends to come too. It’s more important than ever to get as many people involved and invested in the critical work of DAP Health.”

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All there is to say is, “Cheers!” and then get out there and help raise funds.

Dining Out Morning, Noon, and Night On Dining Out For Life day, it’s not unusual for people to have three meals, a few snacks, and a beverage or two — all from different establishments. You can identify participants by the multiple colorful “I Dined Out For Life” stickers emblazoned across their torsos and worn as badges of honor.

“Every year, Dining Out For Life is such a great, win-win-win way for our countless supporters to come out and engage in a philanthropic feast,” says DAP Health CEO David Brinkman. “With the backing of three great new partnerships, plus our usual, muchappreciated endorsement from our many media partners, I fully expect this year to be the best one yet. So get those forks, spoons, and knives out and let’s go to town and eat our way to number one!”

The Need is Still Sorely There “People believe in the cause, and they love DAP Health,” maintains Chapman. “They understand that the epidemic is not over.

They recognize that treating people living with HIV is still very much a part of our DNA — and still very much needed.”

That’s one of the reasons Bill Sanderson, co-owner of Townie Bagels, participates in Dining Out For Life. “It’s our way of thanking DAP Health for continuing to serve the HIV community,” he says. “I’ve always tried to find a way to give back.” Sanderson and his partner — co-owner and lead baker Andy Wysocki — have been volunteering and 14 PSILOVEYOU | Spring 2025

raising money for HIV/AIDS organizations for decades. First in Boston, then San Francisco, and now Palm Springs.

“The day can be a bit crazy,” continues Sanderson. “It starts before the crack of dawn when a few TV news crews arrive, and then there’s a steady stream of customers until we run out of bagels. Our staff and patrons are happy knowing that every dollar they spend [plus the bonus 10% Sanderson and Wysocki kick in] is going to support DAP Health.”

Greg Butterfield, co-owner of Copley’s Restaurant — where our PSILoveYou cover was shot by photographer Anna Grace Lynch — wanted to be part of the community when he participated in the very first Dining Out For Life 20 years ago. “We were pretty new in town and wanted to get our name known and support charitable organizations at the same time,” he says. “We didn’t know what it would be like at first, but now it’s become a joyous party. Our customers are happy to contribute to a good cause.”

Dining Out en Masse and Making it Personal For Melissa Lundgren, a top Palm Springs realtor, Dining Out For Life is a great way to bring people together. She has been known to assemble between 60 and 100 people, depending on the size of the restaurant, to “eat for a good cause,” as she terms it.

“I invite friends, neighbors, and clients to participate, and many of them volunteer and then have dinner after their shift,” Lundgren

continues. “We have a whole crew. It’s such a worthwhile thing to do.”

The work of DAP Health is also intensely personal to Lundgren, who lost two brothers to AIDS. “DAP Health is a role model for other communities,” she maintains. “What they do is life-changing.”

Nowhere Without Volunteers If you’ve ever gone pretty much anywhere volunteers are needed, you’ve seen Edie Groesbeck. White hair. Twinkle in her eye.

Always a big smile. Groesbeck, who just turned 90, has been volunteering at DAP Health for nearly 20 years. She has also given of her time to the Palm Springs Art Museum for 30 years, and regularly does so on behalf of the Palm Springs International Piano Competition, Coachella Valley Repertory, and the Rancho Mirage Women’s Club.

Groesbeck started out at DAP Health by giving out gas vouchers to clients so they could get to their medical appointments. Then she worked with the condoms group, putting together safer-sex kits for distribution. “I loved the condoms group,” she recalls. “I had the most interesting conversations with the clients.”

From there, Groesbeck branched out to special events like Dining Out For Life and The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards.

For her tireless efforts, she was named an “Everyday Hero” by DAP Health in 2019. “I was so honored,” she remembers, “and it made me want to do even more to live up to the recognition.”

The following establishments are participating in Dining Out For Life Greater Palm Springs 2025: • Aspen Mills Bakery and Café • Birba Palm Springs • Birba Cabazon • Blackbook

“DAP Health is a

• Carousel Bakery

role model for other

• Chef Tanya Palm Springs

communities. What they

• Chef Tanya Palm Desert

do is life-changing.”

• Chicken Ranch • Chill Bar • Cipolline Osteria • Clandestino • Copley’s Restaurant

Copley’s Restaurant’s Trio of Hawaiian Tacos, with avocado, green onion, sesame shell, ginger soy, and orange and green tobiko ( Japanese flying fish roe).

• Del Rey at Villa Royale • Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge • El Mirasol Los Arboles • El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana • El Tacolgado • Elmer’s Restaurant • FARM • Fusion Five • Gelato Granucci • The Pantry at Holiday House • Jake’s • Johannes • Juniper Table • Loco Charlies Mexican Grill • Low Desert Modern Mexican • Native Foods • Palm Greens • Play Lounge Café • Purple Room Supper Club • La Cocina at Reforma • On The Mark • Runway • The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge • Tac/Quila • The Front Porch • The Tropicale Palm Springs • Trio • Toucans Tiki Lounge & Cabaret • Townie Bagels • Willie’s Modern Fare

This year, Will Rooker will be volunteering for Dining Out For Life for the first time. He moved to Palm Springs a year and a half ago, and one day noticed that DAP Health’s very own brand of resale shops Revivals (with locations in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, and Indio) was looking for volunteers. He applied, and now is there twice a week. He loves interacting with the customers.

“I tell people this is a great way to give back to the community,” says Rooker. “You get to do something fun, meet new people, make friends, and help a great organization.”

Other Worthwhile Charities A quick Google search reveals there are 284 nonprofit organizations in Palm Springs alone, the rest of the Coachella Valley notwithstanding. With even just a few hours of spare time each week, interested parties can volunteer at Animal Samaritans or the Palm Springs Air Museum. There are also ample opportunities at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week, Desert X, the Mizell Center, The LGBTQ Center of the Desert, Friends of the Palm Springs Library, Dezart Performs, Coachella Valley Repertory, Desert Regional Medical Center, Eisenhower Health, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, and Palm Springs International Airport. The list of avenues is literally long and ever-winding.

And remember that volunteerism is a win-win situation. For the volunteer, benefits include enhanced social connections, improved mental health, increased happiness, skill development,

career advancement, and the simple knowledge that giving back is good for the soul.

“I love food and the people of Palm Springs, and have found a way to combine these passions by volunteering weekly at the Center’s food bank,” says native New Yorker Jude Medeiros, who has lived here with her wife Jean-Marie since 2018. “I’m able to be part of a team that provides fresh groceries and pantry staples to ensure those who need help in our beautiful community have the ingredients to make well-balanced meal choices while knowing we care about them and their families.”

For nonprofits, the fiscal impact is obvious. DAP Health has more than 500 volunteers working in various capacities across many departments, and in total, those generous individuals contribute more than 95,000 hours of free labor annually. But volunteers also strengthen charitable organizations in untold other ways.

If you’ve never volunteered before, it’s easy to start. Just make a phone call to your favorite nonprofit, or fill out an application on their website. It’s guaranteed you will be welcomed with open arms. But first, make your reservations for Dining Out For Life on Thursday, April 24. Start at Townie, grab lunch somewhere, enjoy happy hour at your favorite participating watering hole, and end up at one of the more than 80 eateries also taking part in this gloriously generous day and night. Let’s make Greater Palm Springs the number one fundraising region in the country this year!

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PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

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

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Seventh Annual Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival to Showcase Emerging Talent

BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT

Winners of the competition will be performed in a staged reading at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on June 8.

T

he Seventh Annual Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival (PSYPF) continues its mission of fostering the next generation of theatre pros, offering young voices a platform to be seen, heard, and shine.

With the March 31 submission deadline now passed, some 40 elementary, middle, and high school students from across Riverside County eagerly await the results of this prestigious competition, which will be announced on April 15.

A total of three winners will be selected, each receiving a $500 scholarship and the unique opportunity to have their work presented in a professional staged reading to be held at noon on Sunday, June 8, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

Those selected will also receive mentoring from Broadway and TV veteran Jack Kenny. A resident of Palm Springs, Kenny is a writer, showrunner, director, and actor whose credits include “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” “Jessica Jones,” “Falling Skies,” “Warehouse 13,” “The Book of Daniel,” and “Titus.”

The staged reading will feature a talented cast of a dozen or so actors who will bring the youths’ works to life. Per tradition, past winners Anthony Banuelos and Abigail Alldredge will host. A post-performance Q&A session will allow audience members to engage with the playwrights and actors to gain insight into their creative process and theatrical aspirations.

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“The Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival is so much more than a competition — it’s a stepping stone for young artists of all stripes,” says Festival Founder and Executive Director David Youse, a veteran producer, actor, and arts advocate in his own right. “By giving these storytellers an opportunity not only to develop their voices, but to actually witness the power of their written words coming out of the mouths of expert players, we’re contributing to the very future of theatre, film, and TV. These are the pros of tomorrow — whether they go on to become writers, actors, lighting directors, or craft services caterers in the global entertainment industry — and their perspectives deserve to be heard.”

“As a young Black woman uncertain about her path, the Festival showed me doors I didn’t know existed,” says 2021 winner Yamani Scoggins. “It was a catalyst for my dedication to the arts.”

“Because of the Festival, I can now attend my dream school,” adds Xuan Ahn Ly Biggs, a 2023 winner now attending USC’s BFA program in screenwriting.

“The experience empowered me to pursue a career as a writer.”

Here’s to dreaming big, creating boldly, and embracing the power of storytelling. General admission tickets for the June 8 event are $10, with students admitted at no charge. To purchase tickets, visit brownpapertickets.com/event/6581051. For additional details, visit psypf.org or contact info@psypf.org.

2025

Summer of Fun

In the City with Palm Springs Parks & Recreation: Your Ultimate Guide to Sunshine, Sports, and Splashing Good Times

T

he city of Palm Springs Parks & Recreation Department has an exciting array of activities that promise to keep everyone entertained, active, and cool all summer long. Whether you’re looking to dive into adventure, brush up on your pickleball skills, or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the park, there’s something for every age and interest this summer.

through eighth grade, this camp has everything! Arts, crafts, swimming, and field trips (with a Summer Camp shirt required for those trips) ensure a fun-filled, exciting summer.

Swim Center’s Dive-In Movies let you float while watching blockbuster hits like “Soul” ( June 21), “Moana 2” ( July 19), and “Mufasa” (August 16). Bring your floaties and enjoy the movie magic!

LEISURE CENTER: CAMPS AND AQUATIC ADVENTURES FOR ALL AGES

Water Safety & Fun: May is Water Safety Month, and the Swim Center is the place to be for family-friendly events like Bring a Buddy lifejacket fittings (May 10), obstacle courses (May 24, June 7 & 21, and beyond), and CPR demos (May 31).

Here are just some of the fun summer activities that will be offered:

Swim Lessons: From Parent & Child classes to Youth Swim Lessons for levels 1–5, the Swim Center offers lessons twice a week to help all ages improve their swim skills.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, there’s a class for you!

DEMUTH COMMUNITY CENTER: PLAY, LEARN, AND STAY ACTIVE

Camp Palm Springs: The ultimate day camp experience! With activities like swimming, arts, field trips, talent shows, and sports, Camp Palm Springs has something for every child entering first to eighth grade.

Registration opens May 5. Don’t miss out!

Pickleball Lessons with Mary Every Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Mary will guide you through the essentials of pickleball in an indoor setting. Whether you’re a newbie or looking to sharpen your skills, this is the place to be!

PALM SPRINGS SWIM CENTER: DIVE IN, COOL OFF, AND GET ACTIVE

Early Bird Summer Camp Early risers, we see you! This camp runs Monday to Friday, 7:45 to 8:45 a.m., where kids get a head start before being transported to the main summer camp at the Leisure Center.

Summer Camp: For children in kindergarten

Demuth Park Pickleball Expansion: With $5.9 million invested in the renovation of Demuth Park’s pickleball courts, the expanded facility will feature 24 courts (including a tournament court), shade structures, and more. Expect the new and improved courts by winter 2026.

New Playgrounds: Playground lovers rejoice! Palm Springs Parks & Recreation has revamped playgrounds at Baristo, Demuth, and Victoria Parks, with more on the way at Ruth Hardy and Desert Highland Parks. Bring the kids and let them play!

Palm Springs has your summer covered with endless activities, fun events, and plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories.

From swimming to camps, there’s something for everyone in the 2025 Summer of Fun in the City.

It’s the perfect way to jump-start a day of summer adventures!

JAMES O. JESSIE DESERT HIGHLAND UNITY CENTER: CAMPS, FUN, AND COMMUNITY

EXCITING UPDATES YOU CAN’T MISS

Dive-In Movie Series: Why just watch a movie when you can do it in the pool? The

For more details on all the summer programs, and to register, please visit PalmSpringsca.gov.

Your summer adventure starts here!

PSILOVEYOU | Springs 2025 25

The Plaza Theatre

Unveils Star-Studded Performance Lineup "This announcement marks a pivotal moment in the Plaza Theatre's next act," said John Bolton, Plaza Theatre SVP and GM. "We are thrilled to offer a sneak peek of our inaugural season of events, with many more shows to be announced in the very near future. These initial ten shows spotlight the Plaza Theatre’s ability to host world-class entertainment from comedy to music and theatre to opera to classical music to family events and movies with special guest stars,” added Bolton.

Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com for these highly anticipated shows: An Evening With Lily Tomlin December 3, 2025

L

ights, music and drama will once again fill the iconic Plaza Theatre and delight audiences that awaiting the spotlight to shine on this historic entertainment venue. And they won’t have to wait any longer to find out who will take center stage at the beloved theatre as Oak View Group announced the first ten shows that include Lily Tomlin, Billy Porter Jane Lynch, Kathy Griffin and Spamilton.

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Billy Porter December 4, 2025 Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas December 15, 2025 Brad Williams: The Growth Spurt Tour December 27, 2025 Jack Brickman –The Gift of Christmas December 28, 2025 An Evening With Bianca Del Rio January 21 & 22, 2026

Spamilton: An American Parody January 28, 2026 The Mikado Performed by the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Player March 5, 2026 The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening With Cary Elwes March 7, 2026 An Evening With Kathy Griffin March 20 & 21, 2026 Matthew Morrison: Welcome to Rhythms & Revelations, A Carwash For The Soul March 22, 2026

PSFD’s Wildfire Mitigation Initiative Begins May 1 DOES YOUR PROPERTY MEASURE UP? throughout the year in the ‘Very High Fire Severity Zone,’ with the goal of educating homeowners on creating a defensible space around their properties and hardening their homes in the event of a fire,” says Alvarado.

“The inspection includes the first inspection and a follow-up visit. However, properties that are not compliant may receive additional visits and be subject to fines.”

Soul March 22, 2026 New York Philharmonic String Quartet: An Evening of Mozart, Beethoven, Wolf, & Price April 4, 2026

By law, your property must have 200 feet of defensible space around it, meaning it must be cleared of dead vegetation and fire hazards. While you can be fined for not being in compliance, the goal of PSFD is to educate about the risks first. The city cannot clear private property, including native land owned by members of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Puppy Pals Live: As Seen on “America’s Got Talent” May 16, 2026 “Now that shows have been announced for the iconic Plaza Theatre, the excitement is palpable,” says Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation President J.R. Roberts. “This historic venue, a beloved cornerstone of our community, is set to reopen this December and is turning dreams into reality.

Imagine the thrill of live performances echoing through the theatre’s grand halls once again. This space has captured hearts for generations, and anticipation is now building as we begin to welcome back the magic of entertainment that will soon create unforgettable memories. Get ready for a spectacular opening season!”

The curtain rises again in December 2025, under the expert management of Oak View Group. For more information about the Plaza Theatre and its upcoming season, visit palmspringsplazatheatre.com.

I

n the wake of the catastrophic fires in Los Angeles County, Palm Springs residents must look around with a critical eye and ask, “Is my property a hazard to my loved ones, neighbors, and community?”

If the answer is yes, Fire Chief Paul Alvarado says now is the time to join in the Palm Springs Fire Department’s Wildfire Mitigation Brush Removal Initiative, which is aimed at reducing fire risk in the city of Palm Springs.

“Doing your part can be the difference between a fire being controlled quickly with minimal damage instead of one that devastates a community long after the fire is extinguished,” says Alvarado.

For more information about the city’s Wildfire Mitigation initiative, please visit EngagePalmSprings.com.

“This is an important opportunity to clear brush and other fire hazards from in and around your home before we head into peak fire season,” says Alvarado. “By providing a defensible space around your home, you’re doing your part to keep your home safe, and for our firefighters to protect homes and our community.”

From May 1 through July 31, the PSFD will begin implementing and enforcing their fire risk reduction plan. That means that for the next three months, starting with the areas that are in the “Very High Fire Severity Zone” (VHFSZ), PSFD will be clearing brush from 87 acres spread across 27 high-potential wildfire zones on cityowned vacant lots throughout Palm Springs.

“We actively inspect close to 1,200 residences PSILOVEYOU | Spring 2025 27

Be a Community

Champion

Level Up For Summer Reading at the Palm Springs Public Library It’s almost time for Summer Reading at the Palm Springs Public Library, a time for weekly programs, free books, and lots of fun for the whole family!

I

f you’ve thought about becoming a volunteer, there’s no better time to start than the month of April, better known as National Volunteer Month.

Whether you’re a busy mom, professional or retiree, there are many opportunities to give back to our community in fun and meaningful ways regardless of your schedule. And to the selfless citizens who already give their time, talent and treasure: thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Here are just some volunteer opportunities in the City of Palm Springs available to people who meet the requirements: Palm Springs International Airport Airport Navigator­— Airport Navigators provide visitors arriving through the Palm Springs International Airport with general assistance and information about the airport and the City.

Palm Springs Air Museum Museum Volunteers can work in specific hangars according to their interest, or can work in alternative roles in customer service, library, tech, and ramp crew.

Palm Springs Animal Shelter Animal Aide­— Become a dog walker and help out with our fantastic felines as well as assisting us with adoptions as these shelter animals find their forever homes.

Palm Springs Public Library Materials Organization & Display Helper­— Prepare carts for shelving. Read shelves and make sure all materials are in order in appropriate locations.

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Palm Springs Fire Department CERT Program­— The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members can assist others in times of emergency or disaster by applying the basic response and organizational skills that they have learned during training. These skills can help save and sustain lives following a disaster until help arrives.

Palm Springs Police Department Citizens on Patrol­— These dedicated people take their place beside regular officers, assisting them in nonconfrontational activities including safe patrol activities.

For other opportunities and more information visit: palmspringsca.gov/ volunteer

Beginning on Monday, June 9, and continuing for six weeks through Saturday, July 19, kids, teens, and adults are encouraged to register and participate. This year’s theme is “Level Up at Your Library,” and so weekly programs will be focused on gaming, creativity, and learning to reach for that next level in life and everything!

A variety of enriching activities will be offered, including book giveaways, performances, and grand prizes.

Some of the fun will include trivia, an escape room opportunity, board games, and more!

A key highlight of our program is ensuring that each child who registers receives a free book, fostering a love of reading at home. Additionally, children who participate throughout the six-week program receive up to six books for their personal library — an initiative proven to enhance literacy and retention.

Community sponsors provide fantastic giveaways that include gift cards and certificates to local restaurants and businesses, and then the Friends of the Library provide a selection of grand prizes that participants enter to win throughout the program. Winners are selected and announced at our Finale Celebration on Wednesday, July 16.

Learn more about the Summer Reading program by visiting pslibrary. org, and get ready to “Level Up at Your Library.”

Q&A

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

With New Director of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Nick Gonzalez PSILU: Nick, welcome to Palm Springs!

You started your new position as director of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation in December. Tell us about your background and why you decided to move to Palm Springs.

Nick Gonzalez: Thanks for the warm welcome!

It’s been such an honor to serve the Palm Springs community. Prior to coming to Palm Springs, I worked for the city of Ontario for 13 years in various capacities and departments.

At the end of my career with Ontario, I was serving as the Recreation & Community Services director for nearly five years. In that role, I led a team of 37 full-time employees and approximately 300 part-time employees.

I oversaw 11 different department divisions, expanded recreation and park programming, managed park beautification projects, oversaw large special events and parades, and led efforts surrounding community engagement. I have been coming out to Palm Springs my whole adult life and have always enjoyed visiting this place. When I first learned that the city of Palm Springs was recruiting for a new Parks & Recreation director, I thought, how amazing would it be to work for such a fun, diverse, and inclusive community. After thinking about this opportunity a lot, and researching the department, I decided that I can truly make a difference here and help transform the parks and recreation system. So, I took the leap and applied, and the rest is history! It’s been such a great experience thus far and I am beyond excited to work for a city that truly cares about its community. Plus, I get to work with some pretty talented people and have fun!

Your department is in the process of completing an important communitydriven master plan that will shape the future of our Parks and Recreation system.

Explain why this is going to be so important to the future of Palm Springs and our quality of life?

The Parks & Recreation master plan is a visionary document that will shape our parks and recreational offerings over the next decade.

As a new team member coming in to the tailend of this plan, I am proud of this document and the amount of community engagement that was done as part of the process. The plan is centered around six key themes that will guide staff over the next decade and identify priority areas for investment of time and resources to enhance the park system and expand its impact. The six main themes include: 1. Communicating the Experience: Enhanced cultural visibility and accessibility through wayfinding, art, and commemoration.

2. Connecting People & Places: Improved mobility and connectivity between parks, trails and neighborhoods.

3. Keeping It Cool & Climate Resilient: Increased climate resilience and ecological health through sustainable practices and infrastructure.

4. Renewing the System: Improved safety, maintenance, and physical upgrades for a better user experience.

5. Stewarding the Future: Additional evaluation, funding, and support services for sustainable park management.

6. Expanding the Impact: Equitable access and diverse programming to meet the needs of all residents. For more information about the master plan, visit EngagePalmSprings.Com. Besides the master plan, Parks and Recreation has several other important projects ongoing and underway. What are you most excited about?

I have two projects I am so excited about.

The Demuth Park Pickleball Expansion Project is going to be a beautiful facility once its completed. This gives our pickleball players a fantastic space to build community, stay active and healthy, and bring in additional tourism for our community. We will be doubling the amount of pickleball courts, for a total of 24 courts, including one tournament court. The

project will also enhance lighting, sidewalks, and shade structures, and add trees to the facility. I am also excited for the renovations at the Palm Springs Swim Center, a beautiful facility with some stellar views. For this project, we are going to make some upgrades to the restrooms and showers, and the lifeguard office. Behind the scenes we will also make some improvements to the pool pump room that will lead to a more efficient operation of the facility and make some improvements on the deck. Now, these are just two projects on top of the other improvements and upgrades we are making throughout the park and recreation system. Together, all of these improvements show a commitment in the city’s park system.

Tell us about a few of your favorite things that you most love about Palm Springs?

What I love most about Palm Springs is its natural beauty, diverse culture, and how much this community truly cares about making this a great space to live. Each day as I drive to my office, I am still in awe about how lucky I am to get to serve this community and work in such a beautiful place. When I am not in our community centers, parks, working a special event, or being with our amazing Parks and Recreation staff, you can catch me taking my dog for a walk around town, eating at a new restaurant in town, hiking, or biking around the city. I am truly honored to be part of this community and serve the city of Palm Springs.

PSILOVEYOU | Spring 2025 29

PS Chamber New Members Airwave Communications Enterprises 75430 Gerald Ford Drive, Ste. 203 Palm Desert, CA, 92211 (760)834-8967 www. airwavecommunication.com

Assisted Living Locators Greater Palm Springs 74351 Parosella Street Palm Desert, CA, 92260 (760)576-3000 www.assistedlivinglocators. com/assisted-living/ california/palm-springs

Arrington Boardcasting/ FOX Sports 1 610 S.. Belardo Road Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)606-4600 www.FOXsportspalmsprings. com

Barrett Business Services Inc 43576 Washington Street, Ste. 200 La Quinta, CA, 92253 (760)851-0826 www.bbsi.com/laquinta

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Believe Copy Online Business Palm Springs, CA, 922262 (403)620-0834 Chris Isaacson Presents, LLC. 1049 Havenhurst Drive, Ste. #250 West Hollywood, CA, 90046 (323)883-1825 chrisisaacsonpresents.com

Citslinc International, Inc. 108 N. Ynez Avenue, Ste. 205 Monterey Park, CA, 91754 (626)571-0616 www.citslinc.org

Dining with The Davids 1339 Via Palmera Cathedral City, CA 92234 (774)722-8434 www.diningwiththedavids.com

Coachella Valley Optometry 400 S. Farrell, Ste. B130 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)347-6636 www.cvopto.com

Festival Theaters 789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)528-9945 www.festivaltheaters.com/home FORM64 Architecture 301 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (619)890-4204 www.form64.com Grant’s Rentals 1717 E Vista Chino, Ste. A7-430 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (562)230-2303 GreyeWolfe 234 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (415)806-6458 www.greyewolfe.com/ His & Hers Premier Toolbox 1717 E. Vista Chino, Ste. A7-430 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (562)230-2303

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Image Consultant Barber Shop 333 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Ste. C Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)537-1090 Joshua Tree Gateway Communities All 201 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (442)637-4100 www.jtgca.org Kruzin Karaoke 1268 E. Ramon Road Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (347)258-0167 www.kruzinkaraoke.com La Bottega 540 S. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760)656-0005 www.labottegaps.com Le Vallauris Restaurant 385 W. Tahquitz Canyon Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)325-5059 www.sohohouse.com/en-us/ restaurants/le-vallauris

Lush Nightclub 150 S. Indian Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (661)428-5803 www.instagram.com/lushpalmsprings

O’Donnel Golf Club 301 N. Belardo Road Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)325-2259 www.odonnellgolfclub.com

Mickey’s Irish Sports Bar & Grill 333 S. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (850)445-1755

Palm Springs General Store 193 S. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)320-7613

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PNC Bank 420 S. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)605-3581 Polar Electrical Company 35834 Blue Breton Drive Fallbrook, CA, 92028 (760)215-5561 Shag Store Palm Springs, CA, 92264 Stay Vacation Homes 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Ste. 110-451 Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (310)951-2686 www.book.hostfully.com/stayvacation-homes

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Sustainable Civil Engineering 615 Ellsworth Street San Francisco, CA, 94110 (415)218-7592 www.sustainable-ce.com

Toast’d in PS 190 S. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 (442)268-5525 www.toastdinps.com

The Cole Hotel 2323 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)459-7914 www.thecolehotel.com

U Got Diz 750 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)992-6567 Ste 202 www.zeennovative.com

The Willows - Historic Springs Inn 412 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)320-0711 www.thewillowspalmsprings.com Tiny Tots Soft Play 1243 Gene Autry Trail, Ste. 201 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)641-0367 www.tinytoddlersoftplay.com

Worthington-Fine Art Museum 2466 E. Desert Park Ave Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (707)823-3581 www.nancyworthington.com Scan to view the full directory of Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce members

TRAVEL

WITH THE PALM SPRINGS CHAMBER Join Us For An Adventure

IRELAND

Dublin • Cork • Killarney • Doolin • Bru Na Boinne

July 5 – 13, 2025 $3,499

CHINA

Beijing • Shanghai • Suzhou • Hangzhou

October 18–26, 2025 $2,899

SPAIN

Madrid • Toledo • Barcelona

April 11 – 19, 2026 $3,899 ALL TRIPS INCLUDE: VERY SPECIAL 8/9-DAY PACKAGE 8/9 DAYS, 8/7 NIGHTS

INCLUDING HOTELS, MEALS, DAY TRIPS, AND AIRFARE FROM LOS ANGELES Plan now to join Palm Springs Chamber group for this once in a lifetime adventure. Please call Nona at the Palm Springs Chamber at 760-3251577, email your registration form to nwatson@pschamber.org Website www.pschamber.org Tour Operator: Citslinc International, Inc. 1-844-262-1100 Email: citslinc3228@gmail.com Website: www.citslinc.us

• • • • • • •

Roundtrip international airfare & Tax 9/8-day deluxe tour package 4-star hotel accommodations Breakfast & lunch Deluxe bus Fluent English-speaking tour guides Entrance fees to attractions

Full itineraries online at PSChamber.org

For more details and reservations contact Nona at the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce

nwatson@pschamber.org (760) 325-1577

PSILOVEYOU | Spring 2025 37

Nostalgia never looked so good.

P.S. I Love You Throwback The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Windmill City present the ultimate throwback: the iconic 1960s P.S. I Love You logo, reimagined as fresh, must-have merchandise.

Celebrate the place we call home in style.

Shop now online or stop by Windmill City Super #1 463 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262