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TGIF everyone and welcome to the hundreds of you who have recently signed up to receive this newsletter! If you were disappointed when the wiener dog races got rained out on Nov. 22, mark your calendar for Dec. 13 when 50 dachshunds will compete in both a costume contest and races at Civic Center dog park. The event runs from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Organizers are promising maximum cuteness!
🎶 Setting the mood: "December" by Earth, Wind & Fire
📰 LEADING OFF
The city’s Aquatic Center is undergoing renovations and is closed until early next year.
Renovations at Aquatic Center going swimmingly
Construction at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center is progressing smoothly following its Nov. 17 closure. Officials told the Parks and Recreation Committee on Tuesday that no major issues have emerged during the initial demolition phase.
Driving the news: Workers have completed demolition in the mechanical room without encountering significant problems, clearing the way for a complete overhaul of the facility's pump room and pool filtration systems.
The big picture: The renovation replaces aging infrastructure from when the center opened in 2011, including pumps, filters and heaters for all three pools. The upgrades aim to improve water quality, reduce service interruptions and boost energy efficiency.
By the numbers: The city has invested over $4.5 million in the aquatic center since 2011, with the current renovation project totaling approximately $1.2 million.
Recent improvements from 2021 to 2024 included pool resurfacing, mechanical replacements, new shade structures, and facility repainting and safety upgrades.
Where it stands: All equipment has been ordered but hasn't arrived yet. The reopening timeline depends on equipment delivery and how long installation and testing take.
What's next: Staff are using the closure to complete maintenance projects, including repainting rooms and draining the splash playground. The center is expected to reopen in early 2026.
📰 BRIEFLY
File photo
🏥 Healthcare District seeks director for zone that includes part of Palm Desert
The Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board will appoint a new director to represent zone five, which includes part of Palm Desert, following Arthur Shorr's Nov. 30 resignation. Zone five residents have until 5 p.m. on Jan. 5 to submit applications to CEO Chris Christensen at [email protected].
The board will conduct interviews and make the appointment at a special public meeting on Jan. 8 at 4 p.m. at the district offices at 1140 N. Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Residents can verify their zone eligibility by checking the district's zone map or calling the Riverside County Registrar of Voters at 951-486-7200.
Bottom line: The appointed director will serve about 10 months before the seat appears on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot. The election winner will complete the remaining two years of Shorr's term, which ends in November 2028.
✨ City unveils interactive winter light displays
The city has launched a new series of interactive light installations at three community locations this winter, offering residents and visitors colorful displays to celebrate the season through art and light.
The installations are located at Palm Desert City Hall at 73510 Fred Waring Drive, McCallum Theatre at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, and Palm Desert Library at 73300 Fred Waring Drive. Additional festive lighting appears along median displays on Monterey Avenue and Portola Avenue.
Details: Visitors are encouraged to stop at the three interactive locations to take photos and share their experiences on social media using #palmdesert or by tagging the City of Palm Desert.
A MESSAGE FROM COD
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📅 FEATURED EVENTS
El Paseo Art Walk
Tonight | 4 p.m.-7 p.m. | 73545 El Paseo
Experience the vibrant heart of art and culture on El Paseo during the El Paseo Art Walk, held the first Friday of every month through April.
Canadian Brass: Christmas Time is Here
Sunday | 7 p.m. | McCallum Theatre
This quintet never fails to delight with their winning combination of fabulous sound, engaging wit, popular programming, and top-notch showmanship. ($57-$98)
📆 SAVE THE DATE
Palm Springs Book Festival at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory Dec. 13
Barry Manilow's A Gift of Love VII at the McCallum Theatre starting Dec. 16 ($107)
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📣 AND FINALLY …
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves will be happy to see you this holiday season at one local hotel.
The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert is turning its annual gingerbread display into a showcase for local student talent, with this year's Gingerbread Junction featuring creative confections from high school culinary programs.
Driving the news: The resort debuts Gingerbread Junction today in its lobby, featuring gingerbread creations from students at La Quinta High School, Rancho Mirage High School, and Coachella Valley High School.
Guests can vote on their favorite student creation through Dec. 29.
What else: The resort's executive pastry chef will operate Dom's Baked Goods, a pop-up shop offering seasonal treats for purchase throughout the month.
The full holiday experience: Additional festivities include a lakeside Christmas lunch, seasonal boat rides through the twinkling light-lined lake, oversized holiday décor installations, and meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Holiday Boat Tours run Dec. 21–24 at $20 per person.
But wait: Want to fill your ears with the sounds of the holidays? Head over to Hotel Paseo on Dec. 9, where you can celebrate the holiday season with Holiday Jazz Under the Stars, an open-air dining and live music experience at Hotel Paseo’s Backyard.
Ticket information for the performance — a cocktail reception starts at 6 p.m. and dinner and live music follows — is available here.
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