We are grateful for our advertisers. Become one today
Friday, May 8 | ☀️ 99°/71°
Happy Friday, everyone! With Mother's Day just two days away, Palm Desert has plenty of ways to make mom feel extra special this Sunday — from a relaxing sound bath and a festive tea party with live music to a buffet brunch at one of several local restaurants. However you choose to celebrate, the perfect Mother's Day plan is right around the corner! Need some help deciding what to do and where to go to celebrate mom? Check out the local recommendations here.
🎶 Setting the mood: "Oh, Mother of Mine" by The Temptations
Leading Off
Rock'n Avenue Bar wins planning approval on El Paseo after six-week recess
The Palm Desert Planning Commission voted 4-0 Tuesday to approve a new bar on El Paseo, drawing applause from attendees as commissioners and the applicant shook hands.
Driving the news: After a six-week recess, the commission approved Patrick Masur's Rock'n Avenue Bar at 73-730 El Paseo with 53 conditions of approval. Architect Geoff Gregory, speaking for the applicant, said the project team incorporated feedback from the previous meeting and addressed community requests.
The details: Updates since the March 17 meeting include a 2 a.m. closing time, a ban on loud bass music until 9 p.m., removal of a previously proposed dance floor, and sound-deafening walls and curtains to be tested by a licensed acoustic engineer before opening.
Condition 33 requires Masur to provide status updates at six, 12 and 24 months after opening.
By the numbers: City staff said Masur submitted an online petition with 107 supporting signatures before the hearing, while a Change.org petition has gathered more than 700 signatures. A hand-signed petition opposing the bar contained 72 signatures.
Yes, but: Commissioners expressed some reservations. Vice Chair John Greenwood raised concern that the bar would serve alcohol without offering food, directing staff to pursue food delivery options as part of the six-month check-in. A nearby restaurant owner voiced opposition to a proposed smoking area in the parking lot, and the commission referred its final location to city staff.
What they're saying: "It's got to be more than the city and the code compliance taking care of the issues here," Commissioner Collum said. "It starts with the business owner."
Briefly
Shutterstock photo
🌳 Palm Desert parks panel pushes back on reduced meeting schedule
The Palm Desert Parks and Recreation Committee voted 6-1 Tuesday to recommend the city council reverse a proposed ordinance that would cut the panel's meetings from monthly to once every two months.
Committee members said the council had not consulted them before introducing the ordinance, citing two examples: a planned park reduced from 40 acres to 28 acres without committee input, and the hiring of a consulting firm over the committee's recommendation. The ordinance passed its first reading April 23 by a 4-1 council vote and is scheduled for a second reading May 14.
Details: If adopted, the ordinance would shift meetings to August, October and December at 8:30 a.m. and remove the requirement for members to conduct park inspections and submit written reports. Committee members were encouraged to attend the May 14 council meeting or submit comments by email.
📅 Featured Events
Golf Scramble Tournament
Saturday | 8 a.m. | Shadow Mountain
The Desert Recreation District hosts its third annual four-person scramble golf tournament at Shadow Mountain Golf Course. Entry includes golf, cart, lunch, water, and snacks; medals awarded for first, second, and third place, closest to the pin, and longest drive, with a chance to win a $10,000 hole-in-one prize. Register at MyRecreationDistrict.com/Sports. ($125–$500)
Mothers Day Brunch at The Pink Cabana
Sunday | 8 a.m. | 44985 Province Way
Celebrate Mother's Day with an elevated prix fixe brunch at the Pink Cabana in Indian Wells, featuring sweet and savory dishes with regionally-sourced seasonal ingredients including strawberry parfait, smoked salmon tartine, local mushroom frittata, and wagyu beef hash. A wine expert has selected a trio of Champagnes to complement the meal; full menu at sandshotelandspa.com/dining-bar. ($22–$68)
COD Symphonic Band: Ocean Journeys, Paths that Shape Us
Sunday | 1 p.m. | McCallum Theatre
The College of the Desert Symphonic Band performs a Mother's Day concert inspired by the sea, exploration, and the people who guide us, featuring selections from Pirates of the Caribbean and a world premiere by composer Michael Markowski.
Mamacitas at The Shops
Sunday | 3 p.m. | The Shops at Palm Desert
Celebrate Mother's Day with an afternoon of sweet tea and treats, live music, family fun, giveaways, and special moments.
Ribbon Cutting - Woof Gang Bakery
Monday | 3 p.m. | 74600 CA-11
Woof Gang Bakery opens in Palm Desert, offering personalized grooming, all-natural treats, premium pet food, and stylish accessories for pets. The shop is known for its spa-style grooming experience and one-on-one care.
Palm Desert City Council
Thursday | 4 p.m. | City Hall
The Palm Desert City Council meets in person with a live-stream option via Zoom. Submit public comments to [email protected] by 10 a.m. the day of the meeting; the meeting is also streamed live on the city's YouTube channel.
✨ And Finally …
Shutterstock photo
If you've ever wanted to do something meaningful with your evenings and weekends — and have a high tolerance for emotionally demanding situations — a Coachella Valley nonprofit has an opening for you.
Driving the news: Trauma Intervention Programs of Riverside County is recruiting volunteers for a training session beginning May 14 at the Palm Desert Police Department, 73705 Gerald Ford Drive.
The organization deploys citizen volunteers to emergency scenes to provide emotional support to trauma survivors — at no cost to those receiving help.
What volunteers do: When police, fire, or medical personnel respond to a tragedy, TIP volunteers are called in to assist family members, witnesses, and bystanders, helping arrange shelter, food, clothing, and transportation, and connecting victims with follow-up services.
The commitment: Training runs across eight sessions through May 23. A $50 fee covers materials, food, and a Live Scan background check. Once certified, volunteers work three 12-hour shifts per month.
A minimum of 10 participants is required for the session to proceed.
The bottom line: Founded in 1985, TIP is a national nonprofit with 16 affiliates serving more than 250 cities. For information or to apply, visit tiprivco.org or email [email protected].
In Case You Missed it
Recently published stories
WORK WITH US
Our network of publications has nearly 50,000 email subscribers and we send 125,000 newsletters each week! That gives advertisers unmatched reach to engaged local readers across the Coachella Valley. Click the button below to learn more or receive our rate card.
EXPLORE & SUBSCRIBE
We deliver free news to communities throughout the Coachella Valley and a roundup on Saturdays. Click below to subscribe to our other newsletters!