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TGIF, everyone! If you’ve read our welcome email or our About page, you’re hopefully aware that we don’t chase ambulances (or firetrucks or police cars). But that doesn’t mean we don’t report on crime. We know that public safety is important to you. We just choose to look at it from a wider angle. Part of that approach means looking at data, which we do whenever the Sheriff’s Department releases new weekly statistics. We won’t make those reports a story here in the newsletter, but we do often link to them under the “In Case You Missed It” section down below. You can find the latest report here on our website and also under the “Public Safety” tag.
🎶 Setting the mood: "Friday I’m In Love" by The Cure
Leading Off
In this image, sample designs for the city’s new wayfinding signs are at left, while the current sign designs are on the right.
City Council approves new sign system with desert-inspired design
The Palm Desert City Council on Thursday approved a new citywide wayfinding system that will replace existing purple and maroon signs with orange and yellow signage designed to evoke desert sunsets and mountains.
Driving the news: The new system reduces total signage from 67 to 51 signs — about 25% fewer — with cuts focused on El Paseo, where officials hope fewer directional signs will encourage visitors to spend more time exploring the business district.
Why it matters: City officials spent more than two years evaluating how best to guide visitors through Palm Desert, consulting with multiple commissions and subcommittees to develop the plan.
By the numbers: El Paseo, McCallum Theatre and College of the Desert lead as the most frequently listed destinations with 23 mentions each, followed by the Civic Center (22), The Living Desert Zoo (18), UCR (10), CSUSB (9) and Desert Willow (9).
Secondary destinations include Cholla Hills Park, other city parks and the Joslyn Center.
What's next: The city's signage subcommittee will explore alternative names for the Civic Center that better reflect amenities including the aquatic center, library and park. Staff will also incorporate the San Pablo corridor into the wayfinding plan.
Briefly
This land off Spyder Circle will soon have a new warehouse, joining others nearby but also near homes.
🏢 Planning commission approves North Palm Desert warehouse
The Palm Desert Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a two-story, 7,624-square-foot industrial warehouse at 73731 Spyder Circle, near Dinah Shore Drive and Dick Kelly Drive.
Most commission discussion centered on landscaping and screening from a nearby residential development across Dick Kelly Drive. The city's Development Services director must approve plans for a southern wall before permits are issued, and outdoor storage visible from Dick Kelly Drive is banned.
Details: The project sits on a 21,446-square-foot lot in the Service Industrial District. The city's staff report did not specify what type of business might occupy the warehouse.
🎓 COD names new VP of Student Services
College of the Desert this week announced the promotion of Amanda Phillips to vice president of student services effective this month, following a Board of Trustees action in December. Phillips has served at COD for 17 years, starting as an adjunct counselor in 2008 and most recently serving as Dean of Counseling Services since 2016.
In her new role, Phillips will serve as chief student services officer, overseeing Admissions and Records, Counseling, Extended Opportunities Programs and Services, Financial Aid, Student Health Services, Veterans' Center, and EDGE/plEDGE Programs. She will also be responsible for recruitment and evaluation of all student services faculty and staff.
Zoom in: Phillips holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Randolph-Macon Woman's College and a Master of Arts in Educational Counseling from the University of Redlands.
A MESSAGE FROM PALM SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER
Two essential screenings celebrate film from personal perspectives. Tonight, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m.: No Way to Treat a Lady begins Mom at the Movies: The Films of Eileen Heckart, hosted by Luke Yankee with special guest Kate Lee Minelian. On Monday, Jan. 26, at 6:30 p.m.: My Husband Makes Movies II screens John Schlesinger’s Far from the Madding Crowd, hosted by Michael Childers with guest Dave Karger (TCM).
📅 Featured Events
Desert Open Studios
All Weekend | Multiple locations
The 6th Annual Desert Open Studios returns to the Coachella Valley today through Sunday, offering art lovers the opportunity to explore more than 150 artists’ studios.
Emerging Leaders 2026
Today | 9 a.m. | Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce
The Emerging Leaders Program is back! This initiative helps local college students explore real career opportunities right here at home.
CV Firebirds vs. Ontario Reign
Today | 7 p.m. | Acrisure Arena
Your Coachella Valley Firebirds are back on home ice tonight, hoping to extend their win-streak against the Ontario Reign. ($32)
Henry Koperski & Alan Cumming
Saturday | 8 p.m. | McCallum Theatre
The themes of the show are what it means to be an outsider and to live your authentic life. Expect a diverse selection of songs, interpreted with Cumming’s unique style and emotional depth. ($68)
Spray Paint 101
Sunday | 1 p.m. | Flat Black Supplies
Unleash your inner artist with fun tips and tricks to working with spray paint. ($50)
📌 Save the Date
CV Firebirds vs. Colorado Eagles at Acrisure Arena on Jan. 28 ($27)
Arts in Asia: CAS Student Program at Sunnylands Center & Gardens on Jan. 31
2026 Desert Ice Bowl at Homme-Adams Park on Jan. 31 ($25)
📣 And Finally …
Want your artwork to be featured on El Paseo like these pieces? Now is the time to submit an entry.
If you've ever dreamed of seeing your sculpture grace one of Southern California's most celebrated public art venues, Palm Desert is now accepting applications for its 2027/2028 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition — where your work could spend two years being admired by thousands along the region's premier destination for art, dining, and luxury shopping.
Driving the news: The city seeks 18 large-scale sculptures to transform the El Paseo median into an outdoor gallery, offering selected artists a $6,000 honorarium plus professional installation, lighting, insurance, and promotion.
Applications are due Jan. 29, with jury review running through April 13.
The details: Works must be original, weather-resistant, and designed for viewing from all sides, with heights between 8 and 13 feet and maximum weight of 3,000 pounds.
Most installation pads measure 7' × 7', though one larger 8' × 25' pad is available for ambitious pieces.
Who can apply: The call is open to all U.S.-based artists, galleries, museums, and nonprofit arts organizations. Artists must be present for both installation and removal.
Why it matters: This biennial exhibition has become a cornerstone of the Coachella Valley's cultural identity, connecting art with community in a high-profile setting.
How to apply: Submit applications at this website. Be prepared with up to five images, a résumé, sculpture description, and three professional references.
In Case You Missed It
Check out a few of our recently published stories you might have missed.
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