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Welcome to Thursday, where we have a quick update on the South Palm Canyon Drive bridge project we reported on recently. In answer to some reader questions, we learned that crews had discovered house finches and verdin in the area and must work within strict state and federal laws that protect their nests. That means a change in plans for some parts of the project’s timeline, but it doesn’t mean construction is completely stalled. Work on the western span is expected to resume by April 7 once environmental mitigation is complete. In the meantime, you’ll still see intermittent lane closures as crews prep the site.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Otro Atardecer” by Bad Bunny (ft. The Marias)

A diverse group of parents, health professionals, cannabis industry leaders, and law enforcement officials met at the Palm Springs Boys & Girls Club Wednesday evening to address growing concerns about youth cannabis use in their community.

Driving the news: The town hall was part of the Boys & Girls Club’s new cannabis education initiative designed to provide facts, dispel myths, and foster honest dialogue between generations.

• “When we started this cannabis education center, I was shocked at how much our kids knew about cannabis and how little the parents knew,” said Margaret Keung, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club.

The health impact: Dr. Navpreet Singh from Desert Regional Medical Center warned that cannabis affects the developing brain, which continues maturing until approximately age 25.

• Singh described “amotivational syndrome” where cannabis-induced dopamine replaces natural satisfaction from healthy activities, leading to reduced motivation and academic performance.

The youth perspective: Palm Springs High School senior Rose Wells delivered a sobering reality check about cannabis prevalence in schools.

• “I go to Palm Springs High School and there is just so much—you see it every single day. You go to the bathrooms, you see it, students walk by you, you smell it,” Wells said.

Enforcement challenges: Lt. Gus Araiza of the Palm Springs Police Department explained how officers partner with code compliance to inspect dispensaries and scrutinize packaging that might appeal to children.

Parental guidance: Panelists encouraged parents to approach the topic with curiosity rather than condemnation.

• “Why do they need the dopamine boost? Why do they need the high?” said JohnathanIngram, a cannabis enforcement officer. “Make the why the conversation and then connect to cannabis. Don’t make cannabis the issue.”

What’s next: Keung confirmed that more events are planned, embracing audience feedback to address other youth challenges including social media and screen addiction.

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The Palm Springs City Council will hear from the team leading the Plaza Theatre restoration project about the need for additional funding at its regular meeting this evening.

• The foundation is requesting $2.8 million in additional funding to cover contract extensions and equipment upgrades. This comes on top of the city’s existing financial support, which includes a $2 million design contribution and up to $10 million in construction advances to be reimbursed over time.
• Also on the agenda: Councilmembers will consider approving the new location for the Popsicles art piece and get an update on the navigation center that serves the unhoused population.
• Details: The regular meeting is open to the public in Council Chambers at City Hall. You can submit comments via an online public comment form, in person, or by calling the city clerk’s office at 760-323-8204.

A 54-year-old Cathedral City man pleaded guilty this week to three counts of DUI gross vehicular manslaughter and other charges related to a multi-vehicle crash that killed three people in Palm Springs in September 2023.

• The fatal collision occurred when Shawn Michael Kirkpatrick failed to slow his vehicle during a dust storm on North Gene Autry Trail, rear-ending a vehicle containing the three victims — identified as 32-year-old Yovani Aguilera Tapia, along with David Losacco and Millicent Lewis, both 29 — who died at the scene.
• The crash caused a chain reaction, with the victims’ vehicle hitting another car whose occupant suffered moderate injuries. Kirkpatrick sustained minor injuries in the collision.
• Up next: Sentencing is scheduled for April 18 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. Kirkpatrick, who had no prior felony convictions in Riverside County, remains in custody without bail at the Benoit Detention Center.

Desert X
The fifth edition of Desert X, the recurring site-specific, international art exhibition is open now through May 11. Find the map of installations on the Desert X website.

American Documentary and Animation Film Festival
Palm Springs Cultural Center
American Documentary and Animation Film Festival, or AmDocs, starts today with eight different films on offer, check out the schedule here. The fest runs through Sunday. ($10)

Dog Park Community Meeting
5 p.m. | The Pavilion
Share your ideas, concerns and suggestions for the dog parks in Palm Springs, hosted by the Parks and Recreation department and commission.

Art Museum Free Admission
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum 
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collection at your own pace. 

Palm Springs City Council
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The City Council meets this evening in closed and open session. Check out the agenda here. 

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs  
Weather permitting, the street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. 

Comedy Night
Pretty Faces Nightclub
Enjoy a lineup of local comedians and out-of-town talent. Bring cash for the drag show that follows. ($7)

View all events here

Submit your event here

Revivals Stores, a beloved thrift and furniture shopping destination owned by DAP Health, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with a milestone that goes beyond retail success to community impact and healthcare access.

Driving the news: Since opening its first location in 1995, Revivals has evolved from a small resale shop to a retail trailblazer with four locations across the Coachella Valley, blending secondhand treasures with brand-new furniture while supporting essential healthcare services.

• 100% of Revivals’ profits directly fund DAP Health, a nonprofit providing medical and behavioral health care to over 88,000 people annually, many uninsured or underinsured.

Why it matters: In an era of inflation and rising costs, Revivals offers affordable shopping options while addressing environmental concerns, with industry reports showing 82% of Americans bought or sold secondhand items in 2022, largely to offset rising costs.

The impact: With more than 260 dedicated volunteers, Revivals has created a uniquely local shopping experience that connects consumers with sustainable choices and a sense of community purpose.

What they’re saying: “Revivals is more than just a store — it’s an experience,” says DAP Health Chief of Brand Marketing Steven Henke. “It’s where people come to find their authentic selves, express their unique style, and connect with a real sense of community.”

Looking ahead: The secondhand apparel market is projected to grow by 127% by 2026, positioning Revivals to continue its mission of providing affordable fashion while supporting essential healthcare services.

Where to go: For store locations, hours, and more information, visit RevivalsStores.com.

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