Leading off: Legion restoration effort marks milestone

Organizers of the effort to restore the Palm Springs American Legion building are marking a milestone this week, and we're getting our first look at the vision.

What we know: Earlier this week, Lee Wilson Jr., president of the nonprofit driving the restoration effort, showed some early renderings and more plans pieced together by Secoy Architects and the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (PSPF). The drawings show the building returning to its original, simple design.

• As currently proposed, the work will be done in two phases. The first will see exterior work and remodeling of the auditorium. The second will include a strategic remodel of the remainder of the building. The "lamella" roof, hidden above ceiling tiles, would be visible again.

Looking back: The building was first opened in 1948 and was designed by renowned architects Albert Frey and John Porter Clark. It has served as a welcoming place for area veterans to gather and the home of American Legion Post 519, which Earl Coffman founded in the 1930s.

• It has also been the site of performances by some of the biggest names in entertainment history, including Bob Hope, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, and more.

The effort to restore and update the building and grounds began after a casual conversation in 2021 between Wilson and Marilyn Sullivan, who serves as secretary of the restoration foundation. It picked up steam earlier this year with the nonprofit's formation, its website launch, and a visit from architect Susan Secoy Jensen and members of the PSPF.

• We first detailed the efforts back in January in this story.

Next up: With the support of Legion finance officer Garth Gilpin and other board members, the foundation will soon be raising funds for the project. Once the necessary funds are secured, any grand re-opening could be three-to-five years away.

In brief: County counting continues

Riverside County counted half its remaining ballots between Monday and Wednesday, but in at least one race involving a current Palm Springs City Council member, announcing a clear winner will require more counting.

Driving the news: After the latest vote count was released Wednesday evening, City Councilmember Christy Holstege saw her lead in the race for the State Assembly shrink to 52. Mayor Pro Tem Grace Garner saw her lead in the District 1 City Council race again increase.

• Holstege, a Democrat, leads Republican Greg Wallis in the 47th State Assembly District contest, 83,978 to 83,926. The two have been less than 1% apart for most of the past few weeks.
   
• Garner, who would become the city's first Latina mayor if she wins, holds a 64-vote lead — 1,455 to 1,391 — over challenger Scott Nevins. She has been consistently pulling away since trailing after Election Day's initial vote count.

Up next: There are 4,000 ballots left to tally in the county. Another update is promised for Tuesday evening, Nov. 29.

• The county has until Dec. 8 to certify the election results and send them to the state.

Bottom line: Jeffrey Bernstein and Ron deHarte appear to be clear winners in District 2 and District 3 City Council races. They will join Mayor Lisa Middleton on the dais in December. Garner seems likely to be on the dais as well, but Holstege's future remains in a state of suspended animation.

• Should Holstege win a seat in Sacramento, it would create a vacancy on the Council that would be filled by either a special election or an appointment.

Dive deeper with our complete story.

Palm Springs Rewinds Brings Your Favorite Non-Traditional Christmas Movies to The Big Screen

The Roundup

🚸 Palm Springs Unified and other local school districts are using emergency funding to address a rise in mental health challenges for students. Angela Chen reports on how that money is being spent. (KESQ)

🍽️ Need a last-minute place to head to dinner today? Try one of the three city restaurants included on this list. (Palm Springs Life)

🎄 WildLights, the annual festive holiday light display at The Living Desert, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. (NBC Palm Springs) 

Today's calendar

Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot
8 a.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
This 5K through downtown will surely get you in the Thanksgiving spirit — registration includes, among other things, a "zany turkey hat." Online registration is now closed, but contact organizers to see if there are any last-minute spots still available. 

Thanksgiving at the Palm Springs American Legion
11 a.m. | 400 N. Belardo Rd.
Classically trained pianist Claudette Bradley, USMC Corporal ('79-'83), will perform at the Palm Springs American Legion from noon until 2 p.m. Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ($25)

"Mid-Century Moderns": A new musical
7:30 p.m. | Oscar’s
The musical "Mid-Century Moderns" is returning with a new production at Oscar's in downtown Palm Springs. ($54.95 – $69.95)

Looking ahead

"Rocky Horror" with shadow cast, audience participation
Friday-Saturday | 8 p.m. | Cultural Center
Experience the film as it was meant to be seen on the largest screen in the valley, complete with a local cast shadowing the movie, and prop bags available for the traditional audience participation. Happy hours starts at 8 p.m. and pre-screening begins at 9 p.m. ($13)

The Gand Band at PS Underground
Friday and Saturday | 7 p.m. | PS Underground 
Join PS Underground and The Gand Band as they celebrate the culture, creativity and music of L.A.'s Laurel Canyon scene from the late 1960s and early '70s. ($149)

Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market
Saturday | 8 a.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
You can find fresh, local produce and much, much more at this free-to-enter farmers' market. 

Forever Elvis Brunch
Sunday | 11 a.m. | PS Underground 
Enjoy a three-course themed brunch with free-flowing mimosas and Bloody Marys, while performers sing Elvis Presley hits. ($89)

Modern Men Holiday Concert preview
Sunday | 3 p.m. | St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church
Experience this one-hour preview of the Modern Men Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert, Stars: A Galaxy of Song. ($20)

And finally...

🐾 Each week, The Post partners with a local animal shelter to feature one or more of the many animal companions ready for a new home in our community. This week we're happy to tell you that our recent call to help clear The Palm Springs Animal Shelter of large breed dogs was fairly successful, but that the need continues. 

What they're saying: "Every single big dog kennel is full, and some are doubled up, with over 70 big dogs anxiously waiting to meet you right now," Shelter staff wrote in an email Wednesday. "We need your help in finding these dogs a great home."

• Big dogs are a ton of fun, staff reminded would-be adopters. You might be surprised to learn that many need less space and exercise than you think. 

If you're interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all non-holiday days except for Tuesdays (open for intake and clinic only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter at 760-416-5718.

• Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here. Get a jump start on adoption by completing the adoption form here.

🙏 Kendall is grateful for so much in her life, so she is taking time today to donate to local charities and a few of these often-overlooked organizations. 

🏖️ Mark is grateful for naps and hopes to take a few this weekend.

📝 Miss a day? Read past newsletters here.

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