Leading off: 'In our brokenness, we come together to heal'

With the eerie presence of police snipers on rooftops above them and dance music rhythmically throbbing in the distance, members of the local LGBTQ+ community and their allies gathered late Sunday afternoon to deliver a clear, powerful message: Hate has no home here, but no community is safe until “angry young men” lose access to assault weapons.

Driving the news: Hundreds gathered at a candlelight vigil arranged by Desert Stonewall Democrats (DSD) — with the assistance of Arenas District business owners and the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The event was designed to honor those lost at the Club Q shooting in Colorado earlier this month, and offer a chance for healing.

• “I hate that we have to be here tonight,” said Elle Kurpiewski, representing DSD, in her opening remarks. “I love seeing you, but I hate why we’re here.”

At issue: Both Rep. Raul Ruiz and Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton called out politicians and others who refuse to put laws into place that would limit access to assault weapons in the nation. Middleton pulled no punches in laying blame for the endless mass murders not only at the feet of politicians but at one group in particular.

• “We need to address angry young men,” Middleton said. “And we address angry young men by not making it easy for them to get a gun.”

• “In our brokenness, we come together to heal,” he told the crowd prior to the candle lighting. “As we mourn, let’s turn our focus not on hate, but on love. It is through love that we will teach our children not to hate.”

Enjoy an unforgettable experience on a private wind farm.

The Roundup

🚗 Palm Springs has seen a 40% increase in the number of people signing up to drive for Uber compared to this time last year. Inflation and the higher cost of living is driving the decision for most. (KESQ)

🎄 The Aerial Tramway tree lighting is coming up on Sunday. Learn all about the tree and the history of its lighting. (Palm Springs Life)

Today's calendar

Teen movie and popcorn
4 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to watch "Moonshot."

City Council
5:30 p.m. | Online
To submit a public comment, you can do so online. Watch the meeting live here. 

Looking ahead

Annual Wreath Auction
Wednesday | 5:30 p.m. | Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter and the LGBT Community Center of the Desert are partnering to host their annual wreath auction. Take home a festive holiday wreath, or two. 

PS Rewinds: Tim Burton – Batman Returns
Wednesday | 8 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Palm Springs Rewinds, an ongoing film series featuring movies from acclaimed contemporary directors, will have a showing of "Batman Returns" at the cultural center. 

Official City Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday | 5 p.m. | Frances Stevens Park
The Palm Springs tree lighting event will include holiday caroling, free cookies, hot cocoa and activities for children. 

Palm Springs Country Dance Association Dance
Friday | 7:30 | Step by Step Dance Studio
Join the dance association for country western dancing, including two-step, country waltz, shadow, East and West Coast swing and line dances. ($5)

Desert Ensemble Theatre – Do Not Remove Label
Friday and beyond | Times vary | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Desert Ensemble Theatre will present "Do Not Remove Label," a comic suspense thriller set during Hanukkah 1966. The show has many dates, so check for more details and ticket information here. 

Sounds of the Holidays at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Friday and beyond | Times vary | Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Holiday choir season kicks off Friday at the tramway. On more select dates through Dec. 11, visitors can listen to holiday favorites performed by different high school choirs.
 

And finally...

🚓 The Palm Springs Police volunteer program, Citizens on Patrol (COPS), is looking for new applicants.

What they do: COPS are not sworn police offers, but they are an important part of public safety in the city. Broadly, they say they help anyone who needs assistance.

• They are there for people who need help with things like directions and broken-down cars. They also assist the police with traffic control.

What they need: The pandemic significantly reduced membership, and the group is looking for people interested in volunteering some time to keep the city safe.

What you can do: Fill out an application here for the next 12-week Police Academy. The free program gives Palm Springs residents a feel for what the police do on a daily basis and it only runs twice a year. 

• The next academy starts in January, and classes meet once a week for 12 weeks. Check out the website here for more information.

💬 Our take: The worst feeling is driving with a police car behind you. Even if you’re not speeding or doing anything illegal, it’s anxiety-inducing. You may have had that feeling after seeing a patrol car belonging to the Citizens on Patrol (COPS). But they’re not there to give you a ticket, they’re just there to help!

🥧 Kendall thinks it's perfectly okay to have pumpkin pie for breakfast, actually.

⌨️ Mark is pretty sure he will say "Thursday" when he meant to say "Monday" when reporting on tonight's City Council meeting.

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