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Friday, Sept. 4 | ☀️ 95°/68°
Happy Friday, Palm Desert, where more shade is officially on the way for CV Link! The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Board recently approved a $1.25 million grant to add shade structures and roughly 26 native trees at five rest stops along the corridor, including right here in Palm Desert. With Councilmember Jan Harnik — who chairs CVAG's Transportation Committee — calling it a welcome investment for a valley that deals with extreme heat, it's a project worth celebrating as the temperatures remain toasty!
🎶 Setting the mood: "Computer Love" by Krafterwerk
Leading Off
Early renderings for the lion habitat (top) and event center (bottom).
Living Desert granted one-year extension for expansion
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens expects to break ground within two weeks on a major campus expansion. The project is still targeting a fall 2028 opening.
Driving the news: The Palm Desert Planning Commission voted 4-0 Tuesday to grant the zoo a one-year extension on its Phase 3 expansion approvals, pushing the expiration date to Sept. 3, 2027.
The expansion includes a 37,650-square-foot event center, a two-story administrative office, three new lion habitats and a redesigned entrance and ticketing structure at the Portola Avenue campus.
Why it matters: The extension gives the zoo a buffer as it prepares for roughly two years of construction, but officials say they don't expect to need the extra time.
What they're saying: RoxAnna Breitigan, chief operating officer of The Living Desert, told commissioners the request was precautionary.
"We're just doing our due diligence since we're so close to the date," Breitigan said. "We don't think we'll need the whole year extension."
Looking back: The commission originally approved the Phase 3 expansion on Sept. 3, 2024.
The details: The zoo submitted its extension request Aug. 11. The extension does not alter the project scope or its existing conditions of approval.
A city staff report noted grading plans have already been reviewed and approved and are ready for permit issuance once outstanding mitigation requirements are completed.
Briefly
Shutterstock graphic
♻️ City to host free e-waste recycling event
Palm Desert will host a free Electronic Waste Collection Event from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Civic Center Park, allowing residents and businesses to drop off unwanted electronics, batteries and light bulbs.
The city is partnering with Desert Arc Recycling, which also creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Accepted items include televisions, computers, cell phones, small appliances and non-lithium batteries with taped terminals. Large appliances such as refrigerators and stoves will not be accepted.
But wait: Businesses bringing more than 20 items should schedule an appointment by calling Desert Arc Recycling at 760-404-1370.
📅 Featured Events
TODAY
Tortoise Chat at Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument at 8:30 a.m.
Beginner's Dungeons and Dragons Night at The Dragon Den at 5 p.m. ($10-$20)
Family Night Pickleball at 77400 Country Club Dr at 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
Pet Adoption Event at Petco Palm Desert at 10 a.m.
"Plant & Sip" By Heddy Salerno at The Classic Club at 11:30 a.m. ($66)
First Mini Card Show at Desert Beer Company at 12 p.m.
TUESDAY
Palm Desert Chamber Business Breakfast at Hotel Paseo at 8 a.m. ($35-$45)
Palm Desert Architectural Review Commission at City Hall at 12:30 p.m.
Cycle Gear Bike Night at Cycle Gear at 5 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Palm Desert Cultural Arts Committee at City Hall at 9 a.m.
Gatherings: I Am Collage with Judy Nemer Sklar at 72567 Hwy 111 at 10 a.m. ($26-$60)
THURSDAY
Coachella Valley Conservation Commission at Coachella Valley Water District at 10:30 a.m.
CVAG Energy & Sustainability Committee at Coachella Valley Water District at 12 p.m.
Palm Desert City Council at City Hall at 4 p.m.
Board Game Night at The Dragon Den at 5 p.m. ($10-$20)
Let's Interact Series: Roots and Reach at The Classic Club at 5:30 p.m.
3rd Annual Healthy Desert Healthy You Summit at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa
✨ And Finally …
Art lovers in Palm Desert have two new reasons to stop by the Artists Center this fall.
Driving the news: The Artists Council/Artists Center will open its new season Sept. 10 with "A Palette of Possibilities," an exhibition exploring the range of creative approaches artists use through color, technique, style and vision.
The show runs through Oct. 4 at the center, located at 72-567 Highway 111.
An opening reception is set for Sept. 10, from 5 to 7 p.m.
What's next: A second exhibition, "My Point of View," follows Oct. 7 through Nov. 8 at the same location. The juried show features artwork shaped by memory, emotion and place, with each artist offering a personal reinterpretation of familiar subjects. Top-scoring artists will receive recognition.
Its opening reception is planned for Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Why it matters: The two exhibitions launch a new season of programming at the Palm Desert arts hub, giving the community fresh reasons to see how local artists interpret the world around them.
In Case You Missed it
Recently published stories
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