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📬 March 2026
March is when the desert shows its strength.
The tennis world turns its attention to Indian Wells. A legendary dining room starts a new chapter. A book festival grows. And every day, trusted voices frame the stories that shape this community.
This issue is about the people and moments defining Palm Springs right now.
This is power in the desert. Welcome to March.
📺 Voices in the Valley
Photos by Matthew Mitchell, Oasis Magazine
In the latest issue of Oasis magazine, we profiled a group of women shaping how the Coachella Valley sees itself.
From Karen Devine’s decades of steady presence at KESQ to Olivia Sandusky’s accountability-driven reporting at NBC Palm Springs, these journalists represent different generations but share the same foundation: preparation, restraint, and respect for the audience. Angela Chen brings quiet intentionality to morning news. Mary Strong approaches the anchor desk as an act of service. Thalia Hayden navigates the demands of digital-first reporting where trust can be built or lost in a single post. Meteorologist Katie Boer reminds us that in the desert, accuracy is essential.
Read the full feature, Voices in the Valley: Anchors of the Oasis
🗞️ Palm Springs Now: The Big Stories
🏗️ Development and Infrastructure
Changes in PSP flight path drive noise complaints. Details here.
New Palm Springs fire station expansion draws controversy. Read more.
New wind wall completed on North Gene Autry Trail. Find out how much it cost.
New plans for location destroyed in bombing attack. See renderings.
🚡 Tourism and Recreation
United offering daily flights between LAX and PSP. Find out why it’s good for international tourism.
Now is a great time to take a hike, Here’s why.
Palm Springs limits car-rental app Turo after complaints. Learn more.
🎭 Arts and Culture
Splash House to return in August. How to get tickets.
Stagecoach lineup expanded. See who’s on the list.
Remembering desert native who wrote hit songs including "Like a Virgin” and “True Colors.” Read Billy Steinberg’s legacy.
🎾 Tennis Paradise Is Back in the Desert
The BNP Paribas Open returns to Indian Wells March 1–15. For two weeks each spring, the Coachella Valley stops spinning and starts swinging.
🎭 March at the Plaza
March 6: Paula Poundstone
March 8: Vicki Lawrence
March 20-21: Kathy Griffin
March 22: Matthew Morrison
March 31: Palm Springs Symphony
🎟️ Get Tickets, here!
📚 Palm Springs Book Fest Lands in the Desert
The Palm Springs Book Fest arrives March 27–29 at Festival Theaters.
Created by Palm Springs resident Jason Blitman, theater producer turned literary force behind the Gays Reading podcast, the festival blends major national voices with grassroots community energy. Learn more about the festival and Jason’s Palm Springs. Watch our interview with Jason here.
🎟️ Tickets: PSBookFest.org
🍽️ A New Era at Melvyn’s
Photo credit: Janna Browne
At Melvyn’s, where Palm Springs glamour has lingered for half a century, a new chapter begins. Chef Salvador Roldan steps into the storied kitchen at the Ingleside Inn with a résumé shaped by Marine Corps service, global travel and deeply personal culinary influences. His approach is respectful but not reverential: local ingredients, seasonal shifts, subtle reinvention. The classics remain. The spirit evolves. Chef Sal in his own words.
Read the full story:
A New Era in the Oasis: Chef Salvador Roldan Takes the Helm at Melvyn’s
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🌴 Mrs. O’Donnell’s Corner
🥳 Oasis magazine hosted a banging launch party at SoCal Sunset. See what you missed!
💋 Marilyn Monroe’s alleged Palm Springs getaway is on the market and this doll house is all that.
🗞️ It was a star-studded luncheon to celebrate this year’s inductees into the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation’s Hall of Fame. The event raised nearly $100,000 to support local journalism in the valley. You can still donate through CV Giving Day.
💔 Rest in peace, philanthropist John McDonald who died earlier this week. You will be missed.
👀 Looking Ahead
🎸 April 10-12, 17-19: Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G headline Coachella
🤠 April 24-25: Post Malone, Lainey Wilson, and Cody Johnson headline Stagecoach
💃 May 14-17: The Joshua Tree Music Festival returns with three house dance therapy session.
👠 May 20-June 1: Marilyn at 100, Palm Springs celebrates Marylin Monroe’s 100th birthday
💻 Pro-Tip: Book Direct & Save
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📬 Thank you so much for reading the March issue of the Desert Dispatch!
We hope you enjoyed catching up on all the latest news from around the area this past month. We truly appreciate your readership and support!
— Jason and Troy
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