CV Weekly: Spencer's Restaurant Changes Hands & XOXO Palm Springs Festival Launches
✨ Last Week Around the Valley
It was a busy and eventful week across the Coachella Valley! Here's a look at what happened in our communities from June 1–7, 2026.
🍽️ Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week Wraps Up
The popular Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week concluded on June 7, treating residents and visitors to prix-fixe menus at restaurants across nine Coachella Valley cities. A portion of proceeds benefited the FIND Food Bank, making every meal a way to give back. If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for next time!
🍴 Spencer's Restaurant Changes Hands
One of Palm Springs' most beloved dining institutions, Spencer's Restaurant, has a new owner. The iconic establishment — located at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains — was sold by the Harold Matzner Trust to local businessman Nachhattar Singh Chandi in early June. Chandi, who previously succeeded the late Harold Matzner as chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Society, has pledged to preserve the restaurant's staff, operations, and upscale dining experience. Sources: KESQ | NBC Palm Springs
🎓 Palm Valley School to Close After 74 Years
In a heartbreaking announcement for many Valley families, Palm Valley School in Rancho Mirage — the Coachella Valley's only non-religious, college-preparatory private school — announced it will close permanently on June 30, 2026. After 74 years of serving students, the school cited declining enrollment and the loss of an anticipated major donation as the primary causes. The school has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Our thoughts are with the students, families, and staff navigating this difficult transition. Sources: KESQ | NBC Palm Springs
🇵🇭 Fiesta Kalayaan 2026 Celebrates Philippine Independence
The Coachella Valley's vibrant Filipino community came together on June 7 at the Family YMCA of the Desert in Palm Desert to celebrate the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence. Hosted by the National Alliance of Filipino Americans (NAFA), Fiesta Kalayaan 2026 featured traditional dances, Filipino cuisine, and cultural presentations — a beautiful reminder of the rich cultural tapestry of our Valley. Source: NBC Palm Springs
🎨 XOXO Palm Springs Festival Launches
The inaugural XOXO Palm Springs festival kicked off this month — a 12-day citywide celebration of arts, culture, music, film, architecture, food, and immersive experiences across multiple Palm Springs venues. This exciting new event is putting the desert's creative spirit on full display. Source: Kimberly Oleson
🦟 Mosquito Control Operations Underway
The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District launched truck-mounted larvicide spraying operations beginning June 6 in response to West Nile Virus detections in the region. Treatments are scheduled throughout June in Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, and North Shore. The product used is organic and OMRI-rated. Source: KESQ
🍩 Community Connects at Swiss Donuts
Following National Donut Day on June 5, residents gathered at the beloved Swiss Donuts in Palm Springs — a sweet reminder of how local businesses serve as the heart of our community. Source: NBC Palm Springs
📅 Coming Up This Week
Here's what's happening across the Coachella Valley this week (June 8–14, 2026):
2026 NLGI Annual Meeting — Monday, June 8 | 9:00 AM
La Quinta Resort and Club, La Quinta, CA
The National Lubricating Grease Institute's annual gathering comes to the beautiful La Quinta Resort.
Gatherings: Healing Heart — Wednesday, June 10 | 10:00 AM
Artists Center at the Galen, 72567 Hwy 111, Palm Desert, CA
A community gathering focused on healing and connection at the Artists Center at the Galen.
Edith Márquez Live in Concert — Friday, June 12 | 8:00 PM
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy, Indio, CA
The beloved Mexican pop star performs live at Fantasy Springs. Get tickets →
Gene Simmons Band — Saturday, June 13 | 8:00 PM
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy, Indio, CA
Rock legend Gene Simmons brings his band to Fantasy Springs for a night of classic rock. Get tickets →
🔁 Recurring Weekly Events
- Palm Springs VillageFest — Every Thursday, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM | Palm Canyon Drive, Downtown Palm Springs. villagefest.org
- Free Thursday Nights at Palm Springs Art Museum — Every Thursday, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM | 101 Museum Dr, Palm Springs. psmuseum.org
- Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers Market — Every Friday, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM | Rancho Mirage Community Park. certifiedfarmersmarkets.org
- Palm Springs Certified Farmers Market — Every Saturday, 8:00 AM–12:30 PM | Palm Springs Pavilion, 401 S Pavilion Way. certifiedfarmersmarkets.org
📆 See the full events calendar at desertbiz.net/events
🏪 Newly Added to Our Directory
These local businesses recently added their listings to Desert Biz Connect. Whether you're looking for a contractor, a dentist, or a tax professional, our directory is growing! Support your local Valley businesses.
Tax Fluential Solutions — Indio | Accounting & Tax Services
Looking for tax and accounting help? Tax Fluential Solutions recently added their listing to our directory. Visit their website →
Hammer 'N Nails — Palm Springs | Home Services
Need home services in the Palm Springs area? Hammer 'N Nails recently added their listing to Desert Biz Connect.
Millers Glass Tinting Solutions, Inc — Palm Springs | Construction & Contractors
Millers Glass Tinting Solutions, Inc recently added their listing to our directory. Looking for glass tinting or construction services? They're now listed on Desert Biz Connect.
Desert Elite Implant Institute — Palm Desert | Dental Services
Looking for dental implant services in Palm Desert? Desert Elite Implant Institute recently added their listing to Desert Biz Connect. Visit their website →
Diamond Demolition — Palm Springs | Construction & Contractors
Diamond Demolition recently added their listing to our directory. Looking for demolition and construction services in the Palm Springs area? They're now on Desert Biz Connect.
🔍 Explore all local businesses at desertbiz.net/directory
🆕 New to the Valley
Here's a look at businesses making news with new openings and milestones in the Coachella Valley:
Emerge Home Services — Palm Springs
According to the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, Emerge Home Services held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 17, 2026. Source: Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce
The Grind Coffee Shop at Augustine Casino — Coachella Valley
The Augustine Casino welcomed a new coffee shop, "The Grind," in partnership with Saguaro Coffee, with a grand opening on June 1, 2026. Source: Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce
Know of a new business opening or milestone in the Valley? Let us know at desertbiz.net/submit!
🤝 Ways to Serve the Community
Looking to give back to the Coachella Valley? Here are some organizations where you may be able to make a difference:
Martha's Village & Kitchen — Indio
According to their website, Martha's Village & Kitchen is currently welcoming volunteers for roles including Thrift Store assistance, Emergency Food Pantry support, Administrative help, and Food Services (meal prep and serving). Register through their Volunteerhub Portal. Learn more →
FIND Food Bank — Coachella Valley
According to their website, FIND Food Bank is currently welcoming volunteers for Warehouse Sorting, Community Food Distribution, and Homebound Delivery Driver roles. Check their online calendar for open shifts or contact Juan Perez at 760-542-2176 (ext. 132). View open shifts →
Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM)
According to their website, CVRM is currently welcoming volunteers for roles in the Kitchen, Maintenance, New Life Resale Boutique, Mentoring, and Street Outreach. New volunteers complete an application, background check, and mandatory in-person orientation. Get started →
Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC)
According to their website, CVHC welcomes volunteers to assist with youth tutoring, computer skills instruction, musical instrument teaching, and housing construction projects — no prior experience necessary. Apply to volunteer →
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert
Check with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert to see if they're currently accepting mentors — they may be looking for volunteers to spend time with local youth. Reach out to learn more about current opportunities.
Animal Samaritans
If you love animals, Animal Samaritans may be looking for volunteers for animal socialization, dog walking, and event support — reach out to explore current opportunities.
📬 Stay Connected with CV Weekly
CV Weekly is your community newsletter for the Coachella Valley — delivered every Monday to keep you informed, connected, and inspired. Here's how to stay in the loop:
- 📧 Subscribe to CV Weekly and never miss an issue: desertbiz.net/newsletter
- 📅 Browse upcoming events across the Valley: desertbiz.net/events
- 🏪 Discover local businesses in our growing directory: desertbiz.net/directory
- 📝 Submit your event or business listing to be featured: desertbiz.net/submit
Thank you for being part of the Desert Biz Connect community. Together, we keep the Coachella Valley connected, informed, and thriving. 🌵☀️
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