CV Weekly: Tropical Storm Rachel, Tramway Reopens & Modernism Week Ahead

✨ Last Week Around the Valley

October is living up to its reputation as one of the Valley's most exciting months — and this past week delivered drama, celebration, and community spirit in equal measure.

🌧️ Tropical Storm Rachel Rolls Through

The Coachella Valley braced for Tropical Storm Rachel over the weekend of October 10–11, with a Flood Watch in effect and heavy rain causing localized flooding. Indian Canyon Avenue in Palm Springs was temporarily closed due to standing water. By Monday, October 12, the storm had moved on, leaving behind cooler temperatures in the 70s — a welcome change as fall settles in. NBC Palm Springs

🎵 Head Trip Festival Weathers the Storm

The Head Trip EDM festival at Empire Polo Club in Indio hit a snag Saturday night when a lightning alert from Tropical Storm Rachel forced organizers to suspend the show — headliner Calvin Harris was unable to take the stage. Organizers rallied and the festival resumed Sunday, October 11, giving fans their desert music fix. KESQ

🍜 Yum Food Fest & Night Market

Despite the stormy weather, the Yum Food Fest & Night Market brought the flavors of the world to The Shops at Palm Desert on October 10–11. Billed as the desert's largest food festival and night market, the event featured international cuisine, handcrafted goods, and live entertainment. Visit Greater Palm Springs

🎀 Paint El Paseo Pink — 20th Anniversary

Rain didn't stop the community from showing up for the 20th annual Paint El Paseo Pink walk on October 10 at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert. Organized by the Desert Cancer Foundation, the event has now supported over 8,900 local cancer patients with nearly $115 million in care assistance since its founding. A true testament to the Valley's generous spirit. NBC Palm Springs

🚡 Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Is Back!

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway reopened on October 5 after its annual maintenance closure. This year's work included rebuilding the carriage on cabin two, painting tramcar interiors, and comprehensive control system service by technicians from Switzerland. The tram is now running its standard schedule with the first car departing at 10:00 a.m. — perfect timing for fall hiking season. NBC Palm Springs

🏒 Firebirds Open Their Fifth Season

The Coachella Valley Firebirds kicked off their fifth American Hockey League season on October 2 at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, falling to the Ontario Reign 6–5 in overtime in a thrilling opener. J.R. Avon scored two goals for the home team. The Firebirds are back — and the season is just getting started! KESQ

🎓 CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Turns 40

The California State University San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus — the Coachella Valley's only four-year public university — celebrated its 40th anniversary this month. From its humble beginnings in a construction trailer in 1986 to a thriving campus serving thousands of students, PDC continues to grow: a new 23,700-sq-ft Student Success Center is under construction and expected to open in 2027. CSUSB

🛍️ The Street Fair at College of the Desert Is Back

Fall is officially here, and that means the beloved Street Fair at College of the Desert has returned for its fall/winter season! Running weekends (Saturday and Sunday) through May, this community staple features local vendors, artisans, and food at the College of the Desert campus in Palm Desert.

📅 Coming Up This Week

There's plenty happening across the Valley this week — from architecture tours to live music and gaming fun. Here are some highlights:

• Modernism Week Fall Preview (Oct 15–18) — Palm Springs celebrates midcentury modern architecture with home tours, parties, and cultural events at various venues. Details


• Still Waters Hospice Ribbon Cutting (Thu, Oct 15, 4:30–5:30 p.m.) — 78150 Calle Tampico, Suite 205B, La Quinta. Hosted by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. GCVCC


• La Quinta Fall Festival (Fri, Oct 16) — The second annual La Quinta Fall Festival at La Quinta Park. Family-friendly fun for all ages.


• Staples/Party City Grand Opening (Fri, Oct 16, 3:00 p.m.) — 78680 Highway 111, La Quinta. Ribbon cutting for the new Party City location inside Staples. GCVCC


• Chris Isaak – US 2026 Live on Tour (Fri, Oct 16) — The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, Rancho Mirage. Details


• Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys: The Brotherhood Tour (Fri, Oct 16) — Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio. Details


• Palm Springs Tram Road Challenge (Sat, Oct 17) — A 3.7-mile run/walk with a 2,000-foot climb. Registration open through day-of.


• GameACon Coachella Valley (Sat–Sun, Oct 17–18) — The Shops at Palm Desert, 72-840 CA-111. Gaming, cosplay, and community fun. Details


• Loverboy (Sat, Oct 17, 8:00 p.m.) — The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, Rancho Mirage. Details


• 3rd Annual Bosoms & Brews Fest (Thu, Oct 15, 5:00 p.m.) — La Quinta Brewing Co. taproom, Palm Desert. Breast cancer awareness fundraiser. Details


• Halloween Spooktacular & Fun Safety Fair (Sun, Oct 18) — Riverside County Fairgrounds, Indio. Family-friendly Halloween fun. Details


• Wellness Weekend on Miracle Hill (Oct 16–18) — Desert Hot Springs. Three days of yoga, sound healing, and wellness workshops.

📆 View the full events calendar at Desert Biz Connect →

🏪 Newly Added to Our Directory

These local businesses recently added their listings to Desert Biz Connect. Whether you've known them for years or are discovering them for the first time, we're glad to have them in our community directory!

• Tax Fluential Solutions (Indio) — Looking for accounting and tax services in the East Valley? Tax Fluential Solutions recently added their listing to our directory. Find them on Desert Biz Connect


• Hammer 'N Nails (Palm Springs) — Need home services in Palm Springs? Hammer 'N Nails recently added their listing to Desert Biz Connect. Explore our directory


• Millers Glass Tinting Solutions, Inc. (Palm Springs) — A construction and contractors business serving Palm Springs, Millers Glass Tinting Solutions recently added their listing to our directory. Find them on Desert Biz Connect


• Desert Elite Implant (Palm Desert) — Dental services in Palm Desert — Desert Elite Implant recently added their listing to Desert Biz Connect. Explore our directory


• Diamond Demolition (Palm Springs) — Construction and demolition services in Palm Springs — Diamond Demolition recently added their listing to our directory. Find them on Desert Biz Connect

🔍 Browse all local businesses in the Desert Biz Connect directory →

🆕 New to the Valley

These businesses are genuinely new arrivals or have exciting news confirmed through local chambers of commerce and news sources:

• Luke Bennett Home — Palm Springs welcomed this new home goods and design boutique with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 9 at 333 N. Palm Canyon Drive. Hosted by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. Palm Springs Chamber


• Still Waters Hospice — A new hospice care provider is opening in La Quinta at 78150 Calle Tampico, Suite 205B, with a GCVCC ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 15. GCVCC


• Party City at Staples — A new Party City location is opening inside the Staples store in La Quinta (78680 Highway 111), with a grand opening ribbon cutting on October 16. GCVCC


• FP Movement — The popular activewear brand opened its Palm Desert boutique at The Gardens on El Paseo on October 1, 2026. Desert Oasis Insider


• Nothing Bundt Cakes (Coming Soon) — The beloved bakery chain is celebrating its official Palm Springs grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 19 at 5200 E. Ramon Road, Suite G6. Palm Springs Chamber

Know of a new business opening in the Valley? Let us know at Desert Biz Connect!

🤝 Ways to Serve the Community

Looking to give back? Here are some Coachella Valley organizations where your time and talents can make a real difference:

• Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) — According to their website, CVHC is currently welcoming volunteers for programs including youth tutoring, office support, and housing construction assistance. Apply on their website


• Animal Samaritans — According to their website, Animal Samaritans is currently accepting volunteer applications (ages 18+) for roles including cat cuddlers, dog socializers, dog walkers, animal clinic greeters, fostering, humane education, special events, and more. Apply on their website


• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert — According to their website, BBBS of the Desert is actively recruiting "Big" mentors to be matched with local youth. The process includes an online orientation, training, and a background check. Learn more on their website


• Desert Cancer Foundation — The organization behind Paint El Paseo Pink and other community health initiatives. Check with the Desert Cancer Foundation to see if they're currently accepting volunteers for upcoming events and programs. Visit their website

📬 Stay Connected with CV Weekly

CV Weekly is your community roundup for the Coachella Valley — delivered every Monday to keep you in the loop on what's happening across Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, and beyond.

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Have a story tip, community announcement, or business news to share? Reach out to us at desertbiz.net/submit — we'd love to feature it in next week's edition.