FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  

Monday, July 31, 2023  

Contact: Mayor’s Office of Communications, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org 
  

*** PRESS RELEASE ***  

SAN FRANCISCO ANNOUNCES FOUR DAY CARNIVAL TO OPEN IN CIVIC CENTER   

The multi-day carnival will enliven San Francisco’s Civic Center Area starting August 24  

San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed announced today the upcoming arrival of Civic Center Carnival, a vibrant four-day carnival that promises to infuse the heart of the Civic Center with summer delights and thrilling family entertainment.   

Civic Center Carnival will kick off Thursday, Aug. 24 and run through Sunday, Aug. 27, on Fulton Street between Main Library and the Asian Art Museum. It will be open from 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.   

The lively event is expected to draw between 500-1,000 people each day and will feature carnival games and rides, including a Ferris wheel,100-foot super slide, fun house, spinning teacups and more. Guests can indulge in classic fair treats including hand-dipped corn dogs, Hawaiian shave ice, funnel cakes, popcorn, cotton candy, caramel apples and French fries.   

“Bringing a carnival to Civic Center is one of many ways we are creating joy and celebrating in the heart of our City,” said Mayor Breed. “Creating vibrant, lively public spaces with activities people of all ages can enjoy is how we create stronger, safer communities. There is much more to come, and I’m excited see this area continue to blossom.”    

Admission to Civic Center Carnival requires a $10 minimum purchase toward games, rides or food for each person over 12. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department will distribute a limited number of complimentary passes to nonprofits serving youth in its Equity Zones, including the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods.  

“The Civic Center area isn’t just a hub for cultural activities or city government, it is home to families who want to celebrate summer with healthy activities and fun right in their neighborhood,” said Supervisor Dean Preston. “I believe in activating our streets and plazas for activities that draw visitors and make life more enjoyable for residents, particularly kids, and I’m excited for this activation.”   

The event comes on the heels of Rec and Park’s announcement of a pilot program to transform neighboring UN Plaza. Drawing inspiration from activations in Paris, Madrid and Philadelphia, Rec and Park will install a street skating area, exercise equipment, and tables for chess, ping pong and teqball. The project is scheduled to break ground in September and open roughly six weeks later.   

“We are thrilled to roll Civic Center Carnival into the heart of the City,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “In our experience, the most effective way to make our public spaces healthier and more vibrant is to make them fun.”   

“A carnival next to a library is my idea of heaven,” said City Librarian Michael Lambert. “I can’t wait for the public to enjoy the rides and the reads. We are thrilled to have this type of novel activation on Fulton Street and for the community to have another great reason to enjoy our beautiful Civic Center. I encourage everyone to bring their library cards with them so that they can take home books along with their fun memories.”   

Adding to the excitement, the Carnival’s opening day coincides with the opening of the Asian Art Museum’s East West Terrace, a 7,500-square-foot outdoor venue that will be a destination for contemporary sculpture and events.  

“At the intersection of culture, politics, vibrant immigrant communities, and tech, our neighborhood is always transforming in new and exciting ways and it’s a thrill to see the City reimagine how Civic Center can play a role in making San Francisco residents’ lives not just better, but filled with fun,” said Jay Xu, the Barbara Bass Bakar Director and CEO of the Asian Art Museum. “With the opening of our new East West Bank Art Terrace on the evening of August 24—the same day that the carnival begins—the Asian Art Museum will be sharing great art from local artists both indoors and out, making this a festival for everyone, whatever they love. That’s something we can all celebrate.”  

To support these activations and make the area safe and welcoming for residents, workers, and visitors, San Francisco is continuing to coordinate law enforcement and cleaning resources around the Tenderloin, Mid-Market and South of Market Area, including dedicated Park Rangers who are focused on Civic Center and UN Plaza. The Mayor’s recently adopted budget also includes an additional eight new park rangers, to help build on this support for UN Plaza.   

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media contact: DP&A, Inc/ David Perry (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Palm Springs Reopens August 29
with Debby Boone in her Purple Room Debut September 1 & 2

Tickets Go On Sale Monday, July 31

2023 Marks 10^th Anniversary of “Rat Pack” Era Icon Reopening

29 July 2023 —  PALM SPRINGS, CA: Palm Springs’ iconic supper club, Michael Holmes’ Purple Room (www.purpleroompalmsprings.com), is thrilled to announce the opening of its tenth season since the grand reopening in 2013. This landmark year brings an extraordinary line-up of talent and an exhilarating blend of nostalgia, celebrating the rich history of this cherished venue. It all starts Labor Day Weekend Friday & Saturday, September 1 & 2 with the Purple Room debut of Debby Boone, and weekdays beginning August 29 with its regular lineup of local legendary talent: Jazz legend Rose Mallet every Tuesday, Darci Daniels, Charles Herrera and Michael Holmes ‘Swinging the Music of the Rat Pack Era’ every Wednesday and Sharon Sills, known as the Coachella Valley’s Ms VaVaVOOM, every Thursday.

“We are very excited to announce that kicking off the season Labor Day Weekend, Debby Boone will be performing with her band in her first performance at Purple Room! What makes this particularly exciting is Miss Boone primarily plays major concert venues. This is a wonderful opportunity to see this brilliant performer in our intimate club,” said owner and performer Michael Holmes known for his Sunday evening star turns in The Judy Show!  “September will also see the brilliant Verve recording artist, Brenna Whitaker, Debby Holiday and her tribute to Tina Turner, Jonathan Karrant with his new CD release, Tony Nominated Sharon McNight, and Meghan Murphy’s premier with The Big Red Show, a true must see.”

The club famously known as the birthplace of The Rat Pack, consisting of legendary entertainers Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., among others, continues to be a beacon for live entertainment in Palm Springs. The Purple Room, originally opened in 1960, has always stood as a testament to the heyday of classic Palm Springs style and swagger.

“October brings the ‘by popular demand’ return of the incomparable Lorna Luft with her retrospective show, 70, Girl, 70. Then imagine a glorious infusion of the Great American Songbook, Django Reinhart and witty banter and you have one of our all-time favorites, The Black Market Trust,” Holmes continued. “Lee Squared – the hysterical return of Peggy Lee and Lee Liberace performing together in their riotous world tour returns to Purple Room. Wrapping up October is the stunningly talented Liz Callaway bringing her first solo show to Palm Springs.”

Below is the full schedule of September shows.

September 1 & 2 – Debby Boone: This multiple cross-over artist has enjoyed Top 10 successes on the Pop, Country, Adult Contemporary and Contemporary Christian charts. She became a household name thanks to her record-breaking debut single You Light Up My Life in 1977, charting #1 on Billboard. Debby’s last album release was her thirteenth studio recording, Swing This, music that is evocative of the golden age of Las Vegas. 

September 3, 10, 17, & 24 – The Judy Show!: The longest-running show in Purple Room history, featuring Michael Holmes channeling Judy Garland in a spot-on tribute, filled with laughter (much of it inappropriate) and song. “Holmes’ spot-on embodiment of Garland is hilariously entertaining, yet there’s a depth of feeling there too… This is great cabaret.” – Palm Springs Life
“Michael Holmes channels Judy Garland with humor and haunting accuracy.” – LA Times

September 8 & October 1 – Elvis: The Early Years with Scot Bruce: Bruce, a preeminent Elvis performer, recreates the magic of the King’s early years in a high-energy musical experience that is “the closest you can get to Elvis in the flesh.” CNN. “Scot Bruce is not just an Elvis impersonator; he is a captivating performer who embodies the spirit and charisma of the King himself.” – The Sacramento Bee. “Bruce has the Elvis act down pat… his show is a rocking tribute that should not be missed.” – Las Vegas Review-Journal

September 9 – Brenna Whitaker: A Voice & A Piano: The extraordinary jazz vocalist, known for her unique interpretations and storytelling, promises an evening of intimate performance. “Whitaker’s voice is a revelation, her interpretations are a sensation.” – LA Weekly.  Brenna is “one of the most promising jazz vocalists of her generation.” – DownBeat Magazine

September 15 – Jonathan Karrant: Eclectic: Jonathan’s album, “On and On,” hit number 4 on the Billboard Jazz charts. Known for his soulful and engaging performances, Jonathan captivates audiences with his unique jazz interpretations. “Jonathan Karrant works straight out of the American songbook with a level of manly confidence and jazz suavity that can be devastating.” – The New York Times. “Karrant owns a world-class voice, robust, smooth, and precise.” – Jazz Corner

September 16 – Debby Holiday: A Tina Turner Tribute: With a voice that’s a force of nature, Holiday pays homage to the indomitable Tina Turner in an electrifying tribute. “Debby Holiday rocks the house… A tour-de-force tribute to the incomparable Tina Turner.” – Broadway World. “Holiday not only captures the power and energy of Tina Turner, she also brings a warmth and emotional depth that is riveting.” – San Francisco Chronicle

September 22 & 23 – Meghan Murphy: The Big Red Show: Murphy, a powerhouse vocalist with a heart as big as her hair, delivers an unforgettable, soul-stirring show. “Murphy is a vibrant explosion of cabaret brilliance. She balances the perfect mixture of humor, emotion, and powerful vocals in her performance.” – Chicago Tribune. “Meghan Murphy has a powerful voice and an infectious spirit that is impossible to resist.” – Time Out Chicago

September 29 – Palm Springs JUMP!: A raucous variety show that takes audiences on a wild ride through the glamour and excitement of Palm Springs’ most famous faces. “Palm Springs JUMP! is a zesty, high-energy performance that showcases the iconic glamour of Palm Springs.” – Desert Sun. “It’s a rollicking journey through the star-studded past of Palm Springs. An absolute must-see!” – Palm Springs Life

September 30 – Sharon McNight: Surviving Cabaret: Tony nominee McNight, known for her superb comedic timing and powerful voice, presents a night of cabaret like no other. “McNight delivers a masterclass in cabaret performance. Comedic, poignant, and utterly captivating.” – The New Yorker. “Sharon McNight is a powerhouse performer with a knack for comedy and heartbreaking honesty.” – San Francisco Examiner.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this historic season. For tickets, please visit www.purpleroompalmsprings.com.

About Michael Holmes’ Purple Room
The sophistication and glamour of the Rat Pack era comes alive at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, the desert’s premier supper club.  Tucked away in the Club Trinidad Hotel, The Purple Room is where Frank, Sammy, Dean, and their pals cavorted on and off the stage in the swinging 60s. Step in and you’ll be transported back to the elegance of the era:  an intimate and inviting room, classic cocktails with a modern twist, world-class cuisine, and the best in live entertainment – six nights a week!  Hobnob with celebrities, locals, and visitors alike at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room.

Contacto de prensa:
David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

La alcaldesa de Palm Springs, Garner, lidera la delegación de la ciudad hermana a San Miguel de Allende, México Del 3 al 6 de agosto de 2023

Acuerdo formal finalizado por ceremonia
de firma con el alcalde de San Miguel de Allende, Mauricio Trejo
y líderes culturales y empresariales de la ciudad el 4 de agosto www.sistercitiesps.org

28 de julio de 2023 – Palm Springs, CA: La alcaldesa de Palm Springs, Grace Garner, liderará una delegación de líderes locales culturales, empresariales y de hospitalidad bajo los auspicios de la Junta Directiva de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs (www.sistercitiesps.org) en un viaje de cuatro días a San Miguel de Allende, México, del 3 al 6 de agosto de 2023, para celebrar la segunda firma oficial del acuerdo de ciudad hermana entre las dos ciudades. El viaje también incluirá actividades culturales y educativas, así como oportunidades para fortalecer los lazos de amistad y cooperación entre los dos municipios. Una ceremonia de firma inicial tuvo lugar el pasado febrero en Palm Springs cuando el alcalde de San Miguel, Mauricio Trejo, lideró una delegación al norte. La ceremonia de firma recíproca tendrá lugar el viernes 4 de agosto en San Miguel. Ese mismo día, la delegación de Palm Springs hará una presentación a los funcionarios locales, líderes empresariales y miembros de la prensa sobre las oportunidades en Palm Springs. El 2 de agosto, Brenda Sexton, una residente local que divide su tiempo entre San Miguel y Palm Springs, recibirá a la delegación en su casa para una recepción especial de “inicio”.

“Este viaje representa un hito significativo en nuestra relación con San Miguel de Allende”, dijo la alcaldesa Garner, quien ha señalado la importancia personal de este viaje ya que su familia es mexicano-americana. “Al formalizar nuestra asociación de ciudad hermana, esperamos fomentar una comprensión más profunda de nuestros valores culturales compartidos y las aspiraciones mutuas para nuestras comunidades.”

El itinerario de la delegación incluye visitas a lugares de interés locales e instituciones culturales, entre ellas el Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano, la Viña San Lucas y el Santuario de Atotonilco. Los delegados también asistirán a la Gran Inauguración de FASMA (Festival de las Artes San Miguel) y a un concierto de Fernando de la Mora.

Las acomodaciones para la delegación están organizadas en el Hotel Real de Minas con comidas proporcionadas por los restaurantes Casa Hoyos, Mama Mia Campestre y Amatte.

“Esperamos con ansias esta visita y la oportunidad que presenta para profundizar los lazos entre nuestras dos ciudades”, dijo Al Jones, Presidente de la Junta Directiva de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs . “No se trata solo de formalizar nuestra relación de ciudad hermana; se trata de celebrar nuestras conexiones culturales y fomentar oportunidades para el intercambio y la cooperación en curso.”

La delegación de Palm Springs, en orden alfabético por apellido, incluye: 

• Gary Armstrong, Miembro de la Junta de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs 
• Jeffrey Bernstein, Alcalde Pro Tempore, Copropietario de Destination PSP, Delegado Honorario 
• Celeste Brackley, Gerente General de Saguaro Palm Springs y Soho Hotel Group 
• Lauren Bruggemans, Visita a Greater Palm Springs 
• Alfredo Casuso, DP&A, Inc PR/Design 
• Andrea Davis, Tesorera de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs
• Grace Garner,  Alcaldesa de Palm Springs
• Ellen Goodman, Secretaria de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs
• Christy Holstege, Concejal de la Ciudad de Palm Springs
• Al Jones, Presidente de la Junta de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs
• Kimber Foster Jones, Visita a Greater Palm Springs
• Adam Lerner, Director Ejecutivo del Museo de Arte de Palm Springs
• Scott Nevins, Miembro de la Junta de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs
• David Eugene Perry, Miembro de la Junta de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs
  
  Todos los fondos para el viaje de los delegados de Palm Springs han sido recaudados privadamente por el Comité de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs, sin gasto de fondos de la ciudad o de los contribuyentes públicos. El Comité de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs es una organización benéfica pública exenta de impuestos 501(c)(3) y no recibe fondos públicos. El trabajo del Comité se autofinancia completamente a través de donaciones de los miembros del Comité y miembros interesados del público. Las Ciudades Hermanas de Palm Springs se crearon con el propósito de mejorar la paz mundial al promover y mantener relaciones entre la Ciudad de Palm Springs y otras unidades de gobierno similares en países extranjeros con el objetivo de desarrollar una comprensión y cooperación más cercanas entre las personas de esas respectivas unidades de gobierno. El grupo espera asegurar un mundo de paz a través de la buena voluntad, la compasión y ayudar a otras culturas.
  
  En el corazón de todos los programas de Ciudad Hermana se encuentra un acuerdo, firmado por los alcaldes de cada Ciudad Hermana, que confirma el compromiso de cada comunidad con el programa de Ciudad Hermana. Las ciudades hermanas se comprometen a enviar y recibir delegaciones de diversos tipos, incluyendo líderes políticos y empresariales, representantes de las artes y la cultura, educadores y expertos técnicos porque estos intercambios promueven la comprensión intercultural, la cooperación municipal y técnica, y las oportunidades comerciales. Cada Ciudad Hermana está respaldada por un comité de voluntarios comprometidos con los objetivos y objetivos del programa.
  
  Palm Springs tenía una relación de ciudad hermana no solo con Victoria, B.C. Canadá a finales de la década de 1960 y principios de la de 1970, sino también con Puerto Vallarta, México y Nikki, Japón.

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com  

Palm Springs Mayor Garner Leads Sister City Delegation to
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
August 3 – 6, 2023

Formal Agreement Finalized by Signing Ceremony with
 San Miguel de Allende Mayor Mauricio Trejo
and City Cultural and Business Leaders August 4

www.sistercitiesps.org

28 July 2023 – Palm Springs, CA:  Palm Springs Mayor Grace Garner will lead a delegation of local cultural, business and hospitality leaders under the auspices of The Palm Springs Sister City Board of Directors (www.sistercitiesps.org) on a four-day trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, from August 3 to 6, 2023, to celebrate the second official signing of the sister city agreement between the two cities. The trip will also include cultural and educational activities, as well as opportunities to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two municipalities.  An initial signing ceremony was held this past February in Palm Springs when San Miguel Mayor Mauricio Trejo led a delegation north. The reciprocal signing ceremony will take place on Friday, August 4 in San Miguel.  Also that day, the Palm Springs delegation will be making a presentation to local officials, business leaders and members of the press about opportunities in Palm Springs.  On August 2, Brenda Sexton, a local resident who divides her time between San Miguel and Palm Springs, will host the delegation in her home for a special “kick-off” reception.

“This trip represents a significant milestone in our relationship with San Miguel de Allende,” said Mayor Garner who has noted the personal significance of this trip as her family is Mexican American. “As we formalize our sister city partnership, we look forward to fostering a deeper understanding of our shared cultural values and mutual aspirations for our communities.”

The delegation’s itinerary includes visits to local landmarks and cultural institutions, among them the Mexican Folk Toy Museum, the San Lucas Vineyard, and the Atotonilco Sanctuary. Delegates will also attend the Grand Opening of FASMA (Festival de las Artes San Miguel) and a concert by Fernando de la Mora.

Accommodations for the delegation are arranged at the Hotel Real de Minas with meals provided by restaurants Casa Hoyos, Mama Mia Campestre, and Amatte.

“We are eagerly anticipating this visit and the opportunity it presents to deepen the ties between our two cities,” said Al Jones, President  of the Palm Springs Sister City Board of Directors . “It’s not just about formalizing our sister city relationship; it’s about celebrating our cultural connections and fostering opportunities for ongoing exchange and cooperation.”

The Palm Springs delegation, in alphabetical order by last name, includes:

• Gary Armstrong, Palm Springs Sister City Board Member
• Jeffrey Bernstein, Mayor Pro Tem, Co-owner Destination PSP, Honorary Delegate
• Celeste Brackley, General Manager Saguaro Palm Springs and Soho Hotel Group
• Lauren Bruggemans, Visit Greater Palm Springs 
• Alfredo Casuso, DP&A, Inc PR/Design
• Andrea Davis, Palm Springs Sister City Treasurer
• Grace Garner, Mayor of Palm Springs
• Ellen Goodman, Palm Springs Sister City Secretary
• Christy Holstege, Councilmember City of Palm Springs
• Al Jones, Palm Springs Sister City Board of Directors President 
• Kimber Foster Jones, Visit Greater Palm Springs
• Adam Lerner, Executive Director Palm Springs Art Museum
• Scott Nevins, Palm Springs Sister City Board Member
• David Eugene Perry, Palm Springs Sister City Board Member

All funds for the travel of the Palm Springs delegates have been privately raised by the Palm Springs Sister City Committee, with no city or public taxpayer funds expended. The Palm Springs Sister City Committee is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity and receives no public funds. The work of the Committee is completely self-funded through donations from the Committee members and interested members of the public.  Palm Springs Sister Cities was created with the purpose of enhancing world peace by promoting and servicing relationships between the City of Palm Springs and other similar government units in foreign countries with the object of developing closer understanding and cooperation between people of those respective governmental units.  The group hopes to ensure a world of peace through goodwill, compassion, and helping other cultures.

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At the heart of all Sister City programs is an agreement, signed by the mayors of each Sister City, confirming the commitment of each community to the Sister City program. Sister Cities agree to send and receive delegations of various types, including political and business leaders, arts and cultural representatives, educators, and technical experts because these exchanges promote cross-cultural understanding, municipal and technical cooperation, and business opportunities. Each Sister City is supported by a committee of volunteers who are committed to the goals and objectives of the program.

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Palm Springs had a sister city relationship not only with Victoria, B.C. Canada in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but also with Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Nikki, Japan.