Oct. 23 Daily Briefing: Deadline for storm financial assistance, sculpture issues addressed, job fair coming, and more

Happy Monday, where we have a bit of a traffic report. The city sent word over the weekend that Indian Canyon Drive, which is currently closed between Sunrise Parkway and the train station due to high winds, will have a planned closure between Sunrise Parkway and Garnet Avenue from 9 p.m. tonight to 5 a.m. Tuesday morning. The closure will allow for construction striping and realignment of the roadway as part of a larger project to widen the bridge over the Union Pacific railroad. Need additional details about the project? Those are available here. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Scary Monsters” by David Bowie

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LEADING OFF

Sculpture issues addressed at meeting

Community members called for more transparency, and the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission had an opportunity to respond, during the first public meeting since a social media firestorm erupted over the proposed designs for the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Sculpture.

Looking back: The Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Task Force, a local nonprofit, has been raising funds for the memorial and plans to donate the finished piece to the city.

• Controversy over the design of the sculpture had been bubbling on social media, but came to light after a local television news report in September highlighted the design concerns.
  
  
• That report led to nationwide attention and criticism, including homophobic comments from far-right organizations.

At issue: During an Arts Commission meeting last week, community members, including those directly impacted by AIDS, voiced their concerns about the design and called for more involvement in the decision-making process.

• They emphasized the need for the memorial to represent their memories, strength, and courage.

Yes, but: Commissioner Gary Armstrong clarified that the project was not commissioned by the city and the funds could not be redirected to another artist or task force.

• Armstrong also confirmed that the current design will not be constructed and that the task force and artist are working on new iterations of the memorial.

Looking ahead: Armstrong assured attendees that the updated designs will be reviewed by the commission at an upcoming meeting.

• He also addressed concerns about the lack of public awareness of the project, saying that the proposed design had been publicly available and reported on since summer 2021.

Dive deeper with our complete story.

BRIEFLY

⛈️ Deadline approaching for storm-affected residents

Area residents impacted by Tropical Storm Hilary could receive up to $2,500 in financial aid, but they need to act now.

• The money is coming from the Greater Palm Springs Association of Realtors via the Realtors Relief Foundation. It’s available to those displaced or whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the storm.
  
  
• Funds can be used for monthly mortgage expenses, rental costs due to displacement, or hotel reimbursement.
  
  
• Details: The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Nov. 7. To apply, go to this website.

🛬 Airport job fair is this week

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is set to host its annual job fair on Tuesday, aiming to fill approximately 100 positions across various sectors in preparation for the upcoming tourist season.

• The job fair, now in its third year, will feature 10 companies from diverse industries including airlines, restaurants, and rental cars. The companies are seeking to fill both full- and part-time roles in areas including airport operations passenger service, food and beverage, and more.
  
  
• The event will take place at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of printed resumes. Online applicants are also encouraged to attend in person.
  
  
• Details: More information can be found at this website. 

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TODAY’S EVENTS

Parks and Recreation Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall and virtual
The Commission typically meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Find the meeting agenda here.

Monday Men’s Coffee
Gre Coffeehouse | 6 p.m.
Join for coffee, chat and chew by just dropping in at this event sponsored by CalComMen to see old friends and make new ones.

Bingo with Bella Da Ball
Kings Highway | 7 p.m.
Join Bella at the restaurant at the Ace Hotel for bingo. Afterward, stay for trivia night. ($30 minimum purchase)

SAVE THE DATE

• Halloween Palm Springs on Oct. 29 in the Arenas District.
  
  
• Halloween Carnival Haunted House on Oct. 31 at James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center.
  
  
• Dia de los Muertos on Nov. 1 at Demuth Community Center.
  
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K run and walk on Nov. 4.
  
  
• Native American Learning Day & Market on Nov. 4 at PSHS.
  
  
• Love, Loss and What I Weighed on Nov. 4 at The Neurovitality Center.

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AND FINALLY …

If you didn’t catch our latest Palm Springs Profiles in your inbox yesterday morning, make sure to head to our website for the story now.

Driving the news: We were pleased to feature Lily Rodriguez, one of the driving forces behind the Palm Springs International Film Festival who is also setting the stage for future leaders.

• Lily was was recently honored with the Emerging Leader Award  from the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce during the annual State of the City event.

Details: Learn all about Lily by going here.