Oct. 25 Daily Briefing: Modernism Week 2024 plans, possible Measure J moves, a new sea sensor, and more

Happy Wednesday, where we’ve got another traffic heads up:The road closure that was supposed to happen on Monday night is actually happening tonight. Indian Canyon Drive will be closed through the Whitewater Wash between Sunrise Parkway and Garnet Avenue from 9 p.m. tonight to 5 a.m. tomorrow. Is it inconvenient? Yes. But it’s all in service of the Indian Canyon Widening Project, which includes the construction of a wider bridge over the railroad tracks.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Eat Your Young” by Hozier

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IN THE NEWS

🚌 New tours, talks, more at Modernism Week 2024 

Hot off the heels of another successful “mini” Modernism Week, we’re learning more about what’s to come during the upcoming signature event from Feb. 15 to 25, 2024. With more than 350 events, it can be hard to narrow down your favorites.

• Among the new events next year will be a restoration tour highlighting homes like the Sutter House that have been preserved and carefully restored. You can also step inside that famous pink door in another new house tour.
  
  
• One of the new talks will cover New York Cityland and the 1964 World’s Fair, by Charles Phoenix.
  
  
• Details: Tickets go on sale next week, Wednesday, Nov. 1, so be sure to snag those sought-after tickets before they sell out!

💰Process for public Measure J projects could be reviewed

The Measure J Commission is considering the possibility of reopening submissions to allow for the funding of projects suggested by the public.

• Measure J, a one-cent tax approved by voters more than a decade ago, which some officials hope to make permanent, is responsible for projects large and small, including the new Downtown Park and repairs on more than 100 miles of city streets.
  
  
• Some of the projects are put forth by members of the public and recommended by the commission to the City Council for final approval.
  
  
• After a hiatus of sorts, as previously approved public projects were started, commissioners said last week they are considering forming an ad hoc subcommittee to reevaluate their project-scoring system and decide whether to reopen submissions.
  
  
• Bottom line: Depending on subcommittee discussions, the commission could also take another look at previous applications that weren’t approved for funding. 

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🌬️ New Salton Sea sensor to aid in analysis of air quality

A new air quality sensor has been installed above the Salton Sea to study its impact on the air quality in the Coachella Valley.

• For this project, the non-profit organization Alianza Coachella Valley partnered with the East Valley community and academic institutions, including UCLA.
  
  
• The sensor will measure and monitor pollutants produced by the Salton Sea, including hydrogen sulfide (that’s the gas that causes the air to smell like rotten eggs).
  
  
• Bottom line: The lack of monitors in the past made it challenging to understand the sea’s contribution to contamination, and this sensor will provide valuable data for further analysis.

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TODAY’S EVENTS

Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
All levels of players are welcome to practice their skills and play with others. One game set will be provided, players are welcome to bring their own.

Wine & Design Benefiting Alzheimer’s Association
5:30 p.m. | Cambria Gallery, Palm Desert
Interior and exterior designers unite with contractors, solar providers, and other for this fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association of the Coachella Valley. Enjoy complimentary wine and appetizers. ($15)

Planning Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
According to tonight’s agenda, commissioners will consider the application of a landowner hoping to put a new Starbucks on a parcel of land at the corner of North Palm Canyon Drive and Racquet Club Road.

British Film Invasion: “Lawrence of Arabia”
7 p.m. | Cultural Center
Now’s your chance to see one of cinema’s greatest epics on the big screen as it was meant to be seen. The 1962 film needs no introduction and is considered one of the best films every made. Check out other films that will be on offer during this series. ($12)

SAVE THE DATE

• DAP Health Equity Walk on Oct. 28 at Ruth Hardy Park, starting at 9 a.m.
  
  
• Halloween Palm Springson Oct. 29 in the Arenas District.
  
  
• Halloween Carnival Haunted Houseon Oct. 31 at James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center.
  
  
• Dia de los Muertoson 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 …

🐾 Each week, The Post partners with a local animal shelter to feature one or more of the many animal companions ready for a new home in our community. 

Today, we invite you to meet Channing, a male tabby available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers said Channing is an “enchanting sea-blue-eyes love bug” who loves cuddles!

If you’re interested: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (also where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here.

• All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat. 

But wait: Don’t want to adopt but still enjoy cats? You can book a time to hang out in the cat lounge by clicking here.