Nov. 15 Daily Briefing: New superintendent, a chill place for students, film award announced, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, the day where we usually feature a pet of the week in this newsletter. It’s our small way of helping our furry friends find forever homes. You may not know you can help out even if you’re not in a place to adopt. Towels, blankets, and sheets are very much in demand at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. If you have any you’d like to donate, you can drop them off at the shelter, located at 4575 East Mesquite Ave. There are more than 300 dogs, cats — and even guinea pigs — that will appreciate it!

🎶 Setting the mood: “California Dreamin’” by Bobby Womack

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LEADING OFF

Reading, writing, relaxation: Wellness center opens at local elementary

City officials and representatives from the Palm Springs Unified School District — along with members of the foundation that supports the district — threw open the doors to a retrofitted room this week that will be a safe haven for students.

Driving the news: A wellness center at Cielo Vista Charter School, opened at the start of the school year but officially dedicated Monday, is equipped with youth-friendly furniture, artwork, music, games, art supplies, and healthy snacks.

• With mood lighting and aroma diffusers, the wellness center creates a calming atmosphere for anyone who needs a break and a place to rest. 

Why it matters: One of the most crucial resources offered at the wellness center is access to counselors, who are “more important than ever in assisting our students,” according to Interim PSUSD Superintendent Tony Signoret.

The goal: Cielo Vista Principal Juanita Perezchica called the wellness center “a safe space for kids to come and relax,” adding, “We all need that in life.” 

Looking back: The project was made possible thanks to $25,000 in Measure J funds from the city of Palm Springs. There’s an additional $75,000 in the funds available to the district for wellness centers in three other elementary schools in the city.

• Measure J is a one-cent sales tax that has funded numerous citywide services and capital improvement projects since first being approved in 2011.

What they’re saying: “Youth mental health needs have increased,” said Danielle McClain-Parks, the district’s mental health coordinator. “It’s important for students to identify their own mental health needs and for us to have facilities for them and resources to connect them with.”

What to watch for: District officials and the Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District want to build out a network of similar facilities at all 28 schools in the district.

Dive deeper with our complete story here. 

BRIEFLY

👨‍🏫 New school superintendent will make history

The Palm Springs Unified School District Board of Education on Tuesday named Dr. Tonatiuh ‘Tony’ Signoret as the district’s permanent superintendent, effective Jan. 1, 2024, marking him as the first Hispanic individual to hold the position. 

• Signoret’s tenure in the district includes roles as a bilingual teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director of certificated human resources. He most recently served as the interim superintendent.
  
  
• After a rigorous search and selection process, Signoret was chosen from 22 applicants. “We are extremely confident about the positive impact he will continue to have on the educational journey of all of our students,” said Board of Education President John Gerardi.
  
  
• Bottom line: Signoret, with over 33 years in education, will earn an annual salary of $290,000.

🏆 Scorsese film earns Vanguard Award at PSIFF

“Killers of the Flower Moon,” directed by Martin Scorsese, has been selected for the prestigious Vanguard Award by the Palm Springs International Film Awards, honoring the director and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone for their work.

• Festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi praised the film for its storytelling and portrayal of the historical injustices faced by the Osage Nation, deeming it a “must-see film of the year.” 
  
  
• Details: The award will be presented at a gala on Jan. 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

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FEATURED EVENTS

Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Practice your Mah Jong skills against others. There will be one game set provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own.

The Mod Squad Variety Show
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of live music at the valley’s “Happiest happy hour!” This week features hosts Jeff Stewart, Francesca Amari, and Wayne Abravanel. ($10)

AIDS Memorial Quilt: A Conversation & Exhibition
5:30 p.m. | Mizell Center
Join others at Mizell Center for a conversation that will reflect on the history of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the origins of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. ($10)

Public Arts Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
In this regular meeting of the Public Arts Commission. According to the agenda, the commission will discuss forming an ad hoc committee to address the Richard Wyatt mural and other items.

Jews do the Blues
7 p.m. | Agua Caliente Palm Springs
Tonight’s concert will benefit Or Hamidbar with Deanna Bogart, Rabbi David Lazar and Friends. ($25)

Different Drum: The Music of Linda Ronstadt
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
See the award-winning show by Francesca Amari who is the chef’s kiss of cabaret performers. ($45)

SAVE THE DATE

• Coffee with a Cop on Thursday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks with Temple Grandin on Friday.
  
  
• McCormick’s 75th Car Auction from Nov. 17 through 19.
  
  
• 2023 Props and Hops Craft Beer Festival on Nov. 18.
  
  
• Desert Winds Freedom Band Music in Motion Concert on Nov. 19.
  
  
• Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot on Nov. 23.

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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 Monty (aka Monterey), a two-year-old male cat available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe. Monty is intelligent and likes to be involved in everything. 

• Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers said Monty is one of the cafe’s longest residents. He’s been there since January. Rogers said Monty is in a bonded pair. 

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.