Feb. 7 Daily Briefing: Commission plans to hand out awards, city has open roles, our pet of the week, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, where we’re almost done dealing with this storm system, and have some mixed related news to report. First off, the folks at the Tram said yesterday they will reopen today (a day earlier than anticipated) after making repairs to the roadway leading up to the entrance that had suffered weather-related damage. On Saturday, you’ll want to be extra aware of 5,000 bicyclists participating in the 26th annual Tour de Palm Springs. You’ll also want to note those cyclists will be both leaving (starting around 6:30 a.m.) and returning to downtown via Tahquitz Canyon Way. They traditionally exit via North Indian Canyon Drive, but cleanup after this week’s flooding may not be completed by Saturday morning.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Too Good” by Arlo Parks

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LEADING OFF

Commission to honor local champions of human rights

The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission will honor two organizations and seven individuals and contributions to human rights and social progress at the annual Community Service Awards on Feb. 12. 

Driving the news: The Community Service Awards are a part of the “Promoting Universal Human Rights Close to Home” initiative. 

Why it matters: The honorees’ work spans various social areas, including aid for the unhoused, senior citizens, LGBTQ+ individuals, military service members, and more.

The honorees — along with the reasoning behind their nomination — include:

• The Coachella Valley Filipino Festival Committee, lauded for its advocacy of cultural pride and cross-cultural appreciation. The organizers, including Michael Milan and Lauren Wolfer, brought together food, dance, live music, art, and dozens of vendors for a highly-attended regional event.
  
  
• LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert, cofounded by David Gray and Julie Warren, for playing an instrumental role in documenting and sharing the community’s history through collaborations and exhibits. 
  
  
• Brad Prescott for his landmark contribution of land, which turned a former golf course into a preserve in Palm Springs.
  
  
• Dee Dee Wilson Barton, who is recognized for her accounting firm’s emphasis on inclusivity and her philanthropic work in the LGBTQ+ community, women, children, and education.
  
  
• Rabbi Dr. Jules King for his faith-based outreach and commitment to fostering communal solidarity and inclusivity exemplify his dedication to human rights and religious freedom.
  
  
• Tom Oliver and Matthew Stocker, who have made significant volunteer contributions across various community organizations, improving lives through their philanthropic activities.
  
  
• Tommi Rose, for his ongoing activism, from early advocacy against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation to current support for LGBTQ+ youth through counseling and volunteering.
  
  
• Willie Rhine, owner of Eight4Nine and other area eateries, for his extensive community involvement, from HIV patient care to fundraising for numerous charities, embodying his motto of sorts — “Be Nice” — in his extensive philanthropy and community service.

Details: The ceremony will take place at City Hall on Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited.

BRIEFLY

🎤 Palm Springs Speaks taps experienced local moderators for talks

Palm Springs Speaks Season Five continues with famed authors Terry McMillan and Billy Dee Williams slated to speak on Feb. 27 and March 7, and the events will be moderated by local journalist Will Dean and Emmy-winning critic Manny “the Movie Guy” dela Rosa, respectively.

• Who’s who: Dean is a writer, editor, and journalist who launched a monthly LGBTQ+ magazine at The Desert Sun and dela Rosa is a desert icon known for his engaging film reviews and celebrity interviews on the red carpet. 
  
  
• What to watch for: Terry McMillan, an author who resonates with women through her chart-topping novels like “Waiting to Exhale,” will share her wisdom on reinventing oneself at any age. Billy Dee Williams, the celebrated actor known for his portrayal of Lando Calrissian in Star Wars, will discuss his career and new memoir, “What Have We Here?”
  
  
• Details: The separate events will be held at the Palm Springs Cultural Center and tickets available starting at $35. More information and ticket purchasing options are available on the official website.

👷 City hiring for numerous positions

Break out the resumé and cover letter, the city of Palm Springs is hiring for several positions in different departments.

• The job opportunities include Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, Deputy Director of Planning and Engineering, custodian, dispatcher, and several positions within the Palm Springs Police Department.
  
  
• Details: Read more about the qualifications and estimated salary for each position online here.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
7:50 a.m. | Elmer’s
Start the day with other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters with breakfast and conversation. For information on how to join the group, turn here.

The LGBTQ Struggle for Equality
3 p.m. | Welwood Murray Library
This presentation highlights queer history in the United States from the end of the late 1940s to the current time. Ticket sales help to support the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSUSB, Palm Desert Campus. ($10)

First Wednesday Art Walk
5 p.m. | Backstreet Art District
Tour galleries and meet artists at this monthly event that happens rain or shine. Check with galleries’ individual websites to find out about their hours of operation and special events. 

Night at the Museum: Intersect Launch Party
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum
Get ready to dive into Intersect Palm Springs, an art and design fair running through the weekend, with tonight’s welcome reception. Intersect is teaming up with the Palm Springs Art Museum to bring you an evening of great food, drinks, and music.

SAVE THE DATE

• Tour de Palm Springs on Feb. 10, starting and ending Downtown Palm Springs.
  
  
• Rock the Park: Cash, Killer, and The King Feb. 14 at Downtown Park.
  
  
• Palm Springs Modernism Week from Feb. 15 – Feb. 25.
  
  
• Palm Springs International Jazz Festival on Feb. 24 and 25.
  
  
• Mizell Center Third Wednesday Speaker Series on Feb. 28.
  
  
• An evening with PSIPC and Friends on Feb. 29.
  
  
• Palm Springs Woman’s Club Scholarship Luncheon at the Hilton on March 27.*

* Sponsored placement

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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 Casper, a gorgeous male available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

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. 

• 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.