April 18 Daily Briefing: Airport noise of a different sort addressed, young playwrights honored, and more

Welcome to Thursday! We get a lot of press releases sent to us, but many are irrelevant to Palm Springs or simply not newsworthy. Then there is a third category — just kind of bizarre. One of those somewhat odd submissions from Carl’s Junior caught our eye this week, promoting a unique “Avocado Shake” available exclusively in Palm Springs this weekend, in a peculiar nod to Earth Day and 4/20 celebrations. Although we declined the invitation for an exclusive taste test (likely offered to all media within a 100-mile radius), it might pique your interest, so we’re passing along the information. If you decide to give it a try, we’d love to hear about your experience! 🥑

🎶 Setting the mood: “Never Let Me Down Again” by Depeche Mode

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LEADING OFF

More than six months later, residents near airport get reprieve from ‘loud, annoying, high-pitched’ noise

Residents near Palm Springs International Airport have been dealing with unbearable noise for more than six months. However, the problem is not with the planes taking off and landing; instead, it’s the airport’s rental car facility.

Driving the news: Residents of the Sunmor neighborhood said it all started in September last year when the Enterprise Rent-A-Car facility along North Civic Drive spent thousands of dollars to install new high-powered blowers for their car wash to improve efficiency. 

At issue: Right away, residents noticed a “high-pitched whistling” noise every time the blower turned on. They say it would turn on and off hundreds of times daily from around 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, weekends, and even holidays. 

What they’re saying: Residents have attended nearly every Airport Commission meeting since September to voice their displeasure. One said last month, “It’s so annoying. Day after day, we can’t have the doors open. We can’t have the windows open.”

Zoom in: Over the past few months, airport staff have met with Enterprise and city code compliance officers to figure out a solution to the noise. They erected a sound barrier wall, but that didn’t deafen the noise much, and residents still voiced concerns.

The solution: Eventually, airport staff reached an agreement with Enterprise that they laid out for commissioners during Wednesday evening’s board meeting. Enterprise will now keep the blower on all day rather than have it constantly turning on and off. That way, the noise turns into a background noise that blends in with the sounds of the airport and the road. 

The reaction: Residents said they’re happy with the solution. One said during Wednesday evening’s meeting that he could finally open up his windows and even host a backyard gathering for the first time in months.

Meanwhile: At the same meeting, commissioners heard more about the updated plans for the future of the car rental facility. Consultants who studied the issue recommend that the facility should remain on airport property immediately to the north of the building.

On the other hand: They studied what it would look like if the facility was at an off-site location but determined the cost to acquire that extra land and run the shuttles would be out of the airport’s budget.

• Plus, they estimated that the shuttles would take 19 to 21 minutes round trip to and from the off-site location to the airport.

Zoom in: Though the zoning code is updated periodically, it has not been comprehensively updated in many years. The updated zoning code will reflect the city’s development standards, including building height, density, and parking requirements.

IN OTHER NEWS

🏄‍♀️ Price hikes at the on-again, off-again Palm Springs Surf Club are frustrating some potential users of the facility. [The Inertia]

🌴 Is Palm Springs the last outpost of a California that once was? One publication weighs in on “the modernist city that refused to modernize.” [Spectator]

🚨 Investigators from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office are asking for the public’s help locating relatives of a man killed in the county 35 years ago. [KESQ]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Nonesuch Nonfiction Book Club
2 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
This month, the nonfiction book club will discuss “Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem and Other Things That Happened” by Allie Brosh. This collection of hilarious and poignant essays is illustrated in the author’s signature goofy style. (Kendall loves this book of essays and has followed the author’s blog forever!) Learn more about the book club and sign up to learn about future meetings here.

Measure J Oversight Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
According to the agenda, commissioners will discuss an update to the budget and discuss updating the application for community-initiated projects. 

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The weekly street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. The Palm Springs Art Museum also has free admission tonight starting at 5 p.m.

“Nice Work if You Can Get It”
7 p.m. | Coachella Valley Repertory
CVRep says this will be the biggest production ever mounted on their stage. A classic Broadway blockbuster filled with actors, singers, dancers, and beloved Gershwin tunes. ($50)

SAVE THE DATE

• Drive the Plaza Theatre into the Future on Friday at the Prescott Collection Hangar.
  
• Free Shredding Event at Palm Springs City Hall on Saturday.
  
• Coachella Acappella performs at Palm Desert High School on Saturday.
  
• Dine out For Life at multiple restaurants and other eateries on April 25.
  
• Palm Springs Entertainment Convention on May 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
  
• Desert Winds Freedom Band Concert on May 4 at Temple Isaiah.
  
• PSUSD Multicultural Festival on May 4 at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
  
• Palm Springs International ShortFest from June 18 -24.

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AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival (PSYPF) announced its three winning submissions from Riverside County students, setting the stage for professional readings of their plays. 

Driving the news: Three young playwrights — Erik Evans, 14, from Palm Middle School; Abigail Alldredge, 16, from Ramona High School; and Anthony Banuelos, 17, from Valley View High School — have outshone in a competition with a record 42 submissions.

What happens next: Their winning plays will now benefit from mentorship under Broadway actor Jack Kenny and culminate in a staged reading.

• These awards include a $500 scholarship and extensive support to refine their writing, presenting a significant opportunity for the students.

Why it matters: The PSYPF serves as a crucial platform for young writers in Riverside County, encouraging a new generation to engage with the arts. By offering mentorship, performance, and scholarships, the festival sets a precedent for community support in nurturing young talent.

Looking ahead:  The three staged readings will be performed by professional actors at the Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival. The festival will take place at The Palm Springs Cultural Center on June 9.

• The event will be free to the public, although reservations are required.