September 16 Daily Briefing: Bullying prevention, evidence demanded, crosswalk art, and more

Welcome to Monday, everyone. Last week we told you about a new design for the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial (read about that here), but used old information about the cost of the project. It was estimated to cost $500,000 when it was smaller. But the estimates for the new, larger sculpture are now at $1.2 million. Organizers are actively raising funds for the project and are not close to securing them, as we reported. We made a small donation to help make amends for the error. If you’d like to contribute, we encourage you to do that here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Corrido de la Independencia de Mexico” by Fernando Acosta (¡Viva Mexico!)

LEADING OFF

Local events spotlight bullying prevention

Two upcoming local events aim to address bullying as National Bullying Prevention Month approaches. 

Driving the news: Both a theater production and a wellness festival are being planned this month, seeking to raise awareness and promote prevention strategies.

Zoom in: Thirteen local high school students are rehearsing “Before The Bell,” a drama being staged at Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) that explores a bullying incident from multiple perspectives. Meanwhile, the Second Annual Kick Bullying to the Curb Wellness Festival, hosted by Boo2Bullying, is planned for Palm Springs Stadium.

• The public is invited to the play from Sept. 17-21 at 10 a.m. at CVRep, located at 28510 East Palm Canyon Dr. in Cathedral City. Public admission is $10.
  
  
• The wellness festival at Palm Springs Stadium will be held on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is free. The event features family-friendly activities and a celebrity kickball game. 

Why it matters: Bullying remains a significant issue in schools, affecting students’ mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. About 20% of U.S. students in grades 6-12 report being bullied at school. Both events coincide with October’s National Bullying Prevention Month.

• Bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, lower self-esteem, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. Schools have implemented anti-bullying programs, but effectiveness varies.

Details: Free performances and transportation tot he play are planned for area high school students, followed by Q&A sessions with the cast and mental health professionals.

Dive deeper with our complete story online

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IN OTHER NEWS

🏛️ Palm Springs officials are demanding evidence from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office regarding allegations that Councilmember Christy Holstege does not reside in her district. [Palm Springs Post]

🐱 More than 140 purebred and household cats competed across six judging rings at the Palm Springs Convention Center over the weekend. [NBC Palm Springs]

🏈 Palm Springs High School’s football team lost to Canyon High, 23-14, on Friday night, putting its record at 2-2. [Max Preps]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

CalComMen’s Monday Coffee
5 p.m. | Play Lounge and Cafe
See old friends and make some new ones at this friendly gathering over coffee. No RSVPs necessary.

PALS Circle
6 p.m. | Online
Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors holds an informal weekly Zoom drop-in for connection and support.

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Join in a night of fabulous bingo. (Must spend $30 at Kings Highway to participate).

SAVE THE DATE

• Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs at Indian Canyons Golf Resort on Wednesday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Police Department open house on Sept. 28.
  
  
• Boo2Bullying Wellness Festival at Palm Springs Stadium on Sept. 28. 
  
  
• City Council Candidate Forum on Oct. 5.
  
  
• One Night Out Rio benefiting The Foundation for PSUSD on Oct. 5.
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefit for AAP – Food Samaritans on Oct. 13.
  
  
• Center Stage benefiting LQBTQ+ Center of the Desert on Oct. 19.
  
  
• Pride on the Page Book Festival on Oct. 20.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks first speaker on Oct. 22.

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AND FINALLY …

Two vibrant crosswalk designs by local artist Marconi Calindas-Cafege will soon appear at West Tramview Road and North Granada Avenue as part of an asphalt art project approved by the City Council last week. 

Driving the news: The Public Arts Commission recommended the designs, which were selected by the Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Action Association in August.

• The designs, titled “People Crosswalk” and “Flower Crosswalk,” will be installed at the intersection south of Desert Highland Park.

Why it matters: Asphalt art projects have been shown to improve safety and community engagement. This project not only aims to do all that, but also celebrates community diversity and unity.

The designs: Calindas-Cafege said his artwork celebrates the legacy of James O. Jessie, former director of Parks and Recreation.

• One design portrays diverse community members living in harmony, while the other features flowers symbolizing community members and local beauty.

Details: The project will use UV-resistant paint and anti-graffiti coating, with an estimated cost of $16,652 and a five-day completion timeline. 

• Palm Springs Mayor Pro Tem Ron deHarte noted at the council’s Sept. 12 meeting that the artist will be providing upkeep services for two years, but that the artwork may eventually fade due to normal wear and tear.