Oct. 10 Daily Briefing: Commission’s next steps, council preview, Health Equity Walk, and more

Welcome to Thursday, everyone. If you were around in 2022, you may remember when the much-loved Dead or Alive Bar closed in “The Curve” along East Palm Canyon Drive. Now, another massively popular business just a few doors down is shutting its doors, but hopefully only temporarily. The owners of Gabinos Creperie announced on social media this week that due to an adjacent ongoing/slow-moving construction project impacting their store, they’ll be temporarily closing “until things stabilize.” All is not lost, however, as fans of their food can still visit the Indio location. To help support the PS location during its hiatus, if you purchase an online gift card of at least $20, you’ll receive 25% off by using the code “PSILOVEU.” 

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Guantanamera” by Les Milady’s

LEADING OFF

As frustrations mount, timeline for HRC overhaul outlined

Palm Springs City Council members acting as a subcommittee presented a tentative timeline for revising the Human Rights Commission’s ordinance, with potential changes to be discussed at upcoming meetings. 

Driving the news: During an HRC meeting Wednesday evening, Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein and Councilmember Grace Garner propose transforming the Human Rights Commission into a Human Services Commission.

• The new focus would be on connecting residents with existing services and supporting local nonprofits.
  
  
• The process is expected to extend into early 2025, raising concerns among some commissioners.

What they’re saying: Some HRC commissioners express frustration over prolonged “listening sessions” and lack of clarity on the commission’s future role.

• “I’m skeptical that you’re going to adhere to this,” said Vice Chair David Vignolo, who at one point announced he was prepared to resign from the commission.

The timeline: The City Council will request a staff report for its Nov. 14 meeting, with potential ordinance changes to be drafted and reviewed in subsequent months.

• Final approval of the new ordinance, however, could extend into early 2025.

Public criticism: Commenters at Wednesday’s meeting accused council members of personal vendettas and retaliation as motives for the commission’s restructuring.

• “It’s time to end this charade,” said Rich Weissman during public testimony. “We’re deeply concerned about the direction the city has taken relative to this pausing of the HRC under the guise of a planning effort.”

Up next: HRC commissioners will review the staff report once available and provide input before the City Council makes final decisions on the commission’s future structure and duties.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🏛️ What to watch for at tonight’s City Council meeting

The Palm Springs City Council will meet in closed and regular sessions today. The following items could be among the highlights, according to the agenda:

• The Council will review and likely approve construction contracts for the Ruth Hardy Park enhancements, which include new playground equipment and shade structures.
  
  
• It may also authorize a major construction contract for the South Palm Canyon Bridge Replacement, with a project’s total expenditure surpassing $10 million.
  
  
• In public hearings, appeals regarding the redevelopment of the Mesquite Golf Course into a native habitat and nature preserve will be considered.

Details: The meeting takes place in Council Chambers at starting at 5:30 p.m. You can submit comments via an online public comment form, in person, or by calling the city clerk’s office at 760-323-8204 prior to the end of the public comment period. View the meeting live on the city’s website, YouTube or Spectrum channel 17.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

NVISION Latino Film & Music Festival
All Day | Multiple locations
NVISION aims to spotlight the power of culture, champion diverse Latin talent, and provide a platform for innovative work in film, music, the arts, and technology. Tickets range from $15 to $75.

Pet Vaccine Clinic
9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
The shelter provides low-cost vaccines every Thursday, excluding holidays. You do not need to be a Palm Springs resident to attend. These services are by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call 760-416-5718.

Palm Springs vs. Palm Desert Volleyball
4 p.m. | PSHS Gym
Watch the Indians take on the Aztecs in this Desert Empire League volleyball matchup. ($5 – $7)

Americana Guest House: Open Mic
5:30 p.m. | Cultural Center
Join us in the cozy VIP Lounge at the Palm Springs Cultural Center for a laid-back open mic hosted by Dede Ondishko and Jason Powell.

City Council
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs City Hall
The City Council meets twice monthly at Council Chambers. Register to speak, view, listen, or participate in the meeting live by visiting this website.

The Great Catsby Book Club
6 p.m. | Frisky Business
Join with others at Frisky Business for a monthly “Great Catsby Book Club” where literature and feline companionship come together in purrfect harmony. ($22)

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
Palm Springs VillageFest takes place every Thursday on Palm Canyon Drive downtown. The street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. The Palm Springs Art Museum also has free admission tonight starting at 5 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE

• Who’s Afraid of Red, White, and Blue? at The Lofts on Saturday.
  
  
• Amy’s Purpose non-profit fundraiser celebrating the legacy of Liberace on Sunday.
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefit for AAP – Food Samaritans on Sunday.
  
  
• Zone Palm Springs Community Meeting number 2 on Oct. 16.
  
  
• Shredding event at the Convention Center on Oct. 19.
  
  
• Center Stage benefiting LGBTQ+ Center of the Desert on Oct. 19.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks first speaker on Oct. 22.
  
  
• Durk Dehner in conversation with Jamison Rockmore at Mizell Center on Oct. 23.
  
  
• Modernism Week October from the 24th through 27th.
  
  
• DAP Health Equity Walk on Oct. 26.
  
  
  
• Be A Hero for Kids Halloween Bash on Oct. 27.

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AND FINALLY …

The 2024 DAP Health Equity Walk is set for Oct. 26 at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs. The event aims to support lifesaving services provided by DAP Health, a premier healthcare nonprofit in Southern California.

Driving the news: The walk raises funds for critical services including HIV care, mental health support, and gender-affirming care.

• The event emphasizes community unity and access to quality, culturally competent healthcare for all.

Why it matters: Every dollar raised supports DAP Health’s mission to provide comprehensive healthcare where all people are seen, heard, and affirmed.

• Health equity means every individual deserves access to care, regardless of background, identity, or financial situation.

Zoom in: The event features activities for all ages, making it more than just a walk.

• Highlights include yoga, food trucks, a doggie fashion show, and performances by local dance and choral groups.

How to participate: Individuals can sign up to walk, donate, or volunteer at any of DAP Health’s four Revivals stores or online at healthequitywalk.org.

Details: The official program kicks off at 8 a.m. with NBC Palm Springs’ Olivia Sandusky and Mark Mester hosting.

Dive deeper