Oct. 17 Daily Briefing: Smoking ordinance under review, film event needs entries, new poster, and more

Happy Thursday, everyone, where we have some fabulous feline news to report. Gabby, the cat we featured in this newsletter yesterday, has a new forever home! You may recall that Gabby created a bit of a predicament for our friends at Frisky Business Cat Cafe — she hates other cats, so couldn’t stay at the cafe and couldn’t go back to the animal shelter. Owner Claire Rogers was pulling out all the stops to find her a place of her very own, and yesterday that happened. A longtime customer at the cafe stepped up and and will welcome Gabby into her home on Monday, where she will hopefully find the stress-free lifestyle she deserves. We’re so happy for Gabby and her new family! ❤️🐈

🎶 Setting the mood: “What’s New Pussycat” by Tom Jones

LEADING OFF

City commission considering expanded smoking restrictions

The Palm Springs Sustainability Commission is deliberating on a draft ordinance to significantly tighten smoking restrictions in the city, targeting outdoor dining areas, parks, and multi-unit residential common areas.

Driving the news: At its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, the commission discussed proposed updates to the city’s smoking laws, aiming to extend the current indoor smoking ban to include outdoor public spaces and electronic smoking devices. 

• The move comes in response to public concerns about secondhand smoke, especially in multi-family housing complexes.
  
  
• Residents, including some who spoke Tuesday evening, have voiced a strong desire for stricter regulations to protect against secondhand smoke exposure, with some calling for Palm Springs to become a smoke-free city.

Looking ahead: The commission is set to review the draft ordinance in more detail, considering public feedback and the logistical challenges of enforcement and impact on local businesses. 

•  The commission also discussed educational initiatives to inform residents about the potential new restrictions and considering forming an ad hoc subcommittee to thoroughly examine the ordinance before making a recommendation to the City Council.

Bigger picture: The push for expanded smoking prohibitions follows the City Council’s decision to ban smoking in all areas of Palm Springs International Airport in September. 

Why it matters: The ordinance’s success could set a precedent for similar actions in other California cities, with commissioners looking to those with existing outdoor smoking bans for guidance.

What we’re watching: The commission’s next meeting, on Nov. 19, could determine the future of the proposed smoking restrictions and their potential implementation across the city.

• The commission could aim to present the ordinance to the City Council in early 2025.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🎥 AmDocs festival calls for student film submissions

The American Documentary and Animation Film Festival (AmDocs) is encouraging Coachella Valley students to submit their films for its 14th annual event in Palm Springs, scheduled for March 27-31, 2025. 

• AmDocs stands as one of the largest documentary and animation festivals in the U.S., showcasing international films in both short and feature categories. It also serves as a qualifying event for the Academy Awards in the Documentary Short Film category.
  
  
• Festival officials highlighted the growing student involvement, particularly from Palm Springs High School. Supported by the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) Foundation, the festival offers internships providing students with hands-on experience in various aspects of the festival.
  
  
• Details: In an effort to boost student participation, the festival is waiving submission fees for students, with a submission deadline set for Jan. 6. Students can submit their entries for free via the festival’s website.

🏆 Lift to Rise to honor local leaders

Lift to Rise will honor inspiring leaders and organizations working to increase housing affordability and economic opportunities at its Second Annual Community Investment Awards this Saturday in Palm Desert.

• Among the honorees are Palm Springs Housing Services Administrator Ariel Tolefree-Williams, who is being recognized as Advocate of the Year for her community engagement, and The James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center for its exceptional public service. 
  
  
• Details: The event, themed “Together we rise. No exceptions,” will take place Saturday at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. 

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Pickleball Lessons
7:30 a.m. | Demuth Park
Sign up for a month’s worth of lessons for $115 or drop in. Beginners and advanced beginners session starts at 7:30 a.m.

Pre-Shredding Drop Off
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Palm Springs City Hall
Can’t make it to the city’s free shredding event this Saturday? You can drop off your documents at City Hall from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The city will have secured bins available.

Animal Vaccine Clinic
9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Animal Shelter
Low cost vaccines available to the public every Thursday. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. To make an appointment, please call (760) 416-5718.

Nonesuch Nonfiction Book Club
2 p.m. | Library Learning Center
Join the Nonesuch Nonfiction Book Club led by Sean R. Corbin. The group meets the 3rd Thursday of the month from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Free Admission to the Museum
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum
Join us for a vibrant and engaging evening at the museum, where art, music, and community converge. Enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collection at your own pace.

Measure J Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The commission typically meets on the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. It was created to review and make recommendations to the City Council on the use of funds generated by the implementation of the Measure J tax.

Earthquake and Wildfire Preparedness
6 p.m. | McLean Company Building
The American Red Cross, in association with ONE-PS, Racquet Club West, and the City of Palm Springs, invites you to join us to learn how you can prepare yourself and your household for an earthquake or wildfire in your area.

Director’s Choice: Mel Brooks
6 p.m. | Camelot Theatres
This fall celebrate the artistry of three legendary filmmakers: Mel Brooks, Billy Wilder, and Howard Hawks – on the big screen! ($12)

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
VillageFest takes place every Thursday on Palm Canyon Drive. The street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food.

State of the District – “Going the Distance”
6 p.m. | Richards Center at PSHS
The Palm Springs Unified School District Board of Education invites you to the State of the District event featuring student performances and special guest appearances.

SAVE THE DATE

• Shredding event at the Convention Center on Saturday.
  
  
• Pride on the Page Book Festival on Oct. 20.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Nov. 2.
  
  
• Deep Pit BBQ at Los Compadres Stables on Nov. 2.

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AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) has revealed its official poster for the 36th annual event, featuring a retro design that pays homage to Hollywood’s golden age with a desert twist.

Driving the news: The design of the 18″ x 24″ poster was unveiled Tuesday. Proceeds from poster sales will benefit The Palm Springs International Film Society, a non-profit organization.

• The poster can be found at the festival’s flagship store, Destination PSP — 170 North Palm Canyon Dr. — and online at DestinationPSP.com. It retails for $25.

Mark your calendars: PSIFF is set to return to Palm Springs from January 2-13, 2025, with the star-studded Film Awards gala taking place on January 3rd to honor the year’s most outstanding cinematic achievements.

Details: Film enthusiasts can learn more about the festival and volunteer opportunities by visiting its website here.