Nov. 7 Daily Briefing: Honoring veterans, latest election results, road work alerts, and more

Welcome to Thursday, folks. As results of the national election began to sink in for city residents Wednesday, state leaders released a statement assuring us all that “California is  — and must always be — a refuge of justice and opportunity for people of all walks, talks, ages and aspirations — regardless of how you look, where you live, what language you speak, or who you love.” Nowhere is that more true than in Palm Springs, and we were buoyed to see dozens of our neighbors speak up to say they were available to listen and to help others. We’d encourage you to take advantage of those offers in the coming days, and we welcome anyone to reach out to us as well. This is by no means a political statement — it’s just our way of letting you know that we care about you.

🎶 Setting the mood: “You’ve Got Your Troubles” by Nancy Wilson

LEADING OFF

City events to honor veterans begin this evening

The city of Palm Springs is set to honor veterans with a series of free events, culminating in the 27th annual Veterans Day Parade, a highlight of the city’s patriotic celebrations.

Driving the news: The festivities begin at VillageFest this evening, with a special tribute to veterans, including hand-held American flags and craft activities for children. 

• A Veterans Drive-Thru Appreciation Lunch is planned at City Hall on Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., providing free box lunches to veterans while supplies last.
  
  
• A special tribute concert to Vietnam Veterans featuring the K-Tell All Stars Band is on Saturday at Downtown Park at 7 p.m.

The main event: The Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade will take place on Monday, Nov. 11, in Downtown Palm Springs, featuring patriotic floats, bands, and community groups paying homage to those who have served. 

• The parade will be broadcast by NBC Palm Springs and followed by a concert featuring the 300th Army Reserve Band and a fireworks finale.

Why it matters: Palm Springs has been recognized by the National Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs as an Official Regional Site for the observance of Veterans Day since 2009. 

• The Veterans Day events in Palm Springs are part of approximately 60 ceremonies nationwide, recognized by the VA in 34 states and the District of Columbia.

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BRIEFLY

🗳️ What latest election returns show

Riverside County released its latest vote count Wednesday evening, showing very little change in the race for the District 4 seat on the Palm Springs City Council. The same goes for state and federal elections of interest in the city as those results also continue to be tabulated.

• As of Wednesday evening’s vote tally, Naomi Soto, former chair of the city’s Measure J Oversight Commission, has 1,254 votes to Joe Jackson’s 1,129, maintaining her 30% to 27% lead. David Rios remains in third with 22% of the vote between the five candidates for the seat.
  
  
• In contests involving two current City Council members seeking higher office, Christy Holstege and incumbent Assemblymember Greg Wallis remain in a 50-50 tie in a rematch for the State Assembly District 47 seat and Lisa Middleton still trails State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, 53% to 47%, in the race for the newly-created State Senate District 19. 
  
  
• Bottom line: The county has 30 days to certify election results and on Dec. 6 must send one complete copy of the general election returns to the California Secretary of State in an electronic format. State results need to be certified by Dec. 13.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Fundraiser for 29-PSP
All day | Play Lounge & Cafe
An all-day fundraiser where a percentage of purchase supports 29-PSP, aiding military transportation. Mention 29-PSP at checkout.

City Council Closed Session
10 a.m. | Council Chambers
The Palm Springs City Council will meet in a special closed session to discuss the Section 14 reparations claim.

Discover San Miguel de Allende
1 p.m. | Avalon Hotel
Join us for an exciting journey into the vibrant culture of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a Palm Springs Sister City, known for its stunning wedding venues and rich heritage.

Mixed Feelings
5 p.m. | Art Museum Annenberg Theater
Mixed Feelings Special Art + Science edition is a series of back-to-back lectures on unrelated topics (that are somehow connected). Featuring talks by a contemporary artist and scientist. Reception is at 5 p.m. and event is at 6 p.m.. ($16-$20)

Public Arts Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Meeting for the Public Arts Commission responsible for placing visual art around Palm Springs.

VillageFest Honors Veterans
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
A special celebration during VillageFest honoring veterans, with activities and flag giveaways on Palm Canyon Drive.

Noir Con Opening Night
6 p.m. | Cultural Center
Immerse yourself in the world of noir literature, film, and art through panels, speakers, film screenings, and author events. ($55-$215)

The Great Catsby Book Club
6 p.m. | Frisky Business Cat Cafe
Join the monthly book club exploring captivating literature surrounded by adoptable cats in a cozy and relaxed setting. November’s book: “A Beautiful, Terrible Thing” by Jen Waite. ($22)

I’m Speaking: Women’s Veterans
6 p.m. | Desert Princess Country Club
An early Veterans Day event celebrating women veterans. This is a free event.

‘La Cage Aux Folles’
7 p.m. | Palm Canyon Theatre
A musical set in a Saint-Tropez drag nightclub, about the adventures of Georges, Albin, and their family, based on the 1973 French play. ($17-$38)

‘Next to Normal’ Preview
7 p.m. | Coachella Valley Repertory
A moving musical about a family’s challenges with mental health, featuring powerful songs and emotional depth. ($65)

SAVE THE DATE

• Parkview Mobile Estate yard sale on Friday and Saturday.
  
  
• ‘Unwanted Laughter’ at Temple Isaiah on Saturday.
  
  
• Holiday Blood Drive and Food Drive on Saturday.
  
  
• Blood Drive at the Palm Springs Air Museum on Saturday and Sunday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival on Saturday and Sunday.
  
  
• Four Seasons Community Garage Sale on Sunday.
  
  
• ‘Loot’ by Desert Ensemble Theatre starting Nov. 15.
  
  
• ‘Hillary and Clinton’ by Dezart Performs starting Nov. 15. 
  
  
• ‘Studio One, Forever’ with Q & A following at The Church of St Paul in the Desert on Nov. 16.
  
  
• ‘When the Band Played On: A conversation with Michael G. Lee and Hank Plante’ on Nov. 16.
  
  
• Kewet Native American Learning Day and Market on Nov. 16.

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AND FINALLY …

While construction (and the related lane closures) near Sunrise Way and East Vista Chino has concluded, there are plenty of road projects ramping up throughout the city you might notice and should be prepared for. 

Driving the news: Prep-work began last week with weed abatement, crack sealing and paint stripe removal for the annual slurry seal work done on multiple roads in the city. Slurry seal application is scheduled to begin next week and continue until mid-January 2025. 

• Motorists should also be on the lookout for a closure at Tramview Road and Granada Avenue for installation of a street art project. Detours will be in place from Friday at 4 p.m. until Sunday at 8 a.m.

Looking ahead: The second round of community outreach meetings has been scheduled to solicit input on road reconfiguration projects designed to calm traffic and provide safer pedestrian and bike accessibility. All meetings will take place at Demuth Community Center and start at 5:30 p.m. The schedule is as follows:

• Monday, Nov. 18: South Palm Canyon Drive Community Outreach Meeting
• Tuesday, Nov. 19: Racquet Club Road Community Outreach Meeting
• Wednesday, Nov. 20: Little Tuscany Traffic Calming Outreach Meeting 

Details: To learn more about the projects, and see initial designs, go to this city website.