Nov. 11 Daily Briefing: Cultural exchange, report on displacements, asphalt art, and more

Happy Veterans Day, everyone, a day when we honor the more than 16 million Americans who have served in the Armed Forces (including Mark’s parents and grandfathers). You can thank Raymond Weeks for the idea. The World War II veteran from Birmingham, Ala., first proposed the expansion of Armistice Day to honor all veterans in 1945. He successfully lobbied for the support of Gen. Dwight Eisenhower and spearheaded the first national celebration of Veterans Day in Alabama in 1947. A reminder: Government offices, the post office, schools, banks and more will be closed today. Garbage service is on its regular schedule this week.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Armed Forces on Parade” by the US Navy Band (Go Navy!)

LEADING OFF

Students bridge cultures through art exchange

Fourth-graders from Palm Springs and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, participated in a week-long virtual art exchange program last week, fostering cultural understanding and artistic expression between the sister cities.

Driving the news: The “Moxie Art in a Box” initiative focused on Hojalata, a traditional Mexican tin art form. Students from Vista Del Monte Elementary in Palm Springs and Newland School in San Miguel de Allende created pieces inspired by their respective cultures and daily lives.

• The students’ artistic efforts were showcased in a Zoom celebration on Friday, attended by Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein and Tania Castillo de la Peña. the head of San Miguel de Allende’s tourism bureau, who recognized the students’ achievements and the significance of the cultural bridge.

The exchange: The program consisted of four 20-minute virtual classroom sessions conducted in both English and Spanish, allowing students to share their progress, learn from one another, and deepen their cultural bonds.

Celebrating the partnership: The art program is part of a larger cultural exchange that took place during the Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival over the weekend, with Palm Springs officials welcoming a delegation from San Miguel de Allende.

• At that event, chefs from San Miguel de Allende were assisted by students from the College of the Desert culinary program.

Looking ahead: For the next month, the community can take part in the “Palm Springs Passport” program, a cross-border cocktail exchange celebrating the flavors and traditions of both cities.

• Local restaurants and bars will serve cocktails curated by top mixologists from San Miguel de Allende, with $1 from each specialty cocktail sold during the month-long program donated to support future Palm Springs Sister Cities initiatives.

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BRIEFLY

🏘️ Consultant’s study addresses displacement campaigns in Section 14

The City of Palm Springs released findings from a historical context study on Section 14 late Friday revealing five major displacement campaigns from 1936 to 1966 involving multiple government agencies. 

• The study, sheds light on the socio-political, economic, and cultural forces that shaped the neighborhood. It reinforces that people of color in the city faced limited housing options due to discriminatory practices, with African American residents particularly affected. 
  
  
• Estimates of displaced residents range from 1,500 to 6,000 during various periods. While some of evictions were legally carried out, others failed to follow proper procedures. In some cases, the city demolished or burned dwellings before the required 30-day notice period had ended, with minimal efforts to protect personal property.
  
  
• Up next: The City Council plans to discuss Section 14 during a public hearing on Thursday, following a lengthy closed session last week to discuss a proposed reparations agreement.

Dive deeper with our complete story

🚨 Fatal single-vehicle crash claims life of LA man

A 50-year-old man from Los Angeles died after his vehicle struck a tree on the 1800 block of Golf Club Drive (also known as Lawrence Crossley Road) in Palm Springs on Friday afternoon, according to police.

• The incident occurred around 3 p.m., prompting responses from both police and fire personnel. It was determined that the man was the sole occupant of the vehicle that veered off the road and collided with a tree.
  
  
• Following the crash, the driver was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries. The Palm Springs Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
  
  
• Details: The roadway was temporarily closed for investigation but was reopened to traffic by 5:30 p.m.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Veterans Day Parade
3:30 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The City of Palm Springs presents the 27th annual Veterans Day Parade starting at Ramon Road and Palm Canyon Drive, featuring a patriotic concert and fireworks finale.

CalComMen’s Monday Coffee
5 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Join for coffee, chat & chew with a drink and snack Happy Hour menu. 

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of live music from Mon Petit Mojave. ($22)

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

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Enjoy bingo hosted by Bella Da Ball for a $30 minimum spend.

Behind the Curtain
7:30 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
“Behind the Curtain: Untold Stories from Canada’s Team Broadway” is a musical cabaret by Broadway alumni Craig Ramsay and Catherine Wreford sharing behind-the-scenes Broadway stories. ($50)

SAVE THE DATE

• ‘Loot’ by Desert Ensemble Theatre starting Friday.
  
  
• ‘Hillary and Clinton’ by Dezart Performs starting Friday. 
  
  
• ‘Studio One, Forever’ with Q & A following at The Church of St Paul in the Desert on Saturday.
  
  
• ‘When the Band Played On: A conversation with Michael G. Lee and Hank Plante’ on Saturday.
  
  
• Kewet Native American Learning Day and Market on Saturday.

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AND FINALLY …

The intersection of Tramview and Granada came alive with color on Saturday, providing a great opportunity for local students to show off their painting skills (and also for us to get a few drone shots). 

Driving the news: Artist Marconi Calindas-Cafege and students from local high schools and middle schools created an interactive street mural in the crosswalks, spending roughly seven hours with paint brushes in hand. 

• The city’s Sustainability Department donated food and shade structures, and community organizations were set up to provide information and even do some face painting.

Why it matters: Although the art isn’t designed to last forever, Public Arts Commissioner Carlos Silveira said that while it lasts, it will brighten the roadway and enhance safety. 

• Studies in other communities show similar projects have slowed speeds and made roads safer for vehicles and pedestrians. 

Up next: The city’s Public Arts Commission, which approved funding for the colorful creation, is expected to approve at least two additional asphalt art projects. We’ll keep you posted about where those are planned to pop up.