June 9 Daily Briefing: Theater tax credits, case goes to jury, library has free diapers, and more

Welcome to Monday, where we’ve got your weekly heads up about the SR111 Roadway Project. This week, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Thursday, crews will be working on bus pads on the roadway. Expect brief lane closures, but nothing like those long repaving ones. Still, since work needs to happen during the day, your commute stands to be impacted. Make sure to check this website for a map and all the other vital information.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Hot Fun in the Summertime” by Sly & The Family Stone

LEADING OFF

Tax credits for Plaza Theatre could net city $2.8 million

The Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved pursuing federal historic tax credit financing that could provide the city with a net benefit of $2.8 million for the Plaza Theatre restoration project. 

Driving the news: The May 28 vote authorizes staff to explore the complex financing mechanism with the Plaza Theatre Foundation and the National Trust Community Investment Corporation.

• Project backers have already received some initial approvals from the National Park Service, important steps in qualifying for the federal historic tax credits.

Zoom in: Under the proposed structure, a private investor would provide over $5 million in investment equity to the theater project in exchange for federal tax credits. 

• The city would receive $2.5 million within the first 18 months, with the total net benefit reaching $2.8 million over the life of the agreement.

What they’re saying: “This is a federal tax program designed to encourage restoration of historic buildings, and this is the perfect example of it,” said Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein.

What’s next: The letter of interest does not legally obligate the city to enter into the financing arrangement. The agreement requires a $25,000 deposit for continued due diligence work and mandates that any deal must close by July 29. 

• If negotiations fail, the parties would be responsible for paying costs incurred during the review process.

Looking back: The theater, acquired by the city in 2015, opened in 1936. It was last fully utilized as the home of the Palm Springs Follies but has been in disrepair since that show closed in 2014. The city hopes to restore it for use as a modern performance venue.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

⚖️ Jury begins deliberations in developer bribery trial

A jury began deliberations Friday in the trial of real estate developer John Wessman, who faces nine felony bribery charges and one conspiracy charge for allegedly paying former Palm Springs mayor Steve Pougnet $375,000 through intermediary Richard Meaney between 2012 and 2014.

• Prosecutors say Wessman used the payments as insurance for his $16 million Desert Fashion Plaza purchase, which is now worth more than $100 million. “He was using his money and his power to get what he wanted, whether it was lawful or not,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Amy Zois told the jury.
  
• Defense attorney Elliot Peters argued the payments between Meaney and Pougnet had nothing to do with Wessman, calling the prosecution’s case “one big timeline of nothing.” Wessman testified he paid Meaney for legitimate consulting work and denied knowing about any payments to the mayor.
  
• Bottom line: Meaney pleaded guilty to a reduced misdemeanor charge in 2023 and testified the payments were always intended for Pougnet in exchange for political support. Former mayor Pougnet pleaded guilty to 21 felony counts in May. Neither is expected to serve jail time, making Wessman the only defendant from the 2019 indictment to proceed to trial.

🏛️ Palm Springs police clarify role amid regional ICE activity

The Palm Springs Police Department joined other local law enforcement agencies in issuing a statement this weekend clarifying its position on immigration enforcement after federal activity in neighboring cities created concern among community members. The department emphasized it does not participate in immigration enforcement actions or assist with deportation efforts.

• PSPD officers do not conduct raids, question people about immigration status, or help with deportation actions, though they will respond to emergency calls from any law enforcement agency, PSPD said in the statement released on social media.
  
• The department follows state law SB 54, which prohibits local officers from enforcing civil immigration law and restricts information sharing with ICE unless required by law.
  
• Bottom line: Police emphasized they serve all community members regardless of where they were born and warned that violence against any police officers is unacceptable. The department provided contact information for local immigration legal resources including TODEC, CRLA, and LawHelpCA.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
2:30 p.m. | Mizell Center
This weekly support group offers a safe, confidential, supportive environment for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.

Conversational Spanish
5:30 p.m. | The Center
Join a dynamic and diverse group of people who get together to chat and strengthen their language skills. New attendees, register online here.

Adult Tap Dance Class
6:30 p.m. | Leisure Center Dance Studio
Adult intermediate tap starts at 6:30 p.m. and absolute beginners adult tap is at 7:30 p.m. Two left feet are optional. ($20)

Monday Night Bingo
7 p.m. | Ace Hotel & Swim Club
BINGO is back at King’s Highway. Hosted by Bella da Ball, guests are served via reservation or on a first-come, first-served basis. ($35 minimum purchase)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Second Annual “She Is” Women’s Conference on Saturday at Mizell Center.
  
• Juneteenth Freedom Weekend from June 19 through 21. 
  
• Palm Springs AI & Creativity Expo on June 23 at the convention center.
  
• 2025 All American 4th of July Weekend July 3-5 in Palm Springs.

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs Public Library is offering something that might be more valuable than the latest bestseller to local families: five pallets of free baby diapers are available, no questions asked and no paperwork required.

Driving the news: Library officials announced the surplus at the June 4 Library Board of Trustees meeting. The supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis to any family that needs them.

• Most diaper sizes are available, though size 4 diapers are in limited supply.

The timing: Families have until July 19 to take advantage of the offer, when the main library at 300 South Sunrise Way will close for the start of a major renovation project.

• The Palm Springs City Council on Wednesday is set to consider a three-year lease for 6,000 square feet of space at Rimrock Shopping Center at 4721 East Palm Canyon Drive for most library operations during the renovation.

Why it matters: The giveaway provides immediate relief for families facing the ongoing expense of diapers while highlighting the library’s role as a community resource beyond books and programming.

How to get them: Simply visit the library during regular operating hours — no sign-ups, restrictions, or proof of need required.