Sept. 8 Daily Briefing: National Register honors, arts updates, Tram closed, and more
In today’s Daily Briefing we tell you about an honor for one of the city’s landmark developments, why the Aerial Tramway is temporarily closed, and run down what happened at the city’s most recent Arts Commission meeting.
Welcome to Monday and to the return of a “normal” week at City Hall, with a full slate of commission and council meetings. Starting with a Human Rights Commission meeting tonight and ending with the first City Council meeting in a month on Wednesday night, there will be lots of issues being discussed and decisions being made about your city. We’ll be there for all the action. If you head to City Hall, or any city building, note that flags are at half-staff this week in honor of Harold Matzner, who passed away last week at 88.
🎶 Setting the mood: “Over Everything” by Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile
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LEADING OFF
Sandcliff becomes first multi-family historic district in Palm Springs to join National Register
Sandcliff Garden Apartments received an official listing in the National Register of Historic Places earlier this year, making it the first multi-family historic district in Palm Springs to achieve the national designation.
What that means: The property at 1800 Barona Road joins the nation’s official list of cultural properties deemed worthy of preservation.
- Sandcliff was previously recognized by the City of Palm Springs as a Historic District in 2016.
Dive deeper: Built between 1960 and 1964 near Smoke Tree Ranch in what is now Araby Commons, the development represents a shift in Palm Springs residential planning away from the city’s focus on single-family homes for wealthy residents toward more accessible housing options.
The details: The development features desert modern architecture with one-story building profiles, geometric design, stucco walls and expanses of glass windows and doors. Private patios were designed to take advantage of mountain views, while decorative breezeblock walls serve both functional and design purposes.
What they’re saying: “This is an extraordinary moment for our community,” said Fred Sousek, president of Sandcliff’s HOA. “Being listed in the National Register is not only a profound honor but also a testament to the rich history and unique character that defines our neighborhood.”
BRIEFLY
🎨 Arts Commission gets updates on memorial, shade projects
- The Palm Springs Public Arts Commission received updates Thursday evening on several art installations, including an AIDS memorial and new shade structures throughout the city.
- Artist Phillip K. Smith III is considering changing materials for the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial to reduce the sculpture’s weight, while work on the Pride Monument at Frances Stevens Park progresses toward completion by late October. The city has also executed contracts for two shade structure projects under the “Beautiful Shade” initiative.
- Details: The AIDS memorial features three vertical mirror-like ovals and represents Smith’s second design after community members criticized his initial proposal. The Pride Monument honors the city’s LGBTQ+ history and is designed by artist Jim Isermann, with completion planned ahead of November’s Palm Springs Pride event.
🏈 Palm Springs pours on points, wins 61-27
- The Palm Springs Indians defeated Coachella Valley 61-27 in a non-league football contest Friday, improving their record to 3-0 for the season. The Indians scored touchdowns on all nine of their possessions.
- Quarterback Bishop Miller led the attack with five total touchdowns, throwing for three scores and running for two more.
- Next up: Palm Springs travels to face Colton on Thursday in a non-league matchup. The Yellowjackets enter with a 2-1 record after routing Arrowhead Christian 48-7 in their last game.
TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS
Mahjong Monday
1 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Come play the American version of Mahjong with others. Play Lounge has two mats and sets, but feel free to bring your own.
Leanna and Miguel
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar
Enjoy Jazz, Latin, Pop, Disco, covers and more, all with no cover!
Therapy in Motion
5:15 p.m.| The Center
Therapy in Motion is an in-person, drop-in therapeutic dance group. Therapy in Motion is a fun, energetic, and affirming dance class for anyone who wants to move.
Human Rights Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Human Rights commissioners gather for their regular meeting tonight at City Hall and online via Zoom. Find tonight’s agenda here.
Modern Men Chorus Auditions
6:30 p.m.| Palm Springs United Methodist Church
Audition to join Modern Men – Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus for our 12th Season and our holiday concert, Cool Yule. Attend our open rehearsal Monday tonight at 6:30 pm with auditions following at 8:30 p.m. Auditions will also be held on Saturday (Sept. 13) at 11 am.
Free Stand-Up Comedy Show
8 p.m. | The Rock Gallery Club
Enjoy a night of fun, laughs, and cold drinks. A 21+ event.
SAVE THE DATE
- 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Thursday starting at 8:15 a.m.
- Healthy Desert Healthy You Environmental Summit on Thursday and Friday
- Annual Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs on Sept. 17
- Cinema Diverse for two weekends this month, starting Sept. 19
- One Night Out Paris benefitting The Foundation for PSUSD on Oct. 4
- Junior Ranger Expo at Indian Canyons on Oct. 11
- Spooktacular 5K/10K Run at Ruth Hardy Park on Oct. 11
AND FINALLY …
If you were hoping to escape the heat via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway you just missed out!
Driving the news: The tramway is closed for annual preventative maintenance beginning today and will be closed through Oct. 12 with a tentative reopening scheduled for Oct. 13.
Details: This year’s maintenance includes rebuilding the carriage on cabin one, which supports the cabin as it rides on the track ropes, and replacing the counter haul rope.
Did you know: Technicians that work on the tram are actually based in Switzerland! They’ll be performing annual service to the controls system.
Why it matters: Vice President of Tramway Systems Chris Bartsch explains that the complex projects planned can’t be completed during regular business hours, ensuring continued safety for the thousands of visitors who ride the tram each year.
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