April 23 Daily Briefing: Latest on swim center, dog park, pickleball courts, sky gazing planned, and more

Happy Tuesday! Say arrivederci to the affogato and other specialty Starbucks Reserve drinks. The Starbucks location in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs is closing for renovations in June. We called and asked why, and they said despite the rumors of a permanent closure due to unhoused residents, the location is closing for about a week to remove the “Reserve” elements of the building and transform it into a regular Starbucks location. No word yet on the exact closure date.

🎶 Setting the mood: “The Wolves” by Madeline Edwards

LEADING OFF

Commissioners learn more about designs, costs, and timelines for several major projects

It’s hard to keep track of the huge number of projects all over the city, and last night at their regular meeting, Parks and Recreation Commission members heard updates on several important ones, including improvements to the Swim Center and Demuth Dog Park, and the planned expansion to the pickleball courts at Demuth Park.

Up first: The third community outreach event for the update to the Swim Center is scheduled for this evening at the Leisure Center at 5 p.m., and the commission got a preview of what the design team is planning on presenting.

What we know: On Monday evening, Maria Song, the Swim Center architect, showed some before-and-after floor plans of the facility. She explained how her team spread out the showers, bathrooms, and locker rooms a bit more while adding a few lockers and a lot more bench seating. 

Big plans for little dogs: Commissioners also heard a presentation about the upcoming changes to the Demuth Dog Park. Consultants working on the project reported that one of the biggest priorities for residents who attended the first community meeting was separate parks for large and small dogs.

How it looks: Initial designs reflected that priority and included other items on residents’ wishlists, including varied ground textures like real grass and dirt, more trees, and more seating and shade. 

• One idea added to the proposed design was a few low-lying berms to add interest for dogs.

Looking ahead: Residents can see the initial designs for themselves and give feedback during next week’s second Dog Park Community Meeting on Monday at the Demuth Community Center at 5 p.m.

In a pickle: Commissioners were told the rough cost estimate of the expansion of the pickleball courts at Demuth Park is about $5.3 million. The current plan calls for doubling the current number of courts from 12 to 24, and adding landscaping, lighting and more. 

What they’re saying: The representative from the firm Kimley-Horn told commissioners, “We still plan to do a lot of pencil-sharpening and putting our heads together with city representatives to really drill down and see what we can do to right-size this ship.”

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BRIEFLY

🏆 Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast announces honorees

The 12th annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast will honor Stuart Milk for his international LGBTQ advocacy. Other awardees include Frank Figueroa, Ed.D., high schooler Fernanda Telles-Quintero, Zaylore Stout, and Monika Ujkic.

What to expect: The event promises a lineup of live performances featuring Kevin Chamberlin, Michael Orland, and Keisha D.

Why it matters: This annual event pays homage to Harvey Milk’s trailblazing efforts in LGBTQ rights, aiming to ignite further activism and inclusivity within the community.

• Recognizing voices like Milk, Stout, Figueroa, and Telles-Quintero underscores the ongoing battle for equal rights and the significance of solidarity across diverse communities.

Details: The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast will be held on May 9 at The Palm Springs Convention Center. Find more information online here.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters Coffee Meet-Up
8 a.m. | Koffi Central
Join the Sunshine Sisters for coffee and conversation at the Koffi on East Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Swim Center Community Meeting
5 p.m. | Leisure Center
Meet the project design team and provide input on proposed changes at the Swim Center during the second community meeting. For more information, email swim@palmspringsca.gov.

PSUSD Board of Education Meeting
6 p.m. | PSUSD District Headquarters
PSUSD board members meet for their regular meeting this evening at the board headquarters. Check out the agenda here.

Palm Springs Toastmasters
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Toastmasters Club
Learn to speak with confidence with the Palm Springs Toastmasters and practice with friends. Guests always welcome.

Full Moon Drum Circle
7 p.m.-9 p.m. | Ace Hotel
Celebrate the Full Moon with us at the monthly Full Moon Drum Circle and Celebration. Our drum circle has been happening at the Ace Hotel for over 10 years!

SAVE THE DATE

• Dining out For Life at multiple restaurants and other eateries on Thursday.
  
• Palm Springs Entertainment Convention on May 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
  
• Desert Winds Freedom Band Concert on May 4 at Temple Isaiah.
  
• PSUSD Multicultural Festival on May 4 at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
  
• Miralon Blood Drive on May 17. Sign up today!
  
• Palm Springs International ShortFest from June 18 -24.

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AND FINALLY …

This week, a unique event hosted at a Palm Springs park invites attendees to gaze up at the night sky.

Driving the news: “Journey to Darkness” will remind residents to experience the wonders of the naturally dark night sky.

• The presentation, hosted by a National Park Service park ranger and a member of the Oswit Land Trust board, will explain how local organizations are trying to preserve the night sky from light pollution from

Details: The event starts at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Demuth Community Center. If you wish to attend, be sure to RSVP to DavidP@OswitLandTrust.org, as seating is limited.