April 26 Daily Briefing: More traffic calming coming, an honor for PSHS student, weekend events, and more

TGIF, everyone, where we’re here to give you the final word on the proposed roundabout at the crowded intersection of South Palm Canyon and South Indian Canyon drives: It ain’t happening. That was the clear message delivered at the end of last night’s City Council meeting, as City Manager Scott Stiles noted that the official decision to kill the project is just a formality and will likely be part of the consent agenda of a May meeting. Earlier this week, we reported that the roundabout was on hold pending further discussion. But that discussion isn’t needed. While the idea of roundabouts someplace in the city isn’t entirely out of the question in the future, the proposal to put one at that particular intersection seems to be a case of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

🎶 Setting the mood: “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” by Beyoncé

LEADING OFF

Traffic calming projects approved; process improvements requested

Looking to address address residents’ concerns about speeding and pedestrian safety, the Palm Springs City Council approved traffic calming measures in multiple neighborhoods Thursday evening. While discussing the projects, councilmembers made it clear to city staff that there should be an easier and faster process for approving traffic safety measures.

Driving the news: The approved projects, requested by residents, include the installation of speed feedback signs, stop signs, and crosswalks in the Sunrise Park, Tahquitz River Estates, Warm Sands, Los Compadres, and Sonora Sunrise neighborhoods. The total cost is estimated to be about $40,000.

What was approved:

• In Sunrise Park, two speed feedback signs are planned for Amado Road between North Cerritos Drive and North Sunset Way in both directions.
• Residents of the Tahquitz River Estates and Warm Sands neighborhoods requested a new four-way stop sign for the intersection of East Sunny Dunes Road and South Calle Palo Fierro.
• In the Los Compadres and Sonora Sunrise area, the city will install a four-way stop with a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Sonora Road and Farrell Drive.

Why it matters: The traffic calming projects aim to reduce traffic speeds, increase safety, and improve the quality of life for residents in these neighborhoods. Three members of the public spoke at the meeting, emphasizing the necessity of the new measures.

What they’re saying: Joe Jackson, a 12-year-resident of the city and chair of the Los Compadres Neighborhood Organization, said, “It is almost impossible for any person to get across [the intersection of Sonora Road and Farrell Drive], let alone a person with a child, pet, or a person with disabilities.” 

At issue: Councilmembers approved the new projects unanimously but asked staff and city engineering to work on a more streamlined process for approving traffic calming measures.

How it works now: Joel Montalvo, city engineer, described the arduous process his staff has to go through even for seemingly simple requests like a speed hump or stop sign. City staff spends a lot of time conducting traffic studies and surveys, organizing neighborhood votes, and meeting with neighbors.

Bottom line: “There should be a way that City Council can say we want speed humps by a school because we believe it’s a public safety measure,” said Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein, emphasizing that the process as it exists now is flawed.

What happens next: City staff will start working on installing the approved traffic calming measures.

IN OTHER NEWS

🏛️ Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein took time recently to explain why the City Council elected to offer $4.3 million in Section 14 compensation. [Desert Sun] 

👮‍♂️ Police Chief Andy Mills revealed this week that while he was off duty he jumped into action when a man attempted to rob a local Starbucks. [KESQ] 

🌊 The Palm Springs Surf Club confirmed in an email to customers that its wave pool is once again non-operational, with no timeline yet for when it will return. [The Inertia] 

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YOUR WEEKEND

ALL WEEKEND

“Nice Work if You Can Get It”
Friday – Sunday | Coachella Valley Repertory
It’s your last weekend to see what CVRep calls their biggest production ever mounted on their stage, a fitting grand finale for the 2023-2024 season. It’s a classic Broadway blockbuster filled with actors, singers, dancers, and beloved Gershwin tunes. ($50)

“25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Saturday & Sunday | Revolution Stage Company
The final show for this musical will be this Sunday. In this musical comedy, an eclectic group of sixth-graders arrives at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, each eager to win for very different reasons. ($35)

“The Lincoln Debate”
Friday – Sunday | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Jason Reale, who won a Best Actor award for his portrayal of Lincoln, will be back in his stovepipe hat for the production of “The Lincoln Debate.”Join the debate and decide whether Abraham Lincoln might have an initial under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. ($40)

TODAY

Red Light Lit Presents: Mary Simich
7 p.m. | Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Attend Red Light Lit in the Amigo Room for an evening of poetry, storytelling, and live music. Musical guest Mary Simich, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, will be featured.

Razzle Dazzle
7 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Elevate your evenings with the magic of Broadway at the VIP Lounge. “Razzle Dazzle: A Broadway Revue” is your ticket to an unforgettable experience, featuring Bonnie G. and Douglas Graham and showcasing special guests from the vibrant world of Broadway. ($10)

SATURDAY

Stroll, Spin and Win for Earth
8 a.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum
Join your neighbors on a trip around Palm Springs by walking or biking. The route starts at the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Certified Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
The farmers’ market is open for business on Saturday with local farmers and vendors offering fresh agri­cul­tural and related products.

Lecture: The National Airmen Association of America
1 p.m. | Palm Springs Air Museum 
Chauncey E. Spencer II, son of one of the founders of the National Airmen Association of America, presents a lecture on the 1930s group that came together to pioneer the participation of African Americans in the fields of aviation and aeronautics. 

“The Palm Beach Story”
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
In this special Saturday edition of “Screwball Sundays,” you’re invited to join author and film critic Molly Haskell for a screening and discussion of 1942’s “The Palm Beach Story,” a screwball comedy that finds a married couple split up over financial woes. When the wife runs off to Palm Beach to marry a wealthy man, hijinks ensue! ($12)

SUNDAY

Screwball Sundays: “Design for Living”
3 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Join author and film critic Molly Haskell once again, this time for a screening and discussion of 1933’s “Design for Living,” starring Gary Cooper and Fredric March as two rivals living in a Parisian apartment and fighting for the affections of an artist. ($12)

SAVE THE DATE

• Greg Wrenn book signing and reading at Best Bookstore In Palm Springs on Monday.
• Dog Park Community Meeting on Monday at the Demuth Community Center.
• Palm Springs Entertainment Conventionon May 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
• Desert Winds Freedom Band Concerton 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!
• Communities’ Finest Dance Showcase on May 18 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
• Palm Springs International ShortFest from June 18 -24.

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AND FINALLY …

The inaugural Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Year program will grant nine exceptional high school seniors $2,500 scholarships each at an upcoming ceremony, marking a significant milestone for a class whose education began amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Driving the news: The Riverside County Office of Education will celebrate the achievements of these resilient students before they embark on higher education. Each recipient was previously recognized as a Student of the Month, standing out for their academic excellence and community engagement.

What they’re saying: Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez said, “[The students’] inspiring stories of resilience and determination are what give us all hope for the future of the Coachella Valley, our state, and our nation.”

Who they are: Recipients were selected from each of the valley school districts, and one of the recipients attends Palm Springs High School.

• Adriana Figueroa is on track to graduate not just with her high school diploma, but also with an Associate Degree in political science after completing dual enrollment at College of the Desert.

Up next: Figueroa will be attending UCLA, where she intends to study national security and public policy.