April 3 Daily Briefing: Statue status, first responders feted, our pet of the week, and more

Happy Wednesday! Here’s a heads-up for local drivers: the Palm Springs Police Department said it’s stepping up enforcement of distracted drivers. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and PSPD is reminding folks to follow the state’s law that says drivers aren’t allowed to use their phone and drive unless it’s set up to allow hands-free listening and talking. Even if you take your eyes off the road just a second to change the song on your phone, or check your Instagram notifications, police are on the lookout.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore

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LEADING OFF

Three-year itch? Marilyn statue not going anywhere despite agreement expiration

A three-year agreement that allowed the 26-foot-tall Marilyn Monroe statue to stand on a city street expired in February, but the statue isn’t going anywhere for now.

Driving the news: A three-year license agreement between the City of Palm Springs and PS Resorts allowing the statue to reside on Museum Way expired in February, but the two entities are keeping up the status quo.

Here’s why: PS Resorts will keep the statue in place amid the ongoing legal dispute between the city and the Committee to Relocate Marilyn of (CReMa). In the lawsuit, CReMa questions whether the city had the right to close a portion of the roadway in 2021 temporarily.

In addition: In a move that could potentially resolve the dispute, the Palm Springs City Council voted in December to initiate the process of permanently vacating the street. City officials are optimistic that this action would render the current lawsuit irrelevant.

What they’re saying: In a letter sent to city officials last month, Chairman of PS Resorts Aftab Dada formally told the city that “[U]nless PS Resorts hears otherwise, PS Resorts will assume the Agreement remains in effect unless and until a court directs [them] otherwise.”

Up next: In an update on GoFundMe, Trina Turk, a member of CReMa, told followers that the court had lifted a stay on litigation for the case and that their attorney has been directed to work out a schedule, which the judge must receive by April 19. So far, no hearing dates have been set.

Bottom line: “PS Resorts has filed an application with the city, seeking the vacation of that portion of Museum Way,” City Attorney Jeff Ballinger said Tuesday. “As part of that application, the city will be reviewing any potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed street vacation and placement of the Marilyn statue.”

BRIEFLY

🏆 First responders honored at annual appreciation luncheon

The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce honored local first responders at the 13th annual Police and Fire Appreciation Luncheon at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Tuesday.

• Police Chief Andy Mills and Fire Chief Paul Alvarado presented the Police Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year Awards, respectively, to outstanding members of their teams. They also handed out multiple awards for valor.
  
  
• The awards commend individuals who embody their department’s values and demonstrate exceptional service.
  
  
• But wait: Greg Rodriguez, a notable figure in healthcare, housing, and homelessness initiatives, was honored with the Richard M. Milanovich Community Leadership Award for his contribution to the valley’s welfare.

🗳️ Tribe announces election results

Reid D. Milanovich has been re-elected as Chairman of the Tribal Council for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, securing his second two-year term following the tribe’s March 19 annual election.

• Along with Milanovich, incumbents John R. Preckwinkle III and Virginia Siva-Gillespie retain their positions on the Tribal Council, continuing their service to the tribe.
  
  
• The recent election also confirmed the ongoing terms of Vice Chairman Candace Patencio Anderson and Secretary-Treasurer Savana R. Saubel, who both continue in their respective two-year roles.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Practice your Mah Jong skills against others. There will be one game set provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own.

First Wednesday Art Walk
5 p.m. | Backstreet Art District
Tour galleries and meet artists at this monthly event that happens rain or shine. Check with galleries’ individual websites to find out about their hours of operation and special events. 

The Mod Squad Variety Show
5 p.m. | Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of live music at the valley’s “Happiest happy hour!” This week features hosts Jeff Stewart, Francesca Amari, and Wayne Abravanel. ($10)

Library Board of Trustees
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Board holds its regular meeting this evening, where they will give an update on library renovations and discuss a request from the library foundation for a $225,000 grant to support a three-year contract for an executive director, according to the agenda.

PALS Circle
6 p.m. | Online
Hosted by Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors, this informal drop-in conversation is meant for connection, support, and friendship.

Rock the Park
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
The free concert series this month will feature a fun tribute to the country artist Garth Brooks.

SAVE THE DATE

• Super Bloom Art Show on Friday at Desert Art Center.
  
  
• Faux Fur Ball on Saturday at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
  
  
• DA Spring Festival on Sunday at DA Computers.
  
  
• Opera in the Park on Sunday at 5 p.m. in Sunrise Park.
  
  
• Palm Springs International ShortFest from June 18 -24.

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AND FINALLY …

🐾 Each week, The Post partners with a local animal shelter to feature one or more of the many animal companions ready for a new home in our community. 

Today we invite you to meet the duo, William (the orange tabby) and Kate (the calico) available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Frisky Business is rapidly approaching it’s momentous 100th adoption! On March 29, Nosy the cat was officially adoption number 97.

If you’re interested: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (also where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here.

• All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat.