April 5 Daily Briefing: Delayed decision over George Floyd mural, key hire coming for Library Foundation, and more

TGIF, everyone, where we have a quick reminder: “road closed” signs and barriers are there for your safety. Ignore them and you risk your life. Just yesterday, despite a wind advisory and expected gusts of up to 60 mph, we saw drivers trying to bypass barriers on Indian Canyon road, only to face a wall of blowing sand. Luckily, city crews were there to direct them back toward safety. It’s perplexing why anyone would ignore such clear warnings, so we’re going to say it again: Please, stay safe!

🎶 Setting the mood: “New Coat of Paint” by Tom Waits

LEADING OFF

Decision on vandalized George Floyd mural delayed; commissioners looking for new location

The fate of the vandalized mural of George Floyd located on North Indian Canyon Drive is still undecided after commissioners decided Thursday to table a discussion of the issue during a recent meeting.

Driving the news: During their regular monthly meeting, members of the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission were unwilling to commit to removing the mural and decided to table the issue rather than vote to remove the artwork and store it.

Why now: The mural was recently vandalized with white paint on Floyd’s face. Commissioner Shawnda Faveau said that some members of the community feel unheard over their concerns about the mural and that the vandalism is embarrassing for the city, especially leading up to the anniversary of Floyd’s murder in May.

What they’re saying: Combined with a faded mural at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, “People feel like they are not being seen, and that art that represents the Black community is not being respected.”

How we got here: The Floyd mural was commissioned in 2020 by the Public Arts Commission from LA artist MisterAlek. It is painted mostly on pieces of plywood, but about a third of the design is on the building at the location. 

At issue: During Thursday’s meeting, commissioners decided whether to remove the mural and store the pieces of plywood or leave it up.

• City staff who usually clean off graffiti have declined to work on this project and told commissioners to contact the original artist. 

Context: The search for a replacement location has been difficult. In 2021, the commission asked nearby building owners if they would want the mural on their property, and most either said no or didn’t reply.

• Several city-owned buildings, including a fire station or Frances Stevens Park, were suggested as locations, but Chair Gary Armstrong reminded commissioners that the fire station, the park, and many city buildings are classified as historic.

The sticking point: Several commissioners said they would feel more comfortable voting to remove and store the mural if there was already another location lined up. They want to put out a call for a new artist and secure a new location that’s just as prominent before removing the current mural.

Bottom line: After several minutes of discussion, the issue was tabled, and commissioners agreed to discuss it again at the next meeting on May 2.

BRIEFLY

📚 Library Board approves money for important hire

The Palm Springs Public Library Board of Trustees approved $225,000 to hire an executive director for the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation, who they hope will be a key figure in their upcoming fundraising efforts for the library’s renovation. 

• The foundation is planning a considerable fundraising project to raise money for part of the library’s renovation. The goal is to raise $1 million that will be matched by the board’s $1 million, making $2 million available for enhancing the children’s area and teen makerspace beyond the current plans.
  
  
• During Wednesday’s board meeting, foundation members explained that having a part-time executive director in place would help guide the administration’s fundraising efforts by providing stability, organization, and a sense of continuity for donors.
   
• The board then approved $225,000 for a three-year contract, contingent on the director’s performance.
  
  
• Bottom line: The foundation has begun looking for candidates and is forming a steering committee for the fundraising project.

---

YOUR WEEKEND

ALL WEEKEND

“Mid-Century Moderns”
Friday & Sunday | Revolution Stage Company
It’s the last weekend to catch this homegrown musical comedy this weekend at Revolution Stage Company. ($45)

Super Bloom Art Show
Friday – Sunday | Desert Art Center
Coinciding with their new show, Desert Art Center presents the Superbloomshow in their Studio Gallery, celebrating the grandeur of a desert superbloom.

TODAY

“Hitchcock Retrospective: The 39 Steps”
7 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
This is your chance to see a master director’s creation on the big screen! 1935’s “The 39 Steps” follows a Canadian who becomes embroiled in an international spy ring. ($12)

SATURDAY

Cathedral Canyon Country Club West Gate Garage Sale
8 a.m. | Cathedral Canyon Country Club West Gate
Explore the neighborhood and search for treasures amongst the piles of household items, art, books, DVDs, clothes, furniture, and more!

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.

SUNDAY

Palm Springs Vintage Market
8 a.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
The vintage market returns this month, featuring unique and quirky furniture, décor, clothing, accessories, and more. Come enjoy the shopping, or just browse and take in the music and food. ($5)

DA Spring Festival
10 a.m. | DA Computers
Step into the vibrant world of DA Spring Festival, a collaboration between DA Computers and Rated Comics.

Movie Colony East Annual Meeting
2 p.m. | Flannery Exchange Building
At the annual neighborhood meeting for Movie Colony East residents, neighbors will participate in board elections, discuss community issues, and hear from police and city council guests.

Screwball Sundays: “Sullivan’s Travel”
3 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Don’t miss the next round of hilarity as the Cultural Center presents another season filled with the wacky plots, witty dialogue, and zany characters of the great screwball comedies of Hollywood’s golden age. This installment features a discussion with special guest and TCM Contributor Kristen Lopez. ($12)

Opera in the Park
5 p.m. | Sunrise Park
Palm Springs Opera Guild celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Opera in the Park on Sunday, featuring six power-house vocal soloists, this annual, free concert at Sunrise Park is one of the most popular cultural events in the greater Palm Springs area.

SAVE THE DATE

• Drive the Plaza Theatre into the Future on April 19 at the Prescott Collection Hangar.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Palm Springs International ShortFest from June 18 -24.

---

AND FINALLY …

Itching to be in business? The City and Caravanserai Project have partnered to launch BizUp, a free pilot program designed to support local small business entrepreneurs.

Zoom in: BizUp will provide comprehensive business training, mentorship, and $5,000 in capital assistance to help participants start, expand, and manage their small businesses effectively.

• The program is open to up to 10 local entrepreneurs, with applications being accepted until April 15.

Who should apply: BizUp encourages applications from entrepreneurs who are women, veterans, LGBTQ, African Americans, Spanish-speaking, immigrants, and persons with disabilities.

• The program aims to support entrepreneurs from marginalized and underserved communities who often face barriers when starting a business.

Details: Over a four-month period, participants will receive weekly coaching and mentoring sessions to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.

• Upon completion, each entrepreneur will receive $5,000 in capital assistance from the City of Palm Springs to help grow their business and establish a lasting community presence.

How to apply: Applications for BizUp can be submitted online via this link.