August 26 Daily Briefing: Clinic needs community’s help, PSP holding job fair, and more

Happy Monday, everyone, where we’d like to talk about politics, and particularly how we cover it: We try not to! Reporters and politicians have long engaged in an odd dance: Politicians use the media to try and win favor with voters, and reporters use politicians to score scoops that boost their egos. It’s exhausting! We’re not interested in playing that game, and thanks to our polling, we know most of you feel the same. So, now that we’re officially in election season, here’s what we promise: You won’t find local political ads, opinions, letters to the editor, or endorsements in The Post. You will find the basics — who and what is on your local ballot, when to vote, how to cast your vote, and who won. If there’s actual news regarding a candidate, we will report it. Still, we won’t get into the weeds or the mud since that appeals only to a small group of people. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Fall Out” by the Gerry Mulligan and Paul Desmond Quartet

LEADING OFF

Clinic faces funding crisis, seeks support

A Palm Springs-based nonprofit clinic, the first int he county to offer free STI testing and treatment, is grappling with a significant financial challenge. 

Driving the news: Founder Dr. Phyllis Ritchie said Wednesday she and the staff at PS Test remain committed to providing accessible healthcare services despite the loss of county grant funding much earlier than anticipated.

Zoom in: To combat the shortfall, the clinic has implemented shortened summer hours and is now operating Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to maintain services while adapting to a reduced budget.

• Dr. Ritchie and her husband have started using their own money to keep the clinic operational.

Why it matters: PS Test, which The Post profiled here in 2021, serves vulnerable populations facing barriers to healthcare, including homelessness, lack of transportation, and absence of insurance.

• The clinic’s 100% free STI testing and treatment services are unique in Riverside County.

What’s next: PS Test is actively seeking new grant opportunities and calling on the community for support to ensure the continuation of its vital services.

Donations are accepted through the clinic’s website or in person at the facility, located at 140 North Luring Dr., Suite D, during its regular hours.

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IN OTHER NEWS

📚 The Palm Springs Modern Committee hopes a steering committee working on the remodel of the city’s main library will address an issue with parking, claiming a plan to add more spaces will block views of the William Cody building. [Facebook]

🏈 PSHS football lost its season opener against Segerstrom on Friday night as early turnovers proved costly. [Desert Sun]

🥁 A former Guns N’ Roses drummer, who co-founded a program called Adopt the Arts, is helping to provide music education to local elementary school students, writes Matt King. [CV Independent]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

CalComMen’s Monday Coffee
5 p.m. | Play Lounge and Cafe
See old friends and make some new ones at this friendly gathering over coffee. No RSVPs necessary.

LCAP Parent Advisory Council
5 p.m. | District Headquarters
Join this meeting for parents and community members to provide input on the goals of the Local Control and Accountability Plan. You See the event flyer here and register to attend here. Childcare and translation will be available.

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Join in a night of fabulous bingo. (Must spend $30 at Kings Highway to participate).

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Airport Job Fair on Tuesday at the Convention Center.
  
  
• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Auditions at the Mizell Center on Tuesday.
  
  
• Friends of the Palm Springs Library Book Sale at the Palm Springs Public Library JC Frey Building on Saturday.
  
  
• PSUSD Diversity & Racial Equity Conference at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Sept. 7.
  
  
• Palm Springs Genealogical Society meets on Sept. 7 and monthly after then.
  
  
• Audition for the Modern Men Chorus on Sept. 9 and Sept. 14 at United Methodist Church of Palm Springs.
  
  
• Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs at Indian Canyons Golf Resort on Sept. 18.
  
  
• Healthy Desert, Healthy You summit on Sept. 20 and 21.
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefit for AAP – Food Samaritans on Oct. 13.

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is gearing up for its 4th Annual Job Fair, offering around 200 positions ahead of the Coachella Valley’s busy tourism season. 

Driving the news: The event, planned for 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday at the city’s Convention Center (277 N. Avenida Caballeros), provides job seekers a chance to meet potential employers and explore various career opportunities in the aviation and hospitality industries.

• Check out some of the opportunities online here.

Zoom in: PSP and its partner organizations need to to fill numerous positions across multiple sectors, including airlines, rental car companies, restaurants, retail, and federal agencies.

• On-the-spot interviews and immediate hires will be available for roles such as customer service associates, ramp agents, and sales representatives.

Why it matters: The event comes as the airport prepares for increased activity during the valley’s peak season, offering a unique opportunity for job seekers to enter the exciting airport work environment.

Pro tip: Job seekers are advised to bring multiple copies of their resumes and arrive early to maximize their chances of securing preferred career opportunities.