August 8 Daily Briefing: Parking plans, land preserved, study participants needed, and more

Welcome to Thursday, where we’d like to deliver a bit of a public service announcement: Tagging city officials on social media won’t get their attention, but writing, calling, or speaking to them at meetings will. That may sound a bit old-fashioned, but there’s some solid reasoning behind the advice. It’s not only the best way to assure your comments make it into packets that elected officials and others at City Hall review, but in some cases there could be legal issues if those officials partake in online discussions. Need to reach them? Find the mayor and city council members’ contact information here, and the city manager’s info here. Learn how to submit public comments or speak at council meetings here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell

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LEADING OFF

Mayor dispels rumors: no metered parking planned for downtown

Palm Springs officials, led by Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein, are addressing misconceptions about a new parking study, confirming no intentions to implement metered parking in the downtown area. Instead, the comprehensive study aims to assess various aspects of current parking conditions and improve them.

Driving the news: Amidst growing rumors and misinformation on social media, Bernstein emphasized at a recent meeting with downtown business leaders that the ongoing study is not considering metered parking. 

• The study, distinct from one conducted three years ago, focuses on understanding and potentially enhancing parking logistics in the bustling downtown district.

What’s really happening: The mayor assured that an independent organization is conducting the study to avoid biases and focus on several major issues, including the adequacy of parking spaces, safety, and the effectiveness of current parking signs.

What they’re saying: “There’s a host of things that they look at,” Bernstein explained. “Do we have enough parking? Do people know how to find our parking? Is our parking safe? Is the signage good? Do we have enough employee parking?”

Why it matters: Despite free parking availability, drivers often struggle to find spots in downtown Palm Springs. The study seeks to address various challenges, including the enforcement of parking time limits and the integration of ride-sharing and public transport options into the overall parking strategy.

What’s next: A public meeting to discuss the parking study will be scheduled later this year, offering residents a chance to voice their concerns and suggestions. Bernstein said the meeting’s aim is to gather public input rather than to vote on implementing metered parking.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

BRIEFLY

🌵 Palm Springs-based land trust acquires 639 Acres in Indio Hills

Oswit Land Trust (OLT) announced Wednesday it has purchased 639 acres of land in Indio Hills for $4 million to protect wildlife and create a migration corridor.

• The acquisition, funded by grants from federal and state agencies, preserves an undisturbed alluvial fan known as Happy Valley.
  
  
• According to an OLT statement, the property serves as a vital link between the Coachella Valley and Joshua Tree National Park, providing habitat for the endangered Mojave desert tortoise and other native species.

What they’re saying: “The acquisition of the Happy Valley property is so important for its biological value, vulnerability to destruction, critical wildlife habitat and its proximity to already conserved land which creates a necessary wildlife corridor. It is the perfect acquisition for wildlife,” said Jane Garrison, OLT founder and executive director.

🏠 County launches first-time homebuyer assistance program

Riverside County has approved $1 million to create homebuyer down payment assistance program in the Fourth District. The initiative aims to help residents in the Coachella Valley and other district communities purchase homes by providing down payment assistance.

• The program offers up to 20% in down payment assistance, with a maximum of $100,000, towards the purchase price of a home. It can also provide assistance with closing costs.
  
  
• Qualified borrowers must earn no more than 120% of the area median income based on family size. The home must be located in the Fourth District, with preference given to unincorporated communities.

Details: Applications open on Aug. 16 and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. Interested parties can find more information and apply through the Riverside County Housing and Workforce Solutions Department website here.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Pet Vaccine Clinic
9:30 a.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter invites you to bring in your pet for low-cost vaccines, including vaccines for rabies and canine influenza. They are also offering microchip implantation and registration. ($15-$25)

Game Night
5 p.m. | Play Lounge and Cafe
Enjoy extended happy hour and meet new friends every Thursday at game night. Bring your own board game or play some of the board games on offer at Play Lounge.

Drag Queen Bingo Fundraiser
6 p.m. | Chill Bar
Hosted by the Fabulous Sabryna, join in for Drag Queen Bingo, benefiting the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus. Four games for $20.

VillageFest
7 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The weekly street fair featuring art, entertainment, shopping, and food, will be starting an hour later at 7 p.m. The Palm Springs Art Museum also has free admission tonight starting at 5 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE

• The Great Catsby Book Club at Frisky Business on Aug. 15.
  
  
• SplashHouse this weekend and Aug. 16 to Aug. 18.
  
  
• Clear the Shelters at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Aug. 17.
  
  
• Palm Springs Sunup Rotary Club Blood Drive at the Cathedral City DoubleTree on Aug. 17.
  
  
• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Auditions at the Mizell Center on Aug. 20 and 27.
  
  
• Friends of the Palm Springs Library Book Sale at the Palm Springs Public Library JC Frey Building on Aug. 31.
  
  
• Mrs. Frisky’s Cats & Bakewell Tart Night at Frisky Business on Sept. 6.
  
  
• PSUSD Diversity & Racial Equity Conference at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Sept. 7.
  
  
• Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs at Indian Canyons Golf Resort on Sept. 18.

AND FINALLY …

The Berkeley Center for the Advanced Study of Aging Services is spearheading a groundbreaking statewide focus group project to understand the needs of mid-life and older LGBTQIA+ and same-gender-loving residents in California. 

Driving the news: The project, a collaboration between the Berkeley Center, the Mizell Center, and other research institutions and community organizations, is the first of its kind in California.

• Participants will receive a $50 gift card for their time and contribution.

Why it matters: The initiative aims to inform the development of resources, services, and policies for this often overlooked population. Organizers of the study hope to provide valuable insights into the unique challenges and aspirations of older LGBTQIA+ individuals, helping to improve their well-being and rights.

Details: Focus groups will be held Aug. 27 at the Mizell Center. Interested individuals can email lgbtqia_focusgroups@berkeley.edu for more information.