August 9 Daily Briefing: City Council races taking shape, next step for air museum expansion, and more

Welcome to the weekend, where we’ve got some good news for the reader who called us “nothing more than a mouthpiece for the chamber of commerce” on Wednesday: We won’t be in your inbox next week! Twice a year we take a week off — in August, when there are no City Hall meetings, and at the end of the year when the holidays hit. This year, our August break takes place next week. We know that may be bad news for some of you, but because it’s just two of us, we find it easier to both be off for a weeklong chunk rather than one of us trying to tackle everything. Rest assured, we’ll be back in your inbox, and hopefully a little more rested, on Monday, Aug. 19 (with apologies to that one guy we mentioned above). 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Space Oddity” by David Bowie

LEADING OFF

Commission clears way for Air Museum expansion

The Palm Springs Airport Commission recently signed off on plans for a 10-year lease extension for the Palm Springs Air Museum, paving the way for the museum’s big plans for expansion.

Driving the news: Museum officials said the proposed expansion, including two new 2,000-square-foot buildings and the remodeling of an existing 4,000-square-foot space, would enhance its educational and visitor amenities.

• They anticipate maintaining architectural consistency by using prefabricated metal buildings for all new constructions, blending them seamlessly with the current structures.

Why it matters: The centerpiece of the museum’s expansion is a proposed new 200-seat classroom dedicated to augmenting its educational outreach, which annually benefits 5,000 children with free programs in math, science, and humanities.

• Museum officials emphasize their unique role in providing no-cost educational services in the region, highlighting the expansion as a means to further this mission.

By the numbers: According to museum officials, the Palm Springs Air Museum generates about $35 million in direct economic benefits yearly, with approximately 75% of visitors coming from outside the local area.

What’s next: The lease extension proposal will move to the Palm Springs City Council for final approval, paving the way for the commencement of the museum’s planned expansions.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

BRIEFLY

🗳️ City Council races taking final shape

With one day left for the Palm Springs City Clerk’s office to validate signatures on nomination papers for candidates in a pair of fall City Council races, it’s looking like a crowded field in District 4. In District 5, the picture is just the opposite.

• Of the six people who declared their intention to replace outgoing Councilmember Christy Holstege in District 4, four had qualified as of this morning; one is reportedly headed for qualification; and one was not able to follow through after declaring.
  
  
• Those listed as qualifying so far include Naomi Soto, former chair of the city’s Measure J Oversight Commission; Ernest Cecena, chair of the Tahquitz Creek Golf Neighborhood Organization; Joe Jackson, a former member of the city’s Sustainability Commission; and Anna Nevenic, a frequent candidate in elections for state seats over the past decade.
  
  
• Real estate agent and interior designer David Rios is also seeking the District 4 seat. He said Thursday he expects to qualify by today’s deadline and has even submitted extra signatures that should bring him successfully over the line.

But wait: In District 5, where current Councilmember Lisa Middleton is not seeking re-election, former City Manager David Ready looks to be the lone candidate. Both Middleton and Holstege are seeking state office in the fall.

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YOUR WEEKEND

TODAY

• SplashHouse all weekend at multiple locations.

SATURDAY

• Indoor Farmers’ Market at the Palm Springs Pavilion at 8 a.m.
  
  
• Aqua Yoga at Avalon Palm Springs at 9:15 a.m.
  
  
• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus School Supply Drive at the Dollar Tree at 10 a.m.
  
  
  
• Bingo with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at one eleven bar at 6 p.m.

SUNDAY

• Yoga Lecture & Master Class at Hot Yoga Plus at 11:30 a.m.
  
  
• BOB & BING Movie Series: Road to Rio at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 3 p.m.

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AND FINALLY …

Adopt the Arts Foundation is launching a pilot program to bring music education to four Palm Springs elementary schools starting this month, with plans to expand to two more schools by the second semester.

Driving the news: The nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing underserved elementary schools with high-quality music education, is partnering with Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) to implement its curriculum and provide instruments to Agua Caliente, Bubbling Wells, Della S. Lindley, and Vista Del Monte elementary schools.

Why it matters: The organization said nearly 90% of California schools fail to meet state-mandated arts education requirements. Adopt the Arts said high quality music education benefits kids’ cognitive function and social skills.

How it works: The curriculum focuses on four core areas: voice, percussion, keyboard, and ukulele. The program will provide instruments for classroom use, including Casio keyboards and Remo drums, as well as professional musician mentors. There will also be opportunities to join a new choir.

Looking ahead: The program hopes to add Cabot Yerxa and Cathedral City elementary schools by the second semester.