City required to begin redistricting, even with little change in Census
Palm Springs will host a series of public hearings and engagement workshops starting this week to receive feedback on redistricting efforts following the 2020 U.S. Census.
Every 10 years, local governments use new data from the Census to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. The city just transitioned to district-based elections in 2018, and its population has been virtually unchanged since the 2010 Census. Still, it is required to redraw the lines following the release of the 2020 Census Data.
There are currently five districts in the city, viewed on a map here. When fully functional, residents will be invited to visit a website to submit their maps and view drafts of other proposals.
“Our primary goal when drawing election districts is to draw lines that respect neighborhoods, history and geographical elements,” city staff wrote on the website designed to serve as a hub for the process. “The finalized maps that you will help us create will change how you elect your City Council members for the next 10 years.”
The redistricting process will be conducted in multiple phases, with the first of many hearings planned for Thursday’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting. The hearing will focus on the general redistricting process and the online mapping tool the city will be using to receive community input.
The Council will hold additional hearings on December 9 and January 27 as part of the first phase of the project, which will identify communities of interest and develop district boundary maps.
The city will also hold five workshops for the community to propose district boundaries, the first of which is scheduled for December 13 at the Demuth Community Center, 3601 E Mesquite Ave.
Need more information? Complete details on the redistricting process are available in English, Spanish, and Filipino at mappalmsprings.org.
BRIEFLY
DAY OF THE DEAD: Customers at Las Casuelas Terraza in downtown Palm Springs got a treat Monday evening as members of the Palm Springs High School Folklorico Dancers performed for them. The performance helped mark Dia de los Muertos, a two-day holiday that reunites the living and dead. During the holiday, families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion, often creating elaborate altars honoring the departed. Staff at the restaurant built an altar near the stage with brightly colored flowers ready for photos of the departed and maybe some favorite dishes, while students dressed up with Calavera painted faces entertained diners.
NOT GUILTY PLEA: A 31-year-old man accused of killing two Palm Springs residents while burglarizing their homes pleaded not guilty Monday. Luis Flores Cantor of Palm Springs is charged with two counts of murder, three counts of burglary, and one count of assault, with a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders. Cantor is accused in the slayings of 59-year-old Jennifer Dillon and 80-year-old Joseph Rajczi, who died months apart. During his arraignment at the Larson Justice Center on Monday, Cantor pleaded not guilty to the charges and was scheduled to return on November 9 for a felony settlement conference. Cantor, who is being held without bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, was arrested on August 25 in the 2200 block of Caliente Drive in Palm Springs, where police found him unconscious in a car. The complete story is available here.
DOG PARK CLOSURE: The Palm Springs Dog Park behind City Hall will close for annual maintenance next week, the city announced Monday. According to the city, the park, located at 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, will close starting November 11 for seeding and maintenance and is anticipated to reopen on December 20. The city told residents that the Demuth Dog Park, located at 4200 E. Mesquite Ave., will be open seven days a week from dusk till dawn in the meantime. The Palm Springs Dog Park features 1.6 acres of fenced-in grass, along with fire hydrants, dual-purpose canine/human drinking fountains, picnic tables, and separate play areas for small and large dogs.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WALK OF STARS: The next star in the Palm Springs Walk of Stars will be dedicated today at 4 PM. Terri Ketover currently serves on the boards of Desert AIDS Project, Palm Springs International Film Festival, and Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center. She will receive the honor during a ceremony at 101 N. Palm Canyon Dr. For more on the program, turn here.
PRIDE CONTINUES: The city’s largest celebration continues today and lasts through Sunday when an annual parade is held downtown. All week long, expect music, parties, and more throughout Palm Springs as the community gathers to celebrate and honor the strength, equality, and self-determination of the LGBTQ community. For a complete list of all musical performances — headlined by Third Eye Blind — turn here.
MIZELL EVENTS: The Mizell Center offers more than 20 events and classes today, starting at 8 AM. The center is located at 480 S. Sunrise Way. You can find a complete list of everything offered today online here.
MAIN STREET: The city’s Downtown and Uptown business association, Main Street, meets today via Zoom at 8:30 AM. To register and request admission to the meeting, turn here.
SUNSHINE SISTERS: Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters will ride bikes to Indian Canyons, starting at 8:30 AM near Smoke Tree Stables, 2500 S. Toledo Ave. You can sign up to be part of the group formed to help women make new connections and friendships on Meetup here.
YOUTH CRAFTS: Students in grades 2-5 are invited to watch Palm Springs Public Library children’s librarian Nancy Valdivia demonstrate how to make an Acorn Pocket Apron on the library’s YouTube channel. The video should be uploaded by 10 AM. You can pick up materials for the project at the library, located at 300 S. Sunrise Way.
SOLAR AND GREEN: The city Sustainability Commission Standing Subcommittee on Solar and Green Building meets at 10:30 AM via Zoom. A complete agenda, as well as participation instructions, can be found online here.
SITE PRESERVATION: The city’s Historic Site Preservation Board meets at 4 PM for a closed session, followed by a regular session at 5:30 PM. A complete agenda, as well as participation instructions, can be found online here.
ONGOING & UPCOMING
SHREK PERFORMANCES: Palm Canyon Theatre’s production of Shrek The Musical continues through November 7. Showtimes are 7 PM on Thursdays, 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 PM on Sundays. Children under 12 get in free with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the performance. For tickets or other information, call the box office at 760-323-5123 or order online by visiting PalmCanyonTheatre.org. The theater is located at 538 N. Palm Canyon Dr., at the corner of Alejo Road. Box office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM until 4 PM.
PRIDE RUN: The Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk takes place Saturday, November 6 at 8 AM. The event is both in-person and virtual for 2021. Registration is available here.
SKATER GIRLZ JAM: Lesbo Expo Presents hosts a woman-identified LGBTQIA+ skateboarding eventon Saturday, November 6 at Palm Springs Skate Park, 405 S. Pavilion Way. The event includes a skateboarding clinic at 2:30 PM for anyone who wishes to participate. Gates will open for ticket holders and day-of ticket sales at 4:30 PM. The main event gets underway at 5 PM. prizes will be awarded for highest Ollie, longest boardslide in transition, longest manual, dizzy lick flips, youngest ollie, and more. Tickets are available here.
MARILYN THEMED EVENT: Have you ever wanted to dress like Marilyn Monroe and run through town with a beer buzz? The Palm Springs Hash House Harriers is inviting all active-duty military, veterans, their friends, and family to participate in the “Marilyn White Dress Hash” on Saturday, November 6, from 2 PM until 5 PM. The event starts at Palm Springs American Legion Post 519, 400 N. Belardo Rd. If your spouse, child, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, grandparent, etc., served in the military, you can join the American Legion or Sons of the Legion. Drop by any time for an application, which is $35 per year.
VETERANS DAY PARADE: The 24th Annual City of Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade, is slated for Thursday, November 11, at 3:30 PM. The parade runs along Palm Canyon Drive. This year’s theme is “Honoring All Who Serve.” A patriotic concert and fireworks finale at Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road will immediately follow the parade. For the first time ever, this year’s Veterans Day Parade will be broadcast live on NBC Palm Springs. The deadline to enter is Oct. 28. Note that VillageFest will not be held that Thursday. For more information, visit www.psveteransdayparade.com.
WELLNESS SUMMIT: Brothers of the Desert is conducting its third annual wellness summit focusing on Black gay men and their allies in the Coachella Valley and beyond in-person (and virtually) on Saturday, November 13, at Margaritaville Resort in Palm Springs, 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive. The one-day event runs from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM. Registration for the event is available here.
SPEAKER SERIES: The next event in the 3rd Wednesday Speakers Series is November 17 at 5:30 PM at Mizell Center, 480 S. Sunrise Way. A screening of L.A. A Queer History – Where It All Began, a film by Gregorio Davila, will precede a talk with the filmmaker moderated by Brian Blueskye, The Desert Sun’s arts and culture reporter. The history of and culture of the Los Angeles lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people is often overshadowed by their New York counterparts. In truth, Los Angeles gave rise to one of the most influential LGBTQ cultures and activist movements. Davila’s film explores this history and more. The screening is afree event. More information is available here.
DESERT JAM: The annual benefit for Palm Springs-based Well in the Desert — Desert Jam 2021: Jammin’ for the Well — is slated for Monday, December 6 at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino ballroom in Rancho Mirage at 6 PM. The Jackson-Garrett Band and a host of other musicians are slated to perform, with Jeanie Cunningham serving as masters of ceremonies. Aside from the music, attendees can expect dinner, live and silent auctions, and a special tribute honoring jazz singer Yve Evans. All proceeds benefit The Well’s work to feed and provide for those experiencing homelessness in our community. More information, including how to purchase tickets for the event can be found here or by calling 760-285-7297.
POLICE AND FIRE EVENT: The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce is taking reservations for its annual Police & Fire Appreciation Luncheon, held Tuesday, December 7, from 11:30 AM until 1 PM at the Palm Springs Convention Center. More information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities is available here.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Want to know what’s happening in your city and at agencies that make decisions affecting your neighborhood? See below for calendars, meeting agendas, and links to all city services, police reports, code enforcement reports, and more:
City of Palm Springs calendar of events | Eventos en Espanol
Official city contacts | Conectar en Espanol
Police Blotter | Submit a police report
Short-term rental map | Code compliance reports | Report a code violation
Palm Springs Public Library calendar of events
Palm Springs Unified School District calendar | Board meetings
Palm Springs High School athletics and other events
Desert Healthcare District Board of Directors meeting agendas
Transgender Health and Wellness Center calendar
LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert programs
Mizell Center calendar of events
Current road projects and closures
Palm Springs Disposal pickup schedule | Holiday schedules
Currently active development projects
