Feb. 13 Daily Briefing: Service awards, a new way to enjoy city’s airport, PSHS band needs help, and more

Happy Mardi Gras, everyone, which, if you didn’t know, is French for “Fat Tuesday.” The festive blowout before the somber season of Lent is celebrated every year on the day before Ash Wednesday. And while you may associate it with New Orleans, there’s another theory kicking around — that it was started in Mobile, Alabama. Want to explore that theory? Turn here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Lorelei” by MRCY

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs Commission recognizes residents, organizations with awards

The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission honored seven individuals and two organizations for their contributions to human rights and social progress Monday evening at City Hall. 

Driving the news: Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein introduced the ceremony, saying how moved he was to live in a community that values volunteering and community service, concluding, “I believe very strongly that the greater good of the world is due in large part to seemingly historic acts of regular people.”

Meet the honorees: Tommi Rose embodies the spirit of “historic acts of regular people.” He was just 18 when he marched in Miami against Anita Bryant’s campaign to ban gay teachers from schools.

• From then on, he volunteered and marched throughout the country, including in San Francisco, where he marched in solidarity after the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.

Why it matters: Rose told the commission and City Council members in attendance how much the recognition means to him, especially coming from the city that has been his home for the last 22 years. 

• “The fight for human rights will continue,” he said. “There’s a whole lot more to do.

Preserving history: The LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert also won an award for its labor of love collecting and preserving the history of LGBTQ+ people in the desert. 

• Their recent project, “Out on the Walk” highlighted more than 60 LGBTQ+ recipients of stars on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.

Other recipients included:

• The Coachella Valley Filipino Festival Committee, which was lauded for its advocacy of cultural pride and cross-cultural appreciation. The organization, represented by Michael Milan and Lauren Wolfer, brought together food, dance, live music, art, and dozens of vendors for a highly attended regional event.
  
  
• Brad Prescott, honored for his landmark contribution of land, turning it into a much-needed preserve in Palm Springs.
  
  
• Dee Dee Wilson Barton, recognized for her accounting firm’s emphasis on inclusivity and her philanthropic work in the LGBTQ+ community, women, children, and education.
  
  
• Rabbi Dr. Jules King, who was honored for his faith-based outreach and commitment to fostering communal solidarity and inclusivity, exemplify his dedication to human rights and religious freedom.
  
  
• Tom Oliver and Matthew Stocker, who have made significant volunteer contributions across various community organizations, improving lives through their philanthropic activities.
  
  
• Willie Rhine, owner of Eight4Nine and other area eateries, who was celebrated for his extensive community involvement, from HIV patient care to fundraising for numerous charities, embodying his motto of sorts — “Be Nice” — in his extensive philanthropy and community service.

---

BRIEFLY

✈️ Airport bringing back tearful goodbyes at the gate

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is debuting a unique new program that reminds us of the earlier days of air travel.

• It’s called the Stay & Play Visitor Pass Program, allowing guests access beyond security without a flight ticket. The unique program, effective immediately, offers access to farewells at gates, plane spotting, and new airport amenities set to open this year.
  
  
• Visitors have to apply in advance for the one-time pass and must be aware that priority remains with ticketed passengers. Visitors will follow the same security protocols as travelers, but they can’t use TSA Pre-Check or CLEAR lines.
  
  
• Our take: We love this idea and hope for the return of real-life “Race for Your Love” moments. You know, in a rom-com, when the lead realizes he made a mistake letting the girl go and dashes through the airport to catch her before she flies off.

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Airport Ad Hoc Design Review Committee
11 a.m. | City Hall
Committee members will get updates on the food and beverage concessions and retail projects, according to the agenda.

VillageFest Board Meeting
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The VillageFest Board meets tonight to discuss several potential new vendors and revisit the issue of sustainability. the vendor jury process according to the agenda.

Palm Springs Toastmasters
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Toastmasters Club
Learn to speak with confidence with the Palm Springs Toastmasters and practice with friends. Guests always welcome.

Trivia Tuesdays
6 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Join friends and neighbors for a battle of wits during Trivia Night. There will be food and drink and cash prizes.

SAVE THE DATE

• Rock the Park: Cash, Killer, and The King Wednesday at Downtown Park.
  
  
• Palm Springs Modernism Week from Thursday through Feb. 25.
  
  
• Palm Springs International Jazz Festival on Feb. 24 and 25.
  
  
• Mizell Center Third Wednesday Speaker Series on Feb. 28.
  
  
• An evening with PSIPC and Friends on Feb. 29.
  
  
• 26th Annual Hike 4 Hope at the Art Smith Trailhead on March 3.
  
  
• Palm Springs Woman’s Club Scholarship Luncheon at the Hilton on March 27.*

*Sponsored placement

---

AND FINALLY …

For the first time in four years, the Palm Springs Spirit of the Sands Band and Visual Corps is planning an international performance tour, this time to Spain.

Driving the news: The band raised enough money to send 55 members of the band and visual corps to Spain, including all accommodations and travel. Thanks to generous locals, businesses, and extended families, every band member has received some level of sponsorship. 

The plan: The itinerary will see the students performing in Valencia, Madrid, and Grenada. They will practice and perform works by Arturo Marquez, Steven Bryant, Oja Gjeilo, and Jaime Texidor. 

How you can help: Though the accommodations and airfare are now covered, the band continues raising money for extra expenses like instrument rental in Spain, oversized bag fees, and other unexpected expenditures. 

Why it matters: The international tours were always the highlight for students who participated in the band. Kids who graduated more than a decade ago often call up their band director and tell him it was the highlight of their life.

• In previous years, the band has performed on the main stage at the Sydney Opera House, Westminster Hall in London, the Great Wall of China, the steps of Capetown City Hall, and a dozen more world capitals. 

What to watch for: The band will pay tribute to donors at a Send-Off Concert at Palm Springs High School’s Richards Center For the Arts on Mar. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Details: Donate via GoFundMe or on the band’s website.