Feb. 19 Daily Briefing: Award process discussed, popular eatery closing, a tour you won’t want to miss, and more

Happy Monday and happy President’s Day, as it’s called in California. Yes, it’s known by a dozen different names depending on which state you live in, but we won’t get into all that here. We will tell you that Palm Springs City Hall is closed for business today, as are banks, post offices, and schools. Trash pickup, however, is on a regular schedule this week. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Purple Rain” by Prince

LEADING OFF

Commission seeks to improve award selection process

The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission (HRC) is looking to improve its Community Service Awards selection process following concerns raised by its members about the current system’s effectiveness and transparency.

Driving the news: During the HRC’s December 2023 meeting, Vice Chair David Vignolo proposed a review and potential update of the award selection criteria and process.  The current system involves nominations assessed by a three-member executive committee, with recommendations going through two approval phases by the entire HRC.

• The call for review came prior to a report in The Post that changes were reportedly made to the list of this year’s honorees without a full Commission vote, raising concerns about the process’s transparency.

Zoom in: During the December meeting, Commissioner Beverly Greer suggested a more focused and effective way to choose award recipients. She suggested potentially forming an ad hoc committee to recommend exactly how that happens.

Up next: As proposed by Vignolo and supported by HRC Chair Hugo Loyola, the HRC is expected to address the awards process sometime before the end of the year. 

• That would allow time for any new process to be in place prior to the Commission opening up the nomination process for next year’s awards.

Bigger picture: The discussion on improving the awards criteria comes as the HRC is actively seeking to increase its visibility and engagement with City Council activities and raise its visibility. 

Dive deeper with our complete story online.

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IN OTHER NEWS

🧇 After decades spent serving up comfort food in Palm Spring, Rick’s Restaurant & Bakery will soon be closing its doors. However, founder Rick Seidne says the restaurant’s popular menu items and staff will be moving to his second eatery, nearby Rick’s Desert Grill. [The Desert Sun]

☂️ While moisture is set to impact the state through the middle of this week, its impact in Palm Springs and the wider Coachella Valley should be minimal. [KESQ]

🛬 As work gets underway to prepare for future growth at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), learn why the Tribal Council for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians plays such vital role. [SF Gate]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Palm Springs Black History Tour
11 a.m. | James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
Learn more about Black History in the city on a bus tour of historically significant sites. ($25)

Mimosas, Martinis & Music
2 p.m. | Cascade Lounge
Sit back and enjoy the start of the week with cocktails and music at the Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. It’s hosted by MOD 107.3.

Monday Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Gre Coffeehouse
Come have coffee and chat with other men about issues that are on your mind. No RSVP is required — just drop in!

SAVE THE DATE

• Dann Foley Lifestyle Pop-Up Shop Opening on Feb. 24.
  
  
• 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.

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AND FINALLY …

If you’ve got today off work, and even if you don’t, might we suggest joining in on one of the most interesting and educational events held annually in the city:  The Palm Springs Black History Tour.

Details: At 10:30 a.m. today, the Palm Springs Black History Committee invites guests to begin boarding a bus at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center (480 West Tramview Rd.) for a two-hour tour of places of significance for the city’s Black community. Participants will also learn about important current and past Black and African-American residents.

• Tickets for the tour are $25 per person and are available here. 

But wait: Want to prepare for what you should expect? Check out this report on last year’s tour by KESQ’s Tatum Larson.