Feb. 20 Daily Briefing: Residents rally around city flag, ‘Darkstar Rising’ at Air Museum, and more

Happy Tuesday, where we would like to use this space to tell you that the owner of restaurants bearing the name “Rick’s” in our city is Rick Seidner, not “Seidne,” as we wrote Monday in a little blurb directing you to a story about what’s next for one of his two eateries. Rick, if you’re listening, please don’t cut off our supply of cinnamon rolls! In our defense, yesterday was National Thumb Appreciation Day, and we were totally all thumbs when typing Rick’s last name.

🎶 Setting the mood: “When You Go (That’s When You’ll Know)” by The Altons

LEADING OFF

Resourceful residents rally around official city flag

One flag is flying, and more soon could be, thanks to some resourceful residents and the manager of what is arguably the city’s favorite hardware store.

Driving the news: Last month we told you the story behind the official Palm Springs city flag (yes, there is one). As we predicted, we were deluged with inquiries from readers looking to purchase one. Also, as we unfortunately predicted, there was no way to buy one.

Yes, but: Enter a few of your neighbors to the rescue. One reader, Nick, wrote in to say he had found a company from Bulgaria that was selling the flags on Etsy. Another reader, Jake Bachman, opened his own Etsy shop to sell the flag, and Erik Graham, manager of Ace Hardware in Smoke Tree, began to work with the city in hopes of stocking the flags at his store.

• Bachman went a step further, offering the ability to place the flag’s design on everything from hoodies to trucker hats at his shop.

Zoom in: Nick ordered his flag shortly after the story ran, and we asked him to report back how it went. “I received the flag on Friday and it looks well made,” he said, “It’s a cut above the usual polyester material that inexpensive flags usually employ.”

• “My house came with a prominent flagpole and as an empty pole looks like the house has been foreclosed, I’m always looking for something to fly,” Nick added. You can see the Palm Springs flag he ordered flying on a pole in the image above.

Next steps: For his part, Graham said he continues to work with officials to obtain specific information about the flags in Council Chambers and elsewhere at City Hall. Once he gets that information, he will work with his supplier and have them for sale at Ace.

•  He asked anyone who wants to express interest in purchasing a flag at his store to reach out via email here.

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IN OTHER NEWS

⚖️ A Cathedral City man pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges after striking a man with his vehicle in Palm Springs in 2018 and driving miles with him on the roof. [The Desert Sun]

🚑 First responders were able to rescue a hiker who was injured while on a Palm Springs trail Monday afternoon. [KESQ]

🚌 Check out details of a special city tour conducted by the Palm Springs Black History Committee. [NBC Palm Springs]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Sustainability Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
According to the agenda, the commission will go over possible changes to the food ware ordinance, as well as an update on community garden planning.

Architectural Review Committee
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Committee members will discuss amending a previously approved plan for retail space adjacent to Cody Place, 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.

Red Hot Mama
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
Tony Award Nominee and cabaret queen Sharon McNight paints an indelible musical portrait of Sophie Tucker. ($25)

SAVE THE DATE

• Dann Foley Lifestyle Pop-Up Shop Opening on Saturday.
  
  
• Desert Pet Walk benefitting Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Saturday.
  
  
• Palm Springs International Jazz Festival on Saturday and Sunday.
  
  
• Mizell Center Third Wednesday Speaker Series on Feb. 28.
  
  
• An evening with PSIPC and Friends on Feb. 29.

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AND FINALLY …

“Darkstar,” the cutting-edge hypersonic aircraft from “Top Gun: Maverick,” is now on display at the Palm Springs Air Museum, merging Hollywood glamor with aerospace innovation.

Driving the news: Lockheed Martin brought the fictional Darkstar to life for the blockbuster sequel. The aircraft represents a giant leap in aviation stealth technology and is now on display for visitors to marvel at its intricate detailing and design.

Dive deeper: The design of Darkstar appears to be a blend of Lockheed Martin’s iconic SR-71 Blackbird and the F-35, according to an aviation outlet.

Behind the scenes: The design team, identified only by their first names, worked closely with the film’s production to construct a model complete with a working cockpit and detailed features.

What’s next: The Palm Springs Air Museum is hosting the “Darkstar Rising Experience,” offering a detailed look into the creation and role of the aircraft in “Top Gun: Maverick,” alongside discussions on the evolution of stealth technology. 

Details: The air museum has listed several dates for the Darkstar Rising Experience over the next month, check out the details and ticket pricing here.