Feb. 26 Daily Briefing: Dog park concerns, voter assistance, our pet of the week, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, where we refuse to turn on the air conditioning and are just going to sweat out this hot streak with our ceiling fans set on high. How hot has it been? As of yesterday, we’ve experienced above-average temperatures on 21 of the 25 days this month, continuing from a January where about half the days were warmer than usual. Yesterday’s high of 94 was just one degree short of the record for that date, but the low (62 degrees) was one degree above the record maximum low set in 1986. Thankfully, some relief is in the forecast for this weekend, with high temperatures expected to be in the 70s. Hang in there!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Sunflower” by Vampire Weekend (feat. Steve Lacy)

LEADING OFF

Mounting concerns over conditions at city dog parks spark response from staff

Palm Springs residents are raising concerns about the state of city dog parks, especially the small dog park behind City Hall. 

Driving the news: At a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting earlier this week, locals pointed out several issues with the dog park: patchy grass, lack of shade, damaged fences, and an unusual problem — too many chairs.

At issue: One resident said the 30 chairs left in the park were an eyesore, and took up space that should be available for dogs to run around. Other residents said the chairs were necessary for senior visitors to sit and rest and that the park’s benches were inadequate and unprotected by shade.

What’s at stake: Many residents stressed that the parks are more than just places for dogs. Wendy Miller, a daily visitor for three years, explained the dog park is a social hub that keeps residents connected.

• Chantal Schultz said the dog park is vital to her recovery, noting, “I have now been sober for one year and [the dog park] is the only place I can go to visit friends and not have drinks.”

The solution: “Staff is well aware that these parks are not in the condition they need to be in,” said Parks and Recreation Director Nicholas Gonzalez.

• Gonzalez said he plans to work with the commission’s dog park ad hoc committee to set up focus groups with park users.

Meanwhile: Plans for the Demuth dog parks have been drawn up and are currently being reviewed by the city. They expect the two dog parks will reopen with improvements in mid-2026.

What to watch for: Meetings with dog park users will be set for March 24. Notices will be posted at both dog parks. A time and place has not yet been decided.

• “We need to gather feedback from everyone who uses the parks,” Gonzalez said.

BRIEFLY

🗳️ Learn how to be a better voter at joint city, county event

We may have just had a major presidential election, but just in case you’re not registered or if you have questions, the county has you covered.

• The Riverside County Registrar of Voters is hosting a voter education and registration event at Palm Springs City Hall. This marks the first in a planned quarterly series aimed at educating the public about voting rights.
  
• The goal is to make sure residents know their rights when voting. The voter registration team will be available to answer questions.
  
• Details: The event will be held in the City Hall chamber foyer today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Unity Center Plaque Dedication
2:30 p.m. | James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
As part of ongoing celebrations during Black History Month, the City of Palm Springs, the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center and Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Action Association will host a plaque dedication ceremony honoring two long-time community advocates, Ola Roberts and Cora Crawford.

Poetry Club
4 p.m. | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
Led by T.S. Leonard, meet monthly to discuss and work on your poetry. Every month a different theme. This month’s theme, of course, is love. Next month, the theme is luck.

The Mod Squad Variety Show
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of musical hijinks and hilarity with award-winning hosts. Tickle your musical senses with their fun and unique arrangements of Mid-Century Pop Music, Yacht Rock, Rat Pack, classic oldies & a whole lot more. ($20)

Road Reconfiguration Project Community Meeting
5:30 p.m. | Demuth Community Center
Gather for a community meeting on the road reconfiguration project for a 2.5-mile stretch of Racquet Club Road. If you can’t make it in-person or online, check out the interactive map and give your input there.

Palm Springs Planning Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Commissioners meet to make recommendations on land use, zoning, and the general plan. Check out the agenda here. 

Agua Caliente Speaker Series: Language Revitalization
6 p.m. | Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza
Learn about the Agua Caliente Cahuilla language revitalization program with Rose Ann Hamilton (Cahuilla), Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Member John R. Preckwinkle III (Agua Caliente), and language teachers. ($15)

Let’s Talk Oscars!
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
The Academy Awards are this weekend, join Movie Librarian Scott Biegen as he leads us through all things Oscars. From the snubs (no Angelina Jolie or Nicole Kidman…and the under performance of Sing Sing) and surprises (The Substance! I’m Still Here!)

Highway 111 Pavement Rehabilitation Project
Caltrans is working this year on rehabilitating the pavement of a large section of Highway 111. Check out the full map and see how your drive around town might be impacted.

See all events

SAVE THE DATE

• Friends of the Palm Springs Library Book Sale at the JC Frey Building at the Palm Springs Public Library on Friday and Saturday.
  
• “Grand Concourse” at Dezart Performs starting Friday. ($62)
  
• Rotary Club of Palm Springs Sunup blood drive on Saturday.
  
• District 2 Community Meeting at Vista del Monte Elementary School on March 3.
  
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” at CV Repertory starting March 5. ($90 after opening night)
  
• Rock the Park Concert Series: AbbaFab at Downtown Park on March 5.
  
• Desert X starts March 8.
  
• Richard M. Milanovich Legacy Hike and 5K Run at Indian Canyons on March 8. ($12) (Ticket ordering closes this Friday, Feb. 28)
  
• Palm Springs Drone Fest at Palm Springs High School starting March 21. ($25)

Submit your event

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AND FINALLY …

🐾 Each week, The Post partners with a local animal shelter to feature one or more of the many animal companions ready for a new home in our community. 

Today, we invite you to meet Maya a female tabby available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

If you’re interested: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (also where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here.

• All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat. 

But wait: Don’t want to adopt but still enjoy cats? You can book a time to hang out in the cat lounge by clicking here.