Feb. 27 Daily Briefing: New court, superintendent to retire, honoring advocates, and more

Happy Thursday, everyone! Stalled development projects have been frustrating residents and city officials for years, and one of the most frustrating has been the redevelopment of the former Orchid Tree Inn property downtown. When we last heard about it in 2023, the developer had received an extension but was warned, “This is it.” Since then — crickets. At last night’s Planning Commission meeting, we heard that the project might be headed to the City Council for approval of adjustments to its tax agreement — with minor revisions to the project planned — as the developer tries to move forward again. We’ll keep you posted.

🎶 Setting the mood: “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry” by Bob Dylan

LEADING OFF

Justice served, history made: New court solidifies tribal sovereignty

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is known for its elegant resorts, beautiful golf courses, and world-class spas. But a nondescript, square building at the intersection of East Tahquitz Canyon Way and Avenida Caballeros may hold as much or more meaning to tribal members as any of their others.

Driving the news: Four months ago, the tribe established its first-ever tribal court, marking a significant milestone in its sovereignty. The court handles civil matters and represents the culmination of generations of effort by tribal leaders.

Zoom in: The court’s establishment allows the tribe to exercise jurisdiction over matters on tribal lands, including Indian Child Welfare Act cases, family law issues, and contract disputes.

• The court currently handles only civil matters, as criminal jurisdiction remains with the state of California.

Why it matters: The new judicial system offers tribal members greater control over their affairs, particularly in sensitive areas like child welfare.

What they’re saying: “This is huge. I mean, this is something that I’ve grown up hearing about — a tribal court,” said tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich. “The process didn’t officially start until 2016, but this has been a vision for generations. So, to see it actually up and running — I mean, this is a dream come true.”

Bigger picture: The court’s creation represents a significant restructuring of tribal governance, establishing an independent judiciary branch separate from the Tribal Council.

What’s next: The tribe plans to gradually expand the court’s scope as it further asserts its sovereignty and jurisdiction.

Go deeper: The court’s jurisdiction extends to both tribal members and non-members with connections to the reservation, such as those living, working, or conducting business on tribal lands.

Get all the details in Maggie Miles’ complete story

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BRIEFLY

🏫 Schools superintendent announces June retirement

Tony Signoret, superintendent of Palm Springs Unified School District, has announced his retirement effective June 30, concluding a 31-year career with the district. Signoret, who became superintendent in January 2024 after serving as interim for a year, is the first Latino to lead the school district.

• In a letter to the PSUSD community, Signoret called it a “difficult choice” but expressed his desire to spend more time with family, including children living across the country and in Europe, as well as his parents in Mexico.
  
• The retirement comes despite a unanimous board-approved contract extension in November that would have kept him in position through June 2027 with a $290,000 salary.
  
• Next steps: The district plans to begin searching for a new superintendent in the coming months and intends to name Signoret’s successor before the end of the school year. Signoret is the third superintendent to lead PSUSD in five years.

Dive deeper with our complete story

🏛️ What to watch for at tonight’s City Council meeting

The Palm Springs City Council meets in regular session this evening. Here’s what we’ll be watching: 

• Councilmembers will hear from staff about the state of the city’s general fund and the budget. Staff reports reveal the general fund ended the first two quarters of the fiscal year with total revenue at $53.7 million, down 5% from the first two quarters of FY24.

• Also on the agenda is consideration of funds related to firehouse renovation, baggage handling support systems, and the approval of the purchase of new weapons for the police department. Check out the rest of the agenda online here.
  
• Details: The regular meeting is open to the public in Council Chambers at City Hall. You can submit comments via an online public comment form, in person, or by calling the city clerk’s office at (760) 323-8204. Watch the meeting live on the city’s YouTube channel here.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Art Museum Free Admission
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum 
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collection at your own pace. Concluding their Black History Month programming, tonight the museum will put on their Black History Month closing celebration. The evening will be filled with music by DJ Theregozaay, games, food, a break dance performance by The Desert Peeps, and local BIPOC vendors.

Coachella Rising Showcase
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Catch fresh local talent at the Coachella Rising showcase. Each week, two artists will perform 45-minute sets, hosted by Dede Ondishko & Jason Powell. This week is “All About Love,” enjoy performances from Tommy Dodson and Kim N’ Michelle. ($20)

Palm Springs City Council
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Councilmembers meet to discuss several issues, check out the agenda here.

VillageFest
6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs  
The street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. 

“My Fair Lady”
7 p.m. | Palm Canyon Theatre
Based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, “My Fair Lady,” this classic tale shows us Eliza Doolittle, a low-class, Cockney, flower girl, transformed into an elegant lady when Professor Henry Higgins decides to teach her how to speak like a proper, upper-class woman. ($40)

View all events here

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)
  
• 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 the 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)
  
• Rotary Club of Palm Springs Sunup blood drive on March 8.
  
• Palm Springs Drone Fest at Palm Springs High School starting March 21. ($25)

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

A plaque honoring a pair of legendary community advocates — Ola Roberts and the late Cora Crawford — was dedicated Wednesday at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center in Palm Springs. 

Driving the news: District 1 Councilmember Grace Garner joined community leaders to unveil the plaque recognizing the two women who championed improvements in the Desert Highland Gateway Estates neighborhood.

Why it matters: Roberts and Crawford are being celebrated as trailblazers whose leadership and vision improved quality of life for residents throughout Palm Springs.

• Their advocacy work continues to benefit current and future generations in the community.

Between the lines: The ceremony was organized through a collaboration between the City of Palm Springs, the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, and the Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Action Association.

• The ceremony was part of the city’s Black History Month celebrations.

The scene: Following the dedication, attendees connected with neighbors while enjoying refreshments provided by the Parks and Recreation Department.