Feb. 3 Daily Briefing: Project list narrowed, Villa Roma celebrates, band benefit, and more

Welcome to Monday, and to Black History Month! Palm Springs is incredibly fortunate to have a vibrant and engaged Black and African American community. From student achievements to successful projects led by talented leaders, we love reporting and celebrating the community’s accomplishments here in The Post. Our city’s month-long celebration of Black history kicked off Saturday with a flag raising ceremony, and there are many more events planned in the coming days. We hope you take time to attend some them and reflect, honor, and recognize Black history both here and across the country.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “New Beat” by Toro Y Moi

LEADING OFF

Commission identifies priority projects for $6M in tax revenue

The Palm Springs Measure J Oversight Commission has narrowed down its funding priorities, recommending 14 community projects for potential funding while rejecting 19 others in the next step toward elected officials allocating revenue set aside from a special sales tax.

Driving the news: The commission’s recommendations were discussed at a special meeting on Jan. 30. They followed weeks of reviewing 52 project applications for a share of the $6 million budget.

Key projects: Palm Springs Stadium maintenance received unanimous support, while other recommended projects include solar installations at the Women’s Club and LGBTQ Community Center, elevator replacement at the Art Museum, and Cerritos Park lighting upgrades.

• See the complete vote totals here.

Not selected: Several infrastructure proposals were rejected, including the Little Tuscany sewers project, multiple sidewalk construction requests, and help to pay for the “Forever Marilyn” statue relocation.

What’s next: The commission will meet in February to determine specific funding amounts for the priority projects to stay within the $6 million budget.

• The City Council, which has final say over the funding, will review these recommendations during a joint meeting this spring.

Behind the scenes: The decision-making process incorporated input from multiple city commissions and included site visits to proposed project locations.

• The remaining 19 applications not rejected or prioritized could receive future funding if resources become available.

Read our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🏛️ Villa Roma community celebrates historic district status

Palm Springs’ Villa Roma community, a 69-home midcentury modern development, marked its designation as the city’s largest historic district with a plaque unveiling ceremony Saturday at its Temple of Venus.

• The recognition comes after a 12-year effort by homeowner volunteers who documented the community’s Roman-themed architecture, leading to the Palm Springs City Council granting historic district status in February 2023.
• During the efforts, original residents Pearl Davis and Pearl White, both centenarians, were credited with providing firsthand accounts of the community’s history, while resident Jesse McManus uncovered original sales brochures and blueprints during the research process.
• Next up: The community will showcase its distinctive architectural features, including the Temple of Venus Rotunda and Fountain, during its first home tour on Feb. 15 as part of Modernism Week’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

Dive deeper with our complete story

🚔 Three arrests made in alleged transgender hate crime

Three New York residents were arrested in Palm Springs after allegedly assaulting a transgender woman and her companion near a downtown parking structure early Saturday morning, police said. The incident began as a family dispute before escalating into what authorities are investigating as a hate crime.

• The suspects – a 37-year-old woman, and two men ages 35 and 37 – allegedly attacked two women who attempted to intervene in what appeared to be a confrontation involving an intoxicated woman. Police said the suspects used derogatory language toward one victim, who was transgender.
• Bottom line: The transgender victim suffered moderate injuries requiring hospitalization. The suspects were booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on suspicion of battery and a hate crime, with bail set at $10,000 each.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
2:30 p.m. | Mizell Senior Center
This weekly support group offers a safe, confidential, supportive environment for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.

Election Anxiety Support Group
4 p.m. | Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic
In-person, drop-in group to help process anxiety and stress related to the upcoming presidential election and politics in general.

“Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story”
4:30 p.m. | The Cultural Center
After sold-out screenings at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, this star-studded tribute dives into Liza Minnelli’s dazzling rise to legend. ($10)

CalComMen’s Monday Coffee
5 p.m. | Play Lounge & Café
Join the group for coffee, chat, and chew! No RSVPs necessary.

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of live music from the award-winning team from the high desert: Mon Petit Mojave ($22)

Coachella Rising Showcase
5:30 p.m. | 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. ($20)

SAVE THE DATE

• Boston Brass Live in concert on Tuesday at PSHS. ($15-$25)
  
• Black History Month Kick-Off at the Palm Springs Art Museum on Thursday.
  
• “Perfect Arrangement” presented by The Bent, starting Thursday at Palm Springs Cultural Center. ($40) 
  
• “Racist Trees” film screening at the Cultural Center on Feb. 16. ($28)
  
• Black History Month Adult Basketball Tournament at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center on Feb. 17.
  
• 38th Annual Black History Parade & Town Fair on Palm Canyon Drive on Feb. 22.
  
• Desert Pet Walk at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Feb. 22.

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AND FINALLY …

If you’ve ever enjoyed a performance by the Palm Springs High School Spirit of the Sands Band, you’ve no doubt noticed their uniforms are pretty cool. But what you may not realize is that some are 30-40 years old!

Zoom in: Over the years, the talented band boosters who care for the uniforms have kept them in the best shape they can. However, making repairs to some of the older uniforms is growing both tiresome and frustrating.

Driving the news: Obtaining new uniforms is a costly endeavor. But on Tuesday night, you can help offset those costs while also enjoying a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

• The Boston Brass Quintet will play alongside the high school’s symphony band, becoming one of the only high school ensembles to play with the group during its 2025 tour.

Details: The performance takes place Tuesday evening at the Richard Center for the Arts at PSHS, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for students and $25 for adults. You can secure your tickets online here.

• The proceeds will go toward replacing some of the battered uniforms and keep the band looking sharp as it represents our city at multiple events.