Jan. 11 Daily Briefing: Council meeting preview, tribe delivers big checks, farmer field trips, and more

Welcome to Thursday, folks, where if you look outside you’re probably aware that we remain under a wind advisory. It’s supposed stay in effect until 10 a.m., so you might want to consider limiting your outdoor activities to avoid breathing in the dust that’s being kicked up. You’ll also want to note that both Vista Chino and Gene Autry were closed moments ago due to lack of visibility. North Indian Canyon could follow, so be sure to go here and sign up for alerts from the city about closures (and re-openings).

🎶 Setting the mood: “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan

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LEADING OFF

City Council to tackle disposal services, library, more at tonight’s meeting

The Palm Springs City Council will consider two issues that impact the everyday life of residents this evening: trash and the local library.

Driving the news: The Council will meet in closed and regular sessions to discuss and vote on several issues, including an extension to the Palm Springs Disposal Services (PSDS) contract and a funding strategy for the Palm Springs Public Library renovation.

Up first: The current PSDS contract expires in five years, but if the council agrees to extend the contract to 2034 instead, PSDS said that would make it easier for them to pay off the cost of new vehicles needed to comply with state mandates.

What this means: No, this decision will not affect rates for Palm Springs residents.

Dive deeper: Hidden in the staff report is a proposal from PSDS to hire people referred to them through the Homeless Navigation Center, which is set to open this year.

• PSDS would also provide additional services to residents, such as kitchen pails, bulky item collections, and special collection events. 

What else: Councilmembers will also consider raising funds for the library renovation through public debt issuance

By the numbers: The City Council has already approved some $15 million in funds for the roughly $40 million project, which includes money from a state grant and Measure J taxes. With an estimated $25 to $30 million of the project still unfunded, the city could vote tonight to begin the debt service issuance process.

Of note: The staff report makes it clear that any action tonight would not be an official authorization to bond. That will come later once an amount is determined.

Details: The regular meeting is open to the public in Council Chambers at City Hall. Public comments can be emailed to cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov. View the meeting live at the city’s website here, via YouTube, or Channel 17 (Spectrum)

IN OTHER NEWS

👩‍🌾  Local farmers took a field trip to Palm Springs Unified School District schools recently to teach students more about locally-grown produce.

💄  A $3.5 million home in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood is up for sale and it’s giving majorBarbie Dream House vibes.

📽️ For hundreds of volunteers who make the Palm Springs International Film Festival a success, the eight-day event has a lasting impression. 

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FEATURED EVENTS

City Council Meeting
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Councilmembers meet this week in closed and regular sessions to discuss topics including the library renovation and disposal services, according to the agenda.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The weekly street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. The Palm Springs Art Museum also has free admission tonight starting at 5 p.m.

Music & Martinis
6 p.m. | V Wine Lounge
Join Leanna and Jazz Trio playing Pop, Jazz, and Bossa hits from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. every Thursday. ($10)

Argentine Tango Class
7:30 p.m. | Step By Step Dance Studio
Learn how to dance the most passionate social dance in the world. Instructors will help you to develop strong technique and footwork. No experience, no partner, no problem! ($10)

SAVE THE DATE

• “Mid-Century Moderns” at the Revolution Stage Company from Jan. 19 to March 31.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks presents an evening with Fran Drescher on Jan. 25.
  
  
• Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival at Ruth Hardy Park on Jan. 27.
  
  
• PS Woman’s Club Annual Patio Sale on Feb. 3.
  
  
• Black History Committee 14th Annual Awards Gala on Feb. 3.
  
  
• Palm Springs Woman’s Club Scholarship Luncheon at the Palm Springs Hilton on March 27

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AND FINALLY …

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians donated proceeds from a recent golf tournament to several local charities Wednesday.

Driving the news: During a ceremony at tribal headquarters, members of the Tribal Council presented five organizations with checks of $45,000, totaling $225,000 in donations. 

Details: Proceeds from the 13th Annual Agua Caliente Charity Golf Tournament in December are going to ABC Recovery Center, Inc., California Indian Nations College, Father’s Heart Ranch, Feathers-N-Fur, and Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition.