Jan. 24 Daily Briefing: Parks planning schedule set, Chase details announced, our pet of the week, and more

Happy Wednesday, Palm Springs, and happy birthday to our very own Kendall Balchan, who is hopefully not reading this on her day off. Mark’s not sure who’s in charge of the “30 Under 30” articles done around these parts, but if you’re reading this, he certainly has a candidate for you! She’s one part reporter, one part editor, one part future of the news business, serves as our in-house DJ, and is the only member of the crew who has been asked to pose for a selfie with a reader who recognized her on the street. Here’s to another trip around the Sun to you, Kendall! 

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Birthday” by The Beatles

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LEADING OFF

Schedule set for community meetings on future of parks

The Parks and Recreation Department is set to begin a series of community workshops next month, inviting residents to participate in the update of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Driving the news: Parks and Recreation Director Yvonne Wise said Monday that the firm leading the master plan process will heavily rely on community engagement. Four community workshops are scheduled throughout 2024, with the first planned for Feb. 22 at the Pavilion in Sunrise Park.

• The city will also conduct six focus group sessions with various stakeholders and interest groups.
  
  
• The updated master plan, expected to be finalized by the end of 2024, will become part of the city’s Comprehensive General Plan.

Looking ahead: The current Master Plan, adopted in 2014, has guided the development of parks, trails, recreation facilities, and special events in the city. The updated plan will continue to shape the future of these public spaces, but not without public input.

• A working group, comprising city staff, Parks and Recreation commissioners, and other department representatives, will also be formed to contribute to the plan.

On the ground: During the regular meeting of the city’s Parks and recreation Commission, Wise also updated commissioners on the status of multiple parks projects currently underway.

• Among the projects were playground replacement and additions, walking path resurfacing, installation of outdoor exercise equipment, and ball field lighting.

BRIEFLY

🏆 Manilow to headline Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards; Nine to be honored

Palm Springs will shine with stars and philanthropy this spring as Barry Manilow donates a special performance at the 30th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards.

• At the event, nine community leaders will receive the prestigious Community Legacy Award, marking DAP Health’s 40th anniversary.
  
  
• The event will celebrate DAP Health’s efforts in healthcare access and honor a coalition of local honorees who have significantly contributed to its mission since its inception in 1984.
  
  
• This year’s winners are Mark Adams, Dr. Frank Figueroa, Keisha Halverson (Keisha D.), Patrick Jordan, Terri Ketover, Michael Kiner, Andy Linksy, Tori St. Johns, and Susan Unger.
  
  
• Details: The event will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center on March 30. Ticket information is available here.

🧑‍⚖️Hotel worker sentenced for sexual assault in Palm Springs

A hotel waiter has been sentenced to seven years to life in prison after sexually assaulting an inebriated and unconscious woman in her room at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel.

• Alejandro “Alex” Adan, a 34-year-old man from Desert Hot Springs, was earlier convicted on multiple charges, including rape of an unconscious person and burglary.
  
  
• During a sentencing hearing on Tuesday, Judge Jorge Hernandez of the Riverside County Superior Court handed down the penalty following Adan’s November conviction by a Banning jury.
  
  
• Looking back: Adan committed the assault in March 2019 after the victim, identified as “Jane Doe,” had been drinking at the hotel’s bar where he served her.

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FEATURED EVENTS

The Mod Squad Variety Show
5 p.m. | The Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of live music at the valley’s “Happiest happy hour!” This week features hosts Jeff Stewart, Francesca Amari, and Wayne Abravanel. ($10)

Planning Commission Regular Meeting
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
At tonight’s regular meeting, commissioners will discuss an amendment to plans for Cody Place and plans for 40 new single-family residential units in Escena, according to the agenda.

Kathy Strong Author Talk
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Kathy Strong shares her personal path to her forty years in travel writing, from travel books to articles and columns.

PALS Circle
6 p.m. | Online
Hosted by Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors, this informal drop-in conversation is meant for connection, support, and friendship.

SAVE THE DATE

• 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.
  
  
• “An Article of Hope” movie showing with guest speaker on Feb. 4.
  
  
• Palm Springs Woman’s Club Scholarship Luncheon at the Hilton on March 27.

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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 Astro, an 18-month-old male available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers said Astro is one of the newest arrivals and he just can’t get enough snuggles.

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. 

• 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.