Jan. 3 Daily Briefing: Tribal history unearthed, the first babies of 2024, an urgent call at the animal shelter, and more

Happy Wednesday, everyone, where we’re hoping the clouds clear some more so that we can get another look at the snow on top of the Tram. We’d also like to congratulate the 10 winners of the annual snow guessing contest — including three from Palm Springs — who were among the first to predict that Dec. 22 would be the day the first measurable accumulation of at least an inch would be recorded at Mountain Station (there was 1.5 inches recorded that day). Each will receive four regular Tramway admissions plus a gift bag. The contest began Oct. 1 and saw more than 800 entries!

🎶 Setting the mood:  “New Year’s Resolution” by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas

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LEADING OFF

How tribal excavation revealed oldest known archaeological site in the valley

In front of a sold-out crowd at a recent lecture at the new Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, volunteer tribal monitors from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla revealed what it was like the day they uncovered one of the biggest and oldest archaeological sites in the valley.

Driving the news: In July 2018, just two months after construction had started on the museum and Spa at Séc-he, Roman Dominguez spotted what he thought were a few tiny stone flakes in the ground. That discovery led to a four-month stoppage of construction and the recovery of thousands of artifacts.

Why it matters: At the lecture, tribal monitors explained that the tribe’s choice to devote so much time and money to recovering 100% of all artifacts up to a certain depth is rare and shows just how dedicated the tribe is to preservation. 

Dive deeper: During a panel discussion, tribal members who participated in the excavation revealed their emotions at the discovery to a packed room of about 70 people. 

• For many, it was a sense of pride. The discovery affirms what they already knew: “We’ve always been here, and we’re still here.” 

What they’re saying: It wasn’t an easy job. The tribal monitors and volunteers were trained to look for minuscule pieces of shells or stone flakes amid huge buckets of sand. 

• “It almost became repetitive, dumping buckets out that are filled with nothing but pebbles and rocks,” John Preckwinkle III, another tribal member, said. “But then you’d come across a tiny shell or flake or an arrowhead, and it would rejuvenate you, and you’d want to keep coming back day after day.”

What to watch for: The December lecture was the first of three lectures on the calendar for the museum. Proving that there’s interest in the community for more information about the tribe, the next two are already sold out. 

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

IN OTHER NEWS

👶Meet the first babies born in the desert this year, including Sterling, the first baby born at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.

🛫 Passengers ordered off a New Year’s Eve red-eye flight from Palm Springs to New York have accused an airline of antisemitism.

🏠 One of Albert Frey’s only tract homes, at 1180 North Calle Rolph, is on the market for roughly $1.2 million.

FEATURED EVENTS

Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Public Library
Practice your Mah Jong skills against others. One game set will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own.

First Wednesday Art Walk
5 p.m. | Kee Gallery
Check out the new show with works by Kee Gallery’s principal artists. 

Library Board of Trustees Meeting
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Board holds its regular meeting this evening, where an architecture firm will present its scope of work for the library renovation project. Board members will also consider accepting a $3,000 purchase to be used for the purchase of books, according to the agenda.

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.

Rock the Park: Tribute to Tina Turner
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
The popular free concert series returns with Debby Holiday performing Tina Turner’s greatest hits in the lovely outdoor setting of the Downtown Park. Bring lawn chairs and blankets!

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs International Film Festival Jan. 4 through 15.
  
  
• Mini Masterpieces Show at Desert Art Center Jan. 6.
  
  
• Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival at Ruth Hardy Park on Jan. 27.
  
  
• PS Woman’s Club Annual Patio Sale on Feb. 3.
  
  
• Tour de Palm Springs in Downtown Palm Springs on Feb. 10.

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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 Shadow, a three-year-old female pit bull terrier/retriever mix. Sweet Shadow has been at the shelter since August, and staff say she loves her treats, toys, and human affection. 

🚨 We featured Shadow because she’s one of many large dogs that urgently needs a home. Staff at the shelter say they’re currently at capacity for their lovable large dogs and are housing up to three dogs per kennel. Give one of these gentle giants a chance!

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days except for Mondays (open for intake only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter at (760) 416-5718.

• Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here. And get a jump start on adoption by completing the form here.