Jan. 8 Daily Briefing: Disposal contract extension, KFC closure, red carpet images, and more

Happy Monday, folks, where we’re celebrating not only National Clean Off Your Desk Day, but one of us is preparing for the big football game tonight, just as he did more than 30 years ago. Put him in a room with members of Gen Z, however, and it looks like he could be alone. According to one report, only 23% of those age 11 to 26 say they are passionate sports fans, as opposed to 33% of Gen Xers (of which he is a member), 31% of baby boomers, and 42% of millennials. Oh well — that just means less competition for the snacks 🤷🏼‍♂️

🎶 Setting the mood: “Victory for Washington” by The University of Washington Marching Band

LEADING OFF

🚛 Palm Springs Disposal looking for extension

Hoping to help offset the costs of new vehicles needed to support organic waste collection efforts in the city, Palm Springs Disposal Services (PSDS) is seeking a contract extension. The issue is up for discussion later this week. 

• The current contract is set to expire in 2029. However, by agreeing to an extension to 2034, PSDS said it will better be able to amortize the cost of additional vehicles that are necessary to comply with the state’s organic waste recycling mandate, known as SB 1383.
  
  
• Other terms of the extension, outlined in a staff report, would see PSDS employ up to eight individuals referred by the city’s Homeless Navigation Center, set to open this year. PSDS would also provide additional services to residents such as kitchen pails, bulky item collection, and special collection events.
  
  
• Bottom line: The extension does not result in any rate increases for PSDS customers in the city. The Palm Springs City Council will discuss the request at its next meeting, scheduled for Thursday evening.

 🍗 Another Sunny Dunes area closure

For the second time in 14 months, an eatery has closed in the Sunny Dunes area of South Palm Springs. 

• As first noted by residents on social media, the KFC fast-food restaurant at 725 South Palm Canyon Dr. is now boarded up, with signage indicating it is under repair. However, according to a local TV news report, the location was closed permanently.
  
  
• The closure in late December follows a similar move in Yucca Valley, where a KFC was also closed at the end of last month.  
  
  
• Bottom line: Unlike the closure of a nearby Starbucks in late 2022, the KFC closure does not appear to be related with issues associated with unhoused residents who congregate in the area. “One of our franchisees closed this restaurant as a normal course of business,” a spokesperson told The Desert Sun.

IN OTHER NEWS

⚖️ A mother who allegedly bought a gun for her unlicensed bounty hunter son accused of fatally shooting a knife-wielding fugitive in front of Palm Springs police officers must stand trial on murder, a judge ruled last week.

🚧 Desert Hot Springs officials provided updates last week on efforts to repair crucial roadways through that city that drivers from Palm Springs and elsewhere in the Coachella Valley depend on.

📸 If you weren’t there for the red carpet arrivals at the Palm Springs International Film Festival last week, the talented photojournalists at The Desert Sun have you covered. Check out their coverage here.

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Palm Springs International Film Festival
All day | Multiple locations
The Festival’s culturally diverse program presents a large selection of films submitted for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category for the Academy Awards, as well as highlights American independent and international features and documentaries

Human Rights Commission
5:30 p.m.| City Hall
This city commission typically meets on the second Monday of each month. See tonight’s agenda here.

Monday Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Gre Coffeehouse
This event is back in session following a holiday break. Come have coffee and chat with other men about issues that are on your mind. No RSVP required — just drop in!

Modern Men Chorus Auditions
6:30 p.m. | United Methodist Church
Either come to the first rehearsal from 6:30 to 8 pm at the church and audition after the rehearsal, or next Saturday morning (Jan. 13) at the same location. Auditions will be held on a first come, first served basis.

SAVE THE DATE

• Rock the Park free outdoor tribute band concert, rescheduled for this Wednesday.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Tour de Palm Springs in Downtown Palm Springs on Feb. 10

---

AND FINALLY …

One week from today (Monday, Jan. 15) the nation will pause to reflect on the life and work of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Several events are planned in Palm Springs. They include:

• A unity rally at Frances Stevens Park, 555 North Palm Canyon Dr., starting at 11 a.m.
  
  
• A symbolic march from the rally site to United Methodist Church at 1555 East Alejo Rd., starting at 11:30 a.m.
  
  
• An interfaith service at the church, starting at 12:30 p.m.

But wait: Next weekend, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, in association with the Palm Springs Black History Committee, present the annual MLK Youth Basketball Classic. 

• The event is scheduled for Demuth Community Center (3601 East Mesquite Ave.) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday.