July 1 Daily Briefing: Guide to little libraries, funding for free art night, shooting incident, and more

Welcome to Monday, and to July, and to what we hope is a short week for many of you (It is for us — but more on that later). If you’re traveling this week, it might be a good time to read up on the most effective merge method for our state’s many, many construction zones. The topic, covered in this article by Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press, is sure to spark debate, but we find it fascinating. Fun fact (at least according to this article in How Stuff Works): Because the system uses all the available road space for as long as possible, it cuts congestion by 40%. We hate to look like jerks on the road, but it’s science!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Firework” by Katy Perry

LEADING OFF

After debate, council continues funding for art museum’s free night

The Palm Springs City Council on Thursday approved funding to continue the popular Palm Springs Art Museum’s free Thursday admission, after a discussion over the program’s costs.

Driving the news: Amidst minor adjustments in this year’s continuation of a two-year city budget, the allocation of $300,000 to support the museum’s free admission nights on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to  8 p.m. became a focal point of contention. 

Looking back: The night has evolved into much more than just free admission. It’s added themed activities for kids, DJs and live music, special programs like LGBTQ+ or Black History Month programs, support for local entrepreneurs, and film screenings.

By the numbers: Museum officials estimate 53,000 people attended the free Thursday night event over the last fiscal year, with the average attendee numbers increasing over the past several years and attendance nearly doubling during the summer months.

In context: Luisa Heredia, the museum’s chief education and community engagement officer, told councilmembers on Thursday that though the idea is hugely popular with visitors, some museum donors criticize the program. That’s why the city’s continued support is so crucial to the existence of the program, she explained.

What they’re saying: “Some portion of our donors really question the investment in our program and question the fact that it is free and free for so many people on a consistent basis,” she said, noting that some believe the free night takes away from possible museum memberships. “That part has been quite challenging for us.”

Why it matters: All three councilmembers present at the Thursday meeting applauded the program, emphasizing its necessity, especially in a time when the cost of living is increasing.

•  “[T]o have a free event in our city that is so robust and feels like something that you should be paying a lot of money for, is a blessing for so many people,” said Councilmember Grace Garner.

Yes, but: Mayor Pro Tem Ron deHarte questioned the cost of the program, claiming it exceeds the original intent when the city first funded the idea decades ago.

• “Just so the community knows, we’re not hand-stamping a $300,000 gift to the museum,” said deHarte. “There are some questions that we need to find out how that investment is impacting the benefit of the community.”

Bottom line: By the end of the discussion, all three councilmembers voted to approve the continuation budget, including the money for the Thursday evening free admission nights.

Dive deeper with our complete story here. 

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BRIEFLY

🚨 Three dead in shooting incident near interstate

The Palm Springs Police Department is investigating a shooting incident that left three men dead near the Pilot Travel Center off North Indian Canyon Drive Sunday afternoon

• At approximately 1:15 p.m. the department received a report of possible gunshot victims in the area of North Indian Canyon Drive and Garnet Avenue. Two deceased males were found in a white sedan at the intersection, while a third male with self-inflicted injuries was discovered near the Interstate 10 overpass.
  
  
• Authorities believe the two scenes are related and do not suspect any outstanding suspects. The investigation is ongoing, and the identities of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
  
  
• Traffic disruptions included the temporary closure of southbound Indian Canyon Drive south of Interstate 10 and the eastbound Interstate 10 offramp to Indian Canyon Drive.

Details: Anyone with information related to the investigation is urged to phone 760-778-8422 or send and email here.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Open Play Bridge
9 a.m. | The Center
Come have some fun and enjoy playing Bridge in a casual and safe environment.

Therapy in Motion
5:15 p.m. | Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic
Therapy in Motion is a fun, energetic, and affirming dance class for anyone who wants to move. Dance at your own pace to choreographed pop music and cultivate self-care and wellness in a fun way. Dress to sweat!

Monday Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Play Lounge PS
Come have coffee and chat with other men about issues that are on your mind. No RSVP required — just drop in!

Adult Tap Dance Class
6:30 p.m. | Leisure Center Dance Studio
Adult intermediate tap starts at 6:30 p.m., and “absolute beginners” adult tap is at 7:30 p.m. (“Two left feet are optional.”) ($20)

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Join Bella Da Ball for a night of fabulous bingo. (Must spend $30 at Kings Highway to participate.)

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs All American 4th of July at Sunrise Park on Thursday.
  
  
• ONE-PS Lip-Sync Battle at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Sunday.
  
  
• Happy Hour for a Star fundraiser at Wildest Restaurant on July 14.
  
  
• Desert Wildlife Center Breakfast Fundraiser on July 20.

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AND FINALLY …

In May, when we reported on the little library dedication in the Twin Palms Neighborhood, we were aware it wasn’t the only such library in the city. We just didn’t know where the other ones were. Enter the helpful folks at the Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) to help us out.

Driving the news: With the help of Bob Farran and others with ONE-PS, and Denise Goolsby with the city, we were able to map the location of nine miniature libraries stretching from West Yorba Road in the northern section of the city to East Avenida Granada in the southern part of town.

• To view the map, simply click here.

Why it matters: The book-sharing boxes are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and are freely accessible to all, removing barriers to book access. By providing greater, more equitable book access, communities are stronger and it can influence literacy outcomes.

Zoom in: Many of the little libraries in Palm Springs are registered with the Little Free Library organization. That organization’s map shows more than three dozen such libraries registered in the Coachella Valley.

Yes, but: We suspect there are other little libraries here in Palm Springs, and that more will be established. If you know of one that’s not on the map, or if you create one in the future, simply drop us an email and we’ll update the map.