July 14 Daily Briefing: City’s legislative priorities, dealing with discrimination, and more

Happy Monday, and happy Bastille Day! You’ll want to make note that the Newsmakers photojournalism exhibition is making its return to Palm Springs this Wednesday with an opening reception at the Stephen Richard Baumbach Gallery, bringing back a remarkable collection of photographs by local photojournalists that was previously showcased at the Impell Gallery in May. The exhibition runs through Aug. 2, and if you buy one of these amazing photographs, you’re not just getting a piece of history for your wall – you’re helping fund the next generation of visual journalists through a Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation internship program!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Island in the Sun” by Weezer

LEADING OFF

City leaders adopt legislative advocacy platform for next two years

The Palm Springs City Council unanimously adopted a comprehensive legislative platform last week that will guide the city’s advocacy efforts with state lawmakers. The 2025-2026 platform covers key issues including homelessness, housing, economic development and climate resilience.

Driving the news: The platform serves as a policy guide for city staff and legislative consultants at Townsend Public Affairs to pursue funding opportunities and engage with policymakers on issues aligned with the council’s strategic goals.

• Councilmember Grace Garner, who originally requested the platform at a May 28 meeting, said it will help the city respond quickly to legislative opportunities.

Key priorities: Housing initiatives include streamlined environmental review for affordable housing projects and expanded access to low-income housing funding. The homelessness section outlines flexible funding for mental health treatment and supportive services.

What else: Economic development support focuses on inclusive growth, arts initiatives, cannabis industry development and small business support. Infrastructure priorities encompass transit improvements, convention center modernization and Palm Springs airport enhancements.

Looking ahead: Council Member Jeffrey Bernstein suggested expanding advocacy efforts to include federal issues, noting the city’s airport and other federal concerns.

• A representative from Townsend Public Affairs noted the platform doesn’t prevent the city from taking positions on issues not explicitly mentioned, as the advocacy team continues monitoring emerging legislation throughout the year.

The bottom line: The platform doesn’t prevent the city from taking positions on unlisted issues, as the advocacy team continues monitoring emerging legislation throughout the year.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🏛️Human Rights Commission considers City Council liaison to address discrimination concerns

The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission is developing recommendations that could include appointing a formal City Council liaison to improve communication between the HRC and city leadership, responding to community concerns about local incidents of discrimination and harassment.

• Vice Chair David Vignolo will seek to amend the commission’s agenda this evening to add a motion recommending the council appoint a liaison for one year who would attend at least one regular HRC meeting each quarter. If approved by the HRC, the recommendation could be forwarded to City Council for consideration at their July 21 meeting or in September.
  
• The proposal directly addresses testimony from seven community members at the June 9 HRC meeting who described incidents of discrimination and harassment occurring locally since October 2023. Several speakers described what they characterized as increasing Islamophobia and anti-Arab hatred in Palm Springs, with one resident reporting a physical assault during a protest for wearing a keffiyeh.
  
• Bottom line: A May 2024 memo from the city attorney stated that the HRC’s authority is limited to discriminatory practices occurring within Palm Springs’ territorial limits and does not extend to international relations. The HRC voted to form an ad hoc committee to develop proposals for community dialogue sessions addressing ongoing tensions.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Mahjong Monday
1 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Come play the American version of Mahjong with others. Play Lounge has two mats and sets, but feel free to bring your own. 

California’s Community of Men’s Monday Coffee
4:30 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
This drop-in event is free to the public and includes a Happy Hour menu. See old friends, make new ones!

Human Rights Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Human Rights commissioners gather for their regular meeting tonight at city hall and online via Zoom. 

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• PSUSD classified job fair on Wednesday at the school district office
  
• Good Trouble Lives On discussion, music, and tribute to the late Congressman John Lewis on Thursday
  
• Palm Springs Library renovation celebration on Saturday
  
• ALL OUT, a summer dance party put on by The LGBTQ+ Center of the Desert on Saturday
  
• Next Gen Care community conversation on HIV prevention innovations on July 22 
  
• Pool Party for a Cause benefiting Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Aug. 15  

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

⚾ The Palm Springs Power celebrated their 700th franchise victory by defeating the Inland Valley Legends 11-2 on Saturday at Palm Springs Stadium. [KESQ]

🏛️ City officials have renewed a decade-long agreement with the local hospitality industry, diverting a portion of the transient occupancy tax to PS Resorts for tourism promotion. [The Desert Sun]

📽️ The global luxury group Kering has been announced as the new sponsor for the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The 37th annual event is scheduled for Jan. 2 through 12, 2026, with the film awards ceremony set for Jan. 3. [NBC Palm Springs]