July 15 Daily Briefing: Addressing tensions, hockey happenings, lower speeds on nearby roads, and more

Happy Tuesday, everyone! If you’re like many of us and regularly drive through Cathedral City to get around the valley, heads up that many streets there are getting speed limit reductions of 5 mph starting July 25 – including major thoroughfares like Vista Chino and Ramon Road that many of us use for our daily commutes. The adjustments are part of that city’s regular engineering and traffic survey to keep up with changing road conditions.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Freelance” by Toro y Moi

LEADING OFF

Commission members propose initiatives to address community tension

The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission is exploring documentary screenings, community dialogue programs, and an interfaith peace march aimed at promoting understanding and addressing local tensions. The proposals come after residents testified about harassment incidents they say have increased since October 2023.

Driving the news: Two commissioners who formed a subcommittee presented multiple recommendations Monday evening following emotional testimony at the commission’s June meeting where speakers described rising Islamophobia and anti-Arab hatred in Palm Springs.

• Several residents called for the city to establish better communication channels with leadership and take direct action.

The proposals: The commission is considering three main initiatives requiring approval from the full commission and Palm Springs City Council review before moving forward.

• Documentary screenings would introduce different viewpoints, modeled after the May 24 showing of Oscar-winning film “No Other Land” about Israel’s destruction of a Palestinian village in the West Bank.

How it works: Community dialogue programs would work with the California Civil Rights Department’s Community Conflict Resolution Unit to facilitate conversations aimed at reducing tensions in small, controlled settings.

What else: An interfaith “March for Peace and Community” would honor all victims of hate crimes and human rights violations, not focusing on any single population.

• Commissioners identified 27 local faith leaders and have so far contacted Rabbi David Lazar and United Methodist Pastor Jane Voigts, who both expressed immediate support.

What’s next: No action was taken at Monday’s meeting, but commissioners expressed interest in further discussion at their Sept. 8 meeting.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

BRIEFLY

🏒 LGBTQ adults, allies can learn hockey this fall

Registration is open for a learn-to-play hockey program designed for LGBTQ adults and their allies in the Coachella Valley, scheduled for September at the Berger Foundation Iceplex. The program costs $99 and includes four one-hour professionally coached lessons and a complete set of hockey equipment, with class size limited to 25 people and registration open through Aug. 1.

• The initiative represents a partnership between the Coachella Valley Pride Hockey Association, the One Valley Foundation and the Berger Foundation Iceplex, with the latter two organizations providing financial and in-kind support for coaching staff, ice time and basic equipment.
  
• After completing the introductory program, participants will have opportunities to join the Coachella Valley Adult Hockey League and compete in local and international LGBTQ tournaments, according to organizers.
  
• Details: Registration and program information is available here, and questions can be directed to palmspringsgayhockey@gmail.com or by calling 802-310-7347.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Better Brain & Balance Tuesday
9 a.m. | Mizell Center
This class is to help people who struggle with balance and notice memory issues. ($48)

Lead’s Lunch
12 p.m. | Marilyn’s Seafood Bar & Grill
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce invites its members to join them and mingle with fellow members, no reservation needed. 

Queer Colon Care Collective
5 p.m. | Virtual
This support group is open to LGBTQ+ colorectal cancer patients, survivors, or caregivers. Organizers will offer resources and a sense of community in a safe place to share experiences. 

Palm Springs Power Baseball
7 p.m. | Palm Springs Stadium
Your Palm Springs Power go up against the Havasu Heat tonight. ($10)

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 …

🐾 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 the online sensation herself Bluey, a nine-month-old female mixed breed. Staff at the shelter say she is as adorable as she is lovable.

• Staff also said she is friendly with everyone she meets

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.