July 19 Daily Briefing: Joint meeting of councils that run the city, playoff baseball in town, and more

TGIF, everyone! We’d like to give a shoutout to the OG independent media here in the valley — The Coachella Valley Independent — which took home more than a dozen awards recently from the California News Publishers Association and Association of Alternative News Media. Publisher Jimmy Boegle breaks it all down here and includes a list of links to the reporting that earned the honors. We encourage you to check out the list and to make The Independent part of your well-rounded diet of media you consume. Congratulations to all!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Summer Breeze” by The Main Ingredient

LEADING OFF

City, tribal councils meet to strengthen ties

The Palm Springs City Council and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Council convened in their first joint session in six years to discuss economic development and future projects for both governments.

Driving the news: The meeting, held at the Palm Spring Convention Center, included discussions about the tribe’s new food and beverage tax, yielding $9.5 million in its initial year, and plans to inaugurate an eight-member tribal court by October.

• Economic development strategies were also shared, with over $3 billion in projected projects underway in Palm Springs, including a $2 billion airport expansion and a new $405 million college campus.

Dive deeper: The creation of the tribal court represents a significant step in the tribe’s sovereignty, focusing on key issues like domestic violence and child welfare.

In addition: The meeting highlighted a Native American curriculum now taught in Palm Springs Unified School District, which has reached over 17,500 students and drawn international attention.

By the numbers: The tribal food and beverage tax has notably contributed $3 million toward public safety funding for Palm Springs and neighboring cities, emphasizing the local retention of tax revenue for community benefit.

Why it matters: Both councils are exploring extensive partnerships through different areas including arts and culture, education, and development. 

What’s next: Encouraged by successful collaborations and open dialogue, both councils expressed a desire to increase the frequency of their meetings to further discuss and enhance joint initiatives. 

What they’re saying: “I believe in our future, it looks good working together,” Tribal Chairman Reid Milanovich said. “Your respect for the tribe and support for tribal issues and tribal sovereignty is very much appreciated.”

Dive deeper with our complete story here

IN OTHER NEWS

🚨 Three suspects in an attempted bank robbery were arrested by the Palm Springs Police Department shortly after fleeing the scene empty-handed on Thursday. [Desert Sun]

🍺 More is being learned about the decision behind closing Barracks Bar, including the fact occupancy reductions and costly required upgrades were hampering its owners and the state decision to revoke its liquor license isn’t final. [NBC Palm Springs]

⚖️ One of three men accused of burglarizing a Palm Springs pool supply business remain behind bars after all three entered guilty pleas. [My News LA]

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YOUR WEEKEND

TODAY

• “Pink Belt” documentary screening at 5 p.m. at the Mary Pickford Theater.
  
  
• “Gigi” film screening at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 7 p.m.
  
  
• Palm Springs Power Baseball at Palm Springs Stadium at 7 p.m.
  
  
• Country Western Dancing at Dance Ranch Palm Springs at 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

• Tahquitz Creek Cleanup at 7 a.m.
  
  
• Indoor Farmers’ Market at Palm Springs Pavilion at 8 a.m.
  
  
• Not Your Grandma’s Bingo at Chill Bar at 12:30 p.m.
  
  
• Evolution at the Revolution staged readings at Revolution Stage Company at 1 p.m.
  
  
• Piano Riot at Revolution Stage Company at 5 p.m.
  
  
• “Star Wars: Solo – A Star Wars Story” screening at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 5 p.m.
  
  
• Dusty Strings Collective performance and open mic at Palm Springs Cultural Center at 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

• Bob & Bing Movie Series: “Road to Zanzibar” screening at Palm Springs Cultural Center at 3 p.m.
  
  
• “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is” screening at Palm Springs Cultural Center at 6 p.m.

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AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs Power, top seed in the California Premier Collegiate League (CPCL) playoffs, will host Game 1 of the CPCL Championship Series against the San Diego Waves on Saturday at Palm Springs Stadium. 

Driving the news: The best-of-three series begins at 7 p.m., with the Power seeking to defend their inaugural title. Game 2 will be played in San Diego on Sunday, with Game 3 to follow if necessary.

Details: Saturday’s game features free admission for children 12 and under as part of Jack in the Box Family Day. Tickets are available at the stadium box office when gates open at 6 p.m.