July 2 Daily Briefing: Concerns over air quality, voters to decide fate of school district bond, and more

Welcome to Tuesday, everyone! Last week, we told you how you could help support “Cadillactus” — a sculpture that was recently installed on the median along East Tahquitz Canyon Way — in an international art competition’s popularity contest. When we last checked, the piece was in second place with more than 1,300 votes, making it eligible for one of two “People’s Choice” awards. Want to help keep it among the top vote-getters? Vote before 10 p.m. this evening by clicking here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Folsom Prison Blue ” by Johnny Cash

LEADING OFF

Officials demand action on deteriorating air quality

Members of the California State Assembly who represent the Coachella Valley and the head of CVAG are calling for immediate measures to address our deteriorating air quality. They challenge the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (AQMD) claims of improvement, citing ongoing health concerns among residents.

Driving the news: Assemblymembers Greg Wallis and Eduardo Garcia, along with Tom Kirk, executive director of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), recently sent letters to AQMD Executive Director Wayne Nastri highlighting the discrepancy between the agency’s assertions and the reality experienced by valley residents.

• The letters emphasize that air quality has not shown significant improvement, contrary to AQMD’s claims that air quality is returning to “normal.”

At issue: Elevated levels of PM10 particles in the air pose serious health risks to the community, potentially leading to respiratory issues and exacerbating chronic conditions.

• As we reported in May, the windy spring and early summer season has worsened the problem by stirring up dust and clay deposits left behind by Tropical Storm Hillary.

The big picture: Kirk and the elected officials are urging AQMD to prioritize this issue and implement more effective measures to address air quality concerns in the Coachella Valley.

• Suggested actions include increased monitoring, stricter enforcement of air quality regulations, and more robust public awareness campaigns.

What they’re saying: “For those not in the desert, they might not realize what those dusty afternoons look like: school activities being brought inside, people pulling out those COVID-era masks just to make a trip to the grocery store … and a thin layer of dust covering cars, roads, patios and everywhere else you look outside,” Kirk wrote in his May 31 letter. “The impacts to the public’s welfare are clearly noticeable …”

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IN OTHER NEWS

🗳️ In November, voters living within the boundaries of Palm Springs Unified School District (that’s many of you) will decide the fate of $465 million in bonds to repair and modernize the district’s school facilities. [The Desert Sun]

🎭 CVRep is pulling out all the stops to get people out of the house and into the theater with its Summer Cabaret Series, writes Matt King. [CV Independent]

💄 A local TV station has a new series featuring iconic Palm Springs drag queens. Check out the latest report and hear how they intertwine the art of drag with the spirit of Pride. [KESQ]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Desert Water Agency Board Meeting
8 a.m. | DWA Operations Center
DWA board members will meet this morning to discuss local water issues.

Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters
8 a.m. | Koffi Central
Join the Sunshine Sisters for coffee and conversation at the Koffi on 650 East Tahquitz Way.

Welcoming Yoga
9 a.m. | The Center
At this non-judgemental, safe, and fun class, be prepared for a slow basic practice focused on applying moderate stress to connective tissue. Register online here. $15

Chipotle Fundraiser for Marines
4 p.m. | Chipotle
The fundraiser is hosted by 29-PSP, a new volunteer organization providing complimentary transportation ($200 savings) for active-duty Marines and their loved ones between the nearby bases and local airports. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chipotle at 2465 East Palm Canyon Drive.

Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Board members will meet to go over applications for alterations to historically significant properties or nominations for new historic properties.

Palm Springs Toastmasters
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Toastmasters Club
Learn to speak with confidence with the Palm Springs Toastmasters and practice with friends. Guests always welcome.

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs All American 4th of July at Sunrise Park on Thursday.
  
  
• Free country line dancing at Ace Hotel on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
  
  
• 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 …

🐾 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 two-year-old Buckey, an American Staffordshire terrier mix who’s been at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter since September.

• Staff at the shelter say he’s looking for a home that comes with an endless supply of toys. He loves playing fetch and gets attached quickly to people he loves. He would prefer to be the only dog in the home, however.

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Regular 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.

• This week the shelter is closed today and Thursday and open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Also, from Friday through Sunday, in honor of our country’s 248th birthday, adoption fees will be just $2.48! Plus, you can enjoy a 50% discount on all retail store purchases. 
  
  
• Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here. And get a jump start on adoption by completing the form here.