July 22 Daily Briefing: Bridge project approved, large flagpole in the works, and more

Welcome to Tuesday, where we don’t want to jinx it, but — wow — how nice have lows in the 70s been in the mornings?!?! You may recall (or, like us, choose not to recall) that last year at this time we were in the middle of one heck of a hot streak, with highs well above 110 and lows just under 90. In fact, on July 14, 2024, we had just come off a 22-day streak with temps at 110-plus and we completed the month with an average high of 114.9° — a new July record. This year, preliminary data for June and most of July suggests that temperatures in Palm Springs have been closer to normal — hot, but not record-breaking. We’ll take it!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Alza La Bandera/Raise the Flag” from “In The Heights”

LEADING OFF

South Palm Canyon flood control bridge project approved with funding deadline looming

The Palm Springs City Council voted Monday to approve a $10 million flood control bridge project on South Palm Canyon Drive after nearly 20 years of planning. The decision came despite opposition from environmental groups concerned about bighorn sheep habitat destruction.

Driving the news: The project at South Palm Canyon Drive near the intersection with Bogert Trail aims to provide flood protection at a crossing that closes during storms, cutting off access to approximately 700 homes.

• The area generated 590 emergency calls last year, and residents say they have been trapped during flooding events including a dangerous 2019 Valentine’s Day storm.

Why it matters: The council faces a December 2026 deadline to use $4.5 million in federal funding or lose the money entirely. Meanwhile, construction costs have already doubled since 2021 due to inflation and delays.

The divide: During nearly an hour of public testimony Monday evening, roughly 30 residents spoke up, with the majority voicing their support for the project and in favor of the enhanced safety it would offer.

• Environmental advocates led by Oswit Land Trust wanted the council to wait for updated environmental reviews and consider alternative designs.

What they’re saying: “Important mitigation efforts like the South Palm Canyon bridge can significantly impact that by keeping drivers safe on South Palm Canyon, allowing our firefighters to have access to that neighborhood, and not creating needless rescue efforts in that area,” Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado said.

By the numbers: The bridge will handle runoff of up to 1.3 million gallons per minute during major storm events, with remaining costs covered by local gas tax and transportation funds.

What’s next: The council authorized staff to finalize environmental review and complete construction plans for bidding, but added requirements for ongoing community engagement and a communication timeline to keep stakeholders informed of project milestones.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🏳️‍🌈 65-foot-high Pride flagpole approved for Arenas District

The Palm Springs City Council voted Monday to approve a $109,000 project to install a 65-foot-high Pride flagpole in the Arenas District through a partnership with Greater Palm Springs Pride. The flagpole will be located on city-owned property at the southwest corner of Arenas Road and Indian Canyon Drive.

• Greater Palm Springs Pride will contribute $75,000 toward the project cost, with the city’s Economic Development Office covering the remaining $34,000. 
  
• The organization will handle operation and maintenance of the flagpole, including flag purchases, raising and lowering operations, and annual maintenance inspections. The city aims to complete installation in time for late fall LGBTQ+ events.
  
• Why it matters: “This flagpole is more than metal and fabric. It’s a monument to visibility, resilience and pride,” said Mitchell Battersby, director of volunteers for Palm Springs Pride. The city’s economic development officer cited targeting LGBTQ+ tourism and business events as part of the city’s marketing strategy.

Dive deeper with our complete story

🏢 Oak View Group officially chosen to manage convention center

City officials on Monday selected Oak View Group to oversee operations at the Palm Springs Convention Center and Bureau of Tourism under a long-term management agreement approved following a competitive bidding process.

• OVG was chosen for its lower cost proposal, higher capital contribution and plans to increase convention occupancy and visitor spending, supporting the city’s proposed $125 million renovation of the Convention Center.
  
• Under the agreement, OVG will handle daily operations, lead capital improvements, manage bookings and promotions, and oversee various contracts including food and beverage services. Mayor Ron deHarte called it “a generational investment in Palm Springs’ economic future.”
  
• Next up: The city expects to complete the contract within days, with transition services starting immediately. OVG already operates Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert and will manage the city’s Plaza Theatre when it reopens in December 2025.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

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. 

Book Release: The Confessions
5 p.m. | 113 La Plaza
Join Paul Bradley Carr and Sarah Lacy of The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs for the release of Paul’s new book, “The Confessions,” in their future store location.

Sustainability Commission
5:30 p.m. | Police Training Center
The Commission reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on issues relating to energy and natural resources conservation, including water conservation, air pollution, waste management and recycling. 

Palm Springs Planning Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Commissioners meet to make recommendations on land use, zoning, and the general plan. Check out the agenda here. 

Next Gen Care: Innovations in HIV Prevention
5:30 p.m. | Hunters
DAP Health is teaming up with Gilead Sciences to host a public health forum on the advancements in HIV prevention and care.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Coffee with Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez on July 28
  
• CVRep’s summer series with Lee Roy Reams on July 29
  
• Dive-In Movie “Moana 2” rescheduled for Aug. 2 at Palm Springs Swim Center 
  
• Retreat to the Heat presented by The Palm Springs Writers’ Guild Aug. 10 through 13
  
• 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 not so nutty girl Squirrel,  an 11-years-young- domestic longhair who’s been at the shelter for only a short while. Staff at the shelter say she can start out a little shy, but will warm up to chin scratches.

• Staff also said eventually she will snuggle up to just about anyone.

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.