July 24 Daily Briefing: Jockeying for Measure J funds, PSUSD conference coming, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, where if you’re joining us after hearing our name mentioned on NBC Palm Springs — hello! Much to the credit of KMIR, they noted in last night’s broadcast that we were the first to break the news of $700,000 in taxpayer funds that were allegedly misappropriated. That story is the result of some fairly exhaustive efforts on our part, culminating in the city, DAP Health, and others issuing news releases to all media at the same time our story was published last Friday. That’s not a coincidence, but apparently, some of the other corporate media in the valley think it is or have chosen to ignore the time-honored tradition of giving credit where credit is due. That’s unfortunate but certainly not surprising. As one of our dear friends and mentors says, “Imitation is the sincerest form of journalism.”

🎶 Setting the mood: “Sun Blues” by Alain Bellaïche

LEADING OFF

Groups hope to tap Measure J funds for sustainability projects

Two local organizations presented proposals to the Palm Springs Sustainability Commission last week for community-initiated projects aimed at enhancing natural areas in Palm Springs, hoping to receive its backing. 

Driving the news: The Tahquitz River Estates Neighborhood Organization and Oswit Land Trust (OLT) are seeking a yet-to-be-determined amount of Measure J community project funding for their respective initiatives.

• The Tahquitz Creek project aims to create a scenic greenway along the creek, while the OLT proposal focuses on establishing a butterfly pollinator garden at the planned Prescott Preserve.
  
  
• Both projects emphasize sustainability, community engagement, and wildlife preservation.

What they’re saying: “There is a really underutilized asset for the city in terms of a linear park opportunity,” said Eric Borsum, a representative from the Tahquitz River Estates Neighborhood Organization. “Over the past several years, we’ve seen a decline in the number of trees [in the area] that have never been replaced.”

Zoom in: Measure J is a one-cent sales tax approved by city voters in 2011. A portion of the tax is used each year to fund projects initiated by community members. The city’s Measure J Oversight Commission gathers dozens of community submissions and makes funding recommendations to the City Council.

• As part of the process, project backers are encouraged to find support for their projects. Hence the presentation to the Sustainability Commission.

Yes, but: While Sustainability Commission members were receptive to the presentations, not enough members were present for a quorum at the July 16 meeting, so a formal vote could not be taken.

• However, the commissioners present were positive about both projects and planned to include them on the September agenda.

Details: If you have a project you’d like to see funded, make sure to visit this site before Sept. 30 to learn how you can apply.

Dive deeper with Henry Braun’s complete story.

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BRIEFLY

🌳 Demuth Park upgrades reviewed by commission

The Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Commission received updates about extensive plans for revamping Demuth Park at its Monday meeting. Improvements include new dog park facilities, an expanded pickleball complex, and significant infrastructure improvements. 

• A large dog park estimated at $2.2 million and a smaller one at nearly $1 million are under consideration. The larger park would feature turf space, shade structures, and seating.
  
  
• Plans for a 24-court pickleball complex have gained approval for $2 million in funding from the Measure J Commission, with additional funding to be sought from City Council.
  
  
• Infrastructure upgrades include a major parking lot expansion adding approximately 115 new spaces, ADA-compliant drinking fountains, a new restroom facility, and stadium lighting improvements at Demuth ball fields. There are also lighting improvements at Palm Springs Stadium.

Next up: The commission will continue to oversee these projects as they move forward, with its next meeting scheduled for Sept. 23.

Looking ahead: The airport administration is planning to introduce new parking technology, including electric vehicle chargers and a system allowing online reservations and mobile payments. The proposal will now go to the Palm Springs City Council for consideration.

🏫 Registration underway for school district’s annual diversity conference

Palm Springs Unified School District will hold its third annual Diversity and Racial Equity Conference on Sept. 7 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The free event, themed “Allyship and Beyond,” is open to all and runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• The conference features two breakout sessions, with the first focusing on allyship for all attendees. The second session offers six choices, including topics on equitable classroom practices, implicit bias, and supporting LGBTQ+ students.
  
  
• Notable speakers include Dr. Dominique Smith, a published author and TED Talk presenter, and Dr. Cherina Betters, Chief of Equity and Access at San Bernardino County.

Details: Attendees are encouraged to arrive early at 8 a.m. to explore community partner tables. Breakfast and raffle prizes will be provided. Registration is required due to limited space and can be completed here.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Elmer’s
Start the day with other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters with breakfast and conversation.

Planning Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Palm Springs Planning Commission meets tonight. According to the agenda, commissioners will consider a development application for a 15-unit multi-family residential development on North Sunrise Way, final development plans related to Miralon, and a request from Oswit Land Trust that will help move the planned Prescott Preserve forward (as we reported here).

2024 Summer Cabaret Series: Julie and Jana Cardia
7 p.m. | CV Rep Theatre
The Cardia Sisters have combined contemporary singing, humor, and heartfelt stories with an honest and open look into their own unique journey. ($50)

LOOKING AHEAD

• Craft Beer Fest at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club on Saturday.
  
  
• Merienda Filipino Halo-Halo workshop at Play Lounge & Cafe on July 28.
  
  
• Mrs. Frisky’s Cats & Eccles Cakes Night at Frisky Business Cat Cafe on Aug. 2.
  
  
• Summer Sunday: Weaving Patterns at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum on Aug. 4.
  
  
• The Great Catsby Book Club at Frisky Business on Aug. 8.
  
  
• PSUSD Diversity & Racial Equity Conference at Palm Springs Convention Center on Sept. 7.

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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 Toli, a male cat available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers tells us that Toli is a cuddle bug who loves to be picked up.

If you’re interested: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (also where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here.

• All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat. 

But wait: Don’t want to adopt but still enjoy cats? You can book a time to hang out in the cat lounge by clicking here.