June 10 Daily Briefing: Lawsuit filed, memorial model on display, and more

Welcome to Tuesday, everyone! Even though the city’s big Pride event is held in November (thanks to summer heat), that doesn’t mean Pride Month isn’t being celebrated here. Tonight, the celebrations continue with Pride Night at the ballpark as your Palm Springs Power take on the Alameda Anchors. Expect fun, unity, and special moments like a performance by Modern Men and a ceremonial pitch by a member of the Palm Springs Gay Softball League. Make sure to get to the stadium (1901 E. Baristo Rd.) before the first pitch at  7 p.m.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Strawberry Letter 23” by Shuggie Otis

LEADING OFF

PSPD employee files lawsuit; city calls claims baseless

A longtime Palm Springs Police Department crime scene technician has filed a lawsuit alleging evidence tampering, workplace discrimination and retaliation during nearly a decade of employment. Police Chief Andy Mills says his department investigated the allegations and found no wrongdoing.

Driving the news: The 66-year-old woman filed the complaint in Riverside County Superior Court on April 17, seeking unspecified damages against the city and two police supervisors for alleged violations of state employment and whistleblower protection laws.

The allegations: The lawsuit claims the police department used expired rape kits for suspects with falsified expiration dates, allowed evidence to be mishandled in homicide cases, and subjected her to age and disability discrimination when she reported the alleged misconduct.

• The woman worked as the department’s sole civilian crime scene technician for roughly a decade and was demoted in April 2024.

Police response: Mills defended the department’s evidence handling procedures, saying courts have been satisfied with their cases and they obtain convictions. Regarding the sexual assault kits, Mills said the department checked with the state Department of Justice and confirmed there is no expiration date on the kits themselves.

• “That date is to remind staff to examine the kits and make sure they are in good working order,” Mills explained.

City’s stance: While the city has not yet filed a formal response in court, it issued a statement Friday saying it takes the claims seriously and is committed to “upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.”

• The city said it is “prepared to vigorously defend against these baseless claims through the appropriate legal process.”

Dive deeper with our full story

BRIEFLY

🏳️‍🌈 AIDS Memorial scale model unveiled for Pride Month

The Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Task Force and LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert unveiled a scale model of the planned AIDS memorial last week at the Center’s McDonald/Wright Building, 1301 North Palm Canyon Dr. The model will remain on display throughout June in celebration of Pride Month.

• Center CEO Mike Thompson and Task Force Founder Dan Spencer addressed attendees, describing the memorial’s significance as a place of remembrance for those lost to HIV and AIDS and as a symbol of love, resilience, and strength for future generations.
  
• Artist Phillip K. Smith III designed the memorial, which will be permanently located in Downtown Park when completed. A video presentation by Smith explaining his creative process and design meaning accompanies the scale model display.
  
• Details: Donations to support the memorial project can be made at this website.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Pet Talk with Dr. Caldwell
2 p.m. | Animal Shelter
Join us for the next Pet Talk with Dr. Caldwell, where this month’s topic is “How to Save Money at the Veterinarian.” Learn practical tips and valuable insights to help you keep your pets healthy while managing veterinary expenses.

ONE-PS Monthly Meeting
4:30 p.m. | Police Training Center
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) holds its monthly meeting to discuss neighborhood issues with city council members, public safety officers, and others. The meeting will also be available on YouTube.

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. 

VillageFest Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
This regularly scheduled board meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month to review and approve VillageFest vendors, and apply rules and regulations passed by the City Council. Tonight’s agenda can be found here.

Trivia Night
6:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Come alone or bring a group to participate in this popular trivia night. Win bragging rights and other prizes. Please note the change of location; this program is in place of the canceled Trivia Program at the Play Café.

Palm Springs Power Baseball
7 p.m. | Palm Springs Stadium
Your Palm Springs Power will face off tonight against the Alameda Anchors! Aside from it being Pride Night, Tuesday is also $3 draft beer night. ($10)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Second Annual “She Is” Women’s Conference on Saturday at Mizell Center.
  
• Juneteenth Freedom Weekend from June 19 through 21. 
  
• Palm Springs AI & Creativity Expo on June 23 at the convention center.
  
• 2025 All American 4th of July Weekend July 3-5 in Palm Springs.
  
• Glenn Soukesian (aka Colton Ford) Celebration of Life on July 5. 

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 superstar herself, Taylor. This two-month-old shorthair kitten is a recent addition to the shelter, as it is kitten season (remember to spay and neuter your pets!). Staff at the shelter say they are full of love and want to socialize.

• Staff also said she requires gentle handling and lots of playtime.

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.