June 13 Daily Briefing: Inspiring youth program, protest planned, free baseball for residents, and more

TGIF and Happy Father’s Day Weekend! If you weren’t aware, tomorrow is Flag Day, the day set aside to honor our flag and the values it represents in a meaningful way. As it has done in past years,  Palm Springs American Legion Owen Coffman Post 519 is holding a special flag retirement ceremony at its building at 400 North Belardo Rd., starting at 11 a.m. Members of the fire and police departments will be there and there will be light refreshments served afterward. The public is encouraged to attend.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Dang!” by Mac Miller ft. Anderson .Paak

LEADING OFF

Kings Circle inspires confidence, leadership potential in BIPOC teen boys

Teens involved in a transformative program at Palm Springs Unified School District flourish thanks to mentorship and instruction.

Driving the news: Kings Circle, a transformative program PSUSD’s Family and Community Engagement Center, is dedicated to nurturing the potential of young Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) teen boys from the district. 

How we got here:  Jarvis Williams, coordinator of family and community engagement for the district, Kings Circle began at Desert Hot Springs High School in response to behavioral challenges that emerged after the COVID-19 pandemic.

• “I think COVID turned the world upside down, so this was a response to that,” Williams said. “There was some fighting going on. There were disagreements, and the campus environment became really toxic and hostile.”

How it works: The program includes education in Black history, financial literacy, healthy relationship-building, the medical and legal systems, and navigating the educational landscape.

•  Students are encouraged to share their perspectives, and community experts are invited to lead discussions on topics that matter to them — such as dating, gun violence, and mental health.

Why it matters: Williams points to the story of a teen who was recruited for the program at the beginning of the year. He said the student was in a dark place, “Without saying too much at the top of the year, we didn’t even know if he would live.”

• That student graduated from Palm Springs High School on June 3.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

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BRIEFLY

📢 Local groups unite for one of 1,800 nationwide rallies

Three local organizations will host a rally Saturday in Downtown Palm Springs as part of a national day of mobilization opposing what they say is the Trump Administration’s escalating authoritarianism. 

• Courageous Resistance, Indivisible of the Desert, and 50501 of the Desert scheduled the event from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Downtown Park, 134 North Museum Way. “This country doesn’t belong to a king,” said Emily Vogt of Indivisible of the Desert. “We’re coming together to send a clear message: No Kings. Kick out the clowns.”
  
• The Palm Springs rally is one of more than 1,800 actions taking place nationwide under the “NO KINGS” banner, according to organizers. The event will feature local speakers and opportunities for community members to join grassroots efforts across the Coachella Valley.
  
• Bottom line: Organizers say the rally addresses broader patterns of authoritarian behavior they see threatening American democracy, citing President Donald Trump’s suppression of protests and promises of retribution against political opponents. Attendees are encouraged to bring water and signs without sticks.

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YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS

• Big Gay Barbecue Saturday and Sunday in The Arenas District

TODAY

• Safe In The Streets Community Mixer at the Palm Canyon Mobile Club Clubhouse starting at 5 p.m. 
  
• Palm Springs Power ONE-PS Night at Palm Springs Stadium starting at 7 p.m. (Free for PS Residents)
  
• 39th Annual Silent Auction & Snowsports Trade Show at the Riviera Resort & Spa starting at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY

• FreedomFest at the Palm Springs Convention Center starting at 8 a.m. ($100)
  
• “She Is” Women’s Conference at the Mizell Center starting at 10 a.m.
  
• “No Kings” rally at Downtown Park, starting at 6 p.m. 
  
• Palm Springs Power Game at Palm Springs Stadium starting at 7 p.m.

SUNDAY

• LOLA FreedomFest Cabana Social at the Palm Springs Surf Club starting at 10 a.m. ($20)
  
• Screwball Sunday: “Desire” at the Cultural Center starting at 3 p.m. ($14)

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AND FINALLY …

If there’s two things Americans love, it’s free stuff and baseball. Both of those shared loves are coming together tonight at Palm Springs Stadium for the Palm Springs Power game.

Breaking it down: Tonight is City of Palm Springs/ONE-PS Night at the stadium, with admission completely free for Palm Springs residents and city staff. The Power will be taking on the Inland Valley Bucs.

• Palm Springs Police Officer Justin Lawler will sing the National Anthem, and the ceremonial first pitches will be thrown out by Parks & Recreation Commission Vice Chair Johnny Coladonato and ONE-PS and Baristo Neighborhood Board Member Ned Barker.

The deal: Each attendee receives free admission, a free hot dog, a bag of chips, soda or water, and a Palm Springs Power drink koozie.

• Adults must show proof of residency, and can bring up to four children for free.

Details: First pitch is at 7 p.m. For more information, go here.e.”