June 17 Daily Briefing: Historic building reopens, smoke lingers in valley, kitten rescued, and more

Welcome to a new week! Did you know that water heaters can be responsible for as much as 20% of your electricity bill? You might be interested to know that SCE has introduced a program called SmartShift Rewards, designed to reduce energy costs by turning electric water heaters into smart devices that activate during periods of lower electricity rates. After completing a four-week orientation, participants receive a $50 bonus and can continue to earn monthly rewards. Interested in participating or determining if you’re eligible? Check out all the details here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Forget Me Not” by She She She

LEADING OFF

Iconic Palm Springs bank building reopens after extensive remodeling

The Bank of America building on South Palm Canyon Drive officially reopened Friday after a three-year restoration project, attracting more than 100 locals to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Looking back: The building, originally housing City National Bank, is one of four notable midcentury modern banks in Palm Springs’ former Financial District. Concerned residents closely followed the restoration project, which many now say far exceeded the bare minimum requirements for the Class 1 Historic Site.

• The modern masterpiece, designed by Rudi Baumfeld in 1959, is instantly recognizable thanks to its shimmering blue mosaic tiles and curvilinear roof inspired by Le Corbusier’s Ronchamp Chapel in France.

Why it matters: Those responsible for the guiding the project said the restoration demonstrates the value of preserving old buildings, both financially and for the community. Bank of America committed to the extensive restoration efforts without hesitation, earning the Commercial Restoration Award from the Palm Springs Modern Committee.

What they’re saying: “People in Palm Springs, they’re more than just citizens. They’re activists, preservationists, artists. They care about our city and the look of our city.” — Gary Johns, board president of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation.

Zoom in: The building, now featuring a new paint job, custom furniture, and Terrazzo flooring, has been thoroughly renovated, highlighting an iconic blue mosaic as its centerpiece. 

• With the Albert Frey-designed gas station turned visitor’s center in the north end of the city, the Bank of America building serves as a bookend in the south end. No matter which direction visitors enter the city they are assured of seeing an architectural masterpiece.

Bottom line: Palm Springs residents, known for their activism and passion for preservation, closely monitored the restoration to ensure the local treasure was handled with care. 

• The reopening attracted a diverse group of attendees, including city officials, bank executives, and members of architecture and preservation groups.

Read Kendall Balchan’s complete story and see many more pictures of the celebration.

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IN OTHER NEWS

🔥 Smoke from multiple fires in Southern California is being blown into the Coachella Valley, causing unhealthy air conditions and alarming many residents. [UPI]

🗳️ Les Zendle announced last week he would not seek reelection to the Desert Healthcare District board. The first to step up and announce candidacy for his Zone 1 seat was Greg Rodriguez, a county employee well-known for his work on the homeless issue in Palm Springs. [The Desert Sun]

🏒 The Hershey Bears capitalized on their chances in Game 2 of the Calder Cup Finals to beat the Coachella Valley Firebirds 5-2 and even the series 1-1. [Fox43]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Monday Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Play Lounge PS
Come have coffee and chat with other men about issues that are on your mind. No RSVP required — just drop in!

Adult Tap Dance Class
6:30 p.m. | Leisure Center Dance Studio
Adult intermediate tap starts at 6:30 p.m., and “absolute beginners” adult tap is at 7:30 p.m. (“Two left feet are optional.”) ($20)

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Join Bella Da Ball for a night of fabulous bingo. (Must spend $30 at Kings Highway to participate.)

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs International ShortFest from starting Tuesday.
  
  
• Rock the City free concert at the Downtown Park on Wednesday.
  
  
• Red Cross Training on Household and Extreme Heat Preparedness on June 25.
  
  
• Parks and Recreation Master Planning Workshop at the Demuth Community Center on June 26.
  
  
• Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest at Margaritaville Resort on June 29.
  
  
• Palm Springs All American 4th of July at Sunrise Park on July 4.
  
  
• ONE-PS Lip-Sync Battle at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on July 7.

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs firefighters lived up to one of the biggest clichés of their job last week: they actually rescued a cat. (Before you ask, no, they did not rescue the cat from a tree.)

Driving the news: On Wednesday members of Palm Springs Fire Engine 1 crew rescued a tiny kitten who was stuck about 18 to 24 inches down a shower drain. They posted a video of the daring rescue on Instagram.

• Firefighter Loza and Engineer Bonelli were on scene to help with the delicate rescue. 

What they’re saying: PSFD told a local TV station that time was of the essence for this rescue, “It took some patience and technique, but we won!”

Details: The kitten appeared to be in good shape and was returned to the owner (who hopefully got a drain cover for that shower drain!)