June 27 Daily Briefing: More affordable housing, public talks swim center, student films premier, and more

TGIF, folks! We’re one week away from Independence Day, so it’s a good time to remind you that while fireworks might be tempting for backyard celebrations, they’re illegal for personal use in Palm Springs. With thousands of injuries happening nationwide each year, it’s definitely best to leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals. Besides, the city is once again planning on putting on a great show (that we’re proud to help sponsor) on July 4 at Sunrise Park. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Around The Sun” by Poolside (feat Amo Amo)

LEADING OFF

City nears deal for affordable housing project focused on special needs residents

Palm Springs officials are moving closer to finalizing an agreement for the city’s next affordable housing development. Housing and Community Development Director Jay Virata plans to bring a recommendation to the City Council at its July 21 meeting.

Driving the news: The city issued a request for proposals in March seeking qualified development teams for affordable rental housing on two contiguous city-owned parcels totaling 5.65 acres at the northeast corner of North Gene Autry Trail and Mission Drive.

The big picture: This project specifically focuses on special needs housing designed for individuals with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities, setting it apart from other affordable housing developments.

• The development will provide specialized care, accessibility features, and support services to help residents live safely and independently while addressing health, mobility, and daily living challenges.

By the numbers: The site consists of a 1.35-acre vacant lot and a 4.30-acre vacant lot, both acquired by the city in July 2019 as part of a legal settlement.

• The project is supported by the city’s $12.2 million affordable housing reserve fund.

What’s next: While no contract has been executed yet, the selected developer is expected to provide detailed plans within 30 days after contract execution.

In context: The Gene Autry project represents the latest in a series of affordable housing developments, including the recently completed 60-unit Monarch Apartment Homes, the 61-unit Vista Sunrise II, and the 71-unit Aloe Palm Canyon senior housing project that broke ground in October 2023.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🏊 Residents welcome swim center renovation plans at community meeting

Palm Springs residents got their first look Thursday evening at proposed designs for renovating the city’s swim center, with plans focusing on accessibility improvements and shade structures to address problems at the aging facility. 

• Architect Maria Song detailed renderings of the project. noting afterward that the renovation aim to solve accessibility issues by creating three distinct access points, including a new handicap-accessible entrance from the main pavilion and eliminating the need for users to navigate multiple levels.
  
• The city has allocated $7 million for the project through a bond measure, but Song expects the actual cost to be under $4 million, with the higher allocation accounting for potential cost increases by bidding time.
  
• Next up: Once approved by the city council, construction should take between six months and a year and a half, with temporary shower facilities provided during the work. Any leftover funds could allow for additional improvements, as replacing aging pool equipment would require an extra $3 million.

Dive deeper with our complete story

💰 State could allocate some funds to help rebuild bombed fertility clinic

Assemblymember Greg Wallis said Thursday he has helped secure $500,000 in the latest version of the state budget for rebuilding the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic in Palm Springs that was destroyed in a May 17 car bombing.

• In a statement released to the media, Wallis said he worked with Speaker Robert Rivas and budget committee leaders in both legislative chambers to include the funding in a version of the $321 billion state budget released Tuesday. Legislators and the governor’s office are still finalizing the figures before a deadline next week.
  
• Looking back: The car bomb detonated in a parking area behind the fertility clinic building, causing millions of dollars in damage to the clinic and other nearby structures.

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YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS

• Palm Springs Power Baseball at Palm Springs Stadium tonight and Saturday. Tonight is Cancer Awareness Night ($10)
  
• Palm Springs International ShortFest all weekend long at the Festival Theaters ($20)
  
• Psychic/Healing Arts Fair at Crystal Fantasy Saturday and Sunday

TODAY

• Game Night at Starbase 505 starting at 4 p.m.
  
• Leadership Coachella Valley Class of 2025 Graduation at the Palm Springs Surf Club ($55)

SATURDAY

• Indoor Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market at the Palm Springs Pavilion starting at 8 a.m.
  
• 4th Saturday Chamber Music at Mizell Center on Saturday ($35)
  
• “Aliens” at the Camelot Theater starting at 6 p.m. ($14)

SUNDAY

• Community Pool Day at Drift Palm Springs starting at 10 a.m. 
  
• Sunday Stomp at Reforma Palm Springs starting at 6 p.m. ($5)

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AND FINALLY …

Move over, Hollywood — local middle schoolers got their close-up. Nearly 700 students from five area middle schools saw their filmmaking dreams come to life on the big screen Thursday when their short films premiered at The Mary Pickford Theater in Cathedral City.

Driving the news: The Young Creators Student Film Program, led by acclaimed filmmaker Christian Sesma in partnership with Palm Springs School District’s Expanded Learning programs, celebrated another successful year with a red-carpet premiere featuring Hollywood action star Lewis Tan as special guest host.

• The eight-day intensive program covers everything from script writing and directing to shooting and editing, giving students a crash course in “true Hollywood filmmaking.”

The star power: Tan, known for his roles in Netflix’s “Cobra Kai,” Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and Warner Bros.’ “Mortal Kombat” franchise, joined Sesma at the premiere event, which also featured a step-and-repeat photo opportunity and music by DJ Dxsco.

Why it matters: The program provided middle schoolers with hands-on experience in creative collaboration and filmmaking fundamentals, potentially inspiring the next generation of industry professionals right here in the Coachella Valley.

The bottom line: “The Young Creators Film Program is all about giving middle school students the opportunity to tell their stories and explore the world of creative collaboration and teamwork,” said Sesma. “Their enthusiasm has been truly inspiring.”