March 11 Daily Briefing: Fundraising, community outreach for library project, town hall for AIDS memorial, and more

Happy Monday, everyone. We’re feeling a bit groggy after yesterday’s time change, and we know why. Sleep experts point out that changing the clocks can lead to increased fatigue, impaired task performance, elevated risks of car accidents, and difficulties in school for children with sleep deprivation. Want some tips to successfully navigate springing ahead next year? We suggest reading these tips from Dr. Kendra Becker, a sleep medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Mardy Bum” by Arctic Monkeys

LEADING OFF

Library Board reallocates $1 million for fundraising matching funds

The Palm Springs Library Board of Trustees voted last week to reallocate $1 million that was previously set aside for the library renovation to be designated instead as matching funds for the Palm Springs Library Foundation’s planned public fundraising campaign.

Context: During a recent regular meeting, the Palm Springs City Council had already approved a $1.2 million contract with an architecture firm for plans for the library renovation.

Why it matters: Money from the Foundation, combined with $1 million from the Board and any additional fundraising amounts, would allow the library’s areas, like the children’s area and teen makerspace, to be enhanced beyond the current plans.

Yes, but: One of the Council’s requirements for approving the money was that the library continue to engage with the community, specifically underserved communities, to learn their needs for the library’s future.

Up next: Director of Library Services Jeannie Kays said that library staff will be at the ONE-PS picnic on March 25, soliciting opinions from community members, and will hold an open house and presentation with the architects later this month. 

• Library staff is also in communication with the James. O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center to do a presentation or open house there. 

Update: As for the renovation itself, Kays said she had met with the architects hired for the project earlier in the day. They determined that the next stage in the project is design development, where they will decide on things like the floor plan, color palette, and landscaping.

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IN OTHER NEWS

🚒 A fire at the former Elks Lodge building in Cathedral City claimed the lives of three people on Saturday. Palm Springs firefighters were involved in the operation. [KESQ]

🏠 A buyer has reportedly been found for the former Zsa Zsa Gabor midcentury modern home, built originally for her sister Magda. [Mansion Global]

🤖 Teams from Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Cathedral City high schools competed in Palm Springs Unified School District’s first robotics tournament last week. [NBC Palm Springs]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Mimosas, Martinis & Music
2 p.m. | Cascade Lounge
Sit back and enjoy the start of the week with cocktails and music at the Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. Hosted by MOD 107.3.

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Experience world music with a French accent at Mon Petit Salon, hosted by violin virtuoso Jeremie Levi Samson. ($10)

Human Rights Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The city’s Human Rights Commission holds its regular meeting this evening. You can view the agenda here.

Monday Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Gre Coffeehouse
This event is back in session following a holiday break. Come have coffee and chat with other men about issues that are on your mind. No RSVP required — just drop in!

SAVE THE DATE

• Amy’s Purpose 2nd Annual Mixer at Willie’s Modern Fare on Tuesday.
  
  
• The AI Revolution at Agua Caliente Cultural Museum on Wednesday.
  
  
• “The Wizard of Oz” Friday through Sunday at Palm Springs High School.
  
  
• Richard M. Milanovich Legacy Hike and 5K Run on Saturday at South Palm Canyon Drive and Acanto Drive.
  
  
• Darkstar Rising Experience March 20 and March 27 at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
  
  
• Blank Canvas Garden Party + Silent Auction on March 23 at a private residence.
  
  
• AIDS Diva: The Legend of Connie Norman on March 27 at the Mizell Center.
  
  
• Palm Springs Fire Foundation Easter Egg Hunt on March 30 at Ruth Hardy Park.

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AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Sculpture task force is organizing a town hall to gather public input on the design of the future memorial following last year’s controversy over a proposed design that was widely criticized for its perceived insensitivity.

Driving the news: The task force has been holding a series of meetings in the community. Those meetings will culminate with the town hall as part of an ongoing effort to ensure the memorial “fully reflects the diversity and sensitivities of the Palm Springs community.” 

• Critics, including several residents living with HIV, argued that the proposed design did not represent them and questioned the lack of consultation with Palm Springs’ large LGBTQ community.

Looking back: The Public Arts Commission and City Council reviewed and approved the initial design at public meetings in 2021. 

• The upcoming town hall is the task force’s first event to solicit feedback from the general public.

Details: The town hall is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Temple Isaiah Palm Springs, 332 West Alejo Road. The event is open to all and does not require reservations.