March 12 Daily Briefing: Changes for Human Rights Commission, band plans sendoff concert, and more

Welcome to Tuesday, everyone, where it looks like backers of Palm Springs Surf Club have found something to do with the facility while they work to reopen it for its original purpose — surfing. Goldenvoice, the folks who bring us The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, plans to stage performances at the former Wet ‘N’ Wild water park during the same two weekends in April that Coachella is happening in Indio. Tickets start at $40 and go on sale here starting Thursday.

🎶 Setting the mood: “From The Start” by Laufey

LEADING OFF

Human Rights Commission disbands executive committee

Acting on advice from the city attorney, the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission voted to disband its executive committee Monday evening, one month after The Post reported it may have violated state open meetings rules in reversing a decision about an award nominee.

In context: The decision comes after Chair Hugo Loyola and two other commissioners who were members of the committee reportedly chose to work behind the scenes to retract a Community Service Award that the full commission had already unanimously approved. 

Why it matters: None of the discussions and the decision that followed occurred in an open public meeting, a possible violation of The Brown Act, which governs how the HRC must conduct its business.

In addition: The commission also voted to create an ad-hoc committee made up of two commissioners who will meet and review the Community Service Award nomination and selection process.

What to watch for: No specific recommendations were made during Monday’s meeting, but commissioners discussed requiring more vetting or investigating of nominees. 

• “Currently, the process is that a person nominates themselves or someone else, fills out the form, and submits it by a certain date,” said Vice Chair David Vignolo.

Next steps: The two-person committee will work with the city attorney to determine what, if any, changes should be made to the process and return in September with recommendations for the commission. 

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

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BRIEFLY

🎺 Palm Springs High School plans musical send-off ahead of international trip

The Palm Springs Spirit of the Sands Band and Visual Corps are performing a special send-off concert ahead of their trip to Spain.

• The event acts as both a showcase and a way to give the community thanks for the collective efforts behind the $180,000 raised to fund the tour. The school’s 50-piece wind ensemble and 17-piece jazz orchestra leave for the tour on March 31st to perform concerts in Madrid, Valencia, and Granada.
  
  
• The fundraising success highlights a broad community effort. More than 75 community members, businesses, and philanthropic organizations contributed between $10 and $3,000 to support the students’ cultural venture. 
  
  
• Details: The concert will take place on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the PSHS Richards Center for the Arts.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Navigation Center Community Open House 
11 a.m. | 3589 McCarthy Road
Join Palm Springs City Council members and other officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the Palm Springs Homeless Navigation Center’s Early Entry Facility. 

Amy’s Purpose 2nd Annual Mixer
5 p.m. | Willie’s Modern Fare
Hosted by Bruce Fessier, the mixer will honor the Palm Springs Animal Hospital, Dr. Peter Henein, DVM and John Garcia. ($55)

VillageFest Board Meeting
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The VillageFest Board meets tonight to discuss several potential new vendors and revisit the issue of sustainability, according to the agenda.

Lifelong Travel
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Adriane Berg, founder of Ageless Traveler, a woman-owned business that caters to the needs of boomers and active adults, will share her wisdom on the nexus between travel and health.

“The Woman in the Mirror”
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
This dark, uplifting comedy is adapted from Dayna Steele’s best-selling book, “Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine.” ($25)

SAVE THE DATE

• 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.
  
  
• District 1 community meeting on March 20 at Demuth Community Center.
  
  
• ONE-PS Picnic and Community Expo on March 23 at Ruth Hardy Park.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Broadway and Beyond: Interview With Kevin Chamberlain on March 29 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 Power released their 2024 baseball schedule featuring 34 regular season games, including 28 at their home turf of Palm Springs Stadium, starting with a fireworks-fueled season opener on May 31.

Driving the news: The defending California Premier Collegiate League (CPCL) champions begin their title defense with a league game on June 7th against the Inland Valley Legends. The team, led by returning Manager Casey Dill, aims for its 10th championship and will reveal its full roster in May.

What to watch for: The season’s schedule includes notable matchups such as a CPCL Championship Series rematch with the Inland Valley Bucs on July 12th and 13th. 

How to watch: The home opener against the SoCal Mavericks on May 31st starts at 6:30 p.m. Home games are set for Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, mostly at 7 p.m., with tickets available at Palm Springs Stadium’s box office. 

• For further details about the Palm Springs Power’s season, tickets, and promotions, visit this website or call 760-778-4487.