March 19 Daily Briefing: Small project with a big impact, another new mural, and more

Happy Tuesday, and welcome to spring! Today is the vernal equinox, when the sun is directly overhead at noon, resulting in nearly equal portions of day and night within 24 hours. While the date of spring can vary yearly, it’s always a reason to celebrate. Fun (or not so fun) fact: An analysis of over 10,000 Facebook relationship status updates showed breakups spike this time of year — a reminder that spring cleaning might be needed for more than just your dusty bookshelves.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn

LEADING OFF

More than two dozen homes finally connected to sewer thanks to Measure J funds

A city project that may have gone unnoticed by many Palm Springs residents has significantly impacted 28 families who, after years of anticipation, are now connected to the city sewer system, thanks to Measure J funds.

Driving the news: The completion of the sewer connection project, listed on the consent agenda during a recent City Council meeting, was highlighted by councilmember Grace Garner, who emphasized the project’s impact on the Arnico Street residents who, for over a decade, were utilizing antiquated septic systems. 

Looking back: Originally, the plan was to connect all 87 homes in the neighborhood to the sewer system, with funding provided by a Community Development Block Grant — a federal grant that is contingent on the income levels of a location.

• Initially, 59 homes were connected, but the 2010 census changed the neighborhood’s eligibility, and the grant funding was abruptly halted, leaving 28 homes in limbo.

Yes, but: Garner first became aware of the issue during her 2019 campaign for council when the neighborhood was part of her district. After being elected, she reached out to city staff, who confirmed that completing the project was feasible.

In context: Measure J’s funding flexibility is key to the project. The project showcases the impact Measure J projects can have on communities, large and small. Other Measure J projects include the Downtown Park, repairs on more than 100 miles of city streets, and shade structures in local parks.

What they’re saying: “When you raise issues to City Council, we act on them as much as possible,” Garner said, noting that often infrastructure solutions like these may not get as much attention as they deserve because they’re just not as exciting as other hot-button topics that draw dozens of residents for public comment. 

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

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BRIEFLY

🚗 Palm Springs Car Show seeking participants

The Palm Springs Car Show & Festival is preparing for its huge celebration of cars in Downtown Palm Springs in a few months.

• The free event is open to all, and features classic cars, hot rods, trucks, muscle cars, sports cars, exotics, and antique cars. The organizers are urging those interested in participating to send in their registration soon.
  
  
• The event will also feature music, entertainment, vendors, a Marilyn Monroe lookalike contest, and even a “Cutest Dog” contest.
  
  
• Details: The event kicks off on Oct. 5 in Downtown Palm Springs. For more information, head to the website or email craig@flyingdeuces.com for more information on how to register.

👠 Woman’s Club plans annual luncheon, fashion show

The Palm Springs Woman’s Club is gearing up to host its annual scholarship luncheon and fashion show on March 27 at the Palm Springs Hilton

• Proceeds from the event, themed “Reach for the Stars,” will go towards college scholarships for Palm Springs High School students and support various community service projects.
  
  
• Aside from a chance to enjoy a tea-room fashion show, auctions, and raffle prizes at the event, local philanthropist Terri Ketover will be honored with the Pearl McManus Community Service Award, while Superintendent Tony Signoret will receive the Mayor’s Award.
  
  
• Details: Tickets are priced at $100 each, and interested individuals can purchase them by reaching out to Gerry Wendel at 714-787-8800.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Meditation & Mindfulness
3 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Meditation & Mindfulness: Sound Bath will be presented by instructor Lisa Botts who will guide attendees through the basic principles of a sound bath experience during this presentation.

Sustainability Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Some of the items up for discussion include an update to the city’s tree and foodware ordinances. Check out the rest of the agenda here. 

Queer Colon Care Collective
6 p.m. | The Center – LGBTQ – Community Center of the Desert
This new support group is open to LGBTQ+ colorectal cancer patients, survivors, or caregivers. Organizers will offer resources and a sense of community in a safe place to share experiences. Offered on the first and third Tuesday of every month in-person at the center or online at 4 p.m.

“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)

Movie in the Park: “The Princess Bride”
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
Inconceivable! The classic 1987 movie “The Princess Bride” hits the outdoor screen in the second installment of the city’s Movies in the Park series. Check out the rest of the movies coming up in the next few months, including “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” “The Sandlot,” and “Jurassic Park.”

 

SAVE THE DATE

• AIDS Memorial Sculpture town hall on Wednesday at Temple Isaiah.
  
  
• District 1 community meeting on Wednesday at Demuth Community Center.
  
  
• ONE-PS Picnic and Community Expo on Saturday at Ruth Hardy Park.
  
  
• Coachella Valley Classical Voices on Sunday at United Methodist Church.
  
  
• 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 …

Palm Springs is lucky to have so many murals gracing the sides of buildings throughout the city, especially in Downtown Palm Springs. Now, a new mural is highlighting the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

Driving the news: The new mural, commissioned by Flat Black Art Mural Company and painted by artist EaseOne, is located behind the Palm Springs Life Magazine building on Amado between Indian Canyon Drive and North Palm Canyon Drive. 

Zoom in: The mural is packed with details and Easter eggs that may only be noticeable to locals. There are also references to nearby Rancho Mirage, Pioneertown, and Salvation Mountain.

What else: The Palm Springs Public Arts Commission keeps a running list of local murals, but it is by no means exhaustive. You’re sure to find murals and other public art hidden around every corner of the city!