March 20 Daily Briefing: Blue Zones shakeup, vacation rental rule changes, drone event, and more ⋆ The Palm Springs Post

Happy Thursday, and welcome to the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere (AKA the vernal equinox). Today is the day when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, causing nearly equal day and night due to Earth’s axial tilt being perpendicular to its orbit. That’s a lot to decipher, but the bottom line for us is that it looks to be the start of some warmer temperatures, as the forecast calls for clear skies and highs in the 90s next week. Get your hiking in early, keep your pets out of those hot cars, and make sure you dig out the pool floaties this weekend!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Arizona” by Palmyra

LEADING OFF

*Geoff Kors speaks to the audience gathered at the Blue Zones kickoff in January.*

Kors abruptly resigns from Blue Zones initiative

Geoff Kors, a former Palm Springs councilmember and mayor, has resigned as director of the city’s Blue Zones health initiative. He submitted his resignation last week, just months after he was appointed to lead the local effort.

Driving the news: Kors told The Post he documented his reasons for leaving in a resignation memo and gave permission for Blue Zones leadership to share it, but a non-disclosure agreement limits what he can say publicly.

The background: The Blue Zones initiative, aimed at improving community well-being through policy changes and lifestyle interventions, was relaunched in Palm Springs this year under a public-private partnership after a previous attempt did not move forward two years earlier.

By the numbers: Data presented at a January kickoff meeting revealed significant health challenges in Palm Springs, with approximately 50% of residents not exercising enough, 80% overweight or obese, and 67% lacking sufficient fruit and vegetable intake.

At issue: Some organizations and community members have disagreed with the project in comments to the City Council in the past, citing their concern with Blue Zones’ analysis of the data on which the project is predicated.

How we got here: The majority of the funding comes from a combination of healthcare organizations and some money from the city. In July, councilmembers tentatively approved $180,000 for the project to be paid out over six years, despite some concerns that the project would become redundant.

“If it’s just telling us things we already know we need to do and things we’re already working on, I don’t understand the benefit,” Councilmember Grace Garner said at the time.

What’s next: Blue Zones Vice President for Operations Mark Ishikawa said late Wednesday that Kors’ memo would not be shared and that, “The team remains enthusiastic and committed to the work we have underway. We’re well focused on a smooth transition and on keeping the momentum going.”

A steering committee meeting is scheduled for today.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

BRIEFLY

🏠 Board seeks further refinement of vacation rental rule changes

The Palm Springs Administrative Appeals Board voted Wednesday to have city staff further develop proposed changes to the vacation rental ordinance and bring them back for discussion at a future meeting. The draft changes aim to hold property management companies more accountable by requiring them to register with the city and face penalties for violations.

Proposed changes include requiring property management companies to register with the city, designating rentals as “owner managed” or “agent managed,” and establishing fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for companies advertising unlicensed properties.
During the board’s regular monthly meeting Wednesday, Board Member Laura Hein expressed concern about the impact on management companies, while Vice Chair David Parker acknowledged potential pushback but emphasized the need for accountability.
Next up: Once the board approves the refined ordinance, the changes will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration. They board next meets in May.

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Desert X
The fifth edition of Desert X, the recurring site-specific, international art exhibition is open now through May 11. Find the map of installations on the Desert X website.

Nonesuch Nonfiction Book Club
2 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Members of the book club will discuss this month’s pick: “Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English” by Valerie Fridland. Find out how to join the book club here.

Art Museum Free Admission
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collection at your own pace.

Measure J Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Commission typically meets on the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. To watch the meeting or make public comments, follow the instructions here.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food.

CVAG Transportation Public Meeting
6 p.m. | Online
Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) is working on a study to make walking, biking, and public transit more accessible for everyone. Register online to share your input at tonight’s meeting, or take the online survey here.

“Jesus Christ Superstar”
7 p.m. | CV Repertory
A rock phenomenon that has dazzled audiences for decades, “Jesus Christ Superstar” tells the story entirely through songs of the struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire. ($90)

“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
Get ready for a riotous romp through the corporate world with “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical comedy that’s as sharp as it is hilarious. ($29-$53)

View all events here

SAVE THE DATE

ONE-PS Picnic and Community Expo on Saturday.
Palm Springs 70mm Film Fest at the Cultural Center starting Saturday. ($18)
Rescheduled: AbbaFab Rock the Park Concert at Downtown Park on March 26.
Palm Springs Woman’s Club Annual Scholarship Event Dinner at Palm Springs Surf Club on March 26. ($125)
Palm Springs Speaks Presents Mary Louise Kelly on April 3 at the Cultural Center. ($50-$70)
Free Shredding Event at the Palm Springs Convention Center on April 5.
Opera in the Park at Sunrise Park on April 6.
World Art Day at the Downtown Park on April 12.
PS Gay Men’s Chorus “Disney Pride In Concert“ starting April 24. ($35)

Submit your event here

AND FINALLY …

*Palm Springs Unified School District students participate in a drone soccer match in March 2023. (Photo: PSUSD)*

Palm Springs High School will host PS Drone Fest this weekend, featuring a drone light show with live music by Esther Anaya on Friday and culminating with the FIDA Drone Soccer World Cup Qualifier, where dozens of teams will compete for spots in the 2025 World Cup in Seoul.

Driving the news: The three-day festival that begins Friday will showcase drone technology through racing, workshops, keynote speakers, and entertainment, making it possibly the first event of its kind globally, according to Tim Ingram, president of FIDA (Federation of International Drone Soccer Association) USA.

What to expect: Over 50 teams will participate in the drone soccer tournament, including approximately 20 local and 30 international teams.

Beyond entertainment: Drone soccer serves as a gateway to STEM education, introducing students as young as 4 to drone technology.

Palm Springs Unified School District has been using the drone soccer system for two years and developing competitions.

Why it matters: “We want to show people the realities of the drone industry, and with the massive shortfall of drone pilots, we want to get kids interested in the field,” Ingram said. “It’s a future for kids, and it’s a sport that’s really fun for them too.”

Dive deeper with our complete story here.