March 5 Daily Briefing: How to cast your vote today, construction kicks off at historic theater, and more

Happy Super Tuesday, everyone. Down below, you’ll find our quick and easy guide to today’s events, but right up here we’ll tell you our philosophy about political coverage: we don’t like it! Call us what you will, but we purposely don’t allow local political advertising, make endorsements, or get into the mud during campaign season. We assume you’ve already got enough of that stuff in your life — or know where to find it — so we stick to the basics of reporting on how to vote, who might be on the ballot, and what the results were. Don’t forget to vote today!

🎶 Setting the mood: “The Times They Are A-Changin” by Bob Dylan

LEADING OFF

It’s Primary Day: What you need to know if you haven’t cast your vote

It’s California’s Primary Election Day (and also Super Tuesday). Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., and if you haven’t already voted, here’s what you need to know:

Who votes: Every registered voter in California should have received a ballot in the mail.

How do you vote? There are multiple ways to cast your ballot:

• Mail it back: Vote-by-mail ballots that are mailed must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county elections office no later than seven days after Election Day.
  
  • Bonus: Postage is paid!
• Vote or drop off a ballot in-person: In Palm Springs, there are three ballot drop-off locations where you can also vote in person:
  
  • Demuth Community Center at 3601 East Mesquite Ave.
  • James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center at 480 West Tramview Road.
  • Palm Springs Public Library at 300 South Sunrise Way.
• Drop-off only: There’s a drop box at Palm Springs City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, but no voting booths.

Of note: You can also register to vote today and cast your ballot at each of the in-person voting locations, but it will only be counted once your registration has been verified.

• These locations will also provide replacement ballots, accessible voting machines, and language assistance.

Local races to watch: Two current Palm Springs City Council members have their eyes on statewide seats.

• Councilmember Christy Holstege is running for the 47th Assembly District against incumbent Republican Greg Wallis, who beat her in 2022 by just 85 votes. Also in the running is Democrat Jamie Swain.
• Councilmember Lisa Middleton is running for the 19th State Senatorial District against incumbent Republican Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh.
• The top two vote-getters from each race will advance to the General Election on Nov. 5.

Local race with national consequences: The race for the 41st Congressional District is between Democrats Will Rollins, Anna Nevenic, and the Republican incumbent, Ken Calvert. Calvert beat Rollins by less than 5% in the 2022 General Election.

• Republicans have a narrow majority in the U.S. House, and losing Calvert’s seat could mark a key change in the makeup of Congress. 

Details: If you need more information, here’s the link to the Riverside County Registrar of Voters. You can also double-check the drop-off locations here. You can also call the Registrar’s office at 951-486-7200 if you have questions.

Dive deeper more information on other races and what happens to your ballot after it’s cast.

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IN OTHER NEWS

🚨 The Palm Springs Police Department shared video Monday in an effort to solicit the public’s help in catching a man suspected of stealing pool equipment. [KESQ]

🎨 The Palm Springs Art Museum is launching a new initiative next weekend that centers on LGBTQ+ artists and supports their creative endeavors. [The Desert Sun]

📻 Palm Springs-based KGAY is expanding its reach into the Eastern Coachella Valley after the addition of KKCM as a simulcast of the station. [Radio Insight]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

PSUSD Student Art Showcase
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
More than 80 student works of art will be on display from local elementary and middle schools, including Katherine Finchy, Vista Del Monte, Cahuilla, Agua Caliente, and Raymond Cree.

Historic Site Preservation Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Historic Site Preservation Board meets for its regular meeting this evening, where they’ll discuss a request for a major alteration of a Class 3 site on North Sunrise Way, among other items on the agenda.

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.

Movie in the Park: “The Goonies”
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
It’s the first installment in this year’s Movies in the Park series, and it starts off with a bang with 1985’s “The Goonies.” Check out the rest of the movies coming up in the next few months, including “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” “The Sandlot,” “Jurassic Park,” and one of Kendall’s all-time favorites: “The Princess Bride.”

SAVE THE DATE

• Rock the Park: AbbaFab-a Tribute to Abba at the Downtown Park on Wednesday.
  
  
• 2024 Palm Spring Philharmonic Series at the McCallum Theatre on Wednesday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Art Festival at Frances Stevens Park on Saturday.
  
  
• Amy’s Purpose 2nd Annual Mixer at Willie’s Modern Fare on March 12.
  
  
• The AI Revolution at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum on March 13.

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AND FINALLY …

The Plaza Theatre Foundation officially began the restoration of the city’s historic theater on Monday with a ceremony featuring city officials and organization representatives in front of the building. 

Driving the news: Set to reopen in 2025, the theater aims to serve as an affordable community venue with diverse programming for public use.

How we got here: Plans for the project have been in motion since 2019 when former Councilmember JR Roberts was wrapping up his four-year term on the City Council. Roberts, president of the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, helped raise millions of dollars to restore the 1936 theater. 

By the numbers: In December, the Palm Springs City Council voted unanimously to approve a $26 million construction contract for the theater. The city had previously contributed $2 million.

What happens next: Plans call for the facility to return to its former glory, and its interior will be updated to fit current ADA standards. Enclosing the lobby, adding air conditioning, and constructing a new bar and concession area are also in the works.

What to expect: Once complete, the theater should be a hub for film, music, live theatre, comedy, and more. 

• Oak View Group, which manages a portfolio of sports and entertainment venues worldwide, including Acrisure Arena, will oversee daily operations, talent acquisition, and sponsorship opportunities.