May 14 Daily Briefing: Revamped awards process, council preview, stoles awarded, and more

Happy Wednesday! If you’re reading this early enough, you’ve got time to put on your gloves, slap on some sunscreen, and join your neighbors for a park cleanup this morning. People for Palm Springs Parks, a local group organizing for further park investment, is hosting the cleanup and information gathering session at Ruth Hardy Park (700 Tamarisk Road) this morning starting at 8 a.m. Meet the group near the playground area where trash bags and gloves will be provided. All ages and abilities are welcome. Be sure to bring sunscreen and water (and a friend!) RSVP at psparksorg@gmail.com

🎶 Setting the mood: “Messy (Live)” by Lola Young

LEADING OFF

Commission talks revamp of awards process after controversy

The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission hopes to overhaul its community service award program following a nine-month hiatus triggered by past controversies. Commissioners are working to simplify nomination criteria, improve vetting procedures and clarify who should present the awards.

Driving the news: Commissioners met Monday evening to discuss reforming the selection process that previously led to the commission’s temporary shutdown when members rescinded an approved award behind closed doors, raising Brown Act violation concerns.

• Commissioner Michael Horne described the previous process as “a mess,” noting that “the community came down on the commission, not the council. We sort of imploded.”

The details: Chair Hugo Loyola proposed a simplified scoring system based on three core criteria: mission and purpose, community impact and future vision.

• Each nomination would receive a score of one to five in each category, with top scorers forwarded to the city council for recognition.

What else: Social media vetting emerged as a major concern after previous controversies. Vice Chair David Vignolo warned that failing to address social media vetting “could lead to more problems,” while Commissioner Beverly Greer suggested background checks similar to those used by nonprofits.

Yes, but: Left unsaid, however, was what specific kind of social media activity or comments would be considered disqualifying, or what would trigger the commission to look into an applicant’s social media presence.

What’s next: The commission will continue refining the proposal, with staff incorporating feedback for the next meeting scheduled for June 9, before presenting final recommendations to the city council.

Dive deeper with our complete story.

BRIEFLY

🏛️ Temporary pickleball courts, developer appeal top the agenda for tonight’s City Council meeting

The Palm Springs City Council will meet in closed and regular sessions today. According to the agenda, councilmembers will vote to approve an agreement that would ensure pickleballers have a temporary home while courts are under construction and consider an appeal from a developer hoping to build a large new retail location.

• On the agenda is an agreement with Desert Community College District to convert three vacant tennis courts on East Baristo Road and South Hermosa Drive into twelve temporary pickleball courts for public use while Demuth Park pickleball courts are under construction.
  
• Also on the agenda is a consideration by the council to overturn the Planning Commission’s denial of a permit for a developer looking to build a 4,000 square-foot commercial building for a paint store near the southeast corner of North Palm Canyon Drive and East Stevens Road.
  
• Details: The regular meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public in Council Chambers at City Hall. You can submit comments via an online public comment form, in person, or by calling the city clerk’s office at (760) 323-8204 at any time prior to the end of the public comment period. View the meeting live on YouTube.

🏳️‍🌈 Palm Springs Pride announces inaugural Equality Walk

One week after DAP Health announced it would be ending its annual fundraiser walk, Palm Springs Pride has let the community know it’s picking up the torch. 

• Pride officials said Tuesday that the first-ever Pride Equality Walk will take place Saturday, October 25, in downtown Palm Springs, beginning and ending in the Arenas District. The event aims to educate and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ experiences while building on the city’s history of embracing LGBTQ+ communities. 
  
• “With fundamental rights of our LGBTQ+ community under siege, the Pride Equality Walk is our united front,” said Ron deHarte, president and CEO of Palm Springs Pride. “Our amplified voices will not be silenced.”
  
• Details: Registration for the Pride Equality Walk is available at pspride.org/walk.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Clean up the Parks
8 a.m. | Ruth Hardy Park
Join People for Palm Springs Parks to come together and clean up the park at 700 Tamarisk Road.

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Start the day with other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters with breakfast and conversation.

Palm Springs Parent Support Group
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Leisure Center
This is a group for parents of all stages, designed to foster relationships. Join us for a drop in visit or ongoing sessions.

The Rotary Club of Palm Springs
12 p.m. | Hilton Palm Springs
Weekly one hour luncheon gathering with a varied program. ($25)

Annual Joint Chamber Mixer
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Air Museum
Join all the valley’s Chambers of Commerce at the Annual Joint Chamber Mixer. Enjoy food, drinks and valley-wide networking. ($25)

Palm Springs City Council
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The city council meets this evening in closed and open session. Check out the agenda here. 

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Pro Pickleball Showdown at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage on Thursday.
  
• Blue Zones Community Kickoff at Festival Theaters on Thursday.
  
• “Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope” at the Cultural Center on Thursday.
  
• Movie Night in the Park: “Wicked” at Victoria Park on Friday.
  
• “Veils: A Requiem For Trayvon” film screening at the Cultural Center on May 23. ($18)
  
• Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum on May 26.
  
• Miralon Blood Drive with LifeStream Blood Bank at Miralon on May 30.
  
• 2025 Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week starts May 30.

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs Unified School District celebrated heritage and achievement this week as 107 African American seniors received traditional Kente Cloth stoles to wear during their upcoming graduation ceremonies.

Driving the news: The stole presentation ceremony, hosted by PSUSD’s African American Parent Advisory Committee (AAPAC), honored graduating seniors while also recognizing middle and high school students for their academic achievements.

Who attended: The celebration brought together district and site administrators, teachers, and proud family members alongside notable officials including AAPAC President and Board of Education member Charlie Ervin.

Why it matters: The colorful woven Kente Cloth stoles represent a significant transition from youth to adulthood while allowing students to proudly display their cultural heritage during commencement.