May 2 Daily Briefing: Fire department begins clearing city-owned lots, ShortFest poster released, and more

Happy Thursday, everyone, where we’ve got good news for fans of vintage merchandise. The folks behind Palm Springs Vintage Market sent word that aside from their last market of the season this Sunday (7 a.m. ‘first choice’ admission and 8 a.m. general admission), they’re planning a special “Last Call Market” on June 2 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The market sets up in the parking lot of the Cultural Center (2300 East Baristo Rd.). They also teased some news that’s coming soon, and we’ll let you know what it is as soon as we learn it.

🎶 Setting the mood: “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel

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LEADING OFF

Fire department takes action to reduce wildfire risks on city-owned land

Looking to set a good example, the Palm Springs Fire Department began efforts at mitigating potential fuel for fires on city-owned land in wildfire zones Wednesday. 

Driving the news: Firefighters and city workers spent the day trimming trees and removing potentially hazardous brush that could be fuel for wildfires. The work coincides with a rise in temperatures and will continue through July 31. 

By the numbers: The city has 87 acres to maintain in 27 areas that are listed as potential wildfire zones against the hillsides. It’s estimated that there are 1,250 residential lots located in neighborhoods on the west and south sides of the city that need to be maintained.

Why it matters: Fire Chief Paul Alvarado, who was on the scene of a clearing in the Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood with other department officials, said that aside from the need to prevent wildfires, it’s important that the city show it’s pitching in to perform the same work it asks of property owners.

• “We’ve got to set a good example and let people know we’re doing our part in mitigating this,” Alvarado said.

Up next: Under the direction of Fire Marshall Taylor Teeple, the fire department will soon take over the mitigation program, with a pair of two-person crews working to clear the city-owned lots. 

• Teeple said firefighters are also kicking off a public education campaign. Among other requests, he said residents who live in wildfire zones should not only clear hazardous brush and trim trees, but leave 200 feet between structures and anything that could ignite in a wildfire.
  
  
• More information on wildfire preparedness is available on the community fire risk reduction page here. 

IN OTHER NEWS

⚖️ The drunk driver responsible for a crash in Palm Springs that resulted in one death and six injuries was sentenced to 21 years to life in prison after admitting to murder and DUI charges. [Desert Sun]

🏘️ A San Francisco media outlet is the latest to examine the state of the Palm Springs vacation rental market, explaining how the buyer pool for homes is changing back to what it used to be. [SF Gate]

🥾 A hiker experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms was rescued by helicopter along the Museum Trail Wednesday. [KESQ]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Pet Vaccine Clinic
9:30 a.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter invites you to bring in your pet for low-cost vaccines, including vaccines for rabies and canine influenza. They are also offering microchip implantation and registration. ($15-$25)

Palm Springs Public Arts Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
According to the agenda, commissioners will consider approving a new mural for the Palm Springs International Airport and will discuss solutions for the George Floyd mural on North Indian Canyon.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The weekly street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. The Palm Springs Art Museum also has free admission tonight starting at 5 p.m.

The Lincoln Debate
7 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Jason Reale, who won a Best Actor award for his portrayal of Lincoln, will be back in his stove pipe hat! Join the debate and decide for yourself whether or not Abraham Lincoln might have an initial under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. ($40)

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Entertainment Convention on Saturday at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
• Desert Winds Freedom Band Concert on Saturday at Temple Isaiah.
• PSUSD Multicultural Festival on Saturday at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
• Harvey Milk Breakfast on May 9 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
• Miralon Blood Drive on May 17. Sign up today!
• Communities’ Finest Dance Showcase on May 18 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
• Palm Springs Firefighters Association Fish Fry on June 1 at Ruth Hardy Park.
• Palm Springs International ShortFest from June 18 -24.

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AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs International ShortFest on Wednesday unveiled its poster celebrating the event’s 30th anniversary and the beauty of the Coachella Valley.

Zoom in: The poster is yet another collaboration with Josh Agle (AKA Shag), a renowned artist and Palm Springs resident. It brings his distinctive and vibrant retro-style artwork to life.

• In designing the poster, Shag said he wanted to capture both the emotion of living in southern California and the perspective of location shoots taking place across the Coachella Valley.

How to score one: The poster will be available on the festival website, the Shag Store, Destination PSP, and in-person at the Destination PSP pop-up store in the Regal Palm Springs lobby during the event.

Details: ShortFest is a seven-day competitive event planned for June 18-24 at Regal Palm Springs on Tahquitz Canyon Way. All films are 40 minutes and under and grouped into 90-minute themed programs.

• While the lineup is yet to be announced, passes went on sale last month. Find complete pricing and details here.