May 20 Daily Briefing: Grant to help fill gaps, major damage as vehicle plows through downtown, and more

Welcome to Monday, where we’ve got good news and bad news for fans of local performer Abi Carter — we don’t think she’ll be singing at VillageFest again soon. Carter, from Indio, was crowned season 22 champion of “American Idol” last night, winning over voters with a heartfelt performance of her original song “This Isn’t Over” and later closing with her rendition of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” Sunday capped a whirlwind week for Carter, who used to perform at the Thursday evening street fair in Palm Springs and came back to the same spot as crews from the show taped her “hometown visit” segment. Congrats, Abi!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Silk Chiffon” by MUNA (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)

LEADING OFF

Grant funds will help fill gaps for those struggling with addiction, homelessness

DAP Health’s Harm Reduction department has secured a $10,000 mini-grant from the California Department of Public Health Office of AIDS Clearinghouse, aimed at enhancing the lives of drug users and homeless individuals in Palm Springs. 

Driving the news: The grant has been used to purchase essential items identified by program participants, including portable power banks, can and bottle openers, LED flashlights, waterproof tarps, sleeping bags, folding grocery carts, and waterproof backpacks. 

• Distribution of these items, which began on April 30, has been met with positive responses from recipients.

What they’re saying: “The funds from this mini grant have helped us fill some gaps, allowing folks to move around a little more easily and shelter a little more safely while feeling seen, heard, and cared for,” said Neil Gussardo, who supervises DAP Health’s Community Health Harm Reduction program.

Bigger picture: The grant enables DAP Health’s Harm Reduction department to continue its work in improving the lives of individuals dealing with homelessness and substance use.

• The primary goal of the funding is to improve the quality of life for marginalized individuals through community education, harm reduction initiatives, and fostering community connections.

Looking ahead: As distribution continues, the Harm Reduction team plans to continue working to make sure each item reaches those in need, providing not just material support but also a sense of dignity and care.

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BRIEFLY

🚨 Hit-and-run suspect arrested after causing extensive damage

A maroon SUV collided with barricades and caused significant damage to businesses and a parked car in Palm Springs on Friday night. The driver, identified as a 30-year-old man, fled the scene but was later apprehended by police.

• The incident began around 10:15 p.m. near the 100 block of Museum Way, where the SUV collided with barricades close to the Marilyn Monroe statue before driving across North Palm Canyon Drive and along a walkway between businesses.
  

• The vehicle caused extensive damage to the rear window of one business and the interior of another while attempting to turn around. It then collided with a parked car on Palm Canyon Drive, pushing it out of the way before fleeing.
  
  
• The vehicle’s driver has been booked on charges of hit and run, vandalism, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Bottom line: The PSPD is asking any witnesses to the collision to contact the Traffic Division at 760-323-8125 or provide anonymous information to Crime Stoppers at 760-347-7867.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Mimosas, Martinis & Music
2 p.m. | Cascade Lounge
Sit back and enjoy the start of the week with cocktails and music at the Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. Hosted by MOD 107.3.

Monday Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Gre Coffeehouse
Come have coffee and chat with other men about issues that are on your mind. No RSVP required — just drop in!

Adult Tap Dance Class
6:30 p.m. | Leisure Center Dance Studio
Adult intermediate tap starts at 6:30 p.m., and “absolute beginners” adult tap is at 7:30 p.m. (“Two left feet are optional.”) ($20)

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Join Bella Da Ball for a night of fabulous bingo. (Must spend $30 at Kings Highway to participate.)

SAVE THE DATE

• Bash for the Barkees on Wednesday at Eight4Nine Restaurant
• Community Outreach for Parks and Recreation Master Plan on Wednesday at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center.
• Walk of the Stars presentation for Bert Spivack on Friday.
• 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 …

For years we’ve been admiring the images that Palm Springs artist Kenny Irwin  Jr. posts on social media, but we never quite got around to posting one here. We thought we’d get your week off to a nice start by posting one today.

Looking back: Irwin is best known for Robolights, the eclectic holiday display he built at his Movie Colony East home for many years. While Robolights is no more, his art endures. 

• Check out some his current work, including found object sculptures, resin art, murals and more at his website here.

Zoom in: Irwin regularly posts Palm Springs sunset images on his Facebook page as well as the Palm Springs Neighborhood Group page. Each time he does, it’s a delightful break from some of the chaos that can be found elsewhere on the social media site. 

Bottom line: We’re often reminded to stop and smell the roses. But that’s a bit hard to do in the desert. So, let this serve as your reminder to stop and admire our amazing sunsets. Thanks, Kenny, for the opportunity to share your work!