May 21 Daily Briefing: Why the wind seems worse, a unique art proposal, plan for Memorial Day at museum, and more

Happy Tuesday, everyone, where we’re thinking about rattlesnakes. Mid-May through mid-June is the peak season for sighting them in the desert, so you should be extra cautious when exploring local trails. We can’t fit all the expert advice into this newsletter, so make sure to read and bookmark this site to learn how to identify a rattlesnake, how to be safe while hiking, what to do if you find one on your property, and how to respond in the unlikely chance that you get bit. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas

LEADING OFF

This year’s dust linked to last year’s storms

As the Coachella Valley approaches the peak of its windy season, residents are reporting harsher conditions despite consistent wind speeds, largely due to last year’s severe weather events impacting the desert region.

Driving the news: Meteorologist Alex Tardy of the National Weather Service notes that while wind speeds have not increased, the aftereffects of Tropical Storm Hilary’s 2023 flooding have exacerbated local conditions. This has intensified the amount of airborne dust, thereby worsening overall air quality and increasing discomfort among locals.

• The increased dust is attributed mainly to the silt left behind by floods, which are now being kicked up by our seasonal winds.

Why it matters: It doesn’t just look bad outside, it feels bad too. Allergies are exacerbated by the worse air quality, and major Palm Springs roads are the victim of frequent closures when the dust gets too bad.

By the numbers: Ten windblown advisories have been issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) since the beginning of the year, compared to eight during the same period last year and 12 the year before.

What’s next: The most recent wind advisory just expired last night. Still, SCAQMD recommends anyone interested in learning more about their local air quality download their app to get air quality alerts and learn how to protect sensitive groups from poor air quality.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

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BRIEFLY

🏳️‍🌈 Plans for new art honoring LGBTQ+ community get Parks and Recreation approval

Palm Springs Pride presented plans for a new large-scale public art installation celebrating the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions to the city at last night’s Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. The steel monument, designed by a local artist, is proposed to be located in Francis Stevens Park.

• Palm Springs Pride selected local artist Jim Isermann for the project after receiving proposals from nearly 50 artists around the world. Isermann’s idea starts with the triangle, an enduring symbol of LGBTQ pride reclaimed from the Nazis and brought into mainstream prominence during the fight for HIV/AIDS treatment.
  
  
• His idea is to create a large wall made up of triangles in the original eight-color spectrum of the pride flag, with the addition of brown and black. The piece will be 20 feet in diameter and stand about eight feet tall. The paint used will be graffiti and UV resistant.
  
  
• The piece is still in its conceptual phase and Palm Springs Pride will be presenting the idea to more than a dozen community groups for input. The goal is for the piece to be completed by 2026 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Palm Springs Pride.

Up next: The Parks and Recreation Commission signed off on the idea which will now move to the Public Arts Commission next month and Palm Springs Pride hopes the City Council will approve the idea at its July meeting.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Desert Water Agency Board Meeting
8 a.m. | DWA Operations Center
Board members convene for their regular meeting, check out the agenda items here.

Sustainability Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Commissioners will continue discussions on gas-powered leaf blowers among other agenda items.

Queer Colon Care Collective
6 p.m. | The Center – LGBTQ – Community Center of the Desert
This 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.

Palm Springs Toastmasters
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Toastmasters Club
Learn to speak with confidence with the Palm Springs Toastmasters and practice with friends. Guests always welcome.

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 …

Consider this an early reminder that the Palm Springs Air Museum will hold its annual Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop in less than a week.

Driving the news: On Monday, May 27, the event will feature a brief memorial service dedicated to fallen comrades, along with flight exhibitions and activities throughout the day. Activities begin at 1 p.m.

Zoom in: The highlight of the service will be a fly-by and flower drop of over 3,000 red and white carnations from a B-25 Mitchell bomber. This impressive ceremony serves as a tribute to those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.

• Visitors are welcome to pick up a flower to take home as a remembrance of the event.

Details: Tickets for the event can be purchased online through the Palm Springs Air Museum website.

• Buying tickets in advance will allow attendees to beat the line and ensure their participation in this special day of remembrance.