May 7 Daily Briefing: Film fest shines light on dark movies, special recognition for African American grads, and more

Happy Tuesday, where we’re thinking about puppies. Not our own, but rather those who grow up as guide dogs. If you want to turn your love for puppies into a life-changing venture, then Guide Dogs of the Desert needs you. As a puppy raiser, you’ll play a critical role in transforming puppies into guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired by teaching them essential skills and socialization. Do you think you’re ready to be part of the mission? Get all the details here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Générique” by Miles Davis (Best if listened to as you read this newsletter)

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs turns out to be perfect for Film Noir festival

Despite its sunny disposition, Palm Springs plays host to the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival, celebrating its 25th year with a slate of classic and obscure movies that delve into the darker aspects of human nature, proving the city’s unexpectedly fitting backdrop for the genre.

Driving the news: The festival, founded in 2000 by local mystery writer Arthur Lyons, has grown from a group of writers reminiscing about their favorite films to an annual event that draws cinephiles from around the world. Under the direction of Alan Rode since 2008, the festival continues to thrive, with a commitment to both preserving Film Noir and introducing it to new audiences.

Why it matters: The festival not only celebrates this cinematic tradition but also emphasizes the importance of preserving the films for future generations.

• Preservation efforts include maintaining physical copies of films and archiving talks from past festivals, featuring discussions with legendary figures in the industry who have since passed away.

In addition: The best part of the festival might be the opportunity to see these films as the directors intended: in the dark, surrounded by people all watching a giant screen. That’s the best way to appreciate all the hallmarks of the Film Noir style from the camera angles to the sharp contrast between light and shadow.

What to watch for: This year’s festival highlights include “Body and Soul,” a film Rode calls the best boxing movie of all time, and “Border Incident” from 1949 about illegal immigration in the Southwest. 

• Joining the festival are film historians, authors, actors, and filmmakers who will be on hand to provide context and discuss the films.

Details: The festival runs from Thursday through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online here.

Dive deeper with our complete story online here.nd a few others thought they had made it clear that the two dog parks should be separate but adjacent, asking, “What happens if someone has a big dog and a small dog?”

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BRIEFLY

👷‍♀️ Restoration of historic Bank of America building may be close to finishing

Eagle-eyed locals have noticed that some of the construction fencing surrounding the Bank of America building on South Palm Canyon Drive has come down, signaling the reopening could be coming soon.

• Restoration work on the 1959 building designed by Rudi Baumfeld has been in the works since 2022. The biggest change on the exterior is painting the walls tan instead of white to match the building’s original paint.
  
  
• Most of the restoration work is happening on the interior, which one fortunate visitor was able to confirm is returning to its past retro glory. The flooring will once again be Terrazzo flooring instead of the incongruous wood plank that had been there before. 

Looking back: Read more about the iconic building and its history here.

🚧 Palm Springs road closures extended

Palm Springs officials announced Monday that North Indian Canyon and North Gene Autry at the wash will remain closed until at least Wednesday due to low visibility and sand accumulation from recent sandstorms. The city plans to begin road clearing efforts once the winds subside.

• The closures are a safety measure in response to the reduced visibility and significant sand build-up on these roads, posing hazards to drivers. 
  
  
• City crews are prepared to start the clean-up process by Wednesday, contingent on an improvement in weather conditions, as indicated in updates shared on the city’s social media platforms.

Bottom line: Despite these closures, East Vista Chino is still open, providing an alternative route for residents and visitors navigating the area.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Historic Site Preservation Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
This city board typically meets the first Tuesday of every month. This evening’s agenda can be found here.

Trivia Tuesday
6 p.m. | Play Lounge PS
Come alone or bring a group to participate in trivia covering topics like history, pop culture, and science. 

Queer Colon Care Collective
6 p.m. | The Center
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. 

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

SAVE THE DATE

• Harvey Milk Breakfast on Thursday 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.
  
  
• Community Outreach for Parks and Recreation Master Plan on May 22 at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity 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 …

Monday night was a time to reflect and reward the accomplishments of the Palm Springs Unified School District’s African American students, including dozens who are preparing to leave local high schools next month.

Driving the news: The district’s African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) held its annual end of the school year celebration, handing out special academic awards to students in kindergarten through 12th grade at Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School. 

Details: AAPAC President Charlie Ervin, who also serves on the Board of Education, offered a special message and was joined by his fellow AAPAC members in bestowing a special award to 110 seniors who will graduate from district high schools.

• Each student received a Kente Cloth stole — resembling a colorfully patterned fabric traditionally handwoven in Ghana — to wear during graduation ceremonies next month.

Why it matters: The cloth is significant not just for its patterns but also for its colors, each of which holds a specific symbolism. For high school and college students who wear the stoles, it’s a powerful way to embrace and celebrate their African heritage.