May 9 Daily Briefing: City, SunLine explore transit enhancements, PSP completes crucial drill, and more

Welcome to Thursday, everyone, where if you like corrections you’ve come to the right place! Yesterday in this space we said that the Ocotillo Lodge’s architect was William Cody. It was actually William Krisel. Given the fact we pass by William Krisel Way in that neighborhood about 100 times a month, we should have known better. We were able to change that in our online version, but not in a newsletter sent to a thousands of our neighbors. The Post regrets the error.

🎶 Setting the mood: “So Good At Being In Trouble” by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

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LEADING OFF

City, SunLine to seek enhancements to public transit experience

The city of Palm Springs and SunLine Transit Agency are brainstorming ways to improve the public transit experience for residents and visitors. Potential enhancements could include optimizing bus stop placement, increasing shade structures at bus stops, and incorporating public art into transit infrastructure.

Driving the news: On Wednesday evening, representatives from SunLine presented their plans and discussed potential collaborations with the city during a meeting of the Sustainability Commission’s Climate Action Subcommittee.

By the numbers: According to a transportation survey conducted by the Office of Sustainability at the end of last year, 90% of respondents said that gas or electric vehicles were their current mode of transportation. In the city, motor vehicles account for about 30% of greenhouse gas emissions.

• The goal: To meet state requirements, the city must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2030.

How we get there: SunLine and the city are considering several initiatives to enhance the public transit experience, including strategically placing bus stops to ensure convenience and accessibility, providing better shade structures at bus stops, and incorporating public art into transit infrastructure to create a sense of place and community engagement.

The problem: SunLine said one of the biggest hurdles they face is a lack of education about what the transit agency offers. If most people don’t know where the nearest bus stop is, they certainly aren’t aware of other important SunLine programs.

Connecting the dots: Another barrier that keeps people from utilizing public transit is the first mile/last mile problem: how to get people from their houses to the bus stop and get them from the bus to their final destination.

• “Who wants to walk, even for 10 minutes, if it’s 120 degrees outside?” asked a representative from SunLine. 

The solution: SunLine has a fleet of microtransit and paratransit vehicles for their SunRide and SunDial services.

• SunRide is a microtransit service that allows riders to connect to the nearest bus stop or point of interest.
  
  
• SunDial is the agency’s paratransit service that connects riders from their origin to their destination if they are physically or mentally unable to use the bus itself.

What’s next: To develop more solutions, SunLine will first conduct a comprehensive operational analysis over the next 12 to 18 months to assess post-pandemic transit needs and gather community input. Then, they can begin implementing changes. 

BRIEFLY

🏛️ What to watch for at tonight’s City Council meeting

The Palm Springs City Council is scheduled to meet in regular session tonight at 5:30 p.m. On the agenda is consideration of plans for the expansion of Palm Springs International Airport and proposals to enhance the oversight of city boards and commissions. 

• The council plans to approve a comprehensive development strategy for the airport that covers both airside and landside components, including a new terminal and a consolidated rental car facility.
  
  
• The session will also feature discussions on the roles and duties of city boards and commissions, including discussion of a code of conduct and procedures for the removal of board members.
  
  
• The agenda (see it here) also includes the review and filing of financial audit reports for the fiscal year 2022-23, focusing on the Measure J Fund Report and the city’s single audit.

Details: The meeting will be held at City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Members of the public can participate in person or virtually. To join virtually, email cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov or call 760-323-8204 to obtain Zoom credentials. The meeting will also be streamed live on the city’s website, on YouTube, and on Spectrum Channel 17.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
8:30 a.m. | Palm Springs Convention Center
Join community leaders, business leaders, and others who support equality and justice for all at this 12th annual celebration of Harvey Milk. ($95)

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)

City Council Meeting
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
This week, councilmembers will discuss the plans for expanding the Palm Springs International Airport. 

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)

Arthur Lyons Film Noir Film Festival: “Body and Soul”
7:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
It’s opening night for this weekend’s Arthur Lyons Film Noir Film Festival. Tonight’s film is “Body and Soul” from 1947, starring John Garfield, which has been called “the undisputed champion of boxing movies.” Tonight’s special guest is actor and writer Jim Beaver and there will also be a reception for pass holders. ($15)

SAVE THE DATE

• Miralon Blood Drive on May 17. Sign up today!
  
• Free Dementia Awareness Classat Palm Springs Public Library on May 14. 
  
• 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 …

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) successfully completed its triennial full-scale emergency exercise Wednesday. The comprehensive drill, a crucial FAA requirement, was meant to demonstrate PSP’s readiness and capability to handle emergency situations.

Driving the news: During the drill, a simulated scenario depicted an aircraft encountering an engine failure shortly after takeoff and facing a challenging tail wind upon return, resulting in a hard landing that caused extensive damage to the aircraft fuselage.

• The exercise tested the airport’s operational capacity to respond to an emergency and highlighted the strong interagency collaboration vital for effective incident management. 

Why it matters: The staged emergency was designed specifically to test the coordinated response efforts of PSP and its mutual aid partners, including the city’s emergency management teams, fire and police departments, and medical response units.

• “Today’s successful exercise is a testament to the hard work and preparation by our teams and partners,” PSP Executive Director of Aviation Harry Barrett said. “Any opportunity to train in a controlled environment for a real aircraft emergency ensures we are as prepared as possible. Our top priority remains the safety and security of all individuals at our facilities.”