Nov. 4 Daily Briefing: Pride Parade, Measure J vote explained, CV Link work, and more

Happy Monday, everyone, where today we’re thinking about trees. During the State of the City speech last week, there was a call for a path to better connect Downtown Palm Springs with the city’s convention center — preferably lined with trees to provide shade. It’s a familiar theme, as both the public and city officials frequently ask that thought be put into how projects and parks can have more trees. Since one assessment found more than a third of all tree species are at risk of extinction, and we recently reported on a bit of a tree crisis in the city, it’s something we should all be thinking about.  

🎶 Setting the mood: “A Forest” by The Cure 

LEADING OFF

City celebrates diversity, unity with vibrant Pride Parade

Palm Springs came alive with color and celebration Sunday as thousands gathered for the city’s annual Pride Parade, a testament to the community’s commitment to diversity, unity, and self-expression. 

Driving the news: The event, themed “Be You,” capped the 38th annual Pride Weekend in the city that featured not only the parade, but an array of musical acts on multiple stages, a street fair, food booths, and more.

• Locals and visitors alike gathered at the parade to celebrate unity and diversity at the mile-long route. The event featured businesses, organizations, politicians, and drag queens, all reflecting the joy and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.

Community impact: Attendees and participants alike shared a common sentiment: Pride in Palm Springs is about community. From volunteers like Edward Monie, who sees the event as a chance to give back, to families like Lareina Knight’s, who attend to teach their children about love and acceptance, the parade is a celebration of collective joy and freedom.

• “(W)e come to keep them in the know that people love who they love, and it doesn’t have to be a man and a woman. It can be different, and it’s okay,” Knight said.

What they’re saying: “It means people are finally being acknowledged as equals,” said Chris Spalding, an LGBTQ+ ally in town from Oakland for a wedding. “That’s what the American Dream is supposed to be about. It’s supposed to be people coming together, loving each other, lifting each other up.”

Read our complete story and see more images online

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BRIEFLY

💰 What to know about Measure J as you prepare to cast your ballot 

Palm Springs voters are being asked to remove the 2037 sunset date on a 1% sales tax increase originally approved in 2011. The tax, known as Measure J, has been instrumental in funding the city’s downtown revitalization plan and other community projects.

• Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein said the tax has been “tremendously successful” in increasing the city’s revenue through property taxes and transient occupancy taxes. The city now needs to continue leveraging Measure J funds to finance large infrastructure projects such as the library renovation.
  
  
• The tax currently represents roughly 12% of the city’s annual budget, with almost all of the revenue coming from tourists. Funds generated from the tax will continue to go to the city’s general fund, allowing them to be used for various legal city expenditures.
  
  
• Bottom line: There has been no official opposition to the measure so far. The city has a citizens oversight committee that reviews all expenditures and conducts an annual audit of the funds, providing transparency. 

Dive deeper with the complete story by Alicia Ramirez of The Riverside Record

🏈 Palm Springs closes season with another loss

Jeremiah Williams led Rancho Mirage to a decisive 49-29 victory over Palm Springs on Friday, rushing for an impressive 332 yards and five touchdowns in the Ramon Road rivalry high school football game.

• The win was The Rattlers’ fourth of their last five games, improving their record to 6-4. Meanwhile, Palm Springs has suffered a five-game losing streak.
  
  
• Bottom line: With the playoffs looming, Rancho Mirage will share the Desert Empire League (DEL) title with Palm Desert. Palm Springs entered DEL play with a 3-2 record, but ends its season 3-7.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
3 p.m. | Mizell Senior Center
Our weekly support group offers a safe, confidential, supportive environment for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia. 

CalComMen’s Monday Coffee
5 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Join us for coffee, chat & chew! Drop in… no RSVPs. Play Lounge & cafe has a drink and snack Happy Hour menu. 

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Cultural Center
Experience world music with a French accent at Mon Petit Salon, hosted by violin virtuoso Jeremie Levi Samson. ($20)

Architectural Review Committee
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs City Hall
The ARC typically holds regular meetings at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month to review and make recommendations on building and landscape design to the Planning Commission, City Council, and City staff.

PALS  Circle
6 p.m. | Online
PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors) Circle is an informal weekly Zoom drop-in for connection and support. There is no agenda, no topic – like getting together with friends every week. Reach out to the organizer at billymoss.pals@gmail.com for instructions.

AAPAC General Meeting
6 p.m. | Online
The African American Parent Advisory Council cordially invites you to join us at our upcoming meetings and become a member of AAPAC.

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Enjoy an evening of fabulous bingo with the charming Bella Da Ball for a $30 minimum food and drink spend.

SAVE THE DATE

• ‘Next to Normal’ by Coachella Valley Repertory starting Wednesday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival on Saturday and Sunday.
  
  
• Four Seasons Palm Springs Community Garage Sale on Sunday.
  
  
• ‘Loot’ by Desert Ensemble Theatre starting Nov. 15.
  
  
• Desert Air on Nov. 15 and 16.
  
  
• “Studio One, Forever” with Q & A following at The Church of St Paul in the Desert on Nov. 16.
  
  
• ‘When the Band Played On: A conversation with Michael G. Lee and Hank Plante’ on Nov. 16.
  
  
• Palm Springs Pickleball Tournament on Nov. 16.
  
  
• ‘Hillary and Clinton’ by Dezart Performs starting Nov. 16. 
  
  
• Kewet Native American Learning Day and Market on Nov. 16.

AND FINALLY …

Construction crews will soon reach a major milestone in the CV Link project as they pave a concrete pathway along the Whitewater River Stormwater Channel levee in North Palm Springs.

Driving the news: All this week, crews will pave the pathway from Desert Breeze Way to East Vista Chino, bringing the project closer to its year-end completion goal. The work started last Friday.

Details: CV Link, a 40-plus mile pathway spanning the Coachella Valley, aims to provide a safe route for walking, running, biking, and using low-speed electric vehicles.

What to expect: While paving will occur during the day, saw cutting will take place place in the evenings, so you can expect some noise form that: You also might hear lights and backup alarms on equipment.

• In addition, construction vehicles and heavy equipment will travel and park along the levee top.