Nov. 7 Daily Briefing: Abrupt resignation, band on the road, coffee with a cop coming, and more

Happy Tuesday! Have you thought about thanking a teacher in your life? Now would be a great time because this week is California Retired Teachers week! In a recent newsletter, the local chapter of California Retired Teachers showed teachers truly never stop caring. The local chapter donated grants to active classroom teachers, scholarships to high schoolers, and participated in thousands of hours of community service. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Hold Me Closer” by Elton John, Britney Spears

---

LEADING OFF

Citing process, inclusion issues, commission chair resigns

Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jerry Alcorn, who recently served as chair, abruptly resigned last month, citing personal and professional obligations. As he left, however, he outlined several frustrations with the commission’s operations, its role in addressing the public’s concerns, and the current state of parks.

Driving the news: In a resignation letter dated Oct. 5, Alcorn outlined issues ranging from poor communication, what he described as stagnancy, and a lack of proactivity within the commission.

• He was also critical of the lack of inclusive thinking about parks, especially when it comes to the needs of minority residents and those with disabilities.

At issue: Alcorn, who was on the commission for more than five years, said when new projects like disc golf or ADA-accessible playground equipment were brought up in meetings, they were often not followed up on.

• “(T)he people who are in charge do not truly understand living in Palm Springs and being a part of the community,” Alcorn wrote in the letter.

Yes, but: In response to his resignation letter, parks and Recreation Director Yvonne Wise wrote that she was sorry to see him step down and that the department will “continue to work hard to achieve the vision that we all want to see realized.”

• “(W)hile we have made many great strides, there is still much to do to advance our parks and recreational facilities for the community,” wise concluded.

Bottom line: Alcorn said he wants the community to know he’ll be just as visible at community events moving forward, and that commissioners cannot possible solve all the issues with city parks.

• “I truly feel their frustrations,” Alcorn wrote. ” But even explaining the reasons for the issues in-depth, and even having presentations on them, I’m still getting berated with e-mails and phone calls.”

Read our in-depth story online.

BRIEFLY

🥁 PSHS band planning international performances

Palm Springs High School’s Spirit of the Sands Band and Visual Corps is set to perform in Spain in 2024, marking their first international tour in five years due to the pandemic.

• The upcoming tour will be the band’s 11th in its 25-year history and will include performances in Valencia, Madrid, and Granada. The band will be practicing works from various composers and engaging in cross-cultural exchange.
  
  
• To assist band members who may be facing financial strains, the Band Boosters are organizing fundraising events and platforms. To help out, you can pre-order holiday greenery or contribute to a GoFundMe campaign.
  
  
• Bottom line: Band Director Matt Ingelson is applying for local scholarships to help students with financial needs and exceptional musical abilities. The goal is to cover as many band members’ expenses as possible, with each student’s cost estimated at $3,600.

🚨 One dead after car crash Monday morning

Palm Springs Police said a crash that happened at the intersection of Palm Canyon Drive and Sunrise Way Monday morning claimed the life of a person who may have experienced a medical emergency.

• The incident occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. That’s when police said a black sedan struck a pole holding a traffic signal. The pole then fell onto a parked vehicle.  
  
  
• Details: There was no immediate word on the driver’s identity. Nobody else was injured in the crash.

---

TODAY’S EVENTS

The Roundtable: HIV/AIDS survivors
4 p.m. | Online
A weekly discussion group for long-term HIV/AIDS survivors in the Coachella Valley. 

Jazz on the 2nd Floor
5 p.m. | Camelot Theatre
Enjoy live jazz, bossa, and Latin jazz performed by Leanna and the Jazz Collective on the second floor of the Camelot Theatre. ($10)

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. 

HIV+ Aging Project: Positive Life Series
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center and online
Local medical experts explore current HIV research being conducted in Palm Springs. Register online before attending.

SAVE THE DATE

• Reflections on Veterans Day Wednesday at 6 p.m.
  
  
• Veterans Day Drive-Thru Appreciation Lunch on Friday at 1 p.m.
  
  
• Veterans Day Parade on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
  
  
• ONE-PS Lip Sync Battle on Sunday at 3 p.m.
  
  
• Jews do the Blues benefit concert on Nov. 15.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks series with Temple Grandin on Nov. 17.

---

AND FINALLY …

Some of you asked, and we found out. You can mark your calendars next week because the Palm Springs Police Department is once again holding a Coffee with a Cop session.

• Coffee with a cop gives residents the opportunity to meet and chat with neighborhood officers to get to know the faces behind the badge.
  
  
• PSPD said they hope the event will build trust, break down barriers, and strengthen community bonds.
  
  
• Details: Officers will be at the downtown Starbucks Reserve, 110 North Palm Canyon Dr., next Thursday, Nov. 16, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.