Oct. 14 Daily Briefing: Erotic art celebration, Aluminaire House, free shredding, and more

Happy Monday, everyone. If you’re like us, you probably spent a portion of your weekend getting to know your ballot for the Nov. 5 General Election. Also, like us, you’re likely a bit confused by some of the things you see. To help you sort through all the ballot measures and races, the folks over at Cal Matters have put together a very handy 2024 Ballot Guide. Using it is simple: Just enter your address and you’ll see some (but not all) of what’s on your ballot, and also links to any analysis or other reporting they’ve done. Have fun!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Here Come Those Eyes” by Chris Rice

LEADING OFF

Week-long celebration of erotic art pioneer planned throughout city

The Tom of Finland Foundation will mark its 40th anniversary with a week-long celebration in Palm Springs starting later this month and coinciding with Leather Pride Week.

Driving the news: The foundation, known for promoting erotic arts and supporting LGBTQ artists, is expanding its presence in Palm Springs with a series of events.

• Art exhibitions, panel discussions, and film screenings are all planned from Oct. 23 to Nov. 3.

Why it matters: Tom of Finland’s work challenged societal norms and paved the way for LGBTQ artists to express themselves freely.

• The foundation continues to preserve and promote his legacy while supporting contemporary artists.

Details: Key events include a talk by foundation co-founder Durk Dehner, an exhibition of original Tom of Finland drawings, and a screening of the biopic “Tom of Finland.”

Local impact: Palm Springs board members Jesse Rosenberg and Ken Avedisian were instrumental in bringing the 40th-anniversary events to the city.

• Their community connections and charitable work helped facilitate the collaboration.

What they’re saying: “At the heart of it all is our desire to preserve and promote Tom of Finland’s pioneering legacy — his courageous artistic vision that celebrated male sexuality and identity during repressive times,” said Edward Cella, CEO of the Tom of Finland Foundation.

What’s next: The foundation is aiming to build deeper connections in Palm Springs and inspire future generations of LGBTQ artists.

Dive deeper with our complete story and list of planned events

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IN OTHER NEWS

🏠 The long, lengthy journey that The Aluminaire House took to get to the Palm Springs Art Museum was featured in a video that highlighted the impact of Albert Frey’s work in Palm Springs. [CBS News]

🏳️‍⚧️ The Transgender Health & Wellness Center opened a new space in Palm Springs last week dedicated to connecting transgender, gender non-conforming, intersex and allied individuals with a variety of services. [Desert Sun]

🏈 Palm Springs High School fell to 3-4 after suffering a 45-35 loss to Shadow Hills in high school football Friday evening. It was the second straight loss for the Indians. [Max Preps]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

City Hall closed
All day | Palm Springs City Hall
Palm Springs City Hall and the main library are closed today in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Schools and banks are also closed, and USPS won’t be delivering mail.

Citywide Cleanup
By 7 a.m. | Citywide
All single-family dwellings may set out additional compatible household waste and/or bulky items at the curb for collection this week. There is no charge for this service and no need to call to arrange collection. Items must be at your curbside by 7 a.m. for pickup throughout the week.

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. All caregivers are welcome.

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
Come on up and enjoy an evening of live music from the award-winning team from the high desert: Mon Petit Mojave. ($22)

PALS Circle
6 p.m. | Zoom
PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors) Circle is an informal weekly Zoom drop-in for connection and support. Reach out to the organizer at billymoss.pals@gmail.com for Zoom instructions.

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Enjoy a night of fabulous bingo hosted by Bella Da Ball.

SAVE THE DATE

• Zone Palm Springs Community Meeting number two on Wednesday.
  
  
• Shredding event at the Convention Center on Saturday.
  
  
• Center Stage benefiting LGBTQ+ Center of the Desert on Saturday.
  
  
• Pride on the Page Book Festival on Oct. 20.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks first speaker on Oct. 22.
  
  
• Durk Dehner in conversation with Jamison Rockmore at Mizell Center on Oct. 23.
  
  
• Modernism Week October from the 24th through 27th.
  
  
• DAP Health Equity Walk on Oct. 26.
  
  
• Be A Hero for Kids Halloween Bash on Oct. 27.
  
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Nov. 2.

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AND FINALLY …

You don’t have to be a skateboarder to do some shredding in Palm Springs this week, as the city is gearing up to accept and dispose of your sensitive documents safely and securely.

Driving the news: Residents can bring their documents to the Convention Center parking lot — located at 277 North Avenida Cabelleros — on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. The city will then shred them and dispose of them for free.

• Acceptable documents include, but are not limited to, legal paperwork, medical records, bank statements, payroll records, and contracts. There is no need to remove any clips, staples, or envelopes.
  
  

• E-waste and bulky items will also be accepted, but hazardous waste such as swimming pool chemicals, paints, pesticides, or fluorescent bulbs will not be accepted.

But wait: Can’t make it to the event on Saturday? The city will be doing some “pre-shredding” Tuesday through Thursday at City Hall — 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way — between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.