Oct. 16 Daily Briefing: Land returned, church effort launched, Gabby the cat needs you, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, and what looks like the start of cooler days. Not that anyone wants to remember what we all just lived through for five months, but if you think this summer was more brutal than usual, there’s data that backs you up: According to meteorologists at KESQ, so far this year we’ve had 135 days with a high of 100 or higher (only 2020 had more). But, we have also had 83 days with a high of 110 or more, which smashed the previous record of 66 days. Ugh!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Hooked On a Feeling” by Blue Swede

LEADING OFF

‘A moment of healing and justice’ as tribe gets more land back

The State of California Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (CVMC) has returned 320 acres of ancestral land to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, bringing the total to 600 acres when combined with a previous donation.

Driving the news: The land transfer, celebrated at an event Tuesday at the tribe’s Cultural Center in Palm Springs, is part of a larger state effort to right historical wrongs done to Native Americans, which began with Governor Gavin Newsom’s apology in 2019 for the state’s mistreatment of tribes.

• Agencies like the California Natural Resources Agency are now working to redress those wrongs, build tribal partnerships, and respect tribal leadership.

Looking ahead: Tribal Chairman Reid Milanovich said the tribe plans to explore ways to better maintain cultural resources on the land and preserve it for the future.

• During a brief news conference Tuesday, Milanovich expressed excitement about having the land returned to “the rightful hands of the Agua Caliente people.”

The bigger picture: California’s 30 by 30 initiative aims to give back 30% of ancestral land by 2030, which has inspired similar efforts nationally and globally.

• President Joe Biden signed a national 30 by 30 initiative, and virtually every country in the world committed to a UN treaty to protect 30% of the globe by 2030.

What they’re saying: “It’s a major achievement, a major step forward for two governments working together in the state of California and our tribe,” said Milanovich, thanking the conservancy for respecting and honoring the tribe’s long history with the land.

Read much more in our complete story online

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BRIEFLY

⛪ Restoration fund launched for historic city church

A group of parishioners at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Palm Springs is spearheading efforts to restore and preserve the iconic structure on Ramon Road designed by renowned architect William F. Cody. 

• The St. Theresa 135 Ministry, founded in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, is seeking $135,000 annually for ongoing maintenance and special projects.
  
  
• The church, completed in 1968, is showing signs of wear after more than five decades. The restoration effort focuses on preserving Cody’s architectural vision, which was heavily influenced by the Second Vatican Council of 1962-65.
  
  
• Bottom line: As part of the fundraising initiative, the ministry is presenting a special lecture and tour during Modernism Week October. Details can be found here.

Dive deeper with our complete story online

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Join other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters for breakfast and conversation!

Pre-Shredding Drop Off
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Palm Springs City Hall
Can’t make it to the city’s free shredding event on Saturday Oct. 19? You can drop off your documents at City Hall on the 15th, 16th, and 17th, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. 

Morning Coffee Book Club
10:30 a.m. | Welwood Murray Library
The group meets the third Wednesday of the month from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Coffee and muffins are graciously provided by Aspen Mills.

Rotary Club
12 p.m. | Hilton Hotel
One hour luncheon gathering with weekly changing programs.

Estate Planning Workshop
4 p.m. | Animal Shelter
This workshop will help you create your trust and estate documents, as well as update your current documents. You’ll also learn about the benefit of designating a charitable beneficiary in your estate plans.

Mod Squad
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of musical hijinks and hilarity with fun and unique arrangements of Mid-Century Pop Music, Rat Pack-era music, classic oldies & a whole lot more. ($10)

Airport Commission
5:30 p.m. | Airport Conference Room
The Airport Commission typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the airport conference room located in the central lobby, mezzanine level. The meetings are open to the public and airport parking is validated for all attendees.

Zone Palm Springs Meeting 2
5:30 p.m. | Demuth Community Center
Join us for our second community meeting to discuss the audit of Palm Springs’ current zoning and our approach to modernizing the code. We want your feedback to guide Palm Springs in realizing its future vision.

Abby Girl and the Real Deal
7 p.m. | Cascade Lounge
Introducing Abby Girl & The Real Deal, the rising stars loved for their lively, soulful renditions of early blues, roots R&B, and touching love songs. Abby Girl and her band bring the real deal to every stage they hit.

SAVE THE DATE

• Shredding event at the Convention Center on Saturday.
  
  
• Pride on the Page Book Festival on Oct. 20.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Deep Pit BBQ at Los Compadres Stables on Nov. 2.

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AND FINALLY …

Today we invite you to come in and meet Gabby, one of the many felines available for adoption at Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Owner Claire Rogers says Gabby is a special case. She adores people, but hates other cats. “After speaking with the shelter, none of us want her to go back to a kennel, especially since she’s likely to be overlooked in favor of cute kittens,” Rogers said. “But at the same time, Gabby isn’t happy here, surrounded by other cats.”
  
  
• To help Gabby find a forever home, Rogers is personally covering her adoption fee and will waive the cat cafe’s lounge fee if you’d like to visit her.

If you’re interested in adoption: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here .

• All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat. 

But wait: Don’t want to adopt but still enjoy cats? You can book a time to hang out in the cat lounge by clicking here.