Oct. 2 Daily Briefing: Memorial design, record heat, Tram contest, and more

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LEADING OFF

AIDS Memorial design approved, funding decision delayed

The Palm Springs Public Art Commission approved a new design for the city’s AIDS Memorial Tuesday evening but postponed a decision on allocating $65,000 for its installation. 

Zoom in: Artist Philip K. Smith III presented the updated design to commissioners, emphasizing three key messages: “Forever remembered, forever loved, forever celebrated.”

• The 11-foot-tall structure includes three oval forms with reflective glass surfaces.

Why it matters: The approval marks progress for a project that has faced challenges, including controversy over the initial design last year.

• The revised concept, featuring a “well of love” with reflective surfaces, comes after a year of community engagement.

What they’re saying: The new design has garnered support from community members, with the moderator of one influential Facebook group reporting 90% approval from its members.

• “The new design reflects everything we had hoped for and more, far exceeding my own expectations,” said Raymond Lafleur,

Yes, but: While the design approval now moves forward to the Palm Springs City Council, Arts Commission members are grappling with broader questions about funding gifted artworks and maintenance costs.

• The commission plans to revisit a $65,000 funding request from the organization behind the memorial — The Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Task Force — at its Nov. 7 meeting, ahead of potential City Council consideration on Nov. 14.

Looking ahead: The AIDS Memorial installation is tentatively scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026, pending fundraising progress and final approvals.

• To date, roughly half of the estimated $1.2 million cost of the project has been raised. Donations can be made here. 

Dive deeper with our complete story

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IN OTHER NEWS

🥵 Palm Springs set a new October heat record on Tuesday, with forecasters predicting the intense heat will persist for several more weeks into the fall. [Desert Sun]

🥾 Two hikers were rescued from the Frank Bogert Trail in Palm Springs Tuesday after experiencing heat illness. [KESQ]

🚡 The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has opened its annual contest, inviting the public to guess when the first measurable inch of snow will fall at Mountain Station. [Palm Springs Tramway]

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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.

Sammy’s Circle Pet Bereavement
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Sammy’s Circle is a safe place to share our grief and stories of beloved pets. It’s a welcoming place for the public, shelter staff, and volunteers who have lost an animal.

Rotary Club
12 p.m. | Hilton Palm Springs
Join in for this one-hour luncheon gathering with weekly changing programs.

First Wednesday Art
5 p.m. | Kee Gallery at Backstreet Art District
Come join us for our next art walk. Fabulous works of art by the three principal artists: Kathleen Strukoff, Ernesto Ramirez and Erich Meager.

Library Board
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs City Hall
The Library Board of Trustees meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.

Bea Arthur is Judging You!
5:30 p.m. | Oscar’s
Enjoy an evening of stand-up, live-singing, merriment and regret when Jason B. Schmidt sing songs and may talk about The Golden Girls, Maude, Mame, The Star Wars Holiday Special and other current events. ($40-$50)

Pride Honors Awards 2024
5:30 p.m. | Hilton Palm Springs
The Pride Honors Awards promises to be a night of inspiration and celebration, bringing together LGBTQ+ activists, allies, and supporters as we honor champions of diversity, unity, and love. The event is currently sold out.

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Car Show & Festival from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday.
  
  
• City Council Candidate Forum at Demuth Community Center at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
  
  
• Envision Fine Art Grand Opening Celebration from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday.
  
  
• One Night Out Rio benefiting The Foundation for PSUSD on Saturday.
  
  
• Amy’s Purpose non-profit fundraiser celebrating the legacy of Liberace on Oct. 13.
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefit for AAP – Food Samaritans on Oct. 13.
  
  
• Center Stage benefiting LGBTQ+ Center of the Desert on Oct. 19.
  
  
• Pride on the Page Book Festival on Oct. 20.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks first speaker on Oct. 22.
  
  
• 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 …

🐾 Each week, The Post partners with a local animal shelter to feature one or more of the many animal companions ready for a new home in our community. 

Today we invite you to meet Lizzy, a 7-year-old Terrier, American Staffordshire mix available at Palm Springs Animal Shelter who would best be queen of her castle as the only dog in your house.

• “This tall, skinny girl is basically a super model,” staff at the shelter reported. “Lizzy is very shy and will take a lot of time to warm up with her new person. Once you have gained Lizzy’s trust she is very affectionate and sweet. She will wake you up if she needs to go out and is a goofy player once she knows you.”

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days except for Mondays (open for intake only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter at (760) 416-5718.

• Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here. And, you can get a jump start on adoption by completing the form here.