Oct. 2 Daily Briefing: Tram celebration, CEO departure questioned, volunteers needed, and more

Welcome to Monday, and welcome to October! Down below we tell you about the culmination of a celebration 60 years in the making for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. But there’s an event held every year that is always worth celebrating — the annual snowfall guessing contest. While there may have been a light dusting of white stuff already, officials at the Tram want you to guess when the first measurable inch will be recorded. The first 10 entries with the correct date will win some admission tickets and a gift bag. 

To submit an entry, write down your best guess date on a postcard and mail it to: Snow Guessing Contest, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

🎶 Setting the mood: “October Road” by James Taylor

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IN THE NEWS

🚡 Tram’s 60th celebrated

Officials with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and local dignitaries helped cap a monthlong 60th-anniversary celebration for the popular attraction last week.

• The idea of a tramway was first conceived in 1935, but it wasn’t until Sept. 12, 1963, that it was opened. Since then, it has transported nearly 22 million people to Mountain Station and Mt. San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness.
  
  
• Last Thursday, city officials and department heads were on hand as a proclamation was read honoring the anniversary of the opening. They were joined by mayors from Big Bear and Coachella, current and former Tramway board members, and others at the top.
  
  
• But wait: This year also marked the completion of a $13 million Mountain Station renovation to update systems and restore the original architectural vision. That renovation was marked as officially completed during the anniversary month.

🏥 Departure in question

The unexpected announcement of the departure of Desert Healthcare District CEO Dr. Conrado Bárzaga has shocked several community members, including some in high-profile positions who are questioning the move. 

• Dr. Bárzaga’s departure after four years in the CEO role was announced on Sept. 25. The district’s Board of Directors had no comment, and documents reviewed by KESQ-TV  indicate he was terminated without cause.
  
  
• The move was met with immediate pushback from those familiar with his work. Among them were Democratic U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz and Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, who both expressed shock.
  
  
• “Dr. Bárzaga has worked tirelessly for everyone in the Coachella Valley regardless of income or zip code and has brought incredible success to the District’s mission,” Ruiz said in a statement. “His drive to serve the underserved is inspirational.”

Bottom line: Interim CEO Chris Christensen said it will be “business as usual” as the district seeks a permanent CEO and continues negotiating a new lease agreement with Tenet Healthcare for Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. 

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TODAY’S EVENTS

Leanna & Miguel
5 p.m. | V Wine Lounge
Join Leanna as she entertains with Jazz, Latin, Bossa and Mod music every Monday and Miguel supplies the conga rhythms.

Monday Night Flights
6 p.m. | PS Air Bar
Grab a cocktail and relax in this airplane themed speakeasy bar as Nick Sosa provides free entertainment.

Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Gre Coffeehouse
Join other men for coffee, chat, and chew at this free, drop-in event each week.

SAVE THE DATE

• Coachella Valley Filipino Festival  at the Cultural Center on Oct. 8.
  
  
• Lesley Zerebny Memorial Softball Game at Big League Dreams on Oct. 14.
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefitting AAP – Food Samaritans on Oct. 14 ($200)
  
  
• Modernism Week October  from Oct. 19-22.
  
  
• Center Stage 2023 benefitting The Center on Oct. 20 ($350)
  
  
• Human Rights Campaign  PS Garden Party on Nov. 4 ($175)
  

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AND FINALLY …

We’re always happy to help spread the word when volunteers are needed for good causes and organizations we admire. Last week, we got word from two of them, and we’re passing along their needs here:

• The Palm Springs Historical Society has reopened its headquarters in the Village Green downtown (pictured above) and needs some volunteers to help staff it. If you’re interested, email pshsmaryann@gmail.com or pshsrochelle@gmail.com.
  
  
• Read With Me, which assists local students from limited English-speaking environments as they learn to read, is seeking volunteers from throughout the valley, including any from Palm Springs, for its programs in schools from Desert Hot Springs to Salton City. If you’re interested, call Rachel Ruiz at 760-567-1830 or go to www.readwithmevolunteers.com