Oct. 30 Daily Briefing: Permanent parklets possible, cyclist struck, police unveil new cruiser design, and more

Welcome to Monday, and Happy Pride Week! If you weren’t aware, the annual Palm Springs Pride Festival, a highly anticipated event for locals and visitors, is happening this week. It includes music, celebratory parties, and more, all culminating with a huge parade downtown on Sunday. Unlike June’s Pride Month, our Pride Week takes place in November due to better weather conditions. We will keep you updated on events as best we can, but for a complete lineup of events we suggest you turn to the official Palm Springs Pride website.

🎶 Setting the mood: “A Nightmare on My Street” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

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IN THE NEWS

🍴Permanent parklets discussed during extension vote 

City leaders are open to the idea of making parklets a permanent option for restaurant owners. But first, they granted an extension allowing them to dot downtown city streets for the next five years.

• The enclosures built in parking lanes of city streets were introduced during the pandemic as a way for restaurants to continue serving customers as indoor restrictions were in place. Nine of them currently exist on downtown streets, down from a total of 21.
  
  
• While critics claim they waste valuable parking spots and can be an eyesore, the city has made efforts to enforce design standards and charge fees — currently $1.85 per square foot — that bring in roughly $9,000 per month.
  
  
• In voting to allow parklets through the end of 2028 last week, the Palm Springs City Council left open the idea of allowing them permanently.
  
  
• Bottom line: City staff was asked to provide a report within the next year that explores their economic impact and options to create more dining and walking space on Palm Canyon Drive.

🚨 Driver arrested, cyclist in critical condition

A major traffic collision involving a car and a bicyclist in the early hours of Saturday morning has left the cyclist in critical condition and the driver under arrest for suspected DUI.

• Palm Springs police reported that the incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Sunrise Way and Ramon Road.  A preliminary investigation indicates that the bicyclist was crossing the roadway when the collision happened. 
  
  
• The driver, identified as a 22-year-old Mecca man, was traveling west on Ramon Road when the white sedan he was driving collided with the bicyclist. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital and is currently in critical condition.
  
  
• Bottom line: The police department’s Traffic Division is urging any witnesses to the collision to contact them at 760-323-8125. Anonymous information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 760-347-7867.

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TODAY’S EVENTS

Ceramics by Brooks Oliver
10 a.m. until closing | Rubine Red Gallery
Explore the intricate and astounding ceramic shapes of Brooks Oliver’s Jungle Gym at this show that runs through the end of the month.

Leanna & Miguel
5 p.m. until 8 p.m. | V Wine Lounge
Enjoy Jazz, Latin, Bossa and Mod music at this weekly performance by the popular duo.

Monday Night Flights
6 p.m. until 9 p.m. | PS Air Bar
Nick Sosa and his guitar are on hand for a great night of chill music and familiar tunes.

Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Gre Coffeehouse
Join in for coffee, chat, and chewing the fat at this free weekly event that requires no reservations.

SAVE THE DATE

• Agua Caliente Cultural Center opening on Nov. 3.
  
  
• Palm Springs Pride Festival from Nov. 3 through 5. 
  
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K run and walk on Nov. 4.
  
  
• Native American Learning Day & Marketon Nov. 4 at PSHS.
  
  
• Love, Loss and What I Weighedon Nov. 4 at The Neurovitality Center.
  
  
• Pickleball community meeting on Nov. 8.
  
  
• Veterans Day Drive-Thru Appreciation Lunch on Nov. 10.
  
  
• Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11.

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AND FINALLY …

If you haven’t seen the latest addition to the city’s police force, you’ll no doubt get your chance this week as Pride events kick into overdrive.

Driving the news: Earlier this month, police took the wraps off a new design for one of its cruisers — literally putting a wrap ON the vehicle.

• During the past year, local designer Tom Dolle — who we most recently reported had a proposal for city parks, and in the past designed some pretty cool Modernism Week merchandise — worked with the department on the design.
  
  
• The cruiser debuted at the Casual Concours show, held Oct. 14 at Indian Canyons Golf Resort.

Why it matters: At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are being challenged throughout the nation, the city’s police department wants to leave no doubt where it stands — vowing to serve and protect all members of every community that calls the city home or visits. 

Bottom line: “The LGBTQ community has often had a rocky relationship with law enforcement,” Dolle said in a recent email, “and having a symbol like this here gives people a newfound respect and trust.”