Oct. 8 Daily Briefing: School bond explored, Olympics rumor, candidate Q&A, and more

Happy Tuesday, where we continue to sizzle during what feels like an endless summer. Speaking of sizzling — we’d like to thank you for helping push our subscriber numbers way above where we hoped to get them when we announced a little push last month. At the time, we wanted to get to 17,000 readers of this newsletter — a gain of about 800. Today, we’re at 17,200, a gain of 1,000. 🎉

We’re honored to serve you, delighted we can offer our journalism for free, and grateful to each and every one of you who have joined us on this journey. Thank you! — Mark and Kendall

🎶 Setting the mood: “Sunnyside” by Leftover Cuties

LEADING OFF

Voters to decide on $465 million school bond

Palm Springs Unified School District is seeking voter approval for Measure S, a $465 million bond package aimed at modernizing facilities and improving specialized classrooms.

Driving the news: The bond, if approved in November, will fund upgrades to Cathedral City High School, Bubbling Wells and Vista Del Monte elementary schools, and enhance STEAM and vocational education facilities.

• The district promises no tax increase, maintaining the current rate of $106 per $100,000 of assessed property value.

Why it matters: PSUSD aims to maintain its standard of excellence in facilities while addressing aging infrastructure and evolving educational needs. The bond will also fund improvements to HVAC systems and expand college preparation classrooms.

What they’re saying: “We have a standard here in Palm Springs of having excellent facilities,” said Jeffrey Simmons, the district’s assistant superintendent of Business Services. “We continue to do so with the help of the citizens.”

The big picture: This bond follows previous successful measures, including 2008’s Measure E, which provided $516 million for district improvements.

What’s next: If approved, the district plans to sell bond series strategically to keep tax rates stable or potentially lower them as past bonds mature.

Dive deeper with the complete story from Alicia Ramirez

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IN OTHER NEWS

🏛️ A year after the Palm Springs City Council passed a resolution supporting Israel, reporter Sam Morgen writes about one resident who continues to urge its members to reconsider their actions. Councilmembers don’t appear ready to do that. [Desert Sun]

🏄‍♀️ Will Palm Springs host the surfing events for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles? There’s a rumor it’s at the top of the list. [Beach Grit]

💰 California is giving 18 local communities nearly $131 million to help people experiencing homelessness in “dangerous encampments”  — and Palm Springs is one of the beneficiaries. [KESQ]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

ONE-PS Monthly Meeting
4:30 p.m. | Police Training Center
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) holds a general meeting each month (except August) of representatives of each certified neighborhood, City Council members, public safety officers, and others.

Indians vs Blackhawks Flag Football
5 p.m. | Ralph Watt Stadium
Watch live Desert Empire League flag football as Palm Springs takes on La Quinta at PSHS. ($5-$7)

Melba Miller’s Jazz Oasis
5:30 p.m. | VIP Lounge at the Cultural Center
Join songstress Melba Miller and special guests for an evening dedicated to serious listeners and lovers of jazz. ($22)

VillageFest Board Meeting
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The VillageFest Board consists of seven members appointed by the City Council. The Board typically meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. 

PSUSD Board of Education
6 p.m. | PSUSD headquarters
The Palm Springs Unified School District Board of Education meets every second and fourth Tuesday at district headquarters. The meetings are streamed live on the district’s YouTube channel.

Palm Springs Toastmasters
6 p.m. | LGBTQ Center of the Desert
Becoming a better storyteller at Toastmasters brings better communication, enriches relationships, and empowers lives.

SAVE THE DATE

• Amy’s Purpose non-profit fundraiser celebrating the legacy of Liberace on Sunday.
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefit for AAP – Food Samaritans on Sunday.
  
  
• Shredding event at the Convention Center on Oct. 19.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Durk Dehner in conversation with Jamison Rockmore at Mizell Center on Oct. 23.
  
  
• Be A Hero for Kids Halloween Bash on Oct. 27.
  
  
• Annual Palm Springs State of the City on Oct. 30.
  
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Nov. 2.

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AND FINALLY …

Last month, we brought you an in-depth and engaging candidate question-and-answer piece from our friends at fellow independent media outlet The Coachella Valley Independent. Today, we’re back again with more of the same.

Driving the news: The crew at The Independent went deep with candidates running for Palm Springs City Council in District 4. The Q&A, which you can read here, follows those done last month with two current city councilmembers running for state office.

• Current District 4 Councilmember Christy Holstege is facing off against Assemblyman Greg Wallis for a seat in Assembly District 47; District 5 Councilmember Lisa Middleton is facing off against State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh for a seat in newly-formed State Senate District 19. 

Zoom in: All five candidates seeking to fill the Palm Springs District 4 were interviewed. They were also present this past weekend at a candidate forum (read about that here), along with the lone candidate for Middleton’s current seat, David Ready, the former Palm Springs city manager.

• The District 4 candidates are Joe Jackson, David Rios, Ernest Ceceña, Anna Nevenic, and Naomi Soto.

But wait: Need to know what your Palm Springs district is and whether you’ll see a City Council race on your ballot? Turn here. Need to register to vote? Turn here.