October 4 Daily Briefing: Measure J projects, DA’s claims, candidate forum, and more

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LEADING OFF

52 community-funded project proposals submitted

Elected and appointed leaders will be evaluating 52 community-submitted projects competing for $6 million in Measure J tax monies in the next four months. The final list is now available following a Sept. 30 application deadline.

By the numbers: The projects, submitted by individuals, neighborhood groups, and organizations operating within the city limits, have a combined cost of about $18 million.

• The most expensive is a repaving project in Canyon Estates neighborhood, estimated to cost $1.5 million. The least expensive is a $5,000 community clubhouse for LGBTQ 12-step recovery programs.

Zoom in: In between those projects are proposals dealing with everything from infrastructure upgrades to cultural initiatives, environmental sustainability, and health services. 

• Unique projects include a cat café expansion, Filipino-American mural, and urban farm with micro-composting facility. 

Driving the news: Measure J, a 1% supplemental sales tax enacted in 2012 and on the ballot again this November, has funded numerous citywide services and capital improvement projects. 

• A portion of the tax money collected is allocated for projects submitted by the community that are reviewed by the Measure J Oversight Commission. 

Next steps: The commission will prioritize projects based on city goals, community benefit, and feasibility by January 31, 2025.

• Final project selection and funding approval will be made by the Palm Springs City Council.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

⚖️ New details emerge in legal proceedings involving Holstege

Allegations that have come to light through recent legal proceedings, reported Thursday by The Desert Sun, show new details about why the Riverside County district attorney believes Palm Springs City Councilmember Christy Holstege does not reside within her district.

• DA Mike Hestrin has filed an action with the state attorney general, seeking to remove Holstege from office, the report states. Hestrin’s office claims multiple witnesses and surveillance evidence suggest Holstege resides in District 3, although she represents District 4.
  
  
• If proven true, Holstege’s votes on the council could be invalidated, potentially affecting city decisions and her political career. She is currently running for California Assembly against Republican incumbent Greg Wallis, who she lost to by 85 votes for 47th Assembly District seat in 2022.
  
  
• Bottom line: Holstege denies the allegations, calling them a politically motivated attack aimed at hurting her Assembly campaign. Her lawyer told the newspaper Thursday that “… there is no meaningful evidence or legal arguments to speak of.”

Dive deeper with our full story

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YOUR WEEKEND

ALL WEEKEND

• Circa Caliente at Caliente Tropics Resort ($179) 

TODAY

• 75th Season Opening Reception at Desert Art Center at 5 p.m.
  
  
• Mrs. Frisky’s Cats & Cozy British Gingerbread Night at Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe at 6 p.m. ($30)
  
  
• Singing With the Desert Stars benefit for Desert Ensemble Theatre Co. at 6:30 p.m. ($125-$200)
  
  
• Palm Springs Indians vs La Quinta Blackhawks at Ralph Watt Stadium at 7 p.m. ($7-$10)
  
  
• Country Western Dancing at Dance Ranch Palm Springs at 7:30 p.m. ($5)
  
  
• Larry Parr’s Shunned at Palm Canyon Theatre at 8 p.m. ($20-$35)
  
  
• Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso at 9 p.m. ($15)

SATURDAY

• Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market at Palm Springs Cultural Center from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
  
  
• Palm Springs Car Show & Festival in Downtown Palm Springs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
  
  
• Palm Springs City Council 2024 Candidate Forum at DeMuth Park Community Center at 1 p.m.
  
  
• Envision Fine Art Grand Opening Celebration at Envision Fine Art at 6 p.m.
  
  
• BINGO with Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at one eleven bar at 6 p.m.
  
  
• Free Concert Series: Dream Boats at Downtown Park at 6 p.m.
  
  
• One Night Out Rio benefit for The Foundation for PSUSD at the PS Air Museum at 7 p.m. ($44-$108)

SUNDAY

• Palm Springs Vintage Market at north parking lot of Agua Caliente Casino at 7 a.m. (early entry) and 8 a.m. (regular entry) until 2 p.m. ($5-$10) 
  
  
• Dusty Strings Collective at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 5:30 p.m.
  
  
• Sunday T-Dance at Oscar’s at Oscar’s at 4 p.m. (first hour free, then $10)

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AND FINALLY …

If you’re at all interested in the local election, and especially if you’re a resident of District 4 or 5, you’ll get a lot out of an event planned for Saturday.

Driving the news: The 2024 Palm Springs City Council Candidate Forum will take place at 1 p.m. at the Demuth Park Community Center. It’s your chance to hear straight from the candidates themselves about issues in both their districts and the entire city before ballots begin to be counted on Nov. 5.

Zoom in: In District 4, there are five candidates seeking to fill the seat being vacated by Councilmember Christy Holstege. In District 5, only one candidate is on the ballot as Councilmember Lisa Middleton vacates the seat — David Ready, the former city manager.

• All candidates for both seats have indicated they will be appearing at the forum.

What to watch for: Ready will have a chance to introduce himself and field a couple of questions from the moderator, and then it’s on to the District 4 candidates, who will hopefully engage in a spirited and informative discussion. 

• Questions for all candidates were submitted by the public to the organizers at ONE-PS. They will be asked in random order. 

Details: If you are wondering which district you live in, check out this map. If you need to register to vote, check out this website.