Sept. 19 Daily Briefing: Library holds groundbreaking, airport complaints addressed, market back outside, and more

TGIF, everyone, where you’re hopefully waking up to some clearer skies following a day of on-again, off-again storms and an evening that produced a pretty cool lightning show. Data from the airport shows we had .37 inches of rain fall yesterday, and nearly a half inch in the past 72 hours. That was enough to cause local flooding and the closure of North Indian Canyon Drive at the wash, so you might want to choose an alternate route when heading out this morning.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Dance Yrself Clean” by LCD Soundsystem

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs breaks ground on $40 million library renovation

City officials and community leaders broke ground Thursday on a $40 million renovation of the Palm Springs Public Library that will modernize the 50-year-old facility. The project will take 18 to 36 months to complete.

Driving the news: The renovation is funded primarily through a $6.5 million grant from the California State Library’s Building Forward Infrastructure Grant Program, with remaining costs covered by city lease revenue bonds and funds from Measure J, a local ballot measure.

The details: Swinerton Construction was awarded the project in early July after the city put it out for bid in May. Group 4 Architecture + Research from South San Francisco designed the renovation after conducting community input meetings and an online survey in fall 2023 and spring 2024.

• The grant portion of the project must be completed by March 2026.

What’s happening now: While the library at 300 South Sunrise Way is being renovated, the majority of services have been relocated to Rimrock Plaza at 4721 East Palm Canyon Dr.

Why it matters: The renovation will reorganize existing space to better meet current needs and serve future generations with expanded resources, modern technology and collaborative spaces, according to city officials.

• “This is the only place in our city where you can come in and have free things,” said Councilmember Grace Garner, noting the library also serves as both a cooling center and warming center for residents.

The bottom line: Mayor Ron deHarte said the project represents years of community input and the city’s commitment to maintaining the library as “the heart of Palm Springs” while honoring its history and meeting modern needs.

Read our complete story here

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BRIEFLY

🛫 Airport speeds up escalator replacement timeline

• Palm Springs International Airport officials have secured an expedited procurement process that will help replace aging escalators within the next year, cutting months off the original timeline after public complaints and commission frustration over delays.
  
• The accelerated timeline follows a commission meeting where it was noted that the airport was “getting hammered by the public comments.” One escalator is currently out of service due to a handrail failure, with replacement parts expected in the coming weeks from a new vendor.
  
• Details: Both terminal elevators are also out of service for planned capital improvements, with a critical component expected this week. Red-shirted staff assist travelers with luggage at escalators and escort passengers with mobility needs via freight elevator to gates.

Dive deeper with our complete story

YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS

• Cinema Diverse Film Festival at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

TODAY

• Water Aerobics at the Palm Springs Swim Center at 10 a.m.
  
• Endeavor with Jaseat Demuth Park at 3 p.m.
  
• Foodie Fridays at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 5 p.m.
  
• Friday Happy Hour With Leanna and Miguel at the Hyatt Palm Springs Atrium at 5 p.m.
  
• Hispanic Heritage Extravaganza at the Richards Center For The Arts at 6:30 p.m. ($5)
  
• Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival at Hotel Zoso at 6:30 p.m. ($108)

SATURDAY

• Tahquitz Creek Cleanup at the Tahquitz Creek Foot Bridge at 7 a.m.
  
• Outdoor Certified Farmers’ Market starts at 8 a.m.
  
• The Art of Balance at the Mizell Center at 10 a.m.
  
• Hooch ‘N’ Pooch at Market Market at 12 p.m.
  
• National POW/MIA Recognition Night at the Palm Springs Air Museum at 5:30 p.m. ($35)
  
• Let’s Glo Ball at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs at 7 p.m. ($65) 

SUNDAY

• Mahjong Meetup at the Social Cafe & Play Lounge at 12 p.m.
  
• The Judy Show! At The Purple Room at 5 p.m. ($40)

AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs residents looking to shake up their Saturday morning routine (and maybe find the perfect avocado while they’re at it) can mark their calendars for the return of the outdoor Certified Farmers’ Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center this weekend.

Driving the news: The outdoor market kicks off its new season on Saturday, moving its farm-fresh produce, live music, and chef demonstrations from the Palm Springs Pavilion back to 2300 East Baristo Rd. from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Market Manager Lindsay Jordan says this year’s focus is “celebrating the change of seasons” with healthy, local produce and cooking inspiration as autumn approaches.
  
• The indoor market is typically held from June through September.

What to expect: Beyond the usual suspects of fresh fruits and vegetables, visitors can meet California farmers, sample seasonal flavors, catch live performances, and grab ready-to-eat breakfast or lunch options.

• Local chefs will host cooking demonstrations through the Market Menu Live program, offering practical ideas for preparing healthy meals at home using fresh market ingredients.

But wait: While hundreds of spaces in the parking lot outside the Cultural Center were fenced off earlier this year due to construction of the new College of the Desert campus, the lot is back open now, in time for both the outdoor market and the Cinema Diverse film festival, which runs over the next two weekends.