Sept. 24 Daily Briefing: Tax fund bolstered, Pride grand marshals named, new breezeblock for artist, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, where the South Palm Canyon Bridge project continues to truck along. Starting today, you can expect a temporary southbound lane closure from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for drainage pipe replacement, plus some early Thursday morning concrete work at 4 a.m. that might wake up the early birds. Don’t worry though – all local businesses will stay accessible, traffic crews will keep things moving safely, and we’re (hopefully) one step closer to having a beautiful new bridge!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Breezeblocks” by alt-J 

LEADING OFF

Measure J fund exceeds revenue projections with $23.2 million generated

The Palm Springs Measure J fund exceeded expectations for fiscal year 2024-2025 and maintains a strong financial position despite carrying over $44 million in previously approved but unspent project dollars.

Driving the news: Finance Director Kristopher Mooney reported at last week’s Measure J Oversight Commission Meeting that the Palm Springs Measure J fund generated roughly $23.2 million in revenue, exceeding the city’s forecast of $21.5 million.

By the numbers: The fund currently maintains $5.5 million in unassigned balance available for future projects, with projected spending of $28.2 million in fiscal year 2025-26.

In the weeds: The spending includes $6 million for street repairs, $6.5 million for vehicle purchases and deferred maintenance, and continued funding for major capital projects like the library renovation and downtown revitalization.

What’s ahead: The budget projects the fund balance will grow to more than $24 million by fiscal year 2030-31, despite significant debt service obligations beginning this year for the swim center and future debt for library and fire station projects.

Context: Measure J, approved by voters in 2012, generates revenue through a half-cent sales tax to fund capital improvements and infrastructure projects throughout Palm Springs.

• In November 2024, voters overwhelmingly approved an extension of the tax which will now continue indefinitely,. The extension took effect April 1.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🏳️‍🌈 Palm Springs Pride names six grand marshals for 2025 parade

• Palm Springs Pride has selected six grand marshals for its 2025 parade under the theme “Be Heard,” recognizing individuals whose advocacy work promotes inclusion and builds community connections in the Greater Palm Springs area.
  
• The grand marshals include Sister Roma; celebrity grand marshal Holly Near; community grand marshal Peter Daut; and three Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshals: Esther Loewen, Renae Punzalan, and Jasper Price.
  
• Details: The parade will also honor Douglas Woodmansee and Marshall Pearcy as Palm Springs Pride Royalty for Life, recognizing the couple who has been together since 1976 and helped raise more than $2 million for local HIV/AIDS charities. The Parade is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 9.

Learn more about the honorees in our complete story 

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Water Aerobics
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Swim Center
Held every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, the Palm Springs Swim Center is the perfect place to get some low-impact exercise. Supervised by instructor Donna Newton ($5)

Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Mizell Center
Practice your skills and play with others. This is a FREE library program; you do not have to be a member of Mizell Center to attend. People are encouraged to bring their own sets, as a limited number of sets will be provided for use. 

Poetry Club
4 p.m. | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
Led by T.S. Leonard, meet monthly to discuss and work on your poetry. Every month, a different theme. This month’s theme is luck.

Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse
6:30 p.m. | Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Born from the swamps of Americana and set ablaze with the fire of rock, soul, and blues, Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse is a sonic hurricane you won’t forget. Part of the Desert Blues Revival at the Cascade Lounge. ($22)

The Dinah Event and Music Festival 2025
7 p.m. | Riviera Palm Springs
The Dinah is the largest queer women/non-binary/lesbian/trans event in the world! five days of parties, concerts, dancing, DJs, and women from all over the country and globe! Join us as we create a safe, joyful space for our community. ($24)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Cans ‘N Kibble Pet Food Drive on Friday at four area locations, including Palm Springs Animal Shelter
  
• 18th Annual Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit Weekend at Crystal Fantasy this Friday through Sunday
  
• WALLSPACE October Modernism Exhibition at Janssen Artspace starting Oct. 3
  
• “Do You Remember?” screening with Clive Davis and Barry Manilow on Oct. 3
  
• Free shredding event at the convention center on Oct. 4
  
• One Night Out Paris benefitting The Foundation for PSUSD on Oct. 4 
  
• Junior Ranger Expo at Indian Canyons on Oct. 11
  
• Spooktacular 5K/10K Run at Ruth Hardy Park on Oct. 11
  
• Pride on the Page on Nov. 1
  
• Coachella Valley Filipino Festival on Nov. 15

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

Local designer Minty is about to see his creative vision become a reality in concrete form — literally. His original breezeblock design has been selected for commercial production by Tesselle, joining an impressive collection that already features designs by artists SHAG and Trina Turk.

Driving the news: The debut coincides perfectly with the Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show, where Tesselle will showcase the new design alongside nearly 45 premier exhibitors featuring 20th and 21st century decorative and fine arts.

• The show runs Oct. 18-19 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with an exclusive Early Buying Preview Reception on Oct. 17.

The details: The breezeblock will be displayed at Tesselle’s booth during the weekend show, while the designer will also have samples available at a pop-up shop at the Palm Springs Art Museum Gift Shop from Oct. 16-18.

How we got here: Minty has long been inspired by breezeblocks and has created original designs including ornaments, keychains, ice cube trays, magnets, coasters, and more that celebrate the iconic architectural staple.

• Read more about Minty in our 2021 profile of the artist.

More info: Weekend tickets are $25 with re-entry privileges and can be purchased here or at the door. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.