Sept. 24 Daily Briefing: Tech + arts initiative, Measure J status, bike lanes meeting, and more

Happy Tuesday, which we have long believed is the worst day of the week. Don’t believe us? Consider this: It’s far from both weekends, so the last one is a distant memory, and the next one feels just as far away. The adrenaline that comes with starting fresh on Monday is gone, leaving you with dwindling momentum. Plus, Tuesday lacks novelty — it’s not the halfway mark of Wednesday or “Friday eve”  like Thursday, so it feels like just another routine, unremarkable day.

🎶 Setting the mood: “The Joker” by The Steve Miller Band

LEADING OFF

Residents weigh in on bike lane initiatives

City officials and consultants gathered feedback on proposed bike lanes in Little Tuscany at a community meeting Monday. The project aims to enhance cycling infrastructure, increase active transportation options, and improve traffic calming measures.

Driving the news: In the third and final meeting of its type, the project team offered a brief introductory presentation, provided an overview of the purpose of the project, and gave update on where the project stands. Then, attendees participated in the  open house portion of the meeting, which was the night’s main focus.

• Key concerns among audience members gathered at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center were addressing speeding, Enhancing safety and visibility at intersections, Conserving on-street parking for pedestrian safety, and Improving pedestrian access and crosswalks.

At issue: Palm Springs is planning to install bike lanes on two miles of South Palm Canyon Road and three miles of Racquet Club Road (find details here). This meeting focused on the Little Tuscany segment.

What they’re saying: Some residents, like Jim Flannigan, are excited about the project, while others felt their suggestions weren’t fully incorporated.

• “They need to do a lot more work on traffic calming,” said Dennis Woods, a former city councilmember who serves on a neighborhood committee. “… I think they somewhat missed the mark, so hopefully they’ll be able to tool it and come back a little stronger.”

Next steps: Staff and consultants will now refine the designs based on community opinion. A new round of meetings starting in mid-November and another round is planned in the new year.

Dive deeper with our full story by Maggie Miles

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BRIEFLY

💰 Measure J revenue falls short, still ‘strong number’

Palm Springs’ Measure J sales tax revenue for fiscal year 2024 totaled $21.13 million, falling short of the budgeted $22.5 million and last year’s $21.9 million. Despite the decrease, city officials said last week at a Measure j Oversight Commission meeting that the figure is a “strong number.”

• The commission has $6 million available for community-initiated projects this year. Applications are due by Sept. 30, with a new public rating system implemented for increased transparency.
  
  
• Expenses for the fiscal year included $3.1 million for Downtown Park debt service and $12.3 million for adopted capital projects. The budget ended with a $1.7 million surplus and an $8.2 million fund balance.
  
  
• Looking ahead: A measure to remove Measure J’s 2037 sunset clause will appear on the November 2024 ballot. Commissioners can educate the public about Measure J but cannot advocate for its continuation in their official capacity.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Sunshine Sisters: Morning Coffee Get Together
8 a.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Sunshine Sisters we are continuing the morning coffee tradition established over three years ago! Please join other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters for morning coffee and conversation.

Leads Lunch
12 p.m. | Sancho’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Leads Lunch is free to attend for all Palm Springs Chamber Members. The only cost to you is your Lunch.

Parent Academy
5 p.m. | Family Center
Parenting program for parents to learn about resources, technology, professional development and more.

PSUSD Board of Education meeting
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.

THE ROOM- 20th Anniversary Screening
7 p.m. | Camelot Theatres
Experience the cult sensation on the BIG SCREEN featuring Greg Sestero Live In-Person.

Sunset Yoga
6 p.m. | Ace Hotel & Swim Club
A mellow flow in the mighty mountain’s shadow, led by Power Yoga Palm Springs. All ages and abilities welcome. BYO mat. This event is outdoors, free and open to all. Please see the sandwich board in our lobby for the location each week.

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Police Department open house on Saturday.
  
  
• Boo2Bullying Wellness Festival at Palm Springs Stadium on Saturday. 
  
  
• City Council Candidate Forum at Demuth Community Center on Oct. 5.
  
  
• One Night Out Rio benefiting The Foundation for PSUSD on Oct. 5.
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefit for AAP – Food Samaritans on Oct. 13.
  
  
• Center Stage benefiting LQBTQ+ Center of the Desert on Oct. 19.
  
  
• Pride on the Page Book Festival on Oct. 20.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks first speaker on Oct. 22.

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs is embarking on an ambitious plan to merge its thriving arts scene with emerging technology. 

Driving the news: Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein announced the initiative Monday evening at the Palm Springs Art Museum, aiming to position the city as a hub for creative innovation. After an hour-long presentation, attendees gathered to watch demos of technology developed here in Palm Springs.

Behind the scenes: Bernstein said the city will seek to leverage local tech talent and resources to jumpstart a long-discussed tech initiative while strengthening its renowned arts and culture sector.  

• Several of the leading experts in AI, other technology, and arts — who already call the city home — were in attendance. Many are part of the group driving the efforts.

What they’re saying: “Our city is home to a unique mix of technical leaders and entertainment industry professionals,” explained Peter Loforte, a Microsoft veteran and one of the driving forces behind the effort. “By bringing these groups together, we can boost our economy and support local kids. That’s a goal worth pursuing.”

Next up: Among other goals, the initiative includes plans to incorporate tech and AI programs into the College of the Desert’s upcoming Palm Springs campus, which is set to break ground this year.

Dive deeper with our complete story