Sept. 26 Daily Briefing: Pool report, cannabis dumped, ‘museum’ sold, and more

Welcome to Tuesday, where if you thought we were done with the dust and wind, we’ve got disappointing news. Another windblown dust advisory just started last night for the Coachella Valley and is expected to last through Wednesday morning. That means you should take care of your outdoor furniture, don’t bother sweeping outside or cleaning the pool, and be sure to check out if those roads are closed before heading out the door. Sign up online here to receive alerts straight from the city about road conditions.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas

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LEADING OFF

Staffing, infrastructure improvements underway at city Swim Center

The Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Commission met Monday evening to give an update on their efforts to improve the Palm Springs Swim Center (PSSC), delivering some welcome new to patrons. 

Driving the news: The new aquatics manager, Caylie Pasat, spoke to the commission and informed its members of the strides the PSSC has taken in improving staffing, infrastructure, and operations. 

First things first: Offer letters have been sent out to hire two new full-time lifeguards, and Pasat said she is designing a schedule that will allow for three lifeguards on duty during operational hours. 

Yes, but: One of the biggest concerns from residents was the crumbling and outdated infrastructure and cleanliness of the PSSC. Pasat told the commission that the major capital project for improving the restrooms, locker rooms, fencing, and ADA access is in the design phase. 

What they’re saying: Richard Mignault, a coach with the Palm Springs Masters swim team, was the sole public comment at the meeting and spoke on behalf of himself and other concerned swimmers. He said they’re pleased with the progress so far, he worries that some of the 150 issues he and others have detailed in a written report are being pushed aside.

• “It seems that many of the operational issues we have raised are being pushed into master plan discussions for the Parks and Recreation Department,” he said, referencing the planning document meant to guide the future of the Parks and Recreation Department. “Most of the items the public have raised are not master planning issues.” 

What to watch for: There will be another community outreach meeting focusing on improvements at the PSSC sometime this fall, with a date to be announced shortly. 

• Starting Monday, the PSSC will shift its hours Monday through Saturday to 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. to give swimmers an extra hour in the morning. Starting Oct. 8, on Sundays, the pool will be configured for 50-meter long course swimming. 

Dive deeper with our full story here.

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BRIEFLY

💰So-called “Modernism Museum” in escrow

• The Desert Sun confirmed a buyer is now under contract to purchase the 12,000-square-foot building owned by Tracy Turco located on North Palm Canyon Drive. The building was listed for $2.3 million.
  
  
• Turco had opened the “museum” last year and had grand designs to turn it into an interactive space.
  
  
• Yes, but: Turco and her husband moved away from the city last year. 

🚨LA police chase big rig driver into Palm Springs

• A wild hours-long police chase of a big rig truck ended near Palm Springs on Sunday.
  
  
• The pursuit started in Los Angeles County after police attempted to pull the driver over for suspected reckless driving. The driver then led police on a three-hour-long chase east into the Coachella Valley, backing up traffic on Interstate 10.
  
  
• Bottom line: The driver was eventually arrested on the eastbound I-10 freeway near Date Palm Drive.

📸Council to vote on safety cameras, rental assistance, more

• The Palm Springs City Council will meet in closed and regular sessions this evening. According to the agenda, councilmembers will vote on whether approve the purchase and installation of 15 new “Flock Safety” automated license plate recognition cameras on the consent agenda.
  
  
• Last week, at a Palm Springs Police Department public forum, there were several comments and questions from locals about the privacy of the cameras.
  
  
• Also on the agenda, the council will vote to approve six new pieces of public art known as the “Pillars of Palm Springs, (check out renderings of the pillars here). Councilmembers will also decide on using $1 million to fund the tenant based rental assistance (TBRA) program.
  
  
• Details: The regular meeting is open to the public in council chambers at City Hall. You can submit comments via an online public comment form, in person, or by calling the city clerk’s office at (760) 323-8204 at any time prior to the end of the public comment period. View the meeting live on the city’s website, YouTube or Spectrum channel 17.

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TODAY’S EVENTS

HIV/AIDS Survivors Roundtable
4 p.m. | Online
A weekly discussion group for long-term HIV/AIDS survivors in the Coachella Valley.

VillageFest Board Meeting
5:30 p.m. | Online
At tonight’s regular VillageFest board meeting, board members will discuss two vendors, Leo’s BBQ and custom handmade jewelry from Sharon Coleman. Check out the agenda online here. 

PSUSD Board of Education
6 p.m. | District Administration Center Board Room
The Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) meetings in closed and regular session tonight. Check out the agenda online here.

Free Acting Class
7 p.m. | The Actor’s Lab
Acting coach Terry Ray will instruct this free class for all levels. Must RSVP to TheActorsLab@me.com.

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SAVE THE DATE

• PSUSD Diversity and Racial Equity Conference on Sept. 30 at Palm Springs Convention Center.
  
  
• Boo2Bullying Wellness Festival on Sept. 30 at Sunrise Park
  
  
• Coachella Valley Filipino Festival on Oct. 8 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefitting AAP – Food Samaritans on Oct. 14 ($200)
  
  
• Center Stage 2023, benefitting The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, on Oct. 20. ($350)
  

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills noted an odd and unfortunate discovery in the city in a recent Facebook post, noting that the company responsible for it must be held accountable.

Driving the news: Mills said a dumpster full of cannabis plants (seen above) was found recently. And to make matters worse, it was right next to a sober living facility. 

What they’re saying: “The people of Palm Springs take substance abuse and rehabilitation seriously,” Mills wrote. “Many people in PS have successfully overcome addiction. So when a local cannabis company dumped cannabis right next to a sober living facility, you have to call BS on the move.”

What to watch for: Mills said an investigation is now underway into the company that dumped the plants after they left identification tags on the plants.