Sept. 29 Daily Briefing: Immersion program expands, pedestrian fatality, Spirit awards, and more

Happy Monday, and Happy National Coffee Day! While we’re partial to local favorite Koffi (which recently switched to its fall/winter hours), chains across the country are celebrating with free drinks and killer deals. From Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme offering free coffee to loyalty members, to Circle K’s app deal and even a chance to win a year of free Philz, it’s time to caffeinate and celebrate! 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)” by The Hollies

LEADING OFF

School district expands dual immersion program amid steady enrollment growth

Palm Springs Unified School District is expanding its Spanish dual immersion program to more campuses following consistent enrollment growth and strong community interest in bilingual education. District staff presented enrollment data last week showing robust demand for the program that launched in 2015.

Driving the news: The program, which began at Vista Del Monte Elementary School,  now serves students at four campuses including Raymond Cree Middle School, Palm Springs High School and the recently added Two Bunch Palms Elementary School in Desert Hot Springs.

• An interest survey sent to Desert Hot Springs families received 80 responses, with 85% expressing strong interest in dual language education, prompting the expansion to Two Bunch Palms Elementary.

By the numbers: The program follows a 90/10 instructional model where 90% of instruction occurs in Spanish during primary grades, gradually transitioning to equal time in both languages by fifth grade.

• Students who complete the program often outperform monolingual peers on state tests.

Why it matters: Students develop career advantages including higher average salaries and greater job opportunities, according to district officials. Graduates can earn college credit and the state Seal of Biliteracy.

The challenge: Finding qualified bilingual educators remains difficult, particularly in science content areas, said Mark Arnold, executive director of student learning.

Success story: Seventh-grader Nathan Johnson from Raymond Cree Middle School told the school board that his bilingual abilities help him academically and will lead to better-paying jobs. “Learning two languages helps me a lot in my classes,” Johnson said.

• The district has successfully retained most students throughout their educational journey, with very few dropping out as they advance through grade levels.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🚨 Pedestrian killed in Palm Springs crosswalk collision

• A 74-year-old New York man died Friday night after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing Palm Canyon Drive near Via Las Palmas in a marked crosswalk. The collision occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m.
  
• The man was crossing eastbound when he was hit by a southbound vehicle. The crosswalk is equipped with a lighting system to alert drivers of pedestrians, but investigators determined the system was not activated at the time of the incident.
  
• Details: Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the collision, according to Palm Springs Police. The Traffic Division is investigating and asks anyone with information to call 760-323-8125.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Water Aerobics
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Swim Center
Get some low-impact exercise at the swim center every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with instructor Donna Newton! ($5)

Mahjong Monday
1 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Come play the American version of Mahjong with others. Play Lounge has two mats and sets, but feel free to bring your own

PS Woman’s Club Summer Social
4 p.m. | Low Desert Modern Mexican Restaurant
Are you interested in joining the Palm Springs Women’s Club or just making some new friends? A great way to get to know us is at our Summer Socials. All attendees are requested to make a $5 donation to our house fund.

California Community of Men’s Monday Coffee
4:30 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Join the group for coffee, chat, and chew! No RSVPs necessary.

Monday Night Dance Party with Leanna and Miguel
5 p.m. | V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar
Join Leanna and Miguel for a night of dancing to jazz, Latin, pop, disco, and more. ($5)

Adult Tap Dance Class
6:30 p.m. | Leisure Center Dance Studio
Adult intermediate tap starts at 6:30 p.m., and “absolute beginners” adult tap is at 7:30 p.m. ($20)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• WALLSPACE October Modernism Exhibition at Janssen Artspace starting Friday
  
• “Do You Remember?” screening with Clive Davis and Barry Manilow on Friday
  
• Free shredding event at the convention center on Saturday
  
• One Night Out Paris benefitting The Foundation for PSUSD on Saturday 
  
• 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 …

Mayor Ron deHarte presented September’s Spirit of Palm Springs Awards to local business leaders and community contributors last week at City Hall, honoring individuals whose entrepreneurship, community service, and cultural leadership have helped shape the character of the desert city.

Driving the news: Five recipients were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Palm Springs, representing decades of commitment to affordable housing, arts leadership, and community building.

• The honorees included Lily Rodriguez, the first Latina artistic director of the Palm Springs International Film Society; Pedro Rodriguez of the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, who has facilitated the development of thousands of affordable housing units over three decades; Erica Flannery, who created the community-focused Cafe La Jefa and transformed an old bank into the Flannery Exchange; and Spencer’s Restaurant, celebrating 25 years as a Palm Springs landmark.

Why it matters: These awards highlight what deHarte called the small business owners and community leaders who “are truly the backbone of our community and our economy,” showcasing the diverse ways residents contribute to Palm Springs’ reputation as more than just a tourist destination.

The personal touch: Pedro Rodriguez noted that some original residents of the Coyote Run Apartments, completed 30 years ago, have remained in the community and raised families there.

• Lily Rodriguez reflected that “this community means a great deal to me, and I feel every day, really lucky that I get to contribute through the Film Society to the creativity and the spirit that makes the city so special.”