September 27 Daily Briefing: Airport speed limits, City Hall revamp, book events, and more

Happy Friday, where we’ve got books on our minds! Down below, you’ll find information on Banned Books Week (we’re still in it), but up here we’d like to remind you that on Saturday, which just so happens to be Let Freedom Read Day, you can pick up a bag or box of books at the Frey Building adjacent to Palm Springs Library off Sunrise Way for only $5 per bag or $10 per box. The event lasts from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and helps support the great work done by The Friends of the Palm Springs Library. See you bookworms there!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Paperback Writer” by The Beatles

LEADING OFF

Plans approved to restore historic landscape at City Hall

The Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved exploring restoration of the historic landscape at City Hall, designed by renowned mid-century landscape architect Garrett Eckbo. 

Zoom in: The project approved unanimously Thursday evening aims to conserve water, showcase desert-appropriate plants, and serve as an educational tool for residents.

• The plan would replace over 55,000 square feet of water-thirsty turf with drought-tolerant landscaping reminiscent of the original 1957 design. The move could save an estimated two million gallons of water annually.

By the numbers: The total estimated cost is just over $1 million, divided into six phases.

• City staff will explore grant opportunities and partnerships with the Desert Water Agency to offset costs.

Why it matters: The restoration could serve as a demonstration garden for residents and businesses looking to convert their own landscapes to more water-efficient designs.

• It also aligns with state water conservation mandates and sets an example for the community.

Yes, but: Like many, including some longtime residents, Councilmember Lisa Middleton expressed surprise at learning about the original desert landscape.

• “I’m joining an awful lot of people who had absolutely no idea that desertscape was the original landscape that we had,” Middleton said.

 Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🚘 Council advances airport speed limit ordinance with caution

The Palm Springs City Council narrowly approved advancing an ordinance to establish enforceable speed limits at Palm Springs International Airport Thursday, aiming to address speeding concerns while ensuring safety for airport users.

• The new limits, based on an engineering study, would increase speeds on some airport roads – raising worries from council members about potential safety hazards.
  
  
• City Engineer Joel Montalvo said the study was requested by the Palm Springs Police Department because current posted speed limits are not enforceable because, “The current posted speed limits are not supported by an engineering and traffic study. As such, (they) are not enforceable by the police.”
  
  
• Bottom line: The council split, 3-2, with Councilmember Lisa Middleton and Mayor Pro Ten Ron deHarte voting against the ordinance in its current form. It will still need to come back for a second reading later, which could include changes. 

Dive deeper with our complete story

🌿 Cannabis event locations discussed

Palm Springs is considering hosting temporary cannabis events at specific locations around the city. The City Council discussed the idea Thursday evening, evaluating concerns about odor control, safety, and potential impacts on local businesses.

• Locations for the events include vacant city lots and the Amtrak train station near Interstate 10. Those locations, however, were note met with enthusiasm by the council.
  
  
• Next steps: The council has requested staff to explore more options, including private buildings and industrial areas. Councilmembers also want guidelines developed for approving these events.

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YOUR WEEKEND

ALL WEEKEND

• 17th Annual Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit Weekend at Crystal Fantasy
  
  
• The Dinah at multiple locations
  
  
• Cinema Diverse LGBTQ+ Film Festival at The Palm Springs Cultural Center ($14.50)

TODAY

• Art Walk at Perez Art District from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
  
  
• Country Western Dancing at Dance Ranch Palm Springs at 7:30 p.m. ($5)
  
  
• Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso at 9 p.m. ($15)

SATURDAY

• Palm Springs Indoor Certified Farmers Market at Palm Springs Pavilion from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
  
  
• Boo2Bullying Wellness Festival at Palm Springs Stadium from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
  
  
• Friends of the Palm Springs Library Book Sale from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Frey Building at the main library
  
  
• Palm Springs Police Department Open House from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  
  
• 1 Year Anniversary Celebration at Play Lounge & Cafe at 4 p.m.
  
  
• Coachella Valley Derby Girls at Palm Springs Air Museum at 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

• Movie Colony East Meatball Cookoff from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
  
  
• T-Dance at Oscar’s from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. (First hour free)

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AND FINALLY …

We’re nearing the end of Banned Books Week, a week set aside to champion free access to information under the theme “Freed Between the Lines.” 

Details: The annual event, which concludes Saturday, unites librarians, educators, and book lovers against censorship, highlighting challenged books nationwide.

• Palm Springs Director of Library Services Jeannie Kays notes that you can you can access Banned Books via the Palace App, free of charge. Our city’s library partners with the Palace Project, and you can find more information here.

Looking back: Banned Books Week originated in 1982 in response to a surge in book challenges in libraries, schools, and bookstores.

The latest: The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom has released its list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books from last year, with “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe topping the list.

In fact, eight out of 10 books on the 2023 list were challenged due to LGBTQIA+ content or claims of sexual explicitness.