Happy Friday, everyone, where the weather and the National Day Calendar are telling us something. Not only are we now seeing the number 8 returning to the front of the line on our vehicles’ outdoor temperature displays, but it’s also National Goof Off Day. Those two factors combined mean you have the perfect excuse to skip work and get outside to play. And speaking of getting outside, we hope to see you on Saturday at the ONE-PS Picnic at Ruth Hardy Park. We’re not sure where our booth will be, but last year, we had a front-row seat for the pooch parade and costume contest, which did not disappoint!
🎶 Setting the mood: “Cardinal” by Kacey Musgraves
LEADING OFF
Applications for community projects to reopen soon with more funds, new process
The Measure J Oversight Commission is preparing to reopen applications for the city’s popular community-initiated projects.
Driving the news: During Thursday evening’s meeting, commissioners voted to allocate $6 million for this round of community-initiated project funding and decided that the maximum amount for each project would be $500,000.
How it works: Measure J is a tax that allows the city to collect one cent for every dollar spent here. A portion of the money collected is set aside for projects proposed by community members by completing applications.
Why it matters: Commissioner Linda Futterer reminded the other commissioners of their duties when considering community-initiated projects.
- “What we do here is consider projects for the little guy,” she said, emphasizing that they should consider regular residents and smaller organizations when considering applications.
By the numbers: During the last round of funding, nearly 60 projects were proposed by community members. Past community-initiated projects include shade structures at a playground and kitchen renovations at the Mizell Center.
What else: Also at the meeting, commissioners approved an updated version of the application to make it easier and more accessible for applicants and changed the evaluation process.
Between the lines: The creation of the new application and evaluation guidelines could be to head off any future criticism of the commission for bias or unfair practices.
Details: The city attorney must still approve the application and decision-making guidelines. The commission laid out the timeline for the application period, deciding to open applications on June 1 and set a deadline of Sept. 30.
BRIEFLY
🏛️ Fifth candidate comes forward in District 4 council race
Dan Ballister, a resident of Sunshine Villas, has announced his candidacy for the District 4 City Council seat to be decided in November, saying Thursday he aims to leverage his diverse experience to address key issues such as homelessness and city infrastructure.
- Ballister’s background includes managing a New York State Assemblyman’s office, working in corporate public affairs, serving at a large nonprofit, and running his own small business.
- Via a news release, he said he decided to run for office after learning that Councilmember Christy Holstege would not seek re-election, believing his varied career has equipped him to effectively represent District 4.
- Bottom line: Ballister is now the fifth person to announce a run for the seat being vacated by Holstege, who is once again running for a seat in the State Assembly in AD47. Meet the other District 4 candidates here.
🚨 Motorcyclist killed in Palm Springs collision
An SUV hit and killed a motorcyclist on Wednesday, Palm Springs police confirmed. Few other details are known.
- The crash led to the closure of East Amado Road between North Sunrise Way and North Avenida Caballeros around 10:09 p.m., disrupting traffic for several hours before the road was reopened.
- Details regarding the identities of the motorcyclist and the SUV driver involved in the collision have not been disclosed by the authorities.
- Bottom line: The cause of the crash and the party at fault have yet to be determined, with police investigations ongoing.
YOUR WEEKEND
ALL WEEKEND
American Documentary and Animation Film Festival
Friday – Sunday | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Featuring over 200 films from around the world, enjoy screenings of documentaries covering local, national, and international issues.
“Sweeney Todd”
Friday – Sunday | Palm Canyon Theatre
It’s your last chance to catch “Sweeney Todd,” where an unjustly exiled barber returns to nineteenth-century London, seeking revenge against the judge who framed him. ($38)
“The Woman in the Mirror”
Friday – Sunday | Revolution Stage Company
This dark, uplifting comedy is adapted from Dayna Steele’s best-selling book, “Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine.” ($25)
“Mid-Century Moderns”
Friday & Sunday | Revolution Stage Company
Catch this homegrown jukebox musical comedy this weekend at Revolution Stage Company. ($55)
Desert Winds Freedom Band Spring Concert
Saturday & Sunday | Jewish Community Center
The band promises an evening of musical impressions of strolling through the amazing Redwood Forests or climbing to the summit of a mountain range. ($30)
TODAY
Palm Springs Yappy Hour
4 p.m. | Boozehounds
Prepare for dog-friendly fun today at Boozehounds with appetizers, a raffle, and happy hour pricing. Donations will benefit Animal Samaritans.
Palm Springs Public Library Community Input Meeting
5 p.m. | James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
The library and architects working on the renovation plan to gather input and give a presentation on the future of the library.
SATURDAY
Certified Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
The farmers’ market is open for business on Saturday with local farmers and vendors offering fresh agricultural and related products.
Aluminaire House Grand Opening
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum
You won’t want to miss the grand opening of the long-awaited installation of Albert Frey and A. Lawrence Kocher’s masterpiece of modernist design.
ONE-PS Picnic and Community Expo
11 a.m. | Ruth Hardy Park
This year the event features a free picnic lunch from local restaurants, rides on the ReMax Balloon, a dog contest, and live performances.
SUNDAY
Beautiful Melodies: Coachella Valley Classical Voices
3 p.m. | United Methodist Church
The show will have music from beloved operas and Broadway shows performed by local singers and pianists.
SAVE THE DATE
AND FINALLY …
When 500 runners take to the hills around Pioneertown on Saturday, they’ll be aided thanks to the efforts of a unique Palm Springs organization.
Driving the news: Desert Riders, a Palm Springs-based non-profit, took to the course on horseback earlier this week to deliver the water that will keep the athletes hydrated as they take part in a half marathon and 10K put on by the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF).
- A total of 20 riders took part in the water delivery, riding miles out into the desert to drop off jugs of water. Among them were two special guests: John Wayne’s son, Ethan Wayne, and granddaughter, Anita Swift, also rode out on the course to assist.
Looking back: Founded in 1930, Desert Riders is a group of western riders dedicated to camaraderie and horsemanship. The organization has a history of trail planning, construction, and maintenance in the Coachella Valley and high desert.
- Over the years, Desert Riders have partnered with various entities, including Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Bureau of Land Management, and Friends of Desert Mountains, to build and maintain trails.
Why it matters: The Pioneertown Half Marathon and 10K are significant events for the JWCF, and Desert Riders’ support will ensure participants have the necessary hydration for the race.
- The event is part of the JWCF’s broader efforts to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, making the involvement of community organizations like Desert Riders crucial.