July 21 Daily Brief: Turf Update, Weekend Fires, City Council Tonight, More

Monday Morning Update: City Events, Fire Incidents, and More

As we kick off the week, it's clear that city staff are working tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly. From managing event schedules to handling unexpected changes, their efforts are commendable. For instance, a movie night at the pool, which was on our weekend calendar, has faced multiple delays. Originally scheduled for Saturday, it was postponed and then delayed again. The city events and communications team has been busy ensuring everyone is informed about the latest updates.

Currently, the Dive-In Movie "Moana 2" has been rescheduled to August 2. Once the power issues at Sunrise Park are resolved, this event is expected to be a hit. Meanwhile, the city continues to work on various projects aimed at improving public spaces and services.

Turf Conversion Project Faces Cost Increases

Plans to replace grass with desert-appropriate plants along San Rafael Drive are progressing, but they face significant cost increases. During a recent meeting of the Measure J Oversight Commission, the project was discussed, highlighting the need for updated budgeting. The project aims to transform the current grass and irrigation into native desert plants, shade trees, crush rock mulch, and decomposed granite with low-voltage lighting. This initiative is designed to serve as a community example of water-wise landscaping, encouraging residents to adopt similar practices in their own yards.

The estimated cost of the project has risen from $150,000 in 2022 to approximately $235,620. The commission has decided to delay funding decisions until the 2025-2026 budget presentation in September. Final plans could be submitted as early as November, with construction following shortly after.

Firefighters Respond to Two Structure Fires

Palm Springs firefighters worked diligently to combat two structure fires on Saturday. The first fire occurred at the Navigation Center facility for unhoused residents, where flames broke out in a small room on the second floor. Crews arrived quickly and extinguished the fire within minutes, rescuing a puppy and addressing water damage in two additional units.

A second fire erupted at the Ramon Mobile Home Park, causing damage to five mobile homes and resulting in one person being treated for smoke inhalation. No injuries were reported among firefighters or civilians, and the causes of both fires remain under investigation.

Power Wins Third Consecutive CPCL Championship

The Palm Springs Power secured their third consecutive California Premier Collegiate League (CPCL) Championship by defeating the Inland Valley Pirates 9-8. A walk-off single by pinch-hitter Blake Conrad in the ninth inning sealed the victory. This win marks the Power’s 28th of the season and 11th championship in franchise history. The championship adds to the team's legacy under manager Casey Dill, who has led them to five titles.

Featured Events for Today

Mahjong Monday is set for 1 p.m. at the Social Cafe & Play Lounge, offering an opportunity to play the American version of Mahjong. The Palm Springs City Council meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, providing a chance for residents to participate or observe. Fabulous Bingo will take place at 7 p.m. at King’s Highway, with reservations recommended due to limited space.

Save the Date for Upcoming Events

Several events are planned for the coming weeks, including a community conversation on HIV prevention innovations on Tuesday, the rescheduled Dive-In Movie "Moana 2" on August 2, and the Retreat to the Heat presented by The Palm Springs Writers’ Guild from August 10 to 13. Additionally, a Pool Party for a Cause benefiting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter is scheduled for August 15.

City Council Meeting Tonight

The Palm Springs City Council will hold a rare Monday session starting at 5:30 p.m., covering several key items. These include the Arenas Business District Flagpole Project, Demuth Park Pickleball Court Expansion, the South Palm Canyon bridge project, and a new five-year convention center management agreement. The headline item involves a potential $3.6 million contract with OVG360 for convention center and tourism management services.

Residents can attend in person, watch the livestream, or join via Zoom. The agenda also includes direction on bridge replacement design, approval of a $15.9 million early CalPERS payment, and the annual public hearing on street lighting assessments.