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Home My WebLink AboutCPD051 Brightside Newsletter JAN FEB 2024FINALJANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2024 HONORING HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY SHARE YOUR INPUT ON CITY SERVICES HALF MARATHON TAKES TO THE STREETS NEW PROGRAM BRINGS FOOD TO THOSE IN NEED EXCITING CHANGES AHEAD FOR THE PALM DESERT LIBRARY The City of Palm Desert is pleased to announce the installation of Sunburst by artist Donald Gialanella in the roundabout at San Pablo Avenue and San Gorgonio Way. In 2021, the City received over 200 artists’ proposals for this location; that list was narrowed down to two by the Cultural Arts Committee. The community then was asked to select from the finalists, and Sunburst was chosen for permanent installation. Sunburst is a 25-foot-tall abstract stainless-steel sculpture that pays homage to the sun, a perfect symbol for Palm Desert. The piece can be interpreted to represent multiple concepts – the sunrise or sunset, a flower that opens and closes as the viewer circulates around the art piece, or an abstract palm tree that celebrates Palm Desert’s natural beauty. The 2024 Palm Desert Public Art Documentary Film Series returns on Wednesday, January 24, with Museum Town, the remarkable story of a rural Massachusetts town that went from economic collapse to art mecca, as a unique museum that grew from an abandoned factory transformed a desolate post-industrial city. Director Jennifer Trainer is the featured speaker following the film. On Wednesday, February 28, The Cardboard Bernini outlines the work and life of James Grashow as he builds a giant cardboard fountain inspired by the work of famous baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The film is an intimate glimpse of an artist at work on his “final epic.” Following the film, the featured speaker will be artist James Grashow. The series continues March 27 with The Barefoot Artist and concludes April 24 with Burning Man: Art on Fire. The free film series is presented by the City’s Public Art Department and the University of California, Riverside Palm Desert Center. The documentaries will be screened in the auditorium at UCR Palm Desert Center, 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive. Admission is free, but registration is required. Visit palmdesert.ucr.edu or call 760-834-0800. PUBLIC ART DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES What’s Inside SUNBURST SHINES OVER SAN PABLO For more information, contact the City of Palm Desert at 760-776-6346. Palm Desert’s Citizens on Patrol (COPS) program is an important “force multiplier” that provides patrol and traffic control support to the Riverside County Sheriff Department deputies who serve our city. Their volunteer efforts make Palm Desert safer and provide value totaling over $300,000 annually. The COPS program is currently recruiting new members to join their ranks. The program is open to anyone 18 and older with a valid driver’s license and who can volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per month. Accepted volunteers are required to complete a City-sponsored training program, which includes CPR/First Aid certification, driver’s education, and traffic control instruction. New members also need to attend a 13-week Citizen Police Academy during the first year of service. If you are interested in making a difference in the community and would like to request an application for the Citizens on Patrol program, or if you have further questions regarding COPS, please call 760-862-9848. Make Sure Your Project Protects Our Local Waters The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program addresses water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants to waters of the United States. Learn more about NPDES and how this affects your business or development project by visiting epa. gov/npdes or waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/ programs/npdes/ or by contacting the Public Works Department at 760-776-6450. Calendar Palm Desert City Council Meetings Thursdays, 4 p.m. January 11 and January 25 and February 15 New Year’s Day January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 15 Valentine’s Day February 14 Presidents’ Day February 19 City Hall Closed: January 1, 2 and 15 and February 19 PARK CEREMONY RECOGNIZES INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY THE CITY OF PALM DESERT WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU! The Gerald R. Ford Chapter of Mensch International Foundation will hold its 14th annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony on Friday, January 26th, at 11 a.m. at Palm Desert’s Civic Center Park. The United Nations General Assembly designated International Holocaust Remembrance Day to remember the Holocaust’s many victims, celebrate those who survived, and remind the world to never forget what happened. The official date, January 27, coincides with the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. The Palm Desert event will feature a variety of musical performances and speakers, as well as the presentation of the Mensch awards. A remembrance walk from the park amphitheater to the nearby Holocaust Memorial will serve as a moving conclusion to the program. Civic Center Park is located at Fred Waring Drive and San Pablo Avenue. Limited seating will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. For more information or to volunteer, please email Steve Geiger at menschfoundation@yahoo.com or call 760-333-1189. New City Survey Seeks Resident Feedback on Community Priorities The City of Palm Desert was incorporated 50 years ago. Like many California cities, it is facing rising costs for services, as well as aging infrastructure and fewer resources to maintain amenities, services, and buildings. The City is committed to upholding the quality of life for our residents through ongoing maintenance of local services such as 911 police, fire and paramedic emergency response; cleaning, maintaining, and improving streets, roads, and public areas; and maintaining senior programs and community parks. But there are challenges ahead, and to address them effectively, the City would like to hear from its residents. Palm Desert has engaged in financial planning to maintain and improve the City’s finances and services to the community. Most recently, cost cutting measures have been taken to maintain the City’s long-term finances, including the renegotiation of contracts wherever possible, freezing positions, seeking grant opportunities for capital replacement and projects, as well as deferring and extending capital replacement and maintenance. From a revenue standpoint, the City has begun to recover post-pandemic, and the budget for next year maintains existing service levels and prudent reserves in the General Fund. The City’s expenditures are, however, projected to increase at a rate faster than revenue growth in coming years. Rises in costs for public safety and emergency medical response, as well as the loss of the City’s Redevelopment Agency resources to the state legislature, are among the factors driving these challenges. Any projected deficit may impact service levels in the community. As the City looks to develop its next budget, it would like to hear from residents about their priorities. As part of this effort, we have launched a set of resources and a community survey at www.engagepalmdesert.com. This survey takes just 3 minutes to complete, and the page contains additional information about the City’s finances and services. Please take a few moments to learn more about the issues facing the City and share your feedback at www.engagepalmdesert.com/city-services. Inside Story JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2024 ARTISTS CENTER AT THE GALEN 72567 Highway 111 760-565-6130 artistscouncil.com Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Upcoming Exhibitions: Realistic Painting in Oil & Acrylic Thursdays, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Watercolor: Beginners & Beyond Fridays, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Capture the Moment: Watercolor Sketching January, 6 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. No Experience Necessary: Painting Without Brushes January, 7 12 – 3:00 p.m. Take an Art Break: Create and Ephemera Journal January, 13 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. You Break It-You Make It: Mosaic Art January 20 – 21, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Limitless Layering January 24 – 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Desert Vibes: Watercolor Weekend January 27 – 28, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The Journal: The Creative Process Unfolds Alternating Thursdays February 1 – May 2, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Spring in the Desert: Watercolor Sketching February 3, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. An Afternoon with the Surrealists February 4, 12 – 3:00 p.m. Innovative Watercolor Techniques on Yupo February 10 – 11, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. CITY OF PALM DESERT Palm Desert Civic Center 73510 Fred Waring Drive 760-346-0611 Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. palmdesert.gov DiscoverPalmDesert.com Visitor Services 760-568-1441 Short Term Rental Hotline 760-862-6900 Code Enforcement Hotline 760-776-6360 Report Graffiti 760-340-5776 Palm Desert Police Department Emergencies: Call 911 Non-emergencies: 760-836-1600 Palm Desert In Touch Get information on City meetings, parks, trails, and public art, plus identify issues, including graffiti and code violations, and report them directly to City staff. Information: www.palmdesert.gov/intouch EngagePalmDesert.com The City’s civic engagement platform allows residents a chance to ask questions, share comments, and contribute ideas on City projects. CSUSB PALM DESERT CAMPUS 37500 Cook Street 760-341-2883 pdc.csusb.edu Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed January 1 and January 15 Bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a doctorate in educational leadership, teaching credentials, and certificates. New programs include Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, Social Work, Kinesiology, and Child Development. Information: csusb.edu/pdc/our-programs Mature Adult Programs The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers non-credit, university-level courses for adults age 50+. Experience all the fun of learning with no homework, no tests, and no grades. Membership also includes fun events, interest groups, and travel opportunities. Information: www.csusb.edu/OLLI or call 909-537-8270 Campus Organizations Join the Cal State University Associates and become a member of a premier organization of campus supporters. Enjoy educational and enlightening speaker events throughout the season. The majority of membership dues support student scholarships. Information: CalStateUniversityAssociates.com COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms 760-343-3644 rcdas.org Services include animal adoption and licensing. COACHELLA VALLEY ORIGINAL CERTIFIEDFARMERS’ MARKET Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce parking lot 72559 Highway 111, Palm Desert certifiedfarmersmarkets.org Open Sundays from October through April, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. DESERT ROSE SOCIETY desertrosesociety.com The Desert Rose Society holds monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at the PortolaCommunity Center. Social starts at 4:30 p.m., followed by a short meeting and guest speaker at 5 p.m. Pruning Demonstration Learn how to prune your rose bushes at a free demonstration held at the Civic Center Rose Garden Saturday, January 13, 8:00 a.m. DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 47950 Dune Palms Road La Quinta 760-777-4200 dsusd.us The DSUSD website lists contact information for each school. Parents are advised to contact schools directly with their questions. There are a number of federal holidays in January and February. Visit: dsusd.us/calendar DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT 38995 Desert Willow Drive 760-346-0015 desertwillow.com Visit their website for current hours Dining The Terrace at Desert Willow Golf Resort Unique, tasteful, handcrafted cuisine paired with one of the most scenic outdoor dining venues in Palm Desert. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. View menus and hours of operation online. Information: desertwillow.com/ terracerestaurant Music and Dining Under the Stars An enchanting evening of live music and exquisite dining under the stars, the Lakeview Terrace is transformed into a haven of entertainment and culinary delights www.desertwillow.com/musicdining• Thursday, January 18: Seafood Buffet• Thursday, February 1: Italian Buffet• Thursday, February 22: New Orleans Buffet Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Golf Enjoy award-winning championship golf at Desert Willow Golf Resort. Contact the pro shop or go online to book your tee times. Information: 760-346-7060, ext. 1 or desertwillow.com/teetimes The Palm Desert Golf Academy Mastering the Short Game Perfect your game with the help of a PGA Professional, and lower your scores on the course. Maximum 3:1 student-teacher ratio www.desertwillow.com/shortgame $399 per person.• January 6 and January 20, 8:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.• February 3 and February 17, 8:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT 43930 San Pablo Avenue 760-341-9622 ymcaofthedesert.org THE GARDENS ON EL PASEO 73545 El Paseo 760-862-1990 thegardensonelpaseo.com 26th Annual Concert Series Saturdays, January 20 – March 9, 4:30 – 7 p.m. Center Lawn The annual concert series is back, benefitting local charities. January 20: Classic Journey, benefiting the Bianca Rae Foundation January 27: Eagles Ronstadt Experience, benefiting Shay’s Warriors – Life After Cancer February 3: Jumping Jack Flash, benefiting Pegasus Therapeutic Riding February 10: Kenny Hale as Neil Diamond, benefiting Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert February 17: We Belong (Pat Benetar), benefiting Friends of the Desert Mountains February 24: John Stanley King Band, benefiting CVVIM March 2: Always Tina (Tina Turner), benefiting Voices for Children March 9: Paperback Writer (Beatles), benefiting Family YMCA Reservations: thegardensonelpaseo.com/events $25 - $35. HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PALM DESERT &FIREHOUSE MUSEUM 72861 El Paseo 760-346-6588 hspd.org Open Friday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Free Admission Friday Night Lectures January 19 and February 16, 6:00 p.m. at the Portola Community Center JOSLYN CENTER 73750 Catalina Way 760-340-3220 joslyncenter.org Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday, 3 – 5 p.m. Sunday Cabaret Series Sundays, 3 – 5 p.m. in the Arthur Newman Theatre. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Onsite Programs Exercise classes, indoor pickleball, bridge, bingo, canasta, pinochle, mah-jongg, Scrabble, quilting, woodcarving, knitting, painting, table tennis, lawn bowling, art classes, New Joslyn Singers, Joslyn Strummers ukulele group, stringed instrument band, Joslyn Singles, book club, HI-CAP Q&A, and more. Information: JoslynCenter.org/programs COLLEGE OF THE DESERT 43500 Monterey Avenue 760-346-8041 collegeofthedesert.edu Street Fair Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., October – May Information: 760-636-7957 or codaastreetfair.com COD Veterans Resource Center 760-773-2536 Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Provides critical services for veterans and their dependents to support their success, retention, and educational needs. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Palm Desert Community Center 43900 San Pablo Avenue 760-568-9697 myrecreationdistrict.com Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Closed Sundays PLEASE NOTE: The Community Center will be closed for renovations after December 2. The offices and front desk will be relocating to the Parkview Building in the Civic Center parking lot at 73710 Fred Waring Drive. During the renovation, Desert Rec will continue to program sports, fitness, and activities in the park. Check the website for details. Palm Desert Senior Games and International Sports Festival Tuesday, January 30 – Sunday, February 9 Athletes ages 35 and up will compete in a variety of individual and team sports including soccer, golf, pickleball, track and field, and volleyball. A variety of age divisions allows athletes to compete against their peers. Palm Desert Resident Cards Palm Desert Resident Cards for use at Desert Willow Golf Resort are issued by the Desert Recreation District at the Parkview Building (temporarily). Information: cityofpalmdesert org/ departments/special-programs/desert- willow-golf-resort Golf Center at Palm Desert 74945 Sheryl Avenue 760-779-1877 golfcenterpd.com Check the website for hours. Home of the First Tee of the Coachella Valley youth golf program includes a 9-hole par three course, driving range with chipping and putting greens, foot golf, and more. Onsite Programs with Partners Braille Institute/low vision classes, First Foundation Fraud Prevention, Eisenhower Health lectures, Health Expos, JFS Let’s Do Lunch, and more. Virtual Programs Some of the Joslyn Center’s services and programs are offered virtually. Virtual activity newsletter: JoslynCenter.org/ virtual-programs. Information: Melanie Lyons at 760-340-3220, ext. 102 or melaniel@joslyncenter.org. Joslyn Wellness Center Programs Free and low-cost programs include Go4Life®, Aging Mastery Program®; Brain Boot Camp; Problem-Solving Strategies; Mindful Living; Bereavement Group; free Fitness Center, and more. Information: Alex Garcia at 760-340-3220, ext. 117 or AlexG@joslyncenter.org Nutrition Programs Meals on Wheels: Providing healthy meals Monday – Friday to seniors in Palm Desert, Sun City Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells. Penny’s Pantry Community Food Bank: First and third Fridays, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Fresh produce and non-perishable food for low- income seniors. Farmers’ Market: Second and fourth Fridays, 9 – 10:30 a.m. (or until depleted). Free, fresh produce provided by FIND Food Bank. Information: joslyncenter.org/meals-on-wheels or contact Bob Elias at 760-340-3220, ext. 110 or bobe@joslyncenter.org. THE LIVING DESERT 47900 Portola Avenue 760-346-5694 livingdesert.org Through May 31, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Last admission 4 p.m.) Tours and Experiences Giraffe Feeding 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. $8 members; $10 non-members with paid park admission. An experience for a lifetime, giraffe feeding gives guests a one-on-one encounter with these graceful giants. Rhino Encounter 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. $45 members; $50 non-members with paid park admission. This semi-private experience offers guests the chance to meet a black rhino up close in an exclusive animal care area and features a keeper chat that gives an inside look at these amazing animals. Reservations recommended. Hoppy Hour Every Tuesday and Thursday 3 – 5 p.m. Special Programs Me & You at the Zoo This interactive parent participation program meets each week for an hour of guided exploration and hands-on fun, designed for toddlers and their accompanying adults. This program is free with membership or paid park admission. No advance registration is required, so drop in anytime! Tuesdays, 9 – 10 a.m. in the Hoover Education Building. ZooCamp ZooCamp offers kids, grades K-6, the opportunity to explore nature, meet new friends, and have fun at The Living Desert. Visit LivingDesert.org/ZooCamp for more information and to register. Advanced registration is required. Winter ZooCamp: January 3 – 5, registration is open. Winter Minicamp: February 19, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. Registration opens January 8. World Desert Day This family friendly event celebrates the deserts of the world – along with all the flora and fauna that call them home. Free with membership or paid park admission. January 13 International Desert Conservation Summit A gathering of experts from around the world who are dedicated to partnering with local communities to save the plants and animals who call the desert home. Featuring keynote speaker Jeff Corwin. Visit LivingDesert.org/Events for pricing. February 2 – 4 STEAM Career Day Students K-12 of all genders are invited to learn about careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) from professional women in the field. Free for members or with paid park admission. Visit LivingDesert.org/Events February 10, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. LEARNING IN RETIREMENT The Shops at Palm Desert lirpalmdesert@gmail.com lirpalmdesert.com Winter 2024 Semester The LIR Winter session features 35 classes, with in- classroom, virtual and hybrid options. Take up to five classes for $45. Classes start January 8. Information: lirpalmdesert.com MCCALLUM THEATRE 73000 Fred Waring Drive 760-340-ARTS (2787) mccallumtheatre.com Tickets for the 2023-2024 season are now available on their website. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive 760-565-7467 pdpool.com Full facility rentals are available. Contact pdacprograms@desertymca.org for more information. Full facility rentals are available. Contact pdacprograms@desertymca.org for more information. Water exercise classes are offered Mondays through Saturdays. Private swim lessons for all ages are available upon request. Long course lap swimming all day on weekends. Please visit the website for hours of operation and detailed schedule information. PALM DESERT CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce parking lot 72559 Highway 111, Palm Desert cvcfm.org Open Wednesdays from October – May, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. PALM DESERT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 72559 Highway 111 760-346-6111 pdacc.org PALM DESERT PUBLIC LIBRARY 73300 Fred Waring Drive 760-346-6552 rivlib.net Open Monday – Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m. Closed January 1, 15; February 12, 19 SUNDAY SOUNDS in the Park Concert Series Palm Desert Civic Park Amphitheater Sundays, 2 p.m. Free Presented in partnership with Desert Recreation District. January 7: The Ghosts of Kelso Classic Rock and Roll January 21: Giselle Woo & The Night Owls February 4: Eevaan Tre February 18: Michael Gagliardi Adult Programs Adult Art Workshops Art workshops in partnership with S.C.R.A.P. Gallery. Monday, January 8, 4:00 p.m. Reservations Required: rivlib.libcal.com Cinematic Pages Book Club Join the Library Book Club as we explore our favorite books made into movies. Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. January 24 and February 21 Program Information and Reservations: rivlib.libcal.com Mindful Tarot Workshops Tuesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. January 9 and 30, February 13 and 27 Program Information and Reservations: rivlib.libcal.com Genealogy Talk Discover your Family History at the Library Monday, January 29, 4 p.m. Program Information and Reservations: rivlib.libcal.com Chinese Mah Jong Open Play Tuesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. The library will provide sets or bring your own. All levels are welcome. Knot Just Knitters Drop-In Knit/Crochet Group Monday, February 5, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – Noon Teen Programs Open to teens grades 6 – 12 All programs in the Community Room Program Information: rivlib.libcal.com KPOP Club Wednesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. January 17 and 31, February 28th Anime Alliance Club Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. January 11 and 25, February 8 and 22 Teen Book Club Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. January 30 and February 27 Reservations required: rivlib.libcal.com Teen Council Meeting Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. January 9 and 23, February 6 and 20 Crafternoon Date 5:00 – 6:00 pm January 16 and February 13 Information and Reservations: rivlib.libcal.com Children’s Programs Tween Book Club and Craft Program Wednesdays, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. January 17 and February 21 Miss Stephanie’s Story Time Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. THE SHOPS AT PALM DESERT 72840 Highway 111 760-346-2121 shopsatpalmdesert.com UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIARIVERSIDE/PALM DESERT CAMPUS 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive 760-834-0800 palmdesert.ucr.edu The Alexander Homes Bring High Society to the Coachella Valley Tuesday, January 9, 6 p.m. Learn about the innovative family business that built over 2000 Desert Modern homes in the Coachella Valley. Free lecture presented by PS ModCom Israel and Palestine: Possible Futures Thursday, January 18, 6 p.m. A discussion of the historical roots of the current Middle East conflict, and possible positive directions toward more equitable conditions in the region. Free. The Science of Spirit: Yoga, Meditation, and Science in ‘Wellness’ Culture Tuesday, February 6, 6 p.m. A lively discussion about the potentialities and pitfalls of wellness culture, and how it shapes not only our bodies, but our minds. Free. Mid-Century Modernism in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and Indian Wells Tuesday, February 13, 6 p.m. This free PS ModCom lecture focuses on mid- valley architecture standouts like the Thunderbird clubhouse, Sandpiper, Sunnylands, the Wave House, and more. Free. UCR Osher In-person and virtual courses for lifelong learners on history, literature, natural and social sciences, fine arts and special events. Classes begin January 15. Information: palmdesert.ucr.edu/welcome-ucr-osher VARIETY – THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY OF THE DESERT 42600 Cook Street, Ste 150 varietyofthedesert.org 760-773-9800, ext. 101 Caring Connections Program Free developmental screenings for children 0-5 years of age. Inclusive adaptive opportunities are available at no cost with registration required: • Inclusive art class at Variety Palm Desert, January 12• Inclusive art class at Old Town Artisan Studios La Quinta, January 22, 4 – 5 p.m. • Adaptive cooking class at Variety Palm Desert, January 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sensory Storytime Tuesdays, 11:40 am – 12:30 p.m. Sensory Storytime encourages children to move and interact with the environment through music, reading, and fun activities. VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Information and referrals for anyone who has served in the military. Walk-ins are welcome. Information: 760-346-6552 SANTA ROSA & SAN JACINTO MTNSNAT’L MONUMENT VISITOR CENTER/FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS 51500 Highway 74 760-862-9984 DesertMountains.org Open Thursday – Monday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Desert Mountains Art Fair Saturday, January 6 and February 3, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Support local artists and find unique gifts while enjoying the beauty of our desert mountains. Desert Kids Fun Fest Saturday, January 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Enjoy activities for kids of all ages at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park, along with food trucks to satisfy your hunger. 2024 Wildflower 5k Trail Fun Run/Walk Saturday, February 24, 8 – 9:30 a.m. Families and friends, come out and start your day with a 5K TRAIL FUN Run/Walk on the Randall Henderson Trail. Herb Jeffries Trail Hike Thursday, February 15, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Celebrate Black History month hiking the Herb Jefferies Trail Yoga with the Ranger January 4 and 11; February 1 and 8, 9 – 10 a.m. Reservations Required Star Party at the Monument Saturday, January 14 and February 11 at 5 p.m. The Astronomical Society of the Desert will conduct “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and giant binoculars. Reservations Required Winter Bioblitz (Community Science) January 21 – 27 Join our ongoing efforts to find and document the species found in the Monument by participating in our week-long Winter bioblitz. Lecture Series: Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument: A Living Labratory Saturday, February 3, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Registration required for all Friends’ events: DesertMountains.org/calendar or 760-862-9984 Celebrate our community’s vibrancy by actively engaging with the City of Palm Desert! Your voice matters, and we’re here to make sure it’s heard. Explore the following avenues to connect with us: Ask the Ombudsman: The City’s dedicated community relations ombudsman is here to address your concerns, questions, and act as a liaison between residents and the city. Just email communityrelations@palmdesert.gov. Civic Academy: Dive into the heart of civic knowledge through our Civic Academy. This educational five-session program offers residents an opportunity to deepen their understanding of local governance, fostering a stronger connection between the community and the City. The April program is accepting applications now at www.palmdesert.gov/CivicAcademy. Share Your Feedback Online: Visit our interactive website, engagepalmdesert.com, to access a wealth of information, resources, and project updates. Engage Palm Desert serves as a hub for residents to stay connected with City staff and share feedback on the many current projects in our community. Your engagement is crucial in making Palm Desert a city that reflects the collective aspirations of its residents. We look forward to hearing from you soon! On Sunday, February 18, the Palm Desert Half Marathon and 5K returns as the Coachella Valley’s longest running and only half marathon and 5K festival. Half marathon and 5K participants will experience a fast, scenic course with views of the surrounding mountains. There will be awards for overall winners, and half-marathon and 5K runners receive an official race t-shirt and finisher medal. There will also be a one-kilometer Kids Run on a closed course for children 13 and under. All Kids Run participants will receive a finisher medal and post-race food. All races begin and end at beautiful Civic Center Park. The half marathon begins at 7 a.m.; the 5K at 7:30 a.m.; and the Kids Run at 10 a.m. New for this year, group discounts are available. For more information and to register, please visit palmdeserthalfmarathon.com. Per California State Senate Bill (SB) 1383, beginning January 1, 2024, food generators identified as Tier 2 businesses will be required to implement an Edible Food Recovery Program. Qualifying businesses will be required to recover edible food that would otherwise be disposed of, and then donate those items to a partner food recovery organization. Businesses will also be required to maintain records of their food recovery activities and report that data to the City of Palm Desert annually. Tier 2 businesses are defined by California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, and include larger restaurants, hotels and health facilities with food services, along with State agency cafeterias, large venues and events and local education agencies. The City has contracted with FIND Food Bank to assist Tier 2 businesses in meeting these requirements, free of charge. FIND Food Bank will also assist the City with food donor monitoring, including verification that all Tier 2 businesses have food recovery contracts in place and are maintaining proper records, as well as ensuring that the maximum amount of edible food is offered for donation. In the coming weeks, FIND Food Bank staff will be visiting Tier 2 businesses in Palm Desert to discuss establishing an edible food recovery program. For details and specific Tier 2 business criteria, please visit: engagepalmdesert.com/edible- food-recovery or calrecycle.ca.gov/Organics/SLCP/FoodRecovery/. Representatives from Southern California Edison will be giving a Power Talk at the Palm Desert City Hall Council Chambers Thursday, February 15, at 6 p.m. The public is invited to join us to learn about SCE’s outage processes including notifications, resources and how to prepare. A Q&A session with the public will follow the presentation by SCE. For more information, visit www.PalmDesert.gov/PowerTalk. HALF MARATHON TAKES TO THE STREETS EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY PROGRAM WILL INCREASE DONATIONS POWER TALK WITH SOCAL EDISON Engagement ECRWSS Resident and/or Business Palm Desert, CA PRESORTED STANDARD US Postage PAID Palm Desert, CA Permit No. 160 73510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Phone 760-346-0611 Email info@palmdesert.gov Websites www.discoverpalmdesert.com www.palmdesert.gov n Watch City Council meetings live online at www.palmdesert.gov on the 2nd and 4th Thursday each month at 4 p.m. n 2024 CITY COUNCIL Mayor: Karina Quintanilla Mayor Pro Tem: Jan Harnik CITY COUNCIL: Gina Nestande Evan Trubee Kathleen Kelly JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2024 HONORING HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY SHARE YOUR INPUT ON CITY SERVICES HALF MARATHON TAKES TO THE STREETS NEW PROGRAM BRINGS FOOD TO THOSE IN NEED EXCITING CHANGES AHEAD FOR THE PALM DESERT LIBRARY Look what’s on the BrightSide... inside! What’s Inside On June 8, 2023, the City Council appointed a library task force to assist staff in transitioning management of the Palm Desert Library to the City. On October 12, 2023, the City Council unanimously voted to establish a municipal library and separate library services from the Riverside County Library System. This decision allows the library to receive $2.6 million per year to enhance services. Beginning July 1, 2024, the City of Palm Desert will operate the former County public library at 73-300 Fred Waring Drive on the College of the Desert campus as a municipal library. Palm Desert will join Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage as the only Coachella Valley cities with independent libraries. For the next few years, the City led library will continue offering services at its current location, where it will serve to test innovative ideas and processes that will assist with the design of a brand-new Palm Desert public library. From May 1 to June 30, 2024, the library will close for an interior refresh and transition of services. Online resources will remain available from the County, and you will still be able to use your Riverside County Library System card at other nearby County libraries during this time. The new City led library is also organizing partnerships with neighboring local libraries to offer pop-up services and new initiatives that will provide literary programs throughout the closure period. Details of these exciting programs will be announced soon. Our goal is to create a best-in-class public library. The City has hired Dr. Gary Shaffer to be the next Library Director, and has also engaged a national consulting group known for their expertise in assisting libraries throughout the country reimagine with an eye to the future. We are fortunate to have this dynamic team working to design a library vision for Palm Desert. A citizen group, working in collaboration with City leadership, has been charged with the creation of a near-term plan for the successful transition of operations within the existing facility on July 1, 2024. This team is also working on a long-term strategic vision, facilities master plan, and an organizational strategy to develop future objectives for the Palm Desert Library. Your input is essential as we embark on this exciting project aimed at enhancing our community’s library services. Take a few moments to share your thoughts and dreams for a new Palm Desert Library by completing a brief survey at palmdesert.gov/library. The end of the survey has an area to submit questions, concerns, and ideas. We look forward to learning what you want the future of the Palm Desert Library to be for your friends, family, and neighbors. Please call (760) 776-6460 to request a paper copy of the survey to be mailed to you. THE FUTURE OF YOUR PALM DESERT LIBRARY