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Friday, July 24 | 🥵 111°/89°
Welcome to Friday, where it should be obvious if you step outside that we’re under an Excessive Heat Warning. Curious about what that means? Here’s our attempt at an explainer: An Excessive Heat Outlook is the earliest heads-up, flagging a possible extreme heat event three to seven days out, while an Excessive Heat Watch narrows that window to the next 24 to 72 hours once conditions look favorable for dangerous heat. A Heat Advisory means the heat index is expected to hit 105-110 degrees, and an Excessive Heat Warning is the big one — issued when a heat index of 110 or higher (or an actual temperature of 105) is expected within 12 hours. That’s what we’re in now, so please use extra caution!
🎶 Setting the mood: "The Heat Is On" by Glenn Frey
Leading Off
Palm Desert City Hall. (File photo)
Candidates line up for Palm Desert's final council district races
Candidates are stepping forward for Palm Desert's District 4 and 5 council seats, the last election needed to complete the city's shift to five single-member districts.
Driving the news: The nomination period opened July 13 and runs through Aug. 7 for the Nov. 3 election. If an eligible incumbent doesn't file by the deadline, the window extends to Aug. 12 for other candidates.
So far in District 4, Mayor Evan Trubee is joined by Jonathon Polly and Kenneth Doran. Trubee was first elected in 2022 under the former two-district system and was one of four councilmembers representing the former District 2.
District 5 has so far drawn two commission leaders: Parks and Recreation Committee chair Ralph Perry and Planning Commissioner John Greenwood.
The big picture: The race caps a transition that began after roughly 53% of Palm Desert voters backed moving from two council districts to five in a 2022 advisory measure. The council started implementing the change in June 2023.
Looking back: Voters elected the system's first three district representatives in 2024 — Karina Moreno in District 1, Joe Pradetto in District 2 and Gina Nestande in District 3. Former Mayor Jan Harnick, who lives in District 2, didn't run and will leave office this year.
What's next: Once someone takes the District 5 seat, each of Palm Desert's five districts will have its own elected councilmember.
Candidates must be registered voters and U.S. citizens living in their district, collect 20 to 30 signatures from district voters, and schedule an appointment with the City Clerk's Office to begin the nomination process.
Briefly
File photo
🥬 City seeking farmers market operator
Palm Desert is requesting proposals from experienced operators to develop, operate and manage a recurring farmers market for residents and visitors, backed by an initial one-year agreement with renewal options.
Several valley cities already host certified farmers markets, with most in operation on weekends from October through May. Palm Springs operates its farmers market all year, moving inside from June September. College of the Desert's Palm Desert campus hosts a weekend street and art fair October through May.
Details: The City Council named the market a priority initiative to boost community vibrancy, support local agriculture, expand healthy food access and create a gathering place. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 7.
📅 Featured Events
MULTIPLE DAYS
Indoor pickleball open play and table tennis at Palm Desert Community Center ($5 drop-in)
TODAY
Swoon @ the Moon at Rancho Mirage Observatory at 9:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
5k Walk/Run at Rutina Coffee at 5:30 a.m.
Self Defense for Women at Palm Desert Community Center at 10 a.m. ($40-$50)
Coachella Valley Card Show at Family YMCA of the Desert at 11 a.m.
Rat Pack Duo at Hotel Paseo at 6 p.m.
SUNDAY
Indoor Pickleball Round Robin Tournament at Palm Desert Community Center at 7:30 a.m. ($20+)
MONDAY
Tai Chi For Your Health at Palm Desert Community Center at 12 p.m. ($57-$67)
Hula for Fitness & Fun at Palm Desert Community Center at 6 p.m. ($66-$76)
TUESDAY
Pickleball Advanced Play Drill Clinic at Palm Desert Community Center at 7:30 a.m. ($95-$110)
Disco Dogs & Pawlroom Dancing at Palm Desert Community Center at 10 a.m. ($25-$35)
Palm Desert Architectural Review Commission at City Hall at 12:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Pickleball Clinics Beginner to Advanced Beginner at Palm Desert Community Center at 7:30 a.m. ($95-$110)
QiGong for Active Adults at Palm Desert Community Center at 11 a.m. ($55-$65)
Beginning Guitar at Palm Desert Community Center at 6 p.m. ($80)
Beginners Belly Dancing at Palm Desert Community Center at 6:30 p.m. ($60-$70)
Line Dancing at Palm Desert Community Center at 6:30 p.m. ($17-$68)
Second Level Guitar at Palm Desert Community Center at 7 p.m. ($80-$95)
Ballroom, Swing and Salsa Lessons at Palm Desert Community Center at 7:30 p.m. ($68-$78)
THURSDAY
Board Game Night at The Dragon Den at 5 p.m. ($10-$20)
Performer: Wonders of Wildlife at Palm Desert Library at 10:46 p.m.
✨ And Finally …
Shutterstock graphic
With the mercury climbing well beyond triple digits, Palm Desert city officials would like to remind you that thermostats and sunscreen are not, in fact, interchangeable strategies for survival.
Driving the news: The city is reminding residents that there are multiple Cool Centers available whenever temperatures or the heat index hit 100 degrees or higher.
The air-conditioned spaces offer residents a place to cool down, hydrate and wait out the worst of the heat.
Who's at risk: Older adults, young children, people with medical conditions and pets face the greatest danger during extreme heat, and officials are urging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
The locations:
Palm Desert Community Center, 43900 San Pablo Avenue: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Palm Desert Library, 73300 Fred Waring Drive: Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
The Joslyn Center (ages 55 and older), 73750 Catalina Way: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Worth noting: The Palm Desert Library Cool Center welcomes pets, as long as owners keep them under control and follow facility rules.
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