🌱 Contentious Trustee Meeting + Flights To JFK + 'Smothered' Party

Hello all! Today’s National Root Beer Day; did you know that Americans have enjoyed commercially produced root beer since 1875? Sylvia here with your Saturday edition of the Palm Springs Patch newsletter, filled with things you need to know about, including news on...

• 🥞 Keedy’s big portions.
• 💳 Payment plans for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
• ✈️ Flights to New York.

Loving the Palm Springs Daily? Tell a friend and send them this link, so they can subscribe!

☀️ But first, today's weather: Plenty of sunshine. High: 103 Low: 76.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Palm Springs Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99 percent of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Palm Springs Patch newsletter possible.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Around Palm Springs

• Mobil at 3600 E. Ramon Road, $4.59
• ARCO at 67625 E. Palm Canyon Drive, $4.59
• ARCO at 1717 E. Vista Chino, $4.59

🏖️ Vacation Poll!
Are you traveling this summer? What is your favorite type of vacation? So far:

• 22.7 percent plan a staycation
• 18.2 percent each want to go on a road trip or cruise
• 13.6 percent choose a camping trip
• 9 percent intend to head out for an island vacation
• 4.5 percent each opt for a local outing, a national park trip, a Jeep trip, or a solo trip to Europe

📰 Here are the top stories today in Palm Springs:

1. Thursday’s meeting of the College of the Desert Trustees is best described as contentious. Trustees Bea Gonzalez and Rubén AríAztlán Pérez didn’t like a contract increase to $21,693,600. It didn’t matter that the money is already part of the $405.7 million project budget. It went downhill from there to involve accusations of pet projects, Bible verses, and an eventual 4-1-1 vote “to approve the contract.” (Uken Report)
2. Travelers, listen up! Alaska Airlines will bring a new route to the Palm Springs International Airport. It will run from Dec. 14 to April 22 and head to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. This is sure to give JetBlue some competition. (Spectrum News1)
3. And, if you don’t mind planning ahead, you can get your tickets for April 2024’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Sales began Friday, and the cost for the weekend can set you back between $499 and $1,069 per ticket. Planning this far in advance gives you the option of setting up a payment plan. (NBC)
4. If you’re a fan of “Smothered,” you are invited to attend the season two premiere launch party. It’ll go on Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Take photos, meet Jason Stuart and Mitch Hara, and talk to Amanda Bearse! (NBC)
5. Which nearby eatery made the news for "ridiculously huge meal portions?" Keedy’s! Famous for its huge pancakes, the eatery also offers generous portions of biscuits and gravy. And, if you’re looking for romance, Keedy’s has been named the “Best Place to Meet Your Lover.” (Patch)

📆 Today in Palm Springs:

Saturday, June 17

• Aqua Yoga Class at the Avalon Hotel, Estrella Spa (9:15 AM)
• Flamingo Pool Party at Hotel Zoso with Femme A! (12 PM)
• Summer Preview LGBTQ+ Wine Tasting & Mini-Festival at Market Market (3 PM)
• Juneteenth Celebration at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center (5 PM)
• Haus Of Chill at the Chillbar (9 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "Take a look at our most frequently asked questions before your visit!" (Palm Springs Aerial Tramway)
• "Officer David Torres with the California Highway Patrol is hosting a week mentorship program at Desert Hot Springs High. The students involved in this program are participating in their free time and on their own accord, says Officer Torres. He is using this week to highlight all aspects of a career in law enforcement, specifically the CHP." (KESQ)
• "July 1 concert in the park featuring The Long Run – Experience the Eagles. The concert series is FREE and open to everyone. Bring your beach chairs and blankets and enjoy live entertainment in our beautiful new downtown park." (Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce)
• "Mythopoetica: This exhibition highlights the work of artists in the Southern California inland region whose work incorporates mythologies, iconographies, and cultural codes. These artists rework historical and contemporary symbols and narratives to create new visual imaginings." (Palm Springs Art Museum)
• "Stay active this summer. Explore the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, where daytime temperatures are 20 to 40 degrees cooler than the desert floor. Ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for breathtaking views of Greater Palm Springs and more than 50 miles of hiking trails. Or enjoy a day trip to Idyllwild, where you’ll find a nature preserve and a quaint, walkable downtown." (Palm Springs Life)

You're all caught up for today. See you all Thursday for another update!

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Christ follower. Wife. Book dragon. Proud supporter of the Oxford comma.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Palm Springs Patch newsletter? Contact me at palmsprings-ca@patch.com