Sunnylands Center and Gardens annual Family Day returns April 23

By City News Service

Police asked for the public’s help Thursday to identify the person who stole a bike displayed in Palm Springs meant to honor a bicyclist who died in an accident.

“The stolen bicycle was dipped in white paint and stripped of all working parts had been displayed at the intersection of Compadre Road and Ramon Road to honor the memory of an individual who lost their life due to a vehicle/bicycle accident,” Palm Springs police said in a statement. “The fact that this bike was stolen is a blatant disregard for the memory of the individual it was intended to honor and the community that came together to make this tribute possible.”

The bicycle was donated to Volunteer Palm Springs by the police department, which has collaborated with the organization for several years to promote traffic safety of pedestrians and cyclists, according to police. The bike was dedicated to the PS Cares outreach program, which aims to create a safer environment through its Blink for Safety and Ghost Bikes campaigns.

The Blink for Safety program aims to provide free front and rear blinking bicycle lights to increase visibility for safer streets, according to Volunteer Palm Springs officials. The Ghost Bike project is an effort to remind bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians about bicycle safety through white bikes that serve as roadside memorials for bicyclists who were killed.

Anyone with information on the theft of the Ghost Bike in Palm Springs was asked to call the police department’s non-emergency dispatch line at 760-327-1441.

The Sunnylands Center and Gardens will host its annual Family Day: In the Gardens celebration of desert plants and wildlife at the end of the month.

The free event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at 37977 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage, according to a statement from the Sunnylands Center and Gardens. Parking will be free.

The festivities will get underway with Circulo Azteca Citlatonac hosting a community drumming circle ceremony. At the same time, knowledgeable “birders” will lead one-hour guided bird walks talking about the local and migratory bird species in the gardens up until 11 a.m.

Throughout the day, attendees can also help create a desert-inspired mural, craft a hummingbird with recycled materials, view a display of wiggler worms to discuss composting methods, view stations for insect and reptile exploration, make mini ecosystems, and have discussions with the Desert Horticultural Society of the Coachella Valley members and with University of California, Riverside master gardeners.

Toys and games will also be available for use at the gardens’ Great Lawn.

Sunnylands officials encourage attendees to dress for warm weather, use sun protection and to stay hydrated during its family outing event.

Korean-American

Lock Dawson, whose office has been working on the effort for several months said in a statement. “As the daughter of a Korean War veteran who fought for democracy, I am especially proud that our city is affiliating with a center that will celebrate all people who hold dear these ideals.”

Members of the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Memorial Foundation of the Americas has been conducting lobbying efforts advocating for the proposed cultural center as well as fundraising in both California and South Korea, according to the city. The foundation seeks to lease land located in the Citrus State Historic Park to build the cultural center.

Lock Dawson singled out Councilwoman Gaby Plascencia, who represents the ward that contains the citrus park, for her leadership and support for the cultural center.

“The Citrus Park honors the contributions of many generations who helped create and grow this vital industry that played such a major role in Riverside’s growth and prosperity,” Plascencia said in a statement. “I look forward to seeing the results of what I am sure will be a fruitful dialogue.”

Lock Dawson will lead a trade delegation later this month to Gangnam, South Korea — a sister city of Riverside that prominently features a Dosan Park and memorial statue, officials said. The trade delegation will meet with leaders in clean technology and green energy and other potential economic partners, and the new agreement between Riverside and the foundation will be part of discussions during that mission.

“Riverside embraces diversity and has great rever- ence for its past, especially our citrus heritage,” Mayor Pro Tem Clarissa Cervantes said in a statement. “Dosan’s time in the Eastside is an inspiration and testament to the legacy of a civil rights leader who rose from our neighbor- hood. It is very encouraging to see this effort to embrace our history and uplift his legacy.”