BACKGROUND:
The Old Gays is a group of Cathedral City residents and LBGT+ activists who range in age from 67-80. The group consists of Robert Reeves, Michael "Mick" Peterson, Bill Lyons and Jessay Martin. The Old Gays are an internet sensation with over 11 million followers on TikTok, over 680,000 thousand followers on Instagram and over 500,000 on Facebook. They have recently published a book titled the "Old Gays Guide to Living," published by Harper Collins.
DISCUSSION:
Public Arts Commissioner Travis and Parks and Community Events Commissioner Baciu proposed to their respective commissions the idea of jointly hosting a book signing and panel discussion. They have been working with the promoter for the Old Gays to coordinate the logistics for the event. The proposed event is to take place at the Mary Pickford Theater on November 30, 2023 at 6:00pm. The book signing will be managed by the Best Book Store of Palm Springs.
The commissioners proposed a budget of $1,600 for the event. The budget will cover $1,000 for the rental, sound and lighting staff of the Mary Pickford Theater and $600 for refreshments. The event will be free and open to the public; however, tickets will be needed as there will be a limited number of seats available.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The PACE Commission heard this item at their October 3, 2023 meeting and approved $800 for facility rental and refreshments. The requested funding will be funded from the PACE Small Events budget apportioned out of the FY 2023-2024 Parks and Recreation Professional and Technical Services budget, 101-500-510-511-8600-8601.
The PAC heard this item at their October 10, 2023 meeting and approved $800 that can be used towards the facility rental and sound and lighting staffing but not refreshments.
The expenditure will come out of the Art in Public Places Fund.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal F: Embracing, Inclusive Community
Objective: Cathedral City is valued and respected as a community that welcomes and embraces diversity, has an abundance of high quality and affordable housing options and vibrant businesses. Our neighborhoods are attractive, well-maintained, and issues surrounding homelessness have been compassionately addressed with thoughtful, coordinated, and collaborative programs.