March 29 Daily Briefing: Council attempts to clarify license plate reader policy, police want help in murder case, and more

TGIF, everyone, where we’re thankful that Easter services are usually held indoors, but a little worried about any outdoor egg hunts planned this weekend. That’s because there’s a big storm system predicted to move into the region Saturday morning. While it’s not expected to be a major deluge, there should be about a quarter to a half-inch of measurable rain that starts to fall Saturday morning and continues as showers on Sunday. We’re hoping this is the last of this stuff for while, but it is spring, so it’s hard to predict.  

🎶 Setting the mood: “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell

LEADING OFF

Councilmembers vote to clarify rules around license plate readers

Hoping to clarify any confusion, the Palm Springs City Council voted to update the rules for automated license plate readers (ALPRs) on private property during its regular meeting Thursday evening.

Looking back: The Council first approved the license plate readers last October, voting 4-1 to allow the installation of 15 Flock Safety ALPRs on public streets throughout the city.

Zoom in: The cameras record license plates, vehicle colors, and other features to aid in the identification of vehicles involved in suspected crimes. The cameras are not used for speed enforcement and do not use facial recognition or predictive policing. 

The results: Since the cameras’ implementation on public streets, the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) said they have helped them solve a series of burglaries, recover stolen vehicles, identify a kidnapping suspect who was arrested, and catch a person from Washington state wanted for human trafficking

• “In a very short period of time, 1,100 hits on the LPRs have gone to our police officers in the field, resulting in multiple arrests,” said Police Chief Andy Mills.

At issue: After the Council approved the city’s use of the cameras, Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and neighborhood organizations inquired about purchasing ALPRs for their own communities. 

• Councilmembers were unsure about the privacy implications of using the cameras on private property or within city rights of way, so they asked city staff to investigate the issue and return with recommendations.

Analysis: City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger said Thursday that if an HOA or organized neighborhood placed a camera within the city’s rights of way, the city would be able to place conditions on that placement, such as requiring the organization to give sole access to the police department to ensure individuals could not misuse the cameras.

• When it comes to using the cameras on private property, he said, “City staff has not been able to identify any other cities that have gone so far as to regulate these license plate readers on private property.” Doing so would open up legal questions related to Fourth Amendment protections.

Driving the news: On Thursday evening, councilmembers voted 3-2 to require that any ALPR camera on public property becomes part of the police program, and any of those cameras on private property must either be exclusively used by the police under current policy or remain outside police purview. 

• Councilmembers Grace Garner and Christy Holstege voted against the measure.

BRIEFLY

⚖️ Suspect pleads not guilty in fatal stabbing; police seek assistance

A man suspected in a fatal stabbing that occurred in Palm Springs on March 24 pleaded not guilty this week to multiple charges and remains in jail.

• The incident occurred at the Palm Canyon Mobile Club on Sunday night, following a report of a domestic disturbance. Robert Detulio, 68, was found with stab wounds and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
  
  
• Eyewitnesses reported an altercation and saw a man fleeing the scene. After a search lasting nearly two hours, Palm Springs police, with assistance from the Riverside Sheriff’s Office, apprehended 22-year-old Evan Steele along North Riverside Place.
  
  
• Steele, who police believe had previously been in a relationship with Detulio, faces charges of murder and burglary, including enhancements for weapon use during the commission of the crimes. He has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
  
  
• How you can help: If you have any potential surveillance footage that may depict the suspect’s movements in the vicinity of South Calle Palo Fierro, specifically between the 800 block and the 2100 block, during the time frame of 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on the 24th, contact Lt. Erik Larson at 760-323-8121 or via email at erik.larson@palmspringsca.gov.

🚊Regional transportation commission secures more money for rail project

The Riverside County Transportation Commission secured $9.5 million in federal funding for transportation solutions in the county, including the Coachella Valley Rail Project.

• $5 million will go toward advancing the Tier II environmental phase of the Coachella Valley Rail Project, a planned 144-mile route from Union Station Los Angeles to Indio with stops throughout the Coachella Valley.
  
  
• The Tier I environmental impact report was adopted in 2022 and the Tier II report will look at site-specific issues and that report costs $60 million total.

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YOUR WEEKEND

ALL WEEKEND

White Party Global
Friday – Sunday | Multiple Locations
Pop star Ava Max headlines this year’s festival, “the largest gay dance music festival.” ($25)

“The Woman in the Mirror”
Friday – Sunday | Revolution Stage Company
It’s your last chance to see this dark, uplifting comedy is adapted from Dayna Steele’s best-selling book, “Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine.” ($25)

“Mid-Century Moderns”
Friday – Sunday | Revolution Stage Company
Catch this homegrown jukebox musical comedy this weekend at Revolution Stage Company. ($55)

“The Secret Garden”
Friday – Sunday | Palm Springs Art Museum
This is the last weekend for performances of Musical Theatre University and Palm Springs Art Museum’s immersive and atmospheric musical production of The Secret Garden. The event promises to be a truly unique theatrical event presented after hours within Palm Springs Art Museum’s galleries and gardens. ($91)

TODAY

Bingo Night with Angelique Va Gorgeous
5 p.m. | The Lounge at Zoso
“The Queen of the Desert” is holding court at The Lounge at Zoso, welcoming all to a night of Drag Bingo. ($2)

SATURDAY

Certified Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
The farmers’ market is open for business on Saturday with local farmers and vendors offering fresh agri­cul­tural and related products.

Palm Springs Fire Foundation Easter Egg Hunt
9 a.m. | Ruth Hardy Park
Come out for a Saturday morning of egg hunting, a free breakfast, refreshments, and fire trucks at the annual Palm Springs Fire Foundation event.

Trans Pride
11 a.m. | Palm Springs Pavilion
The theme of this year’s Trans Pride is “Empower and Employ”! This exciting event is all about celebrating and supporting the transgender community. The event will be held indoors at Palm Springs Pavilion due to expected rain.

Fighter Group: The 352nd “Blue-Nosed Bastards” in World War II
11 a.m. | Palm Springs Air Museum
This presentation will detail the air actions of not only the group’s notable aces but also the rank-and-file fliers who carried the bulk of the load.

Master Class Brunch
11:30 a.m. | Wilma & Frieda
Wilma & Frieda Palm Springs welcomes the incomparable Jasmine Masters who will be performing at a not-to-miss drag show starring her friends from RuPaul’s Dragrace and all over the US! ($20)

Coachella Valley Derby Girls
7:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Air Museum
The season opener kicks off on Saturday against Prison City Roller Derby from Chino. ($10)

SUNDAY

Alohana Festival
12 p.m. | Desert Ensemble Theatre
Alohana Festival Palm Springs Tiki Marketplace is back and celebrating all things Tiki.

SAVE THE DATE

• Police & Fire Luncheon Appreciation on April 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
  
  
• Rock the Park: Tribute to Garth Brooks on April 3 at the Downtown Park.
  
  
• Super Bloom Art Show on April 5 at Desert Art Center.
  
  
• Faux Fur Ball on April 6 at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
  
  
• DA Spring Festival on April 7 at DA Computers.

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AND FINALLY …

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of early detection through screening.

Zoom in: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, with an estimated 106,970 new cases of colon cancer and 46,050 new cases of rectal cancer expected to be diagnosed in 2023.

• Despite being highly preventable with screening, it remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women.

Why it matters: Regular screening can detect colorectal cancer early when treatment is most effective. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk start regular screening at age 45.

• Screening options include stool-based tests and visual exams like colonoscopy, with different recommended frequencies depending on the test.

Risk factors: In addition to age, other risk factors for colorectal cancer include a family history of the disease, certain genetic syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, and lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity.

Prevention: Along with regular screening, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting red and processed meats can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Bottom line: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and prevention in the fight against this common but highly treatable disease. Talk to your healthcare provider about when to start screening and which test is right for you.

Read our complete story online here.