April 10 Daily Briefing: Proposed restaurant already causing controversy, temperatures heating up, and more

Happy Wednesday! Here’s a heads-up for local drivers: the Palm Springs Police Department said it’s stepping up enforcement of distracted drivers. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and PSPD is reminding folks to follow the state’s law that says drivers aren’t allowed to use their phone and drive unless it’s set up to allow hands-free listening and talking. Even if you take your eyes off the road just a second to change the song on your phone, or check your Instagram notifications, police are on the lookout.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore

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LEADING OFF

Chick-fil-A faces opposition in Palm Springs over new restaurant plans

Plans for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Palm Springs have sparked controversy among residents, with opposition emerging before the city fully considers the project.

Driving the news: The restaurant took a significant step forward when it formally submitted its application to the city on Jan. 9. The project gained further traction after a sign announcing the proposal was recently erected at the intersection of Ramon Road and Gene Autry Trail.

Dive deeper: Plans for the project call for demolishing a building that formerly housed California Nurses Educational Institute in The Springs shopping center to make way for a building just under 6,000 square feet with indoor and outdoor dining and a three-lane drive-thru. 

But wait: According to the city, the project is currently on hold while the new tenant and the shopping center’s owner finalize lease terms. 

What to watch for: Because the project is on hold, it is not scheduled for a hearing before any city departments. However, when the time comes, there will be a public hearing on permits before the Planning Commission, followed by a review by the Architectural Review Committee.

Why it matters: Chick-fil-A’s reputation is stained by past donations the company made to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations. Reactions are already pouring in online by the residents who have seen the sign.

What they’re saying: One member of a neighborhood group on Facebook chimed in, saying, “I won’t support any bigoted establishment!” Another added, “Traffic here is terrible already, not to mention their beliefs don’t coincide with those residing in Palm Springs.”

• Besides the company’s reputation, others are worried about traffic, which is known to be an issue at other locations. The restaurant would be only the second Chick-fil-A in the Coachella Valley if built.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

IN OTHER NEWS

🚨 Palm Springs police arrested a 31-year-old man Tuesday who allegedly assaulted employees of a business in the 300 block of South Palm Canyon Drive during an attempted theft. [Facebook]

🥵 Be prepared for temperatures to head back into the 90s for the first time since last November as a building ridge of high pressure settles into the area. [KESQ]

🍽️ Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week is on the horizon. Get a preview of what to expect during the May 31 through June 9 event. [NBC LA]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

“Nice Work if You Can Get It”
2 p.m. | Coachella Valley Repertory
CVRep says this will be the biggest production ever mounted on their stage. A classic Broadway blockbuster filled with actors, singers, dancers, and beloved Gershwin tunes. If you miss today’s matinee, there’s another performance at 7 p.m. tonight. ($50)

Sustainability Commission Subcommittee on Climate Action
5 p.m. | City Hall
Members of the subcommittee will discuss items including wood-burning fires, and CV Link access, according to the agenda.

Oasis del Sol Neighborhood Annual Meeting
5:30 p.m. | Clubhouse of Sunrise Racquet Club
Join your neighbors for the board election, a neighborhood update, treasurer report, and special guest speakers, Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein and Lt. Mike Villegas of the Palm Springs Police Department. 

Planning Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Planning Commission will meet this evening for a study session and a regular meeting and according to the agenda, they will discuss the city’s comprehensive zoning code update.

SAVE THE DATE

• Drive the Plaza Theatre into the Future on April 19 at the Prescott Collection Hangar.
  
  
• Free Shredding Event at Palm Springs City Hall on April 20.
  
  
• Coachella Acappella performs at Palm Desert High School on April 20.
  
  
• Palm Springs Entertainment Convention on May 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
  
  
• Desert Winds Freedom Band Concert on May 4 at Temple Isaiah.
  
  
• PSUSD Multicultural Festival on May 4 at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
  
  
• Palm Springs International ShortFest from June 18 -24.

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AND FINALLY …

🐾 Each week, The Post partners with a local animal shelter to feature one or more of the many animal companions ready for a new home in our community. 

Today we invite you to meet Gemma, a female, three-year-old Labrador/pit bull terrier mix at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

• Staff at the shelter say the high-energy pup would be great in a family home that loves to hike and workout. She plays well with other dogs and has lived with kids. 

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days except for Mondays (open for intake only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter at (760) 416-5718.

• Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here. And get a jump start on adoption by completing the form here.