August 7 Daily Briefing: Hospital lease headed to ballot, gift card program, and more

Welcome to Wednesday and the new school year for students and staff in the Palm Springs Unified School District. It may seem like you just got out of class, but it’s time to hit the books again. That means students will also be hitting the streets, so it’s up to us all to be extra cautious around school zones (and exercise extra patience at the Starbucks near the high school after class lets out). Cheer up, though — it’s only 138 days until winter break!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Lovely Day” by Amber Mark

LEADING OFF

District votes to put Desert Regional, Tenet lease on November ballot

The future of Desert Regional Medical Center is now in the hands of voters after Desert Healthcare District board members voted to approve a resolution placing a lease purchase agreement with Tenet Healthcare on the November ballot, despite concerns from some board members about non-compete restrictions.

Driving the news: On Tuesday, the board voted to place the proposed agreement, which includes a $650 million payment over the course of 30 years and $220 million earmarked for seismic upgrades at the Palm Springs facility, on the upcoming ballot.

• The proposed agreement finalizes after six years of extensive deliberation and negotiations, reflecting a significant decision on the future of healthcare in the region.

What’s at stake: The lease purchase agreement has triggered concerns about its non-compete clause, potentially limiting the board’s ability to facilitate other healthcare investments in the Coachella Valley.

Here’s why: Kimberly Barraza, one of the board members, voiced her opposition due to the restrictions placed by the non-compete clause, arguing it might undermine taxpayer authority in regional healthcare decisions.

On the other hand: Director Les Zendle supported the deal, citing fiscal responsibility and the benefits of securing $650 million from a private entity for district healthcare enhancements. 

• Legal clarifications were made regarding the non-compete clause, ensuring the district can still invest in and lease property to healthcare providers in underserved areas.

What they’re saying: Referencing Eisenhower Medical Center, whose representatives have spoken out against the non-compete clause, Zendle said that no government entity would risk all of the benefits that come with the Tenet deal “in order to possibly be able to give a small amount of money to a wealthy private hospital, who, in the opinion of many, has never delivered their fair share of services to lower income residents in the Coachella Valley.”

Looking ahead: With the resolution now set for a public vote, board members acknowledge the challenge in conveying the complexities of the lease agreement to voters, emphasizing the need for effective communication about the potential impacts and benefits.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

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BRIEFLY

🛍️ City launches digital gift card program

City officials have launched “Love Local Palm Springs,” a new digital gift card program aimed at supporting local businesses and enhancing consumer spending power. The initiative allows residents to purchase gift cards worth up to $200, with the city contributing an additional 50% of the card’s value.

• The program includes over 50 participating businesses, ranging from restaurants and coffee shops to hotels and spas. Consumers can buy gift cards in denominations of $25 to $200, with the city’s bonus portion usable until Sept. 30.
  
  
• On Tuesday, Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein praised the program as “a great new way to explore the vibrant Palm Springs destination and support our ultra-cool local businesses.”
  
  
• Details: Local businesses interested in participating should email Dean.Grubl@palmspringsca.gov with the city’s Economic Development Department. Residents can purchase gift cards and view participating businesses at LoveLocalPS.com.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Elmer’s
Start the day with other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters with breakfast and conversation.

Chair Yoga
11 a.m. | The Center
Register online for this gentle form of yoga you can do while seated or using a chair for balance. The accessible practice helps with flexibility and can improve balance.

Karaoke & Open Mic Night
6 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Come sing your heart out with $5 wines and $3 beer all night long! Bring your sheet music for the pianist if you prefer.

LOOKING AHEAD

• Drag Queen Bingo supporting Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus on Aug. 8.
  
  
• The Great Catsby Book Club at Frisky Business on Aug. 15.
  
  
• SplashHouse this weekend and Aug. 16 to Aug. 18.
  
  
• Clear the Shelters at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Aug. 17.
  
  
• Palm Springs Sunup Rotary Club Blood Drive at the Cathedral City DoubleTree on Aug. 17.
  
  
• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Auditions at the Mizell Center on Aug. 20 and 27.
  
  
• Friends of the Palm Springs Library Book Sale at the Palm Springs Public Library JC Frey Building on Aug. 31.
  
  
• Mrs. Frisky’s Cats & Bakewell Tart Night at Frisky Business on Sept. 6.
  
  
• PSUSD Diversity & Racial Equity Conference at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Sept. 7.
  
  
• Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs at Indian Canyons Golf Resort on Sept. 18

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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 Lime, a 1-year-old male cat available for adoption at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

• Staff at the shelter say he may look a little rough around the edges, “But don’t let that fool you, he is probably one of the most loving cats you could ever meet.” They said Lime is attached to his pal, Turkish, and they’re a bonded pair.
• “Lime is always happy to warm a lap and he just snuggles up there sharing his purr with you,” staff said.

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.