September 11 Daily Briefing: Refocusing a city commission, smoke warning, police activity, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, and a day we set aside to remember those whose lives were lost in the terrorist attacks 23 years ago. Among those who perished were 343 firefighters, and this morning, firefighters from our city’s fire department will be conducting a memorial ceremony at Fire Station 2 (300 North El Cielo Rd.) at 8:30 a.m. The ceremony comes at the same time smoke from wildfires throughout Southern California is drifting into the valley. Our thoughts are with those who are putting their lives on the line to extinguish the flames.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Where Were You” by Alan Jackson

LEADING OFF

Work to refocus commission’s focus begins

The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission (HRC) is conducting its first comprehensive review in three decades, with commissioners discussing potential changes to focus on various community issues, including human services, elderly care, and homelessness.

Driving the news: On Monday, Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein and Councilmember Grace Garner met with four members of the HRC. The elected officials are leading efforts to revise the commission’s ordinance, incorporating input from commissioners on new focuses and responsibilities.

• During the discussion with Bernstein and Garner, commissioners voiced concerns about unclear expectations, limited resources, and poor communication.

What they’re saying: Bernstein expressed gratitude for the commissioners’ work and noted significant progress in the review process.

• “I think we have moved very far along in this process and you did over the last few months,” Bernstein said near the end of Monday’s meeting. “And I just want to reiterate how grateful we are to the work that you did.”

Looking back: The review aims to clarify the commission’s role and improve its effectiveness in addressing community needs.

• Issues with the commission first came to light when The Post reported earlier this year on a decision to change who received an award from the HRC that was reportedly made behind closed doors.
  
  
• That reporting led to the HRC disbanding its executive committee and a hiatus as the commission and city officials try to refocus the HRC’s work.

Yes, but: In recent communications with the city attorney, individuals who were named in a public records request by The Post — through their attorneys — claim they were retaliated against by Councilmember Christy Holstege as concerns about one award recipient known to her were first brought to the attention of commission members.

• Holstege expressed uncertainty about the commission in late May and called for it to be placed on hiatus. 

What’s next: Commissioners will continue discussions on their future roles and responsibilities at the next HRC meeting scheduled for Oct. 9.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🔥 Wildfires spark local health warnings

Southern California wildfires are creating unhealthy air quality in parts of Riverside County, including the Coachella Valley, prompting health warnings due to smoke and ash. 

• County officials warned Tuesday that wildfire smoke can cause various health issues, including burning eyes, shortness of breath, and chest pains. It can also worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
  
  
• People at higher risk include pregnant women, children, older adults, first responders, and those with conditions like asthma, COPD, diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease.
  
  
• Bottom line: Health officials advise residents to avoid strenuous activity, stay indoors with air conditioning on, and keep windows and doors closed. For those in direct path of fires, following evacuation instructions is also crucial for safety.

🚨 Police make arrests in separate incidents

A 34-year-old Cathedral City resident faces attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing a person in Downtown Palm Springs early Tuesday morning. The victim is in serious but stable condition at a local hospital.

• Palm Springs police said they responded to a distress call around 5:40 a.m. on East Arenas Road, where they found a man with significant injuries consistent with an assault.
  
  

• A suspect was apprehended approximately three and a half hours later after calling police claiming to have been assaulted himself. He was booked at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio.
  
  

• In addition: In an unrelated incident on Monday, a 31-year-old San Francisco man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a ride share driver, stealing his vehicle, and causing multiple collisions before being apprehended by police.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

9/11 Ceremony
8:30 a.m.  | Fire Station 2
The Palm Springs Fire Department will be hosting a September 11th Remembrance Ceremony to honor the lives lost and the heroes who responded that day. It is suggested you arrive by  8:15 a.m.

Citizenship Classes
9 a.m. | PSUSD headquarters
The Palm Springs Unified School District offers you the opportunity to prepare for the US citizenship test. Check out details on this flyer.

Planning Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The palm Springs Planning commission typically meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. For this week’s agenda, turn here.

LOOKING AHEAD

• Cat Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Saturday.
  
  
• Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs at Indian Canyons Golf Resort on Sept. 18.
  
  
• Palm Springs Police Department open house on Sept. 28.
  
  
• Boo2Bullying Wellness Festival at Palm Springs Stadium on Sept. 28. 
  
  
• City Council Candidate Forum on Oct. 5.
  
  
• One Night Out Rio benefiting The Foundation for PSUSD on Oct. 5.
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefit for AAP – Food Samaritans on Oct. 13.
  
  
• Center Stage benefiting LQBTQ+ Center of the Desert on Oct. 19.
  
  
• Pride on the Page Book Festival on Oct. 20.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks first speaker on Oct. 22.

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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 come in and meet any of the many felines available for adoption at Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Owner Claire Rogers recently answered a frequent question, telling inquiring minds that the cats have their own Amazon Wish List, which you can peruse here.

If you’re interested in adoption: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here.

• All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat. 

But wait: Don’t want to adopt but still enjoy cats? You can book a time to hang out in the cat lounge by clicking here.