October 11 Daily Briefing: Preserve appeal denied, survey launched, and more

TGIF, everyone, where we already have a happy update on something we reported just yesterday. No sooner had we told you that Gabino’s Creperie had temporarily closed its Palm Springs location, it was announced that it will be open again today. Apparently, the neighboring construction project that was dragging on was miraculously finished. We’d like to take credit for providing a nudge, but the owners say it was you, the public, that helped the most. “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts, hopes and advice,” they wrote in a social media post last night. “Because of you we’ve been able to start conversations with the city and are working on keeping these issues at bay.”

🎶 Setting the mood: “Mama’s Broken Heart” by Miranda Lambert

LEADING OFF

Council denies appeal of preserve ruling, urges resolution of disputes

The Palm Springs City Council voted 4-0 Thursday to deny appeals against the Prescott Preserve project, allowing Oswit Land Trust (OLT) to proceed with converting portions of a former golf course into a nature preserve, despite ongoing legal disputes.

Driving the news: The council’s decision approves an amendment permitting the restoration of approximately 90 acres of the 120-acre former Mesquite Golf Course into native desert habitat. 

• The project faces challenges due to complex ownership structures, leased land, and easements with golf course-specific terms.

The stakes: A $7.2 million restoration grant for the preserve is pending, contingent on resolving legal and ownership issues and the city’s willingness to allow the project to proceed.

• Councilmembers expressed concern that denying the project could jeopardize the funding opportunity.

The decision: The council aimed to balance the community’s desire for open space with the legal complexities of land ownership. The approval includes full indemnification for the city against potential litigation costs.

• City Attorney Jeff Ballinger confirmed that Oswit has agreed to the indemnification terms, protecting the city from legal expenses in potential challenges to the council’s decision.

Looking ahead: The council’s decision allows Oswit to proceed with restoration plans on land it owns, while ongoing disputes over leased parcels remain unresolved. City officials hope this will incentivize all parties to negotiate a solution.

• Councilmembers reiterated their desire to see the preserve become a reality, urging all involved parties to work diligently towards resolving remaining legal issues.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🌍 Council’s 2023 Israel support resolution addressed again

The Palm Springs City Council on Thursday faced more calls from residents to revisit its year-old resolution supporting Israel, as concerns grow over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

• Rabbi David Lazar called for a more nuanced approach, asking the council “to hear other Jewish voices that differ from those recently heard” and show compassion for Palestinian suffering. Dr. Jesse Neimeyer-Romero questioned the council’s qualifications in foreign policy.
  
  
• Other residents expressed feeling excluded by the City Council, while at least one argued for keeping the current resolution, stating that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas.
  
  
• Councilmember Grace Garner acknowledged the loss of life in the region and thanked residents for pushing the council to be more thoughtful. “As a city council, we can’t change what’s happening internationally,” she said. “But our words matter, and as individual council members, we can choose how we use our influence.”
  
  
• Bottom line: The council did not take any immediate action on the resolution during the meeting. However, the ongoing public discourse underscores the complex relationship between local governance and global issues.

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YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS

• NVISION Latino Film & Music Festival at two locations today and Saturday.
  
  
• Larry Parr’s “Sundew” at Palm Canyon Theatre today and Saturday. ($17-$32)
  
  
• Larry Parr’s “Shunned” at Palm Canyon Theatre on Saturday and Sunday. ($17-$32)

TODAY

• Free film showings at Palm Springs Public Library at 10 a.m.
  
  
• The Bad Seed with Academy Award Nominee Patty McCormack at Palm Springs Cultural Center at 7 p.m. ($35-$50)
  
  
• Paw-CATso Paint Party at Frisky Business Cat Cafe at 6 p.m. ($38)
  
  
• Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Bakersfield Condors at Acrisure Arena at 7 p.m. ($30-$150)
  
  
• Country Western Dancing at Dance Ranch Palm Springs at 7:30 p.m. ($5)

SATURDAY

• Certified Farmers’ Market at Palm Springs Cultural Center from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
  
  
• Rescue Rally Pet Adoption & Wellness Fair at Rancho Mirage Library from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
  
  
• Free Floating Pumpkin Patch at Palm Springs Swim Center from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
  
  
• “Who’s Afraid of Red, White and Blue?” at The Lofts from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

SUNDAY

• Cake4Kids Drag Bingo Fundraiser at The Roost Lounge from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. ($20)
  
  
• Evening Under the Stars: Garden Party to Benefit AAP – Food Samaritans at a private residence at 5:30 p.m. ($200)
  
  
• Amy’s Purpose non-profit fundraiser celebrating the legacy of Liberace at Casa de Monte Vista at 6:30 p.m. ($250)

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AND FINALLY …

If you’ve got thoughts on greenhouse gas emissions, and specifically how to reduce them in Palm Springs, there’s a survey open for you!

Driving the news: The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) is working with valley cities in the valley to develop a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan that will include workable strategies that can be implemented locally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Details: The 20-question survey asks your opinion on everything from agriculture to transportation and should take roughly eight minutes to complete.

• The survey is available in English here.
  
  
• The survey is available in Spanish here.

Bottom line: By participating in the survey, you can help officials at CVAG and valley cities understand what greenhouse gas reduction projects and community programs matter most to you and your community.