Nov. 13 Daily Briefing: OLT cross-complaint, Middleton concedes, next stars announced, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, everyone. We don’t do a ton of business news, but thought we’d provide an answer here to one of the most frequently asked questions every holiday season: The See’s Candies pop-up shop is open at 425 South Sunrise Way, in the Sunrise Place Shopping Center that houses a Ralph’s, Starbucks, and Domino’s Pizza. As you might recall, the Downtown Palm Springs See’s location closed in 2021, but has been back as a pop-up shop in various locations every holiday season since.

🎶 Setting the mood: “I’ll Never Be The Same” by Coleman Hawkins

LEADING OFF

Land trust files cross-complaint in golf course dispute

Oswit Land Trust (OLT) has filed a cross-complaint against the Mesquite Country Club Condominium Homeowners Association, alleging breach of contract and interference with a $7.2 million grant to help turn the former Mesquite Golf Course property into a nature preserve.

Legal backdrop: The dispute began when the HOA sued Oswit in August 2022, aiming to maintain the property as a golf course. OLT argues that the property’s lease and covenants do not mandate golf course operations and that the HOA board lacked authority to sue without member approval.

Driving the news: OLT filed its complaint on Nov. 1, alleging breach of contract and interference with a multimillion-dollar grant. The trust contends that the HOA’s actions have not only breached contractual obligations but also jeopardized funding essential for the property’s restoration.

• OLT is seeking at least $540,000 in unpaid rent and $7.2 million in damages for alleged interference with a California Wildlife Conservation Board grant.

State of play: Oswit’s plans to create the Prescott Preserve, a public nature area, have been approved by the Palm Springs City Council despite the ongoing legal disputes. 

What’s next: The HOA hasn’t responded to the cross-complaint yet, but cautioned its members against jumping to conclusions based on the allegations. 

• A case management conference is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2025.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🌟 Next Walk of the Stars events announced

The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will honor actor Tristan Rogers and the late Dr. Charles “Chuck” Supple with stars on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars to kick off the 2024-2025 season. 

• Rogers, famed for his role in “General Hospital,” will receive his star on Nov. 18 at 2:30 p.m., while Dr. Supple will be posthumously honored on Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. for his significant contributions to the community and healthcare.
  
  
• Details: Rogers’s star will be unveiled at 849 North Palm Canyon Drive, while Supple’s will be dedicated at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive. The public is invited to attend the ceremonies.

Dive deeper with our complete story

🗳️ Middleton concedes State Senate race

Palm Springs City Councilmember Lisa Middleton conceded her race against Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh for the State Senate seat in the 19th District Tuesday evening.

• In a social media posting, Middleton acknowledged “we will fall short of winning this seat” — Bogh is currently ahead by 24,000 votes — but that, “I will continue to work with all who are committed to freedom, fairness, and opportunity for all.”
  
  
• Bottom line: Middleton is scheduled to step down from her District 5 council seat in December. A former city manager, David Ready, ran unopposed to take her place. City Councilmember Christy Holstege is behind opponent Greg Wallis, by 1,115 votes as of Wednesday morning in her race for the State Assembly. 

🏗️ Warehouse discussion, vote postponed

A Palm Springs Planning Commission meeting scheduled for this evening that had included discussion about a proposed large warehouse in city limits has been postponed. 

• City officials announced the cancellation Tuesday, noting that not enough commission members would be able to gather in order to have a quorum of at least four. It might be discussed during a special meeting on Dec. 4 or at the next regularly-scheduled commission meeting on Dec. 11.
  
  
• Bottom line: The warehouse project, which we covered in this story Monday, is drawing some criticism from the public, including a former member of the commission.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Join other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters for breakfast and conversation.

Rotary
12 p.m. | Hilton Palm Springs
One-hour Luncheon gathering with weekly changing programs. See newsletter for update. ($25)

Gimme Shelter Luncheon
12 p.m. | Ace Hotel & Swim Club
This one-hour event will focus on the mission of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and the Desert Wildlife Center. Guests will be treated to a vegan lunch and will be invited to make a multi-year pledge to support the shelter and/or the wildlife center. 

‘Next to Normal’
2 p.m. | Coachella Valley Repertory
Join CVRep for this cathartic and empathetic modern-day musical masterpiece with soaring rock music and unforgettable characters. ($90)

Drone as First Responder Presentation
5:30 p.m. | PSPD Training Center
Join police department officials for a conversation on technology PSPD wants to bring to the community. 

Author Talk with Janet Davidson
6 p.m. | Public Library
The author will be discussing her book “Snow White Bites Hollywood…Then Hollywood Bit Back” at this free event.

Gand Band – 4 Kings
7 p.m. | Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs Kick off the Gand Band season in Palm Springs with a winning hand! Celebrating the music of blues greats B.B. King, Albert King, Freddie King, and Earl King. 

SAVE THE DATE

• ‘Loot’ by Desert Ensemble Theatre starting Friday.
  
  
• ‘Hillary and Clinton’ by Dezart Performs starting Friday. 
  
  
• ‘Studio One, Forever’ with Q & A following at The Church of St Paul in the Desert on Saturday.
  
  
• ‘When the Band Played On: A conversation with Michael G. Lee and Hank Plante’ on Saturday.
  
  
• Kewet Native American Learning Day and Market on Saturday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Hospitality Association Pickleball Tournament on Saturday.
  
  
• “Paddles for a Cause” Pickleball Tournament on Nov. 23.

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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 Brooks, one of the many felines available for adoption at Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Owner Claire Rogers says Brooks is “a sweet copper eyed, 19-month-old boy who cannot get enough love and cuddles. He will literally throw himself at your feet for cuddles.”

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.