Dec. 12 Daily Briefing: Chick-fil-A delay, meet the new mayor, unique holiday pictures, and more

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🎶 Setting the mood: “Messages from the Stars” by The RAH Band

LEADING OFF

Listening and leading: What to expect from city’s next mayor

Ron deHarte is poised to become Palm Springs’ first openly gay Mexican American mayor when he’s sworn in this evening, bringing his blend of business experience, community leadership, and a thoughtful, inclusive approach to the role.

Driving the news: DeHarte, a longtime community organizer, public servant, human rights advocate, and small business owner, was elected to the Palm Springs City Council in 2022 and has served in various leadership roles, including two terms as chair of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission.

• He is perhaps best known as the president and CEO of Greater Palm Springs Pride, which he has been involved with since 2010.

What they’re saying: Fellow Palm Springs City Councilmember Lisa Middleton, who will be leaving her District 5 this evening, describes DeHarte as “thoughtful, intelligent, professional, and caring.”

• “He takes his time in coming to conclusions and offering his opinions,” Middleton said recently. “You see it in the way that he describes issues and the breadth of his knowledge of our community, business interests, the residents, and the various neighborhoods… he’s on top of his game.”

What else: DeHarte’s husband of nearly 30 years, Keith Gran, emphasized his unwavering commitment and ability to navigate disagreements professionally and David Powell, who runs the Desert Business Association, highlighted deHarte’s focus on equity and inclusivity for all communities.

Looking ahead: As mayor, deHarte aims to bring efficiency to city government while maintaining a balanced approach and ensuring that all communities are included in decision-making processes.

The bottom line: With his extensive experience, dedication to inclusivity, and thoughtful approach, those we spoke with said deHarte is well-prepared to take on the role of mayor and serve as a strong spokesperson for the city and its residents.

Dive deeper with Maggie Miles’ complete story

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BRIEFLY

🍗 Chick-fil-A’s Palm Springs proposal faces delay

The Palm Springs Planning Commission has postponed a decision on Chick-fil-A’s proposed restaurant at The Springs Shopping Center, requesting further studies on traffic impacts and environmental concerns.

• Commissioners on Wednesday cited existing congestion issues within the shopping center and questioned the effects of the proposed triple drive-through lanes, which would accommodate up to 49 vehicles.
  
  
• The commission also raised concerns about the environmental impact of idling cars in the drive-through lanes and requested a comprehensive landscaping plan from the property owner.
  
  
• Up next: The hearing has been continued to an uncertain future date, allowing time for the applicant to provide additional information and analysis.

Dive deeper with our complete story

🏛️ What to watch for at tonight’s City Council meeting

The Palm Springs City Council will meet in regular session this evening, handling largely ceremonial business (see the agenda here).

• Naomi Soto from District 4 and David Ready from District 5 will be sworn in as new councilmembers, replacing Christy Holstege and Lisa Middleton. Soto will be appointed mayor pro tem, while current Mayor Pro Tem Ron deHarte will be appointed mayor.
  
  
• Prior to the ceremonies, councilmembers are voting on several items on the consent calendar, including an administrative analysis and conformity report for Agua Caliente Fuel Palm Springs, a service station to be located on Lawrence Crossley Road between  Dinah Shore Drive and Indian Springs Road.
  
  
• Details: The regular meeting is open to the public in Council Chambers at City Hall. You can submit comments via an online public comment form, in person, or by calling the city clerk’s office at (760) 323-8204 at any time prior to the end of the public comment period. View the meeting live on YouTube or Spectrum channel 17.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage
6 a.m. | starts in downtown Palm Springs
The annual pilgrimage begins in downtown Palm Springs, heads south on Palm Canyon Drive and eventually ends in Coachella.

Animal Vaccine Clinic
9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Animal Shelter  
You do not need to be a Palm Springs resident to attend, but you do need to make an appointment. To do that, please call (760) 416-5718.  

2024 Walk of the Inns
4 p.m. | Multiple locations
Celebrate the holiday magic of Palm Springs small hotels at the Walk of the Inns, a free self-guided walking tour exploring eclectic hotel properties in neighborhoods between Ramon Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way. 

Tail-a-Thon
4 p.m. | NBC Palm Springs
Tune in to NBC Palm Springs to participate in a telethon to raise money for the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

Art Museum Free Admission
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum 
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collection at your own pace. Then, head outside to the sculpture garden, where a DJ will set the mood with a carefully curated playlist that blends genres and eras. 

Palm Springs City Council
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Palm Springs City Council will meet this evening and new councilmembers will be sworn in.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs  
The street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. Tonight, there will be an opportunity to have cookies with Mrs. Claus.

The Great Catsby Book Club
6 p.m. | Frisky Business Cat Cafe
Celebrate the festive season with felines at Frisky Business by participating in the Great Catsby Book Club. This month, the group is discussing “Winter Solstice” by Rosamunde Pilcher, next month on Jan. 9 they’ll discuss “Tell Me Everything” by Elizabeth Strout.

A DAP Health Community Conversation
6 p.m. | Online
The discussion will be hosted by Health Management Associates, who will share the goals and objectives guiding DAP Health’s commitment to comprehensive care and support for the diverse communities it serves over the next three years.

SAVE THE DATE

• Christmas Movie in the Park at Sunrise Park on Friday.
  
  
• Holiday Paw Parade & Pet Costume Contest at Victoria Park on Saturday.
  
  
• Friends of the Library Holiday Bazaar at the Palm Springs Public Library on Saturday. 
  
  
• Desert Film Society Screenings on Dec. 21.

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AND FINALLY …

Iconic Atomic, a vintage boutique at 1103 North Palm Canyon Drive, is offering a fun twist on the usual holiday picture backdrops.

Driving the news: Cat Slater, the owner of the store, came up with the idea to create three different photo installations each with a different theme: tiki wonderland, a 1960s living room, and Grumpy Santa. For $20 you can take home a unique picture for your holiday cards.

• The Grumpy Santa installation is geared toward adults.

In addition: For an extra fee, you can get dressed in festive or period attire.

What else: Make an appointment by calling the store at 760-322-0777 or learn more by sending an email to info@iconicatomic.com.