Feb. 18 Daily Briefing: Energy ordinance, warehouse on agenda, commmunity stories wanted, and more

We’ve been getting a few questions about when and where various protests around the valley are being held, and have tried our best to keep up. The ones we know about end up on our community calendar (if you are organizing one, make sure to fill out the form here). While we can’t promise to attend each one (see coverage of yesterday’s event at City Hall here), we do promise to try our best to make the community aware.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Broken Man” by St. Vincent

LEADING OFF

Proposed energy efficiency ordinance to be revisited

A city subcommittee decided to take another look at a proposed energy efficiency upgrade ordinance for older homes that could increase project costs by up to 30%.

Driving the news: The ordinance, aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions from residential buildings, is being adjusted to address concerns from residents and builders about its complexity and potential costs.

At issue: The ordinance’s complexity and its potential financial impact on homeowners. The current draft includes a point system with two separate tables based on project costs and building age, which many found confusing.

What they’re saying: “The complexity is hitting stakeholders as really overwhelming when they first look at it,” said Palm Springs Sustainability Director LP McCloy. McCloy added that even commissioners and city staff could see how the ordinance in its current state is overwhelming.

By the numbers: Based on permit data modeling, some projects could see cost increases of 10% to 30% under the current proposal.

The goal: With all the feedback in mind, city staff plan to update the ordinance to reduce upfront costs and complexity while still maximizing carbon reduction and cost savings for homeowners.

What happens next: The subcommittee plans to keep the ordinance on its monthly agenda for updates. A revised draft may be available for review as early as next month and it will eventually make its way to City Council.

Dive deeper with our full story

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BRIEFLY

🏗️ Committee to review application for massive warehouse

The Palm Springs Architectural Review Committee (ARC) will consider a major architectural application to build a 739,000-square-foot warehouse to be located at the northwest corner of North Indian Canyon Drive and 19th Avenue when it meets this evening.

• The Planning Commission and City Council have already approved the warehouse. The committee’s job is to decide whether the project meets the city’s design criteria. City staff has recommended approval.
  
• Looking back: When it was approved by the Planning Commission requested that ARC review the landscape plan with special emphasis on shade tree types as well as a shaded outdoor employee break area and room for food trucks or food service.

🚗 Gene Autry Trail lanes to close for repaving

Caltrans will close lanes on Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs starting Wednesday for repaving work associated with the SR111 Roadway Project.

• The project affects the northbound inside lane and will later extend to the southbound inside lane at Vista Chino. Motorists should note that traffic signals will be flashing red at major intersections.
  
• Officials advise drivers to expect delays, reduce speed, and consider alternative routes during the construction period, which is expected to last through 2025. More information is available on the project website here.
  
• But wait: In other project news, the driveway entrance to The Springs shopping plaza on Gene Autry Trail has reopened to traffic.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Modernism Week
Running through Feb. 23, Modernism Week returns for its 20th Anniversary. Featuring more than 350 events including the Palm Springs Modernism Show, CAMP, tours of iconic homes in more than 30 neighborhoods, and the popular Signature Home Tour.

Lunchtime Music On The Patio
11:30 a.m | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
The Welwood Murray Memorial Library downtown is offering a chill lunchtime live music program from the Simon Duo, with Adriana Simon on vocals and Robert Simon on acoustic guitar.

Queer Colon Care Collective
5 p.m. | Virtual
This support group is open to LGBTQ+ colorectal cancer patients, survivors, or caregivers. Organizers will offer resources and a sense of community in a safe place to share experiences. 

Melba Miller’s Jazz Oasis
5:30 p.m. | Cultural Center
Join songstress Melba Miller and special guests for an evening dedicated to serious listeners and lovers of Jazz. ($22)

Architectural Review Committee
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Architectural Review Committee meets twice a month to issue decisions on major architectural and landscape design applications.

Sustainability Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Commission reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on issues relating to energy and natural resources conservation, including water conservation, air pollution, waste management and recycling. 

Highway 111 Pavement Rehabilitation Project
Caltrans is working this year on rehabilitating the pavement of a large section of Highway 111. Check out the full map and see how your drive around town might be impacted.

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs International Pride Hockey Tournament at the Berger Foundation Iceplex on Friday.
  
• McCormick’s 78th Car Show & Auction at the Palm Springs Convention Center starting Friday.
  
• 38th Annual Black History Parade & Town Fair on Palm Canyon Drive on Saturday.
  
• Desert Pet Walk at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Saturday.
  
• Road Reconfiguration Project Community Meetings at the Demuth Community Center on Feb. 25 and 26.
  
• Agua Caliente Speaker Series: Language Revitalization at the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza on Feb. 26. ($15) 
  
• Library Book Sale at the JC Frey Building at the Palm Springs Public Library on Feb. 28 and March 1.
  
• “Grand Concourse” at Dezart Performs starting Feb. 28.
  
• District 2 Community Meeting at Vista del Monte Elementary School on March 3.
  

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AND FINALLY …

A Palm Springs historical organization has initiated an oral history project to document the stories of the local LGBTQ+ community, with interviews to be conducted at KGAY radio studios or remotely.

Driving the news: The LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert is seeking nominations for individuals to interview as part of its effort to preserve the community’s history and experiences.

Why it matters: “Through our efforts to uncover and share LGBTQ+ history, we aim to illuminate the stories and experiences of those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights, fostering empathy and understanding,” said David Gray, co-founder and co-director of the Archives.

• The Archives, founded in 2019, maintains records of individuals, businesses, organizations, and events significant to the local LGBTQ+ community.

Details: Brad Fuhr, CEO of KGAY, is leading the board subcommittee directing the project, which will conduct interviews both in-studio and remotely to accommodate participants.

Next steps: Interested individuals can submit nominations through the organization’s website at lgbtqpshistory.org under the Oral Histories Project tab.

• The Archives welcomes community participation through historical material contributions, financial donations, and volunteer work.