May 21 Daily Briefing: Budget uncertainty, Chick-fil-A approval, counseling offer, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, where we have a small programming note:  If you’re looking for information about the person who committed the violent act in our city over the weekend — his beliefs, his online manifesto, his family, friends, or neighbors — you’ll need to look elsewhere. We will not dignify his ideology with coverage or turn an act of violence into a personal profile.

That does not mean we will stop reporting on the facts of the case. But ethically, our focus will remain on our neighbors — how they’re healing, how they’re helping one another, and how we all move forward. We believe that should be the standard in every newsroom. It was at the major media organization where our founder worked for more than 20 years. But we only control our own decisions — and this is the one we’ve made.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode

LEADING OFF

City to confront budget uncertainty while pursuing $3.2B in development

Palm Springs officials are balancing cautious budget planning with ambitious economic development as they prepare for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The city faces potential tourism fluctuations and a possible deficit within two years while simultaneously managing billions in planned projects.

Driving the news: Mayor Ron deHarte highlighted the city’s $3.2 billion in planned infrastructure and commercial projects during this month’s Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs meeting on May 13.

• “We’re asking a monumental task of our city employees to accomplish these projects on top of 70 some odd capital improvement projects and thousands of daily tasks,” deHarte said.

Why it matters: Palm Springs’ heavy reliance on tourism creates fiscal uncertainty, according to City Manager Scott Stiles.

• “We’re a big tourism city. How does our tourism outlook look for the next couple years? Are we going to see all the international visitors coming here that we have seen in the past?” Stiles questioned.

The big picture: Officials are developing an economic development strategic plan focused on diversifying revenue sources beyond tourism.

By the numbers: The city’s homeless navigation center costs almost $5 million annually to operate, despite seeing fewer homeless individuals than two years ago.

Between the lines: The strategic plan centers on five principles: expanding economic development capacity, reinvigorating business climate, bolstering existing industries, nurturing emerging clusters, and strengthening community assets.

What’s next: Officials are seeking public input through online surveys available on the city’s Engage Palm Springs website, with the balanced budget required for approval by July 1.

Read our complete story

BRIEFLY

🍗 Committee approves of new Chick-fil-A, with climate modifications

The Palm Springs Architectural Review Committee has tentatively approved plans for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant at the Springs Shopping Center, requiring several design modifications to better protect employees and customers from the harsh desert climate.

• The committee’s approval includes extending overhangs to six feet and adding protective slats to drive-thru canopies, addressing concerns about sun exposure for staff working outdoors taking orders and delivering food.
  
• The 5,707-square-foot restaurant will replace an underperforming 21,000-square-foot retail building at 5200 East Ramon Road, featuring indoor and outdoor seating plus two drive-thru lanes with stacking for 50 cars.
  
• Bottom line: A unanimous approval included the formation of a subcommittee to review revised landscape plans, with committee members requesting that certain plants be reconsidered to ensure they can thrive in the desert environment.

Read our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Special City Council Meeting
11:30 a.m. | City Hall
The Palm Springs City Council will meet to interview multiple candidates for multiple boards and commissions starting at 11:30 a.m.

Palm Springs Airport Commission
4 p.m. | Airport Conference Room
Held on the third Wednesday of each month, these open-to-the-public meetings handle Palm Springs International Airport operations and procedures. 

Open Mic Night
5:30 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Join Joel Baker on piano and Brian Alec Thom as they sing the night away. Bring your own sheet music for Joel to play. ($10)

Ride of Silence
6:30 p.m. | Ruth Hardy Park
A global event, cyclists will gather at Ruth Hardy Park to ride through Palm Springs. The event is held in honor of those killed or injured while riding bikes on public roads.

The Ritz Interactive Movie Event
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
The Cultural Center will host a fun interactive movie screening of “The Ritz,” featuring a cocktail party before the show. Costumes are encouraged. ($20)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Grounding After Crisis free drop-in counseling sessions at The Center on Wednesday and Friday this week and on May 27 and 29 next week.
  
• “Veils: A Requiem For Trayvon” film screening at the Cultural Center on Friday. ($18)
  
• Dip Into Summer free pool and park fun at the Palm Springs Leisure Center on Saturday.
  
• Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum on May 26.
  
• South Palm Canyon Drive bridge project meetings in person on May 29 and virtual on June 2.
  
• Miralon Blood Drive with LifeStream Blood Bank at Miralon on May 30.
  
• 2025 Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week starts May 30.
  
• Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest on June 7.

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

A local therapist who specializes in infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care is offering free support to anyone affected by the weekend’s bombing at American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs, regardless of their connection to reproductive health services.

Driving the news: Sophie Bain-Tohl, a licensed marriage and family therapist who runs Haven Wellness Therapy in Palm Desert, is a former American Reproductive Centers patient. She has launched complimentary virtual and in-person support groups in response to the recent attack.

• While her practice typically focuses on reproductive health journeys, her initiative extends support to the broader community impacted by the incident.

Who can participate: Anyone processing emotions related to the weekend’s events is welcome, including community members with no direct connection to the fertility clinic that was targeted.

The goal: “This is a space to connect, process, and feel supported — no matter where you are in your journey,” explained Bain-Tohl. “If you’re looking for a safe place to talk, you are welcome here.”

How to connect: Those interested can reach out through the Haven Wellness Therapy website at havenwellnesscv.com, Instagram @therapy.with.Sophie, email sophie@havenwellnesscv.com, or by phone at 424-622-7631.