May 29 Daily Briefing: Disaster zone declared, project bonds approved, goal increased, and more
In today’s Daily Briefing we report on the latest efforts by the city and community to support businesses impacted by the May 17 bombing and how the city plans to fund renovations at two key public facilities.
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LEADING OFF
Council approves disaster recovery zone to assist damaged businesses
Palm Springs city officials Wednesday night approved a disaster recovery zone to help more than 50 businesses rebuild from up to $12 million in damage caused by a May 17 bombing. The unanimous City Council vote creates reduced fees and expedited permits for businesses affected by the blast that killed the suspected bomber and injured four people.
Looking back: The bombing at a American Reproductive Centers (ARC) clinic facilities at 1199 North Indian Canyon Drive caused widespread damage across several blocks, with city inspectors noting that four buildings used by ARC were destroyed and 52 others in the area suffered damage to doors and windows.
Driving the news: The disaster recovery zone offers significant relief to affected businesses.
- Building permits will be reviewed within 3-5 days instead of up to 30 business days, and business license applications processed within two days instead of the normal timeframe.
The latest: Palm Springs police and FBI agents continue monitoring dark web forums and collecting evidence at the bombing site, with the PSPD providing overnight security.
- “We are actively monitoring the dark web forums to identify whether other individuals or groups share the same ideology,” Police Lt. Mike Villegas told the Council.
- The fertility clinic has resumed normal operations at a new facility at the El Mirador Building, with Dr. Maher Abdallah seeing patients again as of Tuesday.
Looking ahead: The disaster overlay zone expires on Nov. 30, unless extended.
BRIEFLY
💰 $40 million bond sale for library, swim center projects approved
Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved the issuance of approximately $40 million in lease revenue bonds Wednesday night to fund renovations at the city’s public library and swim center facility.
- The bonds will provide up to $30 million for the library expansion project and $7 million for swim center renovations in Sunrise Park. The library project, planned for more than a decade, is expected to cost between $40 million and $45 million total, with the city having already secured $15 million through grants and Measure J funds.
- Annual debt service will be approximately $2.15 million for the library component beginning in fiscal year 2027-28 after a two-year construction period, while swim center debt payments of about $500,000 annually will begin in fiscal year 2025-26.
- Next steps: The city expects to sell the bonds on June 24, though the date could be adjusted based on market conditions. Construction bids for the library project are due to be opened Thursday, with some concern that costs might exceed estimates and force elimination of plans for the Frey Building.
⚖️ Cathedral City man arrested in connection with fatal DUI crash here
Palm Springs police arrested a 29-year-old Cathedral City man Wednesday for homicide in connection with a fatal DUI collision that occurred Feb. 28 at East Ramon Road and Grenfall Road. He was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Banning.
- Investigators determined a vehicle operated by the man was traveling eastbound on East Ramon Road at high speed when it veered into opposing lanes and collided head-on with a westbound vehicle. The other driver sustained a head injury and died March 12.
- Toxicology results confirmed the presence of a controlled substance in the suspect’s system at the time of the crash. He also had two prior DUI convictions.
- Bottom line: The Palm Springs Police Department Traffic Division conducted the investigation that led to the homicide charges under Penal Code 187.
TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS
Grounding After Crisis
10 a.m. and 5 p.m. | Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic
Drop-in style group therapy sessions for those struggling after the Palm Springs terror attack in May are available. These sessions are free and open to the public with no prior reservation needed.
Featured Reading
12 p.m. | The Cultural Center
Marie Fitzgerald will host a featured reading event at the Cultural Center. This month’s featured authors include James Grand and David Murphy. Authors will also be on site with books for sale.
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.
Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
6 p.m. | The Cultural Center
Close out the classic Star Wars trilogy on one of the biggest screens in the Coachella Valley. ($14)
VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
Weather permitting, the street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food.
SAVE THE DATE
- Miralon Blood Drive with LifeStream Blood Bank at Miralon on Friday.
- 2025 Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week starts Friday.
- Kings Circle Silent Auction Saturday evening at Budman Studios.
- Home Movies Out of the Closet on Sunday at the Cultural Center.
- Forever Marilyn Community Celebration at the Marilyn statue in Downtown Park on Sunday.
- Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest on June 7.
AND FINALLY …
A community fundraising effort to help Palm Springs businesses recover from the May 17 bombing has increased its goal to $250,000, with Mayor Ron deHarte making the announcement during a Wednesday morning event outside Palm Springs Liquor, which was damaged during the bombing.
Driving the news: The Rebuild Palm Springs initiative discovered that affected businesses face over half a million dollars in uninsured damages from the attack on the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic, prompting organizers to more than double their original $100,000 target.
The latest: During the event outside the damaged liquor store, the Old Las Palmas Neighborhood Organization presented a $10,000 check while the Palm Springs Sun Up Rotary Club contributed $2,400.
- The funding gap exists because most small businesses don’t carry terrorism insurance coverage.
The effort: The community-driven initiative is led by local business owners rather than the city, with the Desert Business Association and Greater Palm Springs Pride handling fund distribution.
How to help: Donations can be made online here or by check payable to Palm Springs Pride at 329 West Mariscal Rd. Palm Springs 92262 with “Rebuild PS” in the memo line.
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