Aug. 19 Daily Briefing: Parade accident brings reforms, the latest on local street construction, and more

Welcome to Tuesday, where we have a heads up that the city is kicking off a maintenance hole cover rehabilitation project this week along Highway 111 at Vista Chino, with more work planned for Gene Autry Trail come September. While construction is never fun, the infrastructure work should ultimately mean smoother roads, quieter covers, and a more reliable sewer system. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Boom Boom Back” by Hinds, Beck

LEADING OFF

Motorcycle officers return as reforms begin; DA to decide on charges

The Palm Springs Police Department is returning motorcycle officers to duty this week while implementing significant safety reforms following a December parade accident that injured 12 people. The criminal investigation has been forwarded to prosecutors for potential charges.

Driving the news: On Monday, Police Chief Andy Mills took full responsibility for the incident, saying multiple departmental failures contributed to the crash at the Dec. 7, 2024, Festival of Lights parade. 

• Mills said an internal investigation revealed that officers had performed unauthorized maneuvers to entertain the crowds, causing one officer to fall and his motorcycle to slide into spectators.

What went wrong: According to Mills, officers performed wheelies and tight turns without authorization or coordination. He described it as “mission drift,” where entertainment replaced public safety priorities.

• Among the contributing factors, Mills said, was that the supervisor-to-employee ratio was 75-to-1 at the event, and officers had gradually shifted from focusing on safety to entertainment over the past decade. Officer fatigue from extensive overtime work at other events was also a contributing factor.

The reforms: The department will now require a police captain at every major event, supported by two lieutenants and sergeants, and hire a full-time special event supervisor.

• New policies also prohibit risky behavior and limit police and fire vehicles to under 15 mph unless there’s an emergency.

What’s next: The criminal investigation by California Highway Patrol has been completed and sent to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether to file charges.

• An internal affairs investigation examining potential policy violations remains ongoing and cannot proceed until the criminal case is resolved.

The bottom line: “We are committed to ensuring an incident like this never happens again,” Mills said, calling it “one of the darkest days in the history of the Palm Springs Police Department.”

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🚧 Early morning concrete work to impact traffic today in Tahquitz Creek area

Concrete placement in the Tahquitz Creek bed began at 4 a.m. this morning. It will continue until 8 a.m., with traffic flaggers assisting trucks entering and exiting the project area at the south end of the bridge.

• The early start time is scheduled to avoid extreme heat, allowing the concrete to cure properly and ensuring crew safety. Traffic flaggers will be positioned to assist trucks in navigating the job site during the four-hour operation.
  
• Crews will use additional flaggers and spotters as safety precautions, and trucks will temporarily silence backup alerts during the concrete placement. Some noise from idling trucks and worker communication is expected during this period.
  
• But wait: Construction crews are also continuing waterline installation behind k-rail barriers at the north and south ends of the project area. Drivers are advised to reduce speed and travel with caution through the work zone.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Leads Lunch
12 p.m. | Hair of the Dog
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will hold its August Leads Lunch. No RSVP needed.

Endeavor: Move & Thrive
2:30 p.m. | The Center
This low-impact fitness class led by ACE Certified Instructor Jase offers gentle choreography, strength work, and balance training to support your body & mind. All at your own pace!

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.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Johnny Marfa and the Lights at Agua Caliente Casino on Wednesday
  
• Rise & Shine Clean Up Palm Springs at Downtown Park on Saturday 
  
• Fix-it Clinic at Mizell Center on Saturday
  
• Desert Film Society Screening on Saturday at Camelot Theatres
  
• Desert Highland Park Playground Replacement Meeting on Aug. 26
  
• Musical Matinees: Hair at Palm Springs Cultural Center on Aug. 31
  
• CV Lip Sync Battle on Sept. 6
  
• Junior Ranger Expo at Indian Canyons on Oct. 11

Submit your event here

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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 meet the smart and loyal Rumba. This 2-year-old female cattle dog has been at the shelter for only a short while, but staff there say in the meantime she has shone through as a classic cattle dog who is deeply devoted to her people once she builds up trust.

• Staff also said she is good on leash, but noted she is shy with new people.

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days except for Mondays (open for intake only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter at (760) 416-5718.

• Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here.