Oct. 15 Daily Briefing: Housing project reviewed, airport takes a stand, survey back open, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, where we have an update on an important survey we told you about recently. The Center has relaunched its Quality of Life Survey for LGBTQ residents of the Coachella Valley after a bot attack temporarily took it offline. CEO Mike Thompson said last night that he hopes everyone can spread the word to their neighbors who may want to participate. The comprehensive survey covers social determinants of health to better understand the community’s lived experiences and needs — so if you know someone who should take it, let them know, and also remind them that the first 1,000 people to complete the survey are eligible to win a Visa gift card. Click here for the survey.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Dear Life” by Beck

LEADING OFF

Planning commission questions financing, gates for 104-unit Racquet Club project

Palm Springs planning commissioners raised concerns about a proposed residential development during a study session Tuesday, with questions ranging from affordable housing financing to whether the community should be gated.

Driving the news: The Village @ Racquet Club would bring 104 units to an 8.23-acre site at Racquet Club Road and Indian Canyon Drive, including 31 single-family homes, 53 townhomes, and 20 affordable apartments.

• Developer Mario Gonzalez of GHA Investments said he is “still determining” whether the affordable units will serve moderate-, low- or very low-income residents.

Why it matters: Vice Chair Lauri Aylaian said the affordable component is critical because the city would grant concessions on setbacks, building separation and open space requirements if the project is approved.

• “Those are deep concessions, and in exchange, the public benefit has to be substantive,” she said.

The pushback: Commissioners had a lot of questions for the proposed gated entry, with Alternate Commissioner Hernandez saying gates send “a message of exclusivity versus inclusivity.”

• Gonzalez argued buyers want safety and security, noting surrounding communities are gated and citing concerns about the homeless crisis and theft.
  
• Aylaian countered that the location is far from downtown and the wash where homeless individuals typically congregate, and encouraged the developer to work with police on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles.

What’s next: No action was taken at the study session. The developer will incorporate the commission’s feedback before submitting a formal application.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🛫 Palm Springs airport declines political shutdown video

• Palm Springs International Airport is refusing to display a video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that blames Democrats for the federal government shutdown, joining at least 18 other major U.S. airports in rejecting the message at security checkpoints.
  
• The video, released last week, begins as a public service announcement but quickly turns political, stating “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government.” An airport spokesperson said Tuesday that California law and federal Hatch Act principles prohibit using public facilities for partisan political messaging.
  
• Bottom line: The Hatch Act is a 1939 law that bars political activities by federal employees to ensure government programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion. Airports from New York to Oregon have cited the law, longstanding policies against political content, or concerns about inappropriate messaging in declining to show the video.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Start the day with other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters with breakfast and conversation.

American Sign Language
1 p.m. | Mizell Center
This introductory class will provide participants with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of American Sign Language, including foundational grammar and vocabulary, as well as an overview of its history and culture. This is the start of a two month long course, meeting weekly. ($100)

Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Mizell Center
Practice your skills and play with others. This is a FREE library program, you do not have to be a member of Mizell Center to attend. People are encouraged to bring their own sets as a limited number of sets will be provided to use.

Palm Springs High School Homecoming Parade
3:30 p.m. | Palm Canyon Drive
Come downtown for the Palm Springs High School Homecoming Parade, a hometown favorite celebrating youth, spirit, and that unbeatable PS pride!

State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh Town Hall
6:30 p.m. | City Hall 
California State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh will be holding a town hall at Palm Springs City Hall starting at 6:30 p.m. She plans to provide legislative updates on important state issues and to hear public comments and feedback.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Modernism Week October starting Thursday
  
• Architecture + Design Book Sale benefiting Friends of the Palm Springs Library Friday through Sunday
  
• No Kings Rally on Saturday at Sunrise Park
  
• Wet + Wild Party benefiting Palm Springs Police and Fire at Desert Hand Car Wash on Oct. 23
  
• Pride Equality Walk on Oct. 25
  
• “Be A Hero For Kids” Halloween Bash on Oct. 26
  
• Pride on the Page on Nov. 1
  
• Palm Springs Pride Nov. 6 through 9
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Nov. 8
  
• West Side Story in Concert benefit for Dezart Performs Nov. 13-15
  
• Palm Springs Hospitality Golf Tournament on Nov. 14

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

A new Coachella Valley nonprofit announced Tuesday is making it easier for aging LGBTQ+ community members to navigate the often-overwhelming world of healthcare and senior services without fear of discrimination.

Driving the news: Triangle Care Management launched this week as a free referral service connecting LGBTQ+ older adults and people with disabilities to affirming care providers and resources throughout the valley.

The challenge: Studies show LGBTQ+ seniors are more likely to delay or avoid medical care compared to their heterosexual counterparts, often experiencing higher rates of isolation and depression due to fears of discrimination based on past negative experiences.

What they offer: The nonprofit provides one-on-one Care Management Navigation at no charge, pairing clients with dedicated navigators who assess needs and connect them to culturally sensitive providers and services.

• The organization also runs an Embracing Aging Program that creates networks for socialization and support, with a Lesbians Embracing Aging group already meeting monthly.

Looking ahead: Triangle Care Management plans to develop LGBTQ+ shared housing options over the next two to five years through its Richard Bass Legacy Circle, named for the organization’s founder who recently passed away.

How to connect: Those interested in services can visit this website or call 480-215-5866.