April 17 Daily Briefing: Leaf blowers still an issue, tribe gets land back, our pet of the week, and more

Happy Wednesday, everyone! If you’re a fan of political cartoons, you’ll be delighted to know that the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation is hosting a free event later this month that will see award-winning editorial cartoonist Mike Thompson join Desert Sun Opinion and Engagement Editor Nicky Loomis for a discussion of the history of political cartoons and newspaper opinion pages. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 30 at 2 p.m. and plan on attending the event at the Rancho Mirage library, 71-100 Highway 111. No reservations are required. 

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Doin’ Time” by Lana Del Rey

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LEADING OFF

Despite long-standing ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, compliance remains low

It’s been over five years since the city’s ban on gas-powered leaf blowers went into effect, and yet, every day, residents are still being woken up by non-compliant machinery.

Driving the news: During  a meeting Tuesday evening, members of the Palm Springs Sustainability Commission discussed how they can encourage landscapers to comply with the city’s ordinance.

Background: After complaints of noise and concerns about air quality, Palm Springs passed an ordinance banning gas-powered leaf blowers that went into effect in 2019. It’s the only city in the Coachella Valley with such a ban.

In transition: To support landscapers in transitioning to electric leaf blowers, the city offered education, ran advertisements, and offered up to $750 in reimbursement for new compliant leaf blowers or battery packs.

Yes but: Over the past year, only about 10 landscapers have used the city’s reimbursement.

How it works: Code enforcement on gas-powered leaf blowers is complaint-based. To open up a case code enforcement officers have to either witness someone using the leaf blower or have a clear photo as evidence. 

What happens next: For the first offense, code enforcement sends a warning letter and, if the behavior continues, starts issuing citations. 

Worth noting: The landscaping company does not pay the fine; it’s the homeowner who hired the landscaper who is responsible for any fines.

• Director of Sustainability Lindsey-Paige McCloy explained that it’s difficult for code enforcement to track down specific landscapers, and it’s easier to identify the home where the work was being done.

By the numbers: From April 2023 to April 2024, 663 complaints related to gas-powered leaf blowers were logged in the city; 341 unique addresses were recorded, and 322 were reported at least twice.

• During high season there are about four to five complaints a day.
  
  
• For about 25% of complaints, when code enforcement officers arrive, they discover the leaf blower in question is actually an electric leaf blower.

The problem: Commissioner Michael Frick said he has called to report gas-powered leaf blowers about 15 times. “The process just doesn’t work,” he said. “Every time I call, [code enforcement officers] don’t come out in time, and they don’t answer the phone. So I had to submit through the [myPalmSprings app].”

• Frick said even though he had the specific address and a clear photo that he submitted, his neighbors were never even sent a warning letter. 

The solution: The discussion will continue into future meetings, but some early ideas for improving compliance with the city’s ban included increasing public awareness about the ban and improving responsiveness by code enforcement.

BRIEFLY

🏜️ Land returned to Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

In a significant conservation and cultural heritage move, 417 acres of ancestral land have been returned to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

• The land restoration effort was made possible by Friends of the Desert Mountains and the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, with 280 acres donated and 137 acres purchased by the Tribe.
  
  
• The donated parcel includes palm oases and fragile cultural resources, integral to the Cahuilla Indians’ identity and heritage.
  
  
• The big picture: The tribe says the return of the land is a pivotal moment in recognizing and rectifying historical injustices, besides promoting biodiversity and ecological health within the region.

🏆 Coachella Valley entrepreneurs given the spotlight in Fast Pitch Competition

The Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP), together with other local entities, hosted the 7th Annual Coachella Valley Fast Pitch, highlighting the region’s top entrepreneurs.

• Local Rossana Jeran took home the first prize for her company Hello Computer, Inc., a social purpose technology company with a signature AI-driven content engine that can power apps for education, literacy, therapeutic, and entertainment purposes. Jeran will now proceed to the Riverside County Fast Pitch Finale.
  
  
• Prema Walker, founder of Prema’s Permaculture and Composting, a company that seeks to divert food waste from landfills and encourage sustainable agriculture practices, won the Audience Favorite Award. Walker is also a member of the Palm Springs Sustainability Commission. 
  
  
• Why it matters: The initiative aims to shift perceptions of the Coachella Valley, proving it’s more than a vacation spot but a thriving hub for investors and innovators alike.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair
9 a.m. | Palm Springs Convention Center
Calling all business owners! You’re invited to do business with local government agencies. Learn more about the process of working with governments at the inaugural Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair.

“Nice Work if You Can Get It”
2 p.m. | Coachella Valley Repertory
CVRep says this will be the biggest production ever mounted on their stage. A classic Broadway blockbuster filled with actors, singers, dancers, and beloved Gershwin tunes. If you miss today’s matinee, there’s another performance at 7 p.m. tonight. ($50)

Palm Springs Airport Commission
5:30 p.m. | Online and in-person
According to the agenda, commissioners will discuss items including the noise coming from the airport’s car rental facility, and an update on capital improvement projects.

Lecture: Learn More About Composting
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Join Yasuko Hirata Smith, Education Program Facilitator for Desert Compost for a presentation on how to make your home more sustainable through composting.

SAVE THE DATE

• Drive the Plaza Theatre into the Future on Friday at the Prescott Collection Hangar.
  
  
• Free Shredding Event at Palm Springs City Hall on Saturday.
  
  
• Coachella Acappella performs at Palm Desert High School on Saturday.
  
  
• Dine out For Life at multiple restaurants and other eateries on April 25.
  
  
• Palm Springs Entertainment Convention on May 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
  
  
• Desert Winds Freedom Band Concert on May 4 at Temple Isaiah.
  
  
• PSUSD Multicultural Festival on May 4 at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
  
  
• Palm Springs International ShortFest from June 18 -24.

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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 Pork a five-year-old female. She’s available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers said Pork doesn’t like other cats but loves attention.

If you’re interested: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (also where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here.

• All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat. 

But wait: Don’t want to adopt but still enjoy cats? You can book a time to hang out in the cat lounge by clicking here.