April 22 Daily Briefing: Pope remembered, next steps at long-vacant lot, awardees named, and more

Happy Tuesday! Dog lovers, listen up: The Palm Springs Animal Shelter is launching a Big Dog Adoption Bonanza this weekend. The shelter says it is at capacity and completely out of space for large dogs. To help find these pups their forever homes, the shelter is waiving all adoption fees from Friday through Sunday and even throwing in a year of free vaccinations and six months of dog food. Learn more on their website.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Tieduprightnow” by Parcels

LEADING OFF

ARC delays decision on 60-unit ‘Siena’ housing project

Members of the city’s Architectural Review Committee (ARC) reviewed plans for a new townhouse development on North Palm Canyon Drive Monday evening but requested additional design details before granting approval.

Driving the news: The ARC unanimously voted to continue review of the proposed ‘Siena’ housing project, asking developers to return with enhanced design visualizations and solutions to several layout concerns.

• The 60-unit complex would be built on a 4.3-acre site that previously housed a Shiloh Inn, which was demolished in 2021 after a planned hotel project failed to materialize.

The details: Monaghan Palm Canyon, LLC presented plans featuring townhouse-style units with rooftop decks, private yards, a clubhouse, dog park, and pedestrian walkways arranged around interior streets.

• A city staff member noted the project’s density falls below the 30 units per acre allowed under the general plan for the property.

Yes, but: Committee members expressed concerns about the clubhouse layout, window placement between adjacent units, a proposed neighborhood monument sign, and architectural articulation despite praising the color palette and modern aesthetic.

What they’re saying: “It is an ambitious density. It’s one of those projects that is trying to do an awful lot in a very limited space,” said one committee member, suggesting three-dimensional renderings to better visualize the complex.

What’s next: The ARC requested the developer address their concerns before returning to a future meeting.

Dive deeper with our complete story

IN OTHER NEWS

⛪️ Following Pope Francis’ death, Catholics in Palm Springs and throughout the Coachella Valley mourned the loss of a leader known for his message of tolerance toward the LGBTQ community and others. [The Desert Sun]

🏆 Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, Desert Empire, Desert Valley, and Sun Valley teams will unify into a single 14-team conference, which will be divided by competitive equity. [KESQ]

🚀 The Palm Springs Air Museum has extended its exhibit of Lockheed Martin’s DARKSTAR and NASA’s X-38 ISS crew return vehicle prototype until Friday due to popular demand. [Street Insider]

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Planning Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Commissioners meet to make recommendations on land use, zoning, and the general plan. Check out the agenda here. 

Sustainability Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Commission reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on issues relating to energy and natural resources conservation, including water conservation, air pollution, waste management and recycling. 

PSUSD Board of Education
6 p.m. | PSUSD Headquarters
The Board of Education meetings tonight; check out the agenda here.

Trivia Night
6:30 p.m. | Play Lounge PS
Come alone or bring a group to participate in this popular trivia night. Win bagging rights and other prizes.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• PS Gay Men’s Chorus “Disney Pride In Concert“ at the Palm Springs Art Museum starting on Thursday. ($35)
  
• Earth & Arbor Day Festival at Victoria Park on Saturday.
  
• Forging Forward – Community Convening at the Cultural Center on April 29.
  
• “A Song For You” Carpenters Tribute at Agua Caliente Palm Springs on April 30. ($23)
  
• Retro Palm Springs – A Nostalgic Fan Convention at Palm Springs Convention Center on May 3-4. ($28)
  
• Desert Winds Freedom Band presents “Pop, Rock, and Swing” at Jewish Community Center on May 4. ($30)
  
• 2025 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival starting May 8. ($17)
  
• Desert Images photography exhibition at Impell Gallery on May 10. 

Submit your event here

---

AND FINALLY …

One of the Coachella Valley’s largest business associations is dedicating an evening to honoring business and community leaders and organizations, including several in Palm Springs.

Driving the news: The Desert Business Association (DBA), the Coachella Valley’s LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, will recognize recipients of the DBA Impact Awards at an upcoming ceremony. 

This year’s recipients include:

• Stonewall Gardens Assisted Living for Business of the Year. 
• Bob Smiland of Desert Hand Car Wash for Business Person of the Year.
• All Palm Springs Police Department officers and staff as outstanding community service leaders.

What they’re saying: “[Recipients] have raised money to support local nonprofits, provided services for our senior and local community organizations, supported local businesses, helped to identify ways to help the unhoused, and conveyed an overall strong commitment to and for our communities,” said David Powell, the DBA’s executive director.

What else: The DBA will also present college scholarships to LGBTQ youth from across the valley. Learn more about the organization here.