April 23 Daily Briefing: Leaf blower rule struggles, council meeting preview, and more

Happy Wednesday, everyone, where if you’re wondering why it took longer to open North Indian Canyon through the wash than it did to open Gene Autry after the latest wind storm, we’ve got a simple answer: It was the sand. That may seem flippant, but picture this: Unlike Gene Autry, which has a bridge and barriers to prevent some sand accumulation, North Indian Canyon lacks these features (for now). City crews worked diligently to clear the road, but thanks to the severity of the recent wind event, they were up against a lengthy wall of sand roughly 14 feet high!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Nomalizo” by Letta Mbulu

LEADING OFF

City hopes to reach more residents in struggle to enforce gas-powered leaf blower ban

Palm Springs wants to make homeowners more aware that they could be fined if landscapers use gas-powered leaf blowers on their property.

Driving the news: The Palm Springs Sustainability Commission unanimously approved sending a public letter to local media outlets reminding residents about the ordinance and potential fines. The move is in tandem with a recently announced signage campaign.

• The Palm Springs City Council first approved the ban eight years ago, and enforcement began six years ago. However, there continues to be little compliance.

Why it matters: Homeowners, not landscapers, receive warnings and citations for violations on their property, with fines starting at $100 for the first offense and increasing to $500 for multiple violations within a year.

• City staff previously explained this approach stems from difficulties identifying specific landscaping companies, as many operate without logos and with frequently changing crews.

The challenge: Enforcement requires code enforcement officers to witness violations directly or receive clear photographic evidence showing the equipment and its precise location.

Keep in mind: Officials recognize the financial burden on landscapers and try to assist them by noting available rebates, including $1,400 from South Coast Air Quality Management and up to $750 from the city’s Office of Sustainability.

• Palm Springs Director of Sustainability LP McCloy said staff is working to streamline the rebate process.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🏗️ Commission approves new credit union, notes zoning hurdles

The Palm Springs Planning Commission unanimously approved a new Sun Community Federal Credit Union branch Tuesday evening. Some members noted that the project highlighted problems with the city’s outdated zoning code. The 2,895-square-foot building with a drive-through ATM will be built on an undeveloped one-acre site at East Ramon Road and South Calle Santa Cruz. 

• “This project has really exemplified why we need to change our zoning ordinance,” said Vice Chair Lauri Aylaian, noting the applicant shouldn’t have had to fight so hard for what she called an “innocuous use, compatible with the neighborhood.”
  
• The project, first submitted in June 2024, required multiple applications and over $57,000 in fees because freestanding banks aren’t permitted in current Professional (P) zoning areas. The commission approved rezoning to M1 (Service and Manufacturing), which now heads to the City Council for final approval.
  
• Bottom line: Planning Director Chris Hadwin said the city is actively updating its zoning code, acknowledging it was developed “when we had a very different idea of what office parks would look like.” An online zoning code update open house is scheduled for Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Information on that meeting is available here.

Dive deeper with our full story

🚧 Council to consider money for infrastructure, library renovation

The Palm Springs City Council will meet in closed and regular sessions today. According to the agenda, several infrastructure-related items are up for a vote, including the approval of an $8 million contract for a pavement improvement project, $2.2 million for a wind wall along Gene Autry Trail, and plans for the renovation of the city’s main library.

• The necessity of a wall in that location has been discussed for over 10 years. A temporary wall was installed to reduce sand buildup at one point, but it was insufficient.
  
• Details: The regular meeting is open to the public in Council Chambers at City Hall. You can submit comments via an online public comment form, in person, or by calling the city clerk’s office at (760) 323-8204 at any time before the public comment period ends. View the meeting live on YouTube.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

“Other Desert Cities” Preview
2 p.m. | Coachella Valley Repertory
CV Rep is hosting two preview performances of its latest production today. The Pulitzer-finalist play follows a woman staying at her parents’ Palm Springs home who learns a devastating family secret. A 7 p.m. performance is sold out, but tickets remain for the 2 p.m. staging as of early this morning. ($55)

The Mod Squad Variety Show
5 p.m. | The Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of live music at the valley’s “Happiest happy hour!” Tickle your musical senses with fun and unique arrangements of Mid-Century Pop Music, Yacht Rock, Rat Pack, classic oldies and more. ($20)

Palm Springs City Council
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The city council meets this evening in closed and open session. Check out the agenda here. 

Center Social
5:30 p.m. | Hunters
Join the Center for their monthly Center Social at Hunters Palm Springs. Look forward to community vibes, happy hour drink specials, and fun!

Open Mic Night
5:30 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Join Joel Baker on piano and Brian Alec Thom as they sing the night away. Bring your own sheet music for Joel to play. ($10)

OUT Directors Series: “Milk”
6 p.m. | Cultural Center
Come see why filmmaker Gus Van Sant is a master of his craft on the biggest screen in the valley. “Milk” (2008) is a powerful look at the life of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S.  ($12)

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

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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 Hawthorn, a nine-year-old female cat available for adoption at Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Hawthorn has been at the cafe for two years and she’s waiting for the right person to see how special she is. Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers said she is full of love, charm, and a little bit of sass. 

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.