April 25 Daily Briefing: Protecting trees, previewing tonight’s council meeting, and more

Happy Thursday, where we’ve got our sights set on a few local eateries, all for a good cause. Today is the annual Dining Out For Life event. Dozens of desert restaurants, bars, and coffee shops will donate a generous percent of today’s sales to DAP Health, where the money goes to support the mission of ending HIV. Despite its relatively small size, the event is so popular here that Palm Springs frequently raises more money than cities like San Francisco and New York. Want to join 12,000 other locals expected to participate today? Check out this list of all participating businesses.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Bigger Than The Song” by Brittney Spencer

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LEADING OFF

City considers tree protection ordinance to align with sustainability goals

Multiple departments within the city are coming together to consider a tree protection ordinance to support the goal of becoming a recognized “Tree City USA,” which would benefit the city in the short and long term. 

Driving the news: The city’s Sustainability Department gave a presentation to the Planning Commission Wednesday evening on the proposed ordinance, which aims to establish planting, maintenance, removal, and replacement procedures to ensure the health, safety, and aesthetic appeal of trees in Palm Springs. 

How it works: The ordinance addresses tree planting and care standards, prohibition against harming trees, removal and replacement of trees, tree protection during land development, adjacent owner responsibility, trees declared a nuisance, and tree stumps.

• The proposed ordinance exceeds the requirements for a Tree City designation and works to clarify and codify existing processes in the city.

What they’re saying: The commission raised some concerns about follow-through as outlined by Chair Kathy Weremiuk: “You can pass the ordinance, and we become a Tree City,” she said. “But if the city manager, city council, and powers that be aren’t firmly committed to this, it’ll just be something on the books.” 

Between the lines: The State Water Resources Board recently introduced a proposed regulation limiting water usage across the state. However, designated Tree Cities and programs supporting “climate-ready landscapes” would get special allowances to use water for landscaping and trees.

In addition: Separate from the proposed ordinance, the Planning Commission and Sustainability Department shared a desire to improve shade equity in the city. Lindsey-Paige McCloy, the city’s director of sustainability, said her department is looking into grants for future programs related to shade trees.

Next steps: The proposed ordinance is undergoing further review by the city’s legal team.

BRIEFLY

🏛️ What to watch for at tonight’s City Council meeting

The Palm Springs City Council meets this evening at 5:30 p.m. at Council Chambers at City Hall to address various local issues. Following is what to watch for on the agenda: 

• Updates from the Palm Springs Fire Department regarding wildfire mitigation strategies will be presented for discussion, as well as updates on library renovations. Traffic calming measures affecting multiple neighborhoods will also be reviewed.
  
  
• During public hearings, the council will consider the potential historic designation of the M.H. Atikian Building and the Country Club Estates during the public hearing portion.
  
  
• Details: The public is encouraged to participate in the meeting, with registration to speak available through the City Clerk’s office. The meeting will be broadcast live on the city’s website, YouTube channel, and local Channel 17 for those unable to attend in person.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Dining Out For Life
All Day | Multiple Restaurants
Today, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops across North America participate to donate a percentage of sales to community-based organizations that serve people living with or impacted by AIDS. Locally, proceeds will go to benefit DAP Health. More than 50 restaurants are participating in Palm Springs alone. Check out a list here.

Palm Springs City Council 
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
According to the agenda, the council will be looking at issues including library renovations and strategies for wildfire mitigation.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The weekly street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. The Palm Springs Art Museum also has free admission tonight starting at 5 p.m. Make sure to double check for possible cancellation due to uncooperative weather.

“25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
In this musical comedy, an eclectic group of sixth-graders arrive at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, each eager to win for very different reasons.  In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs, each speller reveals his/her hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition. ($35)

“Nice Work if You Can Get It”
7 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. ($50)

SAVE THE DATE

• Dog Park Community Meeting on April 29 at the Demuth Community Center.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Miralon Blood Drive on May 17. Sign up today!
  
  
• Communities’ Finest Dance Showcase on May 18 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
  
  
• Palm Springs International ShortFest from June 18 -24.

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AND FINALLY …

Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS), a tourism marketing agency for the Coachella Valley founded by a Joint Powers Authority of valley cities, paid for a study that examined the economic and social benefits of establishing an amateur sports facility in the area. 

Driving the news: The study projects an economic injection exceeding $46 million annually, alongside the creation of nearly 600 jobs, thanks to over 34,000 extra lodging nights each year.

What this means: The envisioned facility aims to cater to a broad spectrum of sports, addressing unmet demand and attracting significant sporting events.

What they’re saying: “As we have seen with the new Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms … our local community can support sports opportunities,” said Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “We now have a study that shows a need for an amateur sports complex for travel sports, particularly one with indoor courts and one that is tournament-quality.”

What’s next: VGPS and Riverside County say they are working toward making the complex a reality, aiming to collaborate with stakeholders, the community, and potential partners.