April 9 Daily Briefing: Fire risk map adjusted, previewing tonight’s Council meeting, and more

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Since we first reported last week that city leaders and business owners were rolling out the red carpet (or red banners and billboards, as it were), we’ve been delighted to see the message being spread far and wide. Other news outlets from Los Angeles to the UK are reporting on our city’s efforts to let Canadians know they are welcome and safe here. Still, we’ve been hearing from some Canadians who tell us that while the effort is appreciated, they feel betrayed by the United States and, for now, have no plans to return. Will that ring true? It’s too early to tell. But we commend everyone who is trying to ensure it doesn’t.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs HIV advocates navigate uncertainty after federal health agency cuts

Palm Springs has been reclassified from a “very high” to a “moderate” fire hazard severity zone in newly released maps from the California State Fire Marshal. The downgrade, announced by Fire Chief Paul Alvarado on Tuesday, marks the first reassessment since 2010.

Driving the news: The reclassification comes amid heightened wildfire concerns across Southern California, following 14 severe wildfires that struck Los Angeles and San Diego County in January, fueled by drought and Santa Ana winds reaching 100 mph.

Why it matters: The improved rating reflects Palm Springs’ preventative efforts and natural landscape conditions that are less likely to produce extreme flame heights seen in other Southern California regions.

• Alvarado credited aggressive brush clearing, home inspections, and resident cooperation for lowering the city’s fire risk.

By the numbers: City crews have cleared approximately 90 acres of brush while educating homeowners about creating defensible space around properties.

Yes, but: The new maps actually expand fire hazard zones in some areas, particularly in northern Palm Springs near Tramway Road and in the south near Racquet Club.

• “Although we’ve done better on the moderate level, we’ve added more areas,” Alvarado told members of Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) at their monthly meeting.

What’s next: The city has 120 days to formally adopt the new fire hazard maps, and fire officials plan to present recommendations on future mitigation and prevention efforts to the Palm Springs City Council in coming weeks.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

💰 City Council to review comprehensive fee schedule

At tonight’s Palm Springs City Council meeting, councilmembers will consider proposed changes to the city’s fees for everything from building permits to classes and programs hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department.

• Some ideas come from the building department, which would make fee calculations faster and easier and include a fee reduction for large projects like new homes and an increase for smaller projects like block walls. The Parks and Recreation Department proposed family-friendly pricing, sibling discounts, and competitive facility rental rates.
  
• When adjusting the Comprehensive Fee Schedule, the city’s goal is to ensure it is in accordance with state law, which states that fees can’t exceed the “reasonable estimated cost” of the service. 
  
• 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.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Desert X
The fifth edition of Desert X, the recurring site-specific, international art exhibition is open now through May 11. Find the map of installations on the Desert X website.

Sustainability Subcommittee on Climate Action
1 p.m. | City Hall
According to the agenda, committee members will discuss shade structures, a ban on woodburning fires, and more. 

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. 

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)

See all events

SAVE THE DATE

• The 70s Show starts Friday at the Cultural Center. ($25)
  
• World Art Day at Downtown Park on Saturday.
  
• Movies in the Park: “The Love Bug” at Downtown Park on April 15.
  
• GPSR Spring Fling Auction at Mizell Center on April 16.
  
• Movie Night in the Park: “The Wild Robot” at DeMuth Park on April 16.
  
• “Falsettos” at Dezart Performs starting April 18. ($53)
  
• “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Palm Canyon Theatre starting April 18. ($32)
  
• Self-Advocacy in Healthcare Conference at the Mizell Center on April 19.
  
• PS Gay Men’s Chorus “Disney Pride In Concert“ starting April 24. ($35)
  
• Hollywood Meets The Plaza Theatre free presentation at the convention center on April 27.
  
• 2025 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival starting May 8. ($17)

Submit your event

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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 Olivia, a female cat available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Olivia is sweet and social and she was born with Cerebellar Hypoplasia, which makes her walk a little wobbly. Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers said not to worry, it doesn’t cause her any pain.

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.