Home construction appeal, homeless services center, COVID-19 restrictions all on Council agenda tonight
An appeal of an approved home project on one of the last undeveloped lots in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood is among several items of interest on the agenda of the Palm Springs City Council, which meets tonight at 5:30 PM.
The appeal was filed by a neighbor of the half-acre parcel, located at 585 Camino Calidad, where construction of 5,846-square-foot home and detached casita was earlier approved by the city’s Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and Planning Commission. While many homes in the neighborhood are of similar size, two features of the home are at issues for the neighbor.
Howard Hyman, whose home is to the north of the lot, has appealed approval of the project, claiming a planned subterranean parking structure and a rooftop deck are not a fit for the neighborhood and would set a bad precedent.
“While the city technically may permit subterranean parking, basements, roof top decks and other features, the city has many different areas where these features may be appropriate,” he wrote in an email Tuesday. “But to put all of them in one project, lacks the discretion given to the city to say when something is inappropriate.
“Just because there is not a prohibition does not mean it should all be allowed. I fear that this project will become cited as precedent for other builds.”
In late July, the Planning Commission delayed approval for the project, asking for additional illustrations of what the home would look like with a finished floor elevation at 527.5 feet. On September 1, after viewing the additional illustrations, the Commission approved the project with a requirement to lower the finished floor elevation by two feet. The ARC had asked for tall landscaping to be planted along the south property line to create privacy between the adjacent neighbors.
In written remarks filed with the city, Chad and Tenah Dyer, owners of the property, maintain there is precedent for the rooftop deck and the subterranean parking.
“[T]here is a strong precedent in the neighborhood of ten homes within a one-quarter mile radius that have a similar arrangement,” they wrote, adding later that, “there is nothing in the Palm Springs Municipal Code that prohibits roof top decks as has been stated clearly in the City staff reports for this project.”
Other items before the Council this evening include:
- A review of proposed sites for a homeless services center, covered last week in The Post. The possible locations include one recommended by city staff that has residents of the north end of the city concerned, as reported in The Post here on Monday.
- Public hearings on the nearly six-fold expansion of Kings Garden marijuana cultivation facility on 19th Avenue and plans to add additional guest rooms at the former Andaz Hotel (now a Thompson Hotel) at 414 North Palm Canyon Drive.
- A review of the city’s emergency orders regarding COVID-19, which may include results of a recent public poll being conducted int he community by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce.
- A consent agenda item authorizing the issuance of a letter to the California Attorney General in support of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other organizations’ request for an investigation into the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Chad Bianco. The sheriff was recently revealed to have once paid for a membership in Oath Keepers, a far-right anti-government militia organization composed of current and former military and police.
To participate: Residents who wish to speak at the Council meeting may submit their comments to the Office of the City Clerk prior to the meeting no later than 5 PM. The phone number is 760-323-8204. At the appropriate time, a staff member will call members of the public to provide testimony. Written comments may be submitted to the City Council via email at cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov. You can watch the Council meeting live online at www.palmspringsca.gov, on the city’s YouTube channel, or on Palm Springs Community Television Channel 17.
BRIEFLY
MOVEMENT ON PROJECTS: An unfinished housing project along Rosa Parks Road is moving through City Hall again, receiving a public hearing Wednesday evening before the Palm Springs Planning Commission. The project, named Alure, was first proposed in 2007, but only four of 32 homes were constructed. The developer is now seeking to build 26 new homes on the remaining 28 lots. Deiter Crawford, vice president of the Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Action Association, said neighbors of the project support the construction but are opposed to it continuing as a gated community. “It’s been an eyesore in our community for the last decade,” he told Commission members. “The gates will prevent the flow of traffic in our community. They will prevent people from being able to walk through the neighborhood. We want to see more inclusive communities and more welcoming communities for everyone.” While some on the Planning Commission agreed that the project, as designed, does not appear to be a cohesive part of its surrounding community, members ultimately delayed a vote so that the developer could come back with more detailed plans for landscaping, streets, sidewalks, and improvements to the existing fencing. A nearby project — a 24-unit condominium project along West San Rafael Road, first approved in 2016 — was also the subject of a public hearing Wednesday. The Commission unanimously approved an application for that project to move forward.
HEARING ON FEE HIKES: The Palm Springs City Council is giving early notice that it plans to conduct a public hearing to discuss rate adjustments of up to 38 percent for some solid waste and recycling customers during its December 9 City Council meeting. Notices about the proposed increase and the public hearing appeared in Palm Springs Disposal Service (PSDS) customers’ mailboxes this week. If approved, both rate adjustments would affect bills for six months — January 1 through June 30 — next year. Council members agreed to move forward with the public hearing on the rate adjustments at their October 14 meeting. Find the complete story here.
TRACK OPENING? The track at Palm Springs High School, popular with runners and others looking for a place to exercise but closed in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, could open by late November. According to a Palm Springs Unified School District representative, construction currently taking place at the track prevents it from re-opening right now, but that construction is expected to be completed before the end of next month.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
DESERT WATER MEETING: The Executive Committee of Desert Water Agency meets virtually at 8 AM. A packet with the agenda and participation and viewing instructions will be available here when it is ready.
MIZELL EVENTS: The Mizell Center, 480 S. Sunrise Way, offers walking aerobics, a movie — Bennett’s War — and Tai Chi today as it continues to celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day all week long. The Mizell Center is located at 480 S. Sunrise Way. To attend the free classes and events, simply sign up at the ticket window.
STORYTIME: The Palm Springs Public Library offers story time for preschoolers starting at 10:30 AM via YouTube. Librarian Nancy Valdivia reads stories, sings songs, and shows early learning concepts (Wednesdays in Spanish and Thursdays in English). You can find more information here and watch the YouTube videos here.
WOMEN’S CHAT: The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert offers a chat group for all women — no matter how you identify — to discuss topics of interest and find connections every Thursday at 10:30 AM. You can find information about the event here.
NOT TEEN TALK: The Palm Springs Public Library’s teen librarian hosts an Instagram Live session each Thursday at 3:30 PM. To follow along, follow @psplteenzone on Instagram here.
TOURISM: The city’s Small Hotel Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Board meets virtually at 4 PM. Instructions for participating or viewing the meeting, as well as an agenda, can be found here.
SUNSHINE SISTERS: Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters is going to sing, dance, and socialize at O’Caine’s Irish pub in Rancho Mirage, starting at 5 PM. You can sign up to be part of the group formed to help women make new connections and friendships on Meetup here.
FOOD AVAILABLE: FIND Food Bank distributes food in the city today at a community food bank, 610 S. Belardo Rd., between 5 PM and 7 PM, and at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, 480 W. Tram View Rd., from 5 PM until 6:30 PM. A complete calendar of food distribution in the community this month is available here.
FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION: The Palm Springs Art Museum offers free admission from 5 PM to 7 PM this evening. Tickets are required and can be obtained here.
CITY COUNCIL: The Palm Springs City Council meets in closed session at 3:30 PM, and then in regular session at 5:30 PM. Instructions for participating or viewing the regular meeting, as well as an agenda for both meetings, can be found here.
VILLAGEFEST: The city’s weekly outdoor street fair takes place at 6 PM on Palm Canyon Drive downtown. The event includes vendor booths on both sides of the street, which is closed to vehicular traffic.
ONGOING & UPCOMING
LEATHER PRIDE: Palm Springs Leather Pride runs today through Sunday at multiple locations in the city and surrounding area. Events include the Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2021 Contest, the Formal Leather Dinner, clothing-optional pool parties at Canyon Club, a hosted Cigar Social at Barracks, as well as an evening Cruise Party and Vendor Mart at Tool Shed. Tickets for all of the events are available here.
SHREK PERFORMANCES: Palm Canyon Theatre’s production of Shrek The Musical continues this week and next, running through November 7. Showtimes are 7 PM on Thursdays, 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 PM on Sundays. Children under 12 get in free with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the performance. For tickets or other information, call the box office at 760-323-5123 or order online by visiting PalmCanyonTheatre.org. The theater is located at 538 N. Palm Canyon Dr., at the corner of Alejo Road. Box office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM until 4 PM.
MUSICAL: Girlfriend, a production of Palm Springs-based Dezart Performs, runs through Saturday, at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater, 71560 San Jacinto Dr., in Rancho Mirage. General admission is $45 in advance; tables for 6 PM. dinner seating is also available. For tickets or more information, call 760-322-0179, or visit dezartperforms.org. Find the complete story here.
AIDS WALK: The community’s largest gathering of HIV advocates comes together on Saturday, October 30, to walk toward ending the HIV and AIDS epidemics in the Coachella Valley. Complete details, including registration information, is available here.
CHILI AND CARS: Palm Springs Air Museum’s 13th Annual Chili Cook-Off and Car Show is planned for Saturday, October 30, beginning at 10 AM. For more information or to enter a vehicle, call 760-774-9936 or email packard1708@gmail.com. The museum is located at 745 N. Gene Autry Trail.
HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL: The Family Health & Support Network hosts a Halloween event from 4 PM until 7 PM Saturday, October 30, titled The Branch Halloween Festival. The event is open to children and families and will feature carnival games, raffles, prizes, scary escape rooms, candy, and more. The Branch Institute is located to the rear of First Baptist Church, 588 Rosa Parks Rd.
BOO BALL: The desert’s version of Met Gala returns in person this year when the third annual BOO BALL takes place on Saturday, October 30, at the Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail. The event begins at 6 PM and benefits Boo2Bullying, a locally-based nonprofit organization founded by Dimitri Halkidis. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, you can email info@boo2bullying.org or call 310-435-8528. You may also purchase tickets at this link. For the complete story, turn here.
HALLOWEEN HULLABALOO: The Palm Springs Cultural Center is planning a full day of Halloween films and festivities on Sunday, October 31, starting at 1 PM and going until 11 PM. Information on all events, as well as ticket information for individual events or all-day passes, can be found here.
BE A HERO BASH: The Be a Hero for Kids Halloween Bash, which benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, is slated for Sunday, October 31, from 4:30 PM until 7 PM. The event features costumes, cocktails, and culinary delights at the Palm Springs Hilton, 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Tickets for the event are available here.
HALLOWEEN ON ARENAS: Halloween weekend comes to an action-packed conclusion Sunday evening, October 31, as Arenas Road turns up the volume during its annual Palm Springs Halloween event starting at 4 PM. Information about VIP tickets is available here.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: The city of Palm Springs will celebrate Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), on November 1 from 5 PM until 8 PM at Palm Springs Pavilion, 401 S. Pavilion Way. There will be food (while supplies last), crafts, mariachis, altars, and a performance by the Palm Springs High School Folklorico Dance Team. Costumes are encouraged.
PALM SPRINGS PRIDE: The city’s largest celebration kicks off on November 1 and culminates with a parade on November 7. All week long, expect music, parties, and more throughout Palm Springs as the community gathers to celebrate and honor the strength, equality, and self-determination of the LGBTQ community. The parade will be held on Sunday, November 7, starting at 10 AM. For a complete list of all Pride events, including the musical lineup — headlined by Third Eye Blind — turn here.
PRIDE RUN: The Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk takes place Saturday, November 6 at 8 AM. The event is both in-person and virtual for 2021. Registration is available here.
SKATER GIRLZ JAM: Lesbo Expo Presents hosts a woman-identified LGBTQIA+ skateboarding eventon Saturday, November 6 at Palm Springs Skate Park, 405 S. Pavilion Way. The event includes a skateboarding clinic at 2:30 PM for anyone who wishes to participate. Gates will open for ticket holders and day-of ticket sales at 4:30 PM. The main event gets underway at 5 PM. prizes will be awarded for highest Ollie, longest boardslide in transition, longest manual, dizzy lick flips, youngest ollie, and more. Tickets are available here.
WELLNESS SUMMIT: Brothers of the Desert is conducting its third annual wellness summit focusing on Black gay men and their allies in the Coachella Valley and beyond in-person (and virtually) on Saturday, November 13, at Margaritaville Resort in Palm Springs, 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive. The one-day event runs from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM. It features innovative workshops, interactive discussions, and inspiring keynote presentations on a diverse range of topics, such as spirituality, sexuality and identity, emotional health, aging considerations, examining race, physical health, social advocacy and entrepreneurship. Registration for the event is available here.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Want to know what’s happening in your city and at agencies that make decisions affecting your neighborhood? See below for calendars, meeting agendas, and links to all city services, police reports, code enforcement reports, and more:
City of Palm Springs calendar of events | Eventos en Espanol
Official city contacts | Conectar en Espanol
Police Blotter | Submit a police report
Short-term rental map | Code compliance reports | Report a code violation
Palm Springs Public Library calendar of events
Palm Springs Unified School District calendar | Board meetings
Palm Springs High School athletics and other events
Desert Healthcare District Board of Directors meeting agendas
Transgender Health and Wellness Center calendar
LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert programs
Mizell Center calendar of events
Current road projects and closures
Palm Springs Disposal pickup schedule | Holiday schedules
Currently active development projects
