Dec. 8 Daily Briefing: Warehouse input urged, popular eatery for sale, holiday tree lit, and more

Welcome to Monday! Over the weekend, we kicked off our second and final fundraising drive of the year with this message: Four years ago, consistent coverage of Palm Springs City Hall barely existed. Today, we’re in the room for every council meeting, every planning decision, every budget discussion — because this city deserves journalism that shows up. We can only keep going with your support. If you’re in a position to help us, please consider donating today.

🎶 Setting the mood: “I Thought It Was You” by Herbie Hancock

LEADING OFF

Massive warehouse project on tribal land draws urgent push for public input

Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte and Oswit Land Trust launched urgent campaigns over the weekend urging residents to submit comments on a proposed 2.85-million-square-foot warehouse complex on tribal land before today’s deadline. Both acted after first learning about the project Friday.

Driving the news: DeHarte emailed residents Saturday saying he only learned of the proposal the previous day and stressed that “the City Council is not pushing this item through.” 

• He called submitting written comments to the tribe by today’s deadline “the most critical action you can take right now.”

Why it matters: The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has full decision-making authority over the 217-acre site near I-10 and Highway 111 because it’s held in trust. The Palm Springs City Council cannot approve or deny the development.

• The public outcry followed a report in The Post on Friday that the project appeared on The Palm City Council’s Wednesday Dec. 10 agenda.

The opposition: Oswit Land Trust submitted a formal comment letter urging the tribe to select the “no project” alternative, citing air-quality impacts, wildlife-corridor disruption, water-demand concerns, and the project’s location within the valley’s sand-transport system.

Zoom in: The tribe’s environmental review found that operational air emissions would exceed regional thresholds and result in a “significant and unavoidable” impact.

What’s next: Residents can submit written comments by end of day today to mtristan@aguacaliente-nsn.gov. 

• DeHarte said he is asking that the item be pulled from the agenda and is encouraging the tribe to hold a public meeting.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

💰 Billy Reed’s up for sale as owner plans retirement

• Billy Reed’s, the Palm Springs dining institution at 1800 North Palm Canyon Drive that celebrated its 50th anniversary Sunday, is for sale at $7.5 million as the owner prepares for retirement, according to a listing in a popular online business marketplace. 
  
• The 13,102-square-foot property features seating for 340 people, 110 parking spaces and is located near several hotels including Riviera Resort & Spa. Listed as a turnkey operation, it includes 63 employees.
  
• Bottom line: Documents included with the listing describe the offering as a “once-in-a-generation chance” to acquire a business that is “truly loved by the community,” with seller financing available. It also reports that the restaurant generates $7 million in annual income and comes complete with all recipes.

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Water Aerobics
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Swim Center
Get some low-impact exercise at the swim center every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with instructor Donna Newton! ($5)

Mahjong Monday
1 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Come play the American version of Mahjong with others. Play Lounge has two mats and sets, but feel free to bring your own. 

Monday Night Dance Party with Leanna and Miguel
5 p.m. | V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar
Join Leanna and Miguel for a night of dancing to jazz, Latin, pop, disco, and more. ($5)

Human Rights Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Human Rights commissioners gather for their regular meeting tonight at city hall and online via Zoom. 

PSUSD AAPAC
6 p.m. | PSUSD Headquarters
The African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) cordially invites you to join them at their meetings and become a member of AAPAC!

Adult Tap Dance Class

6:30 p.m. | Leisure Center Dance Studio

Adult intermediate tap starts at 6:30 p.m., and “absolute beginners” adult tap is at 7:30 p.m. (“Two left feet are optional.”) ($20)

Palm Springs Icons

7:30 p.m. | The Plaza Theatre

Celebrate the grand reopening of the historic Plaza Theatre with Palm Springs Icons, an unforgettable one-night-only tribute to legendary artists, entertainers, and visionaries who helped shape the cultural soul of Palm Springs ($82)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Stewardship: Dedication to Conservation talk at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum on Wednesday.
  
• Fundraiser for Shop with a Cop at Palm Springs Tennis Club on Friday.
  
• Psychedelic Society documentary “Last Journey” on Saturday.
  
• Palm Springs Police Department Blood Drive on Dec. 16.
  
• Palm Springs Speaks with Rob Reiner on Dec. 16.
  
• Jews Do The Blues on Dec. 17.
  
• Palm Springs Santa Pub Crawl on Dec. 18.

Submit your event here

---

AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs officially launched its holiday season Friday evening with the annual tree lighting ceremony and 33rd Banner Awards at Frances Stevens Park, drawing city officials, parade grand marshals, and residents to celebrate.

Driving the news: The 26-foot illuminated tree now anchors downtown’s holiday display, complemented by 50 winning banners selected from more than 700 student submissions that line city streets throughout the season.

• Saturday’s Festival of Lights Parade continued the celebrations. You can watch a taped broadcast of the NBC Palm Springs coverage here.

Why it matters: The coordinated celebrations mark the 33rd year of the banner competition and represent a community tradition that brings together multiple generations while supporting local businesses during the crucial holiday shopping season.

What’s next: The holiday decorations and student banners remain on display throughout December. You can find our list of holiday events here.