Dec. 9 Daily Briefing: Parade crash aftermath, Chick-fil-A on agenda, tree lighting, and more

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🎶 Setting the mood:  “The Party Line” by Belle and Sebastian

LEADING OFF

Planning Commission to consider Chick-fil-A project this week

A controversial project is finally on the city’s agenda after being on hold for several months. Chick-fil-A has its sights set on a new location in Palm Springs and developers are looking to build the restaurant at the intersection of Ramon Road and Gene Autry Trail.

Driving the news: The Palm Springs Planning Commission will hear from developers at its meeting on Wednesday and consider approving a conditional use permit for the redevelopment and demolition of the existing building.

Dive deeper: Plans for the project call for demolishing a building that owners say has had long-term vacancies other than a relocated T-Mobile cell phone shop. The new structure would be just under 6,000 square feet with indoor and outdoor dining and a three-lane drive-thru. 

What they’re thinking: City staff concluded that the proposal meets development standards, and recommended that the Planning Commission approve the project with conditions.

How we got here: At the beginning of the year, developers submitted an application to the city and soon after, residents noticed a sign at the proposed location announcing the project.

• The project has been on hold for several months as the new tenant and shopping center’s owner finalized lease terms. 

Why it matters: Chick-fil-A’s reputation is stained by past donations the company made to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations. Besides the company’s reputation, others are worried about traffic, which is known to be an issue at other locations.

• The restaurant would be only the second Chick-fil-A in the Coachella Valley if built.

Details: The regular meeting is open to the public at City Hall and begins at 5:30 p.m. You can submit comments via an online public comment form, in person, or by calling the Department of Planning Services at (760) 323-8245. The meeting will also be live on Zoom.

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BRIEFLY

🚨 Chief offers explanation for parade crash; 3 remain hospitalized

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills is standing by the decision to continue Saturday’s Festival of Lights Parade after a police motorcycle crashed into the crowd, injuring 11 spectators. He also provided a possible explanation for the cause of the incident.

• Mills said Sunday that the accident took place when a motorcycle officer, Ken Merenda, lost balance and inadvertently accelerated into the crowd, leading to multiple injuries, including his own. Despite this, parade organizers prioritized crowd control by proceeding with the event to avoid chaos from a mass exit, Mills said.
  
  
• Mills, Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein, and others visited the officer in the hospital Sunday, noting his concern for the injured spectators. Merenda, who suffered a severe wrist injury, is expected to recover hand mobility. There was no report Sunday on the conditions of the others who remain hospitalized.
  
  
• Bottom line: The California Highway Patrol and PSPD are investigating the incident. Mills urged the public to await the results before drawing conclusions about the accident’s cause or motorcycle officers’ actions during the parade.

Dive deeper with our complete report

🎓 COD interim president to seek permanent role

Laura Hope, the interim superintendent/president of College of the Desert since July 2023, has decided to apply for the permanent position, reversing her earlier decision. 

• The change comes after encouragement from the college community and a significant endorsement from Kaden Olson, president of the Associated Students of COD, during a board meeting on Nov. 15.
  
  
• In a statement, Hope emphasized her commitment to continuing initiatives aimed at student success and accessibility, such as the Power of Five internship program and the $5 Textbook Rental Program. 
  
  
• Next steps: The search for a permanent superintendent/president is ongoing, with interviews for semifinalists scheduled for Dec. 16 and Dec. 17. Hope will continue serving as interim through June.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
2:30 p.m. | Mizell Senior Center
This weekly support group offers a safe, confidential, supportive environment for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.

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 Town Hall
6 p.m. | PSUSD Service Center
Palm Springs Unified School District and African American Parent Advisory Council host a town hall meeting to address hate speech.

Holiday PJ Movie Night
6:30 p.m. | Play Lounge & Café
Bring your friends to enjoy festive movies every Monday in December all while relaxing in your cozy holiday PJs. Tonight’s film is “White Christmas”

“Christmas Actually”
7:30 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
The stars of four seasons of Bravo’s social series “The People’s Couch,” Emerson Collins and Blake Mciver Ewing, return to Palm Springs to launch a mini-tour of “Christmas Actually,” a two-man tour de force as they share their loves and hates of the holidays from classic holiday songs and medleys to the Christmas hits of today. ($40)

SAVE THE DATE

• Grand Opening PROULX galleries | studios on Tuesday.
  
  
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage starts in downtown Palm Springs on Thursday.
  
  
• 2024 Walk of the Inns on Thursday.
  
  
• The Great Catsby Book Club at Frisky Business Cat Cafe on Thursday.
  
  
• A DAP Health Community Conversation online on Thursday.
  
  
• Palm Springs City Council Meeting at City Hall on Thursday. 
  
  
• Christmas Movie in the Park at Sunrise Park on Friday.
  
  
• Holiday Paw Parade & Pet Costume Contest at Victoria Park on Saturday.
  
  
• Friends of the Library Holiday Bazaar at the Palm Springs Public Library on Saturday. 
  
  
• Desert Film Society Screenings on Dec. 21.

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AND FINALLY …

The city officially kicked off its holiday season late Friday afternoon with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Frances Stevens Park.

Driving the news: After the audience on hand counted down, Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein pushed the button that lit the city tree. City officials and Mayor Pro Tem Ron deHarte were joined by parade honorees and Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrived via a fire truck earlier in the afternoon.

Zoom in: Thanks to staff at the Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department, children and adults enjoyed hot chocolate, treats, and crafts while waiting for the lighting.

But wait: Prior to the tree lighting, Main Street Palm Springs President Joy Brown Meredith and the mayor handed out awards to students who earned prizes in the annual holiday banner decorating contest.

Dozens of area students entered the annual contest. The winning entries can be seen hanging downtown throughout the holiday season.