Feb. 19 Daily Briefing: Warehouse reviewed, latest star announced, our pet of the week, and more

Happy Wednesday, where we’re getting on our bikes and doing a lap in memory of Donald Shoup. Those of you who know us well know we’re both huge planning and land use nerds, and Shoup — who passed away earlier this month at 86 — was a giant in the field. The UCLA professor was known for revealing how zoning codes contribute to excessive car reliance in many cities. His findings earned him academic praise and made him a hero among his fans, known as “Shoupistas.” He was also featured prominently in a book we both highly recommend, “Paved Paradise” by Henry Grabar, which explains how parking has an outsized impact on American life.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Heart It Races” by Dr. Dog

LEADING OFF

Committee approves design, with minor changes, for massive warehouse

A 730,000-square-foot warehouse planned for property in the city limits passed the muster of the Palm Springs Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Tuesday evening, a final step before construction after winning the earlier approval of the Palm Springs City Council and Planning Commission.

Driving the news: Members of the committee voted 4-0 to approve the proposed development, pending superficial changes to the landscaping and paint.

Details: Once completed, the building will be 50 feet tall, two stories, and stand on 38 acres of land at the northwest corner of North Indian Canyon Drive and 19th Avenue, one street away from another large warehouse also planned for the city.

Looking back: In January 2022, the City Council approved a landmark change to the city’s zoning code, allowing for fulfillment centers and warehouses to be built in a portion of the city north of Interstate 10.

Why it matters: The Inland Empire to the west of Palm Springs is the country’s capital of warehouse and fulfillment centers, with more than 4,000 such buildings dotting the landscape beside the freeway.

• It also consistently ranks as one of the most polluted regions in the country.

By the numbers: The 700 to 1,000 jobs that the project promises to bring to the city might not be long term careers, as the chair of the committee noted.

What they’re saying: “This feels like the kind of occupation that goes away with automation,” Lance O’Donnell said. “The trucks will come without people. Everything happens without people, and are we going to be saddled with the building that has all of this parking.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🌟 Palm Springs Walk of Stars to honor Susie Coelho

Susie Coelho, author, TV personality, and entrepreneur, will receive the 475th star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars on Feb. 28.

• Coelho’s connection to Palm Springs spans nearly five decades, beginning in 1975 when she and her late husband, Sonny Bono, became prominent figures in the community.
  
• The star recognizes her contributions in humanitarian work, entertainment, design, and literature.
  
• Details: The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce announced Coelho’s star unveiling ceremony is set for 3:30 p.m. at 145 South Palm Canyon Drive.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Modernism Week
Running through Feb. 23, Modernism Week returns for its 20th Anniversary. Featuring more than 350 events including the Palm Springs Modernism Show, CAMP, tours of iconic homes in more than 30 neighborhoods, and the popular Signature Home Tour.

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Start the day with other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters with breakfast and conversation.

Morning Coffee Book Club
10:30 a.m. | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
Members will discuss “The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas” (Illustrated Edition) by Gertrude Stein and illustrated by Maira Kalman, next month, they’re reading “The Great Believers” by Rebecca Makkai. Join the book club by signing up here.

The Mod Squad Variety Show
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of musical hijinks and hilarity with award-winning hosts. Tickle your musical senses with their fun and unique arrangements of Mid-Century Pop Music, Yacht Rock, Rat Pack, classic oldies & a whole lot more. ($20)

Palm Springs Airport Commission Meeting
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Airport Conference Room
At this meeting, commissioners will hear updates on employment and capital improvement programs. 

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)

Highway 111 Pavement Rehabilitation Project
Caltrans is working this year on rehabilitating the pavement of a large section of Highway 111. Check out the full map and see how your drive around town might be impacted.

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs International Pride Hockey Tournament at the Berger Foundation Iceplex on Friday.
  
• McCormick’s 78th Car Show & Auction at the Palm Springs Convention Center starting Friday.
  
• 38th Annual Black History Parade & Town Fair on Palm Canyon Drive on Saturday.
  
• Desert Pet Walk at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Saturday.
  
• Tayloraye Kaftans Trunk Show at Market Market on Sunday.
  
• Road Reconfiguration Project Community Meetings at the Demuth Community Center on Feb. 25 and 26.
  
• Agua Caliente Speaker Series: Language Revitalization at the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza on Feb. 26. ($15) 
  
• Library Book Sale at the JC Frey Building at the Palm Springs Public Library on Feb. 28 and March 1.
  
• “Grand Concourse” at Dezart Performs starting Feb. 28.
  
• District 2 Community Meeting at Vista del Monte Elementary School on March 3.

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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 Esme, a 5-year-old female Miniature Pinscher/Chihuahua mix. Staff at the shelter call her, “A tiny queen with a big personality!”

• Staff said Esme is on the lookout for a home where she can be the star of the show as the only dog, in an environment where her spirited nature can shine.
  
• “With the right person, Esme’s loyal and affectionate side truly shines. She’s looking for an experienced and understanding owner who will embrace her quirks and give her the loving home she deserves.”

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days except for Mondays (open for intake only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter at (760) 416-5718.

• Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here. And get a jump start on adoption by completing the form here.