Jan. 10 Daily Briefing: Moratorium rejected, drone money approved, help for fire victims, and more

TGIF, everyone, where we have an important notice for those of you planning to attend the free shredding event at the convention center tomorrow from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.: Due to unforeseen circumstances, E-waste and bulky items will NOT be accepted. Note that Palm Springs Disposal allows residential and single-family subscribers free scheduled collection of appliances, furniture, eWaste, and tires. You can turn here for more information about how to get those items picked up.  

🎶 Setting the mood: “Birds Don’t Sing” by TV Girl

LEADING OFF

Council rejects drive-thru moratorium, opts for study

The Palm Springs City Council has elected to study new regulations for drive-thru businesses rather than impose an immediate pause, highlighting growing tensions between economic development and environmental concerns.

Driving the news: A proposal by Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein to place a hold on new drive-thru approvals was rejected Thursday in favor of exploring potential regulations as part of an ongoing zoning code update due in 2026. 

• The city currently has 27 drive-thru businesses and is processing applications for three more, including a Chick-Fil-A and an In-N-Out.

Why it matters: The decision comes at a pivotal moment for the city, which is undertaking its first comprehensive zoning code update since 1988. 

• The debate exemplifies larger questions about how the city can modernize while maintaining its economic competitiveness with neighboring communities.

The debate: Councilmembers expressed sharply different views on the role of drive-thrus in the city’s future. While Bernstein argued they conflict with goals for sustainability and walkable neighborhoods, Councilmember David Ready warned against appearing hostile to businesses. 

• Mayor Pro Tem Naomi Soto advocated for a more nuanced approach, noting that drive-thrus serve essential purposes beyond fast food, particularly for elderly and sick residents seeking pharmacy services.

What’s next: As directed by the Council, city staff will spend the next three to four months preparing a comprehensive report examining potential regulations, including location restrictions and design standards.

• Ultimately, the findings will inform the broader zoning code update, with particular attention to whether certain services like banks and pharmacies should be treated differently than restaurants.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

👮‍♂️ Drone program for police approved by City Council

The Palm Springs City Council on Thursday approved a three-year purchase agreement for drones, docking stations, and software designed to enhance the city police department’s emergency response capabilities. 

• PSPD says the drones will be incorporated into its emergency response framework, for use during service calls. The purchase agreement includes three drones and docking stations, which will be placed atop a downtown building and fire stations in north and south Palm Springs.
  
  
• The entire $111,000 purchase is fully funded by a Board of State and Community Corrections grant.
  
  
• Bottom line: At a community meeting in November, PSPD staff tried to address community concerns like surveillance. “We’re focusing on saving lives and keeping the community safe,” Lt. William Hutchinson said. “We’re not just flying it around just to look around.”

🚨 Arrest made in shooting case

The Palm Springs Police Department has arrested a 20-year-old Desert Hot Springs man in connection with a shooting near Andreas Road and North Palm Canyon Drive last Oct. 17. 

• The arrest follows a police response to a shooting where two juvenile victims were hospitalized, with one in critical condition. Both victims have been released and are recovering.
  
  
• Detectives utilized surveillance footage and witness accounts, identifying the suspect responsible for the shooting that took place during a large altercation involving juveniles. he was apprehended in North Palm Springs on Jan. 2 and booked into jail on multiple counts of attempted murder.
  
  
• Bottom line: Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills called out not only the investigative work of the department, but also the cooperation of and downtown businesses in identifying the suspect.

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YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS

• 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival at multiple locations.
  
  
• Andrea McArdle: Confessions Of A Broadway Baby at the Purple Room Supper Club at 6 p.m. all weekend. ($50)

TODAY

• Paradise Road Show motorcycle event at Ace Hotel & Swim Club at 2 p.m. ($40)
  
  
• TGIF Trivia at Play Lounge & Café at 6:30 p.m.
  
  
• Country Western Dancing at Dance Ranch Palm Springs at 7:30 p.m. ($5)
  
  
• Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso at 8 p.m. ($15)

SATURDAY

• Free Shredding Event at the Palm Springs Convention Center from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.
  
  
• Certified Farmers’ Market at the Cultural Center at 8 a.m.

SUNDAY

• Mah Jong Meetup at Play Lounge and Cafe at 1 p.m.

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AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs Hospitality Association (PSHA) is offering discounted hotel rates to victims of the Los Angeles County wildfires, providing a safe haven for those displaced.

Driving the news: The initiative, backed by the city of Palm Springs, has seen several local hotels participate, offering special rates for fire evacuees. The Saguaro Palm Springs and Hilton Palm Springs are among those offering rooms at reduced rates with specific promo codes.

• Other participating hotels include Rowan Palm Springs, Avalon Hotel Palm Springs, Ingleside Estate, and more. Evacuees can contact these hotels directly for room availability and specific rates.

Community response: Celeste M. Brackley, PSHA board member and vice chair of PS Resorts, expressed the hospitality community’s desire to help evacuees find comfort at a discounted rate. Mayor Ron deHarte also welcomed those seeking refuge in Palm Springs, thanking the hospitality community for their support.

• Brackley emphasized the community’s compassion, stating, “Our hearts are with all that are worried about or have lost their homes.”

The bigger picture: This effort aims to provide comfort and temporary shelter for tens of thousands of people affected by the fires. By offering discounted rates, the Palm Springs hospitality community hopes to alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty faced by evacuees.

• For more information and a complete list of participating hotels, turn here.