Jan. 13 Daily Briefing: Clustering concerns, library money, attack arrest, and more

Happy Tuesday, everyone, where we’re back with another opportunity to have your voice heard.  The Desert Healthcare District & Foundation is developing its next strategic plan to identify local health priorities that will guide their funding and programming decisions for the next five years and beyond, and they want to hear from you. Residents are invited to share what matters most to them at seven community listening sessions in February, including one in Palm Springs on Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Mizell Center — because the future of health in our community should include your voice!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Do I Wanna Know?” by Arctic Monkeys

LEADING OFF

Concerns about clustering of social services raised at meeting about 115-unit affordable housing project

A dozen residents from nearby neighborhoods attended a meeting Monday night to hear details about the San Rafael Apartments, planned for the northwest corner of McCarthy Road and San Rafael Drive, directly adjacent to the city’s Navigation Center.

Driving the news: The developers presented plans for the 115-unit development project which has not yet received Planning Commission or land-use approvals.

Why now: At this week’s City Council meeting, the council will consider giving the project a $2.25 million loan to assist with land acquisition for the project.

At issue: Several residents questioned why affordable housing developments and services appear concentrated in their neighborhood, with the Navigation Center, Martha’s Village services, and a warming center all nearby.

• “I understand that we need affordable housing. What I’m having an issue with is them all being in the same area,” said ShaCoya White.

The details: The project would serve households earning between 30% and 80% of area median income, with 56 one-bedroom units, 29 two-bedroom units, 29 three-bedroom units, and one manager’s unit.

What they’re saying: Darren Berberian, a representative of the developer, said the site was chosen because that’s the part of the city where a sufficient lot was available for purchase, “There’s not a lot of sites left. There’s not a lot of sites that are zoned (for this),” Berberian said.

• He added it was the city’s own housing department that reached out to affordable housing developers about three years ago because Palm Springs needs more affordable units.

What’s next: The project goes to the Planning Commission on Jan. 27, then to the city’s architectural committee likely in February. Construction could begin early next year if approved, with completion expected in early 2029.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

BRIEFLY

📚 Library foundation hits major fundraising milestone

• The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation has reached its first $1 million fundraising goal, unlocking a full $1 million match from the Library Board of Trustees and bringing the total to $2 million toward the library’s $52 million transformation.
  
• Major donors including Friends of the Palm Springs Public Library, the Jane Lykken Hoff Endowment Fund and the Lamb Family Foundation contributed alongside an anonymous $100,000 gift and dozens of donations ranging from $50 to $50,000. The campaign supports enhancements including flexible gathering spaces, a maker space, outdoor reading gardens, a teen center and a $5 million endowment.
  
• Bottom line: The foundation is working toward a $7 million goal to fund community-driven elements of the renovation, with $13 million in naming opportunities still available and the library’s reopening anticipated in 2027.

Dive deeper with our complete story

🚨 Man arrested in unprovoked stabbing

• Police arrested a 53-year-old Palm Springs man on Sunday in connection with a Dec. 31 stabbing on the CV Link trail. The victim, an adult male, was attacked around 11:30 a.m. after making eye contact with the suspect, who later approached wearing a ski mask, assaulted him and stabbed him during the altercation.
  
• The victim fought back before the suspect fled on foot. He then discovered he had been stabbed was treated at a local hospital before being released. Officers located the suspect on East Ramon Road, but he fled before being apprehended near the CV Link trail at Cimarron Golf Course.
  
• Details: The suspect was booked into jail on charges of attempted murder and resisting an officer. Police say the attack appears unprovoked, with no property demanded, and the motive remains under investigation.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Tai Chi
1 p.m. | Mizell Center
For those looking to understand the gentle, flowing movements of this Chinese mind-body practice. The Mizell center holds a beginner, intermediate, and advanced course for one hour each starting at 1 p.m. ($10)

Prostate Cancer Support Group
3 p.m. | The Center
This is a men’s group for those facing the fight at every stage, whether you are recently diagnosed or a survivor. The group is facilitated by a Prostate Cancer survivor himself.

ONE-PS Monthly Meeting
4:30 p.m. | Police Training Center
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) holds its monthly meeting to discuss neighborhood issues with city council members, public safety officers, and others. The meeting will also be available on YouTube.

An Evening of Italian Favorites with John Bayless
5 p.m. | Temple Isaiah
Join us for a special concert, performed by legendary pianist, composer, improviser, recording artist, and Artistic Director of PSIPC, John Bayless.  John’s taste, range and showmanship will shine through classics from Bach, The Beatles, Morricone, Puccini, and more! ($150)

Palm Springs Planning Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Commissioners meet to make recommendations on land use, zoning, and the city’s General Plan. Check out the agenda here.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• American Legion Youth Baseball Fundraiser with Robin Wilson of Gin Blossoms on Saturday
  
• Virtual San Rafael Apartments Community Meeting on Zoom on Jan. 20
  
• The Gand Band Jeanie Cunningham Star Fundraiser on Jan. 22
  
• Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival on Jan. 24
  
• Palm Springs Speaks with Cheech Marin on Feb. 10
  
• Palm Springs International Jazz Festival from Feb. 19-22

Submit your event here

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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 Dolly, a 1-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat who is new to the shelter. Staff say that she can be rather shy at first, but warms up quickly

• Staff also said she’s a fan of the quiet life and loves to lounge around.

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.