Jan. 2 Daily Briefing: Smoking rule changes, homeless count help needed, and more

Welcome to Thursday, and to 2025! As we greet the new year, we want to acknowledge a few nice moments that happened in our city right as the last year was ending. Congratulations go out to Wes Winter, executive director at Mizell Center, Police Lt. Frank Browning, Deputy Fire Chief Jason Loya (and Ranger, who we wrote about here ) on their retirements, and to Councilmember Grace Garner on her New Year’s Eve wedding. Best of luck to all!

🎶 Setting the mood: “All I Wanna Do” by The Beach Boys

LEADING OFF

Smoking ban stalls as bars, LGBTQ+ community push back

The Palm Springs Sustainability Commission has postponed action on a proposed smoking ban expansion amid opposition from bar owners and the LGBTQ+ community. The delay allows for additional community outreach and refinement of the ordinance language.

Driving the news: Among other things, the proposed ordinance changes would ban smoking in outdoor areas of bars and restaurants, raising concerns about economic impact and cultural significance.

• Critics argue the ban could lead to a decline in patronage, particularly affecting LGBTQ+ nightlife.

Why now: The proposed changes come at a time when the city is kicking off a Blue Zones initiative aimed at improving residents’ health and longevity.

The opposition: Several residents and business owners submitted public comments last month opposing the changes, citing potential negative effects on tourism and the local economy.

• Many urged the commission to exclude bars and their outdoor patios from the proposed smoking restrictions.

Next steps: The commission plans to form a subcommittee to refine the ordinance language and address concerns.

• City staff will reach out to business associations, hotels, and economic development officials for more diverse perspectives.

The bottom line: No timeline has been set for when the commission will revisit the proposed ordinance changes, allowing time for additional community input and refinement.

Dive deeper with our complete story here

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BRIEFLY

👥 County seeking volunteers for 2025 homeless count

Riverside County is looking for volunteers to participate in the 2025 homeless Point-In-Time count, an event that provides a snapshot of the homeless population of the county, including here in Palm Springs.

• The data collected helps determine federal homeless relief funding distribution and informs policymakers about the effectiveness of current programs.
  
  
• The count will also provide direct linkages to services and shelter referrals for homeless individuals encountered during the survey. No prior experience is necessary, but volunteers must have a smartphone or tablet to participate in training and be able to walk up to two hours.
  
  
• Details: This year’s count will be held on Jan. 22 at 5:30 a.m. All those interested in participating are encouraged to register here.

🚔 Arrest made after reported reckless driving

Palm Springs police arrested a 24-year-old Cathedral City man on suspicion of reckless driving, resisting an officer, and possession of a controlled substance early Tuesday morning after he was observed allegedly driving recklessly without headlights. 

• Police said the man was driving a white Jeep recklessly on North Indian Canyon Drive and eventually turned the vehicle’s lights off to avoid detection. The pursuit ended at Corazon Avenue and Bon Air Drive where he abandoned the vehicle and ran. He was found hiding in a backyard following a drone-assisted search.
  
  
• Bottom line: After being located, the suspect was detained without incident. Inmate records show he was booked into the Indio jail and was later released. The case involves multiple charges.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Palm Springs International Film Festival
The 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival starts today and there are screenings of films, new and old, all weekend, as well as the festival’s “Talking Pictures” conversations with actors and directors.  

Women’s Chat Group
10:30 a.m. | Online
This chat group is for all women (no matter how you identify) to discuss topics of interest and find connection. Register online here.

Amigos CV
4:30 p.m. | The Center
Amigos Coachella Valley is a peer-support and open discussion group that provides a safe space for Latino men. 

Art Museum Free Admission
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum 
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collection at your own pace. Then, head outside to the sculpture garden, where a DJ will set the mood with a carefully curated playlist that blends genres and eras. 

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs  
The street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food.

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Vintage Market at the parking lot north of Agua Caliente Casino on Sunday.
  
  
• Rock The Park with Led Zepagain on Jan. 8 in Downtown Park.
  
  
• Coachella Valley Media Hall of Fame luncheon on Jan. 14.
  
  
• Bird Singing and Oral Tradition at the Agua Caliente Cultural Center on Jan. 23.

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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 Chase, the 1-year-old powerhouse! Staff at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter say this energetic pup is looking for an active and adventurous household. He loves to run, explore, and play, but he also knows when to settle down and enjoy cuddles when playtime is over. 

• He gets along well with other dogs who have a similar play style, but he needs some work on leash manners.

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.