Jan. 23 Daily Briefing: Homeless count, Council preview, Black history gala, and more

Welcome to Thursday, everyone. If you’re a fan of the late Trini Lopez, you should note you can can now visit an exhibit dedicated to the singer at the Palm Springs Historical Society’s museum located at 221 South Palm Canyon Drive. Curated by musicians Gary and Joan Gand, the display features his guitars, costumes, gold records, and other items, alongside the film “My Name is Lopez.” The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except Sundays (12 p.m. to 3 p.m.) and Tuesdays when it’s closed. While you’re there, make sure to explore Ruddy’s General Store, a nearby attraction recommended by one local this week as a hidden gem (it is!).

🎶 Setting the mood: “Lose Yourself to Dance” by Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams

LEADING OFF

Point-in-Time Count reveals possible progress amid collaborative efforts

City and county officials said Wednesday they were pleased to see fewer individuals living on the streets of Palm Springs during this year’s Homeless Point-In-Time Count compared to 2023, but cautioned that the findings are just a snapshot of what the unhoused population looks like here, not an exact number.

Driving the news: Roughly 80 volunteers panned out across the city to count and interview those they found living outside Wednesday morning. Fewer were found, which could indicate recent efforts to address the homelessness crisis in Palm Springs and throughout Riverside County might be paying off. 

• “I’m surprised at how few people we’ve run into — very different from two years ago,” said Greg Rodriguez, deputy director of government affairs and community engagement for Riverside County’s Housing and Workforce Solutions Department.

Zoom in: The reduction is attributed to joint efforts by Riverside County, the city, and local law enforcement, as well as last year’s opening of the Palm Springs Navigation Center, which provides a broad range of services aimed at getting people back into permanent housing.

What they’re saying: “We’re heading in the right direction as a city,” Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said as the count was wrapping up. “Let’s keep moving forward with compassion, while maintaining a firm stance that we will not tolerate behaviors associated with some homeless.”

Why it matters: The count, mandated by HUD, helps determine funding and resources allocated for addressing homelessness.

The big picture: Despite progress, challenges persist in outreach efforts. Some unhoused individuals choose not to accept available assistance due to personal reasons, including substance abuse issues or concerns about shelter policies.

Next steps: Preliminary data from Wednesday’s effort will be released in March, with a complete report available in April.

Dive deeper with Maggie Miles’ complete story.

---

BRIEFLY

🏗️ Council to consider appeal of massive warehouse approval

The Palm Springs City Council will hear an appeal of the Planning Commission’s Dec. 4 decision to approve an environmental impact report for the 739,000 square foot warehouse to be located at the northwest corner of North Indian Canyon Drive and 19th Avenue when it meets in regular session tonight.

• Also on the agenda is a discussion about temporarily lifting the city’s rules about the annual maximum number of vacation rentals as it relates to evacuees from the Los Angeles-area fires.
  
  
• The regular meeting is open to the public in Council Chambers at City Hall and broadcast live on the city’s YouTube channel and Spectrum channel 17.
  
  
• How to participate: You can submit comments via an online public comment form, in person, or by calling the city clerk’s office at (760) 323-8204. Check out the rest of the agenda online here.

🏘️ Planning Commission approves 60-unit complex

The Palm Springs Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a major development permit for the 60-unit Siena Townhomes project on the site of a former motel along North Palm Canyon Drive.

• The 4.37-acre development is located at the site of a former Shiloh Inn and was once eyed for the Tova Hotel and Beach Club. It will feature two- and three-bedroom townhouses with attached garages, a community clubhouse, pool, and dog park. 
  
  
• Commissioners debated design elements and requested modifications, including adding shade trees and public benches, creating unisex restrooms, and ensuring uniform pool depth.
  
  
• Next up: The project now moves to the Architectural Review Committee for further refinement of building colors, window designs, and landscaping.

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

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.

Palm Springs City Council
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Councilmembers meet to discuss several issues.  check out the agenda here.

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

An Evening with figure skater Randy Gardner
7 p.m. | Cultural Center
Enjoy a screening of the film “Go Figure: The Randy Gardner Story,” which explores the athlete’s true identity through figure skating and his one-man show. The screening will be followed by an interview and audience Q&A with the world champion and two-time Olympian. Check out a trailer of the film here. ($25)

“The Light in the Piazza”
7 p.m. | Coachella Valley Repertory
Filled with a beautiful blend of classical and Broadway melodies, this award-winning musical will remind you of how art and love transcend all borders. Running through Feb. 9. ($90)

“A Very Sordid Wedding”
7 p.m. | Palm Canyon Theatre
The performance explores bigotry and the fallout that transpires when gay marriage comes to communities and families are not quite ready to accept it. ($32)

View all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Library Book Sale at the Palm Springs Public Library on Friday and Saturday in the adjacent JC Frey building.
  
  
• Desert Open Studios 2025 starting Friday.
  
  
• “Addicted Idol” staged reading at Revolution Stage Company on Saturday. ($10)
  
  
• Community Clean-Up event at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center on Saturday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival on Saturday.
  
  
• Black History Committee Awards Gala at the Hilton Palm Springs on Feb. 1. ($100)
  
  
• Boston Brass Live in concert on Feb. 4 at PSHS. ($15-$25)
  
  
• Desert Pet Walk at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Feb. 22.

---

AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs Black History Committee is gearing up for its 15th Annual Awards Gala, a celebration of African-American achievements and contributions to the community on Feb. 1. 

Driving the news: The gala serves as a platform to honor those who have made significant impacts on African-American progress and societal advancement.

• The committee emphasizes the importance of allies and contributors in fostering success within the African-American community.

Why it matters: The event aims to recognize individuals, groups, and businesses that have supported African-American success.

• Among the honorees is Desert X, which announced Wednesday announced it will be receiving the Community Partnership Award.

The details: The gala will take place at the Hilton in Palm Springs, featuring a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by the main event at 7 p.m. 

• Tickets can be found here and are priced at $100. They include a three-course meal and entry to the awards ceremony. Ticket sales close on Jan. 27.