Jan. 28 Daily Briefing: Tree ordinance update, remains discovered, cleanup a success, and more

Welcome to Tuesday, everyone. Hopefully you’re aware of the SR 111 Roadway Project — roadway improvements on State Route 111 from Golf Club Drive to West Gateway Drive that are being completed by Caltrans in coordination with the city. As construction crews work their way along the route all this year, you’ll want to turn here for the details. Today, we’d like to bring to your attention the fact that the driveway on Gene Autry Trail to access The Springs shopping plaza was closed yesterday and will be for approximately two weeks.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads

LEADING OFF

Commission considers mandating 2-for-1 replacement ratio in tree ordinance

The Palm Springs Sustainability Commission is considering new rules that would require property owners to replace large trees they remove at a two-for-one ratio. The measure aims to preserve urban forests and maintain the city’s green infrastructure.

Driving the news: An ordinance under consideration would mandate replacing trees 12 inches or larger in diameter with two new trees, working through the city’s existing planning department landscape process.

• Officials acknowledge space constraints may prevent some properties from accommodating two replacement trees, in which case alternative arrangements would be considered.

Yes but: Local nurseries, real estate companies, and landscaping firms may face new challenges once the ordinance is approved. City staff plan to conduct outreach to educate businesses about the new requirements.

Why now: The measure comes as cities nationwide grapple with maintaining urban forests amid climate challenges.

What’s next: The commission will formally vote on whether to recommend the changes at its February meeting. If approved, the issue would come before the Palm Springs City Council for a first reading in March.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🚨 Skeletal remains spark investigation

Human skeletal remains were discovered in a gorge near Southridge Drive and Araby Trail in Palm Springs on Friday, prompting an investigation by The Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) in collaboration with the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.

• PSPD officers responded to a report of the remains Friday evening around 6:30 p.m. and the PSPD Search and Rescue Team assisted in securing the scene to preserve evidence. The identity of the deceased and the duration of the remains’ presence at the location are currently unknown.
  
  
• The latest: For now, the Riverside County Coroner’s Office has taken custody of the remains and is working with investigators to identify the deceased and determine the cause of death.

🍴Tribe launches $100K restaurant grant program

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has established a new grant program offering up to $100,000 to support restaurants and bars located on its land that pay tribal food and beverage sales tax.

• The Taxpayer Business Improvement Grant Fund will provide individual grants up to $20,000 for seating capacity improvements and $5,000 for beautification projects including furnishings, lighting, facades, fixtures, marketing, and technology upgrades.
  
  
• Additional funding includes grants for Restaurant Week participation and a $25,000 vandalism repair fund offering up to $2,000 per business.
  
  
• Details: Applications are due Feb. 21, with interested business owners directed to contact the tribe’s Tax Department at 760-699-6975, or email rtucker@aguacaliente-nsn.gov for more information.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Lunchtime Music On The Patio
11:30 a.m | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
Every Tuesday in January, the Welwood Murray Memorial Library downtown is offering a chill lunchtime live music program from the Simon Duo, with Adriana Simon on vocals and Robert Simon on acoustic guitar.

Melba Miller’s Jazz Oasis
5:30 p.m. | Cultural Center
Join songstress Melba Miller and special guests for an evening dedicated to serious listeners and lovers of Jazz. ($22)

PSUSD Board of Education Meeting
6 p.m. | PSUSD Headquarters
The Board of Education meetings tonight, check out the agenda here.

Libros, Té y Más: Spanish book club
6 p.m. | Library
This week, the group is discussing “Si quieres, puedes ser feliz” by Raúl Espinoza Aguilera. Next month, they’re discussing Enamórate de ti by Walter Riso. Join the club and mailing list by signing up here.

SAVE THE DATE

• Black History Committee Awards Gala at the Hilton Palm Springs on Saturday. ($100)
  
  
• Our Voices Our Stories: Celebrating Black Authors at the Mizell Center on Saturday.
  
  
• Boston Brass Live in concert on Feb. 4 at PSHS. ($15-$25)
  
  
• Black History Month Kick-Off at the Palm Springs Art Museum on Feb. 6.
  
  
• “Racist Trees” film screening at the Cultural Center on Feb. 16. ($28)
  
  
• Black History Month Adult Basketball Tournament at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center on Feb. 17.
  
  
• 38th Annual Black History Parade & Town Fair on Palm Canyon Drive on Feb. 22.
  
  
• Desert Pet Walk at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Feb. 22.

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AND FINALLY …

Over the weekend, neighbors came together for what organizers hope will be the start of many successful community cleanups.

Driving the news: The event held Saturday in a northern Palm Springs neighborhood was the first in a series of community cleanups organized and supported in part by the city. 

• It was sponsored by the city’s Office of Sustainability in collaboration with the Desert Highland Gateway Estates Neighborhood Organization and with support from Palm Springs Disposal Service.

Details: The city had participants register to make sure there was enough materials like trash grabbers and volunteer T-shirts. In attendance were neighbors, community leaders, and high school students who participated as a way to earn service hours.

What to watch for: LP McCloy, director of the city’s Office of Sustainability, said organizers hope to do another community cleanup sometime in March or April, and to keep an eye on their social media on Instagram (@ps.sustainability) and NextDoor for details.