Jan. 31 Daily Briefing: Progress on retail project, a warning from the power company, our pet of the week, and more

Happy Wednesday, everyone! This week’s weather has been downright wonderful, so we wouldn’t blame you if you’re ready to retire your sweats and break out the shorts. However … you might want to think twice. A new “pineapple express” is about to arrive in California with a fresh source of moisture that stretches back to Hawaii. Here in the desert, you can expect light to moderate rain starting tomorrow (Thursday) at 6 a.m. and lasting through the evening. Of course, that means more snow in the mountains that surround us, so there’s at least one thing to look forward to. 

🎶 Setting the mood:  “All that Jazz” by Chita Rivera

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LEADING OFF

Cody Place retail additions inch ahead after Planning Commission review

The Palm Springs Planning Commission has approved, with proposed changes, the plan for a mixed-use development on 1.26 acres adjacent to Cody Place at the northeast corner of South Palm Canyon Drive and East Mesquite Avenue.

Driving the news: During its regular monthly meeting on Jan. 24, the commission discussed proposed amendments to the final plans for the retail/commercial component of the development, currently planned to include three buildings totaling 12,300 square feet.

• The changes include a minor reconfiguration of the site, a reduction in building square footage, and alterations to the architectural design, landscape, and materials.
  
  
• The aim of the changes is to align the commercial development more closely with the modern architecture of the adjacent residential component.

Commissioner’s concerns: The commission focused on the location of parking spaces, landscaping screening requirements, and the potential for future restaurant use necessitating a parking management plan.

• Concerns were particularly noted regarding parking facing South Palm Canyon Drive, with suggestions to remove or modify fencing around the property to enhance pedestrian access.

In response: The Olson Trust, which is developing the project, agreed to the commission’s recommendations, including the removal of the wrought iron fence to open up the development to the public and the addition of a pedestrian access point along South Palm Canyon Drive.

• It was also agreed that nine parking spaces along South Palm Canyon Drive would be turned into flexible space, potentially serving as a plaza, and to revisit the architectural design of building three.

What’s next: The revised plans, incorporating the commission’s feedback, will next be presented to the city’s Architectural Review Committee.

BRIEFLY

💡 SCE: Utility scams cost city residents thousands last year

Palm Springs residents have been swindled out of thousands of dollars by scammers pretending to be from the utility company Southern California Edison (SCE).

• SCE said this week that the scammers set up a fake website that appears in online searches for “new utility service” and tricked thousands of customers into giving up their information and cash. City resident were scammed out of $4,832 in 2023, the highest amount in the valley.
  
  
• To avoid falling for the scams, SCE advises you to closely examine any and all communication claiming to be from SCE, the only real url is sce.com. The utility will never accept prepaid Visa cards, Bitcoin, Zelle, or Venmo. 
  
  
• Bottom line: You can check out more tips online here. And if you have gotten one of these fake communications or think you’ve been scammed, fill out a form here.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Practice your Mah Jong skills against others. There will be one game set provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own.

“Cabaret”
7 p.m. | Coachella Valley Repertory
CVRep performs “Cabaret,” the eight-time Tony Award-winning musical that takes place in Berlin in the twilight of the jazz age. Note that today’s 2 p.m. performance is sold out. ($50)

Wine & Design
5:30 p.m. | Palm Desert Design Center
Join top interior and exterior design professionals, contractors, solar providers, artificial grass specialists, and other local businesses at the Wine & Design event. 100% of the $15 dollar donation at the door will support the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. ($15)

Modernism 101
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
This is the first part of a three-part lecture series meant to serve as a primer to modernism. During the lecture, you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about modernism but were too afraid to ask. 

PALS Circle
6 p.m. | Online
Hosted by Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors, this informal drop-in conversation is meant for connection, support, and friendship.

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Readers’ Festival from Feb. 2 through 4.
  
  
• PS Woman’s Club Annual Patio Sale on Feb. 3.*
  
  
• Black History Committee 14th Annual Awards Gala on Feb. 3.
  
  
• “An Article of Hope” movie showing with guest speaker on Feb. 4.*
  
  
• Palm Springs International Jazz Festival on Feb. 24 and 25.
  
  
• Palm Springs Woman’s Club Scholarship Luncheon at the Hilton on March 27.*

* Sponsored placement

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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 the charming Cory, a six-year-old male red and white Siberian husky. Staff at the shelter say his leash manners are exemplary, making every walk a pleasant experience. He’s gentle and friendly when he meets dogs or people.

• Staff also said Cory exudes a calm demeanor in contrast with the typical husky energy.

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. (check current hours on its website here) or call them 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.