July 15 Daily Briefing: Cannabis retailers struggle, Section 14 documents sought, library fundraising, and more

Welcome to a new week, everyone. While it’s our stated mission to focus on Palm Springs news, we feel compelled to acknowledge the tragic events that took place in Pennsylvania this weekend. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, we hope you can agree that for too long we’ve been exposed to far too much ugly rhetoric on our screens both big and small. It’s not likely to stop, but we can lessen our exposure to it and help end the profits that some companies make off keeping us divided. We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again: Limiting our exposure to cable news and social media will go a long way toward helping reunite our nation and improve everyone’s mental health. We highly recommend it.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Cheesin’” with Cautious Clay, Remi Wolf, and others

LEADING OFF

Cannabis dispensaries continue to struggle even after city stepped in

Five months after the Palm Springs City Council voted to reduce taxes and extend a moratorium on new cannabis dispensaries in the city until 2028, some local retail marijuana businesses continue to struggle due to what they say is too much competition and the influence of the black market.  

Background: The moratorium was extended after years of concerns that too many dispensaries were opening in the city. State data shows there are 25 retail cannabis licenses active in the city right now—one for every 1,700 residents—making Palm Springs one of the most saturated retail cannabis markets in the state. 

At issue: According to some retailers, the moratorium has not addressed concerns over existing competition in the desert. City leaders were able to stop new dispensaries from opening and cut consumer taxes, but they had no control over other aspects of the cannabis business in town. 

• Dispensaries don’t just have to compete with other legal dispensaries, but with cheaper black market prices too.

Key numbers: Glenn Standridge, chief technical officer of the Green Dragon Dispensary, said “The right amount was when there were 10-15 dispensaries in Palm Springs, [but] I don’t think the moratorium went into effect until it was in the 20s.”

What they’re saying: “The truth is, I think the moratorium was a little late,” says Julie Montante, co-owner of 420 Bank Dispensary & Lounge in Palm Springs. “They should have put a moratorium on years ago and not allow as many dispensaries as there are now because it’s really hurting our industry.”  

By the numbers: The moves made in February are already showing an impact on the city budget. An amended budget adopted during a June City Council meeting shows a predicted 44% decrease in cannabis tax revenue in 2024 – from $3.46 million to $1.9 million.

The bottom line: “I think more dispensaries will have to close for things to balance out because there’s just too many,” says Montante.  

Dive deeper with Henry Braun’s complete story here.

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BRIEFLY

📚 Palm Springs Library Foundation unveils ambitious fundraising plans

The Palm Springs Library Foundation outlined ambitious fundraising plans during a Library Board of Trustees meeting last week, aiming to support library renovations and enhance children’s areas.

• Peter Pearson, newly appointed executive director of the foundation, presented multiple initiatives with plans  to host two special events, conduct individual solicitations, and launch a $1 million capital campaign.
  
  
• The foundation’s first special event, Pride on the Page, is scheduled for Oct. 20 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center and fundraising campaigns are planned for the end of this year and next spring.
  
  
• The foundation has also embarked on a $1 million capital campaign to be matched by trustees, funding enhancements to the children’s area and community room during the upcoming library renovation.

What’s next: Library Director Jeannie Kays reported that architects will present the next stage of library renovation plans to the City Council on July 25. The library renovation steering committee is set to meet on July 24.

Read our complete story here.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Monday Men’s Coffee
5 p.m. | Play Lounge PS
Come have coffee and chat with other men about issues that are on your mind. No RSVP required — just drop in!

Adult Tap Dance Class
6:30 p.m. | Leisure Center Dance Studio
Adult intermediate tap starts at 6:30 p.m., and “absolute beginners” adult tap is at 7:30 p.m. (“Two left feet are optional.”) ($20)

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Join Bella Da Ball for a night of fabulous bingo. (Must spend $30 at Kings Highway to participate.)

SAVE THE DATE

• Zone PS Virtual Community Meeting on Tuesday.
  
  
• Desert Regional lease informational meeting at UCR Palm Desert on Tuesday.
  
  
• Desert Wildlife Center Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday.
  
  
• Mrs. Frisky’s Cats & Eccles Cakes Night at Frisky Business Cat Cafe on Aug. 2.
  
  
• The Great Catsby Book Club at Frisky Business on Aug. 8.

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AND FINALLY …

With an agreement still not reached with former residents of Section 14 and the city, efforts to gather information about the complex history of events there continue.

Driving the news: Earlier this month, the city announced it’s conducting a survey to gather information about that history in hopes that Architectural Resources Group (ARG) can use submissions as part of a historical context study it’s producing.

Zoom in: The city is asking the public to provide historical documents, photos, memories, and other information about Section 14 through an online form.

• The form is available by going here on the EngagePalmSprings.com website.
  
  
• Questions include details about residency on Section 14 and any historical information respondents wish to share.

What’s next: A draft report of the historical context study is expected to be completed in September, with a final presentation to the City Council in November.