July 25 Daily Briefing: Tree ordinance, help for installing art, free Tram admission, and more

TGIF, everyone, where we want to thank the many (many!) people who wrote in to tell us that we spelled a word wrong in yesterday’s email. Yes, we meant to say “dissent” instead of “descent” when it came to a no vote on a warehouse project. It’s all Mark’s fault, but doesn’t come close to ranking in his top 10 flubs. He once got the score of the Super Bowl wrong in a breaking news banner seen by several million people (it was quickly fixed), and also heard from Bill Gates himself when he got one of the digits in Pi wrong in a headline (also quickly fixed). Unfortunately, once this newsletter is sent, there’s no way to fix and republish, so this mistake will have to live for all to see. Mark is taking the weekend to think about his life decisions.  

🎶 Setting the mood: “July Tree” by Nina Simone

LEADING OFF

City’s first tree ordinance moves closer to reality

Palm Springs is moving forward with its first comprehensive tree ordinance after more than a year of work consolidating existing rules. The Sustainability Commission reviewed the latest draft Tuesday, with a vote expected in September.

Driving the news: The ordinance establishes “protected tree” designation for trees with diameters of 12 inches or more and requires a 2-to-1 replacement ratio when they must be removed.

• For smaller trees, the replacement ratio remains 1-to-1, and in addition to the ordinance, the Sustainability Department is working on a list of recommended species for replacement trees.

By the numbers: The rules would affect roughly 3,800 city-managed shade trees and approximately 8,000 trees total including palm trees.

What’s included: The ordinance affects municipal sites, businesses, apartment complexes and homeowner associations that file landscaping plans, but exempts individual houses.

The latest: Commissioners discussed fire safety provisions following last weekend’s fires, with staff clarifying the ordinance includes removal exceptions for trees that damage sidewalks or violate fire department vegetation rules.

What’s next: Staff plans to bring the ordinance back for a September vote, with City Council consideration targeted for October.

• The city is also developing an interactive GIS website to display the tree inventory and conducting a heat and shade transportation study.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🎨 Commission approves $250,000 loan for park art installations

The Palm Springs Measure J Oversight Commission unanimously approved a $250,000 loan last week to install completed public art pieces in six city parks, with repayment expected when development fees are collected in early 2026.

• The 8-0 vote came after budget shortfalls caused by developers clawing back $200,000 in previously paid fees and increased project costs due to inflation. Six art installations ranging from 12 to 15 feet in height are sitting in storage, ready for installation in September.
  
• The pieces will be placed in Sunrise Park, Ruth Hardy Park, Desert Highland, Victoria Park, Gateway Park and Baristo Park as part of the “Artscape in the Parks” program. Installations include “Dragonfly,” a shade structure for Sunrise Park, and “Parkside Gossip” for Ruth Hardy Park.
  
• Bottom line: The loan still requires City Council approval before funds can be distributed, with the request likely appearing on the council’s consent agenda in September. Repayment will come from public art fees equal to 0.5% of construction costs when building permits are pulled for warehouse projects and other developments.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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YOUR WEEKEND

TODAY

• G-Force Workout at Ruth Hardy Park at 7:30 a.m. 
  
• Game Night at Starbase 505 starting at 4 p.m.

SATURDAY

• Indoor Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Marketat the Palm Springs Pavilion starting at 8 a.m.
  
• Chappell Roan Drag Brunch at the Chill Bar at 10 a.m. ($28)
  
• Shari & Lamb Chop at the Camelot Theatre at 10 a.m. ($15)
  
• Backpack Giveaway at Demuth Community Center at 11 a.m.
  
• ‘Before We Forget’ showing at Camelot Theatre at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ($12)
  
• Sci-Fi Summer: Galaxy Quest at the Camelot Theatre at 6 p.m. ($14)
  
• The Good Good Show at The Rock Gallery at 7 p.m. ($25)
  
• Country Western Dancing at Step by Step at 7 p.m. ($5)
  
• Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso starting at 9 p.m. ($10)

SUNDAY

• Westside Story (1961) at the Camelot Theatre at 3 p.m. ($14)
  
• Sunday Stomp at Reforma Palm Springs starting at 6 p.m. ($5)

AND FINALLY …

First responders looking for a way to rise above it all this summer have a new opportunity to do just that — literally. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is offering free admission to all qualified first responders throughout the month of August as part of “First Responders Days.”

Driving the news: The program runs from Aug. 1-31, with qualifying personnel receiving complimentary rides on the world’s largest rotating tram car, which travels from the valley floor to 8,516 feet elevation.

• Up to four guests accompanying first responders receive 25% off their regular tram fares.

Who qualifies: Fire and police personnel, California Highway Patrol officers, County Sheriff officers, and Emergency Medical Technicians are among those eligible, with the complete list available here.

Why it matters: As Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols notes, first responders are “the cornerstone of every community,” and the program offers these essential workers and their families a chance to enjoy the mountain’s “fun and enjoyable experience” while exploring the area’s natural beauty.

How to get tickets: Qualifying first responders can obtain their free tickets at the Tramway’s Valley Station on the day of their visit. No advance reservations are required.