March 3 Daily Briefing: Special unit launched, bookstore/bar planned, changes for animal org, and more

Welcome to Monday, and to March! Over the years at various media outlets we’ve worked at, we’ve probably written a dozen stories about the fact that many of the people with signs asking for donations at intersections and elsewhere are trying to scam you. We’re always met with resistance, and we get it — nothing is sadder than somebody raising money for the funeral of a deceased child. Unfortunately, police estimate an overwhelming majority of the people you see with sad signs are not being truthful. Case in point is this recent story from Hemet. We hate to be downers, but thought you should be aware.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Tokyo Traffic” by The Dave Brubeck Quartet

LEADING OFF

Police, healthcare org launch specialized response unit

The Palm Springs Police Department and Riverside University Health System have created a new unit designed to respond specifically to mental health emergencies in the community. The Community Behavioral Assessment Team (CBAT) was announced last week.

Driving the news: The specialized team pairs police officer Joshua Crocker with Rita Romero, a licensed behavioral health specialist, to address situations involving mental health crises, substance abuse issues and homelessness.

• The unit will handle welfare checks for individuals at risk of self-harm, violent subjects experiencing mental health crises, and incidents requiring psychological first aid.

How it works: Crocker focuses on scene safety and de-escalation, while Romero conducts mental health assessments and connects individuals to appropriate services.

• This dual-response approach ensures both safety and care are prioritized for people in crisis.

Why it matters: The program aims to reduce repeated law enforcement contacts, emergency room visits and incarcerations by addressing root causes of crisis situations.

• “CBAT represents a significant step forward in how we respond to mental health crises in our community,” Lt. Gustavo Araiza said in a news release.

By the numbers: The team will operate Tuesday through Friday, with flexibility to adjust hours based on operational needs.

What’s next: Beyond initial crisis response, the team will conduct follow-up visits to ensure individuals remain connected to care and services.

Dive deeper with our full story

BRIEFLY

📚🥂 Bookstore/bar gets conditional approval from Planning Commission

Books and Secrets, a planned combination bookstore and champagne bar, received approval for a conditional use permit from the city’s Planning Commission at last week’s meeting.

• The new business is to be located in an existing commercial building at the southwest corner of North Palm Canyon Drive and West Racquet Club Road. The building was originally built in 1964 and features a unique mural familiar to many who motor past.
  
• The applicant said the project has been in the works for almost six years. “It’s a spot to have a glass of bubbly with your book club or alone while you’re reading,” he said.
  
• What’s next: The commission approved the permit with several conditions, including a requirement for a land use permit approval to address the parking deficiency, removal of the existing chain link fence, and other conditions.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Pinochle
1 p.m. | The Center
Come have some fun and enjoy playing Pinochle in a casual and safe environment! Register online. 

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
2:30 p.m. | Mizell Senior Center
This weekly support group offers a safe, confidential, supportive environment for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.

Election Anxiety Support Group
4 p.m. | Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic
In-person, drop-in group to help process anxiety and stress related to the upcoming presidential election and politics in general.

CalComMen’s Monday Coffee
5 p.m. | Play Lounge & Café
Join the group for coffee, chat, and chew! No RSVPs necessary.

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of live music from the award-winning team from the high desert: Mon Petit Mojave ($22)

District 2 Community Meeting
5:30 p.m. | Vista del Monte Elementary
District 2 Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein hosts this opportunity to get city updates, ask questions, to raise issues, and most importantly to discuss matters of importance to the district’s residents. Register online here. Not sure which district you’re in? Check out this interactive map.

See all events

SAVE THE DATE

• “Jesus Christ Superstar” at CV Repertory starting Wednesday. ($90 after opening night)
  
• Rock the Park Concert Series: AbbaFab at the Downtown Park on Wednesday.
  
• Desert X starts Saturday.
  
• Rotary Club of Palm Springs Sunup blood drive on March 8.
  
• Palm Springs Drone Fest at Palm Springs High School starting March 21. ($25)
  
• Brothers of the Desert 6th Annual Wellness Summit at the Riviera Resort on March 22. ($25 suggested donation).
  
• Palm Springs 70mm Film Fest at the Cultural Center starting March 22. ($18)
  
• Palm Springs Woman’s Club Annual Scholarship Event Dinner at Palm Springs Surf Club on March 26. ($125)
  
• Free Shredding Event at the Palm Springs Convention Center on April 5.
  
• World Art Day at Demuth Park on April 12.
  
  Submit your event

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AND FINALLY …

An expanded mission has brought a new name for the organization that helps run the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

Driving the news: The Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter announced its rebranding last week to reflect an expanded scope that extends animal care services beyond shelter walls to communities across the Coachella Valley. It is now known as Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies.

• The group will continue to operate the Palm Springs Animal Shelter as an open admissions municipal facility with a no-kill philosophy.

Zoom in: Two major expansion projects are underway to increase animal care services in underserved areas of the Coachella Valley.

• The Desert Wildlife Center in Indio is set to open in this spring, providing medical treatment and rehabilitation for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.
  
• The organization is finalizing negotiations with Desert Hot Springs to open the Desert Community Animal Center this spring, revitalizing a facility that has been closed since 2018.

What they’re saying: “Our new name reflects our deep commitment to serving animals across the valley, not just within the shelter,” said Tim Watts, board chair of Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies.