March 5 Daily Briefing: Next steps for hospital district, home conversion moves ahead, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, where we’ve got our eyes on the skies. No, not because of the winter storm warning that was issued until 10 a.m. Friday, but because we’ve got newly hatched eaglet chicks up in Big Bear born to (we assume) proud parents Jackie and Shadow. One hatched Monday, and the other on Tuesday. Yes, it’s not Palm Springs news, but we know many of you have been waiting for the moment, perhaps even tuning in to the live stream provided by the Friends of Big Bear Valley. If not, you can do that here and watch as the parents feed and care for the new arrivals.  

🎶 Setting the mood: “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac

LEADING OFF

Healthcare District looks to future with strategic planning initiative

After signing a major lease agreement with Tenet Healthcare, Desert Healthcare District is looking for help defining its future.

First things first: In December, the district signed a 30-year lease-purchase agreement with Tenet Healthcare for Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. Voters approved the move in the November election, voting 72% in favor of the deal.

• In the weeds: The deal extends the lease from May 31, 2027, to May 30, 2057, and includes payments of nearly $650 million over three decades.

The latest: The Desert Healthcare District has issued a Request for Proposals for a strategic planning consultant to develop long-term goals and a comprehensive five-year strategic plan from fiscal years 2027-2031.

What they’re looking for: The consultant will evaluate current strategies, engage stakeholders, and assess the district’s financial situation to ensure the plan is actionable and sustainable.

• This work will include analyzing the district’s investment portfolio and identifying potential funding opportunities and partnerships.

The big picture: The strategic plan will guide the district’s efforts to improve health and wellness across the Coachella Valley, ensuring efficient resource use and alignment with community needs.

What’s next: The District expects a rough draft of the strategic and financial plans by December of this year, with final versions delivered by March 2026.

• The process will include multiple Board workshops and community outreach sessions to gather feedback and ensure community input is integrated into the final plans.

BRIEFLY

🏠 Gas Company Building conversion to home approved with conditions

The Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board unanimously approved plans to convert the vacant 1969 Gas Company Building into a single-family residence Tuesday evening, with the condition that the east elevation gate be redesigned to improve visibility of the landmark structure.

• The 7-0 vote allows the property owner, The Mezrahi Family Trust, to transform the Class 1 historic site into a five-bedroom home while preserving its character-defining features, including the distinctive concrete exterior with textured edging, overall massing, and cantilevered steel canopy.
  
• “The existing building mass, footprint and location are not proposed to change,” said Sarah Yoon, a historic preservation officer with the city. “The added pieces on the site do not touch the existing building and they are completely detached.”
  
• Bottom line: Board members expressed concern about maintaining visibility of the east facade, requiring the applicant to work with city staff on a more transparent gate design.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Start the day with other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters with breakfast and conversation.

Open Play Bridge
9 a.m. | The Center
Come have some fun and enjoy playing Bridge in a casual and safe environment.

Palm Springs Police & Fire Appreciation Luncheon
11:30 a.m.| Palm Springs Convention Center
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce honors the city’s police and fire personnel at this annual luncheon. Register online here.($90) 

“Jesus Christ Superstar”
2 p.m. | CV Repertory
A rock phenomenon that has dazzled audiences for decades, “Jesus Christ Superstar” tells the story entirely through songs of the struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire. CVRep will present a new staging of the iconic 1970s rock musical. ($90 after opening night)

First Wednesday Art Walk
5 p.m. | Backstreet Art District
Tour galleries and meet artists at this monthly event that happens rain or shine. Check with galleries’ individual websites to find out about their hours of operation and special events.

The Mod Squad Variety Show
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of musical hijinks and hilarity with award-winning hosts. Tickle your musical senses with their fun and unique arrangements of Mid-Century Pop Music, Yacht Rock, Rat Pack, classic oldies & a whole lot more. ($20)

OutBook Book Club
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
This month, the group will discuss “Capote’s Women” by Laurence Leamer. Next month they’ll tackle “Blackouts” by Justin Torres Join the club’s email list here.

Library Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Palm Springs Public Library Board of Trustees meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of most months. You can find agendas for the meetings here.

Rock the Park Concert Series: AbbaFab
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
Grab your blankets, chairs, and dancing shoes for an unforgettable night with ABBAFAB! From ABBA’s early chart-toppers to the iconic “Mamma Mia,” ABBAFAB delivers a vibrant, technicolor journey through some of the greatest music of the ’70s and ’80s. 

See all events

SAVE THE DATE

• Desert X starts Saturday.
  
• Richard M. Milanovich Legacy Hike and 5K Run at Indian Canyons on Saturday. ($12) 
  
• 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 …

🐾 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 Milo, a male Terrier mix about five years old.  Staff at the shelter say this cutie is good on leash and ready for his forever home!

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days except for Mondays (open for intake only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter 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.