March 6 Daily Briefing: One part of homeless services facility opens, November elections set, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, everyone, where we have an update on the Bank of America building that has been undergoing restoration in Downtown Palm Springs since 2022. The city’s preservation officer said yesterday that the work is in its final stages as crews fix the historic building’s canopy and structural curtain wall after finding damage due to ongoing water intrusion. “Once you peel away a lot of the pieces you start to see what’s going on there,” said Sarah Yoon. Plans currently call for the building to be turned back over to BofA on May 6 and for banking business to resume there on May 20.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Training Season” by Dua Lipa

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LEADING OFF

City partially opens Navigation Center, signals shift in police focus

After more than two years of planning, a first-of-its-kind facility for the city’s unhoused residents partially opened on Monday, allowing police to shift their approach to dealing with those who live on city streets.

How it works: Once fully operational, the $40 million Palm Springs Navigation Center off McCarthy Road will have 80 modular housing units, complete with bathrooms and kitchenettes, and support services to aid in transitioning residents out of homelessness. There will also be a children’s play area and a dog park.

Driving the news: On Monday, the center’s early entry section opened, providing about 50 beds for those awaiting placement in the modular housing.

• This initial phase is intended to transition people from the streets to transitional housing by offering overnight shelter. Intake begins at the city’s Access Center on El Cielo Road.

Why it matters: The partial opening of the Navigation Center marks a pivot in local law enforcement’s approach, transitioning from “Operation Relentless Sun” to “Operation Rising Hope.”

• The new strategy focuses on steering unhoused individuals toward the center. Officers focused on weeding out criminals living in the homeless community during the previous operation. 

State of play: Sgt. Marcus Litch of the Palm Springs Police Department informed downtown business leaders on Tuesday that many of the new beds are already in use, with over two dozen individuals staying the first night.

By the numbers: During town hall meetings last week, Police Chief Andy Mills told residents that evidence shows the city has made progress in tackling the issue of homelessness. He highlighted the city’s progress on Monday, noting a reduction in the homeless count from 330 to 150 over the past year.

• During “Operation Relentless Sun,” Litch said 105 individuals were relocated or reunited with family members, and 65 entered housing programs.

What to watch for: The Navigation Center is anticipated to open fully later this year. Next Tuesday, an open house and facility tours are scheduled starting at 11 a.m. Community members are invited to attend.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

BRIEFLY

🗳️ Early election results show few surprises

Partial results from Tuesday’s Primary Election are in as the Riverside County Registrar of Voters works to count every ballot. Here’s a look at the total so far for some key local races and who will advance to the November General Election:

Just as they did in 2022, Democratic Palm Springs City Councilmember Christy Holstege and Republican Greg Wallis emerged as the top two vote-getters for the 47th State Assembly District race and will face off head-to-head in November.

• As of 3 a.m. this morning, Holstege had garnered 49% of the vote from Tuesday and Wallis 46%. Democrat Jamie Swan had 5%. In 2022, Holstege secured 47% of the primary votes, but Wallis went on to win in November by just 85 votes. 
  
  
• The 19th District State Senate race features only two candidates — Palm Springs City Councilmember Lisa Middleton, a Democrat, and incumbent Republican Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh. They both advanced to November after Tuesday’s primary, with Middleton receiving  49% of the vote to Ochoa Bough’s 51%. 
  
  
• The race for the 41st United States Congressional District between Democrats Will Rollins and Anna Nevenic, and Republican incumbent Ken Calvert, shows Rollins advancing to face Calvert, setting up a repeat of their 2022 contest. Calvert beat Rollins by less than 5% in the 2022 General Election.
  
  
• Details: Californians also voted in the primary for President and U.S. Senate and on a single proposition on Tuesday. Check out all the results here.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

“POTUS”
2 p.m. and 7 p.m.| Coachella Valley Repertory
Enjoy a hilarious modern-day political farce fresh from Broadway and just in time for election season. ($50)

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. | The Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of live music at the valley’s “Happiest happy hour!” This week features hosts Jeff Stewart, Francesca Amari, and Wayne Abravanel. ($10)

Rock the Park: AbbaFab-a Tribute to Abba
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
The free concert series this week will feature a fun and danceable tribute to the iconic band ABBA.

SAVE THE DATE

• Lez Out Loud Comedy Night at Revolution Stage Company on Thursday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Art Festival at Frances Stevens Park on Saturday.
  
  
• Amy’s Purpose 2nd Annual Mixer at Willie’s Modern Fare on March 12.
  
  
• The AI Revolution – Shaping Tomorrow’s World with Technology at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum on March 13.

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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 Smokey, a female who’s just under a year old and available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers tells us that Smokey is just the sweetest love bug. She came to the café with another cat, Noisy, and Rogers said they’re trying to figure out if the two are a bonded pair.

If you’re interested: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (also where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here.

All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat.

But wait: Don’t want to adopt but still enjoy cats? You can book a time to hang out in the cat lounge by clicking here.