May 16 Daily Briefing: Progress against homelessness, Blue Zones launches, parks event, and more

TGIF! If you know Sonny Von Cleveland (our 2023 Palm Springs Person of the Year), you may know he’s written a book — “Hey White Boy, Conversations of Redemption,” where he talks about his journey to redemption through honest dialogue and self-reflection. And if you know he’s written that book, you may be interested to learn he’ll be speaking about it and signing copies on Saturday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Palm Desert Barnes & Noble at 72-840 Highway 111. Even if you don’t know Sonny, know of him, or know about the book, now’s your chance to learn about all that!

🎶 Setting the mood: “I Can Change” by LCD Soundsystem

LEADING OFF

Dramatic drop in unhoused on city streets; some county numbers rise

Palm Springs officials on Thursday reported a 63% decrease in people living on the streets since 2023 during a one-day count in January, standing in contrast to Riverside County’s overall increase. 

Driving the news: Results from the Point-in-Time Count conducted Jan. 22 show the county as a whole reported a 7% increase in its total homeless population — counting 3,990 people experiencing homelessness across the region.

• In 2023, the last time the single moment in time count was conducted, volunteers in Palm Springs reported 239 people living on the streets. In 2025, 88 people were counted. 

Behind the scenes: The city invested $40 million to develop a Navigation Center on McCarthy Road, operated by Martha’s Village and Kitchen. It includes 80 units for individuals and families seeking permanent housing, with an adjacent Early Access Facility providing up to 50 overnight shelter beds on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Officials pointed to that facility as a crucial component to decreasing the numbers of people living on city streets.

What they’re saying: “This incredible news is the result of a strong partnership,” said City Manager Scott Stiles, citing collaboration between the city, county, service providers and police.

• Police Chief Andy Mills called the 63% reduction in unsheltered homelessness alongside a 155% increase in housed individuals “a remarkable and incredible feat.”

Bigger picture: Despite the county-wide increase, Riverside County officials highlighted their own progress, including a 19% reduction in unsheltered homelessness and a 57% increase in shelter bed capacity since 2023.

Between the lines: County officials attribute improvements to their comprehensive Homeless Action Plan, which aligns federal, state and local resources around shared five-year regional goals.

• “With more individuals accessing shelter, the reduction in unsheltered homelessness is both meaningful and indicative of system-wide progress,” said Heidi Marshall, director of the county’s Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions.

Dive deeper with our full story

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BRIEFLY

🍎 Palm Springs kicks off three-year Blue Zones health initiative

Palm Springs officially launched a three-year Blue Zones Project Thursday evening, aiming to engage 6,000 residents — 15% of the city’s population — in a community-wide initiative designed to improve health, well-being and longevity through environmental and policy changes.

• Blue Zones are regions where people live measurably longer, healthier lives, a concept identified through research of five global communities where centenarians thrive, including Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; and Loma Linda.
  
• The initiative, supported locally by Eisenhower Health, Kaiser Permanente and other healthcare organizations, will focus on four main areas: built environment, food systems, tobacco and alcohol, with specific plans including a master shade program and expanded farmers markets to address food deserts.
  
• Next up: The first Blue Zones activities include a purpose workshop at Mizell Center on June 11 and a donation day for food access on June 18, with project leaders emphasizing that success depends on broad participation from schools, faith communities, businesses and residents.

Dive deeper with our full story

🦅 Desert Wildlife Center opens, fills critical gap

The Desert Wildlife Center held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday in Indio, becoming the only wildlife rehabilitation facility in the Coachella Valley. The center is operated by Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies, formerly Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, which has expanded its mission to include wildlife care after the former Wild Bird Center closed in 2023.

• The property at 46500 Van Buren St. underwent extensive renovations to meet state standards. Director Mikah Curtis estimates they will care for 80 to 100 animals at any given time, with spring and summer being the busiest seasons.
  
• Up next: The facility will begin by accepting wild birds, but plans to expand to desert reptiles and mammals. With operational costs estimated between $400,000-$600,000 annually, the center will rely entirely on donations and grants.

Read our complete story in The Indio Post

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YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS

• Desert Images exhibition Friday and Saturday at the Impell Gallery
  
• Broadway Barbara Live! At the Purple Room on Friday and Saturday ($45)
  
• Forever Plaid at the Palm Canyon Theater all weekend ($38)

TODAY

• Bingo at St Theresa Church starting at 4 p.m. ($15)
  
• Foodie Fridays at the Cultural Center starting at 4 p.m. 
  
• Movie Night In The Park: “Wicked”free screeningstarts at 7 p.m. at Victoria Park

SATURDAY

• Tahquitz Creek Cleanup at the Tahquitz Creek Foot Bridge starting at 8 a.m.
  
• Certified Farmers’ Market at the Cultural Center starting at 8 a.m. 
  
• Eight! Anniversary Exhibition Opening at the Janssen Artspace starting at 5 p.m.
  
• Country Western Dancing at the Dance Ranch Palm Springs, starting at 7 p.m. ($5)

SUNDAY

• Mid Mod Boozy Brunch at PS Air starting at 11 a.m. ($75)
  
• Mahjong Meetup at the Play Lounge & Cafe starting at 12 p.m. 
  
• CommUNITY in Recovery – Sunny Dunes Clubhouse 3rd Annual Spring Gala at the Convention Center at 5 p.m. ($150)

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AND FINALLY …

Summer is nearly upon us, and if you stepped outside at all this week, you also know that the Summer heat is here as well. Fortunately, the Palm Springs Parks & Recreation Department planned a little bit ahead and has some family fun planned in the early morning tomorrow.

Driving the news: Saturday is Kids to Parks Day nationwide, and to celebrate, the city is throwing a free fun-filled morning at Sunrise Park starting at 9 a.m.

• The event is open to kids of all ages and includes bike riding, skating, line dancing, arts & crafts, sports, games, weather activities, and pancake decorating.
  
• After the park, there will be a Free Swim Day at the Palm Springs Swim Center starting at noon.

What they’re saying: “Kids to Parks Day is more than just a day at the park, it’s a chance for families to make memories, discover new passions, and embrace the joys of outdoor play,“ said city officials.

Why it matters: Kids to Parks Day is an annual, nationwide celebration that encourages children to explore and experience the outdoors. By participating in this event, kids can learn more about the parks around them and discover the wide range of activities and adventures that nature has to offer.

More information: Got questions? Email Recinfo@palmspringsca.gov or call 760-323-8272