May 20 Daily Briefing: Businesses face uncertainty after blast, possible pickleball project delay, and more

Welcome to Tuesday, where we’d like to give some thanks. The first go out to Mark’s wife, Andy, who dispatched herself to the streets near Saturday’s bomb blast, interviewing multiple witnesses and passing along what she heard to our tiny news team. What struck her the most was how distraught people were by what they had experienced, and she suggested we ask about any mental health resources the city might make available (which we did at a news conference Sunday). Yesterday, the city and LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert came through with those resources in a big way. So, on behalf of people who may be hurting, we want to thank the city and The Center. ❤️

🎶 Setting the mood: “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac

LEADING OFF

As repairs begin and city steps up, some businesses face uncertainty

A deadly bombing at the American Reproductive Centers building in Downtown Palm Springs this weekend left significant damage to nearby businesses. Local business owners, city officials and community members are now focused on recovery and supporting those affected by the blast.

Driving the news: The explosion in the 1100 block of North Indian Canyon Drive killed the suspected bomber – identified as a 25-year-old Twentynine Palms man – and injured four others while causing substantial damage to surrounding properties.

• Law enforcement, including the FBI and Riverside County Bomb Squad, are still collecting evidence at the site, searching for fragments that could identify what explosives were used.

The impact: David Rios of the Velvet Rope boutique hotel estimated his property sustained more than $200,000 in damage, including blown-out windows, damaged doors, compromised air conditioning units and structural issues.

• Rios discovered his insurance provider is unlikely to cover the damage because it’s being categorized as a terrorist attack – coverage not typically offered.

Between the lines: For businesses already struggling with an unpredictable economy and seasonal tourism fluctuations, the explosion represents a potentially devastating setback as the summer heat approaches.

• “We barely made it last year,” Rios said, referring to the long, hot summers that impact tourist traffic. “There were months where we had no stays. We barely bounced back from that, and now we have this.”

The response: Neighboring hotels stepped in immediately after the blast, offering shelter to displaced guests from damaged properties within 45 minutes of the explosion.

• The Wyndham Hotel sent repair crews to help replace shattered windows, while a local glass company offered flexible payment terms for repairs.

What’s next: Palm Springs officials are reaching out to state and federal agencies, including the California Office of Emergency Services and Small Business Administration, to identify support options for affected businesses.

• City staff are exploring ways to assist businesses and streamline recovery processes, according to Communications Director Amy Blaisdell.

Read our complete story | See pictures from Monday

BRIEFLY

🫶 City offers mental health resources following clinic bombing

Palm Springs officials are coordinating mental health resources for residents affected by a recent bombing at the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic, gathering information about available services as residents cope with the aftermath.

• The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert will host multiple drop-in group therapy sessions titled “Grounding After Crisis: Healing in Community” beginning Wednesday at their Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic, with six sessions scheduled between May 21-29.
  
• “Our community is hurting and it’s important that we provide services so those affected by this terrible tragedy can find healing,” said Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte, noting the bombing has affected residents near the blast site who witnessed the aftermath or experienced property damage.
  
• Details: Resources include the Crisis Text Line available 24/7 by texting 741741, with additional information about mental health services accessible at www.EngagePalmSprings.com.

Read our complete story

🏗️ City to rebid Demuth Park pickleball project

The city will need to rebid the $6.1 million Demuth Park pickleball court project after all qualified bids came in substantially over budget, potentially delaying the start of construction until later this year, it was announced Monday.

• City officials plan to formally reject all bids at the May 28 City Council meeting and repost the bidding process on June 1, allowing vendors 30 days to submit new proposals. Due to the council’s meeting schedule, including no meetings in August, project approval may not occur until September 2025.
  
• Officials rejected value engineering options that would eliminate features like security cameras, seating and shade structures, determining that delivering a reduced project “would appear to be disingenuous” considering community expectations. Once approved, construction is expected to take approximately eight months.
  
• Bottom line: In the interim, Parks and Recreation is working with College of the Desert to provide temporary pickleball courts, with expenses primarily due to court renovations. This temporary solution was previously approved at the May 14 city council meeting.

Read our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Cribbage play
1 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Bring your friends or meet new ones at this casual hangout. Play Lounge has a few boards available for use or you can bring your own.

Queer Colon Care Collective
5 p.m. | Virtual
This support group is open to LGBTQ+ colorectal cancer patients, survivors, or caregivers. Organizers will offer resources and a sense of community in a safe place to share experiences. 

Sustainability Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Commission reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on issues relating to energy and natural resources conservation, including water conservation, air pollution, waste management and recycling. 

Melba Miller’s Jazz Oasis
5:30 p.m. | Cultural Center
Join songstress Melba Miller and special guests for an evening dedicated to serious listeners and lovers of Jazz. ($22)

Trivia Night
6:30 p.m. | Play Lounge PS
Come alone or bring a group to participate in this popular trivia night. Win bagging rights and other prizes.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Ride of Silence on Wednesday at Ruth Hardy Park.
  
• Dip Into Summer free pool and park fun at the Palm Springs Leisure Center on Saturday.
  
• South Palm Canyon Drive bridge project meetings in person on May 29 and virtual on June 2.
  
• “Veils: A Requiem For Trayvon” film screening at the Cultural Center on Friday. ($18)
  
• Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum on May 26.
  
• Miralon Blood Drive with LifeStream Blood Bank at Miralon on May 30.
  
• 2025 Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week starts May 30.

Submit your event here

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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. 

Zoom in: Today, we invite you to meet Mimi,  a sophisticated older lady with class. She’s a 10-year-old female terrier that staff at the shelter say is full of personality and strong opinions.

• Staff also said she’s a great lap dog and is fantastic on leash. They also noted that she’s fine in public with other dogs, but she’s best as the only dog in a household.

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.