May 29 Daily Briefing: Agreement over hospital’s future, hockey coach moving up, our pet of the week, and more

Welcome to Wednesday! Remember the turf conversion grant money made available by the City Council? As expected, it has been a big hit. At last week’s Sustainability Commission meeting, staff reported that 55% of the $1 million the city contributed to help supplement the Desert Water Agency rebate program (find details here) has already been allocated to local property owners. While not directly related to the rebate program, the city is also getting in on the turf conversion act. Staff reported that plans are underway to replace some of the turf at City Hall.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Caesar on a TV Screen” by The Last Dinner Party

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LEADING OFF

District, Tenet agree to further negotiations on future of Palm Springs hospital

After intense negotiations, the Desert Healthcare District Board is advancing talks with Tenet Healthcare for the future operation of Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, focusing on a new proposal that extends the lease until 2057.

Driving the news: The board’s decision, made at a meeting in Palm Desert Tuesday evening, hinges on a revised offer from Tenet, which now includes higher upfront cash payments and an eventual total cash payment of $650 million in addition to commitments to hospital upgrades at JFK Hospital in Indio.

Context: The recent negotiations with Tenet began in September when the corporation offered its first proposal to renew a lease agreement they signed in 1997. With the lease expiring in 2027 and an estimated $222 million seismic retrofitting required by the state by 2030, the board was eager to make a deal.

Yes but: The first proposal didn’t meet the elected board members’ standards, and they were particularly concerned with a provision allowing Tenet to purchase the hospital at the end of the new lease in 2057.

• With Tenet buying the hospital, the district would no longer have public oversight over it. But if the district took over its operations, it would have to foot the $222 million bill.

By the numbers: A study was conducted to see if it would be feasible for the district to take over operations of the hospital. Analysts found that it would cost at least $219 million for the hospital to get up and running, which would result in significant financial, operational, and clinical risks that consultants said could cause serious disruption to the hospital.

What they’re saying: Director Leticia De Lara said, “I believe that we are not going to get a better position. We can try in three months, six months, 12 months, but we’re going to be in the same position. We just know this is the best we can get.”

Public sentiment: Tensions were palpable at Tuesday’s board meeting, with opinions divided among community members and healthcare professionals.

• Some nurses expressed concerns that corporate ownership could degrade service quality, while others feared financial instability without Tenet’s investment.

What’s next: A detailed legal agreement is in the works, moving towards a potential November ballot measure asking voters to decide on the hospital’s future ownership and operational framework.

Dive deeper with Kendall Balchan’s complete story here.

IN OTHER NEWS

🏒 Coachella Valley Firebirds head coach Dan Bylsma has been named the new head coach of the Seattle Kraken, the local team’s NHL affiliate. He hopes the Firebirds will continue their deep playoff run before starting in Seattle. [Seattle Times]

🛫 United Airlines is planning to introduce a new nonstop service between its hub at Washington Dulles International Airport and Palm Springs International Airport at the end of the year. [Simple Flying]

🎨 A collection of paintings, mixed media, sculptures and ceramics from African American artists has been gifted to the Palm Springs Art Museum from Los Angeles-based scholar and collector Gordon W. Bailey. [KESQ]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

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

Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Practice your Mah Jong skills against others. There will be one game set provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own.

COD Palm Springs Campus Meeting
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
College of the Desert invites residents to a community meeting focused on the latest updates for the Palm Springs Campus. The meeting will consist of a presentation from COD staff and Q&A with attendees.

PALS Circle
6 p.m. | Online
Hosted by Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors, this informal drop-in conversation is meant for connection, support, and friendship.

SAVE THE DATE

• Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week starting Friday. 
  
  
• Palm Springs Firefighters Association Fish Fry on Saturday at Ruth Hardy Park.
  
  
• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Cabaret on Sunday at Reforma Palm Springs.
  
  
• Palm Springs International ShortFest from June 18 -24.

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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 sweet Morgan, a 13-year-old Cardigan Welsh Corgi who’s looking for a loving home where she can spend her golden years

• Staff at the shelter said Morgan walks well on a leash, but she’s slowed down a bit. She also gets along with other dogs and people.

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.