The Palm Springs City Council dropped a planned 2025 cut to 26 annual contracts, citing declining permits, lower citation rates and data showing most properties fall well below their caps.
Organizers say their primary motivation is the council’s passage of a resolution in October 2023, which expressed support for Israel and condemned Hamas attacks.
One project under consideration would add a federal inspection station to PSP, potentially allowing the airport to offer international destinations beyond Canada.
Despite confrontational moments, State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh maintained her commitment to transparency and constituent engagement, saying her open-door policy extends to all residents.
Jeffrey Bernstein, a small business owner who previously served in the mayor's role, was first elected to the council in 2022, defeating his challenger with 54% of the vote.
The Public Arts Commission recommended paying $25,000 in public art funds for yellow warbler and dancing rhino sculptures, matching neighborhood contributions. The recommendation now moves to the City Council.
Roughly 50 residents attended the meeting, where Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte provided updates on development projects, infrastructure improvements and city priorities before fielding questions.
The city's Historic Site Preservation Board this week advanced designations for two homes and one mixed-use building, pending Palm Springs City Council approval.
The payment was contingent upon receipt of at least 1,200 signed legal waivers from claimants. As of Monday, nearly 1,500 had been received by the city.
The city awarded the construction contract for the theater's restoration in December 2023. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled Nov. 21 and initial performances are soon to follow.
City Attorney Jeff Ballinger sent the notice on Friday to Richard Weintraub, general manager of the three LLCs formed to complete the project, informing him of a “Missed Milestone Default.”
The new fee structure covers more than 500 city services and aims to achieve full cost recovery rather than subsidizing through the general fund, with officials citing inflation and personnel cost increases since the last fee study.
