The initiative began after organizers determined that small businesses in the blast zone surrounding the American Reproductive Center clinic faced more than half a million dollars in uninsured damages.
Daniel Park, 32, was found unresponsive at Los Angeles detention center Tuesday morning and pronounced dead at a hospital.
Federal authorities allege the man shipped 180 pounds of ammonium nitrate to a 25-year-old Twentynine Palms man who bombed the clinic and was killed in the blast.
Firefighters who rushed to the scene of a deadly May 17 blast say the decision to enter the heavily damaged clinic was driven by a sense of duty — and the knowledge that families’ futures were at stake.
The businesses suffered an estimated $6 million to $12 million in damage during the intentional act of violence that killed the suspect and injured four people earlier this month.
Multiple local organizations presented donations during a Wednesday morning ceremony, including a $10,000 check from the Old Las Palmas Neighborhood Organization and $2,400 from the Palm Springs Sun Up Rotary Club.
City Manager Scott Stiles brought the emergency relief proposal before the City Council Thursday, citing the immediate need to help Dr. Maher Abdallah move embryonic materials from the damaged building.
A forward-looking approach has driven both the recovery and the city's comprehensive response following a bombing at a Palm Springs fertility clinic less than one week ago.
During a media event, Palm Springs officials and the staff of American Reproductive Centers spoke about what's next for the clinic and what the staff has been through since a May 17 bombing at the clinic.
Many businesses near the site of Saturday's explosion are in need of repair but lack the funds. Local business owners are stepping up with a special initiative announced Wednesday.
On Monday we took the pulse of the city following a deadly weekend explosion. We found both resolve and trepidation as business owners, city officials, and others move forward.
On Monday, authorities confirmed via social media that the remains found at the scene belonged to the the suspected bomber, a 25-year-old Twentynine Palms man.
