Nov. 18 Daily Briefing: Energy efficiencies, small plane incident, hospital’s future, and more

Happy Monday, everyone. If you’re thinking about letting somebody else do the cooking on Thanksgiving, now is probably the time you want to make reservations. If you need help deciding, we’ve done our best to gather details about turkey day menus at more than a dozen local restaurants (as well as some ways you can burn off some calories that day). Check out our Thanksgiving calendar here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Rivers and Roads” by The Head and The Heart

LEADING OFF

Energy efficiency ordinance aims to improve homes built prior to 2011

The Palm Springs Sustainability Commission is crafting a new energy efficiency upgrade ordinance that would require some homeowners doing permitted work to implement energy-saving measures during their renovations.

Driving the news: The proposed ordinance targets residential buildings built prior to 2011, which account for 25% of Palm Springs’ greenhouse gas emissions. There would be a particular focus on those built prior to 1978 since many of those are not adequately conditioned for current weather patterns.

Zoom in: The rules would see homeowners applying for permits for alterations, additions, or modifications to walls and HVAC systems required to implement mandatory energy-saving measures, such as LED lighting upgrades and water heating package improvements.

• Additional measures would be required based on the building’s age and the project’s value, using a cost-effective scoring system.
  
• Exceptions would be included for low-income residents and those receiving care, with future programs planned to assist these groups.

Why it matters: While the impact of the ordinance may seem small compared to the city’s goal of reducing emissions 40% below 1990 levels, officials view it as an important first step in addressing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Next steps: The commission is finalizing the ordinance text with city staff and anticipates having a draft ready for review this month. It could be brought to the Palm Springs City Council for a first reading in January.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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IN OTHER NEWS

🏥 With voters overwhelmingly supporting a new lease that will eventually give ownership of the city’s hospital to Tenet Healthcare, what happens next? And what happens when Tenet takes over in 2057? Reporter Ema Sasic broke it all down. [Desert Sun]

🛩️ The smaller runway at Palm Springs International Airport was closed for hours Sunday after an unspecified “incident” involving a small plane. All four people on the plane were safe, and other flights continued to operate normally. [Yahoo News]

🚒 Fire crews were called out to the San Jacinto mountains above Palm Springs Friday to battle a small blaze that was visible to many in the city. [KESQ]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Walk of the Stars Dedication
2:30 p.m. | Downtown
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will honor acclaimed actor Tristan Rogers with the 471st star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars in the categories of Entertainment and Humanitarian. The ceremony is open to the public.

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support
3 p.m. | Mizell Center
This weekly support group offers a safe, confidential, supportive environment for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia. All caregivers are welcome.

CalComMen’s Monday Coffee
5 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Join us for coffee, chat & chew! Drop in … no RSVPs. Play Lounge & Cafe has a drink and snack Happy Hour menu! See old friends, make new ones.

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | VIP Lounge at the Cultural Center
Come on up and enjoy an evening of live music from the award-winning team from the high desert: Mon Petit Mojave. ($22)

Road Reconfiguration Meeting
5:30 p.m. | Demuth Community Center
The second round of community outreach meetings has been scheduled by the engineering department to solicit resident input on road reconfiguration projects, which are designed to calm traffic and provide safer pedestrian and bike accessibility. South Palm Canyon will be discussed at this meeting.

PALS Circle
6 p.m. | Virtual
PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors) Circle is an informal weekly Zoom drop-in for connection and support. There is no agenda, no topic – like getting together with friends every week. Reach out to the organizer at billymoss.pals@gmail.com for Zoom instructions.

Director’s Choice Film
6 p.m. | Cultural Center
Celebrate iconic filmmaker Billy Wilder on the BIG Screen with a showing of “The Apartment.” ($12)

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Enjoy bingo hosted by Bella Da Ball for a $30 minimum spend.

SAVE THE DATE

• “Paddles for a Cause” Pickleball Tournament on Nov. 23.
  
  
• 2024 Wild Turkey Trot in Downtown Palm Springs on Nov. 28.
  
  
• Martha’s Village & Kitchen’s Thanksgiving Day 5K in Palm Desert on Nov. 28.
  
  
• Friendsgiving at Play Lounge & Cafe on Nov. 28.
  
  
•  WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens starts on Nov. 29.
  
  
• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus: Disney Pride In Concert starts on Nov. 30.
  
  
• 2024 Dance with Miss Lindsay at Annenberg Theater on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
  
  
• Mary Poppins at Palm Canyon Theatre starts on Dec. 1.

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AND FINALLY …

Officials with Palm Springs Public Library are making progress on the building’s significant renovation plans, with architects submitting building permit applications and staff reviewing design finishes. There’s one important task that you might be able to help with.

Driving the news: Library Director Jeannie Kays reported this month that the project remains on schedule during a recent library board meeting. Staff are now selecting carpets, tiles, paint colors, and other design elements for the updated facility.

• The renovation is expected to take approximately two years, necessitating a temporary relocation of library services. 

At issue: While core services can be conducted in any number of buildings, storing the existing collection of 75,000 books requires special conditions.

• Kays expressed concern about the potential cost of climate-controlled commercial space and emphasized the need for creative solutions, such as seeking donations of vacant properties.

Looking ahead: If the current schedule holds, the library plans to begin ramping down operations at its main location by the end of March 2025, with April targeted as a transition month for moving to the temporary location and preparing the main building for construction.

Dive deeper with our complete story