Nov. 12 Daily Briefing: Warehouse debate, election update, Veterans Day parade, and more

Welcome to Tuesday. We reported a lot about the asphalt art project done in our city on Saturday because we like to lean in on uplifting stories, and that one was about as uplifting as you can get. The city, an artist, students, and community members all came together to brighten up an intersection and the lives of their neighbors. Unfortunately, sometime overnight Sunday, somebody chose to vandalize the artwork with graffiti. As heartbreaking as that is, it’s heartening to know that the city, the artist, and members of the Arts Commission immediately began to explore ways they could erase the damage. We’ll keep you posted on the progress and hope everyone who brought the project to life keeps their spirits up.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Alone Together” by Catherine Russell

LEADING OFF

Industrial expansion debate looms ahead of fulfillment center vote

The Palm Springs Planning Commission will discuss the next steps for a large fulfillment center within city limits on Wednesday. The project has raised concerns about the region’s industrial future and potential environmental impacts.

Driving the news: At its regular meeting at City Hall Wednesday evening, the commission will consider approving the project’s Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC) necessary due to significant unavoidable impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and transportation.

• The development is proposed for a 38-acre parcel within the city limits east of Interstate 10 at the northwest corner of North Indian Canyon Drive and 19th Avenue.

Details: As currently planned, the development would include 727,360 square feet for warehouse uses, 12,000 square feet for office space, 306 truck and trailer stalls, 110 loading docks, and 736 parking stalls.

Possible benefits: Proponents of the development tout its potential for significant economic benefits, including the creation of an estimated 718 permanent jobs and increased property tax revenues. 

• The warehouse would comply with current city zoning and General Plan designations, requiring no conditional use permits.

Yes, but: Critics, including a former planning commissioner, Peter Moruzzi, argue the project could degrade the quality of life in Palm Springs, citing uncertain job creation numbers and potential environmental impacts. 

• In correspondence recently sent to the commission, Moruzzi underscored the uncertainty surrounding the project’s benefits, given the unknown tenant and the level of automation.

What’s next: The Planning Commission meeting and possible vote is scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers of City Hall, with the public invited to attend and offer comments. A staff report prepared for the meeting is available here.

Dive deeper with our complete story

---

IN OTHER NEWS

🗳️ In the contest for Assembly District 47, which includes Palm Springs, incumbent Assemblymember Greg Wallis has pulled ahead of Palm Springs City Councilmember Christy Holstege by 269 votes, following the latest vote counts from Riverside and San Bernardino counties late Monday evening. [Palm Springs Post]

🐦‍⬛ From food and water to the perfect perch, the transformed environment is a key reason raven populations are booming in Palm Springs. Marcos Trinidad reveals all the ways the city has created ideal habitat for ravens. [PBS SoCal]

🎚️ Desert Air, a distinctive music festival by Goldenvoice, is returning to the Palm Springs Air Museum after a break. Matt King writes that the event this weekend, which features electronic music artists, will expand with daytime events at the Palm Springs Surf Club. [CV Independent]

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

ONE-PS Monthly Meeting
4:30 p.m. | Police Training Center
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) holds a general meeting each month (except August) of representatives of each certified neighborhood.

Queer Colon Care Collective
5 p.m. | Virtual
This ongoing virtual session is open to all colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. It aims to provide a platform for sharing experiences and offering mutual support.

VillageFest Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall Large Conference Room
The VillageFest Board consists of seven members appointed by the City Council and typically meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month to review and approve vendors, interpret rules, and advise on matters relating to VillageFest.

Human Rights Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The city’s Human Rights Commission typically meets on the second Monday of each month. For agendas and other information, check here.

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)

Toastmasters
6 p.m. | The Center
Palm Springs Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive atmosphere where we develop our communication and leadership skills.

Board of Education
6 p.m. | PSUSD headquarters
The Palm Springs Unified School District Board of Education meets every second and fourth Tuesday at district headquarters. The meetings are streamed live.

SAVE THE DATE

• ‘Loot’ by Desert Ensemble Theatre starting Friday.
  
  
• ‘Hillary and Clinton’ by Dezart Performs starting Friday. 
  
  
• ‘Studio One, Forever’ with Q & A following at The Church of St Paul in the Desert on Saturday.
  
  
• ‘When the Band Played On: A conversation with Michael G. Lee and Hank Plante’ on Saturday.
  
  
• Kewet Native American Learning Day and Market on Saturday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Hospitality Association Pickleball Tournament on Saturday.
  
  
• “Paddles for a Cause” Pickleball Tournament on Nov. 23.

---

AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs has been honoring servicemembers from the city and beyond at its annual Veterans Day Parade for nearly 30 years, and Monday it was time to do it again. 

Driving the news: In front of some some of the largest crowds ever to turn out for the annual event, students in marching bands, participants on floats, and members of the military had a chance to soak in the applause. 

• Attendees of the 27th annual parade were welcomed by slightly cloudy skies and pleasant temperatures — perfect conditions for a parade!

Looking ahead: Monday’s event was the second in a series of parades that started with the Pride Parade earlier this month. Next up is the city’s annual Festival of Lights Parade on Dec. 7.