November 22 Daily Briefing: Controversy over patio, AIDS memorial funding, and more

Welcome to Friday, everyone, where we’d like to send our sincerest gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support you showed as you read about the passing of our “Founding Mother” – Mark’s mom – in yesterday’s newsletter. Shortly after the newsletter went out, we received some very, very good news from Kendall about her kidney transplant recovery. We’ll share that with you later, but for now we’re left wondering if Mark’s mom may have played a part in making Kendall’s good news possible. If so — thanks, mom!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Hey Look Ma, I Made It” by Panic! at The Disco

LEADING OFF

Council approves eminent domain for Plaza Theatre project

The Palm Springs City Council voted 4-0 Tuesday to approve using eminent domain to acquire part of Kalura Trattoria’s patio for the Plaza Theatre restoration project, despite strong opposition from the restaurant’s owners and patrons.

At issue: The city needs to widen an existing 10-foot easement to 20 feet to meet California building code requirements for the theater renovation, according to City Attorney Jeff Ballinger.

• The wider easement is necessary for public safety in case of emergencies, especially considering the theater’s 700-plus seat capacity.

Yes, but: Restaurant owners and patrons expressed their disapproval during public comments, citing potential harm to the 22-year-old family-owned business.

• Ignazio Battaglia, one of Kalura’s owners, said the action is “unnecessary, unjust and violates the right to our family owned business,” and could put employees’ families at risk.
  
  
• Over 600 citizens signed a petition opposing the use of eminent domain for the acquisition of Kalura’s patio.

Next steps: City staff will continue negotiations with the property owner, Grit Development, and Kalura’s owners to find a mutually agreeable solution.

• The city wants Kalura to remain at the current property and has discussed potentially relocating the patio to the front of the building, similar to parklets seen in other areas of the city.

Bottom line: If negotiations are unsuccessful, court action could be necessary for the city to acquire the property.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

💰 Funding for installation of AIDS memorial approved

The Palm Springs City Council has greenlit funding the installation of a planned AIDS memorial, “Well of Love,” in Downtown Park, increasing the city’s funding contribution to $125,000. 

• Designed by Philip K. Smith III, the memorial will feature three glass faces with water effects and benches, serving as a reflective space for remembrance and celebration of those affected by AIDS.
  
  
• After objectives were raised about the initial proposed design, the project gained community support through a redesign process involving listening sessions and a town hall, leading to a more inclusive and space-oriented design. 
  
  
• Next steps: The memorial is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with hopes of unveiling it on World AIDS Day. Fundraising efforts continue to cover the full cost.

Dive deeper with our complete story

🏛️ Council reaffirms support for HRC

The Palm Springs City Council discussed plans to revitalize the city’s Human Rights Commission (HRC) during a meeting Thursday evening, emphasizing the goal to strengthen the commission while updating its decades-old ordinance to reflect current needs.

• During the discussion, councilmembers highlighted the historical importance of the HRC, which was established in 1965 to address issues facing minority groups in Palm Springs, and stressed the need to restore commitment to its traditional responsibilities.
  
  
• Next steps: The council plans to draft a new ordinance for review by the incoming council in early 2025, fill three vacancies on the commission, and possibly allow it to resume normal business after new councilmembers are seated in December.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS/TIMES

• ‘Hillary and Clinton’ at Palm Springs Woman’s Club ($57-$66)
  
  
• ‘LOOT’ at Palm Springs Cultural Center ($40)
  
  
• ‘The Wolves’ at Palm Springs High School ($5- $7)
  
  
• Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Downtown Cathedral City
  
  
• McCormick’s Classic Car Show & Auction at Palm Springs Convention Center
  
  
• Next to Normal at Coachella Valley Repertory ($90)

TODAY

• Art Walk at Perez Road at 4 p.m. 
  
  
• Protect and Preserve, Artists for Oswit at Desert Art Woman Gallery at 4 p.m.
  
  
• Paw-CATso Paint Party at Frisky Business Cat Cafe at 6 p.m. ($38)
  
  
• Country Western Dancing at Dance Ranch Palm Springs at 7:30 p.m. ($5)
  
  
• Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso at 8 p.m. ($15)

SATURDAY

• Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market at Palm Springs Cultural Center from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
  
  
• “Paddles for a Cause” Pickleball Tournament at Kimpton Rowan Hotel Pickleball Courts at 8 a.m.  ($50- $75)
  
  
• Dog & Cat Parent Pick Day at Bones-n-Scones at 11 a.m.
  
  
• 12th Annual Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival at Palm Springs Air Museum at 1 p.m. ($75 and up)
  
  
• Pre-Thanksgiving Wine Tasting at hyphen- Wine Shop at 2:30pm ($10)
  
  
• Closing Reception at Kee Gallery for the “11 Artists on 111 Show” at Backstreet Art District at 5 p.m.
  
  
• Talks: Perspectives on David Hockney at Annenberg Theater at 11 a.m.

SUNDAY

• Iced Tea Dance at Toucan’s Tiki Lounge at 1 p.m.
  
  
• Sunday T-Dance at Oscar’s at 3 p.m. ($10 after first hour)
  
  
• Dusty Strings Collective at Palm Springs Cultural Center at 5:30 p.m. ($20)

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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 Elise, a 4-year-old, 19-pound Chihuahua mix available at Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

• Staff at the shelter say Elise is the perfect combination of style and sweetness. She’s great with other dogs, affectionate with her humans, and always ready for a walk.

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, you can get a jump start on adoption by completing the form here.