Oct. 15 Daily Briefing: Concerns preceded fire, fatal crash, next inductees into hall of fame, and more

Welcome to Tuesday, everyone! We were recently contacted by a writer working on a piece about the city who wanted to know our opinion about a “hidden gem” here. We occasionally get these requests, and 100% of the time they come in we’re a bit stumped. In this day and age of social media, it seems nothing is hidden anymore. What about you? Is there one place in Palm Springs — perhaps a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, or attraction — you might say is hidden? Let us know!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Bluer Than Blue” by Michael Johnson

LEADING OFF

Fire engulfs vacant apartments amid squatter concerns

Neighbors and nearby business owners who feared a fire might break out at a vacant former apartment complex saw their fears come true earlier this month. Police say they understand the frustrations that followed, but residents did all the right things to help prevent the situation. 

Driving the news: The Palm Springs Fire Department responded to the fire at the former Tamarisk Garden Apartments at 275 Tamarisk Road at 3:30 a.m. on Oct. 5. When they arrived, a portion of the complex was engulfed in flames. Roughly 30 minutes later, the flames had been knocked down. 

• While the buildings did not appear to be a total loss, and no damage estimate is available, some of the nine units on the property sustained extensive damage.

Looking back: One nearby business owner who contacted The Post said there had been repeated calls about squatters in the buildings, and fears expressed that their presence could lead to a fire. 

• A fire department spokesperson said last week that the buildings were empty upon arrival. A police spokesperson said five individuals had been removed from the property when PSPD was called on Oct. 3.

What they’re saying: Palm Springs Police Lt. Gustavo Araiza said authorities had been called to the property on at least two other occasions this year. Like the situation at the downtown Orchid Tree Hotel property, Araiza said, police can only do so much. 

• “Tamarisk Gardens is another example of how crucial it is for property owners to take proactive steps to secure their properties,” Araiza said. “While the police can assist when trespassers are reported, sustained security efforts from property owners are essential in preventing repeated incidents.”

Why it matters: The property in question is a bit unique. Albert Frey and John Porter Clark brought the original project — known as The Cheney Apartments — to life in 1939.

• Though stalled, city records show renovations had been planned to convert the nine apartments into an eight-unit boutique hotel.

---

IN OTHER NEWS

🚨 A fatal crash involving a motorcycle was reported Monday evening west of the Target shopping center in the area of East Palm Canyon Drive and Golf Club Drive. Police closed the roadway overnight while investigating. [KESQ]

⛳ Higher than normal October temperatures weren’t just a drag for Coachella Valley residents and visitors. Larry Bohannan reports they also had an impact on crews who spend the month reseeding to get local golf courses in shape for the season. [Desert Sun]

✈️ The latest of the Saab 35 Draken interceptors to leave Chino Airport has made its way to the Palm Springs Air Museum, where it will be restored for static display. [Vintage Aviation News]

---

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Pre-Shredding Drop Off
8 a.m. until 5 p.m. | Palm Springs City Hall
This is your opportunity to securely drop off documents for shredding if unable to attend the city’s free shredding event on Saturday.

Desert Water Agency Board Meeting
8 a.m. | DWA Headquarters
Regular meeting of the Desert Water Agency’s Board of Directors, held on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Parent Academy
5 p.m. | Family Center
Parenting program offering resources, technology, and professional development for parents in the Palm Springs Unified School District.

Queer Colon Care Collective
5 p.m. | Virtual
Virtual support session for colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers sharing experiences and support.

Desert Cities Ad Fed Fall Soiree
5 p.m. | Lola Rose at The Thompson Hotel
Desert Ad Fed announces the formation of their new Board of Directors with a relaunch event featuring networking and educational opportunities, introducing the new Board to the community.

Sustainability Commission
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs City Hall
This city commission usually meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Agendas and other information about the commission are available here.

Melba Miller’s Jazz Oasis
5:30 p.m. | VIP Lounge at PS Cultural Center
Join Melba Miller and special guests for an evening dedicated to lovers of Jazz.($22)

SAVE THE DATE

• Zone Palm Springs Community Meeting number two on Wednesday.
  
  
• Shredding event at the Convention Center on Saturday.
  
  
• Center Stage benefiting LGBTQ+ Center of the Desert on Saturday.
  
  
• Pride on the Page Book Festival on Oct. 20.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks first speaker on Oct. 22.
  
  
• Durk Dehner in conversation with Jamison Rockmore at Mizell Center on Oct. 23.
  
  
• Modernism Week October from the 24th through 27th.
  
  
• DAP Health Equity Walk on Oct. 26.
  
  
• Be A Hero for Kids Halloween Bash on Oct. 27.
  
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Nov. 2.
  
  
• Deep Pit BBQ at Los Compadres Stables on Nov. 2.

---

AND FINALLY …

The Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation has announced the next four inductees into its Media Hall of Fame. A ceremony featuring former New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet is set for Jan. 14, 2025, at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage.

Driving the news: Adolfo Íñiguez Lomelí, Laurilie Jackson, John White, and Gloria Greer (posthumously) will be recognized for their significant contributions to local media.

• The event will also honor local journalists with Journalist of the Year and Rising Star awards.

Why it matters: The induction ceremony celebrates the talent and dedication of journalists who have shaped the Coachella Valley’s media landscape.

• Proceeds from the event will support local newsrooms through grants from the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation. The Post was a recipient of a grant from the foundation earlier this year. 

The inductees: Each honoree brings a unique perspective to the local media scene:

• Adolfo Íñiguez Lomelí is a 29-year radio personality and programmer for “La Poderosa” 96.7 FM.
  
  
• Laurilie Jackson is an associate professor and media professional with extensive broadcasting experience.
  
  
• John White is 25-year veteran at KESQ News Channel 3 and an Emmy Award winner.
  
  
• Gloria Greer was a renowned writer, editor, and broadcaster who chronicled desert icons for decades

Details: The luncheon event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are available at www.cvjf.org, priced at $195 for individuals and $1,750 for tables of 10.