Oct. 7 Daily Briefing: Vacation rental updates, candidate forum, new role for old church, and more

Welcome to Monday, and Happy World Architecture Day! Last week, we reported on the list of 52 projects that were submitted as part of the community-initiated Measure J project process. One particular submission — a recovery campus — stood out not because of its uniqueness but because of the amount of money requested: more than $90 million. Given that about $6 million total will be available to distribute, that request was pretty eye-popping. It turns out that number is actually $800,000 and the $91.2 million listed on this spreadsheet was incorrect (and is being corrected). The whole thing reminded us of this scene from the cult classic “Office Space.”

🎶 Setting the mood: “Your Mind Is On Vacation” by Curtis Stigers

LEADING OFF

Board to consider vacation rental ordinance updates

The Palm Springs Administrative Appeals Board is considering changes to the city’s vacation rental ordinance to improve community understanding and compliance. The updates would aim to educate property buyers and real estate agents about short-term rental requirements.

At issue: A review of appeal cases over the past two years revealed only 0.05% were overturned, prompting questions about community understanding of the ordinances.

• Multiple property owners facing fines reported receiving misinformation or no information about regulations when purchasing their properties.

Details: The recommendations, outlined in a report produced by an ad hoc subcommittee of the board include outreach initiatives, new rules for property management companies, and stricter penalties for non-compliance.

Next steps: The Administrative Appeals Board will discuss the proposed changes at a meeting later this month. 

• If passed, the Palm Springs City Council will have the final say on implementation.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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IN OTHER NEWS

🗳️ City Council hopefuls discussed affordable housing, public safety, economic development at a weekend candidate forum. [Palm Springs Post]

⚖️Charges were filed last week against five of eight suspects identified by police in connection with a physical altercation in Palm Springs. [KESQ]

🎞️ The NVISION Latino Film and Music Festival is using the arts to break down stereotypes, reports Matt King, as he previews the event scheduled for Palm Springs from Thursday through Sunday. [CV Independent]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

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.

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | 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)

Architectural Review Committee (Canceled)
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) typically holds regular meetings at 5:30 pm on the first and third Monday of each month. Today’s meeting is canceled.

PALS Circle
6 p.m. | Zoom
PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors) Circle is an informal weekly Zoom drop-in for connection and support. Reach out to the organizer at billymoss.pals@gmail.com for Zoom instructions.

AAPAC General Meeting
6 p.m. | Zoom
The African American Parent Advisory Council was founded in 2016 and is an important partner in the Palm Springs Unified School District and the Riverside County African American Achievement Initiative. Join us at our meetings and become a member of AAPAC.

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Enjoy a night of fabulous bingo hosted by Bella Da Ball.

SAVE THE DATE

• Amy’s Purpose non-profit fundraiser celebrating the legacy of Liberace on Oct. 13.
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefit for AAP – Food Samaritans on Oct. 13.
  
  
• Shredding event at the Convention Center on Oct. 19.
  
  
• Center Stage benefiting LGBTQ+ Center of the Desert on Oct. 19.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Be A Hero for Kids Halloween Bash on Oct. 27.
  
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Nov. 2.

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs’-based Dezart Performs plans to purchase and transform the First Church of Christ, Scientist into a professional theater, it was announced Sunday.

Driving the news: The 1957 Albert Frey-designed building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will become a 150-seat venue while preserving its architectural integrity.

Behind the scenes: Writer/Producer David C. Lee, who made a large donation to help kickstart restoration of the Historic Plaza Theatre downtown, has pledged $500,000 to support the Dezart Performs project, including a $200,000 matching donor challenge. 

• The total project cost is estimated at $2 million, with $1.4 million already raised.

Zoom in: When completed, the new Dezart Playhouse will serve as a cultural hub for Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, offering diverse programming and community events.

• The 6,000 sq. ft. space will include a fully-equipped theater, dressing rooms, rehearsal hall, and lobby with box office and bar.

What’s next: Dezart Performs aims to open the new theater for the 2025/26 season, pending successful fundraising and renovation efforts.

• The company intends to maintain the building’s Modernist aesthetic while meeting professional theater needs.