Palm Springs officials consider emergency aid for fertility clinic forced to relocate after terrorist attack

Palm Springs city officials are considering emergency financial assistance for the American Reproductive Center after a terrorist attack damaged the facility and forced the urgent relocation of sensitive reproductive materials.

City Manager Scott Stiles brought the emergency relief proposal before the City Council during a meeting Thursday evening, citing the immediate need to help Dr. Maher Abdallah move embryonic materials from the damaged building before FBI investigators potentially demolish structures for evidence processing.

“We were hearing rumors that some of the embryonic material at the site might be in some jeopardy with the movement of it,” Stiles told the Council. “I wanted to make sure that if there were any recommendations or thought council members had to direct me or any of our staff to either work closely with the folks who are raising funds to work on that.”

The fertility clinic, the only medical facility in the Coachella Valley providing reproductive services, has secured temporary space at the El Mirador Building across the street and plans to move sensitive materials this weekend. However, the rapid transition requires immediate facility modifications including new flooring estimated at almost $40,000 and painting costs of almost $20,000.

“This is the only medical office in our valley who provides this service,” said Mayor Pro Tem Naomi Soto during the meeting. “It is actually a service to the whole valley by making sure this move is seamless this weekend.”

The attack affected reproductive materials housed in a building separate from the primary target, creating time pressure as the FBI continues processing the crime scene. Officials indicated the federal investigation could require building demolition as soon as this weekend, necessitating the immediate transfer of temperature-sensitive materials.

The terrorist attack also damaged 26 other buildings in the area, affecting multiple businesses. Some business owners reported repair costs approaching $200,000, with many operations remaining closed and generating no revenue while paying for repairs.

City Council members expressed support for providing assistance while acknowledging the broader impact on the business community. The council ultimately gave Stiles discretion to work directly with Abdallah to support transition costs as needed.

The city manager indicated he would meet with Abdallah to assess the most urgent needs and coordinate with FBI investigators regarding building access and demolition timelines. Stiles has authority to spend up to $150,000 without council approval, giving him discretion to provide immediate assistance if needed for the urgent relocation of reproductive materials.

City officials are also working with state and county partners to identify potential funding sources for affected businesses. A comprehensive damage assessment and recovery presentation is planned for next week’s Council meeting.

---