Sept. 17 Daily Briefing: Permits for major development, pedestrian fatality, tree ordinance, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, everyone, where it appears we’ve come full circle. On Feb. 12, 2021, I sat down on my couch and wrote the very first story for The Post about a settlement involving land near the convention center that the city hoped would soon house a large hotel. That story, as well as brief items about a diaper giveaway and free Covid vaccines, were all that was included in the very first Daily Briefing email. Last night, four years and seven months after that story was written, the city’s Planning Commission approved the first permits for the hotel, proving that while time flies, sometimes building major projects in Palm Springs doesn’t. ~ Mark  

🎶 Setting the mood: “Hotel California” by the Eagles 

LEADING OFF

Planning Commission advances major hotel, residential development

The Palm Springs Planning Commission voted Tuesday to advance a seven-story hotel and nine-story residential development that could become the tallest building in the city. The project faced opposition from neighbors concerned about shadows and the building’s size.

Driving the news: Commissioners approved major development and conditional use permits for the project at 847 East Andreas Rd. near the convention center, but added conditions requiring the developer to reduce the nine-story tower’s mass.

• The final 4-0 vote came after an initial motion failed 2-2, with commissioners ultimately requiring a minimum 20-by-20-foot reduction at the tower’s east and south ends.

The details: Nexus Development’s project includes a 125-room hotel and 132 condo units that owners could rent through the hotel during peak season, potentially creating a 257-room property.

• Plans include underground parking with 100 spaces, a five-level garage with 400 spaces, and a 6,040-square-foot restaurant.

Looking back: The project stems from a settlement over the “Prairie Schooner” property, which became embroiled in a corruption case involving former Palm Springs Mayor Steven Pougnet and alleged bribes from a former Nexus employee.

The opposition: Plaza Villas residents across Andreas Road objected to shade impacts, particularly during winter months when tourism peaks.

• One resident said people “don’t need to be becoming the new Las Vegas or Manhattan.”

What’s next: The project moves to the Architectural Review Committee for detailed review of architecture, materials and landscaping.

Dive deeper with Erin Rode’s complete story

BRIEFLY

🌳 Palm Springs tree ordinance advances to City Council

• The Palm Springs Sustainability Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to recommend the city’s first comprehensive tree ordinance to the City Council. The legislation has been in development for more than a year and puts down new requirements for things like tree replacement.
  
• The ordinance also limits removal to specific conditions, protects trees during construction, and requires selection from an approved species list. Supporting documents including the approved species list and technical manual are still being finalized while the city develops a website to consolidate tree data.
  
• What’s next: The ordinance could go to the City Council in late October, though the exact timing depends on the council’s agenda.

🚨 Police investigating Tuesday evening pedestrian fatality

• A pedestrian was killed Tuesday night when he was struck by an SUV on East San Rafael Drive just west of North Avenida Caballeros, KESQ-TV reported. The crash occurred just before 9 p.m., and the victim died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts.
  
• Palm Springs police closed East San Rafael Drive from Eucalyptus Drive to North Avenida Caballeros to investigate the incident. The roadway was reopened at roughly 12:20 a.m. this morning.
  
• Details: The SUV driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police. Investigators report that alcohol or drugs are not considered factors in the incident at this time.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Start the day with other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters with breakfast and conversation.

Water Aerobics
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Swim Center
Get some low-impact exercise at the swim center every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with instructor Donna Newton. ($5 for residents)

Book Talk: Gabe Henry
11 a.m. | Virtual
Come on a surprisingly hilarious journey with us and author Gabe Henry through the history of the English language, while we discuss troublemakers like Mark Twain who broke all the rules.

Palm Springs Airport Commission 
4 p.m. | Airport Conference Room
The commission meets on the third Wednesday of every month to discuss Palm Springs International Airport policy and procedure. These meetings are open to the public. 

Hispanic Heritage Paint Night
5 p.m. | Demuth Community Center
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at this free event where you’ll create unique art. All ages are welcome and all materials are supplied.

Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs
5 p.m. | Indian Canyons Golf Resort
Explore 100+ local businesses, savor bites from 40+ restaurants, and enjoy wine and beer tastings throughout the evening. Your wristband also includes live entertainment, featuring Prince Again — the #1 Tribute to Prince. ($40)

Racquet Club Road Reconfiguration Project Update
5:30 p.m. | Vista Del Monte Elementary School
This meeting will update the public on progress in Racquet Club Road’s reconfiguration. The goal is to redefine lanes to accommodate all modes of transportation from vehicles to pedestrians. 

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Cinema Diverse starting Thursday and running for two weekends
  
• Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival on Saturday
  
• WALLSPACE October Modernism Exhibition at Janssen Artspace starting Oct. 3
  
• Free shredding event at the convention center on Oct. 4
  
• One Night Out Paris benefitting The Foundation for PSUSD on Oct. 4 
  
• Junior Ranger Expo at Indian Canyons on Oct. 11
  
• Spooktacular 5K/10K Run at Ruth Hardy Park on Oct. 11
  
• Pride on the Page on Nov. 1

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

WIf you’ve been putting off those medical screenings your doctor keeps mentioning (and we’re not judging — we’ve all been there), consider this your friendly reminder that some of the most powerful weapons against cancer are surprisingly simple, quick, and often covered by insurance.

Driving the news: DAP Health is highlighting four critical cancer screenings that can detect diseases early or even prevent them entirely — colorectal, cervical, anal, and breast cancer screenings that range from at-home stool tests to routine mammograms.

• Most screenings begin between ages 21 and 45, depending on the type, with many requiring attention only every few years.

What’s involved: The options are more varied and less intimidating than many people think, from at-home stool tests for colorectal cancer to quick Pap tests for cervical cancer, with procedures typically performed by primary care providers, specialists, or radiologic technologists.

Who should get screened: While guidelines vary by age and risk factors, most adults will need some combination of these screenings, with higher-risk individuals potentially starting earlier or screening more frequently.

Why it matters: Early detection can mean the difference between a simple polyp removal and major cancer treatment, with cervical cancer deaths decreasing significantly in recent decades thanks to widespread screening programs.

The bottom line: Your future self will thank you for having that conversation with your healthcare provider about which screenings you need based on your age, history, and risk factors.

Dive deeper with the complete story