Sept. 23 Daily Briefing: Water rules challenges, continued pushback for project, and more

Welcome to Tuesday! Rosh Hashanah began at sundown last night, marking the start of the Jewish New Year. To our neighbors who are celebrating, we wish you a Shanah Tovah — may this season bring sweetness, renewal, and joy for you and your families. The holiday also begins the High Holy Days, and we remind you that if you or your organization are hosting related events, our free community calendar is ready for your submissions.

🎶 Setting the mood: “El Mar” by Quillo ft. Marty Kaleta

LEADING OFF

New water rules create compliance challenges for HOAs

Desert Water Agency has banned potable water irrigation on non-functional turf, and HOAs are worried that could drive up landscaping costs. 

Driving the news: Ordinance 80, adopted in August in response to California Assembly Bill 1572, specifically targets grass areas not regularly used for recreational or community events as part of broader state regulations requiring 40% water reduction by 2040.

• The regulation excludes single family homes and areas using recycled water, meaning only common areas like HOA landscaping, medians and decorative grass spaces are affected.

The timeline: Government properties must comply by Jan. 1, 2027, while commercial and industrial businesses have until Jan. 1, 2028. HOA common areas have until Jan. 1, 2029.

The financial burden: Property managers say conversion costs run $7 to $9 per square foot, plus expensive design plans, and most associations haven’t budgeted for such expenses.

• “Associations haven’t budgeted for that. They just don’t have that kind of money,” said Bobbie Gaffney of The Gaffney Group, which manages 30 desert properties.

What’s at stake: The complete ban prevents even minimal watering to maintain dormant grass or preserve irrigation systems, meaning HOAs face either dirt patches or expensive conversions.

• Penalties for violations can reach $2,000 per verified violation, though DWA prefers working with property owners making good faith compliance efforts.

Dive deeper with our complete story

IN OTHER NEWS

• 🏗️ A nine-story hotel and residential project approved for Palm Springs’ Midtown area continues to spark debate as one of the city’s tallest proposed buildings, raising concerns about blocked views and possible changes to the city’s low-rise character. [NBC Palm Springs]
  
• 🎵 Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic will launch a landmark 2026 season featuring world-class orchestras thanks to new grant support aimed at keeping performances accessible and expanding music education in the valley. [The Desert Sun]
  
• 🏳️‍🌈 An iconic clothing-optional gay resort will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Oct. 31 with an afternoon gathering for past guests and friends, marking three decades as a community hub and safe space in Warm Sands. [GayCities]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Palm Springs Police Blood Drive
10 a.m. | PSPD Training Center
The Palm Springs Police Department will be holding a blood donation drive in partnership with LifeStream Blood Bank. each donation earns donor store points that can be redeemed for virtual prepaid Mastercards, LifeStream gear, and more.

Yoga With Mariana
2 p.m. | Palm Springs Leisure Center
An affordable community yoga class that is the perfect way to recharge your body, mind, and spirit for much less than the big studios. ($12)

Pet Talk With Dr. Caldwell
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
This month’s session, “Healthy Teeth = Happy Pets,” will cover all the essentials to keep your furry friend’s smile in top shape. 

PSUSD Board of Education Meeting
6 p.m. | PSUSD Headquarters
The Board of Education meetings tonight, check out the agenda here.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Cans ‘N Kibble Pet Food Drive on Friday at four area locations, including Palm Springs Animal Shelter
  
• 18th Annual Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit Weekend at Crystal Fantasy this Friday through Sunday
  
• 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 …

🐾 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 Squirrel, an 11 year old female cat available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe. You may remember we’ve talked about this sweet gal before during her time at  the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, but she decided she wanted to move closer to her favorite freshly baked treats

• Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers tells us she can be shy at first, but she’s very gentle and affectionate once comfortable.

If you’re interested: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (also where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here.

• All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat. 

But wait: Don’t want to adopt but still enjoy cats? You can book a time to hang out in the cat lounge by clicking here.