Sept. 3 Daily Briefing: Historic designation approved, equipment thieves sought, PSFD crew deployed, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, where if you’re planning on taking Vista Chino this morning we’ve got a heads up for you: The roadway through the wash will be closed starting at 6:30 a.m. today for some much-needed maintenance work – they’ll be clearing the shoulder and drainage lanes and moving sand to the south side of the wash. The good news is the road should be back open by this afternoon, so just plan an alternate route for your morning commute and you’ll be all set!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Get Back” by The Beatles 

LEADING OFF

Board approves historic status for 1961 Polynesian-style condo complex

The Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously Monday to recommend historic district designation for Desert Lanai I, a 1961 condominium complex featuring distinctive Polynesian “Tiki” architecture. The recommendation now advances to the City Council for final consideration.

Driving the news: Desert Lanai I consists of 22 residential units in eight structures arranged around a central courtyard with a swimming pool at the southeast corner of East Tachevah Drive and North Sunrise Way.

• The complex was designed by architect Charles Du Bois and built by developer Joseph Dunas during the post-World War II boom period.

Why it matters: The development represents one of the city’s earliest condominium properties and showcases an innovative residential approach that catered to seasonal tourists during a transformative period in the city’s history.

The details: The complex features A-frame rooflines, exposed wood beams, and rock walls that reflect Du Bois’ trademark Polynesian architectural style. Staff found the property meets three criteria for historic designation under city code.

• Board member Jeffrey Herr noted the city doesn’t have many historic districts, calling this “an important step forward” for preservation efforts.

What’s next: Historic designation would subject any exterior changes to the complex to city review under historic preservation regulations. The community association has already submitted draft design guidelines as part of their application.

• While some original wooden details have been replaced over time, officials said the overall design, building forms and site layout remain intact with “very high” integrity.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

BRIEFLY

🌩️ Thunderstorms bring lightning, rain to city

• A thunderstorm system swept into the area on Tuesday morning, bringing rain, wind, lightning and thunder.
  
• The National Weather Service issued a warning for Palm Springs International Airport due to potential lightning strikes. As the storm rolled through, 50 to 100 lightning strikes per hour were recorded in the region, according to a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. 
  
• By the numbers: Rainfall totals varied across the region, with Palm Springs receiving 0.21 inches at the airport and 1.47 inches recorded atop Mt. San Jacinto.

🚨 Police seek help identifying pool equipment thieves

• The Palm Springs Police Department released surveillance video Tuesday showing two thieves stealing pool equipment from a home early Friday morning on the 2600 block of Lawrence Crossley Road.
  
• The thieves stole a Dolphin Nautalis Pool Vacuum valued at over $1,000. Video shows one person climbing over a fence to grab the equipment while a second person helped get the object over the fence.
  
• Bottom line: Police are asking the public to help identify the individuals captured in the footage. Anyone who recognizes the suspects should contact Detective Alexander Doherty at 760 323-8142 or via this email address.

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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.

Sammy’s Circle Pet Bereavement
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Sammy’s Circle is a safe place to share grief and to share the stories of beloved pets, both those who have recently left us, as well as those whose memories have long lingered in our hearts.

Hanna Nicole Virtual Book Talk
4 p.m. | Virtual
Embrace your dark side (and your best evil laugh) and join us in conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer, creator of the New York Times bestselling Assistant to the Villain series.

Library Board
5:30 p.m. | CVEP Board Room
The Board reviews and amends library policy, reviews progress reports, discusses immediate and long-range library planning, and prepares an annual budget. Tonight’s agenda can be found here, and the meeting takes place here.

Architectural Review Committee
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The ARC reviews and makes recommendations on building and landscape design to the Planning Commission, City Council and City staff. Tonight’s agenda can be found here.

Tremoloco
7 p.m. | Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Get ready to rock out with Tremoloco, bringing their unique blend of Americana and Latin sounds for a night you won’t forget! ($22)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• CV Lip Sync Battle on Saturday
  
• 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Sept. 11 starting at 8:15 a.m.
  
• Healthy Desert Healthy You Environmental Summit from Sept. 11-12
  
• Cinema Diverse for two weekends this month
  
• Annual Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs on Sept. 17
  
• 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

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

While most people think of firefighters battling building blazes with hoses and axes, a Palm Springs Fire Department crew is currently playing protector to some of California’s most ancient residents — giant sequoias — with much different equipment.

Driving the mission: Four Downtown Fire Station 1 engine personnel have been deployed to the Garnet Fire in Sierra National Forest for the past week, where their primary job involves setting up sprinkler systems around massive trees to create safe zones should flames threaten the area.

• The crew is expected to remain on assignment for a full 14 days in what Capt. Ronnie Skyberg describes as a “pretty interesting assignment, in a pretty cool area to be in.”
  
• The downtown station remains fully staffed with backfill personnel during the deployment.

The bigger picture: This deployment came after another Palm Springs crew returned from an 11-day stint fighting the Gifford Fire near Santa Maria, which is now 97% contained at 131,614 acres.

Meanwhile back home: Residents can attend the fire department’s “Never Forget” 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Station 2 (300 North El Cielo), beginning at 8:30 a.m. next Thursday, complete with post-ceremony donuts and coffee.