Sept. 30 Daily Briefing: New fee schedule, museum director named, our pet of the week, and more

Happy Tuesday, everyone! You may remember our story on Pharos Athletic Club from earlier this year, and a mention that it would eventually have a coffee/shake bar called Fuel. Well, one of us (Mark) celebrated National Coffee Day yesterday by walking over there for his afternoon beverage and was delighted to find a real-deal coffee shop in that part of town — pastries by Le Cordon Bleu pastry chef Kim Moore (who was also behind the bar) included! The best part? You don’t need to be a gym member to get your caffeine fix. If you’re passing by the gym (3455 North Indian Canyon Dr.), stop in and tell them we sent you.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu” by Johnny Rivers

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs approves fee increases for city services

The Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive fee schedule that raises costs for dozens of city services, with some fees seeing their first increases in six years. The new structure aims to achieve full cost recovery rather than subsidizing services through the general fund.

Driving the news: The council approved the fee changes at its Sept. 25 meeting, with consultant Willdan Financial Services citing nationwide inflation and personnel cost increases as the primary drivers.

• “Those salary and benefit increases directly contribute to the proposed fee and the full request of full cost recovery,” Assistant Finance Director Heather Cain said.

By the numbers: The schedule covers more than 500 different city fees across multiple departments, including building and safety, fire, planning, police, parks and recreation, and engineering.

The big picture: Building Department fees were simplified and rebalanced — lowering costs for major projects like new homes and tenant improvements while raising fees for smaller items like block walls and pools. Parks & Recreation pricing now includes seasonal rates and group discounts.

What’s different: Some fees were actually reduced. Domestic partnership registration fees dropped to $35 from an initially proposed $197. Accessory dwelling unit permit fees remained flat at Mayor Pro Tem Naomi Soto’s request to support housing goals.

Why it matters: The fee adjustments free up general fund money for services that benefit the broader public rather than subsidizing services used by individuals or small groups, according to Willdan’s Mike Medved.

What’s next: The council approved annual inflation adjustments to prevent large fee increases in future comprehensive reviews. The new fee schedule takes effect immediately.

• A preliminary — but not final — version of the fee schedule that was discussed at the meeting can be viewed here. 

Dive deeper with our full story

BRIEFLY

🎨 Art Museum elevates Vendredi to executive director

• The Board of Trustees of Palm Springs Art Museum announced Monday that Christine Vendredi has been appointed executive director. Vendredi has led the museum in an interim capacity since April 2025 and joined as chief curator in April 2024.
  
• Vendredi brings more than 20 years of experience in curatorial leadership and museum operations. Before joining the museum, she served as global director of art, culture and heritage at Louis Vuitton, where she oversaw exhibitions and art commissions in Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, Milan and Los Angeles.
  
• What they’re saying: “Christine is a rare leader who combines intellectual depth with global perspective and bold curatorial vision,” said Craig Hartzman, chair of the Board of Trustees. “She has already elevated the museum in profound ways, and we are thrilled to formally welcome her into this role. Her decisive leadership will shape a dynamic future for the institution and our community.”

Dive deeper with our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Pre-shredding drop off
8 a.m. until 5 p.m. | Inside City Hall
For those who are unable to make the Saturday free shredding event at the convention center, you are invited to drop off your materials for shredding from Monday through Thursday inside Palm Springs City Hall from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Yoga With Mariana
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Leisure Center
The perfect way to recharge your body, mind, and spirit for much less than the big studios. ($12)

Leads Lunch
12 p.m. | Social Cafe and Play Lounge
You’re invited to join the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce at the September Lead$ Lunch hosted at The Social Cafe and Play Lounge. If you’re a Palm Springs Chamber member, there’s no admission fee — just cover the cost of your lunch. RSVP is not needed to attend.

Downtown Police Substation Open House
5 p.m. | Downtown Park
Join PSPD as they celebrate the opening of the new Downtown Police Substation in Downtown park (near the Marilyn statue). Meet the officers who serve our Downtown community, enjoy light refreshments, take part in guided tours of the department, and experience live music by DJ Big John.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• WALLSPACE October Modernism Exhibition at Janssen Artspace starting Friday
  
• “Do You Remember?” screening with Clive Davis and Barry Manilow on Friday
  
• Free shredding event on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the convention center
  
• Blue Zones Palm Springs Well-Being Festival on Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
  
• Book launch: Tu-Tu and the Lizard’s Great Escape by local author Charlie Ervin Saturday at 2 p.m.
  
• One Night Out Paris benefitting The Foundation for PSUSD on Saturday 
  
• 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
  
• Coachella Valley Filipino Festival on Nov. 15

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 a loveable little guy named Benji,  a 4-year-old mixed breed that’s fairly new to the shelter. Staff say he’s very affectionate with familiar people. 

• Staff also mentioned he is good in cars, great on leash, and does good with some dogs.

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days except for Mondays (open for intake only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter at (760) 416-5718.

• Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here.