Sept. 4 Daily Briefing: Zoning feedback, developer’s court battle, Pride awards, and more

Happy Thursday, folks! September brings Greater Palm Springs Spa Month, which couldn’t come at a better time as we gear up for the return of winter visitors and the busy holiday season ahead. With the desert about to fill up with crowds and calendars getting packed, Visit Greater Palm Springs is offering you the perfect opportunity to squeeze in some rejuvenating treatments before the whirlwind begins. If you’re up for treating yourself, we invite you to check out the offers here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “These Days” by Dr. Dog

LEADING OFF

Residents voice concerns over proposed zoning changes as comment deadline approaches

Some Palm Springs residents are voicing strong opposition to proposed zoning changes that would allow taller buildings and denser housing as the city updates its code for the first time since 1988. The public comment deadline is 5 p.m. on Sept. 21.

Driving the news: The draft zoning update calls for taller buildings, smaller housing units and more dense development to address limited developable land in the desert city.

• The proposed changes include increasing building heights on commercial corridors near transit stops and relaxing parking requirements for new developments.

What they’re saying: Most residents submitting comments on the map found on the Zone Palm Springs website have expressed opposition to key aspects of the plan.

• Thomas Kohn argued taller buildings would change “the spirit of Palm Springs” and suggested height restrictions based on proximity to mountains.
  
• Jerry Braun and Larry Widel warned of impacts near Sunrise Park, citing concerns about “decreased light, severe shadow impacts, loss of privacy and quality of life.”

The legal angle: Michael Valdez raised concerns that allowing tall mixed-use development at Sunrise and Tahquitz Way would violate the city’s General Plan and could result in lawsuits.

• Valdez said he discussed the potential violation with the city attorney and disputed staff interpretations of state housing laws.

What’s next: Additional engagement opportunities are planned for fall, including a virtual meeting in October or early November, followed by open houses and community meetings early next year.

• The proposals will go before the Palm Springs Planning Commission and City Council in the spring.

Read our complete story here

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BRIEFLY

⚖️ California Supreme Court asked to hear Palm Springs development dispute

• A major Palm Springs developer has petitioned the California Supreme Court to review a case over who controlled public construction funds in a $175 million redevelopment project that transformed the former Desert Fashion Plaza site. The dispute centers on whether the private developer must pay prevailing wages to construction workers.
  
• The Court of Appeal ruled in June that Palm Springs Promenade, LLC — formed by Grit Development when it was known as Wessman Development — “retained substantial control over how its construction monies were spent,” but the company disputes this. The developer contributed $143 million while the city provided about $51.36 million for the project.
  
• Bottom line: The League of California Cities supports the developer’s petition, arguing the appellate court’s decision threatens charter cities’ constitutional authority over public spending in public-private partnerships.

Read our complete story here

☕️ Desert Sun: New tenant has plans for former KFC building

• Coffee Dose, an Orange County-based chain, plans to open a brunch club and drive-thru in the former KFC location at Sunny Dunes Road and South Palm Canyon Drive in spring 2026, The Desert Sun reported Wednesday, noting that the franchise advertises itself as “not your grandmother’s coffee shop” with a pink color scheme and cheeky branding.
  
• On their website, owners Jeni and Oscar Castro say their goal is to “deliver high quality caffeination with a side of humor” through their sassy approach to coffee service.
  
• Zoom out: The new shop will occupy the mid-century modern-inspired building that housed KFC until late 2023. It will join other newly-opened eateries in Palm Springs including Coffeeism Co. and Gelato-a-Go-Go, which both recently opened downtown.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Spanish Past Tense Workshop
11:30 a.m. | Mizell Center
This workshop is for scholars ready to master the past in Spanish. Week 1: The overall structure of past tense in Spanish and starting with regular preterite. ($60)

Better Brain & Balance
1 p.m. | The Center
Stay mentally sharp and physically stable. The class design is for older adults noticing memory issues and/or balance challenges. ($15)

Art Museum Free Admission
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum 
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collection at your own pace. 

Public Arts Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Commissioners will hear several updates on ongoing projects according to the agenda.

VillageFest
7 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs  
Weather permitting, the street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food until 10 p.m.

View 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

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AND FINALLY …

Greater Palm Springs Pride has announced the recipients of its 2025 honors awards, recognizing community members for their contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy and inclusion in the desert.

Driving the news: Six individuals and one organization will be honored at the 2025 Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards reception on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Palm Springs Hilton for their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.

The honorees: Recipients include drag entrepreneur Honey Davenport from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Rev. Jane Voigts of the United Methodist Church of Palm Springs, and Loren Ostrow, who leads the first luxury active adult community designed for LGBTQ+ people and their allies.

• Additional awards will go to journalist Valerie Milano, grassroots group Courageous Resistance Indivisible of the Desert, and business owners Ben and Bob Kincaid of Roadrunner Print and Ship.

Why it matters: Beyond celebrating achievements, organizers say the awards serve as a “powerful counter-narrative” during a challenging political period for LGBTQ+ rights, demonstrating community strength and visibility when it’s needed most.

Read our complete story here