Mayor's Update | April 24, 2025

 

Friend,

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This week, I’m writing to you about the council actions at the April 23rd meeting and my work since our last update.

To enhance transparency and accessibility, in addition to this update, I've made it a priority to represent our city in diverse settings beyond formal meetings.

Keep in mind, I’m hosting a community meeting at the convention center April 26, 11:00-12:30. I’d love for you to join me in conversation. Park on the west side of the convention center. We will be in Oasis 3A.

April 10 - Attended the Palm Springs Hospitality Association Board Meeting.

- Coachella Valley Association of Governments Coachella Valley Conservation Commission (CVAG CVCC) we approved the acquisition of two parcels consisting of approximately +/-60.0 acres in the Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area.

- Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Energy and Environment meeting – received an update and postponed taking a position on Proposed Amendments to South Coast Air Quality Management P10 District’s proposal to phase out gas water heaters & furnaces. This proposal will require the purchase of electric appliances and have a significant impact on marginalized communities and those living paycheck to paycheck who are already impacted with high electric costs. The effort is to facilitate substantial nitrogen oxide emission reductions and shift the financial responsibility of this mandate from households to manufacturers. Fees would be assessed on gas appliances. Our belief is manufacturers will past fees to the end-user and the significant expense of modifying electric panels in many of our old homes is not being taking into account. Additionally, there is no plan to address the increased demand for electricity will have on the already strained power grid.

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- Baristo Park Playground Grand Opening was celebrated with a ribbon cutting and many children playing in the park. The $440,000 community park investment has brought pride and joy to the Baristo Neighborhood where children of all abilities are coming together to play, learn, grow, and enjoy the outdoors. The design emphasizes inclusivity, with accessible ramps, sensory play features, and adaptive swings that ensure children with mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, and other needs can enjoy the park fully. With shade structures, heat-resistant materials, and cool zones, children can play safely, even on the warmest days.

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- Interviews discussing the Palm Springs Loves Canada banners and the important role Canadian visitors have with Palm Springs.

• Reuters

• CBC News Network, Vancouver, Hanomansing Tonight, “Why Palm Springs is sending love to Canada amid trade war”

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April 11 - Additional interviews discussing Canadian visitors.

• With Andrew Schultz QR Calgary Radio, Calgary's #1 station

• KCRW, NPR member station broadcasting from the campus of Santa Monica College in Santa Monica

• Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron, station 580 CFRA

• Moore in the Morning, NEWSTALK 1010, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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- Welcomed the one-day pop-up activation celebrating Season 4 of the Emmy® Award-winning Max Original comedy series HACKS to Casa Chino Estates in Palm Springs. In season 3 Deborah Vance, the legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedy diva played by Jean Smart, was double booked and didn’t make her fictional Palm Springs appearance.

April 12 - Attended the World Arts Day Festival in the downtown park and presented a proclamation in celebration of the City Parks and Recreation free hands-on family arts activities.

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April 13 - Additional interviews discussing Canadian visitors.

• Toronto Star reporter Ilyas Hussein. "As trade war tensions rise, one U.S. city sends love to Canadian tourists: 'We're with you". 

• CTV News Toronto, ‘They truly are our Neighbours’: Palm Springs shows love for Canada with maple leaf banners

 

April 14 - Additional interview discussing Canadian visitors.

• Ben O’Hara-Byrne, National Talk Radio Host, “As trade war tensions rise, one U.S. city sends love to Canadian tourists: ‘We’re with you’

April 15 - Received a briefing on how Historic Plaza Theatre Tax Credits might benefit the city and lower the cost of the reopening construction costs.

- World Art Day – I was proud to dedicate the latest addition to our public art collection: “Crawler” by Valley artist Ryan Campbell. You can see the sculpture in the downtown park above the pickleball courts.

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- Additional interviews discussing Canadian visitors.

• Sam Morgan, The Desert Sun

• City News 660 Calgary with Phoenix Phillips, “Palm Springs puts up welcome signs for Canadians amid U.S. trade war”

• CBC News, Ottawa, Canada with J.P. Tasker, “Nearly 900,000 fewer people went to the U.S. in March as cross-border travel plummets”

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- I participated in a Palm Springs Airport Master Plan Environmental CEQA Scoping Meeting. Over the past two years, we have worked as a community to plan for the future of our airport. At the direction of the City Council, the Master Plan team held more than 40 stakeholder meetings with business and community organizations, neighborhood associations, and other Coachella cities. The team also hosted multiple open houses to provide the community a space to learn about and discuss the master plan. The next phase of the airport master plan is environmental review. Under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, we will explore the potential effects of our proposed airport and airport operations on our environment and, once identified, avoid and minimize those potential impacts. This meeting was an opportunity to gain input about the environmental analysis as we move forward.

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- I supported the Boys and Girls Club program where they announced Do The Right Thing is being recognized with the “Champion for Youth” award and Silvia & Tony Signoret will receive the “Inspiration Award.” This year the city sponsored Do the Right Thing with a $25,000 grant. Do the Right Thing has recognized almost 2,000 students from our Valley for their positive attitudes, behaviors, and accomplishments. The program aims to enhance self-esteem by recognizing youth for their positive attitude/behavior.

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April 16 - Interviews on Canadian Tourism

• 880 CHED, Edmonton, Alberta

• CBC's The Early Edition, the morning radio show for Vancouver, B.C (Canadian Broadcast Corp)

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- I welcomed attendees to the second annual Vendor Fair. Representatives from cities and agencies from across the Coachella Valley and Riverside County gathered at the Palm Springs Convention Center to teach local business owners the ins and outs of doing business with local governments.

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- Attended the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Homelessness Committee Meeting where Jay Virata, Palm Springs Director, Housing & Community Development, provided a One Year Update on the Palm Springs Navigation Center. I was proud to see the work being done in Palm Springs highlighted.

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- I attended a meeting with the owner of the Festival Plaza Theater to learn of plans he has on enhancing the entire 777 E Tahquitz Canyon complex.

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- I presented a proclamation celebrating the 477th star on the Walk of Stars honoring Helen Hunt Jackson (1830–1885) a distinguished American poet, novelist, and a tireless advocate for Native American rights.

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- Attended the Eisenhower Health Annual Mixer with the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce.

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April 17 - I attended the Riverside County State of the 4th District & Coachella Valley Economic Update. I was proud of Wayne Olsen, our director of economic development, who had the opportunity to highlight the work going on in Palm Springs.

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- I attended the Palm Springs Holiday 2025 planning meeting where merchants learned about plans underway to attract business during the holiday season.

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- Councilmember David Ready and I met with staff to review opportunities to improve access to businesses who will be impacted with the South Palm Canyon Bridge construction. We’ve added significant signage, requested palm trees to be moved, called for the removal of a median to improve the traffic merge and create a northbound left hand turning lane.

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- With David Powell, executive director of the Desert Business Association, we led the Community Leadership Council meeting where area nonprofit organizations shared how they are being financially impacted by policy directives coming from the Administration. We are concerned the need to replace federal funding for organizations delivering lifesaving services to our community will be significant. We need to identify how funding shortfalls can be mitigated while maintaining program services.

- I was interviewed by the New York Times on the impact of Canadian tourism.

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April 19 - I attended the Palm Springs Fire Foundation 59th annual Easter Egg Hunt where our firefighters placed 12,000 eggs in Ruth Hardy Park for area youth. I love this event. Seeing the hundreds of children having fun and all the families enjoying a free pancake breakfast is heartwarming.

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- I spoke at the Caravanserai’s Pitch Competition and graduation for graduates of Caravanserai’s 8-month intensive SEED Lab Program. Caravanserai facilitates the ability of individuals from marginalized, under-resourced communities to launch for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations that generate financial security, economic mobility, and systemic change. was proud of Brix Gatti-Espejo and Bubba Espejo, owners of On the Mark Fine Foods & Provisions who were recognized as Entrepreneurs of the Year. In February 2024, the City of Palm Springs awarded Caravanserai Project a $38,500 grant to produce a pilot program, designating $35,000 to be awarded in $5,000 business grants to 7 participants and the remaining $3,500 to cover fund distribution expenses. More than 80 applications were received to participate in the program.         

April 20 - Attended Sunrise Easter Service organized by the O’Donnell Golf Club. This service was first held in 1917. Fire Chief Paul Alvarado and his family joined me for the beautiful sunrise program.

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- I went to the Palm Springs Surf Club to see and hear firsthand the sound levels at the Goldenvoice event held from Noon to 6pm. I was impressed to learn sound in the neighborhood was reading in the 40-decibel range which is considered relatively quiet and low risk for hearing. The surf club owners are planning additional sound mitigation measures, including a soundwall behind the stage.          

 

April 22 - Spirit of Palm Springs Awards were presented for April Sustainability Month to the following individuals for their dedication to shaping Palm Springs sustainable future.

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Roy Clark, Chair of the Palm Springs Sustainability Commission, for his leadership in developing and implementing the city's comprehensive sustainability agenda. Roy has demonstrated significant leadership in advancing the city's environmental goals. He helped guide initiatives aimed at ensuring the long-term environmental health and resource viability of Palm Springs.

 

Prema Walker, is a driving force behind sustainable living in the desert through her company, Prema's Permaculture & Composting. Prema provides hands-on permaculture education, empowering communities to integrate these principles into urban life. She is an alumna of local entrepreneurship programs like the SEED Lab at Caravanserai Project and BizUp Palm Springs, and a winner at the 2024 Coachella Valley Fast Pitch competition.

 

Sofia Enriquez, is a Mexican-American multidisciplinary artist whose vibrant work spans fine art, fashion, and public installations, often exploring themes of intercultural identity, feminism, and equality. Raised in the Coachella Valley, she uses bold colors, symbolic imagery like paisleys, and "Spanglish" phrases in her murals, paintings, and her upcycled clothing line, MUCHO. Enriquez has created large-scale installations for prominent events like the Coachella Music and Arts Festival and exhibited internationally.

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The Palm Springs Active Transportation Committee for their input on cycling and pedestrian planning, education, and safety concerns. The focus extends to crucial safety elements, informing decisions on crosswalks, bike lanes, and ADA accessibility improvements. The ongoing work continues to shape a more walkable, bikeable, and ultimately healthier Palm Springs by ensuring that pedestrian and cyclist needs are integral to the city's transportation development and safety initiatives.

Jim Flanagan 

Victor Yepello

John Segal

Brett Klein

Fred Ross

Wendy Robertson.

 

April 23 - Canadian tourism interview with CNN en Espanol

 

Now I would like to update you on highlights from the last city council meeting.

 

Palm Springs City Council Meeting | April 23, 2025

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Key Highlights

• Economic Development Strategy

• Orchid Tree Hotel Discussion with developer

• Community Development and Housing Briefing

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The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jorge Martinez. Jorge is a senior at Palm Springs High School. He is the president of the French Honor Society and French Club, the secretary of the Interact Club, and a member of the Garden and Sustainability Club.

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Proclamations

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Helen Hunt Jackson received the 477th star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on April 16th for her work as a poet, novelist, and advocate for Native American rights.

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Earth Day was celebrated on April 22nd

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Arbor Day is recognized on April 25th

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Actress Elinor Harriot will receive the 478th star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on April 25th.

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Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus will be recognized April 27th for their 25th Anniversary, by the City of Palm Springs.

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Nature Film Festival Day will be acknowledged on May 1st by the City of Palm Springs The film festival will showcase movies that promote preservation of natural habitats, inspire change, and protect the beauty of our natural world. The overall festival supports the mission of Oswit Land Trust.

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MAJOR DECISIONS & UPDATES

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Item 2C – Proposed fee schedule was pulled from the agenda and will come back in the fall. Personally, I have not had enough time to gain clarity of many fees in the nearly 500-page fee schedule report. I supported pulling the item and taking the time needed to assess every fee.

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Presentation: Economic Development Strategy: A significant portion of the discussion focused on the city's first draft of a major economic development plan. The plan is organized around "major buckets" intended to serve as a North Star for various departments interacting with economic development. A key underlying principle is a focus on revenue and understanding historic revenue patterns and potential pitfalls based on macroeconomic indicators.

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Core Vision: The vision is for Palm Springs to "transform into a diverse, export-oriented economy. Where local industries thrive alongside innovative clusters. This emphasizes generating revenue through exporting intellectual property, ideas, things that can return money to our community when consumers buy them all around the world.

Action-Oriented Planning: The plan emphasizes "time bound, measurable and designed to drive progress" actions, with short-term, medium-term, and long-term horizons.

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Five Major Principles (Buckets):

- Bolster Existing Industries: Building and expanding on existing strengths, including focusing on the Palm Springs Convention Center District, local financing and revenue structures, and leveraging the arts and culture background. This also considers the international airport and changing tourism demographics.

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- Seeding and Nurturing Emerging Clusters: Identifying and supporting new areas of economic growth.

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- Reinvigorating Business Climate: Recognizing that city revenue is driven by "activity", such as building, remodeling, business, and human movement. This bucket focuses on implementing "best practices" within the city's control to encourage activity.

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- Strengthening Community Assets and Infrastructure: Aligning with regional and city plans, particularly focusing on climate adaptive infrastructure in anticipation of hotter conditions impacting the annual economy. This acknowledges potential trade-offs in city services if revenue declines.

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- Expanding the City's Economic Development Capacity: Empowering and educating individuals, establishing entities outside the city government, and aligning regulatory frameworks with priorities. This also involves leveraging resources outside of what is simply in the city budget.

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Orchid Tree Hotel: Public commenters and council members express significant frustration with the ten-year delay and the significant draw on staff resources for each of its now fifth agreements with the city. The neighborhood has been subject to this blighted parcel for nearly two decades.

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Proposed New Agreement and Incentives: The discussion revolved around approving a hotel operations covenant, which includes a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rebate incentive.

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Community and Council Concerns: Residents, council members and the business community view the undeveloped property as a significant "eyesore" and a "blight" which does not fit the city’s commitment to historical site preservation.

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Accountability and Guarantees: The Council called for mechanisms to ensure the project actually moves forward after repeated failures. Community members suggested a significant $1M + upfront financial deposit be required. Councilmember Ready proposed adding a milestone to submit 50% completed plans as an additional demonstration the project is moving forward.

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Beautification and Maintenance: Council has a strong desire for immediate improvements to the property's appearance. I requested 12-15 trees be planted and Ficus bush be placed where appropriate to enhance the street appeal. We also required new tasteful fence covering, monthly pest control service, and graffiti removal within 48-hours of notice.

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Clarity and Milestones: Specific performance deadlines and consequences for failure to meet them are significant elements to the agreement. The agreement has 11 progress milestones the developer must meet from August 23, 2025 to December 30, 2029. There is only one opportunity to cure a missed milestone.

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Developer's Position: Mr. Weintraub asserts his sincerity in wanting to build the project. He outlines significant expenses already incurred and highlights the TOT rebate as the primary incentive. He shared the request for an additional upfront financial deposit, is not financially feasible and does not necessarily accelerate the project. He expressed willingness to improve the site's appearance and accepts the addition of a new, earlier milestone for submitting 50% construction drawings.

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Negotiated Amendments: The council ultimately approved the agreement with several amendments based on the discussion:

• Addition of a milestone: Submission of 50% complete plans within five months of final entitlements.

• Beautification Requirements: Plan submission within 10 days, city manager approval within 72 hours, installation within 30 days of approval. This includes trees, hedge wall, upgraded appealing fence screen banners.

• Regular Pest Control: Monthly requirement added.

• Graffiti Removal: Agreement to remove graffiti within 48 hours of reporting.

• Continuous Security: Adding the word "continuous" to the onsite security requirement language.

• Public Hearing for Defaults: Confirmation that failure to meet milestones would trigger a review before the City Council in public.

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​Agreement Execution: The agreement needs to be executed within seven days.

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Community Development and Housing: A brief staff report introduced topics related to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and housing programs and the Consolidated plan of the 2025 Analysis of Impediments to Fair housing Choice.

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CDBG Allocations: The city is required to hold public hearings for HUD requirements. The report outlines the proposed allocation of approximately $700,000 in CDBG funds for fiscal years 25-26, with specific amounts for administration, eligible activities (including owner-occupied rehab program), facilities/rehab, and public services.

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Owner Occupied Home Rehabilitation Program: Approval of updated guidelines for this program is a separate action item.

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HUD Contact and Reports: HUD contacted the city and instructed them "to not submit our reports until June" due to a need to update their systems, indicating a potential delay or administrative issue at the federal level.

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Upcoming Items -

May 14 -

• CFD 2005-1 Annexation No. 27 – Community facility district agreements

• CFD 2005-1 Annexation No. 28 – Community facility district agreements

• CFD 2007-1 Annexation No. 4 – Community facility district agreements

• Hotel Incentive Agreement, Lucille Palm Springs

• Delinquent Waste Disposal Charges

• Discussion of Community Land Trust

• Appeal of PC Denial of Development Permit

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May 22 –

• Joint Meeting with Measure J and Budget Study Session

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Helpful Links & Contacts:

• Mayors Website – Read past updates on the Mayors Website

• PSPD App - to report law enforcement and non-emergency issues.

• MyPalmSprings App - to report issues within City limits, including homelessness, graffiti, and code compliance.

• Engagepalmsprings.com - This website was created as a space for residents to share ideas, discuss important topics, ask questions and receive updates about City projects.

• ONE-PS - is a network of Palm Springs neighborhoods that gives voice to the issues and concerns of our community.

• To submit public comment, contact the City Clerk's office @ CityClerk@PalmSpringsCA.gov.

• For other City-related issues, please visit our website

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