Friend, 

  

Thursday night was the Fourth Council Meeting of 2025, and today, I’m writing to you about the council's actions and my work since our last meeting.  

 

In addition to meetings with city staff, community members, business leaders, and organizations, other activities where I represented the city include: 

 

February 14 -  

- Proclaimed Elizabeth Edwards Harris Day. Elizabeth has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to preserving and celebrating midcentury modern architecture, solidifying Palm Springs’ reputation as a global leader in architectural heritage. She has spearheaded the restoration of numerous modernist homes including the internationally renowned Kaufmann Desert House. 

- Proclamation presentation for the 25th Anniversary of the internationally acclaimed Palm Springs Modernism show, which attracts 15,000 national and international customers.   

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February 15 - 

 

- Presented an Out at the Fair Proclamation for the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival. 

             

February 16 -  

 

- Attended the National Day of Protest Rally at City Hall.  

 

February 18 -  

 

- Meeting with Vacation Rentals Owners & Neighbors of Palm Springs to discuss current operations. 

 

- Meeting with Congressman Ken Calvert & Staff to discuss council priorities and seek support for airport baggage claim expansion, Indian Canyon and S Palm Canyon flood projects, new Fire station 1 and support for police shooting range. 

 

- Meeting with representatives from the Inland Empire Labor Council. 

 

- I was honored to recognize Aneka Brown of Aneka Brown Designs, Dionne Rogers of Wholy Smoke BBQ, and Tysen Knight, with the Spirit of Palm Springs Awards for their community involvement and cutting-edge, innovative leadership.

 

- I attended the Desert Solutions Group meeting organized by Sergeant Michael Casavan. Understanding the need for better coordination among major service providers, Sgt. Casavan convenes key stakeholders monthly, including DAP, Riverside University Health, Martha's Village and Kitchen, Well in the Desert, the Desert Comprehensive Treatment Center, and the Palm Springs Community and Economic Development Department. Together, they are addressing challenges and creating meaningful solutions for our community.

 

- Participated in planning meeting for the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) Global Convention, scheduled for October 21-25, 2025, representing a significant opportunity for our community to showcase our commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and exceptional hospitality. The IGLTA Annual Global Convention collaborates with the host city to promote LGBTQ+ tourism and showcase the destination to a global audience of tourism professionals, media, and thought travel leaders. 

 

- Convention Center Speed of Light Working Group meeting to review funding options and discuss potential construction timelines for convention center modernization to support the convention center's future $70-90 million economic impact. 

 

- Meeting with Mayor Pro Tem to nominate individuals to fill commission vacancies.  

 

- Prepared Global Love Day proclamation. 

 

- Prepared Red Cross Appreciation Month Proclamation.  

 

February 19 -  

 

- Attended the Coachella Valley Association of Government Homelessness Committee Meeting. Received an informative update on the CARE Court diversion program to prevent more conservatorship or incarceration. Riverside County served as the pilot. 

The CARE Act authorizes specified persons (family, cities, roommates, first responders and law enforcement) to petition a civil court to engage the eligible respondent in the CARE court process, including creating a voluntary CARE agreement or a court-ordered CARE plan. This new civil court offers multiple pathways for eligible adults, promoting access to community-based behavioral health services and supports. Eligible adults are persons with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders who meet specific criteria related to health and safety. The agreement or 12-month plan may include behavioral health treatment, housing resources, and other services. 170 petitions have been filed for CARE Court.   

More information available here https://www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act/ 

 

- Meeting with the Palm Springs Arts Commission chair, Gary Armstrong, to review funding challenges and their upcoming ask for $250,000 to support maintenance of the city-owned art. 

 

- Attended the Do the Right Thing Ceremony and assisted in presentations for students being recognized for Doing the Right Thing.  

 

February 20 –  

 

- Presented a proclamation and celebrated the start of the 11th Annual International Bear Convergence 2025. The participants provided the City of Palm Springs with significant sales tax and ancillary revenue to the local economy. The event attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe, bringing excellent visibility to the City of Palm Springs. 

 

February 21 - 

 

- Met with the officers from the Desert Business Association. 

 

- Attended the Police & Fire Association Mixer and was proud to mingle with a large number of police officers and firefighters.  

 

February 22 -  

 

- Participated in the 38th Annual Black History Month Parade. 

 

- Presented a proclamation to Ace Hardware owners Meredith Miller & Dave Calahan celebrating their 25th Anniversary in Palm Springs. Ace Hardware has demonstrated unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service, quality products and employment opportunities to the Palm Springs community.  

 

February 23 - 

 

- Attended a community organized transportation safety meeting and discussed cyclist safety, involvement in community transportation projects, and creating greater awareness of alternate transportation in Palm Springs. 

             

February 24 -  

 

- Participated in an interview about Forever Marylin with NBC. Watch for it soon on the national news.

 

- I met with Caltrans and construction representatives to discuss the epic road construction failure. We worked out a plan to reduce the number of construction days and keep streets open during the busy daytime commute. This will be done by moving work to nights, Sunday through Thursday.

 

- Represented the City of Palm Springs at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) executive committee meeting.  

 

February 25 -  

 

- Attended the Retail Crime Prevention Meeting organized by the Palm Springs Police Department. 

 

- Meet with Sandra Cuellar – Director of Government Affairs and Felipe Monroig, Associate Vice President for Charter Communications. 

 

- Meet with developer and business owner Mario Gonzales – GHA Companies. 

 

- ‎Attended Blue Zones strategy meeting.  

 

February 26 -  

 

- ‎Started planning the State of the City Meeting for next fall. 

 

- Met with Senator Ochoa Bogh to review local priorities and where we would appreciate support. This included bringing to her attention: 

• Starting July 23, California employers face penalties for violating CAL/OSHA workplace temperature regulations. Employers must provide shade and cool-down areas for workers when temperatures are at or above 80° F. These requirements apply to outdoor and indoor workplaces. This hurts Palm Springs businesses when they struggle to manage indoor HVAC temperatures. 

• As it is now worded, the proposed AQMD gas appliance transition will significantly impact residents who are already living paycheck to paycheck. Forcing a transition to electric appliances would force residents to pay higher electric bills when many are already struggling.

• Any opportunity for funding to support tree planting to increase the shade canopy in Palm Springs will be appreciated. 

• We would appreciate it if she could let us know when opportunities to seek arts and culture funding to support our efforts to diversify Palm Springs's economic tourism are available.

 

- ‎Attended the Terra-Gen and Desert Community Energy Signing Ceremony. The new agreement adds around 11.2 megawatts of energy, or enough to power 5,083 homes and businesses in Palm Springs. That increases the capacity of power coming from the turbines to 44.4 megawatts, powering 14,569 homes. 

             

 

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Now I would like to update you on highlights from last night's city council meeting. 

Palm Springs City Council Meeting – February 27, 2025 

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 Key Highlights: 

• Fire Department Master Plan presentation  

• Hotel Incentive Program 

• Financial Sustainability and Budget Management 

• Commissions & Boards Appointments 

 

MAJOR DECISIONS & UPDATES 

Here's a breakdown of the key outcomes, major decisions, and updates: 

Presentations: The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by local high school student - Eliana Lim, a 10th-grade student from Palm Springs High School. Eliana is a member of the Palm Springs Academy for Learning Medicine and a player on the girls' tennis team. 

Fire Department Master Plan: The council received a presentation on the Fire Department Master Plan - a comprehensive analysis of the city's emergency service deployment and staffing. Key recommendations include addressing dispatch and crew turnout times, improving coverage on the western edge of the city, replacing/remodeling old Fire Station One and enhancing Station Three, and considering a sixth fire station in the northeast part of the city for future growth. 

 

Hotel Incentive Program 

• Program Overview: The Hotel Operations Incentive Program encourages hotel owners to invest in renovations and improvements. 

• Dunes Hotel Approval: The council approved a covenant agreement with the operators of the Dunes Hotel, making them a new participant in the program. The Dunes Hotel invested $7.8 million in renovations.   

• Investment Requirement: To qualify for the program, a hotel owner must invest over $5,000 per key in improvements. In the case of the Dunes Hotel, the investment was $62,000 per key, showing significant trust in the future of Palm Springs Tourism. 

• Reimbursement: The hotel owner will be reimbursed over ten years, or the total project cost, whichever comes first.  

• Program Success: Since the arrival of Business District Administrator, Dean Grubel, and Wayne Olsen, the City’s Chief Economic development Officer, the City has renovated 295 hotel rooms, totaling over $13.4 million in project expenses, resulting in $26.5 million of additional Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increments. 

 

Financial Audit Reports:  

• The council received the financial audit reports for fiscal year 2023-2024. The auditor issued an unmodified opinion, indicating the financial statements were fairly presented in all material respects. No material weaknesses were found. 

• The contract with the current audit firm is expiring, a new firm, Clifton Larson Allen, out of Irvine, has been selected as the new auditor. 

 

Mid-Year Budget Update:  

• Kristopher Mooney, Director of Finance & Treasurer, presented a mid-year update on the General Fund, Capital Projects, and Airport budgets. 

• The General Fund is projecting a $3.25 million operating deficit and an overall deficit of $6.84 million when including non-operating expenses. 

• Capital projects are progressing, with significant funding from Caltrans and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) for road and bridge projects. 

• Upcoming Airport projects include electric vehicle charging stations, Wi-Fi upgrades, restroom renovations (with gender-neutral options), and baggage handling system improvements. These projects are funded through airport funds, and FAA grants. The airport forecasts a $21.65 million surplus for the fiscal year and has around $70 million unappropriated funds. 

 

Human Rights Commission Ordinance: 

 

• Jeremy Hammond, Deputy City Manager, presented a proposed ordinance amending the chapter of the code related to the Human Rights Commission. The ordinance aimed to clarify the Commission's scope and duties. 

• The Commission identified four topics to focus on in calendar year 2025. These topics are: Transgender health and wellness, Anti-Semitism, Homelessness and Immigration. 

• I requested that language requiring the Commission's work align with city council priorities be added to the ordinance. "Furthermore, the Commission's work will directly support the established priorities and goals of the City Council." 

• The council provided direction to staff to incorporate comments discussed and return the item at a later date. 

 

Commissions & Boards Appointments: 

• City Commissioners are volunteers appointed by the council, there are 14 commissions with over 100 volunteers. Commissioners advise and make recommendations to council.  

• The resignation of Christopher Ramirez from the Public Arts Commission was accepted.  

• Michelle Loyer was appointed to the Public Arts Commission. 

• Bond Shands was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. 

• Three appointments were made for the Human Rights Commission. Scott Nevins was appointed for the term ending June 30, 2025. Don Soja was appointed to term ending June 30, 2026, and Donna Myrow was appointed to the term expiring on June 30, 2027. With Nevins and Soja being appointed to short terms, it was agreed that they would be reappointed when the short term ends, as long as they fulfill service in good standing. 

 

Additional Notes: 

 

• The City Council will begin holding its meetings on Wednesdays starting March 12th, with an exception being Thursday, March 27th, 2025.  

   

March Upcoming Items -  

 

March 12 

• Animal Shelter Update  

• Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan will be presented. 

• Comprehensive Fee Schedule – Public Hearing  

 

March 27 

• Navigation Center Update 

• Library Bond update 

• Adoption of Comprehensive Fee Schedule  

• Vacation Rentals Update  

 

Helpful Links & Contacts: 

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

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

• 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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Best regards, 

 

Ron deHarte

Mayor

City of Palm Springs

3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 

t: 760.322.8200 | c: (442) 305-9943‬