PS I <3 U - Fall 2021

A Message from City Manager Justin Clifton

Dear Palm Springs:

Welcome to our latest edition of PSILOVEYOU, a joint venture between the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and City Hall.

Since the last edition, I am happy to report there has been a plethora of very good news in Palm Springs. First and foremost, thanks to an important partnership with Martha’s Village and Kitchen, we successfully opened the new Palm Springs Access Center, a daytime dropin center for unhoused individuals across from Palm Springs International Airport. Since its opening in August, I’m happy to report the center has assisted hundreds of homeless residents with much-needed wraparound services. Martha’s has a long and successful history on the eastern end of the Coachella Valley and is well-known as one of the largest and most respected providers of homeless services in Riverside County. We hope this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship.

In October, the City officially opened the muchanticipated Downtown Park to the public, thanks in large part to your Measure J tax dollars. The 1.5-acre park has been a huge hit with residents and visitors alike, and features shady palm trees, benches, a new amphitheatre for live music and performances, public restrooms, and a new downtown PSPD substation. It’s been terrific to see our community using and loving this great new amenity located in the heart of downtown.

Finally, the holidays are upon us—and as our COVID cases continue to decline, I am delighted to announce that we anticipate the City’s signature holiday event, the 29th Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, to return on Saturday, December 4 along Palm Canyon Drive. In addition, you won’t want to miss the Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, December 3 at 5:15 p.m. in Frances Stevens Park. By the way, keep an eye out for the wildly popular holiday street banners, created by local students, that line Palm Canyon Drive every year during the holiday season. It’s all part of the magic that makes Palm Springs like no place else!

Money Time is

BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT

It’s not just fortune-laden philanthropists who can aid local non-profits. Volunteers who donate of their free hours can, too.

The desert is a unique place where countless non-profits that work tirelessly on behalf of those less fortunate are thankfully able to count on local philanthropists—whether they be year-round residents, snowbirds, or visitors—to provide vital funds via periodic monetary gifts, the purchasing of tickets to glamorous benefit galas, or planned estate bequests. For those of us whose hearts are in the right place but whose bank accounts may not be as plentiful, using one’s free time as currency is the perfect way to give back.

Married couple Jeff Veltre and Joe Cicatiello—former New Jersey residents who will celebrate an astounding 50 years together early next year—discovered Palm Springs in 1985, making annual pilgrimages during the winter months. When they relocated here full-time three years ago after retirement, volunteering was at the top of their to do list. “We’ve both had people-oriented careers,” says Cicatiello.

It was important for us to give back, and donating our time was one of the perfect ways to do that.”

“It was important for us to give back, and donating our time was one of the perfect ways to do that.”

Both men have volunteered at Desert Regional Medical Center at the front desk, as navigators at the Palm Springs International Airport information desk,

and in theater operations for Palm Springs International Film Festival screenings. Veltre has also been a celebrity escort for the festival’s starry Film Awards Gala. “Not to sound too cliché, but it’s really been a win-win situation,” he says. “Joe and I have made so many new and dear friends, which has enriched our lives.”

Edie Groesbeck—who at 87 is arguably the most senior volunteer in all of Palm Springs—began dedicating some of her free time to the Palm Springs Art Museum shortly after relocating here from Marin County nearly three decades ago. Since then, she estimates she’s “worked” a total of more than 25,000 hours for DAP Health, Well in the Desert, the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week, CVRep, the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, and Greater Palm Springs Pride, to name but a precious few.

For her selflessness, she received DAP Health’s 2018 Everyday Heroes Award, and was one of two finalists for the 2020 Best of the Valley Ultimate Pride List. “Those

acknowledgments were wonderful and much appreciated, but I don’t need trophies or thank yous,” she says, adding that, at the age most people would be winding down, she’s determined to keep going strong. “Number one, I feel great physically. In my head, I’ll be here for 20 more years, and if so, I want to give as much as possible back to my community. Not to mention that many of these non-profits couldn’t survive without their large armies of volunteers.”

hours.

It’s been so gratifying to be able to create an environment where people can truly make a difference through volunteerism—or voluntourism, as I call it. That’s when outof-towners reach out while on vacation to find out which local organizations could use a little helping hand while they’re here."

For those who feel the desire but have no clue where to begin, Volunteer Palm Springs— founded in 2010 by David Carden jr.—is the perfect place to start. “I’ve been a community activist, volunteer, and leader since I was 16,” says Carden. “A few years after my husband and I moved here, I came to realize there were hundreds of people who wanted to contribute to the community. It’s been so gratifying to be able to create an environment where people can truly make a difference through volunteerism—or voluntourism, as I call it. That’s when out-oftowners reach out while on vacation to find out

which local organizations could use a little helping hand while they’re here.”

VPS—which began with 30 people and has worked with more than two dozen local non-profits since its inception— now boasts a membership of some 1,400 people from all over the world who have signed up on its website (volunteerpalmsprings.org) to receive information about various events seeking free help. “Our members can pick and choose which organizations they’d like

to support,” stresses Carden. “It’s this flexibility—with no requirement of time donated—that’s enabled us to not only sustain our membership but to thrive.”

To the men and women who may still be on the fence, Groesbeck has this to say:

“If you’re retired, have an income, and are in pretty good shape, go ahead and give back for all you’ve received in your life. I can’t tell you how much I get out of this. I get much, much more out of it than I give.”

Coffee, Kitties, Cuddles, & More!

With her Frisky Business Cat Café, Claire Rogers brings felines and their fans together in Palm Springs

A cat café is a public place where one can come indulge in the companionship of our feline friends while also enjoying a beverage, a snack, or both,” says Frisky Business Cat Café owner Claire Rogers. “You can adopt a kitty while you’re there if you’d like, but if you don’t want to, that’s OK, too. Basically, it’s about giving cats both shelter and visibility so that they can have a greater chance of being adopted.”

So goes the elevator pitch as delivered by this inveterate animal lover—born in Britain, raised in Canada—who, done with corporate life after serving 20 years in top-level executive positions while living in London, decided to combine her passions for cats and community in a beloved place that’s a haven for both: Palm Springs.

The concept is nothing new. There are cat cafés all over the globe—125 in the U.S., a dozen of them in California alone. There’s one in Los Angeles, two in San Diego, three in San Francisco. But seeing that none yet existed in the Coachella Valley, Rogers—the proud owner of a quartet of rescues—made a beeline for the desert, a vacation spot she’s regularly frequented for decades.

Working not only with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter but with other such organizations throughout the valley, at any given time, Rogers foresees fostering a dozen or so happy, healthy cats immediately available for adoption. They’ll live at Frisky Business—whose precise location has yet to be nailed down at press time—alongside other felines deemed “unadoptable” due to health or age reasons. “These latter kitties will have been legally adopted by me so that they can live out the rest of their days in a safe, loving environment as official Frisky Business mascots,” says

I want Frisky Business to be an integral part of the community because I love and cherish Palm Springs and its residents.”

Rogers. “All cats will be kept separate from where food and beverages are prepared and served, but patrons will absolutely be able to take their beer, wine, coffee, or goodies into the cat lounge for some cat love.”

Rogers is quick to clarify that those allergic to cats can still frequent the café to simply eat and drink, while individuals not looking to adopt but nonetheless in need of kitty cuddles are always welcome. “Some people may live in places that don’t allow pets, for instance. Those folks may appreciate the opportunity to spend an hour or so giving and receiving love.”

The $20 per hour cat lounge admittance fee will include a complimentary beverage and treat. “The reason,” says Rogers, “is to help defray the cost of food, litter, and medical care.”

Rogers maintains that, in addition to devising reduced pricing for locals, she’ll collaborate on special events with area charities. There will also be times reserved for children or seniors, where the price of admission will be waived.

“Frisky Business is all about helping our feline friends while also allowing people to come together in a relaxed, fun, unique setting” concludes Rogers.

“I want Frisky Business to be an integral part of the community because I love and cherish Palm Springs and its residents.”

To learn more, please visit friskybusinesscatcafé.com or use this QR code.

Local THINK

The Shag Store

We offer amazing fine art prints, high-quality merchandise, and gifts by JoSH AGle—the celebrated artist better known as Shag—to suit your midcentury-inspired Palm Springs lifestyle. Signing events occur regularly, rivaling some of the desert’s best parties, so please visit us soon. shagstore.com

As your mind turns to holiday giftgiving, why not support a few local merchants rather than just shopping at big chain stores or online retailers? And think outside that beautifully giftwrapped box this year. Below you’ll find something for each of your loved ones—or for yourself—no matter who’s been naughty or nice. And remember: Gift certificates are always a great way to go. Happy spending!

Bones-n-Scones

With three locations throughout the desert, we at Bones-n-Scones are happy to say we beat online retailers for carefully curated foods and pet supplies for all families with paws. Shop in-store, or take advantage of our same-day home delivery. We’re your ever-local, everlove, one-stop-everything for paws. bonesnscones.com

Stinky Leaf

We may be a little quirky, but we’re a lot of fun! Come on by and get a whiff of our wide range of cannabis products, including all-natural flower, vapes, edibles, CBD, accessories, travel-friendly tidbit cannabis products, and much more. Can’t make it to the party? No worries. We are so stinkin’ happy to also offer cannabis delivery services to Palm Springs! shopstinkyleaf.com

Bear Wear

Our visitors are impressed by clothing and other accessories whose sizes (XS-9XL) can’t be found anywhere else on Arenas Road. What makes Bear Wear the best place to shop? Great customer service and laughter! All we ask is that, when visiting our small fun business, you treat us with the same kindness we extend to you. psbearwear.com

Revivals

Shopping, donating, or volunteering at Revivals supports access to comprehensive health care for more than 10,000 of your neighbors because 100% of profits fund services at DAP Health. Locals who experience “the thrill of the save” voted us best thrift store and best new furniture store because they can find brand new Mode Furniture (exclusively here) alongside an exciting assortment of gently used furniture, home goods, and apparel. revivalsstores.com

preLoved Palm Springs

preLoved Palm Springs is a collection of beautiful resale clothing for the fashionably conscious. With deep consideration for how fashion impacts world waste, we created our reusable “green bag” that not only benefits returning customers (10% off forever bag in-hand) but is also a way to pledge less harm to Mother Earth—one bag at a time. prelovedpalmsprings.com

Palm Canyon Theatre

Celebrating its 25th season, PCT continues to produce dynamic musicals and inspirational plays. The nonprofit surely has a show to delight anyone on your gift list. Popular classic "The Sound of Music" runs December 3-19. Tickets are $15-$36. We’re located at Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road. palmcanyontheatre.org

Peepa’s Palm Springs

When you’re shopping at Peepa’s, you’ll be drawn in by our fun dance music, colorful store, and product by local designers. We’ve become the destination for Palm Springs fashion—especially caftans, which fit all shapes and sizes! We also carry a diverse collection of wall art, last-minute gifts, candles, coffee table books, and hilarious greeting cards. peepasps.com

PALM SPRINGS

CHALK ART FESTIVAL 2022

Presented by The Palm Springs Sunup Rotary Club

The Palm Springs Sunup Rotary Club presents it’s 10th Annual Palm Springs Chalk Art Festival in Downtown Palm Springs. Over the past 10 years, this festival has grown in size, starting out in the parking lot of Jensen’s Supermarket, several downtown parking lot locations, the Palm Springs High School and in 2019 on Museum Way. We are excited to be back on Museum Way across from the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Professional artists from across Southern California and students from the Palm Springs Unified School District, Desert Sands Unified School District and the Coachella Valley School District, compete for cash

prizes and student honor awards. Monies raised from this event are donated to the Palm Springs Sunup Rotary Foundation for Rotary student leadership programs, charitable organizations in the Coachella Valley and many other projects.

For the first time, The Palm Springs Chalk Art Festival, will be a two day event. The artist’s contest drawings will be on Saturday, March 19th with judging of both professional and students. Additional student artists will be invited to create their works of art on Sunday, March 20th.

This event is free to the public, with hours of 7:00am to 5:00pm.

Mello Mallo

Members

2408 N Vista Drive

Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 904-7483 themellomallo.com

Content Solutions

Consulting 7 Evensen, Irvine, CA, 92602 (310) 569-7880 cscink.com

I heart Mac and Cheese 190 S Indain Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (415) 335-2415 iheartmacandcheese.com

120% Lino

73-585 El Paseo #A1118 Palm Desert, CA, 92260 (442) 666-3053 120percento.com

Deania Thorne - Bill Proctor & Associates

57353 29 Palms Hwy Suite A

Yucca Valley, CA, 92284 (760) 406-4121

proctorins.com

Jeremy Proctor - Bill Proctor

57353 29 Palms Hwy Suite A

Yucca Valley, CA, 92284 (760) 406-4121

proctorins.com

Pete’s Hideaway

665 S Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 322-6500

peteshideawayps.com

Benchmark Realtors

Palm Springs

777 E Tahquitz Way Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 810-5888

benchmarkrealtorsca.com

Mosaic Wine Alliance 1387 E San Jacinto Way

Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 322-0905 mosaicwinealliance.com

The Palm Springs Post 3554 Penny Lane

Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (206) 851-9516 thepalmspringsspot.com

Keller Williams

451 Broadshaw Lane

Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (909) 631-0534 Eric Yoshimura ericyoshimura.com

DP Human Capital Management

Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (562) 481-8551 delpeeples.com

Body By Queen Skin Care 1111 E Tahquitz Canyon Road Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (951) 446-4834 bodybyqueenskincare.com

Tara Tours Ireland PO Box 3237 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (442) 342-5317

Bean Counter

Bookkeeping

333 N. Palm Canyon Drive Suite 212 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 322-4011 bc-bookeeping.com

Cookies Palm Springs

777 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 832-8422 cookiespalmsprings.com

Grand Central Palm Springs 160 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 832-6169

grandcentralpalmsprings.com

Monkey Tree Hotel, The 2388 E Raquet Club Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 322-6059

themonkeytreehotel.com

PS Domain Sales

45 Lincoln Place, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270 (918) 261-2268

Brian Denphey Psychotherapy

501 Desert Lakes, Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (949) 293-6725

The Thirsty Palms Restaurant & Bar 134 South Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 904-4222 thethirstypalms.com

Timeless Valkyries

333 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (951) 287-7490

PS Homeboys

108 S Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 459-2925

pshomeboys.com

GW Travel and Cruise

1309 E Caleta Way, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (425) 736-3106

gwtravelandcruise.com

PNC Bank

420 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (724) 594-7625

darren-miller.com

Stinky Leaf

290 San Rafael Place, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 464-0199

shopstinkyleaf.com

MYIV Infusions

901 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 318-7478

myivinfusion.com

Palm Sprigns Celeberity Golf

800 E Cottonwood Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 567-9968

palmspringscelebritygolfclassic.com

DJ Baby Yoda LLC

54432 Shoal Creek, La Quinta, CA, 92253 (310) 908-8464

DJBabyYoda.com

Selling Point 360 LLC

68630 San Felipe Road, Cathedral City, CA, 92234 (918) 760-1934

sellingpoint360.tours

Stripeline Co.

1605 Margarita Drive, Redlands, CA, 92373 (909) 583-7362

Frisky Business Palm Springs

Cat Cafe

Serving the Coachella Valley Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 902-7580

friskybusinesscatcafe.com

Happy Pets Pet Sitters 1717 Vista Chino, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 854-8800

happypetspetsitters.com

Emerald Springs LLC

560 S Williams Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (949) 697-9420

emeraldspringsdispensary.com

Data Driven Educators

1111 Tahquitz Canyon #110, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (951) 440-6220 datadrivenedu.com

Foley & Stinnette

1091 N Palm Canyon Drive #3, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 322-2268

foleystinnette.com

Altform Gallery

122 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (206) 779-9752

altformgallery.com

Casitas Del Monte

2700 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 320-6589

casitasdelmonte.com

Audacy Operation Inc

401 City Line Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19103 (877) 585-3855 audacyinc.com

Mojave Flea Trading Post

2565 Cheryl Lane, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (310) 867-0520

shoptradingpost.com

Optimal Wellness Living

777 E Tahquitz Canyon Way 200-44, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 209-3098

Palm Springs American

Legion Post 519 400 N Belardo Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 413-0218

pslegion.org

Celeb Consignment & Gallery

67777 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, CA, 92234 (760) 548-0057 facebook.com/

Celeb-ConsignmentGallery-102840938817575

Information Community

Palm Springs City Hall

3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way (760) 323-8299 palmspringsca.gov

Palm Springs Police Department

200 S. Civic Way

Direct Line (760) 323-8116 Public Information (760) 323-8106 pspd.com

Palm Springs Fire Department

300 N. El Cielo Road (760) 323-8181

Office of the City Manager (760) 322-8362

Office of the Assistant City Manager/City Engineer (760) 323-8202

Office of the City Council (760) 322-8385

Office of the City Attorney (760) 323-8205

Office of the City Clerk (760) 323-8204

Request public records via email at cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov

Office of Communications/ Public Information (760) 323-8250

Office of Neighborhood Involvement (760) 323-8255

palmspringsneighborhoods.com

Office of Special Program Compliance/Vacation Rentals & Cannabis (760) 322-8370

Information Technology and Palm Springs Community Television (760) 322-8397

Finance Department Direct Line (760) 323-8229

Business Licenses (760) 323-8289

Community and Economic Development (760) 323-8259

Office of Sustainability (760) 323-8214

Planning Services (760) 323-8245

Public Works & Engineering (760) 323-8253

Building & Safety (760) 323-8242

Maintenance & Facilities (760) 323-8167

Code Enforcement (760) 323-8177

Parks and Recreation

401 S. Pavilion Way (760) 323-8272

Demuth Community Center 3601 E. Mesquite Ave. (760) 320-6430

James O. Jessie Desert

Highland Unity Center 480 Tramview Road (760) 323-8271

Palm Springs Public Library

300 S. Sunrise Way (760) 322-7323

palmspringslibrary.org

Welwood Murray Memorial Public Library & Visitors Center

100 S. Palm Canyon Drive (760) 323-8296

Palm Springs International Airport

3400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way (760) 318-3800

palmspringsairport.com

Palm Springs Animal Control (760) 323-8151 (760) 327-1441

Active animal assistance

Palm Springs Animal Shelter 4575 E. Mesquite Avenue (760) 416-5718

psanimalshelter.org

Palm Springs Convention & Bureau of Tourism

277 N. Avenida Caballeros (760) 325-6611 VisitPalmSprings.Com

Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs, ONE-PS one-ps.org palmspringsneighborhoods@one-ps.org

USEFUL CONTACTS FOR OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Desert Water Agency 1200 Gene Autry Trail South (760) 323-4971 DWA.org

LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert 1301 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Ste. 301 (760) 416-7790 thecenterps.org

Mizell Center 480 S. Sunrise Way (760) 323-5689 mizell.org

Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce 190 W. Amado Road (760) 325-1577 pschamber.org

Palm Springs Disposal Services 4690 E. Mesquite Avenue (760) 327-1351 palmspringsdisposal.com

Palm Springs Unified School District

150 District Center Drive (760) 883-2700 psusd.us

Volunteer Palm Springs PO Box 5803

Palm Springs, CA 92263 760.902.2297 volunteerpalmsprings.org

Well in the Desert 441 S. Calle Encilia (760) 285-7297 wellinthedesert.org

CITY HOTLINES

Code Enforcement (760) 778-8434

Graffiti (760) 778-8469

Vacation Rental Compliance (760) 322-8383

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Congressman Raul Ruiz, MD, 36th District Coachella Valley District Office 43875 Washington Street, Ste. 4 Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 424-8888

Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, 4th District Coachella Valley District Office 73710 Fred Waring Drive, Ste. 222 Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 863-8211

Assemblyman Chad Mayes, 42nd Assembly District 41608 Indian Trail, Ste. 1 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 346-6342

State Senator Melissa Melendez, 28th Senate District 45125 Smurr Street, Ste. B Indio, CA 92201 (760) 398-6442