At its annual Community Service Awards in February, the City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission honored six individuals and two organizations for outstanding contributions in promoting and protecting human rights, social progress, better standards of life, and equality for all. The following honorees were recognized for significantly enhancing quality of life in Palm Springs when the community was in crisis managing the pandemic:
ANN SHEFFER, for providing leadership to support the Palm Springs effort to invest in local arts during the COVID-19 crisis. With the belief that arts build social cohesion and address social equity, racial awareness, and civic engagement, Ann’s leadership of the City of Palm Springs Public Arts Commission helped our city overcome the COVID crises. Artists are rightfully looked to as second responders in times of crisis. They support not only mental and physical health outcomes but community resilience and rebuilding.
VACCINATE INLAND EMPIRE (VAXIE) is a volunteer, grassroots organization that has, since February 2021, helped more than 78,000 people navigate the always-changing COVID-19 vaccination system in Southern California. VAXIE was founded to address the need to provide equal vaccine access for all. Founders Rhea Hoffman and Calista Vassios saw that senior citizens struggled to navigate online appointment systems, and that undocumented and homeless communities didn’t know where to get vaccinated without being turned away. VAXIE provides a free service and assists qualified individuals — especially those with work and time constraints, mobility issues, and those without computers — in scheduling vaccination appointments, including booster shots. What started as two friends concerned about mostat-risk neighbors has turned into a growing organization with more than 25 volunteers.
CHAD GARDNER, for his giving spirit and support of the community in good times and through the complex COVID-19 crisis. Through donations, partnerships, and special programming at his restaurants, Chad has positively impacted the community through numerous nonprofit charitable organizations. His philanthropic support continued during the pandemic, making a measurable impact on those nonprofits and the clients they served. Chad managed through the COVID-19 challenges and helped address civic issues and the community’s needs. He served on the
board of Main Street Palm Springs and the Mayor’s COVID-19 Business Transition & Reentry Task Force.
NIKKI STONE, for setting an example in the community thanks to 10 years of service with Volunteer Palm Springs — an organization that partners with local nonprofits and community organizations to help promote Palm Springs through volunteer efforts which help make our community stronger. With longstanding ties to the community, Nikki volunteers with at-risk teens, sits on the board of Well in the Desert, and participates in local organizations and human rights efforts. Her volunteerism has helped improve quality of life and has contributed to Palm Springs.
JIMMY BOEGLE, for aligning business goals and initiatives with causes and social issues that benefit the broader community during a time of significant challenges for him personally. Founder, editor, and publisher of the “Coachella Valley Independent,” Jimmy is committed to keeping the community informed of the pandemic science and data from the medical community. He is credited with keeping honest, ethical, independent local journalism alive during the COVID crises, while at the same time supporting nonprofit organizations, promoting youth housing, and preserving access to health and social services. Jimmy stayed true to his values and commitment to the community he serves during the pandemic, and continued to keep the community informed so they could manage safely and make informed decisions.
THE DESERT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT AND FOUNDATION, for increasing awareness, visibility, and access to COVID19-related health services by establishing and leading The Coachella Valley Equity Collaborative (CVEC). CVEC has successfully linked community and faith-based organizations, government agencies, and
local farm owners to address the COVID-19 epidemic and ensure a coordinated effort to maximize resources and prevent overlap in services and outreach. CVEC has coordinated training; established weekly testing sites for area students, school staff, and community members; and conducted testing clinics at events. Since the launch of the first COVID-19 vaccine event at Tudor Ranch, Inc. in January 2021, many on-site registration and vaccination events have been held. As of November 2021, more than 219 COVID-19 vaccination clinics have administered 36,785 COVID-19 vaccines to district residents.
VINCENT CORRALES, for publicly offering during the pandemic to run errands and shop for groceries for those 60 years or older confined to their home due to having compromised immune systems or other conditions that prevented them from being in public. His compassion drives him to regularly prepare meals for the area homeless. He has prepared hundreds of traditional Thanksgiving meals for families who otherwise would go without. He is credited with improving the quality of life in Palm Springs, one life at a time. He also volunteers for various organizations and events, and is a regular rider and fundraiser for AIDS Lifecycle.
DEAN LAVINE, for his support of charitable and fundraising events that have helped improve quality of life for those living in Palm Springs. When the pandemic first hit and restaurants and bars were ordered to close, it was an unprecedented situation for many business owners. Dean served on the Mayor’s COVID-19 Business Transition & Reentry Task Force, formed early in the COVID crisis. He contributed his leadership to help others in the community, and served on the city’s Parklet Design Standards Workgroup to suggest design guidelines and operational standards for parklets. Dean helped employees through the crisis, continued supporting community organizations, and offered his time to help shape policy to assist the business community in returning to operations amid a COVID environment.
Established in 1992, the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission is a nine-member commission of volunteer citizens, appointed by the City Council for three-year terms. The commission’s mission is to promote and protect the diversity of our community and to improve human relations through education and community awareness. Heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s honorees.
City of Palm Springs and Riverside County Moving Forward with New Homeless Navigation Center
The City of Palm Springs, in partnership with the County of Riverside, is moving forward with a much-needed new Homeless Navigation Center in the northern part of the city that is expected to help improve some of the ongoing issues surrounding homelessness that continue to affect quality of life in local neighborhoods and the business community.
In January, the City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the City of Palm Springs to enter into a joint application with the county to apply for up to $50 million from the state’s Homekey program in order to help fund the project. The city will also
contribute $5.3 million in funds from a $10 million state grant received in June 2020. In addition, the county plans to contribute $7.0 million to help purchase the property located at 3589 McCarthy Road and assist with renovation costs.
The Homeless Navigation Center is expected to include transitional housing units with bathroom facilities, along with a commercial kitchen to prepare meals for residents, a laundry and washing area, gathering and recreational spaces, as well as a health clinic.
For more information, visit palmspringsca.gov.
Historic Plaza Theatre in Downtown Palm Springs Receives Unprecedented $5 Million Donation in Support of Preservation and the Arts
The much-anticipated restoration for the historic Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs is moving forward thanks to an unprecedented $5 million donation from noted television/theatre producer, director, and writer David Lee, a Palm Springs resident who co-created both Wings and Frasier and has won nine Emmy Awards.
Lee recently pledged $5 million to jumpstart the extensive restoration of the celebrated theatre, $3 million of which will be donated immediately, with an additional $2 million that will follow as matching funds to encourage additional contributions.
The Plaza Theatre is one of the city’s most iconic structures. Built in 1936, the building has been the location for film premieres, national radio broadcasts, the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. Over the last few decades, the building fell into disrepair. In 2019, the City of Palm Springs, led by former
Councilmember J.R. Roberts, launched a campaign to restore the grand dame Plaza Theatre to its former glory. Lee’s donation will provide a significant portion of the funds needed for the complete restoration. Additional donations will be sought to fully fund the restoration process, which may require $10 - $12 million to complete.
“The Plaza Theatre is in dire need of repair and restoration, and the City of Palm Springs has committed to bringing it back to its original luster in the heart of downtown,” said Roberts, who chairs the recently established Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to help raise the funds required to complete the restoration. “I encourage everyone in Palm Springs who has an interest in historic preservation and architecture to consider donating to this important project.”
To learn more about this exciting venture, please visit savetheplazatheatreps.com.
Office of Sustainability Update: New
Trash, Recycling, and Food & Yard Waste Changes to Begin on October 1, 2022
SENATE BILL 1383
The City of Palm Springs is preparing for changes to both residential and commercial trash, recycling, and food & yard waste collection service in 2022. The state enacted Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (like organic waste) in various sectors of California’s economy. SB 1383 establishes statewide targets to reduce the amount of organic waste disposed of in landfills (50% reduction by 2020 and 75% by 2025). It also sets a goal to rescue at least 20% of currently disposed edible food by 2025, and redirect that food to people in need. Although the state mandate requires municipalities to start this service in January 2022, the City of Palm Springs is like most other cities that are on track to provide these new services to all residents later in the year, with a start date of October 1, 2022.
The city is working with its hauler, Palm Springs Disposal Services (PSDS), to provide organic containers to all residents by October 1, 2022. For residential customers (including both single-family and multi-family dwellings), those who currently have green containers should only deposit yard waste at this time. PSDS has ordered vehicles and containers, and anticipates that it will receive them in time to provide organic waste collection services to all residential customers beginning October 1, 2022. The city will only begin to enforce organic waste collection regulations on residential customers until all residential customers are offered green waste containers and PSDS begins organic waste in the green carts.
More information is available on the city’s Sustainability web page at yoursustainablecity.com.
• City of Palm Springs Residential Waste page www.palmspringsca.gov/services/ sustainability-and-recycling/recyclingwaste-management/residential-greenwaste
For more information, please contact the Office of Sustainability at (760) 323-8248 or recycling@palmspringsca.gov.
For more information, please contact Palm Springs Disposal Services at (760) 327-1351 or info@palmspringsdisposal.com.
FOOD WARE ORDINANCE
In July 2021, the City of Palm Springs passed a new ordinance (Ordinance Number 2045) to promote reusable food ware and reduce waste from single-use plastics. The new ordinance went into effect on January 1, 2022, requiring restaurants to provide accessories on demand or provide them in a self-service area. The ordinance also bans the sale and use of food ware and accessories that contain polystyrene.
Some of the key provisions that everyone should be aware of include:
A broad ban on the sale and use of polystyrene food ware – in foam and rigid forms.
A requirement that reusable food ware (plates, dishes, cups) and accessories (utensils) be used for on-site dining.
A ban on plastic straws and stirrers.
A requirement that disposable food ware accessories such as utensils, straws, and stirrers be available only on request or in a self-service area to minimize distribution of unwanted items.
A ban on the use of single-use plastic bags for takeout orders.
Residents should prepare for these changes by: Saying “no” to any unwanted accessories when provided automatically.
Bringing their own bags if they are ordering food for pickup or when they expect they might have leftovers to take home.
Remembering to request accessories and condiments only when needed for takeout or for home delivery.
More information is available on the city’s Sustainability web page at yoursustainablecity. com.
Staycation It's High Time for a
With
Omicron in the air and travel advisories
abounding, maybe now’s the perfect opportunity for you to better get to know your own backyard
BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT
It’s a well-known known fact that the vast majority of New Yorkers have never been up to the top of the Empire State Building, and that countless Los Angelenos have never ventured close enough to the Hollywood Sign to take a good, hard look at those nine famously humongous white letters. What, dearest Palm Springs resident, have you never actually done in your own hometown?
While the relative safety of planes, trains, and any automobile other than the one parked in your garage — not to mention cruise ships — remains in question, perhaps the best vacation you could invest in at the moment is one that keeps you close to home. After all, there are a million reasons why millions of visitors flock to our desert oasis each year. Pick one — or a half-dozen!
Get up close to desert wildlife at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
Courtesy of The Living Desert
Whether you plan to act like a tripper for a day, a weekend, or a full 15 days and nights, there’s enough within city limits not only to keep you busy, but to quench your hunger and thirst while making you utter “Ooh” and “Aah” at every turn.
Taking it easy from your own home, condo, or apartment is certainly one way to go. But if you really want to indulge in a change of scenery, why not check into Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs; the Hyatt, Hilton, Rowan, Renaissance, Ace, Saguaro, or Margaritaville hotels; or any of the many beautiful, historic boutique inns nestled against our majestic San Jacinto mountains (see our “Think Local” story about such accommodations on page 28).
As for bars and restaurants, PSILOVEYOU is sure you’ve been an habitué of your longtime favorites for years. So the goal here is not so much for you to frequent your usual haunts. Try that little place you’ve always wanted to go to. You know, the one everyone is always raving about but that you’ve still somehow managed to miss. Maybe even step up your game and elevate things in the fine dining department. After all, there’s no reason for all those chic eateries to be suitable only for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
Same goes for retail. While you don’t have to go out and purchase a diamond necklace for the love of your life, you might want to buy yourself — or that special someone — a knickknack that’s out of the ordinary: a beautiful scented candle or body/beauty product, for
instance. And speaking of head-to-toe, why not book a massage, facial, or mani-pedi at a local spa. Staycation treats don’t come any better than that.
But going back to the Hollywood Sign and Empire State theme, attractions are where you really get to explore something quintessentially “Palm Springs” that tourists have known about forever — and that you have too, surely — but that you’ve never made it a point to indulge in. We’re talking going up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, taking more than a tiny peek inside the Palm Springs Art
Museum, tempting fate at the casino, taking a ride on horseback in the Indian Canyons, living a bit more dangerously by renting an off-road vehicle and taking to the sand dunes, hiking the Lykken Trail, taking in a comedy or drama at one of our many live theatre company venues, going down valley to visit the new rhinoceros exhibit at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, or purchasing a ticket to one of the upcoming benefit galas on behalf of the Palm Springs Air Museum (Above & Beyond, March 25), DAP Health (The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, April 9), or AIDS Assistance Program (Evening Under the Stars, April 30).
We’re sure you’re getting the picture. The blue sky’s the limit. Lose your inhibitions and let your imagination run wild. You have chosen to live here for many reasons, but there certainly must be a few perks you’ve yet to experience. So dream big, stay put, and enjoy!
Climb onto a vehicle at Offroad Rentals.
Witness the Indian Canyons on horseback.
Up, up, and away at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Courtesy of PSAT
Courtesy of Smoke Tree Stables
David A. Lee
Local THINK
Alcazar Palm Springs: The Perfect Location for a Perfect Stay
A strikingly modern twist on Palm Springs Spanish design, this 34-room boutique hotel is perfectly located in the middle of the happening Uptown Design District. Relax on your private patio, hang poolside with your friends, or meander over to some of the best restaurants and galleries Palm Springs offers. Complimentary continental breakfast and loaner bicycles. Pet-friendly.
From quirky to charming, midcentury modern to clothing-optional, Palm Springs is legendary for its fabulous boutique hotels and inns. Defined by warm hospitality and uncommon design, Palm Springs small hotels will beautifully envelop you in an authentic Palm Springs experience. To find your next stay, please visit AuthenticPalmSprings.com
Casa Cody: Relax in Charming Style
Nestled against the spectacular San Jacinto Mountains in the heart of Palm Springs, the recently refurbished Casa Cody is perfect for leisurely poolside days and sweetly serene nights. Founded in the 1920s, Casa Cody is the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs.
The Andalusian Court: Dreamy Sensuality
Romantic. Intimate. Dreamy. The Andalusian Court is ideal for a starryeyed Palm Springs getaway with your beloved. Cradled by lush green grounds, its luxury villas have private garden patios and outdoor soaking tubs. Ecoconscious, pet-friendly, and a short walk to downtown shops and restaurants. Romance packages available.
Audrey
Ma
Coutesy of The Andalusian Court
Coutesy of Casa Cody
Del Marcos Hotel: Midcentury Marvelousness
Designed in 1947 by architect William F. Cody, Del Marcos Hotel is a 17-room modernist marvel located in the historic Tennis Club neighborhood. Built of native stone and redwood — and surrounding a shimmering pool — architectural features include luxurious suites, an organic asymmetrical entrance doorway, and floor-to-ceiling glass. Complimentary continental breakfast, cocktail hour, and loaner bicycles. Pet-friendly.
The Cheetah Hotel: Where the Cool Cats Stay!
Brought to you by designer Tracy Turco, this 12-room midcentury modern boutique hotel is sleek and chic. Its bright yellow and black color scheme has animal prints and cheetah icons everywhere. Enjoy your private patio and cocktail shaker. Pool, spa, and mountain views. $10 from each booking goes to the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
Descanso Resort: Men Don’t Want to Leave
Descanso — a newly refurbished, completely reimagined resort — caters (oh-so-beautifully) to gay men. Here, verdant gardens bloom, the pool water entices, and the hospitality is beyond exceptional. A brother property to the legendary Santiago Resort, the Descanso is all-inclusive, which means breakfast, lunch, and cantina access are included.
Dive Palm Springs: Jump Into This Magical Enclave
Chic and saucy, with a hint of naughty, Dive Palm Springs evokes the 1960s French Riviera with a PS twist. This award-winning petite boutique hotel has beautifully designed rooms and elegant appointments that make any stay memorable. Splurge for the Paris Suite. You’ll be glad you did.
Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels (PSPSH) is an association of independently owned boutique hotels and inns. It was established in 2016 through a series of Town Hall meetings by local small hotel owners and managers, in partnership with the City of Palm Springs. The purpose of PSPSH is to serve as an economic driver and to create awareness of the uniqueness of Palm Springs small hotels, which are an essential part of this desert resort town’s unique culture and economy.
Coutesy of The Cheetah Hotel
Coutesy of Del Marcos Hotel
Coutesy of Dive Palm Springs
Coutesy of Descanso Resort
Photos: Christopher Panarello @crispypicsphoto
When you know your talent has something important to say or sing, Prompt Response is there for every word and lyric said or sung!
Here We Grow Again!
PALM SPRINGS CHAMBER
The Chamber's Palm Springs Co-Work offers modern, flexible options in the heart of the downtown. Choose from three vibrant locations: Chamber HQ, with its midcentury feel and stunning mountain views; the modern, industrial suites above the West Elm building at The Block, which overlook Palm Canyon Drive; or the Spanish Revival style of Plaza del Sol, featuring our largest offices.
Amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, kitchen and lounge areas, coffee, beverages, snacks, and free parking. Need a break? Walk to nearby shops and restaurants. And don't forget that Co-Work members enjoy exclusive Chamber benefits, including free access to networking opportunities, special events, and discounts.
Full-time locals. seasonal residents, and out-of-towners combine to make Palm Springs Co-Work an inspiring environment for enterprises of any size or budget. No long-term commitment is ever required.
Contact us at (760) 325-1577 or mellis@pschamber.org or visit pschamber.org for more information or to reserve your spot.
A Non-Agency
375 South End Avenue #23R, New York, NY, 10280 (917) 806-0532
anonagency.com
Raising Cane’s
Chicken Fingers
5601 E. Ramon Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 904-6707
raisingcaines.com
Hunter-Baldwin Consulting 79660 Nothwood, La Quinta, CA, 92253 (315) 521-9655
hunter-baldwin.com
Window Visions
464 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 360-4995
windowvisionsinc.com
Wang’s in the Desert
424 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 325-9264
Fresh Eddie Productions LLC
Palm Springs Pinot Fest/Rancho Mirage Wine + Food Festival 79405 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA, 92253 (760) 815-3566
palmspringspinotfest.com
Let Craig Do It
1510 S. Camino Real 212, Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (805) 709-3342
LetCraigDoIt.com
D.J Mod Girl
303 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 537-7223
djmodgirl.com
Racquet Club Spirits
190 W. Amado Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (415) 867-2089
racquetclubspirits.com
Christina Ybarra - Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
1414 E Ramon Road #201, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 641-8031
christinaybarra.bhhscaproperties. com
ThePackengers 12020 Woodrfull Ave Unit C, Downey, CA, 90241 (310) 985-5677
thepackengers.com
White Party Global
1421 S. Burnside Avenue Los Angeles, CA, 90019 (310) 717-8579
whiteparty.org
Reforma Supper Club
333 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (646) 896-9428
reformaps.com
Cheetah Hotel
364 E. Stevens Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 933-4393 cheetahhotelps.com
Evening Citizen
220 E Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 668-6517 theeveningcitizenps.com
Hughes & Hughes
74-130 Country Club Drive, Suite 105, Palm Desert, CA, 92260 (760) 836-5200 hughesandhughesca.com
Casita Antigua -
Casa De Monte Vista 696 Via Monte Vista, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 272-0161
casademontevista.com
His & Hers Premier Tool Box
1717 E. Vista Chino Road, Palm Springs, 92262 (858) 610-4498
Pimlico Place
278 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (510) 305-0599
pimlico-place.com
Salt Point Beverages
535 Paseo De Anza, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (310) 995-1572
saltpoint.co
Compass 830 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 2, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 350-9253
compass.com
Vacation Rental Owners & Neighbors of Palm Springs (VRON-PS)
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, #7-120, Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 790-4280 vronps.org
One Plant Dispensary
2739 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 548-0269
oneplant.life/locations/palmsprings
The Whole Enchilada
350 Ridge Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (310) 339-2823
Palm Springs, CA 92263 760.902.2297 volunteerpalmsprings.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
