President’s Circle
Thank you to the following Chamber members without whom many of our programs would not be possible.
For the next
generation of Palm Springs professionals
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce it is launching a new program targeted at the next generation of Palm Springs professionals. EMERGE Palm Springs (AKA EMERGE) has as its mission the personal, professional, and philanthropic grooming of Palm Springs’ next generation of leaders.
Though the city has a variety of community-involvement offerings, the Chamber hopes to bring these young entrepreneurs together through relationship-building, career-advancement opportunities, and community enhancement.
Far from being just another run-of-the-mill networking program,
EMERGE strives to create a business community of members who believe in working hard, playing hard, and volunteering hard — together.
Sponsored by Brady Sandahl Real Estate Group, EMERGE Palm Springs kicked off on February 23 at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, where, despite the rain, some 75 people attended, all of them excited to hear what’s on the horizon and how they can get involved in effecting positive change.
For more information, and to stay up to date, scan the QR code, email emergepalmsprings@gmail.com, or follow us on Instagram at @emergepalmsprings.
A Message From the City Manager
Dear Palm Springs residents:
As I enter my second month as your city manager, every single day I marvel at how fortunate I am to be at the helm of this iconic city.
Since I arrived in March, I have had the opportunity to meet many of you through the ONE-PS neighborhood organizations and at a multitude of community meetings and events that have afforded me an excellent opportunity to listen and learn about some of the many issues our community cares about.
One of the issues ongoing in Palm Springs is addressing homelessness, and I am pleased to report that Chief of Police Andy Mills and his officers have accomplished very good results through an innovative new pilot program called Operation Relentless Sun. Read more about it in the coming pages.
Another thing I have discovered upon moving to this beautiful city is that the occasional rain and/or sandstorm can cause frequent road closures that frustrate residents all over the Coachella Valley. The city of Palm Springs has long been working to address these issues, and I invite you to read more about what we’re doing in these pages. By the way, to get the latest news on weather-related road closures, I recommend that everyone register for Palm Springs public safety alerts. It’s quick and easy! Keep turning the pages for details about how to sign up.
Collector Car Auctions, who recently organized the city’s spectacular 85th anniversary exotic car parade, “Cruising Through the Years,” on Saturday, April 8. This incredible feat featured 85 cars from 1938 (when the city was first incorporated) to the present day, and was truly a sight to behold with iconic local celebrities like Nancy Sinatra, Beverly Johnson, Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, and many more on hand to celebrate 85 glorious years of our legendary destination. In addition, the musical party that followed afterwards in the Downtown Park was tremendous!
A big thank you to our city staff and our generous sponsors — the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, P.S. Resorts, the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, Splash House, and Poppy Vacation Homes — for partnering with us to create this memorable event for our residents and the entire
Palm Springs prides itself on being one of the most welcoming and inclusive cities in the nation — and in the short two months I have been here, I can attest that this one-of-a-kind community is truly like no place else!
Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I look forward to hearing any suggestions or ideas that you may have related to enhancing public services, safety, and quality of life. You can reach me via email at CityManager@palmspringsca.gov.
All the best,
Finally, I want to take a moment to give a huge shout-out to local businessman Keith McCormick, owner of McCormick’s Palm Springs
Scott Stiles Palm Springs City Manager
Sign Up for Public Safety Alerts and Get the Latest Road Closure Information
Road closures can be incredibly frustrating, so don’t be the last to know!
Residents are invited to sign up now for Palm Springs public safety alerts and get the latest on weather-related street closures. It’s fast and easy. Just visit palmspringsca.gov.
Bridge Update
By the way, we want our community to know city staff members continue to work hard managing important bridge projects. Here’s an update:
The Indian Canyon Drive Bridge Widening Project Over Union Pacific Railroad
Construction will start June 2023
The Ramon Road Bridge Widening Project Over the Whitewater Channel
Estimated to start construction in August of 2024
The Vista Chino Canyon Bridge Project Over the Whitewater Channel
Estimated to start construction in August of 2026
The East Palm Canyon Bridge Widening Project Over the Palm Canyon Wash
Estimated to start construction in June of 2025
The South Palm Canyon Bridge Widening Project Over Tahquitz Creek
Estimated to start construction in January of 2025
The South Palm Canyon Bridge at Arenas Canyon South
Estimated to start construction in January of 2024
The city of Palm Springs is working with Cal Trans and the Federal Highway Administration doing everything possible to keep these projects moving forward and on time. For more information, visit www.palmspringsca.gov.
Safety Alerts
Plaza Theatre
Residents are invited to a series of open house events every Tuesday through June 6 to learn more about the Plaza Theatre Restoration Plan.
Help save downtown Palm Springs’ historic Plaza Theatre so it can be restored to its former glory!
The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation recently announced it will hold free open house events at the theatre to display plans and renderings of the renovations to the historic building. These informal affairs will take place every Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. through June 6 at the theatre, located at 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Foundation board members and other volunteers will greet members of the general public and answer their questions about the project. The purpose of these free weekly gatherings is to provide attendees with an opportunity to see firsthand the restoration plans for the iconic building as it enters its Next Act. Reservations are not necessary.
During the meetings, attendees will get a sneak peek at the exciting restoration plans created by Architectural Resources Group (ARG), the firm selected by the Foundation and the city of Palm Springs. ARG has completed a number of theatre and other historic projects of similar scope (including New Mission Theater in San Francisco and The Alameda Theater) and has an architectural conservator on board who will be instrumental in the restoration of the Plaza Theatre.
“These open houses will provide an opportunity for anyone, especially those who have never had the chance to be inside the theatre before, to find out more about what it will take to bring this landmark back to its former glory,” said Foundation President J.R. Roberts. “As the theatre enters its final phase of fundraising, it is important for all community members to see what exciting plans we have in store. The valley needs venues like the Plaza Theatre that are
accessible to, and affordable for, everyone.”
When restored, the Plaza Theatre will be an affordable community venue showcasing diverse programming for all people, local youth organizations, promoting multicultural programming in film, music, live theater, education, comedy, and entertainment for all. It will also support and serve nonprofit organizations like the Palm Springs International Film Festival, ONE-PS, Modernism Week, and many others.
The foundation board formed in response to a $5 million challenge grant from Palm Springs resident and noted TV and stage writer-director-producer David Lee to support the restoration effort. Along with other smaller donations, an anonymous donor pledged $2 million. Recently, the foundation board secured an additional $2 million from the city of Palm Springs, $2.5 million from the state of California, and $1 million in matching funds from Oak View Group (OVG), the owners and operators of Acrisure Arena. Designer Trina Turk donated $200,000 to the OVG matching funds challenge. The fundraising goal for the project is $16 million needed to restore the building to its original splendor and update it to meet the access, technology, and equity needs of today and tomorrow. If you would like to get involved or make a donation to the theatre’s restoration, visit www.SavethePlazaTheatrePS.com.
About the Plaza Theatre
Originally built in 1936, the building was used for film premieres and screenings, nationally broadcast radio theatre programs, and other performances. In its later years, the theater was home to the long-running “The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.” Over the decades, the building has deteriorated, so the city of Palm Springs initiated a capital campaign to restore the beloved structure to its former glory.
"Cruising Through the Years”
85th Anniversary Classic Car Parade and Community Celebration, April 8, 2023
Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate 85 years of the magic that makes Palm Springs like no place else!
ORS
Palm Springs Police Department Update
A snapshot of Operation Relentness Sun and its first month in motion
Since the inception of Operation Relentless Sun on February 1, the Palm Springs Police Department has identified a total of 340 unhoused residents, and conducted daily multiple camp clean-ups.
As of late March, 68 people have been arrested — for 38 felonies and 30 misdemeanors.
More than 300 people have been provided with a complete list of resources, with information on mental health, substance abuse resources, and emergency shelters.
Additionally, 24 people accepted housing in various shelters throughout the valley, and 14 individuals have
been relocated to their original hometowns, with friends and family.
Palm Springs Chief of Police Andy Mills says, “Officers and CSOs have done a fantastic job counting, contacting, and coordinating resources for the homeless, and conducting enforcement efforts. My command staff briefed me; here is where we are with the project. Operation Relentless Sun will be a long-term effort, fraught with many difficulties. Still, we are determined to give our best effort while being transparent and compassionate, yet firm in our approach.”
Chief Mills also explains the strategy has two parts, which include enforcing “micro hot spots” and using “leveraged deterrence” to gain compliance for research on these two policing strategies.
Hot spot policing strategies focus on small geographic areas, where crime is concentrated. Law enforcement agencies can then focus limited resources in the areas, where crime is most likely to happen.
The deterrence strategy, also called “pulling levers,” is one focused on attempts to deter specific criminal behavior through the presence of specific sanctions or “levers.” At the same time, there is an anticipation of benefits for not engaging in crime.
The four initial Operation Relentless Sun hot spots include Sunrise Way and Vista Chino, 400 South Palm, Sunrise and East Palm Canyon, and Ramon Road and Crossley Road. Progress at those locations is improving, but Chief Mills says the department recognizes the numbers can change daily. Therefore, a before-and-after picture is essential to understanding the problem and assessing progress being made in each area.
Here is a look at where each spot stands, one month into the operation:
Sunrise Way and Vista Chino
10 tents with about 15 people. A month later, two tents remain.
Ramon Road and Crossley Road
32 tents with 37 people. A month later, all tents are gone.
South Palm Canyon
Two tents and 10 people frequently in the area. Now, one tent and five people present.
East Palm Canyon and Sunrise Way
15 people frequently. Now, three people are there regularly.
Chief Mills says, “We recognize there has been some displacement. Once these areas are stabilized, officers will move to the next spot.”
The PSPD would like to gratefully recognize the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and Jewish Family Services for their enormous support in helping to move this project forward. Operation Relentless Sun is a continuous mission in motion. The department will continue to update the Palm Springs community as the work continues and the strategies are applied with compassion and hope.
Q&A
Meet Scott Stiles, Palm Springs’ New City Manager
Scott Stiles is the new city manager of Palm Springs. He arrived in March from Garden Grove, California, where he served as city manager for seven years. Prior to Garden Grove, he worked for 27 years in a variety of management positions for the city of Cincinnati, graduating to assistant city manager, then to interim city manager. PS I Love You sat down with Scott to learn more about him.
Q. PS I LOVE YOU: What made you decide to apply for the position of Palm Springs city manager?
SCOTT STILES: Several reasons, but number one is that, just like so many other Southern California residents, my family and I have always loved spending time in this unique and vibrant slice of paradise. I’m a fan of Palm Springs’ year-round sunshine, iconic mid-century architecture, and inclusive vibe. When the Palm Springs city manager position opened, I knew I would enjoy being a part of this amazing community, and I felt it was the opportunity of a lifetime. Not to mention, coming out of the pandemic, I knew that city administrative staff had gone through a tremendous amount of change. I felt I could bring some stability to help the team focus on the priorities of our city council and the community. I’ve so far been nothing but impressed with the outstanding level of dedicated service by our city council, staff, and public safety officers, all of whom are deeply committed to this community.
Q. What are some of the biggest challenges the city is facing, and what do you plan to do to address them?
Like many cities in California, addressing issues of homelessness are very important. Affordable housing and support of our vibrant hospitality and small business sectors is also critical. Specifically, regarding homelessness, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. My experience is that a comprehensive continuum of care strategy that includes temporary and permanent supportive housing, compassionate mental health services, and enforcement apprehension of those individuals committing crimes is all part of the solution. Also, political boundaries do not perfectly fit with the needs of homeless individuals. Regional solutions are important.
Q. You have been here almost two months now. How have you introduced yourself to the community?
I am happy to report that the Palm Springs community has welcomed me with open arms! The mayor, councilmembers and city staff have done an outstanding job of quickly getting me introduced to important neighborhood, business, and nonprofit stakeholders who are leaders in the community. For my entire career, I’ve always lived, and immersed myself, in the community where I work. That’s how I’m wired. There’s no doubt that commitment will help me connect more quickly and personally with those whom I serve. In fact, in Cincinnati, where I worked for 27 years before my time in Orange County, there was a robust network of 52 community councils. It was quite ironic to learn that Palm
Springs also has 52 recognized community organizations through Organized Neighborhood of Palm Springs, ONE-PS. I’m looking forward to interacting with them all-- and to listening and learning from a wide variety of perspectives.
Q. Tell us a little about your background, your family, and where you’re originally from.
My wife and I have two daughters. The oldest is an aspiring, young cinematographer in the terrific film and media arts program at Chapman University, and the youngest is a junior in high school who is beginning to think about furthering her education at the next level. I grew up in a small South Dakota town on the shores of the Missouri River. I’ve tried to maintain an internal compass of curiosity that has taken me on a journey from there on to Cincinnati, Garden Grove, and now Palm Springs, which is where I hope to remain for a long time.
Q. What have been some of your favorite experiences so far in Palm Springs?
I’ve had quite a few so far. When I first arrived, my wife and I had the opportunity to take Modernism Week’s doubledecker bus tour, which was quite something! It was fantastic and fascinating to learn more about the city’s iconic midcentury modern architecture, design, and historic properties. I also had the opportunity to attend the Palm Springs Air Museum’s annual gala, which was also quite an experience. Their collection of vintage aircraft is truly one-of-a-kind. But I must say, what I have enjoyed most so far is meeting and engaging with Palm Springs residents who have gone out of their way to welcome me and get me acquainted with the issues they care about. In fact, I just attended the annual ONE-PS picnic, and it was a phenomenal way to meet the neighborhood residents and local organizations that really drive this city. Moving forward, I am excited to continue meeting, listening, and learning from the residents and business leaders of Palm Springs. My goal is always to keep an eye on improving and enhancing city services and quality of life while continuing to ensure Palm Springs remains a world-class destination that prides itself on being one of the most welcoming and inclusive communities in the nation. The future is bright, and I am honored to take the helm at Palm Springs City Hall and get to work!
Residents with questions or suggestions can reach Scott Stiles via email at CityManager@PalmSpringsca.gov.
PS Chamber New Members
Dr. Michael J. Feldman
707 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Ste. 21 Palm Springs, CA,92262 (310) 286-6700
Palmina Italian Restaurant 2500 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 895-9255 palminabypuglia.com
Jacobsson Engineering Construction
P.O. Box 14430, Palm Desert, CA, 92255-4430, (760) 345-8700 jacobssoninc.com
Sol Agave Restaurant 262 Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 659-1353
Arrae Health 3655 E. Ramon Road Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760 )327-9400
Hotshot Professional Power Washing 19408 Prickly Pear Trail Desert Hot Springs, CA, 92241 (800) 278-0774
Kaladjian Law Office 77564 Country Club Drive, Ste. 150 Palm Desert, CA, 92211 (800) 760-0468 so-cal-lawyer.com
Bruce Wayne’s Handyman Heroes 1478 S. Camino Real Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (616) 655-5869 handymanheroes.com
Rooftop 262 Bar 262 S. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (562) 455-9242
Little Shop of Treasures 616 E. Sunny Dunes Road Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 778-4300 www.littleshopoftreasures.biz
R2E Associates Inc. 2555 N. Junipero Avenue Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (646) 701-4621 r2eAssociates.com
Sage Wax Lounge Palm Springs 1276 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Ste. 109-B Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (909) 731-5347 sagewaxlounge.com
The Core Collaborative 1090 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (619) 432-2673 thecorecollaborative.com
Cheeky Charity
1555 S. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (518) 505-0844 cheekycharity.org
Matrix Insurance
1091 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 932-0906
First Team Real EstateBetty Kerr serving the Coachella Valley Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 250-9326
Spatial Design
886 E. San Lucas Road Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (818) 554-0835
Funtastik Balloons
42005 Cook Street
Palm Desert, CA, 92211 (760) 205-1334
California Univetristy of Science and Medicine
1501 Violet Street Colton, CA, 92324 (909) 954-3502 www.cusm.org/
Cruise Planners
2800 Lawrence Crossley Road, #H-18
Palm Spring, CA, 92264 (760) 408-4003 smoothgrovetravel.com
SEEK Personnel Staffing
72855 Fred Warning A3 Palm Desert, CA, 92260 (760) 636-0861 seekpersonnelstaffing.com
Chef For Seniors of Palm Springs 1013 Easy Street
Los Angeles, CA, 90042 (626) 737-2052 chefsforseniors.com/palm-springs
Todd Verwers Architects
1111 E Palm Canyon Drive, Unit 322
Palm Spring, CA, 92264 (858) 866-4146 toddverwers.com/profile
Low Desert Modern Mexican 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Spring, CA, 92264 (760) 656-0231 lowdesert.net
Meredith Lodging 707 E Tahquitz Canyon, Ste. 16 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (541) 419-0963 www.meredithlodging.com
The Kindel Group, LLCStaffing Services
P.O. Box 12625
Palm Desert, CA, 92255 (760) 383-1735 thekindelgroup.com
AJ’s Law Firm
1775 E Palm Canyon Drive, Ste. 110-26
Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 333-6854
Da Silva & Goodman
2680 S. Cherokee Way Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760) 328-0277 dasilvaandgoodman.com
Equity Union
460 S. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Spring , CA, 92262 (310) 595-5875 www.equityunion.com
I Fresh K Barber
477 S. Palm Canyon Drive #2 Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760 )548-0018
Play Lounge
2825 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Bldg. C Palm Spring, CA, 92262 (714) 422-7337 playloungeps.com
Casa Blanca Restaurant - Palm Springs
140 S. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760) 325-9464 www.casablancamenu.com
Daily Planet LLC
38954 Trinidad Circle Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760 )459-8990 .linkedin.com/in/malcolmwitter
Drift Hotel Palm Springs
284 S. Indian Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (888) 976-4486 drifthotels.co/palmsprings
Body Shop by Justin Boerman
630 N. Belardo
Palm Springa, CA, 92262 (858) 753-5969
masseurfinder.com/massagetherapists/25284/
J. Arthur Law Firm
67876 Garbino Road
Cathedral City, CA, 92234 (760) 201-3215 jarthurlaw.com/
ZOSO FUN
150 S. Indian Canyon Drive
Palm Spring, CA, 92262
L’Atelier Cafe 129 La Plaza
Palm Spring, CA, 92262 (760) 778-7895 .facebook.com/Lateliercafe/
Tredi Interiors
458 S. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Spring, CA, 92262 (760) 318-4242
trediinteriors.com
Scan to view the full directory of Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce members
9 DAYS, 8 NIGHTS INCLUDING HOTELS, MEALS, DAY TRIPS, AND AIRFARE FROM LOS ANGELES
• Roundtrip international airfare & Tax
• 9-day deluxe tour package
• 4-star hotel accommodations
• Breakfast & lunch
• Deluxe bus
• Fluent English-speaking tour guides
• Entrance fees to attractions
Full itinerary online at PSChamber.org
Plan now to join Palm Springs Chamber group for this once in a lifetime Greece adventure. Please call Nona at the Palm Springs Chamber at 760-325-1577, email your registration form to nwatson@pschamber.org Website www.pschamber.org
Tour Operator: Citslinc International, Inc. 1-844-262-1100 Email citslinc@aol.com Website www.citslinc.org
Deposit
For more details and reservations contact Nona at the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce nwatson@pschamber.org (760) 325-1577
Community Information
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- 8383
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
CITY HOTLINES
Code Enforcement (760) 778-8434
Graffiti (760) 778-8469
Vacation Rental Compliance (760) 322-8383
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Congressman Ken Calvert, 42nd District 73710 Fred Waring Drive Ste. 129 Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 620-0041
State Assemblymember Greg Wallis, 7th District 41-608 Indian Trail Road, Ste. D-1 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 346-6342
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
State Senator Melissa Melendez, 28th Senate District 45125 Smurr Street, Ste. B Indio, CA 92201 (760) 398-6442
