One PS - November 2023 Meeting

Vista Las Palmas Neighbors Foundation One PS Meeting

ONE-PS November 2023 Meeting

Greetings neighbors,

The ONE-PS meeting was held Tuesday afternoon, November 11th in person at the Palm Springs Police Training Center. Your neighborhood representatives from Vista Las Palmas were present virtually.

ONE-PS Chair Peter Sipkins ONE-PS Board elections are next month.

Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Bernstein – Expecting $50M for the Indian Canyon Bridge. Governor’s office approved funding. CVAG contributing $25M. Final vote on funding is December 6th. Measure J funds being used to upgrade the Mizell Senior Center where they serve over 800 meals daily. In addition Measure J funds used at elementary schools create “wellness centers” to counsel children.

City has placed a 10-month moratorium on new cannabis dispensary permits. City Council will discuss a potential cap on stores in January. Will also research potential cut in cannabis taxes. (Palm Springs has the highest rate in the Coachella Valley. Consequently, they could be losing business to neighboring communities.)

A sidewalk vending ordinance takes effect shortly. Stricter controls are in place. Working with street vendors to educate them about the new changes. Expect to limit food trucks to parks and downtown, but not near existing businesses. Issue goes back to City Council for discussion.

Block cameras have proven to be very effective in catching criminals. The City is moving forward with installing more with an eye to maintaining privacy and making certain only police have access to the necessary information for law enforcement.

Two historic designations have been approved. City plans on creating commercial zones (eg Smoke Tree, Arenas, Sunny Dunes and S Palm Canyon) like NOORGs (Neighborhood Organizations like VLP.).

The Palm Springs International Film Festival will proceed since the actors strike has been settled.

City Manager Scott Stiles – Hiring Business Development Liaison who will work with businesses to cut through red tape. City will also hire Chief Economic Development Officer. City looking to brand all winter holidays like The Festival of Lights. Hope to make Palm Springs a holiday destination.

A new fire station for Area 1 is needed. Research viable locations since average, ideal response time must be under 5 minutes.

Palm Springs Animal Shelter has a $4M annual budget. 28% (or $1.2M) comes from the City. The remaining $2.6M needs to be raised. Our VLPNF will be making a donation at our upcoming annual Pet Parade, Sunday, December 17th 10:30am @ 616 High Rd. It’s a great way to see and meet neighbors. No pet is necessary to participate.

PSPD & PSFD A new police officer from Washington state has been hired. Looking to fill Community Service Officer position. Costa Rica sent 15 paramilitary personnel to see PSPD operations. Fire Captain will be retiring. In the meantime, he will be training his replacement. PSFD worked to clear brush in Little Tuscany to create a 10 ft defensible space. They plan to tackle the Araby neighborhood next.

Sustainability & DWA – Desert Water Agency has just started a toilet rebate program. ($150/toilet). They have a tool to show the water efficiency of various toilets by manufacturer and model. Please check it out: https://programs.dwa.org/rebate/residential_toilet/

A shredding event has been planned for December at City Hall. As of this communication the specifics have not been finalized. Check https:/www.palmspringsdisposal.com for details.

Office of Neighborhoods, Manager Denise Goolsby – To get on Denise’s mailing list, please reach out to her directly at denise.goolsby@palmspringsca.gov .

Gustav Swanson and Steve Orr