Please check the Palm Springs calendar often for other meetings of importance to the community.

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MAIN STREET PALM SPRINGS
Downtown / Uptown Business Association
General Meeting online on ZOOM
Tuesday February 15, 2022 at 8:30am

Let us know what issues are important to YOU and we will see about adding it to a future agenda.

This meeting will take place on Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. (cut and paste if not clickable)
Please do not share the login information. It leaves us vulnerable to hacking

Agenda:
* Council Update (Mayor Lisa Middleton, Councilman Geoff Kors / 10 mins);
*.Tour de Palm Springs Review (Merchants / 10 minutes);
* Palm Springs Police Report (Capt Kovaleff / 10 minutes);
* Palm Springs Fire Dept (Capt Gunkel / 5 minutes);
* PS Tourism & Promotions Update (Rob Hampton, Randy Garner / 10 min);
* Palm Springs Convention Center (Rick Leson / 5 minutes);
* Greater PS Convention Visitors Bureau (Davis Meyer / 5 minutes);
* Business Support Programs Update (Jay Virata / 5 minutes);
* PS Sustainability (Tracy Sheldon / 5 minutes);
* Other Merchant Issues (If time allows);
* Adjourn

We are here as volunteers, and fellow business owners, to serve our community We invite you to share your ideas and opinions.
These twice monthly meetings are free. We welcome your financial support and memberships to help us continue offering meetings and other communication and representation.

Please consider supporting us by joining Main Street Palm Springs. Memberships currently start at only $25 per year for businesses within our defined boundaries. www.palmcanyondrive.org/application

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County of Riverside Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program - Application portal opens on February 14, 2022 at 8am and closes on June 30, 2022 at 5pm.

APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED WITHIN 14 BUSINESS DAYS FROM POINT OF APPLICATION SUBMITTAL AS TO APPROVAL STATUS. AWARDEES WILL RECEIVE FUNDING ONCE THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE RECEIVES FUNDING FROM THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCATE WHICH IS EXPECTED NO LATER THAN EARLY APRIL 2022.

The Riverside County Office of Economic Development is pleased to announce that microbusinesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with specified criteria, may apply for a $2,500 grant.

The intent of the Riverside County Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is to provide relief to the hardest to reach microbusinesses and entrepreneurs located throughout the county.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for qualifying microbusinesses. Applicants will be notified within 14 business days from point of application submittal as to approval status. Awardees will receive funding once the County of Riverside receives funding from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate which is expected no later than early April 2022.

Businesses Must Meet the Following Criteria:
Be located within Riverside County
Less than five employees
In operation since 12/31/2019
Business must be the source of primary income in 2019
Less than $50,000 in Revenues in 2019
Haven’t previously received a small business grant relief grant from the State of California

Eligible Uses of Funds Include:
Payroll/Employee Retention
Working Capital
Purchase of Personal Protective Equipment
Rent or Mortgage Payments
Paying Vendor Invoices

For more information on the Riverside County Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program please visit rivcobizhelp.org or contact us at mailto:bizinfo@rivco.org or (951) 955-0493.

Funded in part through a Grant from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate. All opinions, conclusions, and /or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.
 

Spanish Grant Program Flyer

La Oficina de Desarrollo Económico del Condado de Riverside se complace en anunciar que las microempresas afectadas negativamente por la pandemia de COVID-19, de acuerdo con los criterios especificados, pueden solicitar una subvención de $2,500.

La intención del Programa de Subsidios de Ayuda COVID-19 para Microempresas del Condado de Riverside es brindar ayuda a las microempresas y empresarios más difíciles de alcanzar ubicados en todo el condado.

 Las solicitudes se aceptarán por orden de llegada para las microempresas que califiquen. Los solicitantes serán notificados dentro de los 14 días hábiles desde el momento de la presentación de la solicitud sobre el estado de aprobación. Los adjudicatarios recibirán fondos una vez que el condado de Riverside reciba fondos de la Oficina del Defensor de las Pequeñas Empresas de California, que se espera a más tardar a principios de abril de 2022.

El negocio debe cumplir con los siguientes criterios
Estar ubicado dentro del condado de Riverside
Menos de cinco empleados
En operación desde el 12/31/2019
El negocio debe ser la fuente principal de ingresos en 2019
Menos de $50,000 en Ingresos en 2019
No haber recibido previamente una subvención de ayuda para pequeñas empresas del Estado de California

Los usos elegibles de los fondos incluyen:
Nómina/retención de empleados
Capital de trabajo
Compra de Equipo de Protección Personal
Pagos de alquiler o hipoteca
Pago de facturas de proveedores

Para obtener más información sobre el Programa de subvenciones de ayuda COVID-19 para microempresas del condado de Riverside, visite rivcobizhelp.org, o contáctenos en mailto: bizinfo@rivco.org o (951) 955-0493.

Financiado en parte a través de una subvención de la Oficina del Defensor de la Pequeña Empresa de California. Todas las opiniones, conclusiones y/o recomendaciones expresadas en este documento pertenecen al autor o autores y no reflejan necesariamente los puntos de vista de la Oficina del Defensor de las Pequeñas Empresas de California.

Riverside County Office of Economic Development • 3403 10th Street, Suite 400, Riverside, CA 92501 • 951.955.8916

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MAIN STREET PALM SPRINGS COVID PROTOCOLS SURVEY
Please excuse the poor formatting jbm
2/10/22                              
Survey Starts  134         Survey Submits 47                            
                                 
                        
1) What type of business do you represent?                         
Answer Response Count               % 
Retail     20          43% 
Restaurant        12           26% 
Salon     2              4% 
Gym / Yoga Studio  1              2% 
Hotel     1              2% 
Office    2              4% 
Government    0              0% 
Other    8              17% 
Total Responses               46            
                                 
                          
2) Where is your business located?                           
Answer  Response Count              % 
Downtown South (Ramon to Tahquitz)   14           29% 
Downtown North (Tahquitz to Alejo)       21           44% 
Uptown (Alejo to Tachevah)        6              12% 
Uptown North (Tachevah to Vista Chino)               2              4% 
Other    4              8% 
Total Responses               47            
                                 
                         
3) Should the City of Palm Springs require that all employees and customers wear a mask when inside a business or attending an indoor event?                          
Answer  Response Count              % 
Yes         24           51% 
No          21           44% 
Other    2              4% 
Total Responses               47            
                                 
                       
4) Should the City of Palm Springs require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to allow people to enter indoor restaurants and clubs?                      
Answer  Response Count    % 
Yes         17           36% 
No          27           57% 
Other    3              6% 
Total Responses               47            
                                 
                            
5) Should the City of Palm Springs require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to allow people to attend indoor events at the convention center, hotels and other locations?                          
Answer  Response Count               %
Yes         24           51% 
No          21           44% 
Other    2              4% 
Total Responses               47            
                                 
                          
6) The City Council will be deciding on these three options below. Please check your choice.                           
Answer Response Count               Response Percentage 
Consider delaying any changes to current protocols and policies until a future City Council meeting. This delay targets the next two to eight weeks, where we are most likely to see decreases in rates of infection and hospitalization based on historical trends. The increase in transmission and hospitalization from the winter Omicron variant wave has started to decline but remain higher than they were leading into summer 2021. The delay would allow us to assess if the unexpected recent increase in rates was an anomaly or change in the trend. The potential for continued risk still exists.   20           45% 

Consider reducing local restrictions to align with California State protocols. This would remove the requirement for proof of vaccination or negative test in restaurants. The approach removes the potential for conflicting and confusing restrictions and protocols as we move forward. Regardless of any changes in local protocols and policies, the California protocols require masks in most settings and other best practices.         20           45% 

Council direct Staff to eliminate restrictions when certain criteria are met, such as three consecutive weeks of reduced transmission or a certain threshold of cases per 100,000.                4              9% 
Total Responses               44            
 

7) Please add any other comments you have regarding COVID safety. 
The city should let the businesses do what they feel the most comfortable for their staff and customers. 
We are entering what may be the busiest period in two years. Big events are back bringing in tourists and crowds. We are all tired of the restrictions, but we have also learned to live with them. Let's keep them in place for a little longer until we know we are out of the woods. 

The City Council formed the Task Force on COVID to much fanfare in the media. Where are they and how involved is the Task Force in the decision-making? 

The city is experiencing record breaking tourism numbers. Why change it? People come here because they feel safe and the numbers prove this fact. 

Please continue the mask mandate. So many small businesses are already stretched thin with small staffs and putting these employees and businesses in harms way of less protection from COVID is going to add more challenges to the daily operations of businesses. 

It does not make sense to require proof of vaccination for indoors when it has been scientifically proof that vaccinated and unvaccinated are equally contagious. The infection fatality rate of omicron could be as low as 0.0025 percent, or one in 40,000. However, the modeling from Washington University suggests that it’s closer to 0.07 percent, or roughly one in 1,430 — which is less than the season flu. It's time to remove all restrictions. 

This policy has changed so many times. The virus is still mutating with different variants. I think we have a good balance of restrictions considering most places in Palm Springs is outdoors. Indoor restrictions are the safest measures to stop fast spread of new variants. Also we are in the peak of tourism with people traveling from out of state where vaccination is not required. 

We would like to see restaurants back in their brick and mortar buildings and off of the street. Palm Springs is back to pre Covid-19 numbers and we need to get back to NEAR normal. We continue to have unhappy guests in our business when it comes to mask mandate, but I still feel requiring the mask is necessary for guests and our staff. I think restaurant personnel should continue to wear masks. 

I believe it is premature to lift mask mandates; another four weeks before reevaluating the covid sitaution is not a hardship when one considers the overall health and well-being of the PS community. 

It's too challenging to have different restrictions than other California cities, especially in Coachella Valley. The city should follow along with the State's Public Health Officer's guidelines as the city does not have an expert in the field of public health policy on payroll to make scientific based recommendations. 

This is our high season with travelers from all over the world. To protect our citizens and employees of our city, the city needs to take the most conservative measures which may be beyond those required by the county or state. 

I think we should wait and see how the Feb 15th changes effect other counties and cities. Observing cases may help eliminate a spike. Once we have more time, then we can adjust as needed. 

Masks don't work, and mandates are unconstitional. 

The city should require proof of full vaccination (includes booster) for all indoor activities. 

We all should be following the same mandates. What’s the point otherwise? How can Palm Springs “keep everyone safe” when other cities are doing something completely different? It doesn’t make any sense and it’s unfair. Our staff are verbally abused every single day,just for asking customers to wear a mask. This will obviously increase if we’re the only city requesting masks. I won’t follow protocol. I’ve had enough. 

Please just let common sense prevail. The reason THE U.S. is second only to Brazil in bad Covid stats is all these restrictions. Look @ Europe. They have lifted most of theirs and all their numbers are better. I'm just saying. Everyone who is going to get vaccinated HAS GOTTEN it and the folks who don't want to get it, have made up their minds. 

Keeping the current mandates in effect through "season" is the most prudent and safe course of action for all parties. The end of April might be a good time to reassess based on infection rates. We need our local workforce to stay healthy. We need our hospitals to not be at full capacity. Many tourists comment that they appreciate the mask mandates and are impressed that Palm Springs takes safety so seriously. 

Thanks for asking!

Masking helps protect our staff members who are confronted with people from all over the world       

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PSPD to host in-person community meetings, Feb. 15 - 19, 2022

The Palm Springs Police Department will hold a series of town hall meetings, facilitated by Chief Andrew Mills and PSPD Command Staff, to address public safety issues.
 
Message from Police Chief Andy Mills:
 
Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, "There comes a point when we have to just stop pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they are falling in." The police spend their day pulling people out of rivers, infrequently going upstream to stop them from falling into the swift waters. Palm Springs police intend to prevent those on the bank from falling in the river by implementing Neighborhood Policing and problem-solving.
 
A defined mission and established crime-fighting priorities are crucial to an effective Neighborhood Policing program. Each day when our officers go into the field, they need a clearly defined focus. Without a central focus, their day becomes random, call-driven, and tedious. Unfortunately, for too many police agencies, the radio sets the strategy. Plucking people from the river is the default strategy. Often, we are too busy saving people in the river to give serious thought to reducing crime upstream.
 
Through practical knowledge and academic research, we know that some methods of crime control are more effective than others. At the Palm Springs Police Department, we seek to deploy the best evidence-based practices possible to reduce, manage and control crime. At the end of the day Palm Springs should expect its police force to be effective crime fighters.
 
To establish a police mission in step with the culture of Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Police Department invites our residents and businesses to help shape the department's future through a series of public meetings, February 15-19. Meetings will be held in each of the five City Council districts and Council members will be present. The sessions will take place in a structured town hall environment where everyone will have equal input. Community input will help to establish our mission and chart our path forward.
 
The second part of the meeting is to establish our crime-fighting priorities by city area. Our job is to analyze problems and go after the underlying conditions allowing the issues to flourish. Police agencies have learned that to focus on everything simultaneously is to focus on nothing at all—mission dilution results in ineffective crime control. Instead, a laser-focused effort on specific problems can result in reduced crime and increased public safety. Increased public safety is our goal.
 
The series of meetings with our elected officials will be held on the following dates:
 
· February 15 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Victoria Park, 2744 N. Via Miraleste
· February 16 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros
· February 17 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Cahuilla Elementary School, 833 E. Mesquite Ave.
· February 18 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Palm Springs High School, 2401 E. Baristo Road
· February 19 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Demuth Park, 4200 E. Mesquite Ave.
 
Our crime analyst will provide you with crime maps, data on crime trends, and calls for service. If you can't make the meeting in your Council district, you are encouraged to attend another session on a date that works for you. The City of Palm Springs prides itself on being one of the most welcoming and inclusive communities in the nation – and with that in mind, I am confident these important neighborhood meetings will help us unite and find a path forward that ensures the highest quality of life in Palm Springs. So come, join your neighbors and elected officials, and help direct the future of PSPD. We are all in this together!
 
Andrew Mills is the Chief of Police in Palm Springs. You can reach him via email at Andrew.Mills@palmspringsca.gov.

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ONE-PS NEIGHBORHOOD PICNIC SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY MARCH 19, 2022

The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) Annual Picnic & Community Expo celebrating the residents, organizations and businesses of Palm Springs will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022. This is a great opportunity for your Palm Springs organization or business to connect with the residents of Palm Springs. 

In 2019, the last year the picnic was held, nearly 1,000 residents attended, and for 2022 we are expecting that many and more to join us again. 
 
The 2022 ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo will be at Ruth Hardy Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 19. The event is open to all recognized neighborhoods, and all Palm Springs residents and their families interested in organizing their neighborhoods. 
 
ONE-PS would like to invite you to participate in our 2022 Picnic and Community Expo by choosing to be an official sponsor. All sponsor booths at the Expo are provided with one 6-foot table, two chairs and two lunch tickets. You will need to bring your own table cover and materials. There are several tiers of sponsorship, but to receive maximum exposure and benefits we encourage sponsors to participate at the highest level possible. (You don't have to have a booth to be a sponsor. We know a lot of businesses are short staffed right now.)
 
• $500 or More — Platinum Level Sponsorship includes your logo prominently displayed on the official sponsor banner, inclusion on the ONE-PS website and Facebook page and six lunch tickets. 
• $250 — Gold Level Sponsorship includes your logo prominently displayed on the official sponsor banner and four lunch tickets. 
• $100 — Silver Level Sponsorship includes having the name of your organization or business on the official sponsor banner and two lunch tickets. 
 
Your Palm Springs organization or business can be a sponsor and receive all of the benefits at the sponsorship level you choose even if you decide not to have a booth at the expo. (You don't have to have a booth to be a sponsor. We know a lot of businesses are short staffed right now.)

Become a sponsor and help support the neighborhoods throughout Palm Springs and be acknowledged for your contribution. 
 
Attached please find an official registration form with more details, including information for non­profit organizations. The deadline to submit your registration form and check is Tuesday, March 1, 2022. 
 
Mark your calendars now and reserve your booth space for this unique community event! 
 
Joy Brown Meredith, Co-Chair  
ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo 2022  
joy@crystalfantasy.com

April Gunkel, Co-Chair 
ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo 2022 

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FROM OUR FRIENDS AT PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTER
(Some of these events have passed, - lots of npcoming events too!)

We are excited to welcome back The Spirit Sports Grand Nationals Dance and Cheer Competition. This “Duel in the Desert” takes place the weekend of February 4-6. Event times are Friday 2/4: 2 -10:30pm, Saturday, 2/5: 8am -10:30pm, and Sunday, 2/6: 8am -10:30pm.

This annual competition is expected to have approximately 10,000 participants and spectators over the three day weekend. This year, added safety measures have been implemented to address COVID-19 concerns. All attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination or negative test prior to entry. Additionally, on-site COVID testing will be available. Masks are required for all indoor events. There are outdoor viewing areas and an awards stage.

“We are excited to bring the Duel in the Desert back to our home in Palm Springs this year and are very proud of the efforts that have been made to ensure a safe and enjoyable event,” noted Shannon Smith, Director of Operational Excellence, Varsity Sports.

Upcoming Events
The Palm Springs Convention Center is pleased to announce the following summary of events and activities in February and March.










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FROM OUR FRIENDS AT THE PALM SPRINGS BUREAU OF TOURISM

From Randy Gardner:
I also wanted to follow up with you on the Social Media training we spoke about.
 
HubSpot now offers a free Social Media Marketing Course in their HubSpot Academy. You even can get certified.
 
I signed up for it yesterday to give it a test. You register, they ask you a few questions, and then you have access to the free courses.
 
Most of it is video based. The courses are set up in modules and you complete them at your own pace

There is a full library of different topics, such as Instagram Marketing Strategy, Facebook Marketing, YouTube Marketing, etc.
 
Let me know your thoughts,
 
Best,
 
Randy Garner
Sr. Marketing Manager
Visit Palm Springs
277 N Avenida Caballeros
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.8425

Also....
Wanted to let you know that since we last spoke, we’ve added new promotional opportunities for partners and wanted to make sure you were aware of them. In an effort to provide more visibility and help justify the ROI, we’ve added several new digital options including – Facebook, Instagram, Blog Posts and Newsletter sponsorships.
 
I’ve attached a link to a “flip book” version (created by Kara) of the promotions kit. https://tinyurl.com/PSPromotions  If you or anyone in your network is interested in learning more, please let me know.
 
As always, thank you for being such a great advocate for the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism!
 
Kind regards,
  
Sam McDermott
Marketing & Promotions
Convention Center & Bureau of Tourism 
Like no place else.™
(760) 322-8407 Direct

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COMMUNITY ADVISORY: 
City Hall to reopen to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 15  
 
Feb. 11, 2022 
 
Due to an encouraging decline in COVID-19 cases, City Hall and other City of Palm Springs facilities will reopen to the public for walk-in service on Tuesday, Feb. 15.  
 
For the time beingmasks indoors will be required in all City facilities as required by Cal/OSHA. 
 
Hours of operation are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Thursday. 
 
For more information about City departments and services, visit www.palmspringsca.gov
 
For more information about City departments and services, visit palmspringsca.gov.

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Information on new Citywide Foodware Ordinance

In July 2021, the City of Palm Springs passed a new ordinance to promote reusable foodware and reduce waste from single-use plastics that went into effect this month. The City conducted outreach to businesses this fall and is in the process of providing direct technical assistance to all interested food vendors.
The new ordinance affects “prepared food vendors” that range from coffee shops and food-vending convenience stores to formal, sit-down restaurants. It includes provisions for on-site dining as well as takeout food. 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. 
“The City of Palm Springs is excited to work with our local businesses to implement this new policy and advance environmental protection,” said Flinn Fagg, Director of Development Services. “With that in mind, the City is offering sustainability scholarships for businesses to help them comply – and we understand that compliance with some provisions may take time.”
Businesses should apply for exceptions where necessary and provide the City with a compliance plan for items that may not meet the deadlines.
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

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2021 Holiday Banner Artists Awards Named
 
The special award winners of the Palm Springs Holiday Banner Program have been announced by Main Street Palm Springs President Joy Brown Meredith.
The 2021 Award Winners are:
Most Aspiring Young Artist - Jayden Hong
Best Downtown Palm Springs - Ashley Garcia
Best Downtown Palm Springs - Tessa Vasquez
Best Modern Palm Springs Holiday - Mai Garcia
Best Palm Springs Santa - Sam Bastin
Best Palm Springs Santa - Dulce Castro
Best Palm Springs Santa - Becky Fernandez
Best Palm Springs Marilyn - Andrea Frisque
Best Holiday Palm Trees - Carolina Anaya Flores
Best Holiday Palm Trees - Angelina Morales
Best Palm Springs Pride - Emily Mendez
Best Palm Springs Wildlife - Jazlyn Munoz
Best Palm Springs Wildlife - Silvannita Garcia
Best Desert Scene - Kiara Urbina
Peace on Earth - Marco Buelna

The holiday banners, created by Palm Springs area students from Kindergarten to 12th grade, can be seen downtown and throughout Palm Springs during the holiday season. There were over 600 entries this year. The theme for 2021 was Winter Holidays - Palm Springs style.

Prizes and awards were donated by downtown and uptown businesses including Crystal Fantasy, Las Casuelas Terazza, Lulu California Bistro, Eight4Nine Restaurant, 1501 Bistro, and Power Yoga. Other sponsors are Main Street Palm Springs and the City of Palm Springs.

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Mayor Lisa Middleton responds to College of the Desert President Dr. Martha Garcia regarding feasibility study for West Valley Campus

Post Date:12/17/2021
CONTACT: Amy Blaisdell
Communications Director
City of Palm Springs
(760) 323-8250

ADVISORY:
On Friday, Dec. 17, Mayor Lisa Middleton received an email from Dr. Martha Garcia, the College of the Desert’s recently appointed Superintendent/President stating that a needs assessment was indeed conducted for the college’s long planned West Valley Campus in Palm Springs. The issue of whether or not the college prepared the necessary feasibility study has been widely reported in the local media. In the interest of transparency, the City of Palm Springs would like to provide the public with Mayor Middleton’s email response to Dr. Garcia.
Dear President Garcia,

Thank you for sending this along. While I have yet to fully review the assessment, my initial review confirms what the City of Palm Springs has believed all along—that prior College of the Desert administrations have taken all of the steps necessary to bring to fruition the West Valley Campus. 

The West Valley Campus was promised to the voters of the Coachella Valley when they approved Measures B and CC. The leadership of our region and my city came together in support of the broad vision for College of the Desert that would be inclusive of the entire Coachella Valley. As we all know gaining and sustaining support for public education is as important as it is difficult. One of the many unique features of our region has been the long-standing broad support for public education and higher education across the region and across the political spectrum.  

As an elected leader, I would be negligent were I not to be clear that the broad public support that the College of the Desert has earned and held for many years is at risk.  Public trust is at issue. 

The City of Palm Springs remains committed to taking all action necessary to see that the promises made are kept. The approved vision of the West Valley campus was a transformative community college campus. A campus that would provide our region’s community college students learning experiences and opportunities typically found only in university settings. It is a campus that builds on the unique synergies of Palm Springs and the west valley. We hope that the current College of the Desert administration shares this vision and will work with the City of Palm Springs and leaders across our region in those efforts.  

Sincerely,
Lisa Middleton
Mayor, City of Palm Springs

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2021-2022 redistricting process kicks off with series of public hearings and workshops

In an effort to obtain input regarding communities of interest as it relates to redistricting and how City Council district boundaries might be adjusted following the release of the 2020 U.S. Census, the City of Palm Springs will hold a series of upcoming public hearings and community engagement workshops, beginning this month. Communities of interest include shared geopgraphic, socio-economic, and cultural interests.
The redistricting process will be completed in two phases:

Phase I
November 2021 – January 27, 2021
Identifying communities of interest and developing district boundary maps.

Phase II
Feb. 10 – March 24, 2022
Refining and adopting a final district map.

The Phase I public hearings will be held on the following dates during regularly scheduled City Council meetings:

Nov. 4, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
Overview of the redistricting process and the online mapping tool and solicit input on communities of interest

Dec. 9, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
Release of the consultant’s draft maps and solicit input on communities of interest

Jan. 27, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.
Review of the consultant’s and community drawn maps

In addition, residents will be invited to participate in one of a series of five community workshops to learn more about the consultant’s draft maps and see a demonstration on how to use the online mapping tool to develop your own proposed district boundary map.

The workshops will be held on the following dates:

Dec. 13, at 5:30 p.m.
Demuth Community Center

Dec. 14, at 5:30 p.m.
Vista Del Monte Elementary School

Dec. 15, at 5:30 p.m.
Palm Springs Convention Center

Dec. 16, at 5:30 p.m.
Palm Springs Public Library Learning Center

Dec. 17, at 5:30 p.m.
Cahuilla Elementary School

 “We need your input on communities of interest in order to respect the boundaries of your communities during the redistricting process,” said City Clerk Anthony Mejia. “Everyone is encouraged to participate.”

 For more information, visit PSDistricts.com.
____________________

Palm Springs Airport Ends 2021 with more than 2 Million Passengers

Palm Springs, California – Palm Springs International Airport surpassed 2 million total passengers in 2021 and set their 7th consecutive monthly passenger record in December.

The Total Passenger Count for 2021 was 2,092,943, an increase of 67% compared to 2020. In the month of December, PSP set its 7th passenger record for the year surpassing the previous record, set in 2018, by 8.6% with 276,527 total passengers.

“PSPs route growth has created greater access for locals who were asking for more flight options”, said Harry Barret, Interim Executive Director of Aviation. “It is also revealing opportunities for our region. We are astounded by the record passenger numbers we’ve experienced, and we’re eager to work toward translating those numbers into job opportunities and economic progress for our community.”

Palm Springs International Airport has set new passenger records every month since June. With the growth in the Airport's nonstop route portfolio, airport officials expect 2022 to be a strong year as well. PSP offers 35 nonstop routes in season and 15 year-round routes, which is the highest number of routes that Palm Springs has ever had.

Palm Springs International Airport
3400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Ste OFC
Palm Springs, CA 92262

Link to The Points Guy article: https://thepointsguy.com/news/airport-winners-2021-tpg-awards/

ABOUT PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is owned and operated by the City of Palm Springs and is the only commercial service airport in the Coachella Valley. The airport’s 11 air carriers provide nonstop service to 35 airports in season, 30 in the United States and 5 in Canada. US nonstop airports include Atlanta, Austin, Bellingham, Boise, Boston, Chicago Midway, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas Love, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Des Moines, Eugene, Everett, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York City-JFK, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Provo, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle. Canadian nonstop routes include Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. PSP is served by Air Canada, Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Flair, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, United, and WestJet. Some airlines and routes operate only on a seasonal basis.

For additional information, please refer to PalmSpringsAirport.com or get social with PSP on Facebook (www.facebook.com/flyPSP), Twitter (@flyPSP), or Instagram (@flyPSP) to stay informed about the airport and the airlines that serve the Coachella Valley

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COVID AND VARIANTS ARE STILL OCCURRING. IT IS NOT "OVER".

FREE PPE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN PALM SPRINGS

Crystal Fantasy has more FREE masks, face shields and hand sanitizers for
FREE distribution to businesses on behalf of Main Street Palm Springs. Pick up at Crystal Fantasy, 268 N Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs. These supplies are FREE. Open every day 11-7. Bring your own bag please.

Thank you to The Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP), Joe Wallace,and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services for providing these supplies for small businesses

Businesses & Restaurants: Download New, City Produced COVID Flyers

  • Click HERE for Face Covering Required in Businesses Flyer

  • Click HERE for Face Covering Required in Businesses Flyer (Spanish)

  • Click HERE for Proof of Vaccination / Negative COVID-19 Test for Bars and Restaurants

  • Click HERE for Proof of Vaccination / Negative COVID-19 Test for Bars and Restaurants (Spanish)


COVID INFORMATION CAN CHANGE VERY QUICKLY. PLEASE REFER TO CITY, COUNTY AND STATE WEBSITES FOR THE MOST CURRENT NEWS.




Having trouble making an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination? Vaccine Buddies are here to help!

Protect your family. Vaccines are effective and safe.
For more information: Vaccine Buddies

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GET INVOLVED! LEARN MORE ABOUT PALM SPRINGS BOARDS OR COMMISSIONS


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CITY HALL PHONE NUMBERS

Here is a list of contacts available to assist the public with business from 8 am - 6 pm, Monday-Thursday.

*City Hall Direct Line, (760) 323-8299
*Office of the City Clerk, cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 323-8204
*Office of the City Manager, citymanager@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 322-8362
*Office of the Assistant City Manager, Teresa.Galavan@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 323-8202
*Office of the Mayor and City Council, (760) 322-8385
*Public Information, Amy.Blaisdell@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 323-8250
*Office of Neighborhoods, Denise.Goolsby@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 323-8255
*Office of Special Programs, Vacation Rental Compliance and Cannabis,  Veronica.Goedhart@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 322-8382
*Planning Services, Flinn.Fagg@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 323-8245
*Engineering Services, Joel.Montalvo@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 323-8253
*Economic Development, Jay.Virata@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 323-8359
*Code Compliance, David.Recio@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 778-8434
*Building & Safety, Alberto.Gradilla@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 323-8242
*Finance & Treasury, Nancy.Pauley@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 322-8229
*Parks and Recreation, Cynthia.Alvarado@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 323-8272
*Office of Sustainability, Tracy.Sheldon@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 323-8214
*Human Resources, HR@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 323-8215
*Maintenance & Facilities, Staci.Schafer@palmspringsca.gov, (760) 323-8167

Hotline numbers:
*Vacation Rental Compliance, (760) 322-8383
*Code Compliance, (760) 778-8434
*Animal Control, (760) 323-8151
*PSPD COVID-19 Hotline, (760) 323-8159
*COVID-19 Financial Aid Hotline, (760) 323-8273

To reach the Palm Springs Public Library staff, call (760) 322-7323 or visit palmspringslibrary.org.

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS!

Business Members (Downtown and Uptown)
Gold Store 760-832-9336
Canyon Rose Boutique 760-323-4240
PS Treasures 760-322-4455

Business Members (not in district)
LostYourMind 760-883-8315

Community Members
Thom Bettinger
Bill Walter
Jeff Denean Jones
Bill Diller
David Perry
Donn Uyeno
Patrick Canonge
Michelle Coneybeare
Donald Grimm
Eric Chiel
Joseph May
Vic Yepello
Liz Glass
Marlo Sandler
Kathy Bates
David Feltman
Allison Jones
Staci Schafer
Geoff Kors
Jeff Jones
Matt Robinson
Mark Talkington
Jeff Rosenberg
Vincent Stoppia
Ann Sheffer

Thank you for your support!

P.S. New logo by Tom Dolle

Updated 02/10/22

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PALM SPRINGS BUSINESS OWNERS, MANAGERS AND FRIENDS OFDOWNTOWN AND UPTOWN:
 
Main Street Palm Springs Annual Membership fee for the 2022-2023 season is now requested. Your involvement is more critical now than ever. There is a special discounted rate of only $25 for Downtown & Uptown Businesses.

Main Street Palm Springs, the Downtown and Uptown Business Association, has firmly established itself as the primary conduit for information sharing among businesses and with the City of Palm Springs. Additionally, we are the advocacy group for over 500 Downtown and Uptown Businesses. We are currently an all-volunteer organization, hosting two open meetings a month, multiple newsletters and extensive social media.

The Board of Directors is developing a long term strategic plan that will encompass expanded outreach, special events, and increased efforts to give all businesses a stronger say. We are also working on a branding and marketing campaign to help all of our businesses.

We are currently offering the following Membership levels with other Levels and Benefits to be announced soon: 

MEMBER BENEFITS

Downtown/Uptown Business Members
* Inclusion in print and online promotions and listings as a Business member
* Ability to vote in elections and to be nominated as a Board Member
* Subscription to full email distribution
* Opportunity to have paid email blasts to Main Street mailing list
* Opportunity to participate in Main Street events

Other Business Members
* Inclusion in print and online promotions and listings as a Business member
* Ability to participate in all member meetings
* Subscription to full email distribution
* Opportunity to have paid email blasts to Main Street mailing list
* Opportunity to participate in Main Street events

Community Members
* Participation in all member meetings
* Subscription to full email distribution

Non-members
* Ability to attend meetings. Meetings are open to the public, but only Members have  voting rights and can make announcements about their business. 
* Select discussions will be open to non-members.
* Inclusion in email distribution of urgent business announcements and City of Palm
 Springs announcements.

Your $25 Membership fee can be upgraded for more benefits. Look for our announcement soon for other Membership Levels. 


We greatly appreciate your support!

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YOUR MAIN STREET PALM SPRINGS BOARD

(We are looking for new board members interested in representing their specific areas)

Uptown District:

100-499 North Palm Canyon Drive:

PRESIDENT
Joy Brown Meredith, Crystal Fantasy joy@crystalfantasy.com

BOARD MEMBER
Kimberleigh Funkey, Power Yoga kim@poweryogapalmsprings.com 

100-499 South Palm Canyon Drive:

SECRETARY
J.C. Constant, Pomme Frite jcbelgic@dc.rr.com

BOARD MEMBER 
Mindy Reed, Zin and Revel Public House zin1ps@yahoo.com

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians/Section 14:

Kate Anderson (alternate) kanderson@aguacaliente-nsn.gov

At Large
Paul Mediano, Heads Up Salon and Day Spa headsup460@aol.com

Special thanks to Thom Bettinger, Volunteer Assistant 


Main Street Palm Springs Mission Statement:

To join together as fellow businesses to proactively and aggressively represent the interests and contributions of the downtown and uptown business community to existing and potential customers and to represent our common interests to Palm Springs municipal leaders.