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 January 18, 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:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rcumuqzMiHNWPYDQH7dBXlyj2A2z24M-J
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 (Deb Griffith / 10 minutes);
* Palm Springs Police Report (Capt Kovaleff / 10 minutes);
* Palm Springs Fire Dept (Capt Gunkel / 5 minutes);
* Public Arts Update (Matthew Lesniak / 10 min);
* PS Tourism & Promotions Update (Rob Hampton, Randy Garner / 10 mins);
* 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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CAL-OSHA issues new guidance Jan. 15, 2022
Complete details (29 pages) are available at this link:
https://www.dir.ca.gov/OSHSB/documents/Dec162021-COVID-19-Prevention-Emergency-apprvdtxt-2nd-Readoption.pdf
The following COVID-19 protocols are in effect in all workplaces January 14, 2022 through April 14, 2022:
1. Employers must provide COVID-19 testing to all employees - regardless of vaccination status - if they have been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive case in the workplace or part of an exposed group;
2. Employers must provide employees with information concerning COVID-19 benefits where there is close contact;
3. All employees must wear face coverings while indoors - face coverings now must also block out all light when held up to a light source;
4. An employee who tests positive for COVID-19 may return to the workplace after 5 days if he or she is asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving and he or she tests negative;
5. An employee who tests positive for COVID-19 may return to the workplace after 10 days if his or her symptoms are resolving and 10 days have past since the first positive test;
6. If an employee is exposed to an employee who tests positive and is either unvaccinated or qualified for a booster, but has not yet taken it, the employee must be quarantined and may return to the workplace after 5 days with a negative test or 10 days without testing;
7. There is no quarantine requirement.
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Beginning Monday, Jan. 10, City facilities will temporarily close to walk-in traffic due to COVID-19 surge in cases
The City of Palm Springs would like to advise the business community that City facilities will temporarily close to walk-in traffic beginning Monday, Jan. 10 due to a surge in COVID-19 cases that continues to impact the community at large as well as City staff.
The following changes will take place for at least the next two to three weeks and will be re-evaluated as new data about COVID cases becomes available.
• City Clerk, Planning, Engineering, Building, Business license and other services will continue to be available by phone call, or email. Appointments will be accepted for work that cannot reasonably be done by phone or email from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday - Thursday.
• The Palm Springs Public Library will close to the public, but will continue to offer its popular Library-A-Go-Go Program which allows residents to reserve and pick up materials by visiting www.pslibrary.org or calling (760) 322-READ. The Library’s popular passport program will continue to be available by appointment only.
• Parks and Recreation will offer outdoor programming only. The Swim Center will remain open.
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ONE-PS NEIGHBORHOOD PICNIC SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY MARCH 19, 2022
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) 13th 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 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 2020 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 49 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.
• $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 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. Become a sponsor and help support the neighborhoods throughout Palm Springs and be acknowledged for your contribution.
Enclosed 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 April Gunkel, Co-Chair
ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo 2022 ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo 2022
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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.
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Statement from Palm Springs International Film Society: Cancellation of PS International Film Festival
"Based on the current rise of COVID cases, the Palm Springs International Film Society has announced that the Film Festival will not take place this year from January 7-17. This follows the cancellation of the January 6 Film Awards. After thoughtful consideration, the Film Society feels this is the most responsible decision to ensure the safety of our patrons, filmmakers, and staff. Those who have purchased festival tickets and passes will receive a refund. For most, the refund will be returned to their original method of payment.
At this time Palm Springs ShortFest is scheduled to return June 21-27, 2022. The Film Festival and Film Awards will return to an in-person event in January 2023. The Film Awards will partner with Entertainment Tonight to celebrate this year’s honorees with details to follow. The festival will announce juried award winners from the official selection on January 15 via press release and social media."
Palm Springs International Film Society
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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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Promote Your Business through the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism + Palm Springs Convention Center
It's Easy!
Email here for their new Marketing Opportunities brochure
For more information contact: Samantha McDermott, Marketing & Promotions
Advertising@VisitPalmSprings.com | 760-322-8407
Don't Forget To Claim Your Free Deals and Event Listings
Add Your Deal to VisitPalmSprings.com https://visitpalmsprings.com/submit-your-deal/
Add Your Event to our Events Calendar
Complete this form: https://visitpalmsprings.com/submit-your-event/
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Visit Greater Palm Springs: Submit Your Offers Now to Reach More Visitors this Fall
SIGN UP TODAY - NEW RETAIL PROMOTION FOR FALL
Visit Greater Palm Springs is promoting a retail shopping pass to visitors and locals this fall. The pass will encourage shoppers to visit participating retailers by featuring special offers, as well as a "check-in to win" opportunity.
Participating in the pass is easy:
STEP 1 - Become a check-in location. Reply to this email or contact Susan Esterling at susan@visitgreaterps.com with your business name, description and the image you'd like used for the pass. It's free for you and shoppers are incentivized to check-in with an opportunity to win a shopping spree, paid for by Visit Greater Palm Springs. The more businesses they check-in at, the more chances to win!
STEP 2 - Submit a special offer to attract more shoppers! You can offer a discount, a free gift for coming in the store or with purchase, or any incentive that shoppers need to show their pass to have access to. You can include start and end dates (it will only appear on the pass during that window) and any restrictions that apply. Reply to this email or contact Susan Esterling at susan@visitgreaterps.com to submit your offers.
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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 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.”
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Palm Springs International Airport was named Best Small US Airport in the annual reader’s choice awards from The Points Guy
The 2021 TPG Awards were voted on by readers of The Points Guy in four airport categories:
Best Large US Airport, Best Mid-Sized US Airport, Best Small US Airport, and Best International Airport.
Palm Springs International Airport was named Best Small US Airport along with Dallas-Fort Worth
International Airport as Best Large US airport, Dallas Love Field as Best Mid-Sized US Airport, and
London-Heathrow International Airport as Best International Airport.
The Best Small US Airport category included the first 34 airports listed as “Small Hubs” by DOT data — with the cutoff being those that saw over 1 million passenger enplanements in 2019. The largest of these was Memphis, Tennessee and the smallest was Greensboro, North Carolina per The Points Guy.
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 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) and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services for providing these supplies for small businesses
Businesses & Restaurants: Download New, City Produced COVID Flyers
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Click HERE for Face Covering Required in Businesses Flyer
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Click HERE for Face Covering Required in Businesses Flyer (Spanish)
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Click HERE for Proof of Vaccination / Negative COVID-19 Test for Bars and Restaurants
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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.
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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 Mayor and City Council, (760) 322-8385
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
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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!
Updated 12/05/21
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Palm Springs Business Owners, Managers and Friends of Downtown and Uptown
Main Street Palm Springs Annual Membership fee for the 2021-2022 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
BOARD MEMBER
100-499 South Palm Canyon Drive:
SECRETARY
BOARD MEMBER
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians/Section 14:
At Large
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.
