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 September 21, 2021 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.

* Council Update (Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Middleton, Councilman Geoff Kors / 10 minutes);
* Palm Springs Police Report (Capt Kovaleff / 10 minutes);
* Palm Springs Fire Dept (Capt Gunkel / 5 minutes);
* Palm Springs Pride (Ron DeHarte / 5 minutes);
* Business Support Programs Update (Jay Virata / 5 minutes);
* PS Tourism & Promotions Update (Rob Hampton, Randy Garner / 5 minutes);
* Palm Springs Convention Center (Rick Leson / 5 minutes);
* Greater PS Convention Visitors Bureau (Davis Meyer / 5 minutes);
* Other Merchant Issues (If time allows);
* Adjourn

(The agenda and agenda order may change without notice)

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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Businesses & Restaurants: Download New, City Produced 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)

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COVID -19 Testing and Vaccinations Widely Available Throughout the City

Locations for testing and vaccination include all major pharmacies:
Both testing and vaccinations are also available at most medical clinics. 
At home COVID tests (antigen and PCR) are available at most pharmacies. These at home tests will meet the requirements for testing.
Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record
You can obtain a digital record of your vaccination status, which can be stored on your mobile phone:  https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/

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ZOOM CALL ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES

Please review the recommended Zoom Call Guidelines for meeting attendees to follow shown below. Let's face it: working from home is difficult. So here are some suggestions, compiled from Zoom's own website as well as other sources, which will help you stay productive, connected, and not embarrassed as much as possible while we continue struggling through this newer era of office work.

Use the video option when possible.
It lets people see you and confirm you are on the call. This is particularly important if you're the one hosting the meeting or a speaker, and slightly less so if you're an attendee. Try to adjust your screen before the meeting starts so attendees don't see your hands making adjustments during the meeting.

Turn off the video if you have to get up and go somewhere during the meeting.
It's very distracting when people get up to go somewhere and then come back to the meeting. And/or carrying your phone around with the video on. If you are muted and need to speak with someone while on the call, turn your video off.

Dress for the meeting as if you're going to your job - Don't wear your pajamas.
Times are tough for those working from home, and wearing sweatpants all day, every day is one of the few silver linings. But if you're in a position where you can put on something more professional-looking, it's probably a good idea. You might also find it makes you feel a little more normal.

Stage your video area.
Keep in mind that people aren't just seeing you, they're also seeing whatever the camera is pointed at behind you. Maybe arrange it so that your camera isn't facing towards a pile of unfolded laundry?

More light is better.
Video quality is dramatically improved with more lighting. An extra nearby lamp is usually helpful. Just make sure the light is in front of you, not behind you - being backlit makes you harder to see.

Try to look into the camera.
If you're presenting or speaking to a group, looking into the camera will give the appearance of eye contact with whoever you're talking to.

Stay on mute if you're not talking.
Background noise can be really distracting. If you aren't sharing anything at the moment, go ahead and hit mute until you do. That way, no one has to listen to the car alarm that goes off in your neighborhood or your neighbor's perpetually barking dog.

Don't eat during the meeting.
It can be a little unappealing to watch other people eat on Zoom calls. Hold off if you can, or if not, maybe turn off the video and audio.

Don't do other private things during the meeting.
Don't become a statistic. It can be easy to forget that people can hear or see you if you're in a group of 30 coworkers, so don't risk it! Turn your video and audio off if you need to deal with a personal/private moment (going to the bathroom, blowing your nose, combing your hair - just to name a few).

Stay focused.
It's a fact that everyone dislikes meetings. Don't make this one go longer than it needs to. Stay on task (which can be very difficult while working at home) and keep unnecessary conversations to a minimum. It can get very hard to be productive when several people are all talking at once, and even more so when overlapping audio and shuffling video screens are involved.

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Capt. Melissa Desmarais Named Acting Chief of Palm Springs Police Department

Palm Springs Police Department Capt. Melissa Desmarais has been named Acting Chief, effective Thursday, Aug. 19, following the departure of Police Chief Bryan Reyes who is retiring after 27 years with the department, City Manager Justin Clifton announced today. 

“We are fortunate to have a great leader with a proven track record in Captain Desmarais that can step up to serve as Acting Chief while we remain in the recruitment phase for a permanent replacement to Chief Reyes,” Clifton said. “I’m confident that the police team and the broader community are in good hands with Desmarais in this role.” 

Desmarais began her law enforcement career with the Palm Springs Police Department in 2002, and since then has served as Patrol Officer, Airport Law Enforcement Officer, Patrol Field Training Officer, Traffic Field Training Officer and was the first female in the department’s history to become a Motor Officer. In July 2010, Desmarais was promoted to Police Sergeant, the department’s first female sergeant. She worked as patrol sergeant and supervised the Traffic Division.Melissa Desmarais

She made department history again in August 2015 when she was promoted to Police Lieutenant and supervised the Downtown Community Resource Officers. As a lieutenant, she also served as the department’s liaison to Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS). Desmarais was promoted to Police Captain on June 24, 2018 and currently oversees the department’s Support Services Division. 

In 2012, while Desmarais was a sergeant, she received the Athena Award, a prestigious community service award presented by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. In 2007 Desmarais was awarded the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce’s Peace Officers and Public Safety “Service to Youth Award” for her work with the Palm Springs Police Explorer Program. She was also selected by her peers as 2007 “Officer of the Year.” 

“I am honored to have the opportunity to represent the men and women of the Palm Springs Police Department and look forward to working collaboratively with the community and City during this period of transition,” Desmarais said. 

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

FREE PPE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN PALM SPRINGS

Crystal Fantasy still has 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

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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VILLAGEFEST IS BACK AND SO IS THE DOWNTOWN BOLT PROGRAM!
BOLT stands for Businesses Open Late Thursday

This Main Street Palm Springs program is designed to promote the Businesses Open Late Thursday during Villagefest.

Villagefest is a great event bringing 1000's of people into Downtown Palm Springs and we want people to remember our brick and mortar shops, restaurants, and other businesses are open too.

Businesses will be listed on various websites and window signs are being printed.

Please email joy@crystalfantasy.com if you are a Business Open Late Thursday and we will get you listed and also get you a window sign.

There is no fee to join in this promotion..

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RETAIL HAPPENINGS
NEW RETAILER SUBCOMMITTEE FORMED! 

If you are on Facebook, please consider joining our Palm Springs Retailers Facebook page. It's a private group that allows us to discuss and share issues pertaining to retail. It is administered by Main Street President and Crystal Fantasy owner Joy Brown Meredith and Destination PSP owner Jeffrey Bernstein.

We have created and administered special events for retailers, like Pop Up Palm Springs, and helped support retail businesses in their specific needs presented in Business Retention and City Council meetings.

We are currently working with the city to allow outdoor merchandise in downtown similar to what is allowed in Uptown, downtown and uptown banners, upcoming Pop Up Palm Springs dates and other discussions.

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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, Marcus.Fuller@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, Patrick.Tallarico@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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FROM OUR FRIENDS AT THE PALM SPRINGS BUREAU OF TOURISM

The Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism recently launched an new campaign about locals supporting locals called, We Are Palm Springs.

Campaign Concept:

Utilize images and video of people and business community in masks with message of shop, dine and play local and the "We Are Palm Springs" message. Utilize quotes and images of business employees and owners on social media, as voiceover for radio, and on the website landing page with additional content. We will use the hashtags #WeArePalmSprings in the social campaign. Create a video campaign interviewing locals and business owners talking about the local community support, and having everyone collectively saying 'We Are Palm Springs." This quick video is an example of how we feature multiple businesses together. Visit our Facebook page to see how we recently featured Crystal Fantasy.

We began filming right before the stay at home order was issued so we have some good footage. With filming now on pause, we sent an invitation out to our over 700 stakeholders asking them to participate by sending us video clips with their message of supporting local along with any still images we can also use with their story.

Examples:
·         We have great gifts for everyone this holiday season
·         Support locals and let us serve you by ordering take-our or delivery.
·         We love when our locals bring their family to our attraction.
·         We know it's been a rough year for everyone, but let's get back on track and support our
local businesses and economy.
·         Shop, dine and play in Palm Springs and show a little love to your local business owners
and your neighbors.
·         Supporting local is so important because... ______________.
·         Now more than ever, we need your support.

We asked everyone to include the sound bite - "We are Palm Springs" and "Thank You For Your Support"

If the business has gift cards, we requested an image of someone holding the gift card. If they offer to-go, we asked they capture an employee handing a customer a to-go order. Business owners and frontline employees are all welcome to participate.
 
Separately, we also have a list of businesses offering to-go  and gift cards which we keep updating on visitpalmsprings.com.
 
Rob Hampton
General Manager
Palm Springs Convention Center & Bureau of Tourism 
(760) 322-8400 direct
(760) 778-4102 fax
rhampton@palmspringscc.com

Also from PS Tourism - We am thrilled to announce that Kimber Foster will be joining the CVB team as the Director of Palm Springs Tourism. Kimber will be coming to us from Grapevine, TX, where she has held the position of Director of Marketing & Communications for the past 5 years. She will work closely with Randy and Kara, the CVB team, along with Palm Springs businesses and stakeholders to promote visitation to our great city through marketing and public relations efforts and programs. Kimber is excited to relocate to Palm Springs and will be arriving after Labor Day to join our tourism community!

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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

Thank you for your support!

P.S. New logo by Tom Dolle

Updated 5/30/21

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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
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.