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Monday, Feb. 23 | ☀️ 75°/55°
Happy Monday, everyone. It's a busy week at City Hall and beyond, with community workshops, board, commission and council meetings running today through Thursday. From tonight's Fire Station No. 1 open house and Tramview Heights planning workshop all the way to Thursday's Community Traffic Safety Workshop at the Police Department Training Center, there's no shortage of ways to make your voice heard this week. Make sure to read our roundup here.
🎶 Setting the mood: "Mister J" by Cortex
Leading Off
The Palm Springs Administrative Appeals Board voted last week to explore asking the City Council for greater discretion when deciding vacation rental violation appeals.
Driving the news: The issue had been discussed by the board before. The move to formally consider approaching the council came after Francine McDougall, a board member of Vacation Rental Owners and Neighbors of Palm Springs (VRON), spoke to board members on Feb. 18.
McDougall urged the board during its regular meeting to formally request expanded decision-making authority from the council, arguing the board's current power is too limited to account for individual circumstances. "Treating every violation the same, regardless of intent, severity or history, undermines trust in the process," she said.
The backdrop: McDougall pointed to a December meeting in which the board overturned a fine and a six-month suspension against a vacation rental owner she described as having made a reasonable mistake under complicated circumstances, saying that decision reflected the kind of nuanced judgment the current ordinance otherwise constrains.
What they're saying: Board members expressed general support for the idea but raised concerns about how to frame any recommendation to the council without suggesting the board would apply rules inconsistently or undercut the work of city code compliance officers.
Code compliance supervisor Mitch Nabhan said his department would accept whatever decision the council makes, adding: "I don't know that that is going to have an effect on how we enforce."
What's next: Board members discussed whether research into how other cities handle short-term rental enforcement — specifically whether other jurisdictions use strict liability standards or allow for mitigating factors — could help shape their recommendation to the council.
The board's next meeting is scheduled for March 18.
Briefly
Laura Hope, a former COD president, has filed a lawsuit against the college and a current board member. (File photo)
⚖️ Ex-COD president sues district, board chair over discrimination claims
The former superintendent/president of College of the Desert has filed a lawsuit against the Desert Community College District and Board of Trustees Chair Joel Kinnamon, alleging gender discrimination, retaliation and financial misconduct tied to a campus construction project.
Laura Hope filed the complaint Nov. 3, 2025, in Riverside County Superior Court. The suit alleges Hope was placed on administrative leave and passed over for the permanent superintendent/president role after raising concerns about financial oversight, with a less qualified male administrator chosen as her replacement.
Details: In a statement sent to The Desert Sun, Kinnamon denied the allegations, calling them false and "malicious defamation." The case remains pending in Riverside County Superior Court.
A MESSAGE FROM DAP HEALTH
Colorectal cancer — currently the second deadliest cancer in the U.S. — is easily treated if detected early. Screening should start at age 45. The good news? You may not need a colonoscopy, but just an at-home stool test named Cologuard to start.
📆 Featured Events
Fire Station 1 Open House
4 p.m. | Fire Station 1
Fire Chief Paul Alvarado and department personnel plan to offer guided tours of the historic 1955 facility, designed by renowned architects Albert Frey and Robson C. Chambers, and share information about plans for a new facility on adjacent parcels that will expand crew quarters and apparatus bays.
HangingOUT! - Men’s Monday Coffee
4:30 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Join the group for coffee, chat, and chew! No RSVPs necessary.
Monday Night Dance Party with Leanna and Miguel
5 p.m. | V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar
Join Leanna and Miguel for a night of dancing to jazz, Latin, pop, disco, and more. ($5)
Tramview Heights Community Workshop
5:30 p.m. | James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
The city of Palm Springs is hosting a workshop to gather community input on the drafted Tramview Heights Specific Plan.
Parks and Recreation Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The commission advises the City Council on everything related to the planning and monitoring of the city’s 11 parks, recreation services, and facilities.
📌 Save the Date
Palm Springs Speaks: Wade Rouse on Tuesday at Plaza Theatre
Fraud Prevention Seminar at PSPD on Tuesday
Palm Springs Somatics Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening on Thursday
Community Traffic Safety Workshop at PSPD on Thursday
Palm Springs Pathfinders "Rock the Yacht" annual gala on Saturday
Richard M. Milanovich Legacy Hike & 5K Run on March 7
Fantasy Prom hosted by Desert Sparkles Fund on March 7
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🚠 And Finally …
If you've ever thought "somebody should do something about that intersection," here's your chance to be that somebody.
Driving the news: The Palm Springs Police Department's Traffic Division and the city's Engineering Department are teaming up for a Community Traffic Safety Workshop aimed at giving residents a direct voice in shaping local traffic policy.
Details: The workshop is scheduled for Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the PSPD Training Center, 200 South Civic Drive.
The event kicks off with a presentation on local traffic data and safety efforts, followed by an open forum where residents can weigh in on issues like speeding, crosswalks, and traffic calming measures.
Who can attend: The workshop is open to Palm Springs residents only.
How to RSVP: Attendance is free, but organizers appreciate a heads-up. RSVPs can be sent to Jason Lamb via this email.
In Case You Missed It
Recently published stories
👩💻 Kendall still thinks she could be an architect because of how many hours she’s spent building houses on The Sims.
🎶 Mark couldn’t stop smiling through the entire performance at last night’s Esperanza Spalding show. What a performer! Kudos to organizers of The Palm Springs International Jazz Festival for an amazing weekend.
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