BROUGHT TO YOU BY
We are grateful for our advertisers. Become one today
Wednesday, April 29 | ☀️ 85°/62°
Happy Wednesday, folks! Zoe — AKA Puff Kitty — the Palm Springs Animal Shelter kitten who went viral after arriving visibly inflated due to air that had built up under her skin, has found her forever home. Shelter Medical Director Dr. Phil Caldwell called her new owner yesterday with the good news, and by the sound of it, both of them got a little emotional — which is entirely understandable given everything this little cat has been through. Zoe will be heading to Hermosa Beach, and her new family plans to keep sharing her story on social media, so stay tuned!
🎶 Setting the mood: "Wouldn’t It Be Nice" by The Beach Boys
Leading Off
If all goes as planned, a new self-storage facility will be built on a vacant 4.2-acre lot just south of the Palm Springs DMV.
Planning Commission approves new self-storage facility near airport
The Palm Springs Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a major development permit for a 92,400-square-foot self-storage facility on a vacant 4.2-acre lot at 900 N. Farrell Drive, west of the airport.
Driving the news: The two-story facility, which will also include 52 outdoor RV parking spaces, will be built on a site bound by Farrell Drive, Computer Way and E. Research Drive. The facility would operate daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Looking back: The commission approved a smaller, 65,284-square-foot storage facility with RV parking for the same site in 2022, but that project was never built. Commission chair Kathy Weremiuk noted Tuesday's project is "an entirely new project" from a new applicant.
What's next: The commission approved the project with conditions to be considered by the Architectural Review Committee, including ensuring sufficient tree canopy and screening, and redesigning the Farrell Drive side of the building to better reflect Palm Springs architecture.
The big picture: The approved facility joins a growing number of self-storage projects in Palm Springs, most of which are concentrated along Gene Autry Trail on the other side of the airport.
Director of Planning Chris Hadwin said the city has asked a consulting team to examine potential changes to how self-storage facilities are reviewed, including possible location requirements and caps on the size of new facilities.
Briefly
Crews remove brush from a city hillside last May. (File photo)
🔥 Fire department urging residents to clear brush ahead of wildfire season
The Palm Springs Fire Department on Tuesday began calling on residents to take part in brush clearance to help prevent wildfires this season.
Requirements include creating a 100-foot clearance from structures and 10 feet from roadways and fences; maintaining at least 10 feet of clearance around chimney outlets; trimming trees over 18 feet at least 6 feet up from the ground with all dead branches removed; and trimming trees and shrubs under 18 feet one-third of the way up from the ground.
In addition: Roof surfaces must be kept clear of leaves, twigs and other combustible matter. All cut vegetation and debris must be disposed of in a safe, legal manner consistent with city disposal policies.
A MESSAGE FROM
RANCHO MIRAGE ANIMAL EMERGENCY
At Rancho Mirage Animal & Emergency Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing expert, 24/7 care when your pet needs it most. Our experienced emergency veterinarians and skilled nursing team are passionate about supporting pets and the people who love them—any time, day or night.
📆 Featured Events
Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Billy Reeds
Join other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters for breakfast and conversation.
"Ernest Shackleton Loves Me"
2 p.m. and 7 p.m. | CVRep
A sleep-deprived single mom connects across time with polar explorer Ernest Shackleton in a funny, inventive musical romance. ($95)
Vinophile Café Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
2 p.m. | 540 South Indian Canyon Drive
Celebrate the opening of this new wine café founded by certified sommelier Jennifer Carter, featuring natural wines, artisanal coffee, fresh bites, and non-alcoholic options. The event is open to the public.
Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Mizell Center
Practice your Mah Jong skills and play with others in the Mizell Center dining room every Wednesday. No membership required; bring your own set if possible as a limited number will be provided.
Game Night with Sam
4 p.m. | Starbase 505
Drop in at Starbase 505 for board games with Sam, with a library ranging from classics to indie gems. All experience levels welcome.
Palm Springs Poetry Club
4 p.m. | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
The monthly poetry club meets at The Welwood Library for critiquing and discussion. April's theme is identity.
Cocktails & Cabaret with Francesca Amari & Jeff Lantz
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Francesca Amari and Jeff Lantz host a lively night of mod pop, yacht rock, Broadway show tunes, Rat Pack classics, and audience participation. ($22)
Boldly Going Behind the Scenes: Fred Bronson's Star Trek Journey
6 p.m. | Mizell Center
Legendary writer and Star Trek insider Fred Bronson shares an inside look at the franchise's history. ($5 suggested donation)
📌 Save the Date
Pick it up Palm Springs Cleanup on Friday at the northeast corner of Gene Autry Trail and Via Escuela
From Book to Stage pops concert on Sunday at Jewish Community Center ($30)
Riverside County District 4 Budget Community Workshop on Thursday at Coachella Valley Water District
“Star Wars: Episove IV - A New Hope” on May 4 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center ($14)
Rock the Park: Listen to the Music (The Doobie Brothers Experience) on May 6 at Downtown Park
Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast on May 14 at the Palm Springs Convention Center ($95)
Agave Paradiso Cocktail Party benefitting Palm Springs Animal Shelter on May 16 ($25-$250)
🚠 And Finally …
The Palm Springs Drone Fest is coming to Palm Springs High School this weekend, bringing two days of drone soccer tournaments, drone racing, a trade show, live music, and a Friday night opening ceremony featuring a drone light show and BMX trick riders.
What's happening: The event starts Thursday with an invitation-only opening reception and runs through Saturday at PSHS, with competitions including the FIDA USA Grand Nationals Drone Soccer Tournament featuring Class 20, Class 40, and other divisions.
The opening ceremony takes place Friday at 7 p.m. featuring live music from Michael Gagliardi and Bobbi Furgo, a motivational speaker, and a drone light show.
Tickets: General admission is $15 for students and $25 for adults; upgraded admission is $40 for students and $50 for adults. Prices are reduced for those who buy early.
In Case You Missed It
Recently published stories
🫘 Kendall had one of the most embarrassing kitchen accidents when microwaved chickpeas exploded hot bean juice all over her. So if you see her with burns on her hand, that’s why!
🌬️ Mark needs a good wind app so he knows what he’s getting himself into when he heads out into the desert to camp.
WORK WITH US
Our network of publications has nearly 50,000 email subscribers and we send 125,000 newsletters each week! That gives advertisers unmatched reach to engaged local readers across the Coachella Valley. Click the button below to learn more or receive our rate card.
EXPLORE & SUBSCRIBE
We deliver free news to communities throughout the Coachella Valley and a roundup on Saturdays. Click below to subscribe to our other newsletters!
Proudly produced in District 1. Typos are intentional.