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Friday, May 15 | ☀️ 94°/67°
TGIF folks, where we have a small but important correction to share regarding our recent story on the Palm Desert Planning Commission's approval of an El Paseo bar. An earlier version of the article stated that all five city councilmembers had signed a petition, but it turns out the councilmembers were simply listed as the petition's intended recipients — not as signatories or endorsers. We've updated the story to reflect the correct information, and we appreciate the city's diligence in flagging it!
🎶 Setting the mood: "How Long Do I Have to Wait for You?" by Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings
Leading Off
Inspired by the sky-reaching Saguaro Cactus, artist Gordon Heuther said the project’s design reflects the themes of “resilience and endurance” of the Coachella Valley. (Illustration: City of Palm Desert)
Palm Desert council picks shiny sphere for roundabout, affirms commission changes over objections
A reflective steel sculpture depicting a cactus blossom will anchor the roundabout at the east entrance to College of the Desert — if all goes as planned. The Palm Desert City Council on Thursday selected Gordon Heuther's "Cactus Blossom" as its preferred public artwork for San Pablo Avenue while also affirming a set of governance changes that continued to draw criticism from city commissioners.
Driving the news: Heuther's design — a rugged steel-spined base topped with a polished reflective steel sphere — beat out a circular geometric design by Dewitt Godfrey after community outreach showed nearly 75% of respondents preferred the "Cactus Blossom." City staff had cited the design's low maintenance needs and long-term durability in recommending it.
The city received 214 artist submissions before narrowing the field to two finalists, whose designs received nearly identical scores from staff in February.
By the numbers: Heuther will receive $200,000 to create the sculpture — roughly a quarter of the city's annual Art In Public Places program budget, which is funded through development fees.
The other side: The council voted 4-1 to affirm the dissolution of the Environmental Resources Committee and the Homelessness Task Force, along with changes to the Parks and Recreation Commission's responsibilities and meeting schedule, with Councilmember Karina Moreno casting the lone dissenting vote.
Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Ralph Perry said commissioners were blindsided by the changes. "I just don't think that's good governance by enacting big changes without giving the committee, who represent the public, a chance to discuss it first," he said.
What's next: City staff will return to the council with a formal recommendation on the sculpture project. The Parks and Recreation Commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 4 at 8:30 a.m.
Briefly
City and county officials helped open Crossings at Palm Desert earlier this week.
🏠 Affordable housing complex opens in Palm Desert
A new affordable housing development, Crossings at Palm Desert, held its grand opening Monday at the corner of Dick Kelly Drive and Gateway Drive on the city's north side, adding 176 low-cost apartment units to the area.
Of those units, 87 are reserved for families with housing vouchers from the Housing Authority of Riverside County. The remaining units are priced based on tenants' income relative to the area median income. Amenities include a tot lot, community pool, and partial solar power.
Details: Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez, who praised the project as the result of "strong collaboration and shared commitment," attended the opening. The city has also broken ground on Palm Villas at Millennium, a second affordable housing project that will add 240 units when complete.
🌳 ARC questions teeth of its own landscaping rules
The Palm Desert Architectural Review Commission (ARC) raised concerns Tuesday about whether its landscaping conditions have any enforcement power, after Chair James McIntosh cited two prominent city corners where trees required as conditions of approval were later removed.
McIntosh specifically referenced the Arco gas station at Portola Avenue and Highway 111, where a required grass lawn was removed. Staff noted that turf removal may be exempt from enforcement under Coachella Valley Water District rules, complicating the matter. A commissioner also raised concerns about unapproved window signage at a building at the Highway 111 border of Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage.
Bottom line: A motion asking the city to add stronger enforcement language to the municipal code was proposed, but staff said a comprehensive code update is underway and any changes are several months away at the earliest.
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📅 Featured Events
Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers Market
Today | 8 a.m.–2 p.m. | Rancho Mirage Community Park
Held Fridays October through May, this weekly market features fresh local produce, chef-prepared foods, and artisan vendors.
"Spring Fling" with GPL (Grandparents Love)
Today | 6 p.m. | 41550 Eclectic Street
Paint, sip, enjoy refreshments, win prizes, and support GPL's mission to help grandparents raising grandkids. ($50)
KISS ME, KATE
Friday through Sunday | Multiple performances | McCallum Theatre
College of the Desert presents this Cole Porter musical featuring hits including "Wunderbar" and "So In Love," conducted by Jerry Soria-Foust. Four performances only. ($10–$47)
Monthly Warhammer Tournament
Saturday | 10:30 a.m. | The Dragon Den
Three-round Warhammer 40k RTT tournament with a 2k points limit; first match begins at 11 a.m. Visitors must RSVP by calling the store the Friday before the tournament. ($20–$40)
Star Party in the Mountains
Saturday | 7:30 p.m. | Sawmill Parking Lot
Members of the Astronomical Society of the Desert lead sky tours and telescope observations of the night sky. Family event; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Canceled in case of overcast skies or high winds; call 760-862-9984 for info.
Ambassador Meeting
Tuesday | 3 p.m. | Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce
The Ambassador Team works to retain and recruit members, facilitate working relationships, and strengthen the PDACC through community engagement and member involvement.
Line Dancing
Wednesday | 6:30 p.m. | Civic Center Park
Weekly line dancing class led by instructor MC Callaghan, covering classic and contemporary dances including the electric slide and Tush Push. No prior experience required. ($17 drop-in / $68 resident session fee)
Free Concerts in the Park
Thursday | 7 p.m. | Civic Center Park
Palm Desert's free outdoor concert series returns every Thursday in May at 7 p.m.; May 21 features The Funky Hippeez Show (disco and dance favorites). Bring lawn chairs or blankets; food trucks on site.
✨ And Finally …
Shutterstock image
Palm Desert residents have a new reason to visit the animal shelter — and it comes with a gift card.
Driving the news: The Palm Desert City Council approved the Homeward Paws Pet Adoption Incentive Program on April 23, offering residents a $125 gift card when they adopt a dog or cat that originated from Palm Desert and is currently housed through Riverside County Animal Services.
Gift cards can be used at PetSmart or Petco and are intended to help offset startup costs like food, supplies, and other care essentials.
Who qualifies: Adopters must be Palm Desert residents, provide proof of adoption through Riverside County Animal Services, and ensure their new pet is licensed with the city if required.
Households are limited to two incentives per calendar year.
Worth noting: The program is a one-year pilot, so its long-term future will likely depend on how many residents take advantage of it — which seems like a pretty good reason to go meet some dogs and cats.
How to participate: Residents can submit documentation and pick up gift cards at the Palm Desert Library — even during evening and weekend hours.
For more information, contact Erika Castellano at 760-346-0611.
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