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TGIF everyone! Down below, we tell you a bit more about something important everyone who uses the city pool should know: It’s closing (albeit only temporarily). Unless you’re a regular reader of the city’s website, you wouldn’t know that. And that’s why we exist — to spread the word about things that impact your daily life. Want a deeper dive on our mission? Just go here. Have a great week ahead!
🎶 Setting the mood: "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young
📰 LEADING OFF
An aerial view of the city, looking down Cook Street.
Palm Desert to phase in development fees increase over 3 years
Palm Desert will raise its development and construction service fees in phases through 2027-28, aiming to cut taxpayer subsidies of private projects after the city council approved a comprehensive fee study on Oct. 23.
Driving the news: The city currently recovers only 61% of its costs for planning, building and engineering services. The phased fee increases will push cost recovery to 82% by the third year, generating an additional $971,000 annually and reducing the general fund subsidy from $1.76 million to $794,000.
Why it matters: The current fee structure forces taxpayers to subsidize private development that primarily benefits property owners through increased values and entitlement rights.
By the numbers: Palm Desert's fees are currently on the low end compared to other regional cities, according to a Desert Valleys Builders Association study. The new schedule will place the city's fees in the middle or upper-middle range.
The details: Building fees have been restructured with fixed, consolidated fees for common minor permits. Planning fees will increase for projects requiring lengthy reviews. Engineering fees for right-of-way work and inspections will also rise.
California law requires cities to periodically evaluate fees to ensure they reflect the true cost of service and prohibits charging more than reasonable costs.
What's next: The city will update fee schedules, track project time, review fees annually and conduct a full study every three to five years. The new fees took effect Oct. 27.
📰 BRIEFLY
Swimmers take to the lanes at the city’s aquatic center. (File photo)
🏊 Palm Desert Aquatic Center to close for upgrades
The Palm Desert Aquatic Center will close Nov. 17 for infrastructure improvements, including replacement of pumps, filters and heaters across all three pools at the facility, which opened in 2011.
City officials said on Oct. 30 that the upgrades are intended to improve water quality, reduce service interruptions and increase energy efficiency. A professional aquatics engineer designed the project, and a commercial pool contractor will handle construction work.
Bottom line: The aquatic center is expected to remain closed through Jan. 2026. Information about the project schedule is available at PDPool.com or engagepalmdesert.com/pool, and questions can be directed to the center at (760) 565-7467.
🏘️ Council approves zoning changes near El Paseo
The Palm Desert City Council unanimously approved a zoning amendment on Oct. 23 that will allow single-family homes and day care centers in areas immediately surrounding El Paseo. Mayor Jan Harnik and Mayor Pro Tem Evan Trubee recused themselves because they own nearby property.
The amendment changes the city's municipal code to allow single-family residential homes and day care centers in the Downtown Edge-Overlay zoning district, which covers about 226 acres along Alessandro Drive, Shadow Mountain Drive and Tumbleweed Lane. Single-family homes will be allowed by-right, while day care centers will require a conditional use permit.
Bottom line: The action was largely a technical correction to address inconsistencies between the General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance. The area already has residential homes that predate the zoning district's creation in 2016, and day care centers have historically been allowed in the area.
A MESSAGE FROM COD
Your Journey Starts Here.
Write It. Live It. Own It.
At College of the Desert, your story is yours to create. We help you turn passion into purpose and give you the tools to make your goals a reality.
📅 FEATURED EVENTS
Pickleball With A Purpose
Today| 10 a.m. | Palm Valley Country Club
This exciting event will raise funds for the Sunshine Kids Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting children with cancer by providing life-enriching activities, group events, and emotional support during their treatment journey. ($25)
Palm Desert Choreography Festival
Saturday & Sunday | 7 p.m. / 4 p.m. | McCallum Theatre
This popular Festival is a dynamic live platform for dancemakers and dancers to showcase their work and powerfully engages audiences around dance in the Coachella Valley. ($33)
📆 SAVE THE DATE
Coachella Animal Network Luncheon and Fashion Show at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on Nov. 16
Desert Community College District Board of Directors meeting at COD on Nov. 21
Palm Desert Water Lantern Festival at Civic Center Park on Nov. 22
📣 AND FINALLY …
Participants in one of numerous SongShine Foundation classes rehearse. (Photo courtesy SongShine Foundation)
A neurologist's chance encounter with an Irish dancer in a West Clare pub has brought an innovative therapy to the Coachella Valley—where researchers estimate up to 10,000 residents are living with Parkinson's disease.
Driving the news: Award-winning Irish dance teacher Michael Dillon now leads specialized dance classes every Monday at 10 a.m. at Step By Step Dance Studio in Palm Springs, using techniques shown to improve mobility, gait, and balance in Parkinson's patients.
The approach stems from 2010 research by Dr. Daniele Volpe, who witnessed a Parkinson's patient drop his cane and dance with remarkable fluidity after hearing traditional Irish music.
Why it matters: With just one movement disorder neurologist serving the entire valley, community-based exercise programs have become critical.
"Exercise has a neuroprotective benefit with Parkinson's. It is as critical to the treatment process as taking your carbidopa-levodopa medication," said Eileen Lynch, executive director of the Parkinson's Resource Organization.
The bigger picture: Irish dance joins other specialized programs across the valley, including Rock Steady Boxing in Palm Desert, Pilates for Parkinson's at Fitness Edge in Palm Springs, and vocal therapy through The SongShine Foundation.
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