PLATFORM

I believe reducing homelessness can be achieved. It is a formula that includes wrap around services, which the navigation center will provide. Lessons learned has shown us that security/maintenance is a necessity, to minimize any negative impact to the surrounding neighborhood(s). Wanting the navigation center to succeed, we need to understand how success will be measured and address issues as they arise.

Unfortunately, there are those that have and will continue to refuse assistance. We need to begin having those tough conversations to understand their impact(s) to the community and what can be done. We need to reach out and learn from other cities that have taken action and see what is working, and what is not. We need to ensure that the quality of life for the residents of Palm Springs are also a priority and that they need to be protected as well.

I support our fine PSPD officers and staff in doing a job that can only be described as herculean. I participated in the PSPD Town Hall meeting in Feb 2022, helping outline the PSPD strategy for policing the city. I am an honorary member of the PS Police Officers’ Association and have spoken at City Council meetings on PSPD’s behalf. As Chairman for my NOrg, I signed the Flocked Security contract, initiating the very first two Automatic License Plate Reader in the city of Palm Springs, granting full access to PSPD.

The Palm Springs city website lists Affordable Housing opportunities to help first-time homeowners, such as the Mortgage Credit Certification Program (MCC), the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  A list of affordable apartments and what they offer is included.  But we need more.

The Monarch Apartment Homes are a start in the right direction.  Thirty of the 59 units are designated for people making below the median income in the area.  We just broke ground on the 71-unit Aloe Palm Canyon and Vista Sunrise II is well under way.

Housing projects that designate units to people making below the median income in the area and projects that include case and care management services for those in need are all part of bringing more affordable housing to Palm Springs.  Grants are available at the state and federal level.  We need to continue partnering with non-profit affordable housing developers to incorporate such projects within the city.  I support affordable housing and passing an inclusionary housing ordinance, as one of many tools needed.  We need to continue to explore the possibilities of using transient occupancy taxes, incentivizing developers to include affordable housing, and revisit state density bonus laws, in order to meet state-mandated requirements.

The College of the Desert is on its way (finally) and our airport Phase 1 expansion project is beginning. Over the next 4 years of my city council term, the city is going to go through an amazing growth spurt, with a large economic impact. Not only do I look forward to monitoring those milestones through these large economic developments, I also want to monitor the impacts to our residents, through consistent communication and feedback. As the representative for the District 4 community, this will be a priority for me.

Maintenance of city facilities is very much needed. We all value open space and the many community facilities offered by the city. They bring us together where we form bonds that last. That is “community”. But success is never final. We need to continue to invest in improvements, revisit existing contracts that run the facilities, and identify what needs to be improved. As a huge supporter of open space and how our community facilities increase the city’s value for residence and tourists alike, I support community infrastructure and its improvements 100%.

This is where an asset management program would serve useful. With the data as support, we need the capital investments in our facilities, parks and community assets. As a resort city and all its visitors, street paving is a must. I support the expansion of walking/biking paths, encouraging those to get up and be more active, healthy, and safe. All these are outlined in the Palm Springs 5 Year Capital Improvement Program – FY2022-2026. The plan is thorough and impressive and is a great blueprint for how we will accomplish all improvements. 2026 is just around the corner and I cannot wait to see these come to fruition.

The Palm Springs General Plan 2040 is crucial in providing a framework of goals and policies, to guide us towards the city’s future.  The mission statement:  

“Palm Springs is an inclusive, world class city dedicated to providing excellent and responsive public services to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.”

I strive to keep this mission statement going.  Enhance it along the way.  A 2040 General Plan will make this possible.

Formally the dilapidated Mesquite golf course, the Prescott Preserve will be a 120-acre spectacular nature preserve, at the heart of Palm Springs. Once complete, the preserve will thrive with native plants and trees and will include a large butterfly garden and a native celebration garden to honor and remember loved ones. A true gift for the community that I know will be treasured by many. As the preserve is within District 4, I look forward to learning how the city can assist in bringing this gift to the community, as promised.

Living in a wash is no way to live. With no facilities, living conditions quickly become hazardous, both for the unhoused and for nearby residents. Threats of floods and actual fires strain resources, as we have seen repeatedly, all because we have allowed camping in the wash. The opening of the Navigation Center will assist immensely in providing the necessary services needed by the homeless, moving us forward towards a better solution. But we have to prevent any setbacks. Other cities have implemented ordinances listing waterways and other sensitive areas as off limits for camping. As a city council member, I intend to start these conversations to see how we can progress to permanently prevent camping in the wash.

My goal is to ensure that residence of District 4 and the city know and feel that they are represented. With this will take some work, to reach out and reach out on a regular basis. The campaign will be an opportunity to meet the masses. I intend to work with One-PS and city staff to ensure a two-way communication is concise and consistent, to ensure the needs of the people are understood and being addressed.

And yes, of course, the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort. : )