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Home My WebLink About2025-01-09 Non-AgendaFrom:Khris Leet To:City Clerk Cc:Khris Leet; John Grisamore Subject:Stop PS Sustainability Commission"s proposed ordinance on banning smoking in Palm Springs Date:Tuesday, December 17, 2024 1:26:39 PM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Palm Springs Sustainability Commission: As a Palm Springs adjacent resident, we are writing to voice our strong opposition to any ordinance that prevents smoking in outdoor spaces. My husband and I frequent a number of bars in Palm Springs and like smoking cigars on the outside patios. We usually go out three times a week and spend a considerable amount of tax-generating money while we are out. The Tool Shed, one of the bars we frequent, has a few charity fundraising events that includes cigar smoking. If outdoor smoking is banned in Palm Springs, we will look to other locations in other cities where outdoor smoking is allowed. This, of course, will drive tax dollars to other cities. If enough customers are driven to other cities, this ban could potentially cause enough of a reduction in business that Palm Springs jobs may need to be eliminated. While I advocate a total ban on indoor smoking, a total ban on outdoor smoking at bars is excessive. Designating outdoor spaces for smoking at bars is reasonable and a ban should not be considered. Thank you Khris Leet John Grisamore Cathedral City 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:paul paulzapala.com To:Jeffrey Bernstein; City Clerk; lindsey.paige.mccloy@palmspringsca.gov Subject:Sustainability Commission Proposal on Smoking Date:Tuesday, December 17, 2024 12:51:22 PM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Councilman Bernstein, Lindsey Paige, Office of the City Clerk, It has come to my attention that the sustainability commission is considering a ban on smoking outdoors at all ‘dining’ and ‘drink’ facilities. The way this ordinance reads, I understand it to eliminate outdoor smoking at any venue that serves drinks, which would include bars. Palm Springs has a very active and SOCIAL CIGAR SMOKING community that supports two cigar shops in town. The group holds fundraisers and social events at bars within Palm Springs city limits on a monthly basis. If this ordinance were to be adopted, this group would force to relocate outside the city limits, impacting both the cigar shops they patronize, and the bars they hold their events at. It would also send a message to social cigar smokers in town that they are not welcome in the greater community, an important point that needs to be acknowledged. While I understand the negative aspects of second had smoke, I also understand that in a city such as Palm Springs, there is room for everyone, as long as others are not impacted. I think the proposed ordinance is ‘a bridge too far’ in that it will negatively impact a social group that has a right to congregate. Outdoor designated smoking areas or smoking nights would be a compromise that would include ALL residents of Palm Springs. I urge you to delay this ordinance and obtain further public input, as well as take into consideration the rights of ALL residents of Palm Springs. Regards Paul J Zapala 1252 Pasatiempo Road Palm Springs CA 92262 760-413-5171 Palm Springs Full Time Resident, and Social Cigar Smoker since 2016 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Tim Rogers To:City Clerk Subject:Proposed smoking ordinance Date:Tuesday, December 17, 2024 12:38:26 PM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Palm Springs Sustainability Commission: As a resident of Palm Springs, I would like to voice my opposition to the proposed outdoor smoking ordinance. I am a regular attendee of three monthly socials which are focused on the Cigar community. They are hosted at the Tool Shed bar. These events can gather attendees in the hundreds which financially profits local businesses. I understand that indoor smoking can affect the staff. I have no problem with that limitation. However, extending the prohibition to outdoor venues places an undo burden and limits my freedom as a citizen of this fair city. Please, do not pass this ordinance. Respectfully, Timothy J. Rogers 1050 E. San Jacinto Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:immarq To:City Clerk Subject:Smoking Ban Date:Tuesday, December 17, 2024 12:35:11 PM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. City council, I am a member of a cigar club. We regularly hold fundraisers in selective outdoor areas and have raised a considerable amount of money that goes to charitable organizations. Personally I am very aware of my surroundings when I do smoke and never intend to offend anyone. Smoking is a personal choice and I understand that the smell is offensive. But at what point does this take on a different approach? Can we then outlaw perfume, cologne or any other scent? These things can sometimes trigger a migraine for me, but I choose to walk away from the person who is creating the issue. Marq Hollingsworth 3189 Cody Court Palm Springs, CA 92264 Sent from my Galaxy 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Craig Freeman To:City Clerk Subject:PS Sustainability Commission"s proposed ordinance on banning smoking in Palm Springs Date:Tuesday, December 17, 2024 12:06:21 PM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Palm Springs Sustainability Commission: As a Coachella Valley resident and supporter of freedom of expression, I am writing to voice my virulent opposition to any ordinance that prevents smoking in outdoor spaces. My husband and I attend monthly cigar socials at Tool Shed that supports the income of many staff and the bar owner. We attend regular charity events that include cigars that benefit local non-profit organizations. In the 5 years they have been hosting such events they have raised in excess of $100,000. Smoking is and should be a personal choice. Designating outdoor spaces for smoking is reasonable. Any further restrictions are an infringement of personal freedom and should not be considered. Thank you for supporting the continuation of freedom to decide in our beautiful and inclusive city, Craig Freeman 68439 Indigo Ln Cathedral City, CA 92234 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:David Feltman To:City Clerk Cc:Scott Stiles; Teresa Gallavan; Nicholas Gonzalez Subject:Palm Springs Parks Master Plan Report Date:Tuesday, December 17, 2024 11:39:29 AM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Mayor and City Council, I spoke briefly at the City Council meeting on December 12 about the Parks Master Plan Report. There are 4 main reasons why I think this report should be deferred for consideration by the Council for at least 3 months. 1) This is supposed to be a 10 year plan. There is no rush. We have a new, capable and highly experienced Director of Parks and Recreation. He should be given the opportunity to thoroughly review this plan and have his input into its contents and recommendations. That cannot be undertaken in just a few weeks time. If he needs a further allocation of money to complete the plan with this or other consultants, he should be given the latitude to make such a recommendation to Council. 2)The benchmarking in this "plan" is sloppy at worst, incomplete at best. We are benchmarked in two ways: to generic cities of 20,000-49,000 and 50-99,000 due to our winter population size. This is crude benchmarking. There is virtually no explanation of why these are appropriate benchmarks.. Although the prose of the report mentions a couple of times that we are a tourist destination, there is nothing about that critical factor in the benchmarking. We are a town with over 1 million tourist visitors per year (their numbers), many of whom experience our parks and recreation facilities. And, in fact, some percentage of them come to Palm Springs specifically for this part of our offering. To have no reference to this (e.g. specific comparable destinations that mix residents and tourists in roughly the same proportions) in the benchmarking section of the report is a huge miss. Furthermore, while we are part of the Coachella Valley, many of the other 9 cities are, in fact, our competitors for tourists and residents. There is not one reference to the parks and recreation offerings of these competing Coachella Valley cities and how we should think about that in terms of our Parks Master Plan. That, too, is a huge miss. Both of these "misses" need to be rectified. And this is not minor given the high percentage of City revenue generated by tourists for Palm Springs. 3) There is a section on parks and facilities assessments which the consultants themselves call an "average conditions of select amenities". Similar to benchmarking, this is critical baseline information --- what do we have NOW and where does the City go from here? How can a consultant who was paid a substantial amount of money provide a partial assessment of our facilities? There is reference to an appendix that has yet to be published but this information does not belong in an appendix. And, as of now, it is incomplete. And looking at some of their "assessments" it makes me wonder about their capacity to make these assessments.. They termed some facilities near or at excellence that are in fair to poor condition. It seems basic that any Master Plan must have a complete -- and accurate -- assessment of the existing 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda physical plant and program activities provided to our residents and tourists.. 4) Finally, there is a section on Cost Recovery. This sounds great to a consultant trying to make themselves sound valuable But why? There is no objective analysis of why cost recovery is a good thing and WHO it will impact. They set a goal of 50% cost recovery but are way too vague about how this will be achieved and whether it will be equitable for our middle and low income populations . Being blunt, this feels like something that will wind up being saddled by middle and lower income residents because they are the primary users of these programs and facilities. I don't think the City Council should accept on face value that this is even a good idea except in the narrowest of circumstances where some third parties are renting PS owned facilities for private use. Moreover, I'd like to know if the Council is trying to set a cost recovery goal of 50% for the new library through user fees? For police calls for service? For calls for service by the Fire Department? So, why is health, wellness and social connectivity put in this special category of cost recovery? I think this may be some trend in the parks consulting business that makes these consultants believe that "cost recovery": sounds good to elected officials but it is actually a big inequity in the making. I'd ask the Council to nip this one in the bud ASAP. If we're going to uphold our liberal values this idea deserves very careful scrutiny. And despite the fact that these consultants use the words "equity" and "equitable" dozens of times in this report, parts of the section on cost recovery read like it was written by Elon Musk. What are we doing here?. Thank you for your consideration. I hope you will defer further consideration of this report until it is better constructed with more data, thought and consideration for true Palm Springs values. 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Jeffrey Rosenberg To:City Clerk Cc:Ken Avedisian; Rob Cole Subject:Opposition to the Sustainability Commission"s proposed smoking ordinance Date:Tuesday, December 17, 2024 9:43:12 AM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Palm Springs Sustainability Commission: As a Palm Springs resident and supporter of freedom of expression, I am writing to voice my virulent opposition to any ordinance that prevents smoking in outdoor spaces. My husband and I host a monthly cigar social at Tool Shed that supports the income of many staff and the bar owner. We host regular charity events that include cigars that benefit local non-profit organizations. In the 5 years we have been hosting such events we have raised in excess of $100,000. Smoking is and should be a personal choice. Designating outdoor spaces for smoking is reasonable. Any further restrictions are an infringement of personal freedom and should not be considered. Thank you for supporting the continuation of freedom to decide in our beautiful and inclusive city, Jesse Rosenberg 1488 North Riverside Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Russ Whitlock To:Roxanne Rodriguez Subject:Outdoor Smoking Ban Proposal Date:Tuesday, December 17, 2024 8:02:51 AM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Members of the Sustainability Commission, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the inclusion of bars and their outdoor patios in the proposed expansion of the smoking ordinance. Including these establishments in the ordinance would have detrimental effects on our city’s economy, tourism, and the LGBTQ+ community. Palm Springs is renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife, with bars serving as essential social hubs. Implementing a smoking ban in these establishments, including their outdoor patios, could lead to a decline in patronage, adversely affecting local businesses and the city’s economy. Moreover, such a measure could be perceived as a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community, raising concerns about inclusivity and respect for diversity. I urge the Commission to: • Remove the Term “Drink”: Exclude bars and their outdoor patios from the proposed smoking restrictions to prevent economic harm and negative perceptions. • Engage with the Community: Involve LGBTQ+ community members and business owners in discussions to understand the cultural significance of these spaces and the potential impact of the proposed ordinance. • Preserve Outdoor Patios: Ensure that the proposed regulations do not affect the outdoor patios of bars, allowing patrons to enjoy these spaces without additional restrictions. By taking these steps, the Commission can ensure that any policy changes are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and supportive of the diverse communities that make Palm Springs unique. Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical issue. Sincerely, Russ Whitlock 1230 E Buena Vista Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Tony Gangloff To:City Clerk Subject:Proposed Smoking Ordinance Date:Monday, December 16, 2024 8:18:25 PM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Members of the Sustainability Commission, Here is the email I just sent: Dear Members of the Sustainability Commission, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the inclusion of bars and their outdoor patios in the proposed expansion of the smoking ordinance. Including these establishments in the ordinance would have detrimental effects on our city’s economy, tourism, and the LGBTQ+ community. Palm Springs is renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife, with bars serving as essential social hubs. Implementing a smoking ban in these establishments, including their outdoor patios, could lead to a decline in patronage, adversely affecting local businesses and the city’s economy. Moreover, such a measure could be perceived as a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community, raising concerns about inclusivity and respect for diversity. I urge the Commission to: • Remove the Term “Drink”: Exclude bars and their outdoor patios from the proposed smoking restrictions to prevent economic harm and negative perceptions. • Engage with the Community: Involve LGBTQ+ community members and business owners in discussions to understand the cultural significance of these spaces and the potential impact of the proposed ordinance. • Preserve Outdoor Patios: Ensure that the proposed regulations do not affect the outdoor patios of bars, allowing patrons to enjoy these spaces without additional restrictions. By taking these steps, the Commission can ensure that any policy changes are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and supportive of the diverse communities that make Palm Springs unique. Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical issue. Sincerely, Tony Gangloff 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Ken Avedisian To:City Clerk Subject:Smoking Ban Date:Monday, December 16, 2024 3:11:07 PM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Letter to the city of Palm Springs from me: cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov Dear Members of the Sustainability Commission, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the inclusion of bars and their outdoor patios in the proposed expansion of the smoking ordinance. Including these establishments in the ordinance would have detrimental effects on our city’s economy, tourism, and the LGBTQ+ community. Palm Springs is renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife, with bars serving as essential social hubs. Implementing a smoking ban in these establishments, including their outdoor patios, could lead to a decline in patronage, adversely affecting local businesses and the city’s economy. Moreover, such a measure could be perceived as a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community, raising concerns about inclusivity and respect for diversity. I urge the Commission to: • Remove the Term “Drink”: Exclude bars and their outdoor patios from the proposed smoking restrictions to prevent economic harm and negative perceptions. • Engage with the Community: Involve LGBTQ+ community members and business owners in discussions to understand the cultural significance of these spaces and the potential impact of the proposed ordinance. • Preserve Outdoor Patios: Ensure that the proposed regulations do not affect the outdoor patios of bars, allowing patrons to enjoy these spaces without additional restrictions. By taking these steps, the Commission can ensure that any policy changes are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and supportive of the diverse communities that make Palm Springs unique. Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical issue. Sincerely, Ken Avedisian- a Palm Springs year round resident Sent from my iPhone 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Matthew McKenney To:City Clerk Subject:Smoking Ordinance Feedback Date:Monday, December 16, 2024 3:09:33 PM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Members of the Sustainability Commission, I am writing to express my concern related to the impact of the proposed smoking ordinance on LGBTQ+ and other inclusive places. Queer history is filled with traditions, one of which are cigar social events which provide a safe space for gay men and women to bond, socialize and share history and customs. As a frequent visitor to the Palm Springs area, from an area that does not value these meeting places - I am concerned about the proposed expansion of the smoking ordinance and its detrimental effects on these queer gathering events. I also believe if the smoking ban goes forward as described it would have a detrimental effect on your local economy, tourism, several events my partner and I regularly attend contain a cigar social and smoking themes. Palm Springs is renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife, with bars serving as essential social hubs. Implementing a smoking ban in these establishments, including their outdoor patios, could lead to a decline in patronage, adversely affecting local businesses and the city’s economy. I urge the Commission to: - Remove the Term “Drink”: Exclude bars and their outdoor patios from the proposed smoking restrictions to prevent economic harm and negative perceptions. - Engage with the Community: Involve LGBTQ+ community members and business owners in discussions to understand the cultural significance of these spaces and the potential impact of the proposed ordinance. - Preserve Outdoor Patios (or ant minimum an option for a business to exclude themselves) By taking these steps, the Commission can ensure that any policy changes are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and supportive of the diverse communities that make Palm Springs unique. Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical issue. Sincerely, Matt McKenney Charlotte, NC 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:James Burrill To:City Clerk Cc:James Burrill Subject:outdoor smoking ban proposal Date:Monday, December 16, 2024 2:32:38 PM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Members of the Sustainability Commission, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the inclusion of bars and their outdoor patios in the proposed expansion of the smoking ordinance. Including these establishments in the ordinance would have detrimental effects on our city’s economy, tourism, and the LGBTQ+ community. Palm Springs is renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife, with bars serving as essential social hubs. Implementing a smoking ban in these establishments, including their outdoor patios, could lead to a decline in patronage, adversely affecting local businesses and the city’s economy. Moreover, such a measure could be perceived as a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community, raising concerns about inclusivity and respect for diversity. I urge the Commission to: • Remove the Term “Drink”: Exclude bars and their outdoor patios from the proposed smoking restrictions to prevent economic harm and negative perceptions. • Engage with the Community: Involve LGBTQ+ community members and business owners in discussions to understand the cultural significance of these spaces and the potential impact of the proposed ordinance. • Preserve Outdoor Patios: Ensure that the proposed regulations do not affect the outdoor patios of bars, allowing patrons to enjoy these spaces without additional restrictions. By taking these steps, the Commission can ensure that any policy changes are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and supportive of the diverse communities that make Palm Springs unique. Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical issue. Sincerely, James Burrill 2925 Searchlight Ln Palm Springs, CA 92264 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Bobby Allen To:City Clerk Subject:Urgent Request to Exclude Bars and Their Patios from Proposed Smoking Ordinance Date:Monday, December 16, 2024 2:02:42 PM NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear Members of the Sustainability Commission, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the inclusion of bars and their outdoor patios in the proposed expansion of the smoking ordinance. Including these establishments in the ordinance would have detrimental effects on our city’s economy, tourism, and the LGBTQ+ community. Palm Springs is renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife, with bars serving as essential social hubs. Implementing a smoking ban in these establishments, including their outdoor patios, could lead to a decline in patronage, adversely affecting local businesses and the city’s economy. Moreover, such a measure could be perceived as a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community, raising concerns about inclusivity and respect for diversity. I urge the Commission to: • Remove the Term “Drink”: Exclude bars and their outdoor patios from the proposed smoking restrictions to prevent economic harm and negative perceptions. • Engage with the Community: Involve LGBTQ+ community members and business owners in discussions to understand the cultural significance of these spaces and the potential impact of the proposed ordinance. • Preserve Outdoor Patios: Ensure that the proposed regulations do not affect the outdoor patios of bars, allowing patrons to enjoy these spaces without additional restrictions. 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda By taking these steps, the Commission can ensure that any policy changes are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and supportive of the diverse communities that make Palm Springs unique. Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical issue. Sincerely, [Your Name] 01/09/2025 Public Comment Non-Agenda