HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Update On Response and Recovery - PresentationCity of Palm Springs
CALIFORNIA
RECOVERY PHASE
Palm Springs Explosion – May 17, 2025
1
Incident Overview: Palm Springs Explosion – May 17, 2025
At 10:49 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, a vehicle exploded outside the American Reproductive Centers (ARC) on North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. The blast damaged nearby buildings,
claimed the life of the suspect, and injured four others.
Thanks to the swift response from the Palm Springs Fire and Police Departments and the FBI, the scene was secured, injuries were contained, and critical operations at ARC—including the
protection of embryos—were preserved.
The FBI has identified the deceased suspect as Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, of Twentynine Palms.
Investigations continue as the community begins the process of recovery.
2
3
American Reproductive Centers Bombing
May 17, 2025 10:48:30
1199 N Indian Canyon Wy
4
Company 1 arrived ~10:50:29
5
Complete 360 Assessment
6
Engine 3 committed for 10 hours
7
Incident within incident
8
Structure Assessment
56 Buildings Evaluated
27 Buildings Damaged
5 Buildings Red Tagged
9
EOC
10
11
Police update –
Investigation With fbi
Sifting through evidence to identify what products/substances were used in the explosion
Establishing a timeline of suspect’s pattern of behavior/ideology
Researching dark web to identify other groups with similar ideologies
12
13
Explosion scene update
FBI is back at the site as of today, May 28
Police still providing security through nighttime hours
Deployed a surveillance camera to assist with scene security
Owner has moved all embryos to temporary facility
14
COMMUNITY POLICING and
Crime Prevention
Community Programs:
Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS); Fifty-tw Organized Neighborhoods
15
Economic Impact
Economic Development conducted an initial walk-through and has been visiting impacted businesses daily, serving as liaison for all businesses regarding any information related to the
bombing and rebuilding efforts.
Worked with the Dr. Abdallah’s office on the temporary relocation of the American Reproductive Center as of 8 AM on 5/21.
Contacted local brokerage teams for any necessary relocation assistance.
Economic Development newsletter distributed each morning since the bombing, and we will continue to do so throughout the week as information comes up.
Researched insurance concerns about lack of terrorism coverage; majority of the businesses did not seek that rider. Working with the state’s insurance deputy commissioner.
16
Economic Impact cont’d
Working with state Cal OES, the County EMD and our local team to determine eligibility for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program through the SBA.
State visit is being considered to discuss recovery for community and businesses.
Worked with Center to provide community counseling which includes invitation to our area employers and employees if desired/needed.
Connecting area businesses with utilities to ensure they have their recovery needs met, and continuity of service is maintained whenever possible.
Participating in daily EOC calls and supporting internal teams with information sharing and any policy development regarding waiver, fee reductions, etc.
17
ARC / Dr. Abdallah
Worked closely with Dr. Abdallah’s team to secure this site.
Dr. Abdallah is 95% moved out of his old site and into his new site(s) as of noon 5/27.
His medical offices and reproductive materials have been moved and are safe.
Dr. Abdallah is resuming normal operations at the Desert Regional Medical Center.
Grit Development donated 8 months free rent to Dr. Abdallah for non-biological storage (appx 3,000sf).
Thank you to Grit Development!
18
Disaster Overlay Zone
EXPLOSION
Create a Disaster Overlay Zone to define the area with visible damage from the terrorist attack.
Businesses/property owners will be eligible for significantly reduced building permit fees, planning application fees, and business license fees in order to reduce the financial burdens
in rebuilding.
Expedite building permits, planning entitlements, and business license applications to get businesses up and running again as quickly as possible.
Expedite all Fire and Building inspections.
19
Communications
Distributed timely media and community advisories, neighborhood and business updates, social media messaging related to the incident.
Worked with local, national, and international media to share latest information and updates about response and recovery phase.
Collaborated with FBI and Palm Springs Police on two well received news conferences>
Developed landing page located at Engage Palm Springs.com highlighting latest incident news, business and mental health resources.
20
Communications cont’d
Developed FAQs outlining the incident and how to talk to children about it, which are posted on EngagePalmSprings.com.
Distributed a Citywide message from the City Manager via e-newsletter updating incident and recovery phase.
Continue working with Economic Development to share updated information about business assistance and resources available during recovery phases.
21
Community Support
A Community United: Rebuilding Palm Springs
Community fundraiser proudly led by dedicated local small business owners:
Bob Smiland, Desert Hand Car Wash
Liz Ostoich, FARM, Tac/Quila and Clandestino
Willie Rhine, 849 Restaurant and Lounge
Bill Sanderson, Townie Bagels
Gregory Goodman, My Little Flower Shop
As of today, 5/28/25
**Those participating in the NBC Palm Springs Drive-Thru Donation Drive for
Rebuild Palm Springs raised $14,214 from 7am-7pm on May 23!
22