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# Palm Springs parking study reveals underutilized spaces, recommends improvements
An employee parking permit program and better signage for existing free spaces are among suggested improvements. But so is a suggestion that city leaders consider paid parking at certain times in the future.By   ●  ●  January 20, 2025
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*Paid parking — such as that found in a lot behind the El Patron restaurant in Downtown Palm Springs — exists in the city, but is limited to private lots.*
A recently-completed parking study in Downtown Palm Springs offers a series of recommendations to improve the parking experience for residents, employees, and visitors.
The assessment, conducted by DIXON Resources Unlimited and funded by PS Resorts, analyzed both on-street and off-street parking, finding that the average occupancy rate was just 29%, with on-street parking more impacted than off-street facilities.
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The company also found that weekday parking (32% occupancy) was more impacted than weekend parking (27% occupancy). Notably, the noon hour was the most congested across all data collection dates, with a 35% occupancy rate.
“There is a general lack of uniformity located throughout the study area in terms of signage and wayfinding, which makes for a confusing experience for both locals and visitors,” the report states.
To address these issues, the study recommends implementing consistent, comprehensive signage throughout the downtown area. This includes exploring opportunities for static and digital signage along Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive, displaying real-time capacity information for off-street parking garages, including those located underground that can hold hundreds of vehicles.
The report, which follows  last fall, also suggests adjusting on-street parking time limits to encourage compliance and turnover, and that, “Employees will be directed to park in off-street locations, therefore maximizing the availability of the curb and increasing turnover.”
A key recommendation is the establishment of an employee parking permit program. The existing municipal code allows for employee permits to be issued for a fee to qualified individuals, exempting them from posted time limits. The study proposes updating this language to prohibit overnight vehicle storage and clarify enforcement procedures.
Maintenance and upkeep of parking facilities, particularly garages, were identified as areas needing improvement. The report’s authors recommends introducing a routine maintenance plan for both downtown parking garages, including regular sweeping, power-washing, and painting.
“Incorporate preventative measures that discourage skateboarding, roller skating, scooter-riding, etc. to promote the safety of the community,” the study advises for the downtown parking garage.
To enhance the aesthetic appeal of parking structures, the report suggests exploring the feasibility of commissioning local artists to revitalize both parking garages with a uniform design that captures the essence of Palm Springs.
The study revealed that most parkers (92%) stayed for short durations of 0-3 hours, indicating a bustling commercial area. To further promote turnover, the report recommends establishing a no re-parking ordinance to deter abuse of on-street parking regulations.
While not likely to be adopted by city officials, the report also proposed the possibility of introducing a special event parking management plan that could include paid parking during events at the soon-to-be restored Plaza Theater, during Palm Springs Pride, VillageFest, and other major gatherings. It also suggests the city update its charter to allow for the possible implementation of paid parking systems in the future.
To improve enforcement, the study recommends modernizing the parking management program and utilizing license plate recognition technology to optimize enforcement and assist in data collection.
Looking to the future, the study suggests exploring a micro-shuttle or circulator program — similar to the Buzz Bus that used to be seen on city streets on VillageFest evenings and weekends — to provide alternative mobility options for residents, employees, and visitors.
### Author
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Mark first moved to the Coachella Valley in 1994 and is currently a Palm Springs resident. After a long career in newspapers (including The Desert Sun) and major digital news websites, he founded The Palm Springs Post in 2021.
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# Jan. 20 Daily Briefing: Library’s unique offerings, picnic planned, winter baseball, and more
In today’s Daily Briefing, we tell you how to catch some baseball in the city starting this week, what sets our local library apart, and much more.By   ●  ●  January 20, 2025
**Welcome to a new week,**and welcome to the day we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Were he alive on this particular day, we think he would encourage us all to act with hope, courage, and a sense of our shared humanity as we build unity across divides. For more on his philosophies, we’d encourage you to . You also might want to note that all the regular places that are closed on federal holidays are closed today, including City Hall, and that trash service is on a regular schedule this week.
🎶 **Setting the mood:**  “” by Marvin Gaye
## **LEADING OFF**
***Director of Library Services Jeannie Kays and librarian Scott Biegen peruse the physical media collection at Palm Springs Public Library.***
## City library thrives as vital hub for physical media, community events
As it marks its 50th anniversary and prepares for a major renovation, the Palm Springs Public Library stands as one of the city’s last remaining free public spaces, offering unrestricted access to physical media and community gatherings.
**Driving the news:** Despite the dominance of streaming services, the library’s extensive DVD and Blu-ray collection — totaling nearly 24,000 titles — continues to see strong demand from patrons who prefer physical media without subscription fees or data tracking.
* The collection includes films that are unavailable on major streaming platforms, such as classic movies, foreign films, and works by diverse filmmakers.
**By the numbers:** Netflix currently offers just four films from before 1970, while the library maintains a comprehensive collection spanning decades and genres.
**Bigger picture:** Unlike algorithm-driven streaming services, the library’s collection is curated by human experts like librarian Scott Biegen, who tracks award nominees and film festival selections to maintain a diverse catalog.
**Why it matters:** The library serves as a rare public space where residents can gather without financial barriers or commercial pressure.
* Library Director Jeannie Kays emphasizes it’s “one of the last free places that you can come to and not be required to buy anything.”
**Between the lines:** The library’s DVD collection provides an experience similar to browsing at Blockbuster—minus the late fees—offering a tangible alternative to endless streaming scrolling.
******
---
## BRIEFLY
*Neighbors from throughout Palm Springs attend the 2023 ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo.*
## 🧺 Neighborhood picnic planned for March
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) will host its 16th annual Picnic & Community Expo on March 22 at Ruth Hardy Park, bringing together residents, organizations and businesses from the city’s 52 recognized neighborhoods.
* The free event, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., aims to match last year’s attendance of more than 1,100 residents while providing networking opportunities for those interested in neighborhood organizing.
* Organizations can participate through various sponsorship levels ranging from $1,000 to $50, with benefits including digital promotion, lunch tickets, and booth space equipped with tables and chairs. For details, reach out to  or .
* **On tap:**Neighborhoods will compete for cash prizes up to $100 for the best booth displays, with a scholarship fund available to assist groups needing financial support to participate.
## 🚒 Tribe donates $100K for LA fire relief
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to support those affected by Los Angeles-area fires.
* Tribal officials expressed gratitude to the Red Cross on Saturday for its efforts to support those impacted by the fires, noting that many people are currently struggling.
* **Bottom line:** “The Tribe extends its deep appreciation to the American Red Cross for its tireless efforts to support people impacted by these devastating fires,” Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich said. “Right now, many are struggling and we know the Red Cross is there to help.”
## TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS
**2:30 p.m. | Mizell Senior Center**
This weekly support group offers a safe, confidential, supportive environment for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.
**5 p.m. | Play Lounge & Café**
Join the group for coffee, chat, and chew! No RSVPs necessary.
**5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center**
Enjoy an evening of live music from the award-winning team from the high desert: Mon Petit Mojave ($22)
**7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel**
Join Bella Da Ball for a night of fabulous bingo. (Must spend $30 at Kings Highway to participate.)
## SAVE THE DATE
* at Coachella Valley repertory starting Wednesday. ($90)
*  at the Cultural Center on Thursday. ($27)
*  2025 starting Friday.
*  staged reading at Revolution Stage Company on Saturday. ($10)
*  at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center on Saturday.
*  on Saturday.
* ****on Feb. 4 at PSHS.
*  film screening at the Cultural Center on Feb. 16. ($28)
## AND FINALLY …
Professional baseball’s California Winter League opens its 16th season this week in Palm Springs, featuring an international roster that includes 26 players from Team China across seven competing teams during the 21-day schedule.
**Driving the news:** The league, which has helped launch more than 850 professional baseball careers since 2010, starts play at Palm Springs Stadium on Thursday with former St. Louis Cardinals player and World Series champion Aaron Miles making his desert debut as one of seven managers.
**Why it matters:** The CWL serves as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring professionals, with 32% of last season’s participants receiving contract offers from professional leagues.
* MLB scouts and representatives from all four MLB Partner Leagues will be in attendance.
**The schedule:** Games will be played daily at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. through February 16th, when the season concludes with the championship game. You can .
**Fan engagement:** The league offers various promotional events throughout the season, including discounted admission for local residents and international visitors.
* Highlights include Two for Tuesday ticket deals, $5 admission for Canadians on Friday, and Family Day on Sunday with free entry for children under 12.
**Details:** Fans can purchase general admission tickets at the stadium box office or watch live broadcasts of all 2025 games on . Tickets range from $5 for youth to $10 for adults (and are $8 for seniors).
Stories with a staff byline are written or edited by a member of the Palm Springs Post staff and contain little or no original reporting. Often they are news releases that we have rewritten to meet our editorial standards.
By   ●  ●  January 22, 2025
In today's Daily Briefing we report on what's planned for a large vacant lot in South Palm Springs, what to expect at a big art…
By   ●  ●  January 21, 2025
In today's Daily Briefing we report on recommendations from a recently-released parking study, the 2024 data from PSP, and progress on a project aimed at…
By   ●  ●  January 17, 2025
In today's Daily Briefing, we tell you about a county-wide award given to a key PSUSD employee, how to celebrate MLK Day this weekend, and…