Downtown Palm Springs: ‘Heartbreaking’

PALM SPRINGS — Three days after restaurants were told to halt in-dining service and residents were told to stay home, longtime City Manager David H. Ready said the city generally getting “good compliance,” but said to see Downtown Palm Springs in this state is upsetting.

“As you know, this is ‘unchartered waters’ for governments to implement such wide-ranging and consequential actions,” Ready told Uken Report. “It’s heartbreaking to see all the downtown stores closed, and so many people losing their jobs. The focus for us (is) to keep everyone safe, and have a plan to re-start the local economy at the appropriate time.”

Ready, who has served the city for two decades, unbashedly led the charge to closs bars, wineries, cannabis lounges. Gov. Gavin Newsom had asked bars to close; Ready demanded it. While some criticized the bold move, Ready made no apologies, knowing it was the right thing to do to save lives from the coronavirus.

He led the City Council in declaring a local emergency, Ready was the first in Coachella Valley to that. Other communities eventually followed suit. The Palm Springs emergency order will remain in effect until April 2, when the City Council will consider if an extension is necessary.

As residents stay at home and socially distance themselves from friends and neighbors, Ready told Uken Report that things are going well.

“We are generally getting good compliance – the Police and Code Enforcement will ask for compliance, and the Police do have the authority to close a business – which has not occurred to this point,” Ready said. “With regard to individuals – as you know, there are several exceptions to the City and Governor’s orders for “shelter in place” – many people seem to staying inside. Although we can’t reasonably expect to get full compliance – the main goal of limiting gatherings and keeping social distancing is overall working. We seem to work though ‘grey area’ situations daily – like for example, pool maintenance. Although it would seem not essential, unattended pools will ultimately become a health hazard.”