HomeMy WebLinkAboutPaint El Paseo Pink - 10-14-2017CITY OF PALM DESERT
SPECIAL PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: APPROVAL OF DESERT CANCER FOUNDATION'S 2017 PAINT EL
PASEO PINK EVENT AND ROAD CLOSURES
SUBMITTED BY: Amy Lawrence, Management Analyst
APPLICANT:
Desert Cancer Foundation
Ms. Paula Simonds, Executive Director
74091 Larrea St.
Palm Desert, California 92260
DATE: June 8, 2017
CONTENT: None
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, approve the following:
1. Desert Cancer Foundation's Paint El Paseo Pink charitable walk on Saturday,
October 14, 2017; and
2. Road closures on El Paseo between Highway 74 and Portola Avenue.
Strategic Plan Obiective
Approval of Desert Cancer Foundation's 2017 Paint El Paseo Pink charitable walk would help
address the following priorities as specified in the 2013-2033 Strategic Plan, Envision Palm
Desert — Forward Together.
- Parks and Recreation Priority 3: Make recreational and exercise opportunities available
in all public spaces.
- Economic Development Priority 3: Create and attract entertainment and events to
enhance and expand the Palm Desert economy and lifestyle.
- Tourism and Marketing Priority 2: Grow existing events and develop new events to
enhance the desirability of Palm Desert as a year round destination.
Committee Recommendation
At its meeting of April 20, 2017, the El Paseo Business Improvement District Board of Directors
unanimously recommended approval to close El Paseo the morning of Saturday, October 14,
2017, for Desert Cancer Foundation's Paint El Paseo Pink event.
Discussion
Desert Cancer Foundation (DCF) plans to hold their 11th annual Paint El Paseo Pink charitable
walk on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at 8 a.m. This event, which raises funds for screening,
diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer, usually begins and ends at the center court at The
Gardens on El Paseo. In the past for the participants' safety, volunteers would assist the
STAFF REPORT
APPROVAL OF DESERT CANCER FOUNDATION'S PAINT EL PASEO PINK WALK
JUNE 8, 2017
PAGE 2
walkers through intersections and ensure that they were remaining on the sidewalk and obeying
all traffic laws during the event. However, during last year's event, which saw roughly 1,400
participants, staff witnessed several safety concerns including walkers not obeying traffic laws
(Le. crossing intersections in front of oncoming traffic, crossing the street in front of cars [not at
crosswalks], etc.) Additionally, sidewalks were so congested with people and strollers that faster
walkers would walk into the street around parked cars to go around those walking slower than
them.
In light of the above, together with the fact that event attendance continues to grow each year,
staff is recommending full closure of El Paseo between Highway 74 and Portola Avenue during
the event, similar to what is done for the Thanksgiving and Panther 5K events. As a refresher, at
its meeting of April 25, 2013, City Council approved a total of six events that require road
closures on El Paseo annually. Because the Oscar Party on El Paseo and the Bunny Hop 5K
did not take place this year (the former due to inclement weather and the latter due to lack of
sponsorships), if approved, this event would count as one of the six events. Additionally, on
April 20, 2017, DCF and staff met with the El Paseo Business Improvement District Board and
they expressed unanimous support of the event, to include road closures. As with previous
events requiring road closures, for safety precautions, hard closures will be utilized at all major
intersections and sworn police officers will be required at designated locations along the route.
Tops N' Barricades will follow the last participant to open the roads as close to 10 a.m. as
possible.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no direct fiscal impact to the City associated with this request. Desert Cancer
Foundation will be responsible for all costs related to the event.
Submitted By:
4,07.
Amy Lavwknce
Management Analyst
Reviewed:
Franke fiddle
Director of Special Programs
Approval:
Lauri iaian
City Manager
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