Palm Springs council adds late-breaking closed-session item on Southern California Edison claim

The Palm Springs City Council on April 9 voted to add a late-breaking closed-session item to discuss a potential claim from Southern California Edison.

City Attorney told the council staff had received correspondence after the agenda posted and asked the council to add an item described as “a potential conference with legal counsel, significant exposure to litigation” under California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2). The correspondence was described as a claim submitted by Lori Edelstein, Esquire, on behalf of Southern California Edison, dated 10/18/2024.

Mayor Pro Tem moved to add the item and Councilmember Gardner seconded the motion. The council approved the addition by the supermajority required for late agenda items; the transcript indicates the council voted in favor and that all members were present for the vote. The council took no public testimony before adjourning to the small conference room for a closed session.

The council did not disclose details of the closed-session deliberations in the public record. Under state law, closed sessions for litigation matters are confidential; the transcript does not record any substantive discussion or outcomes from the closed session itself.

The late item was added specifically to allow the council to consult with counsel about the claim dated Oct. 18, 2024, submitted by Lori Edelstein on behalf of Southern California Edison. The meeting record reflects that staff described the item as qualifying under Government Code §54956.9(d)(2), which addresses significant exposure to litigation.

The council reconvened in closed session in the small conference room; the public portion of the meeting concluded with the city clerk reporting no public speakers for the session.