Residents urge Desert Hot Springs to speed up traffic-safety fixes and camp cleanup

Multiple residents used the public-comment period at the Feb. 18 Desert Hot Springs City Council meeting to press for faster action on traffic safety, cleanup of debris and enforcement related to homeless encampments.

Lyanna Argento, who identified herself as a Sky Haven resident, said recent traffic deaths on Palm Drive and difficulty entering and exiting her development mean the city should prioritize a signal on Park Street near the library as well as expedited cleanup of a fence line that accumulates trash and tumbleweeds, creating a fire hazard. She also warned that camps forming near the park attract new occupants and increase fire risk.

Suzanne Whims, who said she has lived in Sky Haven about 10 years, said the Parkplace traffic signal is in planning but urged the council to move it up the priority list given increased traffic from new developments. She also requested better post-removal checks of cleared homeless camps to prevent them from being re-occupied and turning into long-term sites.

Walker Beverley raised deteriorating road surfaces and recommended the council consider a regular slurry schedule and on-site ride-alongs with staff to identify traffic hot spots. Margaret Webb (Team Mom) described an upcoming Black History Month food drive (Feb. 24–28) supporting local agencies and asked for community engagement.

City staff acknowledged the comments and said staff were taking notes for follow-up. Councilmembers asked staff to provide information and, where appropriate, return on the agenda with options or timelines for traffic-safety projects and encampment follow-up procedures.