Palm Springs Approves Disaster Overlay Zone to Aid Ark Clinic Bombing-Affected Businesses

City of Palm Springs officials provided an update at last night’s city council meeting, revealing an estimated $12 million in damages from the recent car bombing at the Ark Clinic. In response, the council approved a new disaster overlay zone designed to assist businesses impacted by the blast.

One of the hardest-hit businesses was Palm Springs Liquor, owned by Musa Doragali. With his store’s alarms and cooling systems down, Doragali camped out in his Toyota Tundra for five nights to safeguard the premises. “We were literally sleeping right here in front of the store,” Doragali said. He estimates the damages, including the AC unit shifting 14 inches, could cost up to $72,000.

The disaster overlay zone offers reduced building permit fees, planning application fees, and business licensing fees to affected businesses and property owners. City staff conducted a structural assessment of over 50 buildings along Vista Chino, Indian Canyon, and Palm Canyon to evaluate the impact.

Doragali emphasized the importance of community and city support during recovery efforts. “Everybody should be backing up the city of Palm Springs,” he said.

Despite the hardship, Doragali expressed gratitude that no one was hurt and that his business is operational again.

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