Happy New Year's Eve

Happy New Year's Even to Palermo Palm Springs. Miss Penny Lane says: Be safe tonight and enjoy!

Holiday leftovers: Breeze Loop's ornaments

These holiday ornaments on Breeze were stars of the street. Miss Penny Lane says: She's started her countdown to Christmas 2013.

Holiday leftovers: Sandy Point tree

This tree on Sandy Point Trail lighted our way as well. Miss Penny Lane says: She's the type who'd like to keep the lights up all year round.

Holiday leftovers: The lights of Penny Lane

These trees welcomed us home on Penny Lane. Miss Penny Lane says: She's already missing Christmas.

Holiday leftovers: Foothill greenery

Greenery on Foothill greets Palermo-ites. Miss Penny Lane says: She loves a green Christmas.

Holiday leftovers: Purple Palm

This purple palm was seen on Breeze Loop. Miss Penny Lane says: This would match her New Year's Eve dress.

Twelfth day of a Palermo Christmas

On the twelfth day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me twelve Cosmos, eleven Aerial Tramway passes, ten windmills a turning, nine Melody Laners dancing, eight crickets a chirping, seven snowbirds a swimming, six ducks a crossing, five golden HOA board members, four pools and spas a calling, three yellow lantanas, two desert doves, and a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: Raise your glass!

Merry Christmas, Palermo Palm Springs

Positively Palermo wishes you a Merry Merry Christmas. Miss Penny Lane says: Living at Palermo is a gift for her.

Eleventh day of a Palermo Christmas

On the eleventh day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me eleven Aerial Tramway passes, ten windmills a turning, nine Melody Laners dancing, eight crickets a chirping, seven snowbirds a swimming, six ducks a crossing, five golden HOA board members, four pools and spas a calling, three yellow lantanas, two desert doves, and a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: She's going to the mountaintop.

Eighth day of a Palermo Christmas

On the eighth day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me eight crickets a chirping, seven snowbirds a swimming, six ducks a crossing, five golden HOA board members, four pools and spas a calling, three yellow lantanas, two desert doves, and a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: She's on holiday!

Tenth day of a Palermo Christmas

On the tenth day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me ten windmills a turning, nine Melody Laners dancing, eight crickets a chirping, seven snowbirds a swimming, six ducks a crossing, five golden HOA board members, four pools and spas a calling, three yellow lantanas, two desert doves, and a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: She's peeking at the presents under her tree.

Holiday mood grows to new heights at Palermo Palm Springs as community spirit reigns

Palermo Palm Springs has more lights than ever in its history with more than 30 residences decorated with lights, and many more with homes with wreaths or other holiday decor. It's a fitting end to year of progress and prosperity at Palermo. Miss Penny Lane says: What a jolly crew of good spirits at Palermo.

Ninth day of a Palermo Christmas

On the ninth day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me nine Melody Laners dancing, eight crickets a chirping, seven snowbirds a swimming, six ducks a crossing, five golden HOA board members, four pools and spas a calling, three yellow lantanas, two desert doves, and a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: She's settling in for the night with a holiday-flavored Cosmo and sugar cookie (or two ...).

Eighth day of a Palermo Christmas

On the eighth day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me eight crickets a chirping, seven snowbirds a swimming, six ducks a crossing, five golden HOA board members, four pools and spas a calling, three yellow lantanas, two desert doves, and a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: She's on holiday!

Seventh day of a Palermo Christmas

On the seventh day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me seven snowbirds a swimming, six ducks a crossing, five golden HOA board members, four pools and spas a calling, three yellow lantanas, two desert doves, and a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: One more work day and she'll living in the spa.

Sixth day of a Palermo Christmas

On the sixth day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me six ducks a crossing, five golden HOA board members, four pools and spas a calling, three yellow lantanas, two desert doves, and a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: She ducking out of work early these days to get in some shopping.

Fifth day of a Palermo Christmas

On the fifth day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me five golden HOA board members, four pools and spas a calling, three yellow lantanas, two desert doves, and a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: Palermo has a special ring to it.

Fourth day of a Palermo Christmas

On the fourth day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me four pools and spas a calling, three yellow lantanas, two desert doves, and a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: She might spend Christmas morning frolicking in the pool, so wave hello when you see her.

Brrrr!

A festival door on Quiet Side Street, seen lighting up tonight's Northern weather. Miss Penny Lane says: She loves the warmth at Palermo.

Third day of a Palermo Christmas

On the third day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me three yellow lantanas, two desert doves, and a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: She's dreaming of sun-drenched Christmas.

On the second day of a Palermo Christmas

On the second day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me two desert doves, and a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: Let the shopping begin.

12 Days of a Palermo Christmas

On the first day of a Palermo Christmas, my true love gave to me a roadrunner in a palm tree. Miss Penny Lane says: Let the season begin.

Blue lights, special!

The flashing lights of Breeze Loop. Miss Penny Lane says: She'll end her day with a hot chocolate with the nip in the air.

Stars shine on Breeze Loop

The Palermo Festival of Lights continues ... with these stars on Breeze Loop. Miss Penny Lane says: To her everyone at Palermo is a shining star.

Palermo home prices climbing again

A real estate agent has sent out a new post card which we have been e-mailed touting the raising home prices at Palermo Palm Springs, 47 percent up, according to Matthew Reader of Paul Kaplan. His sale was a two-bedroom, one-story G Model unit, with a small pool. As we have noted before, the increasing prices in the sales of non-distressed Palermo homes has to with the overall Palm Springs market, and changes at Palermo itself, including the bank's sale of the former Enterprise developer units and vacant land to a private buyer, the HOA's bank settlement that resulted in a large transfer of money and common-area property to the HOA, increases in reserve funds and other operational changes or improvements seen at Palermo. Miss Penny Lane says: Santa baby, a Palermo condo would look wonderful under her tree.

Electrical box fixed

Positively Palermo received an e-mail about an electrical box for the community by the front gates that was damaged over the weekend (hit by a car it seems) and was promptly fixed. Miss Penny Lane says: She's off to work, where she wouldn't mind if the electricity went out for the day.

Lit up by the pool

More lights, by the small pool, on Sunburst. Miss Penny Lanes says: It makes her want to take a dip under the colorful lights.

Let there be more lights!

It's Dec. 1, and Palermo is lighting up. A tree with white light lights greets people on Melody Lane and a colorful tree brightens Quiet Side Street. Miss Penny Lane says: She''s off shopping so she can be decked out too.

Garage doors and lights suggestions

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Hi Penny: We wanted to give some suggestions for the garage door openers that came with the townhouses and light bulbs for the built-in can lights in all the units: - Per a garage door repair company, it's suggested that we use LITHIUM GREASE in the screw mechanism that runs from the garage door opener motor to the front of the garage door (it can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes). The screw is hard to see, but it runs through the center of the long track that raises the garage door. We were told Chamberlain no longer makes this type of garage door opener because of problems with the screw mechanism and the extreme heat in the valley will take its toll. We used the lithium grease on our door and it is EXTREMELY quiet now when it opens/closes. It's also suggested people use WD40 on the main spring and support wheels that run on both sides of the track. - The original light bulbs that were installed in the can lights give off a very cold and blue light (the type of light you would see with fluorescent lights in a factory or hospital. You can go to Home Depot or Lowes and replace the same type bulbs, but you have to buy ones that are 2700 to 3000 Kelvin and they will give off a much more natural light, similar to an incandescent bulb. When you drive through our great complex and you see these old types of bulbs/lights at night in the kitchens, it just looks too industrial. Hope it helps." Miss Penny Lane says: Thanks for the tips.

Lit up at Melody and Sandy

About a dozen homes at Palermo Palm Springs have already decorated with lights for the holiday season. This is from the corner of Melody Lane and Sandy Point. Miss Penny says: She's inspired.

Memory Lane: Christmases past at Palermo Palm Springs

Holiday lights are popping up at Palermo Palm Springs this weekend, so Positively Palermo will walk down memory lane and feature some decorations from years past. Miss Penny Lane says: She's lit up for the holidays and she hasn't even had a Christmas Cosmo yet.

Trash/recycle day

A reminder that today is trash and recycling day, delay one day due to Thanksgiving. MIss Penny Lane says: She'd filled up her blue bin with the boxes of all the present she bought for herself last night.

Happy Thanksgiving, Palermo Palm Springs

Positively Palermo wishes the community a wonderful and filling Thanksgiving. Miss Penny Lane says: After being away for the beginning of Thanksgiving week she happy to be home, but Thanksgiving is not a good day for wardrobe. A trip to the outlet may soon be in order.

Lost Kindle Touch in the gym

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Ms. Penney, I may have left my Kindle Touch at the Palermo Gym Friday morning on the 2nd treadmill. Would you mind posting this so that it can be returned to me if it has been found? It is password protected so it is of no use to anyone but me. Thanks for all you do!!! Chris, 3661 Melody Lane." Miss Penny Lane says: Please help if you can.

Voting question

Positively Palermo recently fond this message and other message from earlier this month in the "spam" folder. The e-mail says: "Did anyone else here have trouble voting today? I confirmed that I was registered to vote through the Riverside county registrar weeks ago, but when I went to the polling station today, I was not on the list. Had to do a provisional ballot (and they did not ask me for ID which I think is required.) When I went back online to check with the Riverside county registrar, my registration status had changed to "pending." Miss Penny Lane says: She had no trouble exercising her right to vote but any other type of exercising is a problem for her.

Palm Springs to Vancouver

Palermo Palm Springs sometimes is called Little Canada, so this article in the paper might be of interest. It reads: "An unprecedented construction boom has left British Columbia with a large shortage of construction workers — a scenario that could benefit unemployed Coachella Valley residents. “Some have not found work for the past four years in their trade,” said Tom Freeman, commissioner with the Riverside County Economic Development Agency’s office of foreign trade, which has helped set up a Dec. 4 job fair in Indio to recruit workers willing to move north. Economic development specialists and others in the Coachella Valley have been very involved in what is called the “workforce mobility program,” with initial meetings taking place in Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs, he said. The British Columbia Construction Association, which represents some 2,000 companies, will have a delegation at the job fair, as it has at similar job fairs held in Ireland and Scotland, said Abigail Fulton, vice president and an attorney with the association based in Victoria, British Columbia." Miss Penny Lane says: With this morning's gray cloudy weather, she feels like she's in B.C.

Palms trimmed: Let there be light

Positively Palermo received this e-mail about the trimming of the palm trees last week and earlier the other type of trees: "Miss Penney, Thanks for your service and I want to say how great our community looks with the trees trimmed back, very different, and lots of light." Miss Penny Lane says: These are sunny days at Palermo.

Happy Veterans Day, Palermo Palm Springs

Positively Palermo wishes everyone a good Veterans Day. Miss Penny Lane says: She'll be cerebrating her freedom with a nice dip in the Palermo hot tub.

Palermo Palm Springs Desirability Index: 21 to 40

Here is the second top 20 in Palermo Palm Springs Desirability Index, based on the original "final release price" of the developer. The prices were based on intrinsic factors such as views, size of the back yards and privacy, not later upgrades such as back yard landscaping, outdoor fireplaces or improved bathroom tiles, etc. According to our research, though, it does appear that the units at the top of the index have had more upgrades as the original buyers, who paid more for their units also sprang for more upgrades. For example, a big percentage of the private pools, spools and spas that were put in at Palermo were installed in the units near the top of the index. Conversely, original buyers who wanted a lower price didn't shell out as often for the upgrades offered by the builder. Those owners here at the beginning may remember that in those pre-construction days that the sales team in the trailer were aiming for at least $20,000 in upgrades per unit. (For more background on these original prices, please see our posting from earlier this week.) Here is the list:

21. 241 Breeze Loop, Unit 99, A model, $450,000
21. 231 Breeze Loop, Unit 100, A model, $450,000
23. 3548 Foothill Ave., Unit 178, G model, $446,000
24. 230 Enterprise Way, Unit 92, A model, $443,000
24. 240 Enterprise Way, Unit 93, A model, $443,000
24. 3533 Penny Lane, Unit 94, A model, $443,000
24. 3573 Penny Lane, Unit 98, A model, $443,000
28. 288 Sandy Point Trail, Unit 145, A model, $439,000
29. 3522 Melody Lane, Unit 84, D model, $436,000
29. 3592 Melody Lane, Unit 91, D model, $436,000
29. 3558 Quiet Side St., Unit 179, G model, $436,000
32. 3521 Melody Lane, Unit 65, A model, $435,000
32. 3531 Melody Lane, Unit 66, A model, $435,000
32. 3671 Melody Lane, Unit 80, A model, $435,000
32. 3681 Melody Lane, Unit 81, A model, $435,000
32. 3621 Melody Lane, Unit 75, A model, $431,000
37. 3661 Melody Lane, Unit 79, A model, $431,000
37. 3532 Melody Lane, Unit 85, D model, $431,000
39. 3542 Melody Lane, Unit 86, A model, $429,000
40. 248 Sandy Point Trail, Unit 141, A model, $423,000

Miss Penny Lane says: She loves the top 40.

Palermo Desirability Index: Original developer's 'final unit release prices' provide a guide

Positively Palermo once again has received e-mails asking that we discuss home sales and prices. First, let’s examine the seven model types. There are four model types (A, B, C, and D) with two-bedrooms and two stories. There is one model (G) with two bedrooms in a single level. The developer generally priced the two-bedroom models in this order: A unit had highest price, D unit had the second, B and C tied for third, and then the G unit. There also are two models (E and F) with one bedroom in a single level. The F unit is bigger than the E unit. However, the developer in the initial sales push didn’t treat all of the units of the same model type equally. That is, for example, the price of a D unit could vary from another D unit, depending on location, views, yard size, privacy and other factors. Below, we have listed the top most desirable units based on the original "final unit release price" we obtained and published years ago. Please note that these prices may not have been what the units eventually sold for — but the list serves as a guide to the residences considered to be premium ones. All of Palermo's 117 units, not just these 20, should be evaluated individually. Also, please note the "final unit release price" on these 20 units below and the other 97 units do not include pools or spas they were added, or other upgrades.

Here is the top 20:
1. 260 Enterprise Way, Unit 109, A model, $481,000
1. 270 Enterprise Way, Unit 110, A model, $481,000
1. 3534 Penny Lane, Unit 107, A model, $481,000
4. 250 Enterprise Way, Unit 108, A model, $480,000
5. 3585 Sunburst Blvd., Unit 118, A model, $477,000
6. 302 Breeze Loop, Unit 123, A model, $473,000
6. 210 Enterprise Way, Unit 82, D model, $473,000
8. 280 Enterprise Way, Unit 111, A model, $470,000
8. 318 Sandy Point Trail, Unit 147, A model, $470,000
10. 312 Breeze Loop, Unit 121, A model, $468,000
11. 3525 Sunburst Blvd., Unit 112, D unit, $466,000
12. 308 Sandy Point Trail, Unit 146, A model, $463,000
12. 220 Enterprise Way, Unit 83, A model, $463,000
14. 272 Breeze Loop, Unit 125, A model, $461,000
14. 3591 Melody Lane, Unit 72, A model, $461,000
14. 255 Sandy Point Trail, Unit 126, A model, $461,000
17. 215 Sandy Point Trail, Unit 136, D model, $460,000
18. 252 Breeze Loop, Unit 128, D model, $456,000
18. 245 Sandy Point Trail, Unit 130, A model, $456,000
18. 275 Sandy Point Trail, Unit 122, D model, $456,000

Next: The next 20. Miss Penny Lane says: Every unit is desirable in her book.

Showing off for the season at Palermo

Halloween kicked off the decorating season at Palermo Palm Springs. The fall wreaths are wonders to look at in the community, with more to certainly come. Miss Penny Lane says: She's inspired and is going to make a Target run for decorations.

Election Day!

Positively Palermo was asked after yesterday's post about where our polling place is — It is at the James O. Jessis Desert Highland Unity Center, 480 W. Tramview Road. Miss Penny Lane says: Election Day provides her an excuse to spend the night with Anderson Cooper.

Former Julian Market building get more work done

The clean-up of the former Julian Market building on Indian Canyon Drive at San Rafael continues. Signs of the businesses there are gone and painted over, other painting is being done on the building and a window for the former market has been removed and replaced with a wall. The building is for sale as bank-owned. Miss Penny Lane says: She's ready for a Starbucks.

Tomorrow is the big day

A reminder not to forget to vote tomorrow as Palermo loves to show its civic pride. Miss Penny Lane says: She's already dropped hers in the mail.

'Loose change for animals'

Positively Palermo received this e-mail request: "Hi Penny! Please see attached. I am doing a fundraiser, and I know our Palermo community is very generous, especially when it comes to our animals. Wondering if you can post this, and if people want to give loose change to me, I am happy to come to them anytime, or they can drop off at my place. No amount is too small. Many thanks, Tiffani, 3545 Sunburst." Miss Penny Lane says: Good luck!

Here is the flyer:

“Loose Change for the Animals” Fundraiser 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

@ The Bungalow Salon

71935 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage 

760.568.5454

Hey Ladies! (and guys too)

It’s time to empty out all those fabulous summer handbags and get ready for fall…what to do with all that loose change you ask? We’ve got the answer!

Drop by the Bungalow Salon and put it in the jar….for the animals!

“Loose Change for the Animals” Event benefitting Animal Samaritans, SPCA, Inc. Improving the lives of animals and people since 1978 – a non-profit rescue shelter located in Thousand Palms, serving the Coachella Valley -

Join us on Wednesday, November 14^th @ 6pm for an evening of coming together for the animals. We’ll have libations and goodies to snack on while we raffle off great prizes and count all the loose change we’ve gathered at the Salon even before the event! No loose change? No problem…come by and support a great organization right in your own backyard. There are so many ways to help out; volunteering, fostering, transporting, adopting, educating! Come find out what Animal Samaritans is all about!

Loose change jars are available at Bungalow Salon right now! Don’t wait! Clean out those handbags, jacket pockets, sofas, etc.. today and drop by the salon!

Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday, November 14^th @ 6pm

If you’d like to learn more about Animal Samaritans, please visit the website; www.animalsamaritans.org and our Facebook page; Animal Samaritans SPCA

We also have a donation wish list available through Amazon.com and Walmart.com

Thank you for your support!

Palermo's trees get spruced up

Palermo's trees received major hair cuts with crews spending days in the community. A picture is worth a thousand words. Miss Penny Lane says: She's off to the hair salon as well.

Clean-up at the vacant models continues

More activity was reported at the vacant model units this week, with another large trash container filled. Miss Penny Lane says: Spring cleaning has come early to Palermo, and she's inspired.

Spider finds a home a Sunburst

Positively Palermo received this picture for Halloween. Miss Penny Lane says: The black widows in her yard are a bit bigger.

Happy Halloween, Palermo!

Positively Palermo wishes everyone a happy Halloween. Miss Penny Lane says: She'll be out in costume tonight so say hello.

Trimming the trees

Signs are up in the community that trees will be cut back on Monday and certain places are off-limits for parking. Miss Penny Lane says: She's been paring back too.

Palermo D unit sells for $254,00 in one week

Positively Palermo received today an email with a copy of a postcard touting the fact that a Palermo two-bedroom condo has sold for $254,000 in one week's time. The post card says: "Prices are going up! Highest Palermo Sales Price in over 18 months." By our count, this actually is the highest price in at least two or three years. The reasons include the general market and supply for modern designed homes. But also our real estate sources tell us that the buzz around Palermo is great because of the sale of the bank-owned "developer" units to a private company, a handsome financial and property settlement the HOA got from the bank to make way for that sale, a switch in management company and other service providers, a solid and unprecedented turnout of support for the board leadership in the ill-fated recall this summer, and the spirit of neighborliness and concern that is being shown here and on the Palermo 92262 page on Facebook. Palermo is the place to be. Miss Penny Lane says: Cheers to all who helped in this road to raising our property values and building our community along the path as well.

Model units are getting a clean-up

Positively Palermo received a picture showing activity at the vacant model units, with a big trash container onsite as the models are being cleaned out and the trees and plants trimmed. Miss Penny Lane says: She loves progress, now if she could tackle her own closet.

Development at Indian Canyon and the 10

The newspaper had an article about why there, so far, has not been more development up Indian Canyon Drive at the 10 freeway. It says: "After years of waiting, developer Jack Vander Woude was looking forward to breaking ground on a 65-room hotel and two restaurants once the $17 million Interstate 10 interchange project at Indian Avenue was completed this spring. The problem is, he can’t break ground after all. He and other landowners near the I-10/Indian Avenue interchange in North Palm Springs and I-10/Gene Autry Trail interchange in Desert Hot Springs face what they call a “de facto building moratorium” for any significant commercial and industrial development. It’s a classic Catch-22 dilemma, Vander Woude insists. Until a wastewater treatment plant can be built to service the area, state environmental officials aren’t allowing any large development projects to move forward because they’re concerned about potential groundwater pollutants from septic tanks. Mission Springs Water District, meanwhile, is depending on landowners and developers to help pay for a multimillion-dollar sewer project, along with the cities of Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs and Riverside County. “We’re stuck, unable to develop all that land along the freeway,” said Vander Woude, who received the county’s approval eight years ago for his 3-acre Indian Canyon Oasis commercial project. Until a sufficient wastewater treatment facility can be built, the California Water Resources Control Board has advised Riverside County environmental officials to cease issuing approvals for all but the smallest commercial real estate projects in the Whitewater Basin Area. Only developments with septic tanks that have wastewater volume of less than 5,000 gallons per day will be considered and referred to a regional board for consideration. The halt to commercial development comes as some developers, leasing agents and landowners are seeing more eager prospective tenants amid the improving economy. Developers are also in a position to take advantage of relatively low construction costs, attractive interest rates and a much-improved freeway interchange for an estimated 86,500 vehicles that traverse the area every day." Miss Penny Lane says: She's happy, as long as the DQ remains there.

'Palm Springs Gardens' vacant land listed for $1.2 million by Palermo

Positively Palermo received this e-mail about a 3-acre vacant retail property on Indian Canyon Drive near Palermo Palm Springs called Palm Springs Gardens: "New land is up for sale near Palermo for a retail development. It's on all the real estate websites with the address of 3801 N Indian Canyon Drive ...  It mentions Palermo in the listing. Maybe we can get a Trader Joe's in our neighborhood. Asking price is $1,195,000 and it has a proposed artist's rendering."  The link is here. The listing says: "Walking distance to the proposed College of the Desert. This is an approved Parcel Map for commercial retail center which includes two drive-thru restaurants. Entitlements also include offices on second floor and ample parking. The breakout of square footage is 2500 SF each fo the two drive-thru's; Retail at 25,000 SF; Office is 4,000 SF each for two second story spaces. There are 176 parking spaces and the frontage road has been vacated by the city on this site. This property is the first retail with drive-thru's upon entering Palm Springs central if coming in to the city from the I-10. Ingress and egress to the site on Indian Canyon Drive … Rosa Parks (formerly Las Vegas Drive) and Corazon Avenue. Palm Springs Village Country Club is across the street and is an approved golf course community with over 1200 single family lots. A block away is Palermo, a new townhouse community which is partially built out. This retail center can provide much anticipated activity when it is completed." There is another listing on the Internet here. It says: "Approved Parcel Map for commercial retail center which include two drive-thru restaurants. Entitlements also include offies on second floor and ample parking. This property is the first retail with drive-thru's upon entering Palm Springs central if coming in to the city from the Interstate 10. Across the street from the Palm Springs Village Country Club development project entitled for over 1200 homes and near the new Palermo Townhomes and Villas project.Palm Springs is located in the center of the fastest growing county in California. The property is located close to the Palm Springs International Airport, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, City Hall and the Desert Regional Hospital." Miss Penny Lane says: Starbucks?

Palermo Palm Springs 'Phase 2' map

Positively Palermo has been asked to post a map of the undeveloped area of Palermo and what the plans look like. Here is one map. We will post others later. Miss Penny Lane says: She's eying one off Jewel Court.

Foreclosed 'Enterprise' condos and land are sold, ushering in a new chapter for Palermo Palm Springs

Foreclosure notices posted on Palermo condos owned by Enterprise in 2010

This just in: Positively Palermo has learned that a company has closed its purchase of the unsold Enterprise condos (34 units now being rented out in our community, and six vacant units in the undeveloped area) and the other property once associated with Enterprise Cos. of Chicago. The saga began on May 5, 2010 when the developer missed a payment on its Palermo loan. On July 14, 2010, a "Notice of Default" was served on PS Venture Indian Canyon/San Rafael LLC. This was the Palermo LLC of the Enterprise. It owed $13,450,378.36 on a $30 million loan. On Nov. 9, 2010 the front doors of the 34 units owned by Enterprise were posted with a "Notice of Unified Trustee's Sale." The documents stated an auction would be held on Nov. 30, 2010 in Corona. That never happened. Numerous bidders fell by the wayside, but now a deal has been completed. Miss Penny Lane says: A warm welcome to the neighborhood. Cosmo, anyone?

Main pool reopens after cleaning; smaller pool emptied and closed

The "closed" sign is down and main pool and spa at Palermo Palm Springs have been re-opened after the annual cleaning. The "back" or smaller pool and adjacent spa now have been emptied for cleaning too. Miss Penny Lane says: She's ready for a dip.

Garage door paint colors at Palermo

Positively Palermo received this email regarding confusion over paint colors of the garage doors: "Hi, Ms Penny Lane, I have been enjoying your blog since before I purchased a unit in Palermo last spring. It has helped me feel more involved than I otherwise would, since I live in Los Angeles. I, along with many others I am sure, received notice that my garage door needs some attention. I have been given the name of a garage door company that can do repairs, but our management company was unable to tell me what paint color I should use (I have a B model unit). She suggested I turn to Positively Palermo, so here I am. Thanks!" We have received other emails in the past on this and also have received drawings from owners. We first posted this information on Oct. 18, 2010. The paint color names are: A) Petal Pink 495, B) Museum Rose 214, C) Bellingrath Castle 695, D) Deep Russet 264, E) Copper 320 and F) Good Earth 265, according to these renderings.These letters correspond to the colors below. Only Petal Pink, Museum Rose and Good Earth are garage door colors at Palermo.These paint colors were made by ICI Paints, which is now Glidden. They can be mixed at places such as The Home Depot. We do not have the paint code mix numbers, but if anyone has them please send them along and we will post. Miss Penny Lane says: She's painting the town red on this holiday weekend.

Pool was emptied and cleaned

Positively Palermo has received an email concerned about the "closed" sign on the big swimming pool near the main gate. The pool was closed to be emptied and cleaned, something we can never remember happening before. Miss Penny Lane says: She's ready for a dip.

Tree limb falls on Melody Lane

Positively Palermo has received concern about a large limb of a tree on Melody Lane that crashed down. It was removed rather quickly. Miss Penny Lane says: She likes to leave these things up to an arborist.

Palermo HOA dues will not go up

This just in: Positively Palermo has learned that the HOA dues for 2013 will remain unchanged, at $294 per month. HOA dues have been going up ever since Palermo opened in 2007, with the present dues more than four times what some owners paid in the beginning. The past two years alone have seen increases totaling about $300 a year per unit. Miss Penny Lane says: Cheers to this news.

D unit listed at $258,5000 - Has offers?

A two-bedroom D model listed for $258,500 on Melody Lane is taking back-up offers. Here is the description: "Now a rare find at Palermo. This beautifully designer upgraded & decorated 2 story D-Plan home is offered fully furnished and ready for move-in. Your own private pool and spa with majestic west mountain views await. Large covered patio off the pool and another large patio upstairs accessed from both bedrooms. 2 bedrooms, en-suite, upstairs with a small home office area. Great Room layout downstairs with dining area plus eat-in kitchen area. Enjoy the large community pool/spa area with BBQ as well as the beautifully designed club house with full fitness center. Low HOA at $294/month. Do not miss out on this. One of the best homes built at Palermo." The link is here. Miss Penny Lane says: D is for Delicious.

Service station become Mobil

The service station across Indian Canyon Drive from Palermo Palm Springs has changed brands. Now's a Mobil, and looks to have been spruce up a bit. Miss Penny Lane says: She's run of gas for tonight and calling it quits.

2012 is the year of Palermo

2012 - or five years after the first souls moved into Palermo - appears ready to go down as the year of the great Palermo turn-around. The economy helped pull the rug from under many developments in Palm Springs. The adjacent Avalon residential and golf course development sits abandoned. At Palermo, home prices are going up for the first time ever, after years of falling, with real estate agents say the prices are still under-valued compared to similar modern-stytle developments such as 48@Racquet Club. They expect prices to continue to rise here, we are told. The HOA board is in settlement talks with the bank that owns the 30-something former condos that the Enterprise Cos. never sold. If a deal is reached, it will mean a large infusion of money into Palermo's HOA accounts over certain unpaid back expenses and other issues. A buyer could also take over those units later this year. Full-time owners became a majority of the HOA board this year and instituted major operational and management changes, winning praises and a recent overwhelming vote of confidence by owners. 2012 is the year of Palermo. Miss Penny Lane says: She loves sunny days.

Trump takes on Palm Springs wind power

The morning newspaper has this story: "Don’t count Donald Trump among fans of wind power. On Monday, the developer and “Apprentice” host went on the record — Twitter — with his thoughts about the wind turbines that line the roads leading to Palm Springs. “Ugly wind turbines have destroyed the entrance to Palm Springs, CA," he tweeted, “These monstrosities are ruining landscapes all over the globe—expensive; bad electric." And he meant it. In a follow-up interview with The Desert Sun, Trump confirmed his anti-wind power stance. “[It’s] like driving into a sad person’s version of Disneyland,” he said. “And of course [the turbines] kill all the birds in the area. A friend of mine said that an area that used to be so beautiful is now strewn with rusting hulks." The reaction to Trump’s tweet was swift — both on Twitter and in the Coachella Valley. “Tell him to look again at night. Also, tell him that only HE can afford the huge power bills we would have without them,” wrote David Ross on Facebook. “There are many uglier things that could be there.” Fred Bell of Noble & Company, a renewable energy firm based in Palm Desert, says he respects Trump’s business acumen, but disagrees with his comments. “We have two resources here in Palm Springs,” said Bell. “Wind and tremendous solar resources. Both are unequalled anywhere else in the United States. To not harvest those in a responsible manner and take advantage of the low cost of power would be irresponsible to the environment.” Miss Penny Lane says: Shes ready for the cool winds to blow in.

Signs come down at old Julian Market building

There's been some activity at the former Julian Market site on Indian Canyon and San Rafael, with crews cleaning up the lot and taking all the signage down for the market and car repair shop. Miss Penny Lane says: She's ready for a coffee shop to open once the College of the Desert arrives.

Wind-blown tree

The winds that swept through the valley tried to blow down this tree on Quiet Side. Miss Penny Lane says: Sometimes she feels a bit like that, too.

NEWS FLASH: All HOA board officers are re-elected in landslide vote rebuking the recall's takeover attempt

This just in from the HOA meeting tonight: In a rebuke of the attempt to oust the Palermo HOA board officers, the association president, vice president, secretary and treasurer all were returned to office in a landslide vote by owners, with not a single officer removed from their position. Homeowners give a vote of confidence to the board leadership and to the HOA's direction, and reject the recall's goals to takeover the HOA board. A clear "mandate" exists it appears. Miss Penny Lane says: Thanks to all who ran and give their time.

NEW INFORMATION: A total of about 450 votes were cast for 10 candidates. The top three vote-getters (the HOA president, secretary and treasurer) received nearly 300 of them (actually 288 votes). With not many votes left and the remaining seven candidates vying for the rest of the votes, some of the recall people received in the single digits. The candidate of the rental company received 15 votes. Thanks for the info.

UPDATE: We have learned more. It was reported that a festive, friendly atmosphere existed in the clubhouse as owners and renters gathered to support the board, demonstrating that the Palermo spirit is alive and well. Some of the so-called "recall candidates" did not show up for the meeting.

Palermo forward

Positively Palermo received this submission: "Hi Penny Lane. I took an image off the Internet and made this with it, all for you. Thought it might have some double meaning, with all the stuff going on with your board and how people want to move forward with them. Thanks for your work. You are a reason we rented at Palermo." Miss Penny Lane says: Her middle name is Hope, but how did you know?

Recall meeting is Monday evening

Tomorrow evening is when recall will come to an end. Meeting will be in the Palermo clubhouse. Miss Penny Lane says: Good luck to the candidates, and to Palermo.

Concrete decision to remove nuisance dumpsters

A week into being a "dumpsters free" community, all appears well at Palermo Palm Springs. Gone are the days seen in the picture above. The dumpster area walls have gone tumbling down and are history as well. Miss Penny Lane says: She's ready for a weekend of fun at the pool. Give her a wave when you see her there.