What we didn't get: Concierge services

Remember dear old Lynn? She was the thoughtful woman who worked at the front desk at the sales office at 230 Enterprise Way. Lynn would go around the complex on foot or in a golf buggy. She'd remind people not to park in the wrong spots, like on the streets because they are fire lanes. This sweetie would let the gas man in, or open your garage for a necessary furniture delivery when you were at work or away from Palermo. She'd check on your place if you were a vacation second-home owner. The real estate agents sold Palermo as having concierge services, then Lynn was let go, apparently because of costs and now we have a community manager who seems to know little of our Palermo and comes here once a month. Miss Penny Lane says: Lynn was Palermo's fairy godmother with a warm personality and many miss what she did for us.

HOA reports on its progress on security, towing, lighting and much more

With disappointment, Positively Palermo had to remove this entire posting and comments. As requested, this site posted an update from a Palermo HOA board member. Someone took issue with sensitive matters listed in the update and wrote a comment, and then there was a request to delete the resident’s comment. Feelings were hurt. To be fair, the site must just delete all of it, the posting and the comments. A saddened Miss Penny Lane says: Everyone must work to listen to each other, and it had appeared we were on that road.

Message left by Micheal Heath of Village Property Management

Some of you may have missed that the CEO of Village Property Management left a comment earlier this week to a Positively Palermo posting. If you did miss it, here is his important message to the Palermo community:

From Michael Heath, CEO, Village Property Management. I want to thank Penny Lane for taking the time to put together a well thought out blog. Village Property Management provides an important service to the Palermo community. Village Property Management and its staff take pride in the Palermo community and we will continue to be a large support in what makes Palermo such a great place to live. It is important to mention that without the presence of rentals in the Palermo community, the HOA and the development would be in a much more challenging situation. The rental income has afforded the developer to keep HOA dues paid. Village Property Management works to support not only the developer but property owners and renters alike. I want to offer all persons an opportunity to reach me directly with concerns related to VPM rentals at Palermo. Feel free to express your comments related to VPM’s presence at Palermo - be it constructive or less constructive. I can be reached via email at mheath@vpmrents.com. I thank you for this forum.

Miss Penny Lane says: Thank you to Mr. Heath for looking out for our neighbors and our community.

What we didn't get: Metal sculptures at the Palermo entryway on Indian Canyon Drive

Full-time and vacation homeowners who purchased Palermo townhomes and villas were promised many features, but will these obligations be kept now that the Enterprise Cos. has been issued a notice of default? Through sales materials and signage on the grounds, on the development's Web site, through sales agents for Scott Lyle Realty, and at city meetings, much was promised, from tennis courts to a dog park. Positively Palermo will review some of these missing features in the days to come. Share here what you were told. One thing missing is the public artwork that was to grace the sidewalk area along Indian Canyon Drive, approved by the city art commission. The 15-foot metal sculptures by California artist Heath Satow were titled "Fata Morgana." They were described as: "Two large abstracted animal forms from stainless steel with a golden patina fading into the upper section. Stretched in appearance, the 'animals' are topped with branch-like forms with leaves in the area where the head and tail normally would be. The idea is two-fold: One part of this concept is to play upon the idea of a Fata Morgana mirage sometimes seen in the desert areas, which is a mirage that stretches the appearance of things in the distance, sometimes allowing nearby taller things to combine with the object, thus the stretched animal combined with parts of the tree. The other part of the concept is simply to provide an object that will inspire ... an unusual thing that people will not easily forget ... They follow the philosophy of the surrealist movement in that they inspire the imagination stimulating your senses with something absurd, a non-sequitur." (Thank you to the resident who sent in information and pictures of the sculptures.) Miss Penny Lane asks: Do not the residents of Palermo Palm Springs deserve what we were promised was to come?

Palermo HOA to clamp down on illegal parking?

Arriving back at the Palermo mothership this evening, signs taped on the mailboxes greeted people coming home from work. The note read: "TOWING NOTICE. Please be advised, all vehicles parked in the street will be towed immediately. If you should see any vehicles parked illegally please call Colt Security at 760-564-8415. Lastly, if a vehicle is parked in your driveway you may also authorize the removal of the vehicle by calling Brothers Towing at 888-323-2325. Thank you, Palermo Board of Directors." Sadly, the HOA board probably was driven to take such action because of the continuing brutish behavior of some residents and visitors, and concerns about public safety. Miss Penny Lane often longs for the genteel days of her childhood and says: Let's all be courteous and refrain from illegal parking, as it could endanger the lives of your neighbors by impeding traffic and safety vehicles.

Yet another quake felt at Palermo

Out-of-town owners have asked if the magnitude 4.1 earthquake centered near Desert Hot Springs was felt at Palermo this morning. According to one e-mail received, the 10:39 a.m. shaker was indeed felt here but no one has reported damage. There also was a 2.1 quake at 6:30 p.m. in that same area. There's a link on the left-hand column of this page to the U.S. Geological Survey Web site, the best place to get the lowdown on California quakes. Miss Penny Lane says: Be safe, and this is another reminder to get your disaster kits put together.

Why the indifference? City ignores stolen shopping carts at gateway to Palm Springs

Battling the abandoned shopping carts left in the Indian Canyon median is a constant fight. But it shouldn't have to be, if the recycling center on Oasis Drive improved how it deals with people who fill the stolen carts with cans and bottles and then leave the empty carts in our neighborhood. You can call the recycling center at 760-325-3377 to complain. A picture above shows people bringing the carts to the center. The middle picture above shows the center allowing a cart on its property. Palm Springs City Manager David Ready promised help, as did various council members, but nothing came of it. See Positively Palermo's three postings from May. The shopping cart removal service (800-252-4613) is slow, sometimes doesn't come at all, and doesn't contract with all the stores. Miss Penny Lane says Palermo as a community must overcome the city's indifference and find a solution to this eyesore at the gateway to Palm Springs.

Mayor and City Council e-mail info:
Mayor Steve Pougnet — E-mail: Steve.Pougnet@palmsprings-ca.gov
Councilman Chris Mills — E-mail: Chris.Mills@palmsprings-ca.gov
Councilwoman Ginny Foat — E-mail: Ginny.Foat@palmsprings-ca.gov
Councilman Rick Hutcheson: E-mail: Rick.Hutcheson@palmsprings-ca.gov
Councilman Lee Weigel: E-mail: Lee.Weigel@palmsprings-ca.gov

What Village Property Management is telling tenants in Enterprise-owned units

Here is what CEO Michael Heath of Village Property Management is saying to our neighbors who rent out units owned by the Enterprise Cos. of Chicago. The letter is above - sorry for the quality of the image. Some highlights are:
- "PS Venture Indian Canyon San Rafael LLC has ownership of many condominium units at Palermo that Village Property Management manages. These units may experience a transfer of ownership. In most cases there is a seamless transition of ownership."
- "As a representative of Village Property Management, I am here to assure you to the best of my ability and within my power that your tenancy will not be in jeopardy while we are managing your residence."
- "Village Property Management, as your Landlord of record, holds your security deposit in a Broker's Trust. This will continue to be the case during any possible transition of ownership in your condominium or the subsequent release to you after your tenancy has expired ..."
- "You will receive future updates from me when I have them."
Miss Penny Lane says: It is good to know someone is saying they have the backs of the renters of the Enterprise units, but left unanswered is whether Enterprise has told Village Property about what may happen next.

Important Update from a Board Member of the Palermo Palm Springs HOA

Welcome to Positively Palermo. To access the main page of this site instead of this old post, please click on "Positively Palermo: Journal of a Palm Springs community" to the left. Thanks.

































The following is an email that one of the HOA board members wanted posted on Positively Palermo. Here it is:

Morning Penny,

I spent much of yesterday going through your blog and trying to come up with some answers to posts and follow-up with the recent Board Meeting. Here's what I have so far:
1. Towing Service: I have researched three towing services that - low and behold - just happen to be across the street on San Rafael. I will talk to them this week about a 24 hour towing service that residents who see people parking alongside the street may call directly so you don't have to go through Colt or DRM. Once we contract a towing service, we will ask DRM to post an announcement one week before towing begins and we will send out an announcement of this company and their contact information.
2. Gates not Opening in a Blackout: Patrick will contact Bruce Bushore to make sure that a back up system has been put in place.
3. Locks on Pool & Spa: Patrick believes this has been done at one of the pools and will make sure that it is done at the second pool.
4. Committees:
-Landscape & Pool: Anyone having an issue with the pool, spa or landscaping should contact Patrick directly.
-Architectural Committee: Any person wishing to do any changes to the outside of the building, such as satellite dishes, must go through Jim.
-Safety Committee: Patrick will head this up. A resident named Perry, who was at the HOA meeting will also help Patrick.
-Social Committee: Woo hoo! I get to head this one up.
5. Email list: Anyone wanting to receive communication that is not may email me at cdonahue@thedonahuegroup.com to receive updates.
6. Lighting Timing: Patrick is going to coordinate with Bruce Bushore to see if we can add phototimers to the pool and landscape lighting for better cost effectiveness.
7. Collections Agency: Jim Moser will sign the necessary documents to begin the collections process.
8. Shopping Carts: Resident Jim Sullivan has talked with the city and found out that it is likely that the carts are there because of the recycling center across the street on Oasis. I have directed DRM to write a letter on the HOA's behalf and cc the City of PS to Palm Springs Recycling informing them that it is their responsibility to take care of these carts and if they do not we will protest their license when it comes up for renewal.
9. As for the renters who are condo owners and nervous about the Enterprises departure stand by.
10. FINALLY, we need a treasurer and another Board member. Only one person has stepped forward to help so far. Please let Patrick or I know if you have interest. It would be nice to have homeowners who are here full time serving. Of particular interest we need someone with a financial background and someone with a legal background.
HOA Boardmember contacts:
lowryAEG@dc.rr.com
Moser@ameritech.com
cdonahue@thedonahuegroup.com
Best,
Craig D.

UPDATE: The board member also wants you to see this memo regarding towing and illegal parking:
We have a contract with Brothers Towing. There is some civil code that I would like the Board to review. My main concern is in regards to specific authorization to tow (please see highlighted area). The Association could be held liable if a vehicle is towed incorrectly that is why we hired Colt Security to tow vehicles as they assume the liability of towing a vehicle and therefore, make sure all requirements are followed. Therefore, I do not recommend allowing owners to authorize vehicles to be towed from the common areas. However, this is not the case if an owner would like a vehicle towed from their driveway as the drive way is considered their property.
TOWING VEHICLES. Starting January 1, 2007, Vehicle Code §22658 was changed so that associations may tow vehicles for parking violations only if they meet one or more of the following: the vehicle has been issued a notice of parking violation, and 96 hours have lapsed since the issuance of that notice; or the vehicle is parked on association property and lacks any major part or equipment necessary to operate safely on the highway, such as an engine, transmission, wheels, tires, doors, windshield, etc., and the local traffic enforcement agency has been notified at least 24 hours prior to towing; or the association has posted towing signs at each entrance; or the lot or parcel upon which the vehicle is parked is improved with a single-family dwelling.
Towing Agreements. Associations should enter into written agreements with one or more towing companies (which must be listed on the towing signs) requiring them to comply with the requirements of the Vehicle Code, including: providing notice to the local traffic enforcement agency within 1 hour of receiving authorization by the association to tow a vehicle; immediately giving notice to the owner of the vehicle of the towing, the grounds for the removal, and the place to which the vehicle has towed; providing a copy of the notice to the proprietor of the facility (such facilities must be within a 10-mile radius of where the vehicle was removed), if the vehicle is stored in a storage facility. Specific Authorization. Except as noted below, each time a vehicle is towed (i) the association must provide a specific signed authorization to the towing company and (ii) a representative of the association must be present when the vehicle is towed. The towing request must contain the following information: the make, model, vehicle identification number, and license plate number of the removed vehicle; the name, signature, job title, residential or business address and working telephone number of the person authorizing the removal of the vehicle; the grounds for the removal of the vehicle; the time when the vehicle was first observed parked at the private property; and the time that authorization to tow the vehicle was given.
Exceptions to Specific Authorization. Associations may give written general authorizations to companies to tow any vehicle unlawfully parked within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or in a fire lane, or in a manner which interferes with an entrance to, or exit from, the property.
RECOMMENDATION: You should have legal counsel review your agreements with towing companies to make sure they contain sufficient safe-guards for the association. And, you should prepare towing guidelines in your Rules & Regulations.


Miss Penny Lane says: Thank you for the information and the communcation.

Neighbors in the Enterprise-owned condos need answers, support

Where are the condos that Palermo's developer, at least for the time being, owns and rents out? Positively Palermo used a variety of public means to determine that 34 units of the complex's 117 units are involved in the notice of default filed against the Enterprise Cos. Most of them are rented out and new leases are still being signed despite the possible foreclosure. Perhaps you can infer something from that about whether Enterprise is truly leaving. Here's the list:

1. 220 Enterprise – Unit 83 – D model
2. 270 Enterprise – Unit 110 – A model
3. 3621 Melody Lane – Unit 75 – A model
4. 3631 Melody Lane – Unit 76 – B model
5. 3572 Melody Lane – Unit 89 – C model
6. 3582 Melody Lane – Unit 90 – C model
7. 308 Sandy Point – Unit 146 – A model
8. 228 Sandy Point – Unit 139 - B model
9. 218 Sandy Point – Unit 138 – B model
10. 208 Sandy Point – Unit 137 – A model
11. 245 Sandy Point – Unit 130 – A model
12. 255 Sandy Point – Unit 126 – A model
13. 275 Sandy Point – Unit 122 – D model
14. 232 Breeze Loop – Unit 131 – B model
15. 212 Breeze Loop – Unit 135 – A model
16. 311 Breeze Loop – Unit 119 – D model
17. 231 Breeze Loop – Unit 100 – A model
18. 3596 Sunburst – Unit 189 – E model
19. 3616 Sunburst – Unit 193 – E model
20. 3626 Sunburst – Unit 196 – E model
21. 3676 Sunburst – Unit 205 – E model
22. 3575 Sunburst – Unit 117 – B model
23. 3585 Sunburst – Unit 118 – A model
24. 3558 Quiet Side – Unit 179 – G model
25. 3578 Quiet Side – Unit 183 – E model
26. 3588 Quiet Side – Unit 185 – F model
27. 3607 Quiet Side – Unit 194 – E model
28. 3647 Quiet Side – Unit 202 – F model
29. 3657 Quiet Side – Unit 203 – F model
30. 3667 Quiet Side – Unit 206 – F model
31. 3687 Quiet Side – Unit 210 – E model
32. 3554 Penny Lane – Unit 105 – B model
33. 3564 Penny Lane – Unit 104 – C model
34. 3574 Penny Lane – Unit 103 – C model

Please let this site know if you believe a unit is missing from the list or should be taken off. See the Web page "Basics About the Palermo Palm Springs Development" for descriptions of the development's seven different models. The link for that is on the left-hand column of this page. Many of our dear neighbors live in these units. Miss Penny Lane says: All of us deserve to know what's really happening, such as whether the developer just plans to buy everything back at auction and the recent fuss is for nothing.

Enterprise served with Notice of Default? Stopped making payments on May 5? Owes $13.4 million?

Miss Penny Lane rushed back to Palermo at lunchtime after receiving an e-mail this morning from a "Buzz Canine." Above is the Notice of Default served on PS Venture Indian Canyon / San Rafael LLC. This is the Palermo LLC of the Enterprise Cos. of Chicago. It owes $13,450,378.36 on a $30 million loan, according to what Buzz sent in. The document, dated July 14, 2010, says: "No sale date may be set until three months from the date this notice of default may be recorded." The document states that a payment was missed on May 5, 2010. The Palermo HOA had a board meeting on May 12, 2010 at which the two Enterprise board members said nothing about this to residents attending. (Of course, there must be confirmation by the board that Buzz Canine's documents are the real thing.) Miss Penny Lane's lunch is over but she says: Anyone who wants a copy of the notice may email her and will receive it tonight.

The lights are on, Miss Management

Positively Palermo awoke to be greeted by a bevy of e-mails this morning about Monday evening's homeowners association meeting. Those three fellows on the HOA board certainly have their hands full after the resignations of the two board members who represented the Enterprise development company. The company only gave a rather cryptic reason for the resignations. One resident sent in an e-mail last night that said we all are still in the dark about whether Enterprise really is going into foreclosure. But the e-mail noted that foreclosure might not mean Enterprise here is history. The e-mail added that other developers in the valley have gone into foreclosure only to buy back their properties for pennies on the dollar at auction, according to what was said Monday night. But is Enterprise's future here the biggest concern for our desert resort, or is it the continuing but solvable management problems? Here's what a late-night e-mail had to say: "Pen, the mismanagement is just too much. They are considering raising HOA fees by $100. Yet the management company for months hasn't started the collections process on 15 grand of unpaid HOA fees. Instead, we just get talk. The financial report included big spikes in the maintenance account, sending up all kinds of alarms. But it took pulling teeth to find out from our 'professional' paid management company that some of this increase was from one-time expenses, such as putting in security cameras and fire extinguishers, that won't happen again. The electricity and gas accounts also are out of hand, but as the board discussed this situation it was daylight out and the landscaping lighting already was on outside!!! It's been like this for months and nothing has been done by the management company to correct it, nada. Maybe you can start a count down here on the days it will take to fix this. People also are turning up the pool and spa heaters because the equipment isn't always locked despite the management company knowing about this situation. Help! Help!" We must all come together to help and problem-solve. But first let's all raise a glass of cognac, as Miss Penny Lane says a sarcastic toast to our Desert Resort: Miss Management, cheers!

HOA meeting is Monday at 6 p.m.

Another beautiful Saturday morning at Palermo. The homeowners association has its quarterly meeting set for 6 p.m. Monday, July 26 in our clubhouse. The resignation from the HOA board of the two Enterprise Cos. executives, including Board President Ron Shipka Jr., will be a big topic of discussion. It was quite wonderful that the board had its agenda taped to the mailboxes to let us know of the meeting. In the past, problems have existed in terms of little notification. Miss Penny Lane asks: Is a new brighter day dawning at this lovely little community called Palermo Palm Springs?

Educated view: Palermo's future shining bright

Everyone knows that Palermo is one of the best long-term buys in Palm Springs because the neighboring area is on the verge of being reborn. The College of the Desert has committed $40 million to develop the first phase of its new West Valley Campus, just up Indian Canyon from Palermo. The first phase will have 50,000 square feet of classrooms, offices and labs. The other three phases include more than 250,000 in square footage, including such facilities as a performing arts center. Construction could start in 2012. The new green campus will serve 20,000 full-time and part-time students. COD also is looking to offer four-year programs in partnership with another institution. A new "Sunrise Parkway" road going from Indian Canyon to Hwy. 111 is planned as part of Phase 1. Also part of the first phase is "creating a gateway to the city" and "establishing a presence on North Indian Canyon Drive." The city expects major retail and other development once the campus is underway, with more services like better mass transit to come. The college will have a "transit hub" with a modern design. (By the way, the city and county also are using $20 million federal recovery money on design and construction for the Indian Canyon Drive and Interstate 10 interchange improvement project. A motel and other restaurants already have been approved for up there.)

Here's part of a story in this morning's paper on the college's plans: The Palm Springs City Council voted 3-0 tonight to spend more than $2.1 million to purchase 119 acres in North Palm Springs for the College of the Desert's West Valley Campus, which will provide job training programs. Ground is expected to be broken for the campus on the northwest corner of Tramview Road and Indian Canyon Drive in 2012, with classes planned to begin in the fall of 2014, according to Amy Blaisdell, Palm Springs' communications director. The campus will be integrated with existing recreational resources at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center. It will feature a 70-acre "green park," focusing on sustainable energy system and facilities for green and clean technology research, development, training and education, Blaisdell said. City officials hope the campus will become the home of the proposed Coachella Valley iHub, a state-funded program meant to be an incubator for creating green companies and jobs in the region. College officials hope the new campus will serve more than 20,000 full- and part-time students in hospitality and culinary arts, film, media and allied health, Blaisdell said. "The city of Palm Springs is tremendously excited about our partnership with the College of the Desert in bringing this much needed new campus to our underserved community," Mayor Steve Pougnet said. "The Palm Springs campus will be one of the most green and clean in the country -- and will set the standard when it comes to educating thousands of students for the next generation of green jobs.

Miss Penny Lane says: Palermo and its neighborhood is on the verge of greatness, and now that the out-of-town developer of Palermo is leaving, our lovely community will be in charge of its own destiny with residents finally in control.

So long, Enterprise? Chicago developer expects 'to lose interest in the property in the next 30 days'

Back in the day: Sales literature and a map of Phase 2


Remember the sales office that Enterprise put up?

The developer of Palermo — the Enterprise Companies of Chicago — is a high-quality builder that had sunny California dreams. But the economy tanked. Arriving home from work, Positively Palermo found an important e-mail in the in-box. The e-mail from a Palermo HOA board representative said: "I wanted you to know on behalf of the HOA that as of yesterday Enterprise has resigned from the Board including President Ron Shipka Jr. and Treasurer Gordon Camaresi. When asked why the action was so sudden, we were told 'we expect to lose interest in the property in the next 30 days.' None of us are sure what that means and we are trying to get clarification. I think you need to post to let everyone know." Miss Penny Lane wishes Enterprise well, and she asks: Who will take over Enterprise's unsold condos, what will happen to our neighbors who rent them, and is Palermo's planned Phase 2 history? Our lovely community awaits the answers.

Great buys: What's for sale at Palermo?

Our posting two months ago, on May 13, noticed that more "for sale" and "foreclosure" signs were popping up in our little enclave. Several units had auction notices taped on their doors. Palermo has 117 units, with about 34 still owned by the developer and being rented. Of the remaining 83 or so, there always have been some condos on the market. Since our last posting on Palermo real estate, numerous units have been sold or are under contract. Some never even had for-sale signs put up and were sold. Here's a best guess of what's on the market based on for-sale signs in the windows or eviction/foreclosure-type notices posted on front doors.

- 210 Enterprise had a notice posted on its door. This is a two bedroom, two-floor D unit. 1,286 square feet.
- 3641 Melody Lane. Two-bedroom, two-story B-unit. Scott Lyle is the agent.
- 3671 Melody Lane. Two bedroom, two-story loft A-unit with separate pool and spa. 1,375 square feet. Listed 6/16/2010 for $210,000. (The owner of this unit, a lovely man named David, passed away).
- 248 Sandy Point has a for-sale sign. Two bedroom, two-story loft A-unit. 1,375 square feet.
- 258 Sandy Point has a for-sale sign. Two bedroom, two-story B-unit. 1,320 square feet. Listed 5/11/2010 for $199,900.
- 3587 Quiet Side. Two bedroom, single-level G-unit. 1131 square. feet
- 3617 Quiet Side. One bedroom, single-level E-unit. 831 square feet. (For sale sign taken down, may be off the market)
- 3697 Quiet Side. Two bedroom, single-level G-unit. 1131 square feet. Listed 5/4/2010 for $184,900.
- 3586 Sunburst. Two bedroom, single-level G-unit. 1131 square feet. Foreclosure. Listed 6/28/2010 for $163,200.
- 3686 Sunburst. One bedroom, single-level E-unit. 831 square feet. Listed 1/6/2010 for $187,000.
- 3563 Penny Lane. Two bedroom, two-story C-unit with spa. 1,275 square feet. Had foreclosure sign on it.
- 272 Breeze Loop. Two bedroom, two-story loft A-unit. 1,375 square feet. Foreclosure. No trespassing sign on door.

The square footage listed above is based on builder handouts. You can check out more about Palermo, like the type and number of different units and floor plans, in this site's "Basics about the Palermo Palm Springs development" page. Just click the link on the left-hand column of this page. Back in the heyday, the one-bedroom single level units were selling for more than $325,000 and the biggest two-bedroom units (the A-units with two stories and loft) were going for nearly $500,000. It's a smart time to buy into Palermo. Miss Penny Lane says once again: How eager we all are to meet the new residents who will move into these empty units and join our wonderful community of good spirits. Welcome.

When will the repainting begin?

Those who have lived here for years know that the reddish paint on our homes hasn't lived up to expectations. There are blotches of white. There are places where it's even peeling. The copper color also has had some problems. The cost of repainting should be paid for by those responsible for these problems, rather than have HOA dues go to this expense. The board has promised a solution. One home has received a new paint job as a test case. (See the bigger picture to see how wonderful the unit looks after the repainting. See the two smaller pictures for examples of the blotching and peeling.) Miss Penny Lane says: Please begin the repainting because this blotching and spotting is an affront to the beauty that is our wonderful Palermo.

Palermo's palms get big haircuts

Palermo residents were greeted this Saturday morning by the sound of chain saws buzzing and machetes being whacked, as our community's palms received major trimmings. There has been much concern about whether the palm trees are getting enough water. Miss Penny Lane asks: Could this be the beginning of all Palermo's plants being cared for in the proper manner, rather than being neglected?

Earthquake rocks Palermo for about 30 seconds

Is everyone OK? News reports now say the quake was a magnitude 5.4 (originally they said it was a 5.9). It was centered in Borrego Springs, about 28 miles from Palm Springs. The buildings were shaking here at Palermo. So far, there have been numerous aftershocks. Everyone, meet near the clubhouse if it gets worse. Report any damage found here on Positively Palermo — and to the official Palermo management too, of course. Go to http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ for more information. Miss Penny Lane says: Once again, this is a reminder that Palermo needs an emergency plan and a safety committee.

Statement from Miss Penny Lane re: Comments missing because of blogspot.com's glitch

Hello my Palermo dearies. Back from a long weekend away, it was wonderful to see your many comments posted about the 4th of July festivities, concerns about the watering of our community plants, and questions about recycling day. One resident posted detailed, thoughtful comments about the pool lights being out at night and being unable to use the pool at night on this holiday weekend. Tonight we find that many comments are gone. Rest assured, Positively Palermo did NOT delete them. Blogspot.com is having a system-wide problem and randomly deleted comments from thousands of blogs. It's hoped they will be restored, but that's uncertain at this point. Miss Penny Lane says: Sorry for this glitch and pain, and please repost your comments if you have time and they still are relevant. Cheers!

Wishing you a blast of an Independence Day

Our wonderful Palermo undoubtedly will be busy with pool parties with the local hotties, BBQs and the celebratory spirit over the Independence Day weekend. Remember to watch out for the ears of your furry friends if there are fireworks. Your blog hostess will be gone for the long weekend. But Miss Penny Lane says to her Palermo dearies before she hits the road: Have a great and safe Fourth of July. You are what makes living here the best community in Palm Springs.

Are Palermo's plants getting enough water?

There's been discussion here and individually among neighbors about whether Palermo's plants are being watered enough now that the heat is here. Some have said certain palms are dying. Concern about the landscaping also was brought up at the last homeowners association meeting. Was there any follow-up about this by management? Miss Penny Lane urges: If you believe the plants in front of your home are crying for water, please take the time to water them because that's the Spirit of Palermo.

A new security company?

Positively Palermo received this question: "Do we have a new security company here? I have seen many more patrols by a new company, Maxwell. When did this change? Nothing has gone out to residents. The new patrol guys are really cute - a nice new benefit, btw." Miss Penny Lane says: Now she is getting excited. Is this truth or fiction?