Easter, and Palermo is hopping

Happy Easter to the residents and fans of Palermo Palm Springs, where rebirth has been in the air and this special community filled with good eggs. Miss Penny Lane says: She did her yearly morning stroll in her Easter bonnet this morning  — did you see her?

A bright White Party

A happy "White Party" to Palermo residents and visitors. Miss Penny Lane says: Her pearls are just right for this weekend.

Julian's Market building update

What is going on at the site of the former Julian's Market, 3395 North Indian Canyon Drive? The building has been repainted and spiffed up. The for-sale sign is down. According to our sources in the realty world, the property is owned by Greenlake Real Estate Fund LLC of Pasadena. They have applied to a remodel permit with the city is make some electrical and other changes to bring the building up to code. Nothing else is known. Miss Penny Lane says: She's in the market for a neighborhood coffee shop.

New heater at the big pool. Yay!

The front big pool heater was fixed (replaced to be exact) after breaking down and the Palermo pool is as busy as ever. Miss Penny Lane says: She's swimmed out after her vacation.

Clubhouse door problem

Positively Palermo has received a report of a problem with the clubhouse entry system, with the FOB cards not working at times. The problem may have been fixed at this point. Miss Penny Lane says: She's tanned, rested and ready for more postings after a little trip away last week.

A toast to Palermo on this St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day to Palermo Palm Springs. Miss Penny Lane says: She thinks those not living at Palermo are green with envy.

At Murano, Far West Industries wipes away the last of the Enterprise Cos. signs

A new developer purchased the Enterprise Cos. of Chicago's property at Palermo Palm Springs last year. Now another company has bought Palermo's sister property, the Murano single-family home development, down the road on San Raphael Drive. Some homes have been built, but vacant lots also remain. Now new signs are covering up the last vestiges of the Enterprise/Shipka empire in the valley at Murano. The new signs touts new homes on big lots. Miss Penny Lane says: Far out.

Springing ahead at Palermo Palm Springs

Time to move your clocks one hour ahead. Miss Penny Lane says: She's happy because she can have her Cosmo an hour earlier now.

Main pool on the fritz

A sign at the Palermo front pool says that the back pool is being heated while there are repairs to the front pool. Miss Penny Lane says: She's off the outlets for a new swimsuit.

About the gate codes

Positively Palermo received this e-mail about the entrance gate: "Dear Palermo HOA Board Members. Ownership and Managing Agent: I have lived here at Palermo for a little over two years, maybe even three. I currently rent, although I would gladly purchase if my unit should ever come available. Obviously with that said, I enjoy living here very much. I am writing with a suggestion that would benefit everyone living here. I am hopeful someone will read what I have to say and take action or submit my same concerns to the board and/or membership for consideration. Since living here the access code or password for entry onto this property has remained the same. I don’t know about you, but I have been very cautious about giving that password to others, but on rare occasion, I have had to do so. And thus a small handful of people over the course of a couple of years have been given that number. And for whatever reason, most of those folks I gave it to are no longer either working for me or should not have unlimited, unannounced access to this property. Just think of the number of short term renters (vacationing folks) and residents who have since sold or no longer live or lease here. And yet each of them still have complete access to getting on the property. And then multiply that number by the number of people who live here currently and may have given that password to others, all with the best intentions. Having lived at other similar gated communities where such entry onto the property comes about because of the use a entry code system, routinely, usually annually or more often, the universal entry code is changed to protect those living here where former persons need not enter unless buzzed in. My request to the management and the board of directors is to routinely and hopefully immediately schedule a new password/code for entry onto the property. And delete the current password (s). Obviously, everyone who has a password or code would also need to be changed. And thus complete new numbers should be issued. There was once discussion about each unit owner or renter being given a pass code for access that related to their unit number. Whatever is in place still does not negate the fact that the access codes are the same and nothing has been changed for years. I hope whoever reads this knows the best person(s) to call and if need be, place this topic on the discussion board for the next meeting of the association. I am grateful for this matter be considered for the benefit of everyone living here. Again as a non-owner, my vote with the HOA doesn’t count it’s yours that matters, so if you agree, please try and help. Respectfully submitted by C ....: Miss Penny Lane says: Thanks for the e-mail.

Rental on Sunburst ready for March

A one-bedroom villa on Sunburst is on the rental market at $925 per month. The link on Craigslist is http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/apa/3617224859.html. The listing says: "This is an adorable 1bedroom 1.5 bath condo in the Palermo Community. Picture living in this peaceful area where the views of the mountains are amazing. The condo features a nice living area with an open area for your desk or use as a den. Dual fireplace in living room/master bedroom, washer/dryer, gated front entry into the unit, covered carport in front of unit and two patios. The is community is gated, offers pools and spas, club house has a rec. room and gym. Minutes from Downtown Palm Springs restaurants, shopping, entertainment and more. Approx. 925 sq. ft. Will Consider A Pet." Miss Penny Lane says: She's sunny on Sunburst.

'Happy days are here'

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Dear Ms. Penny Lane -- Wonderful job you do but we were just down to our place for some days and we wanted to relay the positive thoughts of how happy we are at Palermo and the return of the happy days are here -- the place is looking good and prices are going up, good management in place, want to say Thanks to the HOA board members as people say it is a thankless job, so Thanks! We were a bit worried that no increase in HOA dues might mean problems in upkeep but we spoke to a board member who informed us that we are putting in the six-figure range into the reserve funds instead of spending that pot as beforehand. Big THANKS to you and all our neighbors ..." Miss Penny Lane says: She likes the blue skies that come with happy days.

Winds set to blow in

Wind and some rain are coming to the valley. A news report says: "A powerful storm system dropping out of the Gulf of Alaska is expected to bring strong winds and moisture to the valley, starting Tuesday. “You’ll have all kinds of winds all across the valley,” said Joe Dandrea, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego. The worst of the winds will hit the valley Tuesday night and continue through Wednesday, he said. Wind speeds will range from 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. High temperatures will likely be in the low 60s both days. Motorists on Interstate 10 should be alert for blowing sand and reduced visibility.Communities on desert slopes, or near them, could get wind gusts as high as 65-70 mph, he said. The storm is expected to bring snow to the mountains and rain to the valley. Rainfall should be less than a tenth of an inch. Once the storm leaves the area, residents should expect gorgeous views of the mountains." Miss Penny Lane says: She's holding on to her hat.

Palermo B model comes on the market

A model B unit at Palermo Palm Springs on Melody Lane has appeared on the MLS as a short sale, apparently the only unit at Palermo on the market after the few on the market have been quickly snapped up. The MLS listing says: "Short sale Opportunity. Perfect Desert get-a-way or year round home! Welcome to Palermo! A newer Community of architectural Townhouses and Villas designed by Chris Mills and developed by Enterprise California. Desirable floor plan; kitchen open to living area. Kitchen is spacious and offers breakfast bar, beautiful cabinets, granite counters, and black appliances! Additional features include; slab granite, sealed concrete floors, and carpet. Enjoy Relaxing or entertaining in private covered patio or spacious 2nd floor sundeck! Enjoy Mountain Views! Single car garage and inside laundry area. Community is walled and gated with 2 pools, 2 spas, state-of-the-art gym, recreation room ... Low HOA of only $294 per month." The price is $214,000. The listing also is on the Windmere site at: http://www.windermere.com/listing?legacyid=133041464. Miss Penny Lane says: A lucky buyer awaits!

More marketing materials

Here is another of the original marketing materials for Palermo Palm Springs touting Palermo as "your personal oasis."Thanks for sending this. Miss Penny Lane says: She loves a pool view.

Happy V-Day, Palermo

Positively Palermo wishes all at Happy Valentine's Day. Miss Penny Lane says: She's sweet on Palermo.

D model back yard illustration

Here is the back yard illustration from the original Palermo Palm Springs sales material. Thank you for sending it in. Miss Penny Lane says: She's Delighted.

D model marketing materials - front

Thank you to you all who have sent in copies of some of the original Palermo marketing materials. Here is the front of D model unit materials. We will publish the back yard drawing next. Miss Penny Lane says: D is for darling.

Train service from Palm Springs to L.A.

The morning newspaper has a story about train service to Los Angeles, with the train station just up Indian Canyon Drive from Palermo Palm Springs, another development that is making Palermo the place to be. the story: "A weekend getaway to Palm Springs from Los Angeles could get a lot easier. No, there’s not a new highway planned or can’t-pass-up flight deals. A two-hour and nearly effortless trip to the Coachella Valley could become a reality thanks to expanded intercity passenger rail service between Los Angeles and Indio. Local officials would like to see daily Amtrak rail service to the valley, a step up from the three-day-a-week service available now. And some of those who are lobbying for the move come from the region’s tourism industry, who say Friday afternoon traffic congestion in the Los Angeles metro region is so grueling, a number of travelers are simply staying in on Friday. (They) would like to see a daily train depart Union Station about 5:30 p.m. to pull into Palm Springs at about 7:30 p.m., terminating in Indio. And a morning train heading back into the city would leave Indio about 8 a.m. Today’s Amtrak service is provided by the train known as the Sunset Limited, which runs three days a week. The westbound Sunset Limited comes through Palm Springs at about 2 a.m. and arrives at Union Station at 5:30 a.m. The eastbound train leaves Union Station about 10 p.m. and arrives in Palm Springs at about 12:30 a.m." Miss Penny Lane says: She's onboard.

Marketing materials

Positively Palermo has received three photos from the original Palermo marketing materials along with an e-mail stating in part, "Hi Miss Penny L, Here are some images from the original Palermo Sales Brochure....There are no cars hanging out in the driveways...tacky, tacky..... Thanks to all who are attempting to restore Palermo to its original glory. We salute you!" We will post them all this week. Miss Penny Lane says: Keep sending them.

CC&R's and driveway parking restrictions?

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Hi Miss Penny Lane, We recently received a notice to all homeowners for Palermo Palm Springs and wanted to receive some clarification on parking rules in the CC&Rs. I called Euclid Management and told them we have a long 26ft driveway and is it ok to permanently park a car in the driveway as long as it doesn't stick out past the curve. They said it was fine but if we go away for ong periods of time then we would need to let them know. However the CC&Rs state that if a unit driveway is 22ft or longer, then the authorized vehicle may parked in the driveway for a period not to exceed 72 hours, provided that the vehicle does not encroach onto the sidewalk or there public or private right of way. By having the 72 hours rule, that means basically no vehicle really can park in their driveway longer than 72 hours no matter what size your driveway. That brings up another issue. After 72 hours can that same vehicle park in the driveway again? What is the time frame after the 72 hours can the car come back to park in the driveway for another 72 hours? Can they park in a guest spot and then move back to their own driveway? Seems to me there needs to be more clarification on the parking. Do you have a comment or have an answer? Thanks so much. J ..." Miss Penny Lane says: She's feeling super about Palermo.

Year in review: Holiday cheer lights up Palermo again

Concluding our year in review, the No. 10 story of 2012 was the most-ever display of holiday lights, showing the cheer of the season was alive and well at Palermo Palm Springs. Miss Penny Lane says: She's tanned, rested and ready after some days off work and away.

Hoax on San Rafael

The morning newspaper had this story: "Police are searching for the person who created a “hoax” device and planted it on the curb along San Rafael Drive on Sunday morning, forcing closure of a portion of the street for more than three hours while officials investigated. The device was found at 10:07 a.m. by someone out for a walk, Palm Springs police Sgt. Harvey Reed said. “While it was not an explosive device, it was designed to look like one,” Reed said.The Sheriff’s Department Hazardous Device Team assisted Palm Springs police in the investigation and deployed a robot to inspect the device, which appeared to be covered in a fluorescent green wrapping. Surrounding residents were not evacuated, but the street was closed to traffic and pedestrians between Hermosa Drive and Avenida Caballeros." Miss Penny Lane says: She's welcoming back the blue skies for the start of the week.