The New Year's Eve olive drop in Palm Springs

Perhaps the residents of Palermo will join in this new Palm Springs tradition — the olive drop. An article in the paper explains: "More than half a dozen downtown Palm Springs restaurants are getting into the olive-dropping tonight.“We just thought it was a great idea, especially for New Year's because there's not one central event for Palm Springs,” said Chris Turner, director of operations at LG's Steakhouse downtown. The restaurants plan to encourage patrons to simply drop an olive into their martini glasses to ring in 2012. All will offer special martinis featuring Oregon-based Crater Lake vodka owned by part-time Palm Springs resident Jim Bendis. “A lot of people like to have champagne for New Year's Eve, but I have noticed that's not really the case here,” said Ranz Weinert, co-owner of The Tropicale Restaurant & Coral Sea Lounge, which will be celebrating the city's first olive drop. “This is a town full of people who enjoy martinis so it's a perfect — and very creative — idea.” If this first drop is successful, (they) plan to take the idea to the Palm Springs City Council and even developer John Wessman to see if they would consider building in a New Year's Eve drop area at the new Desert Fashion Plaza, where work should be mostly completed by the end of 2014." Miss Penny Lane says: Just for tonight, she might switch to a martini, because dropping an olive in her Cosmo just won't do the trick.

80 degrees for the first weekend in January?

Forecast: A sunny, wonderful New Year's weekend at Palermo Palm Springs. The temperature may hit 80 degrees this weekend. Miss Penny Lane says: She's breaking out the sunscreen.

All aboard for daily train service

The neighborhood area around Palermo Palm Springs will be the place to be with the new 250,000-sqaure-foot College of the Desert west valley campus and business park coming, the expected "redevelopment boon" that the city expects to happen along with that project, and other improvements. One idea is passenger train service that would allow residents of Palm Springs to travel inland for work and other opportunities. The train station is up Indian Canyon Drive, with Palermo being one of the closest larger residential developments. The daily newspaper has reported: "A $400,000 study will be launched in January to explore the potential ridership and inevitable costs of creating a new passenger rail system between the Coachella Valley and Los Angeles. It is the first time in more than 20 years of discussion that the state has put up money to move the rail idea forward. The Caltrans study will help determine what equipment is needed, where stations would be located, and how much the plan would cost taxpayers and passengers, according to Cathedral City Councilman Greg Pettis, who also serves as the chairman of the Riverside County Transportation Commission. Similar state studies have taken about three months to complete. How to improve passenger train service in the desert has been debated locally since at least 1991. It generally focuses on two ideas: Amtrak's Sunset Limited service could be expanded from three days a week to seven. The route now carries passengers between Los Angeles and New Orleans, with a stop in Palm Springs. The state could create a new train service that would provide daily round-trips between Los Angeles and Indio. Eventually, such a route could be extended to Phoenix." Miss Penny Lane says: She can already pictures herself taking the train into L.A for a day of museum outings and other cultural activities, and a bit of shopping. She has the prefect hat for the occasion.

Be a Samaritan and donate a pet carrier to help the valley's animals in need

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Merry Christmas Penny! Wishing you a wonderful holiday and a Happy 2012! Thank you for being our blog mistress ... I work at Animal Samaritans in 1000 Palms and our pet fostering program has really caught on - only problem is that we have run out of pet carriers - large and small carriers are desperately needed ASAP!!!! We allow the foster parents to utilize them while they have dogs and cats in their care. We do get them returned, but we have more going out than coming in right now ... so if anyone at Palermo can search their garages, attics (!) closets, etc. to see if you have anything that we can use. It would be greatly appreciated. Just drop them by at 3545 Sunburst Blvd. Anytime. Gypsy thanks you too. Cheers! Tiffani" Miss Penny Lane says: Good luck!

Merry Christmas Twenty-11, Palermo Palm Springs

Santa has arrived at Palermo Palm Springs. Miss Penny Lane says: Her present this Christmas is you.

Cheers to a good Christmas evening

Holiday wishes for Palermo Palm Springs. Many thanks to the Palermo-ites who sent in festive pictures. Miss Penny Lane says: She's hoping her Santa will arrive in the nick of time.

Christmas tide rolls into Palermo Palm Springs

The holiday spirit is alive at Palermo Palm Springs. Lights and wreaths are everywhere. A new trend this year is decorating outside trees with big ornaments. Miss Penny Lane says: She's sporting red ornament earrings and hopes they still fit after all she plans to eat this weekend.

Happy Days: Palermo's Hollywood connections

Palermo Palm Springs has always had a connection to the entertainment business, with a famous singer owning a condo here and film and TV actors living or visiting here. Now a homeowner in the industry is asking for a bit of help. Here is part of her e-mail: "Hi Penny! First of all, I love your blog and your sense of humor! You have quite an eloquent and clever way with words. Although I don't live there full-time, I absolutely fell in love with Palermo at first site and love what you do for our community!! Not sure if my request is something you would post on your blog, but then I thought, supporting the arts & theatre, as well as a fellow homeowner might be right up your alley. So, here goes ...  I'm very proud to say that I'm a singer/actor/dancer/choreographer working in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to assist my good friend & brilliant choreographer, John Charron in creating all-new original choreography for the west coast premiere of HAPPY DAYS: A NEW MUSICAL. (Book by Garry Marshall. Music/Lyrics by Paul Williams.) We are now nominated for BEST CHOREOGRAPHY at BroadwayWorld.com and are currently in 2nd place out of 25!! Although my name is not on the ballot, we both put many hours, blood, sweat and tears into this high-energy, show-stopping production. So, I am asking everyone I can think of to PLEASE PLEASE vote for us. It only takes about 5 mins and would mean so much to me!! One vote per email address.
Go to:
http://losangeles.broadwayworld.com/vote2011region.cfm?region=LosAngeles 
- Enter email.
- Best Choreography is the FIRST category.
- Scroll down to vote for John Charron – Happy Days: A New Musical.
- Click the “Continue” button at bottom of page.
- Click the “Continue” button for all the rest of the categories, if you don’t want to vote in the other categories.
If you think this might be something that Palermites would enjoy being a part of, I would love for you to post it on your page." Miss Penny Lane says: These are happy days indeed at Palermo.

Big guy on Foothill

A big Frosty has popped up on Foothill Avenue. Miss Penny Lane says: He melts her heart.

Arrival & departure information for the Palm Springs airport

Palermo Palm Springs is filling up with snowbirds. There's an easy way to get arrival and departure information on the Web for the Palm Springs airport. This is the link to it. Miss Penny Lane says: Welcome snowbirds and she wishes you never had to fly away.

Deadly crash at Indian Canyon and Racquet Club

Sad news to report. From this morning's paper: "One person was killed Monday in a two-car crash in northern Palm Springs, and police are investigating whether one of the drivers ran a red light. The person — whose name and age were not released late Monday — was driving a Hyundai Elantra westbound on Racquet Club Drive at about 6:55 p.m. The driver crashed with a Ford Expedition that was headed south on Indian Canyon Drive, Sgt. Mike Kovaleff said, correcting an initial report from police that the crash took place at Palm Canyon Drive. The Hyundai driver was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center and died shortly afterward. A passenger in the Ford Expedition was also taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The cause of the crash was still under investigation late Monday. Investigators said it was too soon to tell if alcohol or drugs were a factor. The intersection was closed for several hours as officers collected evidence. Police asked anyone who witnessed the crash to call investigators at (760) 323-8116." Miss Penny Lane says: Be safe, my neighbors.

Pool locks changed

Positively Palermo has received word that the pools now have new locks on them. Miss Penny Lane says: She plans a Christmas Eve dip with Santa baby.

Community holiday walk?

Positively Palermo received this: "Hi Penny. This is Perry. With all the decorations and Christmas spirit up I was wondering if everyone might want to meet at the clubhouse one day next week and take a "Comunity Christmas walk." We could meet up at the clubhouse and take a slow enjoyable walk through our community. Would be fun. Maybe we could have hot coco at the clubhouse after the walk. What do you think? Would people come out?" Miss Penny Lane says: She'd be there in spirit.

Men with clipboards

Positively Palermo has received information about official-looking men carrying clipboards walking around the community. In the past, this has indicated possible buyers for the unsold 34 condos, five model units and undeveloped land in Phase 2 of Palermo Palm Springs. We understand that two bidders have backed out to date. One concern being discussed in the community is that, have any of these bidders backed out in any way possibly because of any management filings with state real estate officials or other different reasons involving the unfinished project? We also have word that the green fencing around the undeveloped phase was being looked at recently. Our understanding is that the bank pays about $300 a month for the fence. Miss Penny Lane says: If any mens with a clipboard walk by her place, she's offer them a Cosmo and say "cheers to the holidays."

The holiday scene at Palermo Palm Springs

More pictures of festive lights at Palermo. Please e-mail photos to welovepalermo@yahoo.com. Miss Penny Lane says: Palermo lights up her life everyday, no matter what the season.

Re-start the Neighborhood Watch idea?

You may have seen this reader posting: "As far as the security concern here I had tried to start up a Neighborhood watch some time ago. I was doing fine except the most of the ones that had shown an interest were the people that had not lived here. I think people were just leery and very busy at the time. Anyway the point is, does anyone here think we should get the watch started again?" What do you think? Miss Penny Lane says: She feels very secure because of the beefy guy who lives near her.

Christmas cheer at Palermo Palm Springs

More lights, wreaths and holiday decorations are popping up at Palermo Palm Springs. Miss Penny Lane says: Her heart gets a little twinkle when seeing our community's Christmas cheer.

Cities cracking down on short-term rental taxes

Positively Palermo has received concerns about short-term rentals, including a case in which an owner apparently on multiple occasions has rented out to 10 or so people, causing problems for neighbors. Rentals under 30 days are against the condo rules. Short-term rentals also need a permit from the city and must have taxes paid on them. Now the newspaper has an article saying cities are cracking down such rentals and pointing out that those who don't pay taxes have an unfair advantage of business owners/employers who do. The article states: "Several Coachella Valley cities are boosting their revenues by proactively tracking and taxing short-term vacation rentals. Cities already receive money from desert hotels, which pay a transient occupancy tax, also known as the “bed tax.”But short-term vacation business is tougher to track because owners who are not affiliated with established rental management companies tend to operate under the radar.Palm Springs, the first valley city to spot this growing travel trend, passed laws in 2008 to require landlords or owners to register their individual properties and pay bed tax, and limit occupancy.The law also set up specific rules on loud parties and trash and created a hotline. “Its mission isn't only meant to drive up TOT revenues," Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet said. “It levels the playing field for rental agencies and hotels. It gives the city oversight over who is renting the property and how it's being managed. ”Palm Springs' laws since have inspired communities such as Rancho Mirage to become more proactive in collecting the rental property tax.“Vacation rental has become a big item,'' said Palm Springs Finance Director Geoffrey Kiehl. “We are up to $2 million in revenue from this segment of the tourism business. ”As of 2008, Palm Springs has seen its bed tax revenue from short-term vacation homes, condos, casitas and flats grow from $1.4 million to more than $2 million annually.The number of private individuals registered to rent to visitors has nearly doubled — rising from fewer than 200 people to more than 375 in the city. Another 790-plus short-term sites are licensed through various Coachella Valley property rental companies.These agencies work hand in hand with the city to help with enforcement." Miss Penny Lane says: Everyone wants to stay at Palermo.

Wreaths at Palermo spread holiday cheer

About 15 homes at Palermo Palm Springs have put up beautiful holiday wreaths. Here are a few. Please send in your photos to welovepalermo@yahoo.com. Miss Penny Lane says: She's been known at a party to don a wreath on her head and do a little dance after an egg nog or two.

Tree trimming and decorations

Palermo's trees are supposed to be trimmed today. Positively Palermo received an e-mail concerned about why it is being done so late in the year, as opposed to last year, because many people have lights and ornaments in the trees in front of their homes. Miss Penny Lane says: She may collect some of the cut-down branches to make her own wreath, as she is a crafty one.

Clubhouse will be closed for a party today

In case you plan to use the clubhouse today, a sign on the door says it is being rented out today for a party. Miss Penny Lane says: Maybe she mistakenly tossed out her invitation when she threw out all the newspaper advertisements in her mailbox?

Leaning tree on Melody Lane

Positively Palermo has received a report that a tree in front on 3641 Melody Lane has been compromised by the wind. It is leaning at quite an angle and some roots are coming out of the ground. One resident wants to know why the landscaping company hasn't taken better care of all the trees in general, and why has trimming the bigger trees been delayed so long? It typically occurs earlier in the year. Miss Penny Lane says: She's thinks her limbs also might be ready to crack with her advancing age.

Dec. 1 brings a bit of winter to Palermo Palm Springs

Much of Southern California is under wind advisories. Palm Springs had a high of just 62 degrees. The skies are gray but the winds aren't blowing at Palermo right now at all. Indian Canyon Drive is still open. Miss Penny Lane says: She's toasty and cozy in her Snuggie sipping her hot tottie at the lovely Palermo.

Photos of holiday cheer needed

Christmas cheer is alive at Palermo Palm Springs. About 10 homes have outside lights up, about 14 have wreaths up, and you can see countless Christmas trees twinkling in the windows. One home has set up a Christmas village and has kindly left open the curtains for all to see. Please send photos of your or your neighbor's lights and decorations to publish here. The e-mail is welovepalermo@yahoo.com.. Miss Penny Lane says: Palermo has lit up her life once again.

Problems with the hot water heaters?

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Ms. Penny, We are having a problem with our water heater not staying lit which seems to be a regular problem with AO Smith water heaters. Is this something homeowners at Palermo are dealing with and have they figured out how to resolve the problem. The AO Smith water heaters that Enterprise put into each unit seems to get awful reviews and has the problems we are experiencing (there are hundreds of postings on the web describing the problem). Furthermore, AO Smith apparently has horrible customer service. Thanks for checking this out for us." Can anyone help? Miss Penny Lane says: Thinking about hot water, makes her think she might just sneak off to take a spa this evening. Say "hi" to her.

Resident reports problems with clubhouse security

Disturbing news to interrupt the holiday mood at Palermo Palm Springs. This was posted on Positively Palermo and also e-mailed to us. It reads in part: "Dear Palermo Residents, This evening while exiting the gym I came across something very disheartening for all the residents of this great community. The double doors closest to the gym exit were slightly propped open with a piece of paper shoved in the locking holes located on the ground. This made the door seem closed but in fact could be open with ease. Maybe it's the recent GOP debate but I believe we need a state of public awareness. Our lovely clubhouse would have likely been broken into this evening had I not dislodged the paper. It would be foolish to believe that these thieves wanted nothing more than a chance to take our 60 inch TV. The most disheartening fact about our safety is this is an inside job. Someone with a key has decided to steal from its own community or has tipped off the degenerates of this society. It may be time to reassess who still has access to the clubhouse? Is each persons key individualized as in we know who scans the door and when? Is there a way we can permanently lock the double doors closest to the gym exit? ..." Miss Penny Lane says: Thank you for your concern.

More from Memory Lane

Miss Penny Lane says:  Light up my life.

Christmases past at Palermo Palm Springs

More pictures from Christmas 2010. Miss Penny Lane says: Palermo's residents light up her life.

Happy Thanksgiving, Palermo Palm Springs

Positively Palermo is thankful for all the neighbors who make Palermo the special warm and welcoming place it is. Miss Penny Lane says: She's having a terrific holiday because this year she has some to call her pumpkin.

Memory Lane: Christmas Twenty-Ten

More remembrances of Christmases past at Palermo Palm Springs. Above, pictures from 2010. Miss Penny Lane says: Her mix tape of holiday tunes already is in heavy rotation at the Lane household.

Decked out at Palermo

Christmas decorations are going up at Palermo Palm Springs. Over the next few days, we will re-post some pictures of decorations from last year as inspiration. Above is a nice light display on Melody Lane from 2010. Miss Penny Lane says: Cheers to the holidays, Palermo style.

Heat is on

The Palermo newsletter that arrived in mailboxes had plenty of news. One item noted that the heat has been turned back on for the main pool Both spas also are heated. It looks like the back pool won't be heated. Miss Penny Lane says: Seeing some of local hotties at the pool when she drives into Palermo always warms her up.

Clubhouse cleaning

Continuing our review of this week's HOA board meeting, the HOA moved to address complaints about the clubhouse's janitorial service. It was said at the meeting the present service billed the HOA for $700 to clean the floor when it wasn't approved and DRM says didn't report the problems in the gym with the electric sockets and the equipment. The HOA pays about $1,000 a month for cleaning of the clubhouse and pool areas once week. Miss Penny Lane says: She has found it hard to find a good cleaning service in the desert so she sometimes brings in her younger sister Cindy.

Military jets over Palm Springs

The paper had a story about the loud military jets that have been flying over Palm Springs in increased numbers. It says: "Complaints about the military jet noise out of Palm Springs International Airport have grown so loud that city officials may ask federal officials to intervene. The Palm Springs City Council is expected to appoint two members to a subcommittee today to bolster efforts to help reduce noise at the airport. The council action comes after months of complaints by residents about the dramatic increase in military flights, many of them training missions, out of the small airport." Miss Penny Lane says: This weather has forced her to wear ear muffs so a little noise doesn't bother her.

Bye-bye curb-side trash service at Palermo

Positively Palermo has received a bunch of emails with news from the HOA meeting or questions about what happened. We will be posting all of them over the week. One report says that the HOA decided to do away with curbside trash and recycling service. Instead, the HOA will add two more community trash bins, along with recycling bins, in new enclosures. The cost of these enclosures supposedly would be paid for in the first year because the dumpster-only service is so much cheaper than the combined cost of current curb-side service for 117 units and the two community dumpsters already here. It was reported at the meeting at on some days not even 40 units are putting out cans on trash day. The following years the HOA would be saving $20,000 a year because of the change, it was said by Brandi Scott of DRM. It is still not known where these new community trash bins would be going. Miss Penny Lane says: Her neighbors will no longer get to see her rush out in the morning in her night gown when putting out her cans before the trash truck arrives.

A good dog walker? Please help with suggestions

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Hello Miss Penny, I was wondering if you could post a question for me on your blog. I'm looking for someone to walk my dogs twice a day when I'm at work. It would only be 3 or so times a week. Does anyone know of a reliable dog walker? Thanks!" Miss Penny Lane says: She would do it but the last she walked a puppy it seems liked the dog was walking her and she ended up chipping a nail.

HOA budget front and center at Monday's meeting

The Palermo HOA is meeting onMonday, with raising the $268 a month dues on the agenda. This is from an earlier posting but is timely again: Where do your HOA dues go, or where are supposed to go? Here's a look at the expenses, not including reserve payments, that your HOA dues are supposed to pay for every month per unit if the 2011 budget was followed (figures are rounded up to the nearest dollar):

1. Landscaping, $28
2. Electricity, $21
3. Gas, $20
4. Trash, $19
5. Management and extras, $19
6. Insurance, $12
7. Fire sprinklers, $11
8. Janitorial service/supplies, $10
9. Water, $9
10. Pools, $9
11. Bad debt, $8
12. Security, $7
13. Minor repairs, $6
14. Lighting maintenance and extras, $6
15. Legal, $4
16. Postage and printing, $3
17. Pest control, $2
18. Telephone, $2
19. Audit, $1
20. Cable, $1
21. Taxes, permits, reserver study, $1

Please remember the above figures were rounded up to the nearest dollar just for ease of discussion. In terms of broad categories, the actual 2011 budgeted expenses breakdown per month as follows: Utilities, $69.59; administrative, $45.04; Grounds maintenance, repairs and janitorial, $38.63; Landscaping, $27.42; and Pools, $8.02, for a total of $188.70 per month per unit. Then $79.30 of your $268 in monthly dues is supposed to go to reserves. But it is not because so many of other expenses listed above actually are over budget and in many cases you are paying more per month than what is listed above. To a lesser degree, some money isn't going into reserves because of some past-due accounts but bad-debt expenses listed above helps take care of some of this. The biggest reason for the non-funding of reserves is spending above what was budgeted. Miss Penny Lane says: She last balanced her own check book in 2001.

Phonebooks at the front doors

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Hi Miss Penney, Please spread the word that the phone company has put phone books in front of the doors. There will stay out for months in the front of owners that use Palermo as vacation second homes. Be a good neighbor and take in your neighbors so people don't know it is vacant." Miss Penny Lane says: She tripped over the book when leaving her house and landed right in a lantana.

Go vote today

It's Election Day. For citizens of Palermo Palm Springs, you go to vote at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center at 480 W. Tramview Road, according to the elections office. To get there, go up Indian Canyon Drive and take a left. Miss Penny Lane says: She likes to exercise her right to vote and does it just as much as she gets on a treadmill.

Wasp inspection

The Palermo HOA newsletter says there will be inspection of the common areas and back yards for wasps nests today. Miss Penny Lane says: She loves learning the Palermo buzz.

Julian Market still closed

An update that Julian Market still closed. Word is that the county closed it for a problem with the building. Does anyone know more? Miss Penny Lane says: She can relate as sometimes she, too, has structural problems.

An extra hour at Palermo - how wonderful

Did you remember to turn back your clocks? Miss Penny Lane says: She loves it when she gets an extra hour at Palermo.

New pool keys?

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Penny, I missed getting new pool key today in the clubhouse. Does anyone know how to get a new one now - go to DRM?" Miss Penny Lane says: She may end up in the spa tonight after a long day of cleaning.

Trees outside the Palermo models are trimmed, some are removed

After complaints here, the trees near the models that hadn't been trimmed and had branches touching the top of cars when they went down the road have been trimmed. It looks like some of trees also have been taken out. It is unknown if the city approved this, as Palermo's landscape plan is still under the city's planning department control in terms of multiple removal of plants without replacements, as it goes against the city-approved landscaping plan. Above, the before and after. Miss Penny Lane says: She didn't mind the long branches because they scrapped the dirt off her car.

High-end Enterprise Cos. condo project in Chicago facing foreclosure

The Chicago Journal publication reports that another Ron Shipka/Enterprise Cos. — the developer that built Palermo — is facing foreclosure. The article says: "Bank of America may soon foreclose on Museum Park West, a 298-unit condo building in which the developer Central Station Development Corp. has sold just 65, or 22 percent, of the units since the building opened in early 2010. According to Crain’s Chicago Business, Central Station Development Corp. owes Bank of America $125 million, making it the most costly Chicago foreclosure case since the housing bubble burst in 2007. According to Crain’s, the developers testified at a civil trial last month that the building would likely enter foreclosure. Multiple calls to Central Station Development Corp. were not returned. The corporation is a joint venture between Fogelson Properties, headed by Gerald Fogelson; Enterprise Companies, headed by Ronald Shipka Sr.; and Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises. Spearheaded by Fogelson, Central Station Development Corp. has been active in South Loop condo construction since 1989. But the developers kept building after the housing bubble burst — the Museum Park West project was rolled out in October 2007, after the foreclosure crisis was well under way. If Museum Park West does enter foreclosure, Bank of America or the new property owner could follow the recent trend of converting vacant South Loop condos into rental units. “I think it will turn rental very soon,” said Bob O’Neill, executive director of Grant Park Conservancy, who has monitored how the real estate boom impacted the lakefront. Central Station Development Corp. also took out loans from Bank of America on 1600 Museum Park, the 275-unit condo building at 1629 S. Prairie Ave. and the 288-unit condo high-rise, 1901 Museum Park South, at 1901 S. State St." Miss Penny Lane says: Thanks for the information.

Water woes in the undeveloped Phase 2?

Positively Palermo received this picture and e-mail: "Penny, What is going with the Back 40, the undeveloped part of Palermo. All sorts of water problems lately with water running and even a lake being created." Miss Penny Lane says: She likes to watch the birds take advantage of Lake Palermo.

Happy Halloween, Palermo Palm Springs

This Halloween, about a half dozen residents have gotten into the spirit of the holiday by putting up lights or other decorations or setting pumpkins out. Next up will be the light displays at Christmas for all to enjoy. Palermo is a special place. Miss Penny Lane says: She has no candy to hand out to trick-or-treaters because she ate it all in a late-night craving.

Military jets on the increase over Palm Springs

The Desert Sun on Sunday had a long article on the increase in military jets using the PSP airport. The article says: "If it seems as if the roar of military jets landing at or taking off from Palm Springs International Airport is heard more often these days, that's because it is. Airport statistics show that through September there were 1,555 military aircraft operations — takeoffs or landings — at the airport, compared to 1,397 operations in all of last year. The total through the first nine months of this year exceeds the full-year total of military operations for each of at least the past five years. And while airport and city officials have taken steps to urge military flyers to be “good neighbors” and limit their noise in any ways they can, no one is asking the military if it can limit its local landings." The whole story is at mydesert.com. Miss Penny Lane says: She once dated a Navy fly boy but one day he just flew away.

Gym's power problem fixed

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Hi Penney, Thank you. It looks like the gym electrical problem has been solved." Miss Penny Lane says: Now she has no excuse not to get ship-shape.

Julian Market closed, for now

Julian Market near Palermo has been shut, at least temporarily. A sign on the building says the county environmental services department closed the market and the adjoining car repair garage because the building isn't safe. Miss Penny Lane says: Oh, well.

Water Pressure Problems?

Positively Palermo received an email that someone is experiencing water pressure problems tonight and spitting faucets. Does anyone else have this problem? Missy Penny Lane says: the water needs to stay on tonight because it's the night to wash her hair.

Palermo-ites, please help the animals

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Hi Penny! Hope you are well.....I have a few requests I hope you'll be able to share on the blog. Although it is still warm Orphan Pet Oasis is launching their 2011 Operation Blankets of Love drive...it WILL get cold and they need blankets of all kinds for the shelter, so was hoping to gather some from our generous community. If they want to drop them at my place - I'll deliver all at once. The 2011 Super Pet Adoption Fair will take place Nov. 20 & 21 at Whitewater Park in Rancho Mirage - a great park to take pets - 10am - 4pm. Just in case there is more room in your heart and townhouse for LOVE!!!! This is an all-valley pet adoption partnership, so lots of furry creatures will be there! Thanks as always Penny! Tiffani, 3435 Sunburst." Miss Penny Lane says: Great ideas!

DRM MIA on gym electrical problem?

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Miss Penney, For those of us who use the workout facility, it is no secret that we have an electrical problem that has escalated into a fire hazard. For some months the electrical outlets surrounding the cardio equipment have been broken. In addition, the electrical plugs on the cardio equipment are missing the ground prong as they have broken off and can be found in the electrical outlets on the floor causing the outlets to trip the circuits. This has caused the fuses on the equipment to blow which renders the equipment unusable. People have tried to circumvent the fuses with aluminum foil which is an extreme fire hazard and it doesn't work! I, and other residents, have written Brandi about this (months ago), but nothing has been done. Now with virtually all of the electrical recepticles broken, it is not just an inconvenience, but a fire hazard. Can you help us get the word out in hopes that someone will finally address the issue? And, as always, thanks for all you do for Palermo." Miss Penny Lane says: Her only work out these days is raising her Cosmos glass.

More on the College of the Desert

Here's the story from the paper about the College of the Desert's West valley campus:

The toilets will be waterless. The windows will have weather sensors that tell students when to open them.


And solar panels on the buildings and parking structures will produce a surplus of power that College of the Desert's new West Valley campus in Palm Springs will be able sell to support its academic programs.


The master plan for the 119-acre project unveiled for the COD Board of Trustees on Friday calls for the campus to be “net-zero plus” meaning better than net-zero electric and water use, campus waste and greenhouse gas emissions. While many community colleges in California have launched green and solar programs, COD's Edwin Deas, vice president for Business, said the West Valley campus could be the “first example of an integrated (sustainable) campus being built from scratch.”


The plan, presented by Lance O'Donnell of o2 Architecture in Palm Springs and James Matson of Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. of Santa Monica, will eventually put a greenbelt of academic buildings, green business incubators, residential and small retail spaces on the site, all grouped around a central path or arroyo. “We see deeply shaded courtyards. We see indoor-outdoor teaching opportunities,” O'Donnell said. “You'll see solar on roofs. The modular cooling plant won't be sequestered away; it will be a teaching opportunity. We're not just looking at technology we have today; we're looking at technologies that are incubated here on site.”


The first phase of construction, to be completed by fall of 2014, will include classrooms for culinary arts and green technology programs, as well as a small library, fitness center and bookstore. The $40 million price tag for the first buildings will be funded from COD's $346.5 million construction bond money, Deas said.Construction of the first phase could create about 200-250 jobs, O'Donnell said, and when completed should provide class space for about 200-250 students. But, Deas said, complete build-out of the campus will depend on public-private partnerships and could take decades.


The master plan calls for five phases of construction, with buildings totaling 650,000 square feet and more than 2,600 parking spaces. Later phases will add more classrooms expanding hospitality and green tech programs and adding health sciences and media and arts programs, student housing and even, in the fourth phase, a boutique hotel.


Besides providing jobs for students in culinary and hospitality classes, the hotel “could be a cool hub for academic activity you don't see at community colleges,” O'Donnell said. “You could have a world symposium on solar and wind.”


Michael O'Neill, the trustee for Palm Springs, called the plan “extremely creative.”


“It's going to be an incredible boost to the local economy,” he said. “It will be attractive for people to move into Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs. You can see families moving in with children.”


Palm Springs acquired the site at the intersection of Indian Canyon Drive and Tramview Road from the the Bureau of Land Management for COD and signed it over to the college earlier this year.


The west side of the site is being developed by Southern California Edison as a 10 megawatt solar farm, which will also provide revenue for the campus. Still, O'Donnell said, getting to net-zero and beyond will be a challenge.


“We said let's allocate the portion of the budget that will make sure we're zero,” he said. “Then with good design and beating the bushes, getting manufacturers to use the campus as a test site, we can add the bells and whistles.”


Wind: The West Valley campus location — at the wind-swept north end of Palm Springs — was one of the biggest challenges facing the design team. To cut down on wind-blown sand, the north side of campus will have a series of built-in windbreaks, including man-made dunes topped with desert plants.


The parking structures and buildings on the north side of the site will be set perpendicular to the wind and will be use perforated, diaphanous materials, O'Donnell l said, so as not to create wind tunnels or eddies.


Electricity: The first phase of campus construction will include a 3.5 megawatt solar field that should pump out enough electricity to run the campus as well as surplus power to sell. As more buildings are completed, the field itself be cut back and panels moved to roof and parking structures.


And as solar technology improves over time, newer, more efficient panels can be installed, O'Donnell said. Charging stations for electric vehicles might also be solar-powered, he said. Dry waste from the waterless toilets, similar to the ones used on commercial air liners, could also eventually been used for a waste-to-power biomass system, he said.


Water: The goal is to keep water use on campus between 1 million and 1.2 million gallons a year — which is the same amount many golf courses in the valley use daily, O'Donnell said. Capturing onsite storm water and other waste water will cut water use, along with the waterless toilets and a high-tech cooling tower for recycling water from the air conditioning and heating systems.


Buildings: Buildings will be designed to minimize the need for electricity and greenhouse gas emissions. “Not having a pile of wood is the first order of business,” O'Donnell said.


Miss Penny Lane says: When can she sign up for class?

College of the Desert reveals plans for campus near Palermo Palm Springs

College of the Desert has revealed more detailed plans for its West Valley campus and business center to be built on Indian Canyon Drive, about a block from Palermo Palm Springs. "The first phase of construction, to be completed by fall of 2014, will include classrooms for culinary arts and green technology programs, as well as a small library, fitness center and bookstore. Later phases will add more classrooms expanding hospitality and green tech programs and adding health sciences and media and arts programs, student housing and even, in the fourth phase, a boutique hotel,"says a report. We will post a longer story later this weekend. Here are the basics of the build-out plan.

Phase 1: 50,000 square feet, 159 parking spaces by 2014

Phase 2: 100,000 square feet, 557 parking spaces

Phase 3: 110,000 square feet, 680 parking spaces

Phase 4: 120,000 square feet, 1,029 parking spaces

Phase 5: 70,000 square feet, 1,059 parking spaces

Additional construction, including housing: 200,000 square feet, 531 parking spaces

Full build-out: 650,000 square feet, 2,619 parking spaces.

Miss Penny Lane says: She's making an educated guess that Palermo will be the most desirable community in Palm Springs once the redevelopment boom takes off.

Will Palermo-ites go bananaz for new restaurant?

Positively Palermo has learned that perhaps the closest "fine dining" restaurant to Palermo - Dink's on Palm Canyon Drive — has closed for good and is reopening as a different restaurant. Its Web site says: "Dink's Restaurant and Ultra Lounge Reopens November 1st as Bananaz Tropical Grill and Bananaz After Dark with many of the Dink's staff returning to serve." Miss Penny Lane says: Her standard measure of any restaurant is its Cosmos. Please tell her if the ones at this new place measure up.

They are dying to see you on Sunburst

More pictures from scary Sunburst Blvd. Miss Penny Lane says: If you want to see frightening, knock on her door before she's had her morning coffee.

Who ghosts at Palermo Palm Springs?

Ghosts have turned up on Sunburst Blvd. at Palermo Palm Springs. Go take a look. Watch for more pictures later in the week. Miss Penny Lane says: They're creepy and they're kooky. When people come to see 'em, they really are a screa-um.

Concerns about the upkeep of Palermo's Phase 2 land

Positively Palermo receive this e-mail: "Penny, Thank you for what you do. Who is in charge of the undeveloped area? Residents have taken to cleaning it up, like sweeping up broken glass and removed abandoned items like brooms that end up there for some reason. The trees in front of the empty models badly need trimming and the branches hit my car's roof when I left.Why is the bank that owns this land ignoring the basic upkeep??? Can the Palermo HOA force them to do something about this??? Who is in charge because it is being neglect it seems and need some TLC???" Miss Penny Lane says: She does a swerve-y in the morning to avoid that tree. It help wakes up on her way to work.

Palmero rental rates steadily rising, and hit new highs

The rents for a two-bedroom, two-story Palermo town home have hit new highs. Two condos with spas are listed on the Internet at $1,450 a month. Here is the link. Advertised are an A model at 3661 Melody Lane and a D model at 3522 Melody Lane. Rates have been going up for the past two years. One concern of owners reported to Positively Palermo in the past was the rents were low in the past because the 34 unsold Enterprise Cos. rents all went on the market at the same time. That seems to have worked itself out of time. Miss Penny Lane says: She's hoping new her special friend might rent one of these gems.

Cheers for the painting of the fencing

The metal fencing around the pools and the gates to the back yards have been repainted. They had been rusting. Now they look new and terrific. Miss Penny Lane says: She could use a new coat of paint, too.

Problems with Time Warner phone service

Positively  Palermo received reports that Time Warner phone service was out today in all or parts of our community. Cable and Internet services weren't shut off. The problem apparently now has been fixed. Miss Penny Lane says: She enjoys phone-free days.

Take the trash cans in, please

Positively Palermo has received an e-mail from a resident concerned about people leaving out trash and recycling cans for long periods of time. A particular concern is about the bank- owned, former Enterprise Cos. rentals whose tenants are supposed to sign lease agreements that detail rules. The resident points out that a bank-owned rental on Enterprise Way has had the blue recycling bin out for a many days and before that left the brown trash can out for days. Bank-owned, former Enterprise Cos. rentals on Sunburst Blvd. and Sandy Point also have been problems. The rules say that cans may be put out 12 hours before pickup and must be taken in 12 hours after pickup. The resident wants to know why DRM and the HOA board is not enforcing this on the bank-owned rentals. Miss Penny Lane says: Thanks for your concern.

Second bidder for 34 unsold units and Phase 2 land drops out

Positively Palermo has learned that the second bidder for the 34 unsold developer condos and Phase 2 land has dropped out. The bank now owns the units and land after it foreclosed on Ron Shipka's Enterprise Cos. of Chicago. The Hoffman Group real estate brokers is selling the properties in an unified sale. The deadline to bid was May 20. The first bidder dropped out. Now a second has. (The 34 units are being rented out.) Miss Penny Lane says: The third could be the charm.

Posting problems

Blogspot is having a problem that has caused some comments to not appear. Some users have no problems. Please e-mail us if you can't post and have something you want to share. Miss Penny Lane says: On a beautiful day like today in Palm Springs, no one should be at their computers anyway.

More about getting rid of curbside trash service

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: I have been trying to place a post on the website but it will not let me. My comment was in regards to the latest board meeting as a recent 2011 home owner. I was pleased to see that our board appears to be a good group who are doing I believe, a very good job of representing all home owners. I attended the meeting over the phone, it appears
that we may see HOA fees go up around $20 per month. This will depend upon whether the decision to change trash pick up is adopted. By changing to dumpsters it looks like we can save around 25K per year, I for one do not mind walking my trash to a strategically placed dumpster. Thanks." Miss Penny Lane says: She loves Palermo's dumpsters because she often finds treasures that others have tossed out as junk. She's been dumpster diving for years now.

Note: We have received some e-mails saying people can't post comments for some reason, while others are able to post. None of the settings for this site has changed so we are trying to see if blogspot is having a system-wide problem. Please e-mail if you have trouble.

Changing the trash service?

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "I tried several times to add the following comment on the "what happened at the HOA meeting" post, but when I pressed submit it didn't do anything. Wondered if you might post it? ... There was a discussion about trash and recycling, in particular that Palermo could save $25,000 per year in pickup costs if we dropped pickup of individual bins and instead used dumpsters for trash and recycling. This would require additional dumpsters compared to what we have today. More investigation is to be done on this to determine where the additional dumpsters might be placed so they'd be out of sight but accessible to all, frequency of pickups that would be needed, etc. As for change in HOA dues, I don't think there is any decision yet. Don't recall other topics, but meeting ran smoothly and efficiently." Miss Penny Lane says: Her new year's resolution may be to take her recycling to the recycling center to make a little extra cash to buy a new hair curler.

Ready for Halloween?

It's October! Last Halloween, residents of Palermo Palm Springs got into the spirit of the holiday. When will the first decorations go up? Miss Penny Lane says: She bought a bag of bite-size candy bars for the trick-or-treaters but she already ate them all watching Anderson Cooper.