Missing chihuahua

Positively Palermo has an update that may concern about the chihuahua spotted in the community. A resident reports: "Hi Penney, I ran into a woman on a pink bike outside the fence who said she was looking for a black chihuahua and that the dog was 'stolen.' She lives a couple of block from here." Miss Penny Lane says: Thanks for the information.

AT&T service at Palermo

Positively Palermo received this e-mail question: "Dear Penny, Is it just our cellphones and iPad or the ATT service at Palermo sucks? When asked they say they are 'working on it'... Keep up the beautiful work that you do." Miss Penny Lane says: After indulging to much at the holidays, she's been work on it by strolling around Palermo.

Community party later this afternoon

Palermo Palm Springs will have a community Academy Awards party in the clubhouse later this afternoon. Miss Penny Lane says: Oscar parties in the evening, a day at the pools and spas, blue skies, cool neighbors, who can't love life at Palermo?

'A very emaciated chihuahua just ran into my house then scooted out'

Positively Palermo received this e-mail about a stray dog in the community: "Hello Miss Penny, An odd thing just happened. A very emaciated chihuahua just ran into my house then scooted out. I tried to find it in my yard but he/she must have taken off. I left some dog food and water outside my gate, but I can't seem to find this poor thing. I'm guessing it was someone's pet and left to fend for itself. If anyone sees it again, could they call animal control to get it to a shelter? I left some dog food and water outside my gate, but the poor thing looks like its on its last legs. Please let everyone know so they can keep an eye out? Hopefully it can be captured and put up for adoption. Thanks!" Miss Penny Lane says: Poor dear!

Big smiles at Palermo: Euclid Management to start in April

Positively Palermo has confirmed that the Palermo HOA board has hired Euclid Property Management to be the property manager beginning in April. We have received an outpouring of emails from owners both confirming this and congratulating the board for making this decision. The general feelings of some have been aired on opinion postings here on Positively Palermo over the past years so we will not dwell on the past, but instead look ahead. Miss Penny Lane says: Cheers to the new beginning.

A new dawn at Palermo — or another false alarm?

Positively Palermo has learned that Palermo may be getting a new management company, at least according to e-mails from residents we have been sent. We are reluctant to post this, because we have received such reports in past that the HOA board members told owners they were going to do this. And then nothing happened, as the HOA board apparently backed out even after telling residents that a change was to be forthcoming. Miss Penny Lane says: She hates good-byes no matter under what circumstances, because either crying out of sadness or happiness, it wrecks her mascara.

More on airplane noise in the city

Today's paper has a column on airplane noise. It says: "The number of jets landing at Palm Springs International Airport has increased from an average of one a day in 2000 to three a day in 2011. Some local residents tell us it must be more. Many of us love to see the aviators stay in our hotels and eat in our restaurants. It gives us a chance to say thank you for their service. Enduring a couple of minutes of noise seems like a small price to pay in support of military readiness. But those who live under the flight path say it is unbearable. It scares their pets and rattles their windows. What can be done? Federal law prevents Palm Springs from restricting access to the airport. But Gainer's committee has made suggestions worth considering. Signs requesting “good neighbor” flying policies have been erected on the apron where the jets come and go. The airport director has met with the aviation community asking it to encourage the pilots to respect that request. The airport website includes a message asking pilots to “avoid use of afterburners and employ judicious use of throttle settings.” In 1993, a multi-year noise mitigation study was conducted as part of the extension of the airport's main runway. It was completed in 2005. About $11 million in federal grants were used to purchase 11 parcels near the airport and to install noise insulation for 200 homes. It might be time to consider a new noise remediation study because of the louder twin-engine F-18s. The city should also analyze the economic impact of the jets. Gainer claims noisy jets chase away prospective home buyers and tourists. But we suspect many tourists, like many residents,love to see the jets come and go." Miss Penny Lane says: She was in the Home Depot parking lot and the noise nearly knocked off her wig.

Bank and upkeep questions

Positively Palermo has received another concern about the upkeep of the former Enterprise property now owned by MB Bank. Part of the green temporary fencing is in disrepair with portions of the canvas flapping in the wind. Vandals also have hit part of with tagging. A questioned raised is why the bank may be taking a hands-off approach to certain care that residents may want but still wants to exercise control by voting more than 100 votes in the previous HOA board election? Another question is whether there exists a point person at the bank in Chicago for residents to contact. Miss Penny Lane says: She away at the moment but wouldn't mind being fenced at Palermo.

More trash talk

Positively Palermo received an e-mail photo about a problem at one of the garbage bins including large items left by people moving out. Miss Penny Lane says: She's could use a a shelf, but can't retrieve it at the moment.

New homeowner needs some help

Positively Palermo received an e-mail from a soon-to-be-owner asking for help. The e-mail reads: "If all goes well, I will be closing escrow ... I found your informative blog online, and it’s been great to read through and acquaint myself with Palermo Palm Springs. Palermo sounds like such a great community, and your blog seems to be an important asset to the development. I wonder if you can help me with something. (My) backyard ... has a beautiful tree that supposedly was knocked over by the wind storm you recently went through. I have not had time to come over to Palm Springs (I live in San Diego) to investigate the tree status of the tree ... I have no one in Palm Springs that can confirm for me if the tree was snapped off by the wind, or just uprooted. I would hate to lose this beautiful tree, and I am hoping to find someone there at Palermo who could go over and take a look, and if it’s uprooted, possibly stake it up and get the roots back into the ground until I can get there to take care it permanently. I am certainly willing to pay someone to help me out. Do you know of anyone there at Palermo that I could contact re: this. I don’t suppose the HOA takes care of trees in the private backyards there. If they do, could you provide me with a person to contact. I may have seen a # on your blog, but I’m not sure." Perhaps someone can leave their email on this post. Or e-mail the blog if you can help. Miss Penny Lane says: Welcome.

Condo financing and FHA loans

Positively Palermo was sent e-mail and ask to spread the word about problems with FHA financing for condos. The article sent in states: "Buying a condominium is getting trickier for anyone who wants to put down only 3.5 percent and have the government insure their mortgage. The issue isn't just the borrower's financial wherewithal. It's the building's, and plenty of condos no longer get a thumbs-up from the Federal Housing Administration. Since Feb. 1, 2010, condo buyers haven't been able to secure unit-by-unit "spot" approval for FHA-backed mortgages if an entire building was not certified. Instead, the federal government set criteria to determine the financial viability of an entire building before deeming the project as FHA-approved, even if it had previously been certified. An approval lasts two years. The number of rejected buildings is adding up, due to bad paperwork and bad balance sheets as an increasing number of condo associations struggle with rentals, short sales and foreclosures. It is jeopardizing the plans of condo sellers who rely on the FHA's stamp of approval as a marketing tool and condo buyers who either want or need an FHA-approved building. The effects of those rejected buildings are likely to linger, particularly if more stringent down-payment requirements take effect for homebuyers, and could hamper any recovery of the housing market." Miss Penny Lane says: She might but a Lotto ticket today and once she wins will provide interest-free loans to anyone who wants a condo at the Palermo.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day, Palermo. Miss Penny Lane says: She's sweet on Palermo.

Green fence still needs help

Positively Palermo received this picture of the problems with the green fence on the bank-owned property, still waiting to be fixed. Miss Penny Lane says: She's banking on having a good day tomorrow for Valentine's.

Green fencing (again)

Positively Palermo received an e-mail again expressing concern that the green fencing around the undeveloped area of the community is blowing in the wind. Miss Penny Lane says: She has some hair bins that might help.

Palm Springs, Canada

The morning paper has this of interest for Palermo's Canadian residents: "A new trade, investment and tourism agreement will be signed today at the first Canada California Business Council Golf Tournament at Desert Dunes Golf Club. The agreement with Riverside County, state and city officials calls for the Canada California Business Council to assist with efforts to increase exports to Canada and promote the valley as a tourism destination and spot for Canadian business to thrive.Lee Fraser, a Warner Bros. executive and council president, characterized the signing as a stamp of endorsement for investing in the Coachella Valley.“We started the Canada California Business Council to try to help create investment opportunities between two countries,'' Fraser said. “This is a way to connect the dots.” Tom Freeman, foreign trade commissioner with the Riverside County Economic Development Agency, said Canadians long have had an affinity for living in and investing in the valley. Airline statistics indicate the Canadians are coming here in larger numbers. Canada-based WestJet, for example, carried 25,439 passengers in and out of Palm Springs International Airport in 2011. That's up from 22,054 in 2010. That represents roughly 15 percent of the airport's overall airport travel market. With the Canadian currency on par with the dollar, Fraser said Canadians recognize this as a prime time to invest in home and commercial real estate. It has been at par only two other times in recent history, he said." Miss Penny Lane says: She ran into some Canadians at the pool and could not understand a word they were sayings she plan to sign up for some classes.

Real estate advertising left at the front doors

Positively Palermo received an e-mail of concern about the advertising literature left at the front doors by a real estate company. The e-mail says: "Penny, Please tell everyone to snatch them up and throw them out before they blow away. This junk mail also is a sign that the unit might not have anyone in it, although some people just never use their front doors." Miss Penny Lane says: She was certain the papers left at her front stoop had to be a love letter just in time for Valentine's but her heart was broken was again.

Penny Lane tapped off

Positively Palermo received a photo and e-mail wondering why Penny Lane was taped off. Miss Penny Lane says: She tapes lots of things, like old movies on cable.

Vacant lot TLC

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "I read with interest the posting about the garage doors of the bank units not being fixed for so long and must give my opinion, or add to it. So who is taking care of all the trash in the bank's vacant lot? Plastic bags are all over the place and it's dirty there but does anyone take care for cleaning it regularly or not? Neglect!?!" Miss Penny Lane says: She also needs TLC, but who doesn't?

Garage doors

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Dear Miss Penney, I see that some dented up garage doors have been fixed lately or may be soon; it seems they are bank owned units. I like that this is happening but I told DRM about some of these doors a year ago. I am concerned about the care and repair of the bank properties and if they are being watched over correctly or being neglected? We need faster action by the owner. I read that a new buyer is here, so is this new work just because of that, as the past year has shown neglect to me." Miss Penny Lane says: As she's said before, she has a few dents of her own.

Snowbirds don't you fly away

Positively Palermo has received reports of roadrunners making their home at Palermo Palm Springs. But they aren't the only winged wildlife here. Miss Penny Lane says: She's also seen quite a few snowbirds nesting at Palermo.

Car sticker found

Positively Palermo received an e-mail about a lost 2012 car registration sticker that was found at Palermo. Please post here if it is yours. Miss Penny Lane says: She's stuck on Palermo.

Enterprise still claims Palermo (online at least)

Positively Palermo received an e-mail pointing out that the Enterprise Cos. of Chicago — which built Palermo Palm Springs and had its loan called in — still touts Palermo units Web site. The site is http://www.theenterprisecompanies.com/home.asp Miss Penny Lane says: She can understand why no one would want to let go of our lovely Palermo.