Billy Reed's gets a different owner

One the closest restaurants to Palermo Palm Springs has new (old) owners. The paper: "Twenty-five years to the day after selling Billy Reed's restaurant in Palm Springs, the original owners are getting it back. Robbie Lemley and Billy Reed Garner sold the iconic eatery on April 1, 1987, to Lee and Marti Spencer of Westlake Village.The duo sold the business and the name, “Billy Reed's,” but they maintained ownership of the property. The lease on the property expires today, and the Spencers — who also own two other restaurants —The Smoke House in Burbank and The Warehouse in Marina Del Rey — decided not to renew. Lemley, Garner and new business partner David Scott now own the business again. Lemley and Garner opened the restaurant in 1975. After working 14 to 16 hours a day for 12 years, Garner said he was ready for a break. The Victorian-style restaurant — featuring a coffee shop, dining room, bar, lounge and ballroom/entertainment area — is filled with antiques collected by Lemley and artwork created by Garner. The duo expanded the restaurant from its original 5,000 squarefeet to 12,500 squarefeet in 1983." Miss Penny Lane says: She loves going to Bille Reed's and pretending she's Miss Kitty in Gunsmoke.

Change is in the air: Last weekday of present management

In a day many thought would never happen for whatever reason, today is the last weekday in which Palermo residents may call Desert Resort Management. This weekend, Euclid Management becomes the property management. Miss Penny Lane says: She wishes everyone well because that's the kind of gal she is.

Positive buzz

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Penny, I want to say thank you to the HOA board for wasp nest removal. I was told there was a big sweep through the entire complex to try to get this problem taken care of in the spring rather than just wait and wait. THANK YOU!!!!" Miss Penny Lane says: She loves the positive buzz at Palermo these days.

Uncompleted developments in Palm Springs

Today's Desert Sun has a story on developers "picking up the pieces" of uncompleted housing developments. It is at www.mydesert.com. The story says: "Building permits peaked in Riverside County seven years ago, when 30,350 homes were approved. Two years ago, that number had dropped to just 4,027, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development." Miss Penny Lane says: She's also a work in progress.

Wasps removal on Tuesday

Positively Palermo received a forwarded copy of an update to owners. We will share some of this news over the new days. This is the first one. Palermo on Tuesday will "have Taxi pest control coming out to remove wasps nests. They will be trying to inspect the back yards." Miss Penny Lane says: There's such a great buzz at Palermo thee days.

Bono Mack gets military to reduce fighter jet noise over Palm Springs

This is from the paper: "The roar of military jets into and out of Palm Springs International Airport should become less frequent within two weeks, as the Department of Defense reduces use of the airport in its military training starting next month. The announcement came Friday from Rep. Mary Bono Mack's office, after the Palm Springs Republican met with senior defense officials on Thursday. Starting April 2, the 3rd Marine Air Wing will “indefinitely” suspend training activity out of Palm Springs International. Officials made the decision as they ensure the jets are “not potentially contributing to noise problems” in the area, according to the briefing given to Bono Mack's office. “In their opinion, this decision will not impact military readiness,” Bono Mack spokesman Ken Johnson said. The 3rd Marine Air Wing is the major West Coast aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps. It is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar near San Diego." Miss Penny Lane says: Now when she's at Home Depot her earrings will no longer pop out of her ears without the fighters passing over.

Crews are still still working at Indian Canyon and San Rafael

Positively Palermo received this photo with note saying the crews are working improvements to street lights and traffic lights at Indian Canyon and San Rafael. Miss Penny Lane says: She loves seeing the snow-topped mountains when it's in the 80s down below.

Work at Indian Canyon and San Rafael

Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "Hi Penny, Does anyone know what is going on with all the work at Indian Canyon and San Rafael? They have been working on it for days." Miss Penny Lane says: She has a lot of work to be done, too, but no crews are showing up to help her get it done.

Penny Lane trees getting a hair cut

It looks like the trees in the median on Penny Lane weren't cut back when all the other trees were. Signs on the mailboxes indicate that the tree trimmers will be here early tomorrow (Tuesday) to finish the job. Miss Penny Lane says: She could use a trim as well. You should see her bangs.

Chilly night at Palermo

The Palm Springs Tram is back open after strong winds shut it down. Two feet of snow at the mountaintop. Here is a picture of what was brewing with the mountains hidden from view. Miss Penny Lane says: She's in for the night with her polka dot Snuggie.

A stormy St. Patrick's Day at Palermo Palm Springs

Palermo Palm Springs is really into St. Patrick's Day with Irish weather to boot. Miss Penny Lane says: Does anyone know a recipe for a green Cosmo?

Palermo cares: Help Save-A Pet

Positively Palermo received this email from resident Tiff: "Wondering if you could post this - our Palermo community is very generous when it comes to our four-legged friends - Save-A-Pet in DHS is an animal rescue no-kill sanctuary that relies 100% on donations. They do not receive any funds from the county, state, etc ... so they are especially vulnerable to the economy and time of year. They are in needs of the following - or what they term their "wish list":
Pinesol
Bleach
Laundry Soap
Hand Soap
Cat Litter
Dog Toys
Febreze
Dish Soap
Air Freshener
Paper Towels
Large 33/39 gallon Trash bags
If anyone has a supply of these that they can donate or if you are at the store and can afford to pick up a few of these items, I am more than happy to drop off to the shelter ... you can leave on my doorstep - much appreciated. They can also visit www.saveapetonline.org." Miss Penny Lane says: She soon will be loading up on supplies for spring cleaning and will pitching a few more for pooches.

Palm Desert wants short-term rentals to pay up

The newspaper has a story on short-term rentals in Palm Desert. It says: "The Palm Desert City Council preliminarily approved tough new penalties Thursday on vacation rental owners who don't register their homes with the city and pay transient occupancy tax to the city. A consultant hired by Palm Desert has, so far, found more than 60 unregistered vacation rental homes within its limits, which under the ordinance could be fined up to $1,000 the first time they're caught and up to $5,000 for the fourth within 12 months. Penalties for violating other parts of the ordinance range from $250 to $2,500." Miss Penny Lane says: She's ready for wonderful week at Palermo even though the time change has made her sleepy.

Spring ahead, Palermo

Did you remember to turn your clocks up one hour? Miss Penny Lane says: She hates daylight savings time because it means one less hour in the day at Palermo.

Two-bedroom B model on Penny Lane listed for $199,900

Here is another listing of a condo at Palermo Palm Springs. It is a two-bedroom, two-story B model at 3544 Penny Lane for $199,900. The listing: "Fabulous Modern condo with outstanding mountain views. Decorator perfect! Polished concrete floors, Granite Countertops, Stainless Steele appliances, upgraded carpeting and decorator touches like lighting through the mirrors in the bathroom. Charming patio with fountain and desert plants. Single car attached garage with additional parking right outside the front door. Water softener, decorator window treatments and ceiling fans. If you are looking for recent construction and modern design, this Chris Mills designed townhome is the one. Top of the line amenities include Association Pools, clubhouse, rec room and fitness center. Gated community!" Here is the link. Miss Penny Lane says: B is for beautiful.

2-bedroom, single-level G unit listed at $279K

Are prices going up up up? Or is it just wishful thinking? Here's a new listing for a two-bedroom, single-level unit on Sunburst: "RARE CORNER UNIT, floor plan G. Only 6 units of this type were ever developed. This floor plan G is a 2 bedroom 2 bath and office one level villa, with your OWN PRIVATE SALT WATER POOL. This unit is 1 of 8 that has its own private pool. Modern architecture located inside the gated community of Palermo. Built in 2007 and totally gutted, and remodeled in 2011 including brand new porcelain tile flooring, new kitchen, bathrooms, and appliances. Home owner spent $100,000 in renovations including a $40,000 salt water pool with white pebble tec. Unit features: block gated wall, private pool, 14 feet ceilings, brand new kitchen with zebra wood high gloss cabinets, glass mosaic tile bathrooms, frameless glass walk in shower, double sided gas fireplace, white corian countertops, oversized kitchen sink, brand new kitchen appliance package including Kitchen Aid Architect Series gas range, 2 community pools, gym and clubhouse, low HOA fees, and only 3 minutes from downtown Palm Springs."  This is the link. Miss Penny Lane says: G is for gorgeous.

Bank's 34 condos and undeveloped land, upkeep and local representatives

Questions are being raised about the management of the 34 former "Enterprise" condos now being rented out by MB Bank and the maintenance of the undeveloped property also owned by MB Bank. One recent move-out by bank renters filled the trash dumpster and surrounding area with furniture and had other associated problems that were not corrected. Also on top of all this, as we understand it, the bank used its substantial votes in the January HOA elections, while conversely others in the past have claimed Palermo should not expect any attention from the bank as absentee owners. Miss Penny Lane says: She'd like to plant wild flowers on the undeveloped property and make everyone smile.

Strong winds expected in Palm Springs today

A report from today's paper: "Strong west winds are expected to tear across the mountains of Riverside County and the Coachella Valley today. A low-pressure system from the Northwest will bring strong gusty winds through the region starting this morning and ending early Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS issued a high wind warning effective from 6 this morning to 3 a.m. Wednesday for the local mountains and Coachella Valley. Expected during that time are 20 to 30 mph winds, with widespread gusts of up to 65 mph and isolated gusts up to 80 mph. Winds will be strongest near ridge tops, along desert mountain slopes and adjacent desert foothills, according to an advisory from the weather service. The windy weather could make driving more difficult. NWS forecasters said blowing dust and sand could reduce visibility to near zero at times." Miss Penny Lanes says: Time to wash her hair and get a natural blow dry.

HOA board meeting tonight

The Palermo Palm Springs HOA board has a meeting tonight at 6 p.m. in the clubhouse. We wonder if the new management team will be there to meet people and introduce themselves. Miss Penny Lane says: She loves meet-and-greets, especially if there are cookies involved.

No more blues for Sunburst

Positively Palermo received a somewhat positive e-mail: "Miss Penny. Thank you for your service. I can report or to you and the communnity at large that after about 2 weeks the blue recycle container left outside the unit by the bank's renters who moved out 2 weeks ago on Sunburst has been taken in and put inside." Miss Penny Lane says: She could use another blue recycling can because, with her new walking routine, she has plenty of plastic bottles to fill it.

What's going on at Phase 2?

Positively Palermo received a question about activity at the vacant model units in Phase 2 and the return of a white SUV similar to the one used by the Enterprise Cos., Palermo's former developer. It asks: "What's this mean? I thought Enterprise is gone." Miss Penny Lane says: The beautiful wildflowers on the vacant land distract her from noticing gas-guzzler.