Rain could bring 2 to 4 inches by mid-week

The newspaper is reporting that we should get ready for lots of rain. The article says: “The Coachella Valley could see near-constant rain for at least the next five days. If Palm Springs sees the 2 to 4 inches of rain forecast through mid-week, it could move from an unusually dry year to an above-average rainfall total. So far this year, Palm Springs has recorded 0.54  inch of rain, or one-third of the normal rainfall for the rain year, which starts July 1. It's going to rain much of the time until Thursday ... The series of storms could result in mountain runoff and flooding." L.A. could get 10 inches total, but the mountains may protect the valley from getting that amount. Penny Lane says: She's breaking out her umbrella because no rain is going to stop her from hitting the stores. She has a long list of good boys — and few bad ones too — to get gifts for this Christmas.

Lit up at Palermo Palm Springs

More holiday lights are sparkling around Palermo Palm Springs. Here some new scenes from Sandy Point Trail, The Quiet Side and Melody Lane at Breeze Loop. Miss Penny Lane says: Her eyes light up at the festive spirit of her jolly crew of neighbors at Palermo.

Update: Work set for this weekend at Indian Canyon & the 10 pushed back because of rainy forecast

Here's an update about the construction work at Indian Canyon Drive and the 10 that was scheduled for this weekend. It's being put off until Monday and Tuesday because of possible rain. The newspaper is reporting: “Construction work that will close a portion of Interstate 10 has been rescheduled for Monday and Tuesday ... Westbound drivers will be forced off at the Indian Canyon Drive ramp from  9 p.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Tuesday. The drivers will then head back down the on-ramp and onto the freeway, a simple detour that could cause delays. Eastbound drivers will be taken along the same detour from 9 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday. Rain forecast for the weekend, when the construction was originally scheduled, forced the contractor to delay the work ... The $16.5 million project at Indian Canyon Drive will replace the existing interchange with a new six-lane bridge that includes bike lanes, among other improvements. This weekend, contractors will install girders across the freeway to support the new bridge. Contractors do not plan to close the bridge again until the middle of 2011, when they will demolish the old bridge.” Miss Penny Lane: The forecasted rain also is forcing her to put off her plan to spend the weekend before Christmas at one of Palermo's pools.

Floating the question: Why are the temperatures of our swimming pools so uneven?

The gas bill for Palermo Palm Springs has gone up. Why? One concern regarding this is how the temperatures of the two community swimming pools and two community spas are being managed. Residents have been discussing this elsewhere on Positively Palermo. (See the 12/12 posting titled, "No, this isn't the snow-covered Midwest.") Now this site now has been asked to bring the topic front and center with its own posting right here. One point made so far was that the heater to the main pool and spa isn't secure from tampering. The heater to the smaller back swimming pool and spa once had a lock on it, but the lock has been taken off at times. Here is one posting from a concerned homeowner: "NOBODY should be able to have access to turning the temperature up or down! But that is what our friends witnessed while spending a week at Palermo. They saw some guy turning the temperature down and then the pool was freezing. Of course the constant up and down is going to cost money! Aren't the controls under lock and key so only DRM representatives control the temp accordingly? Ridiculous!" Miss Penny Lane says: Palermo's pools are jewels and this management problem tarnishes them. Palermo residents could get an early Christmas gift with quick action to solve it.

12/18 UPDATE: Thanks for the photo showing the gate to the little pool's equipment has a lock on it, but strangely it is unlocked.

'Cupcake elves' pay a visit to spread holiday cheer to a little boy. 12/24 UPDATE: The elves come again

Cupcakes from the first visit

Positively Palermo was asked to post this message, titled "Elves visit Palermo." Here it is: "It was a cool night and the winds were acting up.  A little boy was sitting at the dining room table when there was a knock at the door and the doorbell rang.  In the blink of an eye, the little boy ran to the door but to his surprise, there was no one there. He looked down and yelled, 'It is a package,' and then he read the note 'To Gavin, you rock,' Signed Santa and the elves. The little boy yelled with extreme excitement, 'It’s for me and it is from the elves. After eating one of the cupcakes (red velvet cake), he said. 'These cupcakes are so good dad and I never tasted anything like it, it must be a magic flavor that only the elves can make.'  Naturally I agreed.  He thought that was one of the most special things that could happen to him. Cheers to the innocence of a little boy and to the neighbor that does a little extra!!!!!!" Miss Penny Lane says: Yes, there are holiday elves to make glad the heart. Sometimes, she catches a fleeting glimpse of them as they dance on the lawn and dart back and forth leaving a trail of cheer.

And the elves come a second time

12/24 UPDATE: A resident writes: "I am sending pictures of a little boy who got a second visit from the Elves. He was absolutely amazed and excited that the elves came once much less a second time." 

Update on the auction: It didn't happen

In case you missed it, Michael Heath of Village Property Management posted this comment regarding the scheduled group Dec. 13 auction of the "Enterprise" unsold 34 units. He wrote: "The auction has not happened. Awaiting word on next steps. Bank and developer still in negotiations. Bank has expressed to me that they are interested in the status quo - all units rented. If you are currently in a month-to-month rental agreement I will be contacting you shortly to discuss your options for a new lease term. Please email me with any questions at mheath@vpmrents.com." Miss Penny Lane says: Thank you for the update and let everyone hope that those Palermo residents with leases get their holiday wishes.

Warning: Indian Canyon Drive at the 10 freeway may be a mess this weekend

You may want to avoid North Indian Canyon Drive at the 10 this weekend, as work continues on the new interchange and bridge there. The newspaper is reporting: “A portion of Interstate 10 will be closed overnight this weekend for construction work on the new Indian Canyon Drive bridge. Westbound drivers will be forced off the Indian Canyon Drive ramp from 10 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday. The drivers will then head back down the on-ramp and onto the interstate. Eastbound drivers will be taken along the same detour from 10 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday. ‘We’ll take you straight off the off-ramp, take you straight back down the other side and you’re off,’ spokesman Dennis Green said. ‘These are the simplest detours you can have for full freeway closure.’ The closures are the latest scheduled as contractors work on a project to improve six I-10 interchanges. The $16.5 million project will replace the existing Indian Canyon Drive interchange with a new, six-lane bridge that includes bike lanes. Contractors do not plan to close the interstate there again until the middle of 2011 when they will demolish the old bridge.” Miss Penny Lane says: She likes to drive up Indian Canyon to the 10 to treat herself to a Dairy Queen there, but she'll need to find another way to satisfy her sweet tooth this weekend.

Will the 34 units once owned by the developer be auctioned as a group today?

Along with 34 units at Palermo, the developer's office at 3415 Enterprise Way was posted with a Notice of Trustee's Sale in Nov. 9.

As reported, the scheduled Nov. 30 group auction of the 34 unsold "developer" condos at Palermo Palm Springs was cancelled. For background, you can read the numerous past postings here about the lawsuits and loan default by the Enterprise Cos. of Chicago, the developer of Palermo. The company owes about $13 million on its Palermo loan. The 34 units once controlled by the developer are being rented out by Village Property Management and may be sold together in a "unified" auction. Many of the units have long-term rental leases so it appears unlikely that they would be on the for-sale market soon. Michael Heath of Village Property Management on Nov 30 reported: "Trustees Sale set for today at 1pm 11/30/10 for the sale of developer interest in Palermo was postponed until December 13th. This is to make time for a settlement conference the parties are organizing. I received notice of this postponement today from the lawyers." Miss Penny Lane says: Will there be an auction or some type of resolution today?

No, this isn't the snow-covered Midwest. It's Palermo Palm Springs

This isn't a scene from the Midwest or parts of Canada where many Palermo Palm Springs owners have their main residences, and where knee-deep amounts of snow have fallen or it's bitter cold. Right now, it's 6 degrees F in Minneapolis and minus 11 degrees F in Winnipeg. It's sunny and 78 degrees F at Palermo Palm Springs. But Palermo-ites can get a taste of a winter wonderland by taking a glimpse of the festive village set up inside one window on Sunburst Boulevard. At night, there are colorful lights twinkling outside. (Many thanks to the resident for sending in these pictures.) Miss Penny Lane says: She enjoys gazing at the wintery village as she walks to the pool in her swimsuit with a beach towel and sunscreen in hand.

Information if you didn't get your December HOA bill in the mail

Did you get your bill for your December homeowners association fees? Owners have contacted Positively Palermo saying they didn't receive theirs in the mail. Now a homeowner has forwarded this email sent out by management company. It in part reads: “If you are in need of your statement please contact Desert Resort Management at 760-346-1161 or via e-mail at bscott@drminternet.com and we will be more than happy to send you a new one. Due to the inconvenience of this situation it has been decided that late fees will not be assessed for the month of December. If you should have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Brandi Scott at Desert Resort Management. Thank you for your understanding.” Miss Penny Lane says: Thanks for the update.

Projecting holiday cheer at Palermo Palm Springs

More lit-up trees have gone up at Palermo Palm Springs. Outdoor lights are twinkling in the front yards of several more residences. On Sandy Point Trail alone, seven or eight doors of homes now have wreaths to welcome visitors. There's a visual feast for your eyes near Melody Lane and Sandy Point Trail. There, a slideshow of festive greetings is being projected on a second-story wall, with messages such as "Cheers, Palermo Peeps." Miss Penny Lane says: She couldn't have said it better.

If only it could be that easy ...

Another sign has gone up to remind Palermo residents and visitors to pick up after their dogs. This one gets the message out with a bit of humor. (See the picture to the left.) Miss Penny Lane says: Even she'd adopt a pooch who could be trained to do this trick.

Aerial Tramway's holiday lights visible from Palermo

Lit-up tree at Mountain Station

Palermo Palm Springs has terrific views of the mountains. Architect Chris Mills — yes, the same Chris Mills who is on the Palm Springs City Council — factored in the mountains when designing our community's buildings and streets. He tried to maximize these views whenever possible. Palermo residents can even watch the lights of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway cars go up and down the mountain at night. Now that the holiday season is here, you also can see the colored holidays lights atop the mountain from Palermo. To find out more about the tramway and journey to the mountaintop, use this link to the Tramway Web site. Miss Penny Lane says: There's no better way to soak in the holidays than having a Cosmo at the Peaks looking out the windows at the snow, and at her wonderful Palermo below.

Repainting is set to begin again

Model A residence with the repainted "Deep Russet" color and "Copper" trim 

You may have been following some of the resident comments here asking why the repainting of two faded colors of Palermo Palm Springs seems to have stopped. The priming and the repainting of the "Deep Russet" color has occurred on Melody Lane, Sandy Point Trail and Breeze Loop. But the "Copper" trim has yet to be completed on all those streets. Here's a copy of the memo sent out by the community manager in early October: "Palermo Residents, Power washing will start again approximately Oct 20 on Breeze Loop staying about a week plus ahead of the following schedule. DWJ cleans the exterior windows right after they power wash. After the 'street scene' is painted we will need to schedule access to the rear yards. 
West Side of Melody Lane, 9.27.2010 thru 10.8.2010
East Side of Melody Lane, 10.11.2010 thru 10.21.2010
North Side of Sandy Point Trail, 10.22.2010 thru 11.2.2010
South Side of Sandy Point Trail, 11.3.2010 thru 11.15.2010
North Side of Breeze Loop, 11.16.2010 thru 11.24.2010
West Side of Penny Lane, 11.29.2010 thru 12.8.2010
East Side of Penny Lane, 12.9.2010 thru 12.20.2010
North Side of Enterprise Way, 12.21.2010 thru 12.30.2010
West Side of Sunburst Blvd., 1.3.2011 thru 1.12.2011
East Side of Sunburst Blvd, 1.13.2011 thru 1.21.2011
West Side of Quiet Side Street, 1.24.2011 thru 2.2.2011
South Side of Quiet Side Street, 2.3.2011 thru 2.10.2011
North Side of Foothill Avenue, 2.11.2011 thru 2.18.2011
Clubhouse, 2.21.2011 thru 2.25.2011."
The painters haven't exactly followed this schedule, and Penny Lane still hasn't been primed or repainted as scheduled. Now the community manager has emailed a new memo that — while not explaining the reasoning behind the switch in schedules — does inform residents on what's next. The memo states: "The buildings were power washed on Wednesday, December 1st and Thursday, December 2nd on Enterprise Way. Kanoski Painting is scheduled to continue to paint the exterior buildings no later than this Thursday, December 9, 2010." Miss Penny Lane says: Some of Palermo's beautiful residences will have a fresh coat just in time for the holidays.

Before hurrying on your way, sing the praises of the snowman on Melody. UPDATE: More decorations are up

Still more lit-up trees are shining through the windows at Palermo Palm Springs. The C models have balconies overing looking the street that are perfect for holiday decorating. Taking advantage of that fact, a big blow-up snowman has gone up on Melody Lane. They say a snowman is a happy jolly soul, so he's right at home at Palermo. Miss Penny Lane says: The hotties who put up the snowman must be anything but frosty.

12/6 HOLLY JOLLY UPDATE: You may have seen the comment by the Palermo-ite on Sunburst Blvd. about his new Christmas village display. If this resident would e-mail us pictures to post, it would be greatly appreciated. Some wonderful outdoor lights also have gone up at Melody Lane and Sandy Point Trail, joining some others that already are up there. As one person noted, this corner used to be a dead zone, but no more. Also, Sandy Point is leading the cause with 7 or 8 wreaths on the doors - one even has blinking light. Miss Penny Lane says: What a jolly crew, indeed!

Don't pooh-pooh their concern

Here's the latest scoop from Palermo Palm Springs: Someone put up this sign by a tree on the Quiet Side. Miss Penny Lane says: It's getting dark so early these days that a tiny flashlight tucked in your purse will help you locate your doggie's doodoos.

Festival of Lights tonight

Palermo Palm Springs could be on its way to becoming its own Festival of Lights, with all the twinkling decorations popping up in our community. There's a forest of Christmas trees sprouting up in the window of one residence on Sandy Point Trail. (Please e-mail Palermo photos if you have them.) At 5:45 this evening, the 19th annual Festival of Lights Parade starts downtown. The newspaper says 80,000 people are expected. Miss Penny Lane says: She'll be one of them, dancing her way through town as she picks up holiday decorating tips.

Indian Canyon reopened after fatal crash. Palermo access had been complicated by roadblock

Sad news today. A motorist driving northbound on Indian Canyon Drive died near the 10 when a trailer of a commercial truck detached and hit her car this morning. Here's link to a KESQ Channel 3 report. One news report said: "The crash on North Indian Canyon Drive, south of Interstate 10, was reported at 7:06 a.m., Palm Springs police Officer Rhonda Long said. The big rig driver was unhurt, she said. Indian Canyon Drive was closed between Garnet Avenue and Tramview Road to accommodate the investigation, according to police." That's true, but in reality, police also put up road blocks and for hours closed off northbound Indian Canyon at San Rafael — which made access to Palermo's only entrance gate a bit more tricky. You had to drive around a few blocks to get on southbound Indian Canyon below Tramview Road to get to the entrance. (In an unrelated accident, semi-truck today crashed on the westbound 10 near Whitewater, killing the driver and forcing the closing of the entire highway. The westbound 10 is backed up for 13 miles right now.) Miss Penny Lane says: Be careful, my friends.

UPDATE: Auction delayed until Dec. 13, giving parties more time to work out deal

In case you missed this comment to this morning's posting on the public auction of 34 Palermo Palm Springs units, Michael Heath of Village Property Management reports: "Trustees Sale set for today at 1pm 11/30/10 for the sale of developer interest in Palermo was postponed until December 13th. This is to make time for a settlement conference the parties are organizing. I received notice of this postponement today from the lawyers." The renters of these units, and people who want to buy them, will have at least two more weeks of uncertainty. Miss Penny Lane says: Thank you for this important update.

Public auction of 34 Palermo condos once held by the developer is supposed to happen this afternoon

KESQ came to Palermo to report on the notices and renter rights

Today is the day of the scheduled public auction of the 34 condos at Palermo Palm Springs once owned by the developer, the Enterprise Cos. of Chicago. The auction has been set for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 30 in Corona. The "Notice of Unified Trustee's Sale" posted on the front doors of the 34 condos on Nov. 9 said the property would go to the highest bidder. KESQ Channel 3 earlier this month reported on the situation. Now the question is: Will the auction really happen today? Here's the background from Positively Palermo's Nov. 9 posting: "Palermo Palm Springs this evening has been papered with 'Notice of Unified Trustee's Sale' documents taped on the front doors or metal gates of 34 unsold residences. You can read earlier postings on this site for the history of MB Financial Bank in July issuing a 'Notice of Default' against PS Venture Indian Canyon / San Rafael LLC (aka the Enterprise Cos. of Chicago), as well as the filing of a lawsuit against Enterprise owner Ron Shipka Sr. over personal guarantees of loans for Palermo and the nearby Murano development. Two Enterprise executives resigned from the Palermo HOA in July after the bank filed a 'Notice of Default' back then. The executives, at that time, said their company expected to lose interest in the property within 30 days. The new 'Notice of Unified Trustee's Sale' posted on the doors today mentions $13,548,272.40 in outstanding debt. It also states that on Nov. 30, 2010 at 1:30 p.m., Fidelity National Default Services, as duly appointed Successor Trustee, will sell the property at public auction to the highest bidder for cash. The auction will be at 849 W. Sixth St. in Corona." But today we also must focus on the plight of the renters living in these 34 units. The units have been leased out since the spring of 2009. Some new renters apparently have even moved in some Enterprise units in the past weeks after some prior tenants left. KESQ Channel 3 noted that renters of foreclosed properties have rights. The TV station said: "If you're month to month, you have at least 90 days from the day the property is sold. If you have a long-term lease, the new owner must honor the agreement and allow you to stay until the lease is up. The new owner or Realtor may try to pressure you to get out, but ... know your rights. Tenants Together is a California non-profit looking out for renters' rights. You can call its hotline to get help. The nonprofit organization can even help you be proactive by looking up financial information about your landlord for free. The hotline toll-free number is 1-888-495-8020. Or check out its Web site." Miss Penny Lane says: Her thoughts are with our neighbors in these units and everyone looks forward to an update from the managers on what did or didn't happen today.

Holiday spirit of our neighbors lights up Palermo Palm Springs

Trees, of the holiday variety, are popping up all over Palermo Palm Springs. You can see them sprouting outside both sides of Melody Lane. A big white tree with a red base in a front window has shot up Sandy Point Trail. Residents are opening up their window blinds and curtains to show off their new Christmas trees. Just a few years ago, anyone walking around Palermo would be hard-pressed to see any holiday festiveness. You'd rarely even spy an random lit-up Christmas tree peaking out of the dark windows. But today Palermo has had an explosion of decorations, and it's not even December. Miss Penny Lane says: The twinkling lights brighten her heart, and are a reminder of the jolly crew of good spirits who are creating the new community that is Palermo Palm Springs.

More cities added to our weather offerings for Palermo Palm Springs snowbirds

It's forecast to be 67 F with sunny blue skies at Palermo Palm Springs. Positively Palermo has been asked to add some more cities to the weather forecasts on the left-hand column of this page. The temperatures for Winnipeg, Manitoba and London, England are now included— aren't we an international lot here at Palermo. Miss Penny Lane says: Cheerio, she's off to do some Black Friday shopping, you betcha.

Happy Thanksgiving to Palermo Palm Springs

It's time to gather with loved ones and perhaps make new friends. Here are some thoughts to ponder or share at the dinner table:

"The funny thing about Thanksgiving, or any huge meal, is that you spend 12 hours shopping for it and then chopping and cooking and braising and blanching. Then it takes 20 minutes to eat it and everybody sort of sits around in a food coma, and then it takes four hours to clean it up." - Ted Allen


"Thanksgiving is the day when you turn to another family member and say, 'How long has Mom been drinking like this?' My Mom, after six Bloody Marys looks at the turkey and goes, 'Here, kitty, kitty.'" - David Letterman


"Thanksgiving is an emotional time. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often." - Johnny Carson


"Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence." - Erma Bombeck


"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." - Oprah Winfrey

Miss Penny Lane says: She's thankful for the jolly crew of good spirits who are her neighbors at Palermo. She can never have enough of them. Enjoy the day and keep toasty.