August 28 Daily Briefing: Home sales report, grand marshal named, our pet of the week, and more

Welcome to Wednesday. We’re almost over the hump. Speaking of over — it seems as if many people are relieved that the statue saga involving the “Forever Marilyn” artwork on Museum Way is basically over after Monday’s announcement. Still, there remains one lingering question: How much will this cost taxpayers? A city spokesperson said Tuesday the city will pay $350,000 in legal fees for the plaintiff in the case, the Committee to Relocate Marilyn, now that the lawsuit over a City Council decision to allow the statue on the roadway in the first place has been settled. For those of you asking, that’s about $22,000 for each foot that the statue will eventually be moved. The cost of the move will be covered by the statue’s owner, PS Resorts.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Why Can’t You Behave?” by Jane Monheit

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs housing market cools as prices, sales decline

The Palm Springs housing market experienced a cooling trend last month, with declining prices and slower sales. The shift is part of a broader slowdown throughout the Coachella Valley.

Driving the news: According to the July 2024 Desert Housing Report, the median price of detached homes in Palm Springs dropped 10% compared to last July, reaching $1,157,731.

• Attached homes saw a 5.4% decrease, with the median price now at $430,456.

By the numbers: Sales volume in Palm Springs has declined, with an average of 120 units sold per month, down from 145 units in the same period last year.

• Total dollar sales have fallen by about 20% year-over-year.

Bigger picture: The inventory of homes in Palm Springs has increased to 548 units, up from 421 units last year.

• This rise in inventory has led to a “months of sales” ratio of 4.6 months, indicating a balanced market.

What’s happening: Homes in the city are taking longer to sell, with the median time on market increasing to 49 days from 42 days last year.

• Buyers are benefiting from larger discounts, with detached homes selling at an average discount of 3%, up from 2% the previous year.

Bottom line: The trends in Palm Springs mirror the broader Coachella Valley market, where the median price of detached homes has stagnated at $669,000, only $4,000 higher than last year.

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BRIEFLY

🎨 Palm Springs artist named Pride Parade grand marshal

Aaron Allen Marner, a Palm Springs-based visual artist, has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Palm Springs Pride Parade. Marner is known for his vibrant artwork exploring themes of social justice, mental health, and equality.

• The selection aligns with the 2024 Pride Week theme, “Be You,” which celebrates self-expression, inclusiveness, and love. Marner’s work often addresses issues such as racial inequality and HIV prevention.
  
  
• Ron deHarte, President and CEO of Greater Palm Springs Pride, praises Marner’s contributions to the community, calling him “a true artist and a powerful voice.”
  
  
• Details: The annual Pride celebration, scheduled for Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, promotes unity, diversity, and equality. As Grand Marshal, Marner will lead the parade, embodying the event’s spirit of pride and self-expression.

🚨 Arrest made after investigation into reports of multiple sexual assaults

A  27-year-old Palm Springs man has been arrested and charged on suspicion of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. The arrest follows an investigation into several incidents reported between March and August, where victims alleged non-consensual sexual encounters after socializing with him.

• Detectives apprehended Juan Segura on August 21st in Palm Springs. He is currently being held without bail at the John Benoit Detention Center.
  
  
• Charges against Segura include rape by force, rape of an intoxicated person, rape of an unconscious victim, and sodomy. The incidents reportedly occurred at local bars and hotels.
  
  
• Bottom line: The Palm Springs Police Department is seeking additional information from the public. Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact Detective Michael Delgado at 760-323-8145 or via this email.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Administrative Appeals Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
This city board usually meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month both virtually and in person. Contact the City Clerk’s office by email here for information about attending virtually. Tonight’s agenda can be found here.

Crimson Crow
7 p.m. | Agua Caliente Casino
This blues rock band has a repertoire of music from the ’60’s to the ’90’s and has ignited the music scene for the past six years. ($15-$35)

LOOKING AHEAD

• Friends of the Palm Springs Library Book Sale at the Palm Springs Public Library JC Frey Building on Saturday.
  
  
• PSUSD Diversity & Racial Equity Conference at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Sept. 7.
  
  
• Palm Springs Genealogical Society meets on Sept. 7 and monthly after then.
  
  
• Audition for the Modern Men Chorus on Sept. 9 and Sept. 14 at United Methodist Church of Palm Springs.
  
  
• Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs at Indian Canyons Golf Resort on Sept. 18.
  
  
• Healthy Desert, Healthy You summit on Sept. 20 and 21.
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefit for AAP – Food Samaritans on Oct. 13.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks first speaker appears in town on Oct. 22.

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AND FINALLY …

🐾 Each week, The Post partners with a local animal shelter to feature one or more of the many animal companions ready for a new home in our community. 

Today we invite you to meet Franco, a 2-year-old male Pit Bull mix available for adoption at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

• Staff at the shelter say he is a marshmallow when it comes to his love for people and, while no longer a puppy, he still kept some of the puppy mouthiness, so he would do better in home with no young children.
  
  
• “It seems he just can’t get enough snuggles and pets from our staff and volunteers.,” staff said.

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days except for Mondays (open for intake only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter at (760) 416-5718. Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here.

• Get a jump start on adoption by completing the form here.