Feb. 21 Daily Briefing: What data says about vacation rental changes, a proposal for more community gardens, and more

Happy Wednesday, everyone! This week, as our phones were lighting up with alerts about road closures at the washes that surround the city, we received a very timely email in our inbox. The Riverside County Transportation Commission wants you to “read, assess, and provide comments and input on the draft 2024 Traffic Relief Plan,” including plans for projects in the Coachella Valley. A vote on the plan is expected this spring, so now’s the time to weigh in! 

🎶 Setting the mood:  “What Now” by Brittany Howard

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LEADING OFF

Early data indicates success after city addressed vacation rental oversaturation

More than a year after city leaders implemented additional regulations to mitigate the oversaturation of vacation rentals in specific neighborhoods, evidence suggests the measures could achieve their intended effects. Despite recent claims of a housing price “free-fall” within the city, data portrays a different, less dramatic scenario.

Driving the news: The Palm Springs City Council’s November 2022 ordinance aimed to reel in the proliferation of short-term rentals in some neighborhoods by capping density at 20%. The measure was a direct response to community concerns, notably in neighborhoods such as Racquet Club Estates, where 40% of homes were permitted for short-term rentals.

What happened next: The ordinance has resulted in a noticeable cool-down in vacation rental permit applications, with a modest increase of 81 applications in the 10 months following the clearing of a backlog caused by a 2022 moratorium.

• The previous two years had seen permit applications increase by more than 600.

By the numbers: Despite fears of a housing crash, data shows a less severe picture. The median price of an average-sized home in Palm Springs dipped 2.7% year over year, less drastic than speculated drops. 

• Prices in the rest of the valley were down 1.8% year-over-year.

Dive deeper: Looking specifically at the 10 neighborhoods where permit caps are in place, prices dropped 14% year-over-year compared to 2022. 

Yes, but: That drop occurred after historic price increases in the previous years. From 2019 to 2020, prices in those neighborhoods increased by about 9%. From 2020 to 2021, prices increased 35%. And from 2021 to 2022, prices increased 33%.

What they’re saying: “Sellers who bought at the height of the market, when housing prices were going up 10%, 20% a year, are still trying to make a tidy profit,” said real estate agent David Carden. “And the market does not support that, it’s not sustainable.”

Dive deeper into the data with our complete story here.

BRIEFLY

🪴 Expansion of community gardens on the table

Members of the Palm Springs Sustainability Commission discussed expanding community gardens throughout the city at their regular meeting Tuesday evening.

• There’s currently one community garden maintained by the city, the Michele Mician Community Garden at the Demuth Community Center. Staff said 31 of the 32 plots are filled and they’re hoping to host a potluck sometime in the coming months, using the produce from the garden.
  
  
• One of the goals for the commission is to create more community gardens throughout the city, especially in the northern part of Palm Springs. On Tuesday, commissioners agreed to communicate with the Parks and Recreation Commission in hopes of moving the idea forward.
  
  
• Details: Learn more about the garden on the city’s website.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Practice your Mah Jong skills against others. There will be one game set provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own.

The Mod Squad Variety Show
5 p.m. | The Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of live music at the valley’s “Happiest happy hour!” This week features hosts Jeff Stewart, Francesca Amari, and Wayne Abravanel. ($10)

Airport Commission
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Airport Conference Room
According to the agenda, the airport commission will discuss updates to various projects, including the baggage claim expansion and concessions projects.

“Witchland”
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
“Witchland” combines elements of traditional theatrical storytelling with immersive haunted elements. The story is based on the author’s experiences growing up in Richland, Washington, deemed the most toxic place in the Western Hemisphere. ($25)

SAVE THE DATE

• Dann Foley Lifestyle Pop-Up Shop Opening on Saturday.
  
  
• Desert Pet Walk benefitting Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Saturday.
  
  
• Palm Springs International Jazz Festival on Saturday and Sunday.
  
  
• Mizell Center Third Wednesday Speaker Series on Feb. 28.
  
  
• An evening with PSIPC and Friends on Feb. 29.

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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 Tiburon, an eight-month-old female cat available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers said Tiburon was returned to the shelter because she was a little too active at night.

If you’re interested: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (also where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here.

• All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat. 

But wait: Don’t want to adopt but still enjoy cats? You can book a time to hang out in the cat lounge by clicking here.