Jan. 16 Daily Briefing: Monthly housing report, winners from the film fest, special hockey events, and more

Welcome to Tuesday, everyone, where we’re here to remind you that yesterday’s holiday is not one that causes trash service to be delayed a day. How do we know that? Easy — we have the Palm Springs Disposal Service holiday pick-up schedule bookmarked. You can do that as well. Just go here. Now, go get those cans to the curb!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Houdini” by Dua Lipa

LEADING OFF

December housing report proves hopeful for 2024

A housing report covering the final month of 2023 reveals some trends that could continue into the new year.

Driving the news: The December housing report noted that the median price for a home in the valley is $659,000, up 2.8% compared to the month before and 3% year over year. Palm Springs saw the biggest increase in price year over year, with December’s median price for a detached home at $1.2 million, up almost 8% from the same time last year. 

By the numbers: Sales in the valley have stabilized after months of gradual decline. Sales are now running 31.4% below normal. The report said this is due to the lack of supply at affordable price points.

What they’re saying: “[W]e continue to think that sales will only recover if mortgage rates come down to 5.5% from their current high level,” the report said. “Recent interest rate changes give us hope that this might have started.”

Dive deeper: Even though inventory decreased by 167 units compared to the month before, the report notes that a one-month year-end decline in inventory is common. Inventory remains near the highest levels of the last four years.

Yes, but: On Jan. 1, inventory stood at 2,093, which is still about 1,000 units less than what’s considered normal.

What to watch for: Mortgage rates declined slightly at the end of the year, which could be bringing buyers back into the housing market.

IN OTHER NEWS

🚶🏽 Marches were held yesterday in Palm Springs and elsewhere in the valley to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Check out images from the Palm Springs event, where former Senator Barbara Boxer supported the Section 14 group.

🎭 The Palm Springs Cultural Center is breathing new life into the Camelot Theatre building. Janice Kleinschmidt tells Palm Springs Life readers all about it in this story.

🏆 The results are in for this year’s juried and audience award winners for the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Did your fav make the list?

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FEATURED EVENTS

Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters Coffee Meet-Up
8 a.m. | Koffi Central
Join the Sunshine Sisters for coffee and conversation at the Koffi on East Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Roy Weaver book event
12 p.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Join the author for a conversation about his book “Running Against the Grain,” the story of Philadelphia Eagle and movie star Timmy Brown.

Leanna and The Jazz Collective
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Leanna performs with a live band each week featuring a rotating roster of SoCal’s finest Jazz Musicians. ($10)

Sustainability Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall 
According to the agenda, commissioners will be discussing Earth Day and go over the latest decision from the City Council on the extension of the Palm Springs Disposal Services.

Architectural Review Committee
5:30 p.m. | City Hall 
At this regular meeting of the Architectural Review Committee, committee members will discuss approving a major architectural application for a parcel on Southridge Drive. 

Palm Springs Toastmasters
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Toastmasters Club
Learn to speak with confidence with the Palm Springs Toastmasters and practice with friends. Guests always welcome.

SAVE THE DATE

• Alzheimer’s at the Opera: A Conversation and Recital at the Mizell Center on Wednesday.
  
  
• “Mid-Century Moderns” at the Revolution Stage Company from Jan. 19 to March 31.
  
  
• Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival at Ruth Hardy Park on Jan. 27.
  
  
• PS Woman’s Club Annual Patio Sale on Feb. 3.
  
  
• Black History Committee 14th Annual Awards Gala on Feb. 3.
  
  
• Palm Springs Woman’s Club Scholarship Luncheon at the Hilton on March 27.

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AND FINALLY …

The Coachella Valley Firebirds and Coachella Valley Pride Hockey Association have announced the 2024 Palm Springs International Pride Hockey Tournament, engaging LGBTQ+ teams from across North America, set to take place at Berger Foundation Iceplex in March.

Driving the news: The second annual tournament will host 14 LGBTQ+ hockey teams from cities including Toronto, Vancouver, and New York and features social events and local business support, underscoring a celebration of inclusivity in sport.

How we got here: Last year’s tournament was a huge hit, with teams enthusiastically signing up to return this year. The local league is currently in the middle of its season. Check out their schedule online and learn more about how to join.

Why it matters: The local group has been on a mission since its inception to confront homophobia in the sport.

What they’re saying: “The initiatives and mission of CV Pride Hockey to provide inclusive hockey access for the LGBTQ+ community in the Coachella Valley should be commended and replicated everywhere hockey is played,” said John Page, SVP, Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

But wait: While the tournament is still months away, this Friday is the Coachella Valley Firebirds Pride Night, where the Firebirds will take on the Calgary Wranglers. Show your support for CV Pride Hockey Association during the game, they’ll be there selling “chuck-a-pucks” for you to buy and throw on the ice to win a prize. 

• Special group tickets include access to the pre-game Drag Show, a cocktail social hour, and tickets to the game itself.