June 30 Daily Briefing: Real estate report, wind wall construction, backpack giveaway, and more

Welcome to Monday and what is hopefully a short work week for many of you. Today, if you did not know, is National Social Media Day, where we’re taking a moment to reflect on how these platforms have changed the way we communicate. While we do have social media accounts for The Post, we don’t spend much time on them — and that’s intentional. We’ve found that the constant noise and occasional toxicity of those spaces don’t suit the kind of thoughtful, respectful connection we value. That’s why we focus on reaching you directly through this newsletter, where we can have a more meaningful and reliable conversation.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs housing market shows stability amid regional trend

The median price for a detached home in the Coachella Valley reached $700,000 in May, down 1.2% from last year, while Palm Springs specifically maintained steady sales despite slightly longer selling times. The region’s “months of sales” ratio increased to six months, indicating growing supply relative to demand.

By the numbers: Palm Springs recorded 143 unit sales in the three-month average through May, down from 167 units a year ago. The city ranks second in the valley for total sales volume behind Palm Desert’s 166 units. 

• Homes in Palm Springs are selling at an average discount of 4.0% from list price, tied with Indian Wells for the highest discount in the region.

What they’re saying: The report notes that “sales are below normal by 20.1%” across the valley, with the housing market needing “lower mortgage rates” for recovery. The Federal Reserve has “stopped lowering short-term rates until the effect of the administration’s new economic policies can be determined.”

Dive deeper: Palm Springs inventory stood at 835 units as of June 1st, significantly higher than the 648 units available a year ago. This translates to a 5.8-month supply of homes – the highest ratio among all valley cities and well above the previous year’s 3.9 months.

• The median time homes spend on the market in Palm Springs is 48 days, nearly unchanged from last year’s 50 days.

Yes, but: Despite the increased supply and longer selling times, Palm Springs continues to command premium prices. The price of the average-sized home (2,175 square feet) in the city is $1.26 million, down just 2.0% from last year, demonstrating the market’s underlying strength.

What to watch for: The report suggests that while inventory has recovered to pre-pandemic levels and supply is beginning to exceed demand, this “should not cause a problem for home prices unless it begins to extend average selling times, which are currently normal.” 

• Dollar sales in Palm Springs totaled $132 million in May, down from $156 million a year ago.

IN OTHER NEWS

🏗️ Construction has begun on a wind barrier project along North Gene Autry Trail, designed to reduce the effects of blowing sand and dust. When complete, the wall will stand 14.5 feet tall and extend nearly 600 feet. [KESQ]

📚 Ellen Goodman, the director of the Foundation for PSUSD, is also a successful businesswoman and a lifelong learner. The Coachella Valley Independent’s Bonnie Gilgallon profiled her in the latest “Know Your Neighbors” profile. [CV Independent]

👙 Splash House has announced the artist lineup for its 2025 two-weekend event, set to return to Palm Springs on August 8-10 and August 15-17. [Broadway World]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Palm Springs International ShortFest
11 a.m. | Festival Theaters
Hosted by the Palm Springs International Film Society, this week-long event ends today and features both national and international short films. Awards handed out at this festival are academy-qualifying. ($20) 

Mahjong Monday
1 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Come play the American version of Mahjong with others. Play Lounge has two mats and sets, but feel free to bring your own. 

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
2:30 p.m. | Mizell Center
This weekly support group offers a safe, confidential, supportive environment for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.

Conversational Spanish
5:30 p.m. | The Center
Join a dynamic and diverse group of people who get together to chat and strengthen their language skills. New attendees, register online here.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• 2025 All American 4th of July Weekend Thursday through Saturday in Palm Springs
  
• Falsettos begins at Palm Canyon Theatre on July 11
  
• Your Extraordinary Mind on July 12 at the Cultural Center
  
• PSUSD classified job fair on July 16 at the school district office

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

Even when you’re an adult the phrase “back to school” might fill you with a sense of dread. But we promise we’re only talking about school for a good cause!

Driving the news: Parents preparing for the annual back-to-school supply scramble can breathe a little easier this summer, thanks to Palm Springs Parks and Recreation’s upcoming backpack giveaway that promises to take at least one item off the seemingly endless shopping list.

The details: The Demuth Community Center will host its Annual Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, July 26, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, offering free backpacks and school supplies to local youth.

• Online registration is required for each child individually, with spots filling quickly and registration closing July 18.

Where to sign up: Families can register through the city’s ActiveNet portal or contact the Demuth Community Center at 760-320-6430 for more information. Each age range has separate registration. For high school students in grades 9 through 12, register here, middle school registers here, and elementary school here.