May 12 Daily Briefing: Refining vacation rental rules, murder conviction, next city star, and more

Happy Monday, everyone, and happy National Odometer Day (which is actually a thing). Speaking of odometers, consider this your one-week warning that they’ll probably be ticking off the miles a bit slower starting May 19 if you’re traveling along a section of State Route 111. Beginning May 19, a daytime work schedule will go back into place with 48-hour lane closures for approximately 100 yards in multiple locations through the project area. More information is always available here.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Fly As Me (Live)” by Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic

LEADING OFF

Board refines proposed vacation rental regulations

The Palm Springs Administrative Appeals Board is refining what will become its suggested revisions to the city’s vacation rental regulations, choosing to focus on property management companies and clearer definitions. 

Driving the news: The board is seeking better oversight of property management companies since many rental property owners live outside Palm Springs, creating enforcement challenges.

• City staff reported that the majority of vacation rental owners don’t live in Palm Springs, making direct regulation difficult.

Why it matters: Property management oversight represents a shift in regulatory strategy, addressing the reality that absentee owners create communication and enforcement difficulties.

• The geographic disconnect has complicated efforts to educate property owners about local regulations.

The details: Board members debated whether property management companies should register with the city through a business license, special permit, or both.

• Staff will research how other municipalities regulate property management companies to determine the most effective approach.

By the numbers: The city plans to reduce the maximum number of vacation rental days from 36 to 26 in January 2026.

What’s next: The revised ordinance updates will likely be reviewed at the board’s next regular meeting, scheduled for June 18.

Dive deeper with our complete story.

BRIEFLY

⚖️ Jury convicts man of 2019 Palm Springs murder

A jury last week found Stephen Roy McKernan, 82, guilty of second-degree murder in the 2019 killing of Claire Carsman, 75, at her Palm Springs home. The jury also found true a sentence-enhancing charge of using a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony.

• Prosecutors suggested political differences may have played a role in the crime. “She was watching one of her TV shows, and they bickered,” said Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Steven Sorensen during closing arguments.
  
• Evidence presented during the two-week trial showed McKernan had been staying with Carsman and her husband when the crime occurred. On April 22, 2019, while the husband was at a casino, McKernan called him four times in under 10 minutes, leaving a message claiming they had been attacked, before calling 911 to report “a break-in.”
  
• Bottom line: The defense argued McKernan was physically incapable of the crime due to a broken arm, noted his cognitive impairment from a stroke, and questioned DNA evidence. A sentencing date has not been announced.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

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.

Cowboy Destroy
6 p.m. | Hotel Zoso
This family-friendly poolside concert series happens every Monday night, featuring local Coachella Valley and Southern California artists.

Adult Tap Dance Class
6:30 p.m. | Leisure Center Dance Studio
Adult intermediate tap starts at 6:30 p.m., and “absolute beginners” adult tap is at 7:30 p.m. (“Two left feet are optional.”) ($20)

See all events

SAVE THE DATE

• Movies in the Downtown Park: “The Fifth Element” at Downtown Park on Tuesday.
  
• Joint Valley Chamber Mixer at the Palm Springs Air Museum on Wednesday.
  
• Blue Zones Community Kickoff at Festival Theaters on Thursday.
  
• “Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope” at the Cultural Center on Thursday.
  
• Movie Night in the Park: “Wicked” at Victoria Park on Friday.
  
• Celebrate the eighth anniversary of Janssen Artspace on May 17.
  
• “Veils: A Requiem For Trayvon” film screening at the Cultural Center on May 23. ($18)
  
• Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum on May 26.
  
• 2025 Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week starts May 30.
  
  Submit your event

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AND FINALLY …

A glittering new star will soon join the constellation of celebrities honored on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars, as Emmy-nominated director and longtime desert resident Ron Oliver receives the city’s 479th sidewalk tribute.

Driving the news: The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce has announced that Oliver will be honored with a star in the Entertainment category during a public ceremony on Friday, May 23, starting at 10 a.m.

• The star will be unveiled at 222 S Palm Canyon Drive, adding to the city’s iconic collection of sidewalk tributes.

The honoree: Oliver’s impressive career spans directing cult horror classic “Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II” to creating some of Hallmark’s highest-rated Christmas films and Netflix’s #1 worldwide hit “Falling for Christmas.”

Why it matters: Since becoming a Palm Springs resident in 2003, Oliver has been deeply involved in the community, supporting the local animal shelter, elementary schools, and the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Beyond Hollywood: While his professional accomplishments include Emmy nominations and Directors Guild of America recognition, Oliver maintains local roots as a founding Communications Coordinator for the Racquet Club Estates Neighborhood Organization.

Fun fact: Oliver holds the official title “Sir Ronald Oliver OMS” after being granted Knighthood by the Sovereign Nation of Sealand in 2018.