Palm Springs resident — and Emmy-winning "Frasier" and "Wings" co-creator — David C. Lee gets lots of local love
2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gabriel Terrado, President
Lulu California Bistro
Wendy Beerbower
Eisenhower Health
Todd Burke
Desert Care Network
Kristin Bloomer
Palm Springs International Film Society
Aftab Dada
Hilton Palm Springs
Dax Davis
Alpha Media
Mary Flores
Grit Development
John Fritch
Elevated Experiences
George Holliday
Maryanov, Madsen, Gordon & Campbell
Jenny McLean
McLean Company
Reid Milanovich
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Shannon Miller
Coach Shannon Miller
Julie Montante
PSA Organica
Kim Roznoski
Grocery Outlet
Brady Sandahl
Brady Sandahl Real Estate
Jen Seymour
Hunters
CHAMBER STAFF
Nona Watson
CEO
Brittne Meier
Executive Assistant
David White
Business Development Director
Michael Ellis
Community Relations Director
Araceli Flores
Office Assistant
EDITOR
Daniel Vaillancourt
EXECUTIVE EDITORS
Nona Watson and Amy Blaisdell
ART DIRECTOR
Maru Palmersheim
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mark Davidson
Lani Garfield
David A. Lee
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER
Lani Garfield
Gabe Terrado
Chamber President
As my term as Chamber president comes to a close, I want to thank everyone who has supported us this past year as we’ve worked together through the pandemic. Here we are, now looking ahead to a much brighter future.
This has been a year of rebuilding and growing led by a very positive membership and board. The return of a robust calendar of both Chamber and community activities has been a highlight, especially with the free Rock the Park tribute band concert series this spring. It has also been a time for many of us to renew our personal and business relationships with a new year of ribbon cuttings, leads lunches, and mixers. I’m so grateful to have been a part of this, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Nona and her team to bring our members back together again.
The Chamber staff and our board have done an incredible job keeping us focused and making Palm Springs a better community for businesses, residents, and visitors. We could not have made this progress without the talented and dedicated team at the Chamber. It has been my pleasure to work alongside all of you this year, and I know I’m passing this role onto a very capable Shannon Miller.
Best,
Gabe Terrado, Lulu California Bistro
Nona Watson
Chamber CEO
As our fiscal year comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on what your Chamber has accomplished in the last 12 months, as well as what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for all of us in the coming year.
Our mission has always been to develop resources not only to help businesses like yours succeed, but to pave the way for you to build connections with one another and the community members you serve. We are — and have always been — “the voice of business,” and that philosophy remains the cornerstone that drives us.
I’m happy to report that through our Program of Work, which was developed during our board retreat last June, we’ve reached our goals. Number one was to make sure we focus on the needs of our members, developing programs and services that can truly make a difference to the bottom line. We felt that coming out of the pandemic, advertising to the community was a top priority. Our glossy quarterly magazine, PSILOVEYOU — which is mailed to 32,000 households in Palm Springs — is a valuable tool in this regard. It’s a popular and informative publication that’s an attractive and affordable vehicle to get the word about your company out to our residents.
In addition, our efforts to heighten the Chamber’s reach into the community at large continue, not only through our very visible Walk of the Stars Palm Springs program but with our investment in our series of free tribute band concerts at the new Downtown Park.
In other news, we felt it was important to offer alternative workspaces for those who are tired of doing business out of their homes, and for those who choose to visit Palm Springs and work remotely during their stay. With our two first locations solidly booked on a regular basis, we’ve opened a third co-work space at Plaza del Sol in South Palm Springs. It’s already off to a stellar start! Yet another mission accomplished!
The many triumphs we’ve all enjoyed this year could not have happened without a dedicated and knowledgeable board of directors, a group of loyal employees who inspire me, and a team of engaged volunteers who all work together to serve our community. We look forward to what’s ahead in the coming year, and to how your Chamber can continue to serve the visitors to and residents of our beautiful city by helping you build on our brand’s already impressive successes.
—Nona
Mark Davidson
Paris & Nice
Paris • Nice • St Tropez • Cannes • Cote d’Azur Monaco • Antibes
Don’t miss it, the trip will sell out quickly!
Your Chamber
Forever Hard at Work For Our Community
As it has been since the very beginning of the global pandemic that started more than two years ago, the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce remains committed to focusing all of its energy and resources on concerted efforts to help member businesses stay afloat, and to assist them in continuing efforts for a safe, successful, and sustainable reboot of the economy. We’re also acting diligently to elevate public awareness of — and support for — small local businesses. Just some of the ways the Chamber has been doing this include:
Oct 7 - 15, 2022
$3,299
9 DAYS, 8 NIGHTS INCLUDING HOTELS, MEALS, DAY TRIPS, AND AIRFARE FROM LOS ANGELES
Orientation Meeting
May 25, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Hyatt Hotel Palm Springs 285 N. Palm Canyon Drive
• Roundtrip international airfare & Tax
• 9-day deluxe tour package
• 4-star hotel accommodations, breakfast & lunch
• Deluxe bus tours
• Fluent English-speaking tour guides
• Entrance fees to attractions Full itinerary online at PSChamber.org
For more details and reservations contact Nona Watson at the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce nwatson@pschamber.org (760) 325-1577
Plan now to join Palm Springs Chamber group for this once in a lifetime adventure. Please call Nona at Chamber 760-325-1577, email your signed registration form to nwatson@ pschamber.org Website www.pschamber.org
Tour Operator: Citslinc International, Inc. 1-844-262-1100 Email citslinc@aol.com Website www.citslinc.org
Proudly hosting the annual State of the City at the famed Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs. Mayor Middleton and the City Council highlighted accomplishments and milestones over the past year. Four community awards were also presented.
Continuing to host several ribbon-cuttings, including for boutique hotels, many small and large new businesses, and several new airlines that are now calling Palm Springs home.
Hosting the annual Eisenhower Health mixer at Spencer’s Restaurant. This premier mixer, held each year, is truly a favorite for our members.
Hosting several Walk of the Stars Palm Springs dedication ceremonies for luminaries such as Dionne Warwick, Dr. Albert Milauskas, Michael Bush, Dr. Frank Ercoli, Frank Ferrante, and David Lee.
Hosting a tribute band concert series, running February to July, on the first Wednesday of each month starting at 7:00 p.m. Bands included TLR the Eagles,
Blonde Ambition – Madonna, Kenny Metcalf – Elton John, Always Tina – Tina Turner, Mirage – Fleetwood Mac, Brad Ford & Fortunate Sun – Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Opening our third coworkspace at Plaza del Sol in Palm Springs. We now have six new private offices and six semi-private offices for anyone who would like to work remotely.
Our PSILOVEYOU magazine winning an Honorable Mention at the Western Association of Chamber Executives national conference in February. Our magazine received high marks for editorial style, general design, production, and editorial content.
No matter what circumstances are upon us, the entire community is only as strong as its weakest member. Our mission here at the Chamber is to help the Coachella Valley weather these still-unprecedented times. We know that, together, we shall prevail and emerge greater and more resilient than ever!
A Message From City Manager Justin Clifton
Dear Palm Springs residents:
Summer is upon us and I am pleased to inform you the City of Palm Springs has plenty of options for you and your families to keep busy and enjoy.
First and foremost, earlier this month, the city’s wildly popular street fair VillageFest began following summer hours — and is now starting an hour later, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. In the fall, start time will return to 6:00 p.m.
Bring the whole family to VillageFest this summer for live entertainment and a host of eclectic vendor booths featuring unique art, handcrafted items, and delicious
In addition, adults and children alike are invited to take part in the Palm Springs Public Library’s popular summer reading program, which began in early June. If you haven’t signed up, you’re missing out. It’s a great way to catch up on new titles, win prizes, and meet new friends.
Finally, I am pleased to announce the city will once again host a series of fun, free, family-friendly Fourth of July weekend activities, culminating on July 4 with a pool party at the Palm Springs Swim Center, a patriotic concert in Sunrise Park, Power baseball, and the city’s All-American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at 9:15 p.m. sharp in Palm Springs Stadium. Bring the whole family — and hope
As part of the launch of a new Peer Support K9 program, the Palm Springs Fire Department recently accepted a fully trained peer/support/facility dog named Ranger from leading service dog nonprofit Thor’s Hope Foundation in partnership with Performance K9 Training, Inc.
Ranger is the latest addition to the department’s peer support program, which also includes 11 trained members of the fire department.
K9 Ranger was specially selected, having completed hundreds of hours of intense specialized training to support firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics (EMS workers) with PTS or high levels of stress. Such animals assist in identifying individuals experiencing increased stress levels, and are trained to comfort those individuals. Ranger is so far the first K9 in the new program.
“The addition of peer support dogs helps first responders manage stress, whether related to large-scale incidents, extended deployments, or day-to-day issues,” according to Palm Springs Fire Chief Kevin Nalder. “Ranger has become a valued member of our new peer support team and he is already much loved by our firefighters. We are thankful to welcome him to the Palm Springs Fire Department.”
Summer Reading Program Runs through July 16 at Palm Springs Public Library with Free Books, Fun and Prizes!
It’s time once again for summer reading at the Palm Springs Public Library. This year’s theme is “Read Beyond the Beaten Path,” which is a great reminder for us all to explore, connect, and be adventurous! The summer reading program began on June 6 and continues for six weeks through July 16.
As always, this year’s summer reading program offers something for everyone in the family, with programs for every age group — children, teens, and even adults. After two years of virtual-only summer reading programs, the library is excited to bring back weekly in-person events for all ages that feature entertainers, crafts, guest speakers, and more!
In addition, through the support of the Friends of the Palm Springs Library, the library will once again be giving away FREE new books each week to children and teens. Participants who check in weekly will receive a FREE new
(grade level/age specific) book, and adults will receive a voucher for a FREE gently used book (up to $2 in value) from the Friends of the Palm Springs Library bookstore.
Besides free books, children, teens, and adults can enter to win a number of weekly prizes, all generously donated and provided by local merchants, the Palm Springs Sustainability Commission, and the Friends of the Palm Springs Library.
More information and a full weekly schedule is posted online at pslibrary.org. Online registration for summer reading can be completed at palmspringsca.beanstack.org.
The library is located at 300 S. Sunrise Way, on the corner of Sunrise Way and Baristo Road. For more information, please call 760-322READ (7323) or visit pslibrary.org.
A Family Fourth All-American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on Tap at Palm Springs Stadium
The city of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce a series of FREE, fun, and patriotic festivities over Fourth of July weekend that will celebrate Independence Day at the city’s parks and at the Palm Springs Swim Center, culminating with a July 4th pool party, a patriotic concert in Sunrise Park, Power baseball, and the city’s much loved “All-American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular” at Palm Springs Stadium.
Here is a rundown of family-friendly events planned for Fourth of July Weekend in Palm Springs:
Friday, July 1: Family-friendly "Dive-in Movie" at Palm Springs Swim Center, 405 S. Pavilion Way, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 2: Patriotic concert and drone show in the Downtown Park, Museum Way at Belardo Road, adjacent to the Forever Marilyn sculpture, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 3: Family-friendly movie in Ruth Hardy Park, 700 Tamarisk Road, 7:30 p.m.
Monday, July 4: Family-friendly pool party (featuring water games, music, and great food) at the Palm Springs Swim Center, 405 S. Pavilion Way, 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Monday, July 4: Patriotic concert in Sunrise Park, 480 S. Sunrise Way, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, July 4: Palm Springs Power Baseball “All Stars Summer Collegiate Game,” Palm Springs Stadium, 1901 Baristo Road, 6:00 p.m.
Monday, July 4: “All-American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular” at Palm Springs Stadium, 1901 Baristo Road, 9:15 p.m. sharp!
“The City of Palm Springs is delighted to offer a patriotic, fun-filled weekend of terrific family-friendly events that we hope everyone will enjoy as we celebrate America’s independence this Fourth of July,” said City Manager Justin Clifton. “Everyone is invited!”
For more information visit palmspringsca.gov or email recinfo@ palmspringsca.gov.
VillageFest Starts at 7:00 p.m. During Summer
If you’re looking for something fun to do this summer, come on down to Palm Springs VillageFest, the Coachella Valley’s most popular weekly street fair, which runs every Thursday night along Palm Canyon Drive between Baristo and Amado Roads.
Beginning Thursday, June 2, VillageFest — which during season operates from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. — will begin an hour later, at 7:00 p.m. Also, look for special events and live entertainment this summer.
Consistently voted one of the best street fairs in the Coachella Valley, VillageFest attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, and offers more than 200 booths featuring eclectic art, handcrafted items, and unique food. Shops, restaurants, and galleries stay open late.
For more information, visit VillageFest.org.
Harry Barrett Named New Executive Director of Palm Springs International Airport
The former interim executive director of Palm Springs International Airport has been chosen to be its new executive director.
Harry Barrett was first hired in Palm Springs as deputy director of operations and
PSP
Pmaintenance in April of 2020. He served in that role for just over a year when he was promoted to assistant airport director in July of 2021, and then interim director in December of 2021, when former executive director Ulises Aguirre retired.
Barrett currently oversees a $27 million operating budget, directs all aspects of financial and capital programs, and is in the process of negotiating airline use agreements between 13 airlines as well as the launch of three new airlines. Since his arrival in Palm Springs, Barrett has overseen an $11 million terminal passenger loading bridge replacement project, coordinated phase and move logistics between 11 airlines during the airport’s $36 million ticket lobby and TSA expansion project, and designed COVID-19 response protocol and passenger protections measures.
“Harry Barrett’s knowledge and expertise about the operations and projects ongoing at Palm Springs International Airport make him the right choice to serve as our next
executive director,” said City Manager Justin Clifton. “I am thankful we have an experienced airport executive whose proven management skills have kept PSP on an excellent course.”
Prior to Palm Springs, Barrett served for five years as the city of Renton, Washington’s airport manager from 2015 to 2020. From February 2014 to June 2015, he served as a landside supervisor at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where he assisted integrating rideshare services into airport operations. In addition, he served as an airport operations specialist at Bellingham International Airport from August 2012 to February 2014.
Prior to working for municipal airports, Barrett also served as a lead flight examiner, and then aviation management section chief, for the United States Air Force from 2001 to 2012.
Barrett holds an MBA in Global Management from Arizona State University.
Adds New Option to Speed Through Security
Plans for terminal updates and improvements also coming soon
alm Springs International Airport recently announced the addition of a new CLEAR expedited security lane as well as plans for further improvements. Tourism season has been in full swing, the effects can be seen all around the valley, and PSP is no exception.
To help ease lines, PSP added CLEAR to its TSA checkpoint and expects it to decrease wait times. Members can use CLEAR’s network of dedicated lanes to verify their identity with their eyes, replacing the need to take out their wallet and driver’s license. After verification, a CLEAR ambassador escorts members through the dedicated lane and directly to TSA physical security, bypassing the primary line. Travelers can sign up for CLEAR at PSP near the checkpoint, or visit ClearMe. com to start the sign-up process and finish at PSP. CLEAR can also be used at more than 50 airports and at select stadiums and other venues nationwide.
“PSP has experienced significant growth since last summer,” said Executive Director Harry Barrett. “We’ve had more nonstop routes this season than ever before, and while the growth has added more travel options for our community, we’ve also had to get to work to improve our facilities due to the increased passenger demand.”
Based on forecasts the airport received, passenger numbers were not expected to return to pre-Covid levels until 2023, but PSP returned to those numbers in June of 2021 and has met or exceeded them each month since. Three new airlines started service at PSP this season; 16 new air services, a mix of new routes, and competitive service on existing routes were launched as well.
In addition, PSP has other improvement plans in place. This summer, the airport will replace all carpeting in the Sonny Bono and RJ concourses. It will also add common-use IT systems to all gates, giving PSP greater
flexibility when scheduling gates for airlines and reducing hold times for aircraft waiting for a gate when it off-schedule.
In the fall, the airport will start to renovate and expand restrooms throughout the terminal. Staff is also working with the concessions operator to see how they can increase restaurant offerings ahead of next season, as well as looking at ways to expand parking and baggage claim.
Stellar Recognition for a Philanthropic TV Icon
David C. Lee — Emmy magnet and “Wings” and “Frasier” co-creator — is the proud new owner of a spot on the Walk of the Stars Palm Springs
BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LANI GARFIELD
On the warm, sunny afternoon of Friday, March 18 — surrounded by some 400 friends, family members, and loyal fans — long-lauded writer, director, and producer David C. Lee was the beaming recipient of the 449th star on the Walk of the Stars Palm Springs, the first to be situated behind the stage in the new Palm Springs Downtown Park.
“We are so honored to have hosted the star dedication for David, a longtime city resident who has received nine Emmys during his prolific and illustrious career,” says Nona Watson, the CEO of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, which manages the WOTSPS program for the city. “He is a true Palm Springs star in the city.”
Lee’s writing and producing credits include “The Jeffersons,” “Cheers,” “Wings,” and “Frasier,” the latter two of which he not only co-created but directed and executive produced. Adding to his impressive Emmy collection (earned from 18 nominations), he has received the Directors Guild and Producers Guild Awards, as well as the Golden Globe, a GLAAD Media Award, the British Comedy Award, three trophies from the Television Critics Association, two Humanitas Prizes, and the Peabody.
Speakers at the event included fellow TV producer Jeffrey Richman (“Wings,” “Frasier,” “Modern Family”), former United States Senator Barbara Boxer, four-time Emmywinning actor David Hyde Pierce, and former Mayor of Palm Springs Geoff Kors.
The man of the hour recently founded The David Lee Foundation, which aims to support, enhance, and promote professional theater in Southern California. He made news of a related but different sort when he donated $5 million to help restore the historic Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs. Other beneficiaries of his generosity include the Palm Springs Art Museum, the Annenberg Theatre, Michael Childers’s One Night Only, Coyote Stageworks, Desert Rose Playhouse, and Dezart Performs.
Following the ceremony, Lee — who was born and raised in nearby Claremont, and who took frequent trips to the desert with his parents as a child — quipped: “I’ve had a love affair with Palm Springs for a long time, and it’s nice to know that it’s reciprocated.”
Is There a Superstar That Needs a Nomination?
The Chamber is accepting new Walk of the Stars Palm Springs candidates for the 2022-2023 season. Here’s the process, from nomination to dedication.
Since 1992, the Walk of the Stars Palm Springs has honored 450 international celebrities and local personalities on one of the world’s most famous sidewalks. Notable individuals or couples in the fields of entertainment, sports, philanthropy, civics, literature, the military, architecture, art, and design may be nominated for their place on the WOTSPS, a city program managed by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. Candidates may not nominate themselves. Rather, a third-party ally must sponsor a nominee by completing the forms available at walkofthestars.com or at Chamber headquarters.
The completed nomination paperwork, including biographical information, must be submitted to the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. The nomination is presented to an independent selection committee for review. A majority must approve the nomination in order to become a WOTSPS honoree. The cost of an approved star is $15,000. A star dedication ceremony can now be scheduled to celebrate the accomplishment. And voilà! A new star in the city is born!
Where Dreams Are Born
For all those struggling to start or expand their family, there exists an exciting new option in fertility treatment in the desert. Palm Springs-based Dreams Fertility — an offshoot of Global Premier Fertility, which has well-established practices in Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, and Los Angeles — may have opened its welcoming doors only last March, but its physicians and support staff boast more than four decades of combined experience in making delivery dreams come true for couples and singles.
The practice is led by Dr. Joel Batzofin and Dr. Luis Murrain, each of whom displays a fierce passion for excellence in patient care and a fervent desire to provide instruction to young clinicians entering the field of fertility. The physicians met while working at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. Dr. Batzofin joined GPF first, to be joined shortly thereafter by Dr. Murrain.
Dreams Fertility’s Palm doorsSprings are open!
Dreams Fertility brings cutting-edge technology and personalized care as the latest fertility clinic in Palm Springs dedicated to helping would-be parents achieve success.
need egg donors and gestational carriers, while many female couples prefer reciprocal IVF. Treating the specific demands of these patients requires a good dose of experience in these types of procedures.”
Witnessing a shifting of demographics in the Coachella Valley — and realizing this newly youthful, professional population (both straight and LGBTQ) was underserved — the physicians and friends saw an opportunity ready to be seized.
Providing the full gamut of family-planning services — including male and female fertility evaluation, genetic testing and screening, semen analysis, egg and sperm donation and freezing, in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and gestational surrogacy — Dreams Fertility’s team is credentialed at Desert Regional Hospital right across the street, but almost all procedures are carried out in the practice’s Tachevah Drive offices, or at its main surgery center in Laguna Hills. For patients who qualify, the practice does offer interest-free financing or low-interest payment plans.
“We focus on patient experience,” says Dr. Murrain, adding that since every individual’s or couple’s journey is different, customized care is of prime concern. “Our proficiency in fertility and genetics is unparalleled in the desert. We bring decades of success in working with all types of family structures.”
Both doctors particularly pride themselves — pun entirely intended — on fulfilling the needs of LGBTQ future parents. “Through our exemplary track record, we’ve gained the trust of the community,” says Dr. Batzofin, stressing that both he and Dr. Murrain are experts in both male and female reproduction. “Male couples
“I’m very proud of my decision to have children later in life,” says Florida-based Bill Salzman, a returning client. “I’m thankful for the care and professionalism that Dreams Fertility and Dr. Batzofin have shown in making my dreams come true with my twins and future children.”
Another couple from South Africa — former patients of Dr. Batzofin in New York City — recently came to Palm Springs to complete their current IVF cycle. They’re happy to travel halfway across the world for treatment because gender selection, an option for those wishing to balance their family, is not legal in their country.
If you or someone you know has questions about embarking on the fertility treatment journey, and would benefit from the stellar advice and know-how of seasoned professionals, please call 760.537.3267 or write to info@dreamsfertility.com to schedule a visit with Dreams Fertility’s compassionate, expert staff in the practice’s comfortable, stress-free environment. Visit us at DreamsFertility.com
From left to right: Dreams Fertility Reproductive Genetics and Fertility Specialist
Dr. Luis A. Murrain, Jr., DO, FACMG, FACOG; Office Manager Judy Tirre; Executive Director of Practice Relations Teresa Randolph; and Medical Director Dr. Joel Batzofin, MD, FACOG. The Dream team is thrilled to help all residents of the Coachella Valley with their fertility needs.
Flying V Group, Antonio Correa
Flying V Group, Antonio Correa
Courtesy of Bill Salzman
Bill Salzman’s twins
Building a Better Short-Term Rental Industry
We fully support the city of Palm Springs for coming up with fair and reasonable ordinances so that we can learn how to coexist with homeowners, long-term renters and short term renters."
We founded Open Air Homes with the hope that homeowners, guests and the local community can peacefully coexist. I wanted to ensure that the future of the short-term rental industry values community and neighborhood safety over profits.
Improving the short-term rental industry begins with mutual respect from both the homeowners and guests; and it starts by offering guests a beautifully designed and well-maintained home. We commend Palm Springs for requiring guests to respect the home and community.
Hospitality Design is the foundation of our business. My husband Julien Marbot initially built his design studio, Interior Particulier, by focusing on designing high-end residential homes specifically for the vacation home industry. From a simple refresh of your existing rental to a full design package, Interior Particulier helps Open Air Homes continue to stand apart in a highly competitive market with continued supply growth.
Designing Mom-Approved Homes
I often think about my Mom when working with homeowners to create the perfect family experience in our homes. A mother’s job is hard when planning the family vacation: She’s looking to find a home that caters to the various requirements of her children, to ensure they have a great time.
What we tell homeowners is that if you design and market your home to families, you will welcome lovely families into your home who are excited to build memories. And without a doubt, families respect the home and community more than bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Open Air Homes takes the Palm Springs Ordinances a Step Further
We fully support the city of Palm Springs for coming up with fair and reasonable ordinances so that we can learn how to coexist with homeowners, long-term renters and short term renters.
Open Air Homes takes the cities ordinances, and layers in additional core principles to ensure neighborhood civility: 24/7 Communication - We offer 24/7 communication for our guests and homeowners. We also provide surrounding neighbors with our centralized texting number so that we can be in constant communication if there is ever an issue so we can address any concerns in real-time.
No Instant Book - We have turned off instant booking for all of our homes. We screen our guests and ensure that they acknowledge our rules.
Commitment to Civility - We call on all booking platforms and fellow management companies to be proactive in creating a brighter future for short-term rentals.
We saw a gap in the real estate industry that there was no brokerage specialized in purchasing vacation homes, and knew we were best suited to provide this service"
Buying a Vacation Home Made Easy
The past two years have changed how people travel. Since the pandemic, remote work has become more popular which allows people to travel for longer periods of time. And we’ve seen that people who go on longer stays are more respectful neighbors and invested in the community, so we aim to cater to this new type of traveler. We saw a gap in the real estate industry that there was no brokerage specialized in purchasing vacation homes, and knew we were best suited to provide this service.
When building this brokerage, we knew we wanted to find a broker with the level of experience required to build a top-of-class brokerage. We partnered with David Manduca, who is local and has been in the real estate industry for over 40 years, to create OpenAiRE Brokerage.
The Future of the Vacation Home Industry Starts Today
As the supply of vacation homes on the market continues to grow, your occupancy rate may suffer if you are not offering a truly incredible, well-designed and unique experience. But when you design homes well and cater it to guests looking to stay for longer periods of time, a lot of the stress that comes with owning a vacation home is alleviated.
Open Air Homes wants to play a positive role in building better communities. If this message resonates with you as well, we would love to speak with you. Whether you’re in the planning phase of purchasing, or seeking management, the Open Air brand can help. We welcome you down to our new office at 182 E. Andreas Road, or feel free to reach out online so we can discuss.
Beat theHeat
BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT
If you’re a summertime resident, think local … and don’t let triple-digit temps scare you off
While the more delicate snowbirds in our flock decamp to cooler climes come Memorial Day, we hardier, full-time desert rats know how to navigate life in the Coachella Valley when the mercury inches up … and up … and up! From sunrise to sunset, we either stay ensconced in air-conditioned interiors, or cavort near-naked in the pool under the shade cover. Then, dressed in as little as possible for our nights out on the town, we bask under the moonlight in the balmy breeze. Here at the Chamber, we know you know the July-August-September drill. Still, here are just a few gentle reminders.
DAY PASSES
MOVE ON UP
While the local pride and joy that is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway makes for a fantastic outing year-round, it’s especially wonderful come the dog days, when it could be over 100 degrees on the desert floor, but still just in the low 80s at the tram’s 8500-foot elevation. Gather a group of friends, pack a picnic, and climb aboard. Once you’ve reached your destination, head for the trails and hike until you’ve found the perfect place to spread your blanket, crack your basket, uncork your bottle of wine or other beverage of choice, and enjoy a meal with a view.
Not into roughing it? The Mountain Station has three options — bar The Lookout Lounge, the casual Pines Café, and the fine dining Peaks Restaurant — which all offer lunch and dinnertime service to sate your hunger and thirst.
It’s an open secret that many of the resorts favored by tourists offer day passes to full-time residents who may tire of their own sun chaises and swimming lagoons from time to time. Call it a staycation, or call it just being smart, but for a more-than-reasonable fee, you can live like a visitor and while away a few hours of the day surrounded by strangers who are bound to become friends.
Just some of the local resorts open to locals are Skylark, Saguaro, V Palm Springs, and the Hyatt. Go to resortpass.com, search “Palm Springs,” and voilà! And if you can’t find what you’re seeking, call up your favorite property — or the one you’ve always wished you could visit — and just ask about day pass prospects.
Cool al fresco dining is yours for the taking at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
The Saguaro Hotel is just one of the many Palm Springs properties to offer day passes to residents.
Courtesy of the Saguaro Hotel
Courtesy of the PS Aerial Tramway
SO MANY WIN-WIN OPTIONS
Cooling off at one of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians three Coachella Valley casinos — in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Rancho Mirage — is a great way to spend the day or evening. And we’re not just talking about gambling. Shopping, peoplewatching, and eating and drinking are all attractive possibilities.
Not to mention The Show in Rancho Mirage, which attracts the best musical and comedy acts on the circuit. The down-valley casino is also home to Sunstone Spa, and to cabana rentals (starting at $350 per day for non-hotel guests).
The Palm Springs location also has its new Dine & Dance package, a unique date night special that includes dinner at The Steakhouse, two tickets to Jazzville inside the Cascade Lounge, two $25 Free Play offers, and a $20 casino gift card per person. Please visit aguacalientecasinos.com for all the intel.
EAT LIKE A EUROPEAN
We’re not suggesting you wait till 10:00 p.m. to have dinner, but rather than go out for cocktails and your evening meal at 5:00, how about making that reservation for 8:00 or later? Many restaurants offer specials during the summer months, especially weeknights. Go to the Chamber website at pschamber.org to browse the eateries listed in our online member directory.
And for something totally different, visit psunderground. com, whose regularly scheduled “Feasts for the Senses” provide one-of-a-kind culinary adventures with unique themes and unexpected twists and turns.
Bruce Feagle
Diners enjoy the experience provided by PS Underground.
The Palm Springs location is but one of three Agua Caliente casinos in the Coachella Valley.
Courtesy of Agua Caliente Casinos
THE BLOCKBUSTER AWAITS
No, we’re not talking about the long-defunct VHS videocassette rental outpost. We’re talking about those big, big Hollywood movies that are released specifically to draw huge crowds during the summer months. We can’t imagine what it costs to keep those multiplexes cool, but that’s not our concern. The cinema had us at “fully reclining stadium seating, hot buttered popcorn, and a cold Coke.”
This year, you can choose from “Jurassic World Dominion,” the long-awaited Tom Cruise-starring “Top Gun: Maverick;” the animated “DC League of Super-Pets,” or Oscar-nominated writer-director-producer Baz Luhrmann’s musical biopic “Elvis.”
Those are but four fun flicks either already here or coming soon to a theatre near you.
IF YOU MUST, GET OUT OF TOWN
For those of you who just need a change of scenery, there’s all varieties of coolness in at least three temperate oases an hour or so away. Climb those winding roads up to alpine mountaintop village Idyllwild, where you can stroll, shop, and ultimately dine.
Or go the other way and seek out Joshua Tree, where most of the same awaits you, in addition to both the National Park and its stunning vegetation and rock formations, or the Joshua Tree Retreat Center/Institute of Mentalphysics, where you can dine at the Food for Thought Café, hunt for gemstones and other special gifts at the Spirituality Shop, take a yoga class, or inquire about coming back for a personal retreat during which you can reflect, renew, and recharge.
On the way there or on your way back, take a side trip to Pioneertown, where if exhaustion takes a hold of you, you can always spend the night in one of the charming bungalows at the Pioneertown Hotel (adjacent to old, delicious mainstay Pappy & Harriet’s), but to name just one of the area’s awesome accommodations.
And there you have it! A foolproof summer recipe that’s as refreshing as a slice of watermelon and a glass of (Long Island) Iced Tea. Leave it to the lesser lionhearted to escape our paradise when the thermometer starts rising. We brave souls love the heat … and we know how to beat it when we have to.
Mega movies, day or night, are one of the best ways to beat the heat. Courtesy of
The Pioneertown Motel boasts beautiful bungalows.
Bill Green
A Joshua Tree Retreat Center visitor practices yoga outdoors.
PS CHAMBER
Members New
SoCal Water Solutions
39505 Berkey Drive, Suite D
Palm Desert, CA, 92211 (760) 353-9003 www.socalwateronline.com
Davis Growth Advisors LLC
Serving the Coachella Valley Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (317) 413-8162
Palm Springs, CA 92263 760.902.2297 volunteerpalmsprings.org
CITY HOTLINES
Code Enforcement (760) 778-8434
Graffiti (760) 778-8469
Vacation Rental Compliance (760) 322-8383
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Congressman Raul Ruiz, MD, 36th District
Coachella Valley District Office 43875 Washington Street, Ste. 4 Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 424-8888
Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, 4th District Coachella Valley District Office 73710 Fred Waring Drive, Ste. 222 Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 863-8211
Assemblyman Chad Mayes, 42nd Assembly District 41608 Indian Trail, Ste. 1 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 346-6342
State Senator Melissa Melendez, 28th Senate District 45125 Smurr Street, Ste. B Indio, CA 92201 (760) 398-6442
