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TGIF folks, where apparently Palm Desert is the place to be — at least according to the organizers of the St. Jude Dream Home. If you’re not familiar with the annual fundraiser benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, it’s the one where a home builder donates the labor to construct a home and raffle tickets are sold for $100 each. This year's home is being built right here in Silver Spur Ranch, and the location is so popular that city leaders said last night they expect tickets to sell out — which is probably why Palm Desert has already been tapped to host again in 2027!
🎶 Setting the mood: "Let ‘Em In" by Wings
Leading Off
The Palm Desert City Council opted to ban just synthetic kratom rather than outright banning the naturally derived kratom. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Council unanimously passes kratom ordinance, bans synthetic products, tightens tobacco rules
The Palm Desert City Council voted 5-0 Thursday to ban synthetic kratom products and restrict natural kratom sales to adults 21 and older, while also overhauling the city's tobacco retailer licensing and smoking regulations for the first time since 2009.
Driving the news: The new ordinance prohibits the sale, distribution and possession of synthetic kratom — including products containing chemically altered 7-OH — while allowing continued sale of natural kratom leaf under age verification requirements, child-resistant packaging mandates, and oversight through the city's existing tobacco retailer licensing system.
The ordinance also bans electronic smoking devices, prohibits flavored tobacco products and bars pharmacies from selling tobacco.
Context: Kratom as a product derived from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia that has gained popularity as an unapproved treatment for pain and anxiety.
Why it matters: Public Safety Coordinator Daniel Huerta told the council that modern kratom products — including concentrated extracts, flavored drinks, gummies and vapes — can be far more potent and inconsistently labeled than traditional leaf.
What they’re saying: Six people made public comment at the meeting, describing how natural kratom has helped them and advocating for restrictions on synthetic varieties.
"Kratom, in a way, has saved what quality of life I still have," said Jordan Thomas, who lives with PTSD and a neuromuscular skeletal disease. "I've been put on everything from opioids to Gabapentin to Celebrex, and all those things create health problems.”
What's next: A second reading and final adoption of the ordinance will follow at a subsequent council meeting. The ordinance takes effect 30 days after adoption.
Briefly
🏠 Palm Desert housing market shifts in buyers' favor
Palm Desert's housing market shifted to a buyer's market last month, with detached home prices falling 3.5% year-over-year to $723,000 — the steepest drop in the Coachella Valley — while attached homes declined 3.6% to $517,000, according to the Desert Housing Report.
Palm Desert led the valley with 803 homes listed for sale, up from 678 a year ago, and recorded 125 sales during the three-month period ending in January. Homes averaged 50 days on market, up from 39 days in January 2025, and sold about 3% under list price.
Details: Valley-wide, 3,488 homes were listed at the start of February, a 3% increase from a year ago, with the median detached home price falling 3% to $675,000 and attached homes dropping 2% to $495,000.
📅 Featured Events
Me & You at the Zoo
Today | 9:30 a.m. | The Living Desert
Little learners will enjoy nature‑inspired movement, curiosity‑building experiences, and creative opportunities that support early critical‑thinking skills. All in a welcoming space where young explorers can play, grow, and learn together. ($40)
Clue: Live on Stage!
Today | 8 p.m. | McCallum Theatre
Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist. ($88)
8th Annual Desi Strong Run/Walk 4 Kids
Saturday | 7 a.m. | Rancho Mirage Amphitheater
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a leisurely walk, this event is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Plus, you'll be supporting a fantastic cause - helping kids in need!
An Evening With the Stars
Monday | 4:30 p.m. | The Club at Morningside
Join us for a special concert featuring the 2025 Junior Division Medalists from the Palm Springs International Piano Competition and experience the brilliance of tomorrow’s leading pianists. ($600)
📌 Save The Date
Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival at Civic Center Park on March 7
Celtic Spells at the McCallum Theatre on March 10 ($48)
Out of This World Gala at The Ritz-Carlton on March 20 ($162)
✨ And Finally …
Palm Desert's city leaders got their annual to-do list sorted out Thursday, gathering for a goal-setting study session that will help shape the upcoming budget. Council members arrived with 15 priorities between them, which staff helpfully consolidated into six themes — because nothing says "efficient government" quite like turning 15 things into six things.
Driving the news: The Palm Desert City Council approved six goal areas to guide budget planning for the coming year.
The six priorities are: North Sphere and University Area Development, Mall Redevelopment and Family-Friendly Activation, Citywide Economic Activation and Events, Community Engagement and Civic Identity, Community Resilience and Climate Strategy, and Clean, Safe and Attractive City Standards.
What stood out: Mall redevelopment ranked as a top-two priority for both Councilmember Gina Nestande and Mayor Pro Tem Joe Pradetto.
City staff said they're in talks with the mall's owner to potentially accelerate 10 acres of housing near the fire station, while also working toward eventually selling the former Sears building to attract a new anchor retailer.
What's next: Staff will bring a resolution formally adopting the 2026 goals, along with a preliminary work plan, to the council for approval at an upcoming meeting.
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