BROUGHT TO YOU BY
TGIF, everyone, where we’ve got a programming note: We’re mostly offline next week for the Thanksgiving holiday, so there won’t be a newsletter on Friday. This might be a good chance for you to peruse our website, where we’ve got stories you might have missed since we launched earlier this month. We hope you have a wonderful week full of laughter, love, and warmth!
— Mark and Kendall
🎶 Setting the mood: "Give Thanks and Praises" by Bob Marley
📰 LEADING OFF
The project sits just east of Palm Desert Greens and next to a separate parcel where the City Council previously approved a 13-building, three-story apartment complex in 2023
Palm Desert OKs 546-home development on old golf course site
The Palm Desert Planning Commission approved a 546-unit residential community on the former Santa Rosa Golf Club property Tuesday. The 3-0 vote moves the Catavina project forward after years of stalled proposals on the 81-acre site.
Driving the news: Blue Fern Development's plan for single-family homes on the property south of Frank Sinatra Drive and west of Portola Avenue cleared its final planning hurdle despite concerns from neighboring residents about traffic, privacy and community changes.
The golf course operated from 1978 until closing in 2015. The property was sold a decade ago with housing plans that never materialized.
Why it matters: The approval adds to a growing concentration of residential development in Palm Desert's north end, with Blue Fern also pursuing an adjacent 156-home project called Portola Springs on a separate parcel.
The big picture: Commissioners found the project complied with all zoning requirements and needed no variances. Under city rules, the commission can only deny projects based on health and safety concerns.
The developer agreed to install screening and block walls to address privacy concerns from residents who have enjoyed decades of open space views.
What's next: The project now advances through Palm Desert's development approval process. The commission also recommended removing Portola Avenue south of Frank Sinatra as a designated truck route due to nearby schools and housing.
📰 BRIEFLY
WildLights is back for its 33rd season starting Nov. 25.
✨ WildLights returns to Living Desert for holiday season
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will present WildLights for its 33rd year, featuring millions of holiday lights and seasonal attractions on select nights from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30. The event, presented by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Palm Desert zoo.
Attractions include walk-through lighted exhibits, a 30-foot Christmas tree, a G-Scale model train with 3,300 feet of decorated track and opportunities to view African animals. Free photos with Santa will be available through Dec. 24, with Grinch photos offered Dec. 26-30. Special event nights include a Member Preview Night on Nov. 24, a Sensory Inclusive Night on Dec. 11 and an Adults Only Night on Dec. 18.
Details: Admission costs $22-25 for adults, $18-20 for children and $20-22 for members. Day-and-night combo tickets are available at a discounted rate. The zoo is located at 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert. For more information, call (760) 346-5694 or visit LivingDesert.org/WildLights.
🏡 Palm Desert home prices buck valley trend
Palm Desert was one of only two Coachella Valley cities to see home prices rise in Oct., with detached homes up 1.6% to a median of $712,000, according to the latest Desert Housing Report. Attached homes fell 6% to $497,000, while valley-wide prices declined 1.6% for detached homes and 2.2% for attached homes.
Palm Desert recorded 101 home sales, second only to Palm Springs' 118 units, though valley-wide sales remain 28% below pre-pandemic levels. Inventory in Palm Desert increased 23% compared to last year to 674 units, while total valley inventory rose 15% to 3,233 units—now comparable to pre-pandemic levels.
What's next: Market watchers are focused on the Federal Reserve's Dec. 9-10 meetings, where expectations for a rate cut are diminishing. The report notes seasonal patterns typically show high inventory at year's start and low inventory in late summer.
A MESSAGE FROM COD
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📅 FEATURED EVENTS
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday | 4 p.m. | The Shops on El Paseo
Bring friends, family, and holiday joy for a complementary evening of celebration on El Paseo.
Water Lantern Festival
Saturday | 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Civic Center Park
Water Lantern Festival is an amazing experience where you'll witness the magic of lanterns as they light up the water.
📆 SAVE THE DATE
Martha’s Village & Kitchen’s 19th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K at San Pablo and El Paseo on Nov. 27 starting at 8 a.m. ($39 - $49)
First Friday on El Paseo at The Gardens on El Paseo from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Dec. 5
Mario Rossi and the LA Jazz All Stars at Hotel Paseo on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
Star Party in the Mountains at Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot on Dec. 20 at 5 p.m.
📣 AND FINALLY …
‘Taffy’ as it might look if it’s installed at Civic Center Park.
The Palm Desert City Council is considering a 10-year lease with Golden Voice to bring a shimmering art installation to Civic Center Park—because apparently, even public art needs a landlord.
Driving the news: The proposed agreement would install "Taffy," a colorful sculpture by artist Stephanie Lynn featuring five towers ranging from 25 to 50 feet tall, wrapped in translucent mesh fabric that creates shifting light patterns throughout the day.
Golden Voice, the company behind Coachella, would maintain ownership while the city prepares the site and provides infrastructure.
The bottom line: Installation costs would come entirely from the city's public art fund, not exceeding $300,000, with most expenses covering transport and installation.
The perforated material eliminates wind concerns, and Golden Voice would be responsible for any damages.
Why it matters: The installation would boost tourism and reinforce Palm Desert's arts commitment, with the highly visible San Pablo corridor location offering opportunities for community engagement and park activation.
The Cultural Arts Committee has given the proposal strong support.
What's next: The council is expected to vote on the lease agreement at an upcoming meeting, with an option to extend beyond the initial 10-year term.
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