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Friday, July 31 | ☀️ 115°/87°
TGIF, everyone, where we have a programming note. Twice a year, we take a week off, and next week is one of those weeks. We know you’d prefer that we publish 52 weeks a year, but we hope you understand that our team of two has nobody to fill in for us (but we still need to take some time off to regroup). With no meetings scheduled at City Hall in August, we figure next week is our best chance to pull it off. So Kendall is off to a family reunion in the Midwest, and Mark is headed to the Central Coast for some cooler breezes. We’ll be back online Aug. 10 and back in your inbox that day as well!
🎶 Setting the mood: "Solar Skin (feat jasper.wav)" by Carlita
Leading Off
File photo
Palm Springs home prices drop as valley market rebalances
Home prices across the Coachella Valley continued to slide this year, with Palm Springs seeing some of the steepest declines. But the city is also seeing more sales and faster turnover than much of the valley.
By the numbers: The median price for an average-sized detached home in Palm Springs fell 6% to $1.17 million compared to a year ago, according to the latest Greater Palm Springs Realtors Desert Housing Report. Attached home prices in the city dropped 4% to $434,000.
Valley-wide, the median detached home price last month was $654,000, down 5.2% year-over-year, while attached prices fell 2.2% to $455,000.
The big picture: Every city in the valley recorded a year-over-year drop in detached home prices, ranging from a 0.6% decline in Bermuda Dunes to nearly 8% in Coachella. Attached home prices varied far more widely, climbing almost 25% in Indian Wells while falling 45% in Desert Hot Springs.
What's next: Palm Springs posted 155 sales in the three-month period ending in June, 19 more than the same period in 2025 and the second-highest total in the valley behind Palm Desert. Valley-wide sales remain about 23% below average.
Inventory: Palm Springs had 638 homes on the market at the start of the month, down 116 from last year — the largest inventory drop in the valley. Valley-wide inventory fell nearly 11% year-over-year to 2,965 units.
The report found the valley market is shifting toward a more balanced state, no longer favoring buyers or sellers.
Speed: Palm Springs homes are also selling faster than much of the valley, averaging 45 days on the market compared with 54 days last year, even as more homes sell at a discount to list price.
Briefly
Staff at The Center pose with Police Chief Andy Mills and Cathy Mills after presenting them with the inaugural Allies Award. (Photo courtesy of The Center)
🏳️🌈 The Center honors Mills for LGBTQ+ allyship
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills and his wife, Cathy, received the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert's inaugural Allies Award Wednesday, ahead of Mills' September retirement.
The Center's CEO, Mike Thompson, presented the award at the McDonald/Wright Building, praising the couple for building trust between the LGBTQ+ community and the police department. Mills, chief since 2021, is set to retire Sept. 5 and move to the Sacramento area.
Bottom line: Mills and his wife have supported local LGBTQ+ organizations, including co-chairing The Center's Center Stage gala in October 2025. Mills said he's confident the department will continue building on the relationships established during his tenure.
A MESSAGE FROM
DAP HEALTH
Breastfeeding provides powerful health benefits for both babies and moms, but the journey isn’t always easy. Understanding common challenges, knowing when to seek support, and giving women grace can help them make informed nursing decisions that prioritize their family’s health, well-being, and unique circumstances.
📆 Your Weekend
Today
Foodie Fridays at Palm Springs Cultural Center at 5 p.m.
Exotica Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie at Agua Caliente Casino at 7 p.m. ($22–$52)
Stoner Rob Comedy Show at The Rock Gallery Comedy Club at 7 p.m. ($18)
Saturday
.Stationery Store Day at bobo Palm Springs at 10 a.m.
Night Swim at Palm Springs Surf Club at 6 p.m. ($27–$212)
LGBTQ+ Country Western Dancing at Dance Ranch PS at 7 p.m. ($5)
Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso at Hotel Zoso at 9 p.m. ($29)
Sunday
Mahjong Meetup at Social Cafe & Lounge at 12 p.m.
International Classical Concerts at The Plaza Theatre at 3 p.m. ($25–$40)
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
🚠 And Finally …
Photo courtesy Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
August arrives tomorrow, and that means first responders can trade their badge for a bird's-eye view, no sirens required.
Driving the news: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is offering free admission and a special gift to qualified first responders throughout August in honor of "First Responders Days."
Details: All qualified first responders receive free admission to the Tramway, along with a gift, in celebration of "First Responders Days," while up to four guests get 25% off regular fares.
The promotion can be redeemed with valid first responder photo ID at the ticket booth of the Tramway's Valley Station from Saturday until Aug. 31.
Who qualifies: Fire and police personnel, California Highway Patrol, County Sheriff officers, EMTs and more are eligible for the discount.
A full list of qualifying first responders is available at this link.
What they're saying: "The Tramway is delighted to continue this annual tradition, in appreciation for the dedication and service of those who serve our communities," said Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols. "We look forward to welcoming our first responders to a day with friends and family, exploring the natural beauty of our alpine wilderness."
In Case You Missed It
Recently published stories
🦟 Kendall is off to Minnesota for a family reunion! She usually goes in the fall or winter, and she doesn’t think she’s prepared for the mosquitos …
🌊 Mark and his wife discovered the quiet coastal town of Cayucos a few years back and it just keeps drawing them back!
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