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Welcome to Wednesday! Step outside today and you'll feel it: temperatures are running unusually warm. February’s average high is typically around 74 degrees, but this week our average has climbed to 86. You can blame (or thank) the ridge of high pressure sitting over Southern California, though it’s expected to shift soon and bring some nearby wind advisories. For perspective: on this day in 1985, there was measurable snow!
🎶 Setting the mood: "Could Heaven Ever Be Like This" by Idris Muhammad
Leading Off
Palm Springs police headquarters off South Civic Drive. (File photo)
Palm Springs sees drop in reported crime across major categories
Reported crime in Palm Springs fell in 2025, with decreases spanning theft, burglary and violent offenses, according to year-end data from the Palm Springs Police Department.
Driving the news: The city recorded 2,877 total offenses across eight major categories in 2025, down from 3,132 in 2024, based on finalized figures submitted to a national crime database.
By the numbers: Property crimes continued to dominate reported offenses, with larceny-theft remaining the most common crime despite dropping 14% from 1,117 incidents in 2024 to 962 in 2025.
Motor vehicle thefts declined from 227 to 190 incidents, while burglaries fell slightly from 181 to 175.
Violent crime trends: Robberies decreased from 69 incidents to 50, and assaults declined from 754 to 724. Homicides dropped from seven in 2024 to three in 2025.
Sex crimes also fell, from 67 incidents to 46.
What they're saying: "When we compared 2024 to 2025, we saw meaningful reductions across most major crime categories," the department said, describing the results as evidence the city is "moving in the right direction."
The context: Police reported increased arrests in 2025, attributing the boost to proactive enforcement targeting drug offenses, DUI violations and quality-of-life crimes.
The department credited community cooperation and early crime trend identification by officers for the improvements.
Briefly
The rear of the home at 1752 Ridge Road as seen from the east.
🎬 Landmark status recommended for director Edmund Goulding’s ‘Little White House’ estate
The Historic Site Preservation Board voted Tuesday to recommend that the City Council designate the Edmund Goulding Residence at 1752 Ridge Road as a Class 1 historic landmark. The 1928 Spanish Colonial Revival is a style that dominated Palm Springs during the interwar period. The structure features hollow block concrete brick construction painted white with terra cotta barrel tile roofs.
Film director Edmund Goulding purchased the estate in 1936 and transformed it into what became known as the "Little White House" compound, hosting celebrities including, Marlene Dietrich, the Duke of Warwick, and Greta Garbo who stayed at the property the night “Camille” premiered at the Plaza Theatre.
What's next: City Council still has to approve the designation. If approved, the property would be subject to review should the owner undertake any alterations. Owner Lucien Wolff said at the meeting, "I’d like to see it back where it used to be, because it’s so unique."
A MESSAGE FROM MIZELL CENTER
Mizell invites you to our annual dinner gala, Full of Life, honoring Desert Oasis Healthcare and its commitment to advancing health and quality of life for older adults. The evening will bring together friends, supporters, and community leaders. All proceeds benefit Mizell’s programs, including Meals on Wheels.
📆 Featured Events
Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Start the day with other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters with breakfast and conversation.
Open-Play Bridge
9 a.m. | The Center
Come have some fun and enjoy playing Bridge in a casual and safe environment!
Sammy's Circle Pet Bereavement
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Sammy's Circle is a safe place to share grief stories of beloved pets, both those who have recently left us, as well as those whose memories have long lingered in our hearts.
Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Listening Session
12 p.m. | Mizell Center
The Desert Healthcare District & Foundation is developing its next strategic plan, and needs resident voices to help shape the future of health in the community.
Zone Palm Springs Community Open House
2 p.m. | Virtual
Palm Springs will continue its series of zoning community feedback sessions virtually on Zoom.
Cocktails & Cabaret with Francesca Amari & Jeff Lantz
5 p.m. | Cultural Center
With a fizzy mix of mod pop, yacht rock, Broadway show tunes, classic Rat Pack gems, and interactive fun, this swinging night out is equal parts music and laughter. ($22)
Backstreet ArtWalk
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Backstreet Art District
The best and largest open studio event in Palm Springs is held the first Wednesday of every month. Head to 2664 South Cherokee Way to start.
Neighborhood Parking Solutions Meeting
5:30 p.m. | PSPD Training Room
Palm Springs Neighbors in La Palme, Pointe, Vibe, and Sundial, your voice is needed. The city wants to hear directly from you about parking access, safety, sanitation, and more.
Rock the Park
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
Bruno and the Hooligans is the ultimate tribute to Bruno Mars, delivering the sound, style, and charisma of the Grammy-winning superstar.
📌 Save the Date
Gateway neighborhood parking meeting Wednesday at the PSPD Training Room at 5:30 p.m.
NUANCE Modernism Art Exhibit on Friday at Janssen Art Space
Our Voices, Our Stories: Celebrating Black Authors on Sunday at Mizell Center
Palm Springs Speaks with Cheech Marin on Feb. 10
Coffee with Mark and Kendall to celebrate The Post's anniversary on Feb. 12 from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. at Koffi Central
Modernism Week from Feb. 12 through 22 throughout the city
Palm Springs Modernism Show on Feb. 14 and 15 at the convention center
Palm Springs International Jazz Festival from Feb. 19-22
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🚠 And Finally …
Palm Springs police released these photos recently on social media.
Scammers posing as grieving family members soliciting donations at busy Palm Springs intersections learned that local police don't take kindly to tugging at heartstrings with fabricated tragedies.
Driving the news: Palm Springs police arrested two Redlands residents recently after they walked into traffic at Ramon Road and San Luis Rey Drive holding photos of a child they claimed had died, asking drivers for funeral expense donations.
Officers confirmed the child in the photos is alive, leading to arrests for obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Why it matters: These emotionally manipulative scams exploit community compassion while creating dangerous traffic conditions, with fraudsters often using stolen images from legitimate charities or internet sources.
But wait: Over the weekend, scammers appeared to be back at it at the intersection of Ramon and Gene Autry, once again holding signs asking for donations for a deceased child's funeral.
What to do: Residents who encounter people stepping into roadways or standing on medians soliciting cash with emotional stories should avoid giving money and instead call the police non-emergency line at 760-327-1441 to report the activity.
In Case You Missed It
Recently published stories
📖 Kendall thinks everyone needs to read the fascinating report (starting on page 24) that goes along with the historic 1928 home discussed at last night's Historic Site Preservation Board meeting.
🥵 Mark did not have "turn on the AC in February" on his 2026 bingo card.
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