But this year, along with chatter about the Obamas’ recent vacation in nearby Rancho Mirage, the dry air crackled with the conflict
that has arisen between the Palm Springs City Council, populated by long-term full-time residents (including Mayor Robert Moon), and proponents of the surging short-term vacation home rental market, empowered in the last several years by platforms like Airbnb.
“What created the resurgence of Palm Springs is it became accessible,” said Tara Lazar, a lifelong resident who bought
and renovated the Alcazar Palm Springs hotel in 2009 and now owns and operates three local restaurants and a bar called Seymour’s.