HomeMy WebLinkAboutInfo Item - Media Plcmnts & PR Activities (NJFriedman PR) �
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� CITY OF PALM DESERT
- COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION
• • STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Receive and file informational report on media placements and public
relations activities as provided by Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations
DATE: May 21, 2009
CONTENT: Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations Activity Report
January-April 2009
Recommendation:
By Minute Motion, receive and file informational report on media placements and public
relations activities as provided by Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations.
Background:
The attached report is being provided at the request of Council to be kept informed of
public relations activities and results. The report highlights activities for the period of
January through April 2009, as conducted by the Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations
Agency (NJFPR) on behalf of the City of Palm Desert. The report includes a list of
media placements along with copies of the clippings. Topics being pitched to national
media and ongoing media relations activities are also outlined.
Staff is recommending that the City Council receive and file this report.
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Submitted by: ( � I _
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Kristy Kn iding ,�Sheila R. Gilligan
Marketing Manager Assistant City Manager �
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C��TY C(�UIYCILACTiO��
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VF.RIFIED BY:
Originat oa Fiie with City Clerk's ftice
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NANCY 1 �Fi:F.CfVAti' PUBLIC RELATIONS
MEMO �
To: Kristy Kneiding
Marketing Manager, City of Palm Desert
CC: Sheila Gilligan
Assistant City Manager, City of Palm Desert
From: Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations
Date: March 2, 2009
Subject: Account Activity January- February 2009
NJFPR is pleased to provide highlights of activities undertaken and results achieved on
behalf of the City of Palm Desert during the months of January and February.
MEDIA PLACEMENTS:
Los Ange/es Family
February 2009
Circulation: 150,000+
Based on NJFPR's work with freelance writer Jill Weinlein and her visit to Palm Desert last
November, a feature about Palm Desert and Desert Springs was included in the February
issue. Palm Desert is highlighted as a top drive-to family travel destination. The article also
appeared in Ventura Family, South Bay Family, Santa C/arita Family, San Gabriel
Family and Las Vegas Family.
Trave/Week/y
January 26, 2009
Circulation: 40,267
As a result of NJFPR's work with contributing editor Laura Del Rosso, Desert Springs was
included in a Palm Springs area round-up piece.
Smart Meetings
January 2009
Circulation: 31,500
Desert Springs was featured in the January issue of Smart Meetings a California round-up
story; the resort is listed as a top choice in the Palm Springs area.
Gentry Magazine
February 2009
Circulation: 32,590
As a result of NJFPR outreach and his attendance on the 2008 press trip, Glen Putman
recommended Palm Desert in his for the upscale, San Francisco-based magazine.
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HotelChatter.com
January 5, 2009
Circulation: 129,609
Based on NJFPR's work with editor Juliana Shallcross, Desert Springs' "Get Fit" package
was featured on HotelChatter.com in a "Five Hotels For Working on Your Fitness" piece.
HotelChatter.com
January 23, 2009
Circulation: 129,609
As a result of NJFPR outreach to Juliana Shallcross, Desert Springs was the lead item in a
`Valentine's Day Hotels' piece.
PITCHING AND OUTREACH:
• NJFPR reached out to a number of top-tier media outlets to arrange deskside meetings
with Kristy Kneiding during her trip to New York City. Secured meetings with the following
journalists:
-Juno DeMelo, Shape
- David Gould, Travel +Leisure Golf
- Eamon Lynch, Go/f Magazine
- Laura Siciliano-Rosen, freelance (New York Magazine, New Yor1c Post, Men's
Joumal
- Shivani Vora, freelance (The New York Times, The Wall Street Joumal, Time,
The New York Post, Fodor's)
- Marianne Mancusi, Better.tv
• Sent follow-up information and story angles to the above journalists (restaurant and
boutique information, vacation guides, etc.)
• Began planning for the Palm Desert press trip (April 1-5); invited a number of top-tier
journalists including:
-Alex Pulaski, Oregonian
- Eamon Lynch, Golf Magazine
- Linda Bates, Vancouver Sun
- Elizabeth Harryman, Westways
- Elissa Richard, Sherman's Travel
- Heath Woodlief, Tennis Channel
• NJFPR suggested eco-friendly stories, focusing on Palm Desert, to outlets including:
- National Public Radio
- Time
- Travel +Leisure
- Outside
- The New York Times
- The Economist
- The Califomian
- Mother Nature Network
- Sierra magazine
- USA Weekend
-Jetsetters
- Good
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• Pitched Palm Desert as an ideal honeymoon vacation to Modem Bride.
• Worked with editors at Concierge.com on coverage of Palm Desert attractions in an
upcoming Palm Springs destination guide.
• Pitched Palm Desert's mobile energy-monitoring program to Mike Drummond at Inventors
Digest for a story on eco-friendly technological innovations.
• Sent information on the EI Paseo Invitational Exhibition to Amy Prince at Surface, who is
seeking information for the spring issue's calendar section.
• Pitched Palm Desert as a family-friendly destination to a number of outlets, including:
- Concierge.com
- The Oregonian
- Grandparents.com
- Los Ange/es Times
• Continued working with Lena Katz on coverage of Palm Desert for her upcoming
California guidebook from Globe Pequot Press; provided photos.
• Pitched The Living Desert to writer ponna Boetig for an upcoming book about the world's
most unique family vacations.
• Pitched Palm Desert's outdoor adventure options to freelancer Susan Rich, who is
seeking information about walking/hiking vacations for Oregon-based Walk About
magazine.
• Sent information on Palm Desert's eco-friendly initiatives to freelancer Ty Treadwell, who
contributes to Spirit Airlines Skylights, Christian Science Monitor, Postcards and US
Airways Attache.
• Submitted Pat Conlon nomination for The Daily Green's "Heart of Green" awards.
• Sent information on Palm Desert to freelance journalist Kimberly Fredericks, who
frequently writes travel/hospitality pieces for Robb Report.
• Created an extensive media list for the EI Paseo Invitational Exhibition press release,
including art/design publications, calendar/events listings editors, and local/regional
outlets.
• Pitched a "romantic Palm Desert escape"to more than 50 short-lead outlets in advance of
Valentine's Day. Targets included:
- Los Angeles Times
- Daily Candy
- HotelChatter.com
- SmarterTravel.com
- Chicago Tribune
• Palm Desert will also benefit from NJFPR's extensive pitching of Desert Springs JW
Marriott Resort & Spa to regional, national, and international media, on topics such as
spa, seasonal savings, golf, and dining.
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ACCOUNT ACTIVITY:
• Attended deskside meetings with Kristy Kneiding during her trip to New York City
(February 2 - 3).
• Attended the CTTC New York City media reception on February 3.
• Submitted story angles to the CTTC's PR department before and after the New York City
media reception.
• Created press releases on the EI Paseo Invitational and eco-friendly tourist attractions.
• Conducted call with EI Paseo curator Mark Stephenson to gain additional information on
the exhibition.
• Researched and requested information on current airfare deals/packages from Mark Kiehl
at Palm Springs International Airport. This information will be used to supplement
ongoing "luxury for less" pitching efforts.
• Worked with Laura Slipak at The Mod Resort to gather information on the property's
current eco-friendly initiatives.
• Participated in conference call with Palm Desert's marketing partners on February 9;
updated 2009 PR plan accordingly.
• Planning for 2009 press trip.
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1 A Utt[e le�t family�acatlon destination. ,`�-. =�:
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We stayed i� at� 8th floor raom facfng ..� ;
' ��� � ' the front. IVat anly was the roam spa- �? ' � �+��,,�,�_ "
�,I ciousr bett the balcony was large and �'�= �' ,��;'�' •'
; thc mauntain vlews were lavely. For I�� � �"� �"�
C��Se �Q � M ��d P����1(Y, we vfsited thre Lawrt and ';< _ a
� � ' � E Tennis Club for badmintonr basketball, ��F,���� ��t, w , . �,-; ,
by Jili We�nleOn bacce ball, croqust and horse�haes. w�-,� � �
Our youngar daUgh�er en�oyed the '� �.�+_ �
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e aesert Sp�ings JW Marrlat� morning NieeC the Sirds presentatian to .��.;�;-�-�-� � ' ';,�.� .. II�
�. Resort and Spa {74855 Courrtry fe$rn about�he different palrots. - �.I~� -"'�-""'�•,�.y�.�,`± ,.
� Ciub DrEve, Pafrr� Desert} fs qulte I}�4:�._,:t�.- .,:�. -, _ _��_ i
� simllar ta the wanderf�I famffy resorts For adults who want to play golf on +��a-... . .,�' �. �: �- � , .�:'�'-�e. �-
q 4� ' t i�.�"4r..r._t=�R-�,+�kf�F��}�fr�. �
,I on Kaanapefi Beach. In the wir�ter, the one af the twa�'ed Robin�on Kinq of .-. ..����_� i
Watersca es"dest ned 18-hole aIf + - `��: �����
i air temper�ture fs as warm as M�ui, p � 9 ��, �f:y•� �.•
courses ter►nfs on on�of 20 tennis '�'' " "� � "�-`��+
�`The dramatfc Grand lobby wlth floor- ► " -4�,: :�.- � f{'�����;�f,;';�' �
to-celling windaws averlooics lakes, ��urts, or visit th e n e w ly r e n o v a t e d .�,._ _� ,,' . . .. ,�.F, ,
fountains, a�d goEP courses. Boats gifde 5pa Desert$�rings�the resort offers a :��-�;_��_ �+`i+'�������` �.
smaothly an the wakarways delfvering 1�id s Klub tar guest s ages 4-1�. They ,:�_:�-_ --.; •{� '�'��.;Y�;'��
� ofFer arts and crafts nature walks �=—'---- - ,• �,};�,��';�?.+
� 9uesks to four diFfer�nt theme restau- � . ; � .� � ' ;� �;l, .,
rants. Swa fn lunch, sports activfties and an �fter- ,--� 1
y g palm trees, FlarnEngos, � — � ,
�swans, and colorFul �arrots can be �oon snack. � ��� � -`�Y - �'���� �i
v9ewed throughout the property. 7he W1th so many acEivttEes, fam�lEes �'-�-w-=—=�- �' �.;,,._.ti„1�;� i
anly thing missing is the Pacffic pcean. never need to leave the resortt �ife is � ;��r�_��,� -�_: ���►` �
But with two resart size pools, guests full of enriching experiences. Pack u =�"��=����±"`+-�?:��'�'�
�can swim, refax wlth a Pina Colada and the kids and drlve o�tt to palm Desert �� '"" �-`-���w=�,.,-
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�,pretend (as I did)to hear a �kulele for an experience you wilf fong remem- �' � �� �- }—��;�
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F BeSt df all, yau dvn't have tn pay For Fvr reservadons,sAeclals znd lnformaNvn �'�; ; - ,-- �. �
�expensive raund-trip airFare and sft for on the UasertSprlrrgs,caJ!(760)341-,2211 or � � ' :.-J�r.r�.-_ " !
(888f 539-9459 ar vlslt www.r►esertspringsre- . _ �-.�� @
j;fl�e hours. Less fhan two F�our�fram SGrt.com. �y ��,." • , ��__.� ,
I;Los Ar�geles, Palm Desert is an excel- �4�`��^"" . _ '� �±
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News from... ����� Circulation: 150,000
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January 26, 2009
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in Palm Springs.Ca1iG,in Cktober,it cras 5priegs;peel�sotd."E'hc new propenies �eten�s.A tp� is �
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Sprinds Dece�t Resorls ConvanNon snd Eywood snn s�di as Ftank S3nxtra,Ciean p.+�e r.,c1_e tRr.-.
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Pasa�2',�nd the GaEony Palms,origi• aad Swim CIu6.is
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- nperated 6y Ehe Ayoo The desert re�art
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. .. . - ' � peopla in 200f,is uudetgnins a 517 mil- hourdrivc,uid k�kd�
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�r ��a�t;x���ng in �l�e na��r�4 sp��r�dor a� a Eri� ��tr���E� rh�: ���d��� �t�re
��ca�ld ��.�i[y� E�rc:�l� �r,�o sor��.
�#�rc�s�,�gs �l��.�r�r rrrc�l�r��z��r�.+r�,� o f`rl��.���r...
the shimtnering Iighr� oF Palrtt 5prings are r�o
',��.�i�� `� � ,� ; ciaul�t �vuelcoane sight. it's an oa�is o�ne�v culture
��. ��� ��� � � and activity tltat ��s reilewed �I�e city's i�nage fcnm
' rctirement mccca to resort g,etar�vay. And Iilte a
C7n a�ark de�e��l�i,��.rtu�.,�, cuol tuisid i�t �rr,y Iartir �{�sert Ao4�+er af'ter a rain, hotcl �nd resort business
�Y'�rr�n s»xe��of colitrts� �•isitrg tsp tl�tr�qrtg��th��i�• is bloQining in tl�e arca, r�vith �nore r�aai �'2 6illir�n
Up ezllerrc�i�� tl�e r�is��tjree, �.�nry sl�irnmerz�rgCi�lat in ncw ha�e! proc�uct I�aving recen�ly o�ened,
---"`Horcl �aIifarnil" l�y r��e ��gl.e,s or a6our ro i�y �OI 1, tivliicl3 rr�ak�s ir a perfect
opportunity For planners ra ralce advanrage oF�rhe
For anSr d�'�v�r crui5irtg rhrnugh the deserr at niglit, ���v�nues �nd val�es.
TI�e largest meeri�gs venue in tIY�area is che Palm
5prings Conv�ntion Centcr (palmspringscc.
com} in che �eart of down�awn and cxpanded in
?��� ro �40�,OdQ sq. fc. o�' exhibir �.nd mecring
space, In ncarby Ind�an Wells, the Renaussanee
Esmeralda Resort a.nd SFa(re�atissanceesmeralda.
com) has �GQ ronms and �[OO,QUO sc�. Ft. a�
meeting s�race (indaar �nc� �utdoor) and the
H�►att Grand Champions Resart and Sp�
(h�;�ttgrattd�harn�ions.cam) carnes tvith 53�}
rnoms and $�,qOD sq. �t. oFspacc For mceti�igs. In
�� DcscrC �prings3 the D�sert Spring�s,j'V� Maniott
� Resart & Sps� [deserts�ringsresort.com} l�as $84
roams and 2��,QQO sq. f�. of ineeting spac�,
and T��c Westin IV�ission Hi�Is Resort & Spa
�5t�1"WflOC�IlOTCIS.eom) in R�nc�a Mirage includes
�I2 rnoms and GS�aOQ sq. Ft, a� mecting sp�cc.
Sl;�red io open in late ?049 is Th� �23itz-C�rlton,
Rancho ,IV�ira� (rir�c�r�ran.cam}, ��,hile The
Mondrian and Hard Rocl�, Hotels are 5cheduled
for com�lctian in 20] 1!
"�ur dry climar�, SiI115i1It7� and incr�dible
maunt�in viecr�s are among the c�eal-makers Far
mcecing planners," says Mark �raw�s, dir�cror af
communic�tions fnr rhe Palm �prings Desert
Resort Cammuniti�s Cnnvention a.ttd Vzsitars
Association (giveint�thedesert.com}. "Meetings
came here ye�r-round, bur weatlier-��vise, �ny time
betwe�� ���tember and May are rrr�st d�sirabl�.
Our m�jnr high scason #s January tIi�r,ugh May,
Planners �vould be surpriscd at th� inccntir�es
many prop�rties are afferi�� [themj to give us a
�resii loolc. This is nor your grandmtather� P�lm
5prings, as rhey��y.,,
� q j�.��l 1�'��' '���l
�
� i� � t� � 1 � �
'ti�9��,,:���t�1A''a7.St�.r;�r_ticaliGn,end Ori�ir.c!f:�
February 2009
�ra�reL
�ar�rr� �a �he .De�e�� . . .
�!'C�,vi�� U.s,-;�'aa...�7��:j'1 '�lP�4:1�s�`. _�?1�^-.!7 `1 13?�l: t�..M.3sL�' �.�3.v:.�!i, t;�r '�•'::i']'�"*i���?`'�'4'
i r
, - hece aze some 120 re�sons to vis�t the g�eater � �sr#��
�� Palm 5prings area...butPll say naore about the �
�' _�
gnlf cnurses a few pazagraphs down the page. '�`�4�=�� ,. � , .
:
Fac now,ifyou feel the ncedfor same wazm . .��'%��'�i '
sur�shine,�etme rxpound on some of the mazry h�. , , � � � . '`��, , �yf 4
non-golfing acti�rities that avwair you in tivs � r f ''''
dcli hdW deserC re on s�etch' rou � '�.;'.-� '•�,y� ..a�
g R� �S F�Y� '� ��iy� _�,; .,k, .�.x�.
miles in a southaasurly diccction thrwgh the CoachelL�t VaUey, ��?J}'' � �r.'� , ��_�n i a��';. *��' i
�}� ��� +� t " L �ti
&om Palm Sp�ings ta India--a.rrue aasis of luxury arnd living �f,' Y�' ����� '
luge.And it's ardy an houc away finmus 6y plane. ,,,�5� `'�.�,�;� ���'�- i
Andwhenitistimetagivethegol.fclubsarestforadayocsq a' �?�'� � �f,�'* { l
� �k},�- �5 '1
thece is s#iU plenty roq do here.The 3.5 million armualviaitors dis- � ��� ,
'�..
arvex marry choices,and in a rec�ent sutvey cunducted by the local �` �� '�,���:? �''
. ���5 �
visitors authority,a whopping 96 percent said thei�Fecent krip ..��.
met ar exceeded expectations. � � i
As ti�e�OO,OOO fu11 time residents know,exce�lern resrauran�i � �w . �
ahaund,and that same su�vey showed that 89 peraent of visitars � .�: �q
rated"dining"as mast important ta t}teir visit,compaured tv 35 � � ��', `4
peacent that raLed"sports'as the craciaf,activity. I guess three � ' ��;� �.� - . rt �� � � � �
squzres beats khxee-pars azry day!Ar�d it seems Iik�e beteind evay r.�=,� ' �"'h �'''` � � �' `r�~�.
ane of�e e s ti z n a t c d 1 0,0 4 Q p a l m tr e e s t h e re i s a s p a w h e r e y a u I.� �.-._- }�+ � -wr " � '' �� _ .
can soak and seruh youselfhac�c into playing shape.Upscale seores �r� . �.,�':�� '•�':*'� ;#*. ��`'��'
ac ,
and baitiques,with ravenous¢edit caid machines at the ieady, ` :`*'�.��Y',��- '�LL' � � `+� .
�� � .'�.�, .,�.
wrleome ea�ec shoppeis alang Palm Canyon Duve and�;I l�aseo. '�+R, �,J
NTiss tlie snow.'i'ake a chilly cide on the revohri�ng tramway � 5 �_, ,�' M � / .'�.k� , ��?
� � ��-�_ � �
��•'.�s=n.,} . µ J�, :--
reachir�nearly 4,000 feet up Mt.Jacinto,w6ere Ghe views axe �"�,x'� — - : �
sainning ar�d the au temperatures aze ofaen30 to40 degreeslrrwer + _ -'�+h ���- .- -
than those in the valley below.And Ye�it does snaw up ther�sa l� �-�, • � �1�2u,ji�,��
6andle up in vuinter.Othar amacuons incIude the Childzen's #�=.�'`�x���,._
Discavery Museum,Palm Springs Art Mnseum,Indian and �'`��_�- � - "` �,
'Tahquita Curyons,the Living Desert 7�00,Et�e Palm 5prings Air
Museum,and even gattnng at the Agua Ca�'iente Casino. a stunning panotarna feom the 5,185-fo.ot e1evation overlaak.
In addition to golf;au�oor activities include tennis,swim- It's a gteat way tn spend an afteinoan and if you re there in the
ming,hocseback�iding,hiking,bi[ang,desert jeep tours,and summe�it's an escape&am the heat of the desertflaar.
much more.AI1.these pursuit�are enhanced 6y stunning�nse�,
clean,dry aiy and inajestic mountains.One of the tap tennis Galf is King
events on pro tnu5 the Indian Wells PrafessionaLTe�is Tourna- The Caachtlla Valley is a myor destinatian fur avid golfexs,and
menC,takes plaoe March 9—22,2009. in rhe ia�ghly 150 squaze miles in the region(118 catrses total at
On a p��vious visit a few years s�q I took a Toyora xaadster ]ast count)there is an aveeage of ane goIf muxse evecy mdle-and-
for a sgrint into Joshua'i'ree I�Tational Park.Zippizag norCh on a-quazeec sprinkled throu�hout Ramchb M'irage,Palm DesetS La
U5.10 with the top dawn,I tucned east or�toTwentynine Palms Qi,ii�ta,IndianWeIl�,et aa.Golfexs fly infrnm allavec the world,
Highwap and cantinued on ta the west entrana to Che park. and fiiom January 1 through May 34,the area's populauon swells
Firam here,I s000tcd through Hidden Val�ey,a.l�egendazy cattle to over 600,000.On twa separa�te days]ast Naverx�er,I played
zustic�'s hideout,and then raxred up to Keys View,which affords wit�s�aupfcs fmm Bnston and Bend,O�egnn.�
0
�9ew�frarr�... �� �� � �i�cufatior�: 32,59C�
,. ... . . i .. , � � �hliti!ti:
Major anrntal golEevent�held yeatly include the Bob Hope
Chry�Ie� �lassic {in'r�-Jarntary), the Nabisco Chamgiansh'rp
(Formerly the Dinah Sriare in eaxly Apr'tl�,and t#�e LG Skins
Ga:me(late Navembcr}at the Ga1f Resort at Indian V4re�ls. .
The�e aEe neazly 17,0(1a ava'sl,aible guest roams in the regiun,
cverything fcom srnall bautique hote�s to nc�ga t�csaxts.A sam-
piing fallows.
Des�rt�p�ings JW Marriot#
The De�exC Springs JV4�Mazriott in Palm DeseCt is a huge�eso�t
that underwent a�3t�million renov�ti,an in 20U7.The�our Dia-
�- mond r�sart hatures lush g�rounds and coaling Iagaons,tv�a Ted
Robinson-desigrsed golf course�a�xll servic�spa,.13 restaurants
and ba�s,$84�ooms,arid a friendiy staffthatsnakes rhe trig xesart
seem mare like a ctrGy c�b.
���� + ' ,,,y;,� �'�� � ' # .�,`, - � ��
� 1'
��r�} _�� � + ���,`- � 4y,���F
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��} +� ~+�J�� �I,J�M1�'•�-��f� ���+ � � M
,`�� . � '_�.�� _5 n'; i��
5�#��' �� •i��1+4 ��� �F _ � 7Gti .'y ���'� �y # �y -
��' r•:?�� -�;�:;�'�°,C�'��;�:���f �{
- � ,
� r* `' �
' � �' �� ��:��
, t �.
J -� - ",� � `'tr.� ..��!
Y� r.ir—� J �'�_ `�,����r„�,
+ _ -- -, ��_ `� -,,,: `�
_ � .i.�i'�'�
��.' '�, �,�; :.�,��,��,� —
,������_"�{{�� �:._. .'�M1��� +,��_�* ?L + -
"- " .;�+''_��.:';�;r'.
�;����*.1L..;::s.tt~��_'f��f��_.
There are 2(�tenrris oourts,.includin�thtee rlay and twa +�a.ss
�xrf`aces.Ver�us and Serena rvexe hitting at ea+ch other tlxe last
time I was rhere.
The mammoth spa is ranked on the"Hot List"af'tap spas by
CondlNas�Traveler.A privaCe spa�ite,called fhe Sanctuax�,
features a petsonal butley a two-persan hydxatherapy t�xb in x
private couxtyard,plx�s aliv7ng;afea wiith afireplace and high-def-
inipon�1'Y. The spa has evexything pne needs in such a facility:
kydc baxiz►g,Pilates,Ayuzvedic tieatmenLs�, and.tnoie.Thc tl;zee
t+esort swimcrnng poo]s are surmunded by volleyball and b�sleet
hall courts and lawn ccoquet.Dese�rt 5pxings is so compFet►ensive
that xnarxy people never leave ducing their en�re stay.The fabu-
lous Deseit Willo�uv Gnlf Resart is just across tt►e street It is pub-
lic and better than many private clu6s.-�-
Best �in the �e�t
If yc�i leve '�e desert. #Fre:e is��n Inc�e�ibie a�;�o�s;nity ro
Is�e�k leasf pa�[ ttn��n a lux��y '�orr�e �t ��4r.=tes^�ence
��ub�; �GA Wes�, I�C�;6�L•r I� Qui�Sk�, lh�s t�'errti�r ��,iC�r-
,;al e^::I�e'�s[ne�'r.�p�iv�e:es���n��e cl;,��i�i'�.e�feaaer�a:m
�Nfin�s tr�a_
�7u��ec� "TKe Wes[e,� �o,� o� Golf�n Art�;;c;�,,• aGA
1�'JE� O;`ae-����sCs r�wofl�-eJ�SS COW�seS 5E# a�r��s v��r;:s
gr�wes and -owe-inC� �alr� �k the ��.^as� o� ti+.e San;3 i�osa
�ou^:a�ns, Tlre �h;e� p;��iic courses �' P�,A �les�the
�wd�urr ccuise das?�ne� by °e�e 7ye, a signatur� ,;,ack
Nick�;,s ;ou�nar�en: ^o�rr5e. �nd thc G�� �orma� cvu{s�
�te ci,�rr;7io`�shi� layouis, Arno!;� �al^�e' �rc� Tom 4'Je��o�f
�� h,�Ye^a�rses at r.earcy�aC�uinw3�eso�,
1'h�� Resice;sce �I�h�s lorax�d �t she e�xra^v� to kh� �,�i;
co�`�m�;r;ty �;f �}GA 4V�s� ar.o `€t,7wrts 32 lur�r�ry u',I!as, so�c? ir
cn�-n:n;� u�,c�ivic.co,c�a�de� imeres�s, 'n[.I�:oin� owvncrshio ir
�he ir�€,rr�e�s-or.�+ c�ub��usa Qr�ners�r� en;it!e� ta a� !ess�
�ive v�eei� a.ye�' iir on�o! lhe =;ee.-s*.a�rc:��;g �1:�!;a�, �r�c ,'�sci?-
[ion�l s:�ys c�� �e arlange:�
based on e��il�biliiy. T�e�lub`s
�e''?ng o.nly ;c�cS �mh�r�n���
wi#� fr�ac;ior.71 cc�S� �nr.i�,.: �
p-, ;�c-9� �
2i �i'9,y��{)- /k:SC�? +"+� f7er�er.t
�d1+�S�fP�Py�E�n 50'�, # pr
�sCh ru���+ `trrr..ls�5e;�� l+1Yes�. y a .' I � '�. �. �LI
k���roomvill��as 3,3+��s�u��c- � -���
'PF=i O{�rt71*i$"�A�O�u]��'.�C!liLv
tU f�,���'.I �S:BF SLI^E5:2 C351.8
Su�#B ]Ni.�S :}ff��t2 BI1?'�!1C$. �
rc�lly�i4'}��'gcur�-'�t kr��+�n,�a tc��=-#!,�_I�n�er��;a;nmc�r'
cen4or,a tv�o-:ar g,ara�,�.and an o�en-�=;Gwir� Yoom i!rak��eads
o:�tp a�s O.�CG'OOr pa;;�wiih 8 plur��F.7ool,�f r�pi5, 2nC�E�9;�:i-
{4F�v�'rrs of she�mown�ains,�111 vi�l�a'e w�hin t�sy w.'kin� �is•
ta�ce#c;he or�rate c'ubhcuse,W�:ICh FL=.diUfC'S 3 IOU'1}�E, �4C�€4f
roo:rs, ar+� �ym {]utsid�, rr�e�nbe�s can t�r�joy a L�r��:acu��i
a;,:� a swinm�r�r�ao:
�w;,�rsai,�rt the priv�=e +esiderc��lu�incau�es a ir+�m•
bsrsF;�that�rwi�es pref�rred se�tirres and.si�sc;�� �ric�ing
o n khe fr�e,�war;�-w:n�tiing o�lf r.ou�ses,
wwwc rao�d�ncoeJub pgswesrt,corn
�=E��RUTMAN
Las Palmas Resort
�resh an the heels of a$35-million snakeove�,ti�e 444-roam Ratt-
cho Las Palrr�a.s R�soxC 8� Spa 'ts classic Rancha Mirage
redtsi�ned for the 21st-cennuxy traveler. For�oue preteens,Lhe
new Splashtapia is an e�cciting watec plaYground comp].eCe wit�a
425-faotlazy river,including two J.00-fnat wa.tei sJides,a cfiffsi�e
Jaar�zi,swizn�g poo],and a sandy beac�►.The xesart also fea-
tures a spa,a 27-hc�le Ted Rabixtsan-designed goif course,a 25-
aaurt Peter Bun�ash�nternationaltenrns c�er�te�au�d four swimming
poals,irx�ludirg one neaz th,e bar just for thirsty ad�lt�c.}-
Rancho Las Palmas is ideally I.ocated in the heart a€Rancha
Mixage on 240 acres datted vv�ith pal�x�trees,lakes,gardens,and
fountains.It is dixectly across the street&om Tk�e RiveS a vil�rant
ente*�+nmPn�dinin�and retail azea.
Riviera Resart&�pa
Glitzy and]aced ivith enough bling to make Paxis Hiltan look
dowdy,the Riviera is nat fox everyone,but is the"buzz"foc the
young and 13cautifiil,and the rich and famraus.After pouring$70
rrrilliot�into:noc3.,ernizatinn, the lZiviera--a legendarY praperty
that was once a 1%0's playgcound for the likes of Frank 5inatra,
Dean 1�Iaztin, Sammy Davis,Jr.,and Elvis--�-reopened to tihe
pub�c in 4ctob�x 2{�OS,Sammy wauld have burst his diamand
snids"wwv�ing"at this place ticrw.
Today,the Rivieta offers a l��turious SpaTeire{ask faa Robert
as you�therapist),Ewo swirrnning poals(the acbon is around the
Bikini$au where arie can sample 50 different rurns and terjuilas),
hne dinirig from the kitcf�ens af Ch�f Adarrt Yotaw,and 446
�
.��,
� _� _
_s..-r�*�
!-r ,� i �
_�,. �;�„
h
� �� �
�est.roorras.AI1 t�is is laundled into a swank Hollywood rnatif
with slee;�lines,laold graphics,and a burst ofvivid calors every-
wher�ripe lemon,burnt arange,chaxtreuse,and squeaky wh'tt�.
In the lahby,Andy Warhoi-insptxed parnairs af the resart's past
celebrity cliente.le--among theria$nb Hnpe,Debbie Re�molds,
and Marilyn Manzae--�.ine the psarrxenade.Arti�t GazlMyers
created these g�ittery abstxacts rasing aniy Guatemalan coin:s.The
resort is located at the foot of the spectaculaz San Jacinto Moun-
tains in thc heaxt of old Palm Springs.-►-
C � .}'�.Ip.Y=�yl.. �iJ��x/V�y_ .
�L��.��_'��k. '•*+}'�%f�-}F�#� �,'�'�'.�f�l� .
.F�AN'
�_— _ . �a.�++4!�' ��'.=1�.1_�
�—__...�——� � i. }'�+y� .
. — �+ "��.--��4rt��-"+"�}�
��������il` �
'',S�Cr�Cac m[*s 1u�.�unCa�C� '
Desert Dining
A7'Yl4�ll�Q��Tie!'S
Yes,"The ICuig"has a wondeiful.xest�urant in LaQuinta that is a
vit�.ual rt�seunn of golf, honorin� the game irr a com£otkable,
c�ibby setting.The dirun�xao��--with themes like U.S.OperS
The Ma.sters,The Bxit'tsh Open—feature fireplaces,historie
photos,and personal items fxom Palmer's xe�axkable galf career.
Arnie's Pub shova'ca.ses actual trapl�ies from majar gnlf tourna-
menxs,and a large patio avexlqoks a putting�reen arid a crny
autdoor fire pit.
The nnenu includes a vaziety of`�►xnie s Favoritas"such as t�a-
ditional meat lc>a£and sautced.sand da6a.Try ane ofArnie's per-
sanal reserve wines. Gol�er ox not, yau'll find this place of
Championship cali#atr. Personabie manager podi Henry wi31
take Ve�y gaad caze of you.www.arno[dpalmersreseaurant.cam
�he.�ngles�e ir�n
This naw kgendaxy hotel and sestaurant sriaggled against the
San Jaanto Mountains was the site fa�Frank 5inat�a's pre wed-
ding dinne�tivith$arbra Marx in 1��6.Or�ner Mel Haber,a
74s-samethirzg RuRyonesque character frarn Brook.lyn, who
boughtthe 30-roarr►lodge in 1875,stillgxeets�ueats daily atthe
Inn."Sicsatra invited 80 people.He rna.de all the arrangeme►�ts
hir:rtselrF,"xecails Haber.11�felvyn's,i#�e Irnis restaa.uan�has been a
favarite hangout for other c�lebrities,fram Chex to Presidene
�erald Fard. It was anoe named "One af the Ten Best"6y
Li.featyJe�a of the Rarh�Famosu.Go ha�e a dxi�nic or luneh. The
Caesar salad is a house spe�cialty. Teli Mei I said "hawdy."
w��rw.ingl�sid�inn.cvm ■
Nates on m�golf glove:
PalrFe Springs Gesert Resqrem www PalmSpringsUSA.com
Dcsert S�rr6tgs JW Marriott Rescxt&5pa.www desertsprhgsresort.com
Rancho�as PaEmas Resort&Spa.www.rancholaspalmas.com
I�viera Resnrt&Spa,www.psriviera.com
��?:tZ"t2kCYS �t't t�.t� �ee set�.
•'r,,h.2wce?a�x=of i=��r�ary�2J-28� t3o�a^o C�o��n�� _,�r`e
vui��nast t�e�Eigl�rr �^��.wal "S:;aKans in th��tser,,•g�a�i
event at the Dosat UNfIlaw Golf�aart in Ps�m DosGrk-
A+me�!ai�l4mni of�gn.ipy�Ska#e iln�ve�s:t}�.3::i opEn ta
d��.ThE�OW-�Rey G7ll�l:in�i�i�,;i'uuc3 a wiiiis��,.^���;ti.^.{� IW^Ch,
CaE!�he�i Bragg at 408,424_i�72, or vis�e
ww.�9js�xecEulyd,+3�,e�rr�erc}c�s��#spaatans.
. ��I
"�������P���3��
January 5, Z009
F]TNCSS HOTFL S
F1�e Hatel� �'ar�Varl�.n�an Yaur Fitnes�
U�lhere; ��it��Si:�i��,
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As we are all too welf aware,the start af the new year is ty�ically the time ta reflect an your health
and make same resol�ations ta da be�ter by it,If yau're a frequent traveler,one af the first changes
to make(if yau haven't already),is to incorporate same light exercise into each of your days,since
the rest af the time is spent stressing or eating foad an-the-gn,Tn gain musculature aiong with flyer
miles,luckily a few hotels have a betrer idea of a vworkout than simply a few guilty stretches nn tize
airplane to save you from deep vein thrambosis;they've got the goads to be our Five Hntels For
INorkinq on Yaur Fitness,
1,Th� �i#rr�s; �uits af !�e+ra i�ar�C`s Affinia D�r�s�rrt V�1ith a deal that's definitely natfarthe weak of
waliet,the Affinia can plop y�u in a large deluxe room complete with cardio equiprr�ent,free weights,
and sauna for$799 a rtight, If you're more abaut the vacatian than the v�orkout, stay in a regular
room from $250 a night, and make use af their gym lackers, sneaker valet, mini-bar packed wirh
healthy snacks, and "fit kit" nrdered up for a mini tone-up in yaur room.The AfFirria even aifers a
fitness cancierge v�ho affers complimerrtary weElrress consultatians,just in case you ean't decide
whethar to start with your obliques ar biceps.
�. G��S�ifiWDRK�U� B��DS�OR�$ L���Stffl {,0¢I�1J ��{IC2 �"EOC'C�AItIlOU�II fllOSt�N�Stll'15 Il�V2
upgraded to a state-of-the-art Precor gym,this hotel in Baston's historic quarter goes abave and
beyond by irrstituting the running concierge pragram.Three days a week,�he 4Vestin running
cancierge will lead you on a 3-mile run or walk camplete with warm-up ar�d cool-down. Imagirre
jogging along the Charles River in the autumn; it's totalEy worth some nexv sneakers and the $1�9 a
night room rate.
3."Gek FE�" at t��e E3esart 5�+�•rr�gs 7W ��la��i•�ott E�esart Escaping from a city doesn't necessarily
�� msan you need ta spend every minute indulging in R&R. Startirrg from $199 a rright,the Desert
Springs Marriatt get your flabs slapping with their"Get Fit" package af persanal nutrition and fitness
consultatians,Yoga and Pilates c�asses, ar�d spa treakments (extra costs are invalved.� Upgrade tp
�he Revivs Suit��n access the hydrntherapy tufa (isn't this just called ,� "po�l?"� and indulge withr�ut
guilt at th� hptel's argznic bistro, �
���rr�� �r��... ���� � �F�°��i��ic��° f;��r�i���
�,y,{p���t Tf�j�inq fit f 3�f�-�t��'g���t�; I3o#�I The winter in Chicaga can be k�rutal, and as a result
most rurrners find fihemselves locked inside and a�ray fram the gargeous lakefrant until it thaws.
Train for spring at The]ames, where baatcamp classes designed by the fourrder�f Ec�uinax aim to
heip yau keep New Year's res�lutians, Of�ourse The James' gym is aiso�ully stocked wit�r top-of-
the-line cardiovascular equipment,advanced weight systems arrd auaila�le persanal trainers.
5.S�a f..lub P.YSsgort at�Thg ��I�lzz# 3_as Ve�as rn some cases, hatels may charge you far t�re
privilege of stretching and squatting in their spaces,Az The Palazza's Spa, however, an esctra $40 a
day (rooms from $19J)for their spa passport ensures that you won't regret aif those budget casinn
buffets.The�assport includes use af the gym, lacker roams, entrance to classes and even the
accasianal health lecture.They'EI even try to talk you intn upgrading to the Kinesis warkaut, which
stretches you by way af pu]feys. Kin�Cy,
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Our Last Post About Valentine's Day Hotels
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For some reason this year, Fr�tels are going crazy with creating Valer�tin�'s [�aY �a��ag�s. Perhaps
the� are frantic about the waning economy arrd figure if you must spend morrey in these tough times
it might as well be to please your wife, Or husband, Or lover, Or escort.
�+Pub�mever yau are sp�nding Valentine's Day with, hotels want yau to sper�d this romar�ti�a�ay witi�
therrE,The onfy prablem is we're gettirrg overloaded with Valentine's Day packages and rrEost of them
are prettp rnutine, Ude've tried tc� highlight the mast unusual ones---strip ppker sets in room, creepy
love story writers, tent pitching and sv forth--but we're actually getting pretty tired of
photoshopping bright pink hearts onto �hotos,
so, this is our last post an Valen#ine's Uay Hotefs for 2009.And we're going out vkrith a bang, After
the jump, we've listed 1�Valentine's Day hotel packages that ha+�e caught aur eye, Read 'em and
get frisky,
2�yo�r wo�rld!!ke yo+�r hote�`s [/alerrtlr�e's Day specFa!�eatured orr �loteJChatter, therr you carr sirrr�aly��:�;"r7
e�,rr�c•��e ar�d be�ome a r��rember, That way y�+� carr pvst yor�r�ove speclaJ�rr the c�omr3-rerrts be�a�+ th�s
story,
� � D�serk ��ri€�gs ]Vd ,�1�rr�att: Hotel offering a VIP Spa getaway t�rat includes a King guest rc�am,
Breakfast for two, CFrampagne for�wr�, and treatments in the hotel's VIR Spa suite,T'he package
starts at��59 ,3 nir�h� �exclusive of spa treatments,�
� Hotel �ansev�or� Uesv �orE�; "A gensual Experience" package includes Mile High Kit,Twister, a
Book of�ratic Garnes, �om�alimentary Continental breakfast in Ono, Early check-in, Deluxe Room or
��ait� accommodativns, a dnzen red ros�s, Chocalate-covered stra�+�rberries, Paol access and two
complimentary poofside �everages, Bottfe �f chilled Moet champagne, Late eheck-out.t�uailab�e
February I2 - ].6 from $S�r5 a niql•�C.
• LRhert}� H��el; This Boston hotei is offering a straightforward l�alen�ine's Day Pack�ge with
overnight accarnmodations, dinner far two in CLINK, breaicfast ir� bed, a box of Beacar� Hili
Chocoiates at turrrdo�n an�f extend�d fate check out of 3 pm.Availabfe frcrrr� Feb. 13-�.6 at���� a
:7��r�`. jf�pda�e; �'�re�rlc�e h,�s drapped to$535 a rrrg�t as ofJan, 26,]
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News from... �� �� � Circulation 129,609
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• H���i �ira�fe; Singl� &Fabulaus package ir�cludes Deluxe Guestroom Vdith Two Dauble Beds,twa
mini-bottles of champagne (�d. Nate: Thats r�ot eno+�gh), brunch, Prir�ce Frog chocolat�s,trrvo rrtakeup
applicatior�s, cansuftations and gift certificates Mac Cosm�tics,VIP club access to Marquee and more,
Rates start at?���#�.u�� �7�r ni�7f5r:for ttn+o peaple. Extra ladies $10Q a piece.
• P���ns�le �3��cag�; The "Better when we're together" package daes not incfude rooms but offers
"Time Tc�gether", a two-hour treatment including fufl f�odp exfoliatian and soathing aromatherapy
massage for two in th� privat� spa suite c�r in the guestraom, It's followed by requisite champagne
ancE chacalate-cov�red strawberries. Spa rates start at�auu tt�r#;�� cou�}les massage,
• �i�tel Preston: The Nashvifle hotef has puttogether an affordable "Seven Deadly Sins" package
that includes room accammodations, sexy adult amenities, a botkle of Seven Deadiy �ins slVine, a
wh�le Hotel Preston signature cake, late check-out & Dp Not Disturb sign, Early check-in,twa
keepsake batF� rabes and luxury bath kit&vanity rnirror. Prices start at$1��? � niu��,
�the �t��j��r�in Hotel; Get"Star Struck" in Ner�York.This hotel is affering lavers a ane-night
package of suite accommodations, a battie of chilled Prosecco, rvse-petal turn-down service,tw�
tickets ta view casmic cor�stellations at the Hayden Pl�netarium at the,4merican Nluseum nf Natural
History and guaranteed late cheek-out, Couples will also get a keepsake swarovski crystal heart and
a copy of�ove After Sex: Relat�orrsh�;os 8y The Stars to track their iove compatibility. Prices start at
$38� per n;�Y�:nota+through December 31, 2009.
� Virera� Sar��� Moriic:,; ��Green Light an Romance" is for hippies in lave, Package includes an Ocea�
View Raam, dinner far two at Vt+hist, a bottle o#organic wine, lacally gro+�rn strawberries and organic
b�Ch amenities, and poolsid� pedicures frnm GreenBlis� Eca Spa, Organic breakfast and bike rentals
forthe 5anta Monica Farmer's f�arket also ir�cluded, Prices start at��8f?� � ni�ht including taxes arrd .
gratuities,
��i�r��ture a� MG� �rar�d: The uninspired name of"Ramance Packag�" is a bad one for this
package which is actu�{ly pretty co�l, The deal includes a room, chaco�ate-covere�l stratvb�rries and
champagne, and a fragrartt rose-petal turn-d�own service. But then you can get whatever you like
after that from a special V-day dinner to facials to mQre chacolates ta tickets�o a Billy ]ael c�+ncert�n
Valentine's Day,Additianal stuff like that does require additional payment and tE-re concert tix are
priced at$175, $125 and $75,The Romance pac�€age starts at$1�g a r��i�ht.
� Fa�� seasa�s �E�alaEai; The Big Island hn�ef has puttvgether a "Lava L�ve Nest" package�hat
requires a five-night stay and includes dailp breakfast for twa, a"Love Basket"f�ull a wine, cheese,
season�l fruit, cand�es, a map of romantic spat� ta sit ur�der�he stars and a digital photo frame,
AEso,the"Ic�r�e butler" will dish out romantic suggestions and recommendati��s befare your arrival,
Rates star�at���� � ��w�, with a minimum stay of five nights.
�
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nnEnno
To: Kristy Kneiding
Marketing Manager, City of Palm Desert
CC: Sheila Gilligan
Assistant City Manager, City of Palm Desert
r-�-�-�. LLI'�'"" 1 I�.�:�J.� 1"1. LI•_ 1"1 I�A'�.
rrt�rrr: rvai�c:y .�. rri�ui�laii r�iuRi� rtcia�ivr�li5
Da#e: A{�ril 2, 2009
Subject: Account Acti�ity March 2009
NJFPR is pleased to pro�id� highlights of activities undertaken and resufts ac�ieved on
behalf of the City of Palm Desert during the manth of March.
MEDIA PLACEMENTS:
Outfet An le Audience Date
The New York Times Solar system programming 1 1,133,763 March 14
reen initiati�es
The Daily Green "Heart of GreenAwards" (Pat �32,914 March 10
Conlan a finalist
A Luxury Travel Desert Springs "Spa GoE#Dine" 25,000-� unique March 7
Blog, URL�an, offer �isitarslmonth
Twiffer
Hotel ChatEer Desert Springs "S�a Go�f Dine" 77,715 March 5
offer
PITCHtNG AND OUTREACH;
� NJFPR organized a press trip to Palm Desert (April 1-5}; secured participation from and
arranged tra�el, meals, and activities for the following journalists:
o El�en Miqer, beauty editor, Shape rrRagazine
o Jeff Waflach, freelance (Continental,Alaska Airfines Magazine,
ForbesTra�eler.com)
o Destan Nokes, freelance {National Geographic Traveler, Seattle Post-
' Intelligencer.com)
o Judy Koutsky, freefance {About.com, Spa, American Spa, Iliew York Daity
News, Parents, Pa�nting)
o Katie Den�o, Editor& Puhlis�er, FORE Magazine
o Roger Cox, freelance (Tenni� Resorts Online, ��erett Potter's Travel Blog)
F.
�
• Continued follawing up with journalists from the NYC rrzedia tour, provic�ing information
and story ar�gles to:
o Laura Siciiiano, New York Times, New York Magazine
a Marianne Mancusi, BetEer.TV
. o Juno �eMelo, Shape
o Neil Dunlop (Diversion, Toronta 5tar}
• Worked with fireelance writer Holly Corbett{Self, Prevention, Woman's Day, etc.) on
feature pitches and a possible indi�idual rrisit to Palm Desert later this spring.
� Pitched stories about Palrn Desert's ongoing energy initiati�es---focusing on funding and
the federaf stimufus package-�—to more than a 20 high-impac#outlets, including:
o Reuters
o Associatea rress
o Dow Jones Newswires
o Blaomberg News
o The New Yark Times
a Chicago Trrbune
o Los Angeles Times
• GOOD Magazine
� Pitched Palm Desert's energy-sa�ing programs to Glenn Croston, green exper#and
contributor to MSNBC.com, FastCompany.com, and others. We arrang�d for Glenn to
interview�at Cor�lon a�d incfude Set tp Sa�e in his upcoming boa�C on green business.
� NJFPR rr�et with freelance writer Abby EIEin {The New York Times, Sierr~a Magazine) and
discussed eco-frier�dly vacation staries. Abby is interested in pursuing ca�erage, and we
continue to fa�low up with news artd additional ideas.
• Pi#ched Palm Desert as an ideal getaway for Canadians to freelartce writ�r Melanie
Reffes {Canadian Traveller, Movie Entertainment, and others}.
• Pitched The Living Desert to freelance writer Diane Bair for a story on "50 Places �very
Kid Should See" in an inflight rrtagazine.
• Sent an upda#e on Palm Desert's golf offerings to USA Today golf contributor Larry
Olmsted.
� Pitched an eco-friendiy�acation story to the tra�el editor at Every Day with Rachael Ray
magazine.
• Pitched The Mod and seasonai �alue fio Meetings West magazine.
• Pitchad Desert Adr►er�fiures' Joshua Tree tour as a "top adrenafine-charged advenfiure"for
a new Frr�mmer's guidebook.
• Pitched �alue trips ta Palm Desert---focusing on flig�tt specials and Desert Springs
packages—to mnre than �0 shart-fead outlets, including:
a USAToday.com
o The TODAY Shaw
o Manhaifan Users Guide
�
o Smarter Trave!
o Tra►►efocity.com
o Giobora#i.com
a Boston Globe
o TIME.com
o Dallas Moming News
o New York Pasf
o Washington Post
o NationalGeograhicTraveler.com
• Pitched a general tra�el feature to freelance writer Simona Rabinovitch (Zink, Toronfo
Globe & Mail, Nylon).
+ Submitted The Li�ing Desert as a family-bonding spot ta freelance writer ponna Boetig
Tar an upcoming guiaebook on once-in-a-iiT�iime ira�ei experiences.
� Worked with freefance writer Bekah Wright to ensure maximum Palm Desert exposure in
her San Diego Magazine advertorial.
� Additionaliy, Palm Desert wil! benefi#from NJFPR's ongoing outreach on behalf of�esert
S�rings on to�ics such as charity in�ol�ement; golf and ten�is; and family, dri�e-to, and
girlfriend getaways.
ADDITIONAL AC�f�UNT ACTIVITY:
• Submitted Palm Desert informafion#o the CTTCs PR departmeRt for the "Summer
Values" press release, and for an opportunity with Vogue Brrde Brazr!magazine.
• Participated in cails with Pat Conlor� and Counciiman Ferguson to gafiher updates on
Palm Desert's energy initiati�es.
• Updated the EI Paseo Invi#atio�al Exhibition per client edits.
###
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March 14, 2009
Harnessing the Sun, With Help From Cities
PALM DESERT,Calif.—Rick Clark's garage is loaded with fast toys for playing in the sun.He has a buggy
for racing on sand dunes,two sleek power boats for pnIling water ski�rs,and a new favori�e:48 solar
panels that send his energ,y meter whirring backward.
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Debbie and Chris McNicol have had solar pa�els installed on top of their home in Palm Desert,Calit.
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Mr.McN9col says he will use the savings for his racing hobby.
Bronzed and deeply lined fram decades of lafe in the desert sun,Mr.Clark is not one to worry about 1� 01�1
�'��k�:���,He suspects that if the planet's clizn.ate is getting hotter,it zs part of a natural cycle and will
probably cozxect itself."Experts have been wz�ong before,"he said.
But late last year,Mr.Clark decided to install a$62,000��`.��z-��c�w�r system because of a new municipal
financing program that lent him the money and al�ows Iiim to pay it back with interest over 2o years as
part af his property taxes.In so doing,he joined the vanguard of a social experirnent�at is blossoming in
California and a dozen atk�er states.
�'he goal behind municipal�inancing is to eiiminate perhaps the largest disincentive to installing solar
power systems:the enormous initial cost.Although private financing is availabte through solar
coxnpanies,homeown.ers often balk because they warry that they will not stay in the house Zong enough to
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have the investrnent—which runs about$48,00o for an average home and tezzs of thousa�ds of dollars
more for a larger home in a hot climate—pay off.
But cities like Palm Desert lobbied ta change state laws so that solar power systems could be financed]�ke
gas.lines or water l i�es,covered by a loar�fxam the city and secured by property tazces,7'he advaz�tag�o£
this systea�over private borrowing is that any local homeowners are eligible(not just those with good
creclit),and the obligation to pay the loan attaches to the house and would pass to any fiiture buyers.
The idea of public financing for home solar systems began two years ago in Berkeley.While it took months
io un"tangie tne iegisiarive knoTs ar zne s"tate ievei and get banks iined up Lo naci�riie project,tne concept
took on a life of it own.
�'?�+=r+DeVries,�cvho deve�oped the prograrn for Berkeley but has since moved on to a company that
aclministers and finances similar programs for many towns,said: "I've never be�:n part of something�ike
this where the power of an idea has grabbed so nnany people so quickiy.It is viral."
In California,about a half-dozen cities including San Francisco and San D'rego are a�ready committed to
their owz�solar progratns.And outside of California,at least a ha�f-dozen states,includzng Arizona,Texas
and Virginia,have introduced bills to allow municipal financing.CoIorado has already passed a version of
the lavv,and the City of Boulder is on the verge of beginning a program.
Municipai finazxcing comes on top of other government snpports.California residents receive a straight
rebate for about 2o percent of the cost pf a soIar power system.In addition,a federal inconne tax credit for
3o percent af the cost of installing solar panels was extended to participants in the rnunicipaJ,Ioan
programs as part of the ecanamic stirnulus biIl passed by Congress.And there are efforts to change the
federal tax code further so that cities can borrow the maney to le�d tax free.
Bu�public financing of solaz�power also has cri�cs,who say government is essential�y subsidizing and
encouraging a form of energy production that would otherwise not be cost e�£ective.Severin Sorenstein,
clirector of the University of California Energy Institute in Berkeley,who is concerned about the
proliferatian of the�ragranns,said,"It would be iaetter for local governmen#s to do energy efficiency arid
s�ip the soi�u paneis.
"Tf you count the fuIl-interest cost wiithout the tax subsidy,residentiai solar panels never pay for
themselves,"he said."We shouldn't be malang it a rnajor public priority."
However,czties,which are charging�percent for the guaranteed loans,da not have Yhe sazne financial
risk as the consumers.And far cities tike those in California that are required by state laws to reduce their
carbon emissions,officials have to make calculations other than costs and are goin.g ahead ar�yway.
No city is as far along as Palm Desert.
Instead of waiting to get financing through third parties as other cities have done,Palm Desert tapped
into$�.�xniIlion of its own reserves to run a pilot program.In what is widely seen as a measure of public
demand,the program was almost immediately fuIly subscribed.AIready,neariy ioo househtilds have been
���y�n,rJarl F.^.a.c..^��.4..1T3u.^.�lE��::�'���,a+h�lf.^.F�+',}:.^.F,p 1:2ya?..�T�T..�.7`,�In.�.�."..31n.a t.�I�:ll un£.1 h.°.qB?.�?��+am µN wn.�
running,according ta Patrick Conlan,direc�or of the city office of energy znanagement.
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Rick and WentEy Clark put solar panels on their guest house through new municipal financing.
Frozxx zts arid climate to its consezvative palitics,Palm Desert cauld not be more different from Berkeley.
But wi.th 3�o days o�sun,the city is malang a calculation tha#has nothing ta da witl�saving the Earth.
"We live in a severe climate,"Mr.�onlon said."Ta cool our buildings,we have to be energy gluttons.So
renewable energy is important here as an economic choice.It's bigger than politics."
For Mr.Clark,tFzat is certainiy the case.His monthly energy bill for a 3,400-square-foot home and a guest
house routinely swrpassed$1,40o in sumrner months when the air cond.itioning ran alI the time.Now his
solar panels are producing more than enough energ}r in the daytime to power his home.l'he additionai
pow�r is sent back to the grid and is credited on his utility biII against night and summer hours,when he
might consume more power than he produces.
Mr.Clark estimates that at the rate he is going,his power bi�I will be at most$�oo for this year.The
savings will be great enough that,taking into account his inves#ment,he will still save$3,00o a year or
zz�ore.
The bIue panels above his garage and his meter—which also teils lum how much of the heat-trapping gas
carbon dioxide he has avoided creating since the panels were installed(over 2,aop paunds}--have in fact
had a l�nd of viral marketing effect in his upper-middle-class neighborhood. Harnes here run well above
$i mi�lion,yet solar power was a rarity uiifiiI the city program started.
"It can seem like a large and intzmidating task,"said Valerie Van Winkle,a ba�xn.anager and a friend of
Mr.Clark,who persuaded him and three other neighbors to take the solar plun.ge.
Ms.Van Winkle said the environmental cachet has also been fun."I don't even know anybody who voted
for Obama,"she said.
Still she has become a proselytizer for solar power."It just makes so much sense,"she said."And,you
know,I am happy it's also good for the environrz�ent."
Dawn the street,Debbie and Chz�is McNicol have a different take.Mr.McNicol used to be part of a
professional drag racing crew and still races as a hobby on weekends.Their garage houses its own set of
speed mobiles,including a z4-foot-long purple-and-yeIlow gas-guzzling dragster that goes up to 1So miles
an hour.After installing soIar�anels,their first monthly energy bill dropped to$1.8g.
Mr.McNicol is elated:"We can use the Fnoney we've saved to race new toys."
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March 10, 2009
The Daily Green's Heart of Green Awards �
Recognizing Those Who Have Helped Green Go Mainstream
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Pat Conlon
! would like to nominate Pat Con�on of Palm Desert, California for The Daily Green's Heart af Green
Awards. Mr. Conlon Fs director of Pafm Desert's Office of Energy Man�gerner�t; his job is to o�ersee
Set to Sa�e, f�e city's plan to cut energy cons�mptian by 30 percent by 2012 (that works out to 215
million kilowatt hours of electric energy). It's the most ambitious plan in California and is seen as a
pifo#pragram for#he rest of the state.
The Set to Save program educates and �ro�ides incenti►res to businesses and residents who instal!
efficie�t pool pumps, awnings, air conditioners, fighting, �'efrigeration, and more. In a city where
residents' electric biifs can reach over$1,000 a month, the program ernpowers them to explore
renewable energy sources and make meaningful changes far both the en�ironment and their own
finances. The city has already appraved $7.5 million in residential loar�s.
Pat's career with the cifiy began irt 1977, when he was hired as a bui�ding inspectar; prior#o that, he
worked in construction, building houses in the Coachel�a Valley. Over the next 30 years, he worked
up th� ranks af Palm Desert's Building Department, holding titles such as Plan Examiner, Building
Official, and Speciai Projects Administra#or in charge of capital fmpro�ements. He was namecf
Director of the Office of Energy Management i� 2006.
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�ews fr�m... . ��� � � �ircuf��i�n: 1;�2,9'��
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Without any formal en�ironmental education, Pat has become or�e of Cafi#ornia's foremost experts
an sofar energy, Energy Star appliances, and other ways ta reduce electricity use in the home. With
over 30 ysars of experience, he's fearned everything through meeti�►gs with contractors, on-the job
experience, reacling trade publications, and attending conferences. He's spearheaded a number of
creative initiatives to help the city reach its energy goa�s—such as a recent pilot program that
allows residents to monitor and modify electricity use�ia cell phone while away from home and the
construction of a LEED-certified visitor center.
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News firarr�... ���� � CfiGGI�iiO�i: iu,0001rno�i�i
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March 5, ZOQ9
Gramercy Park Hotel and �ther Luxe Hofels Offering Great Deals
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• `�`]�c �rra�ne:xv Fai��t T�otel: Iaan 5chrager's baby opened its game-cha.zaging doors almost
three years ago az�d back then we stayed at the hotel far an introductory rate of$25p a
night. That shortly went up tn $500�-a night during the boomtime of the hospita�ity and
travel industry. But Iike all hotels all over the world, GPH needs to �1t its rooms. Which is
perha�s vvhy the hotel is off�ring guests a second-night k�alf-off.
Now through Apri130,2009 for every night a guest spends at the Hatel, at its best
availabie rates,they will receive the next night at SO%off.
Rates start arouzxd$330 a night. We just wonder, does this deal apply to Paris Hilton az�d
h�r i kk`��Click�?�r�for more info.]
• J�'� 1V���r�r�iott l;��c��l�e�c�lrltlt�nta: Tf you are willing to book at least five days before
your intended hotel stay, the JW Marriott has rates starting at $139 a.night and�he
promotion is avaiIable through August 19,2009. �Click���:r•��for rr�ore info.]
�� ' 1�ese�'� � r�z��s �te�u��c � � x�: This Palm Desert, Ca1if. resort{another JW Marriott) is
offeriz�g guests who book be�o�-e March 10 $�99 room rates and 25 percent off all on-
property dining, golf, and spa. Book t�crough www.spagolfdine.�om.
• 'The.=��f�l�t [�r�te�: Vikrarn Chatwal's Times Squaxe hotel has rooms starting at a
ridzculous $102 a night via_ ��tJcbc���k,
0
News€rom... ���� �� 1��,609 �r��que visi.or� per month
• f��y ua +C�r�c�l�: This hotel has lovvered their rates to $190 per night,plus a free daily
breakfast buffet per person. The catch is you must book by March I1, 2009. Go to
www.feel-aqua.conn to book.
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MEMO
to: Kristy Kneiding
MarketEng Manager, City of Palm Desert
CC, Sheila Gilligan
Assistant City Manager, City of Palrr� Desert
From: Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations
Date: May 1, 2009
Subject: Account Acti�ity A�ril 2009
NJFPR is pleased to provide highlights of acti�ities undertafcen and results achie�ed on
behalf of the City of Pafm Desert during the month of April.
MEDIA PLACEMENTS:
Outfet An le Audience Date
Orbitz.com Spring getaway, including PD 9Q,069 April 31, 2009
farmers market& Spa Desert
Springs
PITCHING AND OUTREACN:
• NJFPR arrangecf and led a press trip to Palm Desert(April 1-5) with fhe following
journalists:
o Ellen Miller, beauty editor, Shape magazine
o Jeff Wallach, freelance {Con�inental, Alaska Airfines Magazine,
ForbesTra�eler.corn}
o Deston Nokes, freelance {National Geographic Traveler, Seattle Pos#-
Intelligencer.com)
o Judy Koutsky, freelance {About.com, Spa, American Spa, New York Daily
News, Parenfs, Parenting)
o Katie Denbo, editor& publisher, FORE Magazine
o Roger Cox, freelance (Tennis Resorts Online, Errerett Potter's Travel Blog)
We followed up with all journalists past-trip and continue to work with them on stary
angles and placements.
• Pitched destination stories to ar�d secured indi�idual rnedia visits for:
o Roy Johnson, editar in chie#, Men's Fitness{May 2-4)
o Janine White, editor, Philadelphia Magazine (June 'f8-21)
• Continued media outreach surrounding Set to Sa�e anc! other eco-friendly legislation ir�
Palm Desert; acti�i#ies included:
'�
o Worked with Nichola Groom at Reuters on story ideas; arranged for her to
interview Councilman Ferguson
o Pitched stories abouf solar initiatives to outlets including US News & World
Reporf Wired, BusinessWeek, Science, Dow Jones, and The Bosfon Globe
o Offered energy audits to producers at The Martha Stewar� Show, Nightline,
and National Public Radio
o Pitched "eca-friendly getaway" stories to O, the Oprah Magazine;Body+
Sou1; Houston Chronicle; Deserf Living;Robb Report;and
TravelandLeisure.com
• Pitched stories about Bighorn's real-estate successes to Christian Science Monitor, Los
Angeles Times, and The Neuar York Tirrres.
• Me#with Jenny Hooks, managing editor of C Magazine, to discuss an eco-friendfy-
�acation feature about Palm Desert.
• Pitched spa-focused getaway stories to outlets including:
o AOL
o Montreal Gazette
0 944 Magazine
o Body+Sou!
o Vogue Bride Brazil
o North Jersey Record
o Glamour Spain
o flepartures
• Pitched Palm Desert for Mother Nature Network's "Destination of the Week" feature.
• Pitched fitness-focused ge#aways, focusing on tennis and golf, to outlets includ�ng:
o The Tra�el ChannePs "Extreme Vacations"
o Self
o Smart Money
o Sherman's Travel
o Pulse Magazine
• Distributed EI Pasea In�itational press release to outlets including:
o Antelope Valley Press
o Daily News
o Fr�sno Bee
o Los Angeles Times
o Metropolis
0 4range County Register
0 5an Diego Union-Tirbune
o Surface
o Ventura Counfy Star
o Visalia Times-Delfa
o Westways
a WSJ.
A�DITlONAL ACCOUNT ACTIVITY:
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• Submitted golf information and images to the CTTC for the "summer�alues" press
release.
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1J����4L�- ��2��5,/��� ����� .
May 1, 2009
Film, fo��i� �alf and r�r��� �E �Fri� �ati�o���a rr����i�n hat sp�t
Pasted at 12:02 PM in Cali�ornia;�aLa�tcrr,e�rm ,F�o� &VV�ne,�linl,ilife ,I�om�nce ,S�a
��r,3ti(�n ���?p�g i��I+el �T����81 NeWs
B�/E..�'Yt8 K3��
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Mnstparts afthe countryare justcatching afirst ''�i�F#,t _ -..i.}�,t� #�-�,�`%�
glimpse of spring,but in the desert,it's ir�full *� �.?,•�� �
and glorious bloom--which means ifyou need � � -� �� '
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. �� �, � �� ...�:: '-
a quick dose afVitamin C,the ideal vsfeekerrd y ��� • ��ti ,.-r ' �'' t �
,�.:�,� ��, -.
getawa�+is a golflspa or art�F'ood Southern ��z �: ''
C��kit�xer�favaeatfakx. Here's 2�p09 news from the �'-'f'$� +��c �
bu5tling to�nrn of Palm Sprir�gs and the more ' �� ~ �+"
laid-�ack autfying regions of Palm Desert and =��
�oachella Valley. "�� -"'`'
_ � , � =;�-�:.�
Ifyou're a faadie who appreciates a meal deal,
definitely bookyour California vacatiQn fnrthe first half pfJune:�alrrx�u�G���s kesta��rant l+h�r���ic
kicks ofF May 31 st and runs through June 19th. More than 100 participating restaurants in the
desert citias w9l1 offer up three-course prix-fixe menus for eith�r$24 vr$36.
Foodies, also mark�our calendar forVtrednesdays,when th�e nev�rPalm Desert Farmers Market
takes place at the Visitor�enter.And of course,l�llagefest, Palm Springs'marvelous Thursday
night streetfair kicks off in May.This vne shuts dawn the ciiy senter and jump-s#arts the weekend
with its festive vibe and eclectic mix afvendors.Elsewhere in the arts, there's the P��m��,rin s
Film Noir Fes#i�ral �May 28-31 at CameEotTheaters),an�thepaTF��t�f€r��s Errtern�#iur��l�F�art
Fiim Fes#ival June 23-29.
Galfers,befvre yau hitthe greens, analyze your �
game and�rpdate fhe cantents ofyour golf�ag ` '
afthe recently opened�st�or�i�
����rmar�c�La� in Desert�prings.This is the
fitth locatian ofthe high-tech wnrkshaplcus#am a �� �;rt�:.�-, - ���� �
�� �-:�w: , �_. ,.,... y_�
retailer,and is a hpt destinatian far anyane �'.�,. �y�,.''� ���
looking to up their gam�.Also at the to�af golf • „ ' f � le,_,
news headlines:full renrnra#ians of both the r
cnurses at Indian Wells Goff F�sart. h
7here are a zillion place to spa in the desert,
and rr�any specialiytreatments are geared �'+�'��"���+rfr=ns J�JV}Aa�Tiott Rrsae[
tov�rard the ebuffient sunshine�+vibe. Fram
Viceroy's couples ice rubdowns(af{ered in a private outdoor treatment area)ta the D�s�
�#��'i��ls.J�hiatri�#Y�teso�t's g�rlfriend geta+n+ay roorns,spa days can be as social or as steamy
as you like.Far thase who alv,�ays fike ta check autwhat's ner�v irs tawn:��i���r Palms is your
place.This recently renovated boutique hotel just opened a Moruccan-inspired spa.Httkon I�alr�ti
�ri�__ 1c�5 also completed a multi-rr7illion dollar renovation of its"Ef�!merrts°°s�a,while N4€eao�rtsE #
��ort����.��a makes a splash(a-har-har-har)with a new signature swimming pool.
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News from... ���� � Circulation; '�3,935,886
, . :;;;�r-, , .,,. �, Unique Visitors per PNonth