Desert Hot Springs, California

Desert Hot Springs is a city in Riverside County, California, United States. The city is located within the Coachella Valley geographic region. The population was 32,512 as of the 2020 census, up from 25,938 at the 2010 census. The city has experienced rapid growth since the 1970s when there were 2,700 residents. The city is commonly referred to by its initials, DHS.

It is named for its many natural hot springs.<ref name="Howells, John 2015 Page 70">Howells, John (2015). Where to Retire: America’s Best & Most Affordable Places. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 70. Template:ISBN.</ref><ref>Editors of Time Out (2011). Time Out Los Angeles. Time Out Guides. p. 293. Template:ISBN.</ref> It is one of several places in the world with naturally occurring hot and cold mineral springs.<ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014">Desert Hot Springs Historical Society (2014). Desert Hot Springs. Arcadia Publishing (Images of America). Template:ISBN.</ref>Template:Rp More than 20 natural mineral spring lodgings can be found in town.<ref name="Vokac 2017 Page 3">Vokac, David and Joan (2017). Desert Hot Springs, California: Spa Town, U.S.A. Westphalia Press. p. 3. Template:ISBN.</ref> Unlike hot springs with high sulfur content, the mineral springs in town are odorless.<ref>Vechten, Ken Van (2010). Insider’s Guide to Palm Springs. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 78. Template:ISBN.</ref><ref name="Vokac 2017 Page 3"/>

History

The only people residing in areas north of Palm Springs before the 20th century were the Cahuilla Indians in the village of Seven Palms.<ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014" />Template:Rp Although Cahuilla people never settled permanently in today's Desert Hot Springs,<ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014" />Template:Rp they often camped here during winter times due to the warm climate.<ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014" />Template:Rp

According to early homesteader and writer Cabot Yerxa in his newspaper columns published in The Desert Sentinel newspaper, the first homesteader in the area of the city of Desert Hot Springs was Hilda Maude Gray, who staked her claim in 1908.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Cbignore Cabot Yerxa arrived in 1913 and soon discovered the hot water aquifer on Miracle Hill. Due to the Mission Creek Branch of the San Andreas Fault bisecting the area, one side is a cold water aquifer, the other has a hot water aquifer. His large Pueblo Revival Style architecture structure, hand built over 20 years, is now one of the oldest adobe-style buildings in Riverside County and houses Cabot's Pueblo Museum, designated a state historical site after his death in 1965. Cabot's Trading Post & Gallery opened there in February 2008.

The town was founded by L. W. Coffee on July 12, 1941. The original town site was centered at the intersection of Palm Drive and Pierson Boulevard and was only one square mile. Coffee chose the name Desert Hot Springs because of the area's natural hot springs.

File:This Natural Hot Mineral Water Pool is maintained at about 95 degrees with a constant flow of approximately 125 gallons a minute (80817).jpg

1950s postcard promoting tourism

Desert Hot Springs became a tourist destination in the 1950s because of its small spa hotels and boutique hotels. The city is popular with "snowbirds."<ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014" />Template:Rp Realtors arrived to speculate, and thousands of lots were laid out over a six-square mile area. Some homes were bought by retirees, and the area was incorporated as a city in 1963, with 1,000 residents.

Desert Hot Springs experienced periods of significant growth in the 1980s and 1990s when most of the vacant lots were filled with new houses and duplex apartments. The city's population doubled in the 1980s and increased by 5,000 in the 2000 census.

Desert Hot Springs was the first city in Southern California to legalize medical marijuana cultivation and has since been overwhelmed by marijuana developers and growers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was later featured in a CNBC special as California's first city to permit the commercial cultivation of marijuana in 2014.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Geography

File:Desert Hot Springs 2008.jpg

Landscape in western Desert Hot Springs.

Before the development of the city began in the 1930s, Desert Hot Springs was a treeless place in California's Colorado Desert.<ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014" />Template:Rp

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of Template:Convert, of which 98.73% is land, and 1.27% is water. Desert Hot Springs is nestled between two mountain ranges: San Bernardino Mountains and San Jacinto Mountains.<ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014" />Template:Rp It is located just south of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park. It is located in the Colorado Desert region of the Sonoran Desert.<ref name="traveltips.usatoday.com">Template:Cite web</ref>

Climate

Desert Hot Springs has a desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh) similar to the rest of the Coachella Valley, with less than six inches of precipitation per year. Summers are very hot with days frequently exceeding Template:Convert in July and August while night-time lows tend to stay between Template:Convert. The winters are mild with days typically seeing temperatures between Template:Convert and corresponding night-time lows between Template:Convert. Heat waves during the summer months involving temperatures higher than Template:Convert are not unusual.

Summer winds and the higher elevation keep Desert Hot Springs on average 5–7 degrees cooler than other communities in Coachella Valley.<ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014" />Template:Rp However, the winter season can be warmer due to the surrounding mountains blocking north winds. Since it lies at a higher elevation than the cities further south, cold air drains into the lower elevation of the Coachella Valley, which results in warmer night-time lows, producing an example of thermal inversion.<ref name="Howells, John 2015 Page 70"/>

Geology

The Mission Creek Fault,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> a branch of the San Andreas, separates two aquifers. On one side, the Desert Hot Springs Sub-Basin contains an aquifer with hot water. This aquifer supports the area's spas and resorts. Mission Springs Sub-basin,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> on the other side of the fault, the Miracle Creek sub-basin has cold water. This aquifer provides fresh water to the city and has received awards for exceptional taste.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014" />Template:Rp

Demographics

2020

From having 20 residents in 1941, Desert Hot Springs had 32,000 residents in 2020.<ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014" />Template:Rp

The 2020 United States census reported that Desert Hot Springs had a population of 32,512. The population density was Template:Convert. The racial makeup of Desert Hot Springs was 34.2% White, 8.1% African American, 2.4% Native American, 2.4% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 35.7% from other races, and 17.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 61.2% of the population.<ref name=DP1>Template:Cite web</ref>

The census reported that 99.4% of the population lived in households, 0.5% lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0.1% were institutionalized.<ref name=DP1/>

There were 10,608 households, out of which 41.2% included children under the age of 18, 39.3% were married-couple households, 10.1% were cohabiting couple households, 29.1% had a female householder with no partner present, and 21.5% had a male householder with no partner present. 22.6% of households were one person, and 9.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.05.<ref name=DP1/> There were 7,392 families (69.7% of all households).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The age distribution was 28.2% under the age of 18, 9.7% aged 18 to 24, 27.4% aged 25 to 44, 22.6% aged 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65Template:Nbspyears of age or older. The median age was 33.0Template:Nbspyears. For every 100 females, there were 99.7 males.<ref name=DP1/>

There were 11,595 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert, of which 10,608 (91.5%) were occupied. Of these, 49.4% were owner-occupied, and 50.6% were occupied by renters.<ref name=DP1/>

In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that 23.8% of the population were foreign-born. Of all people aged 5 or older, 50.3% spoke only English at home, 46.8% spoke Spanish, 1.3% spoke other Indo-European languages, and 1.5% spoke Asian or Pacific Islander languages. Of those aged 25 or older, 81.0% were high school graduates and 15.9% had a bachelor's degree.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The median household income was $50,349, and the per capita income was $23,980. About 15.5% of families and 19.2% of the population were below the poverty line.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

2010

The 2010 United States Census<ref group="note">Template:Cite web</ref> reported that Desert Hot Springs had a population of 25,938. The population density was Template:Convert. The racial makeup of Desert Hot Springs was 15,053 (58.0%) White (34.4% Non-Hispanic White),<ref name="quickfacts.census.gov">Template:Cite web</ref> 2,133 (8.2%) African American, 357 (1.4%) Native American, 675 (2.6%) Asian, 84 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 6,343 (24.5%) from other races, and 1,293 (5.0%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13,646 persons (52.6%).

The Census reported that 25,820 people (99.5% of the population) lived in households, 118 (0.5%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 8,650 households, out of which 3,713 (42.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 3,468 (40.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 1,603 (18.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 711 (8.2%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 843 (9.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 206 (2.4%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 2,071 households (23.9%) were made up of individuals, and 691 (8.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.98. There were 5,782 families (66.8% of all households); the average family size was 3.59.

The ages of the resident population range from 8,064 people (31.1%) under the age of 18, 2,712 people (10.5%) aged 18 to 24, 6,893 people (26.6%) aged 25 to 44, 5,781 people (22.3%) aged 45 to 64, to 2,488 people (9.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.3 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 98.4 males.

There were 10,902 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert, of which 4,166 (48.2%) were owner-occupied, and 4,484 (51.8%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 8.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 16.6%. 11,533 people (44.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units, and 14,287 people (55.1%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Desert Hot Springs had a median household income of $32,883, with 28.6% of the population living below the federal poverty line.<ref name="quickfacts.census.gov"/>

Diversity

Desert Hot Springs has a diverse population. Several racial or ethnic groups live there, with the largest group being of Mexican and Central American ancestry. There is a Korean American ethnic section of the city at 8th Street and Cholla Drive. Thousands of American Jews made the city their home. According to the Desert Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the city's population is over 10 percent African-American or Black. The city has a high proportion of Native Americans, most of whom are members of the Cahuilla tribe in proximity to the Agua Caliente Cahuilla tribal board in Palm Springs. A large percentage of the city population is LGBTQ.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Government

In the California State Legislature, Desert Hot Springs is in Template:Representative, and in Template:Representative.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In the United States House of Representatives, Desert Hot Springs is in Template:Representative.<ref>Template:Cite GovTrack</ref> The 25th District covers most of the desert communities of Indio, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, and Cathedral City.

Desert Hot Springs is in the Riverside County Supervisor 4th District.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

City government

Desert Hot Springs is served by a five-member City Council: Mayor Scott Matas and Council Members Jan Pye, Russell Betts, Roger Nunez and Gary Gardner. Council members and the Mayor serve four-year terms. It operates as city manager form or government.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Desert Hot Springs's outlying areas include non-county areas of Desert Hot Springs and nearby communities of Desert Edge, Sky Valley and North Palm Springs. On the western perimeter of the city (within city limits) are the newer master-planned communities of Mountain View Country Estates and Skyborne. Adjacent to Mountain View Country Estates is the older master-planned community of Mission Lakes Country Club in unincorporated Riverside County.

Public safety

The city of Desert Hot Springs contracts for fire and paramedic services with the Riverside County Fire Department through a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Desert Hot Springs has their own municipal police department. In two separate municipal ballot measures, Desert Hot Springs residents approved a utility users tax and a public safety tax by majorities of over 75 percent. Both measures provide added funding to the police department and other public safety services.

Economy

File:Living Waters Spa.jpg

Over 20 natural mineral spring lodgings can be found in town.<ref name="Vokac 2017 Page 3"/>

The city is home to windmill farms in the west and also by the San Gorgonio Pass. The growing use of solar power accompanied by many windmills make Desert Hot Springs a leading city in renewable energy.<ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014" />Template:Rp

The main economy is based on spas, which are mostly owner-operated. The mild climate and hot springs make it a popular tourist destination.<ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014" />Template:Rp

Municipal bankruptcy

In 2001 the town filed for a Chapter 9 municipal bankruptcy.<ref>"Brown Signs Bill to Limit California's Municipal Bankruptcies", Business Week, October 10, 2011 Template:Webarchive Accessed October 18, 2011</ref> The bankruptcy was resolved in 2004<ref>Caldwell, Dave. "Havens | Desert Hot Springs, Calif.; Near Palm Springs, A Little City Thinks Big", New York Times", March 31, 2006</ref> by selling municipal bonds when it faced a legal judgment<ref group="note">The city issued $12.78 million in 40-year bonds to pay a $10.85 million debt. Of that amount, $8.85 million was paid to Silver Sage Partners, Ltd., which had successfully sued the city for discrimination under the Federal Fair Housing Act, and $2 million was paid to other creditors. The remainder was put into the general fund or used for other purposes.</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref> of almost $6 million.<ref>Marois, Michael B. and William Selway. "California City Moves Closer to Bankruptcy Filing (Update3)", Bloomberg, February 27, 2008</ref>

Hot mineral water spas

Desert Hot Springs is home to a number of hot mineral water spas. During the 1950s and 1960s, the town had over 80 spa hotels.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> From the late 1990s to the present a number of these boutique hotels have been renovated and revived. With their mid-century modern architecture, they appeal to those wanting a unique hotel/spa experience.

Some of the better-known spa hotels in Desert Hot Springs include:

• The Miracle Springs Resort & Spa, which has been the filming location for multiple movie productions, including Mulholland Falls, Senior Moment, and Hot Springs Hotel.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref>
• The Two Bunch Palms Resort, which was used as a 1992 filming location for the movie The Player.<ref>Template:TCMDb title</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• The Desert Hot Springs Hotel and Spa, which was featured on California's Gold In 2001 by Huell Howser Productions, in association with KCET/Los Angeles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Modernist architecture

At one time, there were 43 small spas (6 to 10 guest rooms) in the city. Some were located atop the hot water aquifer on Miracle Hill, where Cabot Yerxa, one of the early settlers, lived. His home is now Cabot's Pueblo Museum. Across the street is Miracle Manor Retreat, built in 1949, one of the first spas in town. It was built by the Martin Family, who eventually sold it in 1981 to a local legend, Lois Blackhill. Upon her death in 1996, her family sold it in 1997 to two longtime regulars and close friends of Blackhill's, trans-media designer April Greiman and architect-educator Michael Rotondi, who restored it to its original state. The Desert Hot Springs Motel, designed by architect John Lautner is located just outside the city limits. The motel was purchased and restored in 2000 by Steven Lowe.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2006 the architectural firm of Marmol Radziner + Associates designed a sustainable, modernist prefab home featured in the November 2006 issue of Dwell magazine.<ref>Template:Cite magazine(Originally published in November 2006, identical article reprinted with date of January 18, 2009).Template:Cbignore</ref> The home served as a prototype for the firm's efforts to develop a series of prefab homes.

Media

The Desert Star Weekly newspaper is published in the city.

Education

The vast majority of Desert Hot Springs is in the Palm Springs Unified School District. The city territory extends into the Banning Unified School District.<ref>Template:Cite web - Text list</ref>

Desert Hot Springs High School, of the Palm Springs district, opened in 1999.

Culture

File:Cabots-Pueblo-Museum.jpg

Cabot's Pueblo Museum.

• Museums: Cabot's Pueblo Museum named for Cabot Yerxa.

Notable people

Although never a resident, Marilyn Monroe occasionally visited the spas in Desert Hot Springs. She spent a week in the town shortly before her death.<ref name="Hot Springs Historical Society 2014" />Template:RpTemplate:Failed verification

• John L. Gaunt, photographer
• Janet Gaynor, actress
• Gus Henderson, football coach
• Knute Hill, Democratic politician
• Paul Krassner, author, journalist, comedian
• Noel Langley, South African novelist
• Robert McAlmon, author
• Jerome Storm, film director
• Joan Woodbury, actress
• Rick Zumwalt, wrestler

Wildlife

Desert Hot Springs lies just south of large nature preserves such as Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park.<ref name="traveltips.usatoday.com"/> Surrounding areas are home to a number of species adapted for the desert climate and temperature extremes. Species include pronghorns, desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, kit fox, desert iguana, horned lizard, chuckwalla, roadrunners, mountain lions, raptors and Gila monsters.

Although black bears are not common here, a bear was sighted on Palm Drive and Dillon Road in October 2010.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

See also

• Desert Hot Springs (thermal mineral springs)

References

Informational notes Template:Reflist

Citations Template:Reflist

Further reading

• Template:Citation – a partial compilation of Yerxa's commentaries and articles published in the Desert Hot Springs Desert Sentinel from 1951 to 1957
• Template:Cite book (republished 2008)
• Template:Cite book
• Template:Cite book
• Template:Cite book

External links

• Template:Official website
• Desert Hot Springs Historical Society