Palm Springs, CA
El Rancho Vista Estates is a historic neighborhood located in Palm Springs bound to the north by E Vista Chino on the north and Gene Autry to the east. Politically, it sits in Jeffrey Bernstein’s Council District 2 who just won the position last November.
The neighborhood was first built in 1959 by famed architects Wexler & Harrison and feature open floor plans, large windows, and outdoor living spaces.
Today, El Rancho Vista Estates is a popular destination for mid-century modern enthusiasts and those looking for a unique and historic neighborhood in Palm Springs. Many of the homes have been beautifully preserved or restored, and the neighborhood continues to attract residents and visitors from around the world.
The only thing missing from El Rancho Vista Estates according to Neil Garrett, board member of the El Rancho Vista Estates neighborhood Organization, is a traffic light at the intersection of E Vista Chino and Vía Roberto Miguel.
Neil Garrett along with fellow El Rancho Vista Estate resident Lisa Mauricio-Miller hopes that with new leadership, residents will be able to get the traffic light they say the neighborhood needs to increase car safety in the area.
(Video of Cars Buzzing By On E Vista Chino At The Entrance of El Rancho Vista Estates)
After all, they say it isn’t just residents who are at risk. “We’ve witnessed multiple horrific accidents at this intersection. Cars fly down Vista Chino with little regard for people exiting or entering our neighborhood. Our community isn’t just concerned about our own residents. We’re extremely concerned about visitors renting AirBnb’s who don’t know the area and the dangers of Vista Chino. In addition, we have parents driving through our neighborhood to drop off and pick up young schoolchildren at the school near the other entrance to our El Rancho Vista Estates,” said Lisa Mauricio-Miller.
The issue of a new traffic light, especially at the proposed intersection seems like a no brainer. However, after working on the issue more than 5 years ago, it was relayed that getting a new traffic light would be very difficult to achieve because it would need approval from 3 jurisdictions, (Palm Springs, Indian Tribe, and the State of California).
That hasn’t stopped residents from wanting to achieve their goal. At their upcoming meeting this Saturday, April 29th with city officials, the group intends to bring up their safety concerns and move the issue of a new traffic light forward.