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Incorporated in 1938, Palm Springs has a City Council as its governing body. The City Council, elected by the people of the city, comprises of five members, including the Mayor. They serve a four-year term, however, not all five seats are up for election at the same time. Apart from the Municipal elections, the general elections are held every two years in November. Council terms generally overlap because two Council members and the Mayor are elected in one particular year and the other two Council members are elected two years later. Each year the Council selects one of its members to serve as a protem Mayor. The Council also serves as the Redevelopment Agency Board of the city. It appoints a manager who is the chief administrative officer of the city, responsible for all the management functions, including preparation of budget, delivery of services, hiring of personnel and implementing projects.
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians inhabited the Coachella Valley in South California. In 1884, Judge John Guthrie McCallum of San Francisco and his family became the first non-Indians to settle here. With the help of natives of this region, he built a 19-mile stone-lined ditch from the Whitewater River into Palm Springs bringing in water for irrigation. In1853, the United States Topographical Engineers referred to the oasis of palm trees and springs that they called "Palm Springs." However, the name finally came to be adopted in 1890, when Harry McCallum referred to it as "Palm Springs” in his letter. Later, Dr Well Wood Murray, opened Palm Springs' first hotel, called the Palm Springs Hotel. In 1909, Dr Harry and Nellie Coffman started their sanitarium, ‘The Desert Inn’, which was originally a place for those afflicted with tuberculosis. The Inn later became a renowned resort hotel catering to the wealthy class. Further developments took place here during and after World War II, which transformed the city.
Palm Springs has now become famous as "The Playground of the Stars." Many international stars have had their homes in the city or have stayed at famous places such as the El Mirador Hotel and Charles Farrell's Racquet Club, etc.
Golf, tennis, hiking and horseback riding are the most popular activities available. Those looking for an exciting tour of Palm Springs must go for a ride on the Aerial Tramway, or experience the thrilling beauty of the Indian Canyons. Apart from shopping, dining, etc one must visit the Palm Springs Desert Museum.
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