October 24, 1936 - October 25, 2016

Mel Haber, owner of Melvyn’s Celebrity Restaurant and the Ingleside Inn of Palm Springs for 43 years died on Oct. 25, one day after his 80th birthday. Mel was one of the most iconic figures ever; just say the single word “Mel” and people from the Coachella Valley young and old immediately knew who you were talking about. Mel was on “60 Minutes,” “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” and “The Phil Donahue Show.” He appeared in hundreds of newspapers, magazines, radio shows and other television shows. A great ambassador for the City of Palm Springs, he has a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars and was known as Mr. Palm Springs. Mel also loved Coronado. He was married at the Del Coronado Hotel and spent 20 summers at the Coronado Shores. In his talks and stories over the years, Mel was known to publicize his affection for Coronado and had a deep appreciation for its beauty, small town feeling and easy drive from Palm Springs. Mel was related to the Kipperman family and M.J. Brown. Mel was one of the greatest storytellers of all time and wrote two books “Bedtime Stories” and “Palm Springs A La Carte” which describes the colorful world of the Caviar Crowd at their favorite desert hideaway. Mel served as president of Angel View Crippled Foundation, an organization that helps children and adults with disabilities. More recently he joined the board of directors of SafeHouse of the Desert, an organization dedicated to the well-being of homeless abandoned and abused children. Melvyn’s and the Ingleside Inn is being sold to a group of investors that include California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom.