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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic CommentAnthony Mejia Subject: RE: Frank Bogert Begin forwarded message: From: Betsy Ceccanti <ridetw@me.com > Date: April 14, 2021 at 10:58:24 AM PDT To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Frank Bogert E To the city council: You need to start listening to your voters who wish to see Palm Springs moving forward in a positive direction instead of a few who insist on dividing the community with negative agendas. You should be ashamed that you are spending your time destroying the wonderful legacies and relationships that this city was built on. If that's all you are capable of, it's time to vote you out. Frank's legacy AND statue deserve its place in this city's history. How about you try to create POSITIVE legacies of your own, to move this city forward, instead of destroying others who you could NEVER live up to? Leave Frank's memorial where it is! Stop this cancel culture, it is ONLY dividing. You are NOT gaining any voters with this disgusting attack. Betsy Ceccanti Sent from my iPhone Sent from my iPhone 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Ynid D. Finsten <deb8151@me.com> Tuesday, April 13, 2021 10:04 PM City Clerk Re-location of Well in the Desert I was told that the City Council is asking for public input regarding the re-location of Well in the Desert, I feel strongly that I have an important perspective and would like to share it with the City Council. Please forward this to the individual council members as I was unable to find their individual email addresses. Thank you, Ynid D Finsten 552 Fern Canyon Dr PS 92264 (760)323-7223 Raghda Zacharia from Palm Springs Villas II reacted to your reply: "Dear City Council, I would like to see the city disconnect completely from Well in the Desert and their failed format. No more support for an unprofessional organization that provides no useable data that would allow an assessment of their success or failure. Why the City has supported this organization with tax dollars is a mystery to many of us. It's a business that offers so little to the people living on the streets, and the surrounding community. It's time for those of you on the city council who have been making policy decisions regarding the people living on the street to stop calling this a problem that will be solved by more low income housing. The people on the streets are there because of unmedicated mental illness, addiction and criminal behavior. They are not eligible for low income housing, that's a false narrative. Please stop ignoring the real problem by supporting a program that draws the mentally ill, addicted and criminals (due to drugs) to a central location. After an hour or two in the facility, they are pushed out the doors to roam the surrounding neighborhood. It's not virtuous to continue the cruel practice of leaving sick people to live on the dirty, dangerous, mean streets. This will be the 5th move for the Well in the Desert. Every neighborhood that they have operated in has demanded they move. It doesn't matter where you move them, the surrounding neighborhood will rightfully hold you responsible for the negative effects. You won't even address the real problems associated with mental illness, drug addiction and the associated crime. We need to provide 24hr facilities, with professional treatments and counseling available. We also need stronger laws that allow the police to put criminals in jail (where they might get help with addiction). We need you to stop pushing the idea that sick mentally ill and addicted people can be helped by us just asking them to get into programs. We actually need to enforce laws that put people in jail and then offer them supervised help, maybe for the rest of their lives. We also need to change the laws that would allow professionals to truly help unmedicated mentally ill people for the long run. Please watch the two documentaries "Seattle is Dying" Parts I & II. If you continue to support Well of the Desert or any similar format, you'll just be creating another community that will be so angry, they'll call for you to be voted out of office 1 Respectfully, Ynid D Finsten Sent from my iPad 2 Anthony Mejia To: Monique Lomeli Subject: RE: One more email about The so called Forever Marilyn Statue From: Luc Benech <lucbenech@me.com > Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 202111:37 AM To: Liu bi Rios <Llubi.Rios@palmspringsca.gov > Subject: One more email about The so called Forever Marilyn Statue Dear Llubi Rios, My name is Luc Benech and I have been a resident of Palm Springs since 1998. I find it appalling that PS Resorts, a tax payer funded organization at the tunes of 2016: $580,000 2017:$577,000 2018: $641,000. 2019: $769,000 will find it advisable to spend 1 million dollar on bringing back a statue that objectify Marilyn Monroe when she stood against the very thing that Hollywood did to her. So I strongly suggest that the City of Palm Springs reconsider giving funds to an organization that seems to have the wrong priorities. A million dollar of tax payer money could do a lot to address the homeless situation that is plaguing our city. But since that what PS Resorts is intend on doing, I cannot sit silent and watch that monstuosity in the middle of the street leading to the museum smack in the center rendering a new street impassable by car. So while the city council seems to say, Hey we are not the one doing this, PS Resorts is. Yes you are as you are financing PS Resorts with city revenues that could be better spent. And we now have citizen accusing the PS Art Museum committee of being elitists without any regards on the hard work that committee has done over the year to make the museum a world class one. And it is tearing our community apart under your watch The following is not of my own writing but summarize very well what many in the community feel. 1 "Placing a hyper-sexualized, misogynist statue of Marilyn at the entrance to the elegant Palm Springs Art Museum sends a message to the community, its visitors (especially young, innocent children), and tourists that this somehow represents "the real Marilyn," a Marilyn she would have been proud to see celebrated. Well, it's not. In fact, it's the opposite. She wanted to be taken seriously as an artist and not just a sexual icon. We join others in asking the City of Palm Springs to venerate-not defile-her memory. We challenge Palm Springs to find more appropriate ways to honor her memory and the true legacy of Marilyn Monroe." Sincerely, Luc Benech 2 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Dear Ron deHarte, Terri M <terrimilton4@aol.com> Tuesday, April 13, 2021 3:19 PM Ron.deharte@palmspringsca.gov City Clerk; Christy Holstege; Lisa Middleton Mayor Frank Bogert Statue Here is the Mission Statement displayed on the Human Rights Commission Agenda: "Mission Statement Palm Springs is an inclusive world-class city dedicated to providing excellent and responsive public services to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations." To my knowledge, this is exactly what our Mayor Frank Bogert did in his day, "enhanced the quality of life" for those poor people of all colors who lived on Section 14. He worked with developer to create affordable housing so that the Indians could redevelop their land. Enhancing the quality of life. I hope you read the history. Mayor Bogert did exactly what should have been done, what the people and the Tribe wanted. Why are you so against the statue? Please leave it alone. It represents the pioneer spirit of Palm Springs and the foundation of its citizens. I am so saddened to learn that the Human Rights Commission voted to remove the statue from City Hall. So disappointed in you and the Commission . Sincerely, Terri Milton District 4 JJ o~-fke~d d ITEM NO. P0b/fc CoM M.ev (- 1 o Y / o5 (l 6L{ Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: E Tristan Milanovich <tristaemma@gmail.com> Monday, April 12, 2021 6:16 PM CityManager Christy Holstege; Cindy Cairns; City Clerk; Dennis Woods; Geoff Kors; Grace Garner; jojohigi@aol.com; Lisa Middleton Frank Bogert statue Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I understand you will be holding a vote shortly (if it hasn't already taken place) regarding the removal of the Frank Bogert statue. Please feel free to add my statement to the record. I wanted to reach out and beg you to reconsider the removal. Palm Springs would not be what it is had it not been for Frank. One person who knew that above most was my late father, Richard Milanovich, Chairman of The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for nearly three decades. Frank and my father had a great friendship built on respect and admiration. My father understood the type of man Frank was, he knew his heart, and appreciated and loved Frank because of it. They had a great rapport. Frank was not racist. I trust that you have done your research to know what is being said about his involvement in Section 14 is inaccurate. My father knew this as well. The fact that my father spoke at Frank's funeral and what he had to say about Frank was a true testament to their friendship. I can say with complete confidence that my father would not agree with the removal of the statue. Please reconsider. Thank you for your time, Tristan Milanovich Tristan Milanovich 9517512557 1 rJ o ~ A"<f "JJ ~ ITEMNO. t'.'vLotk l c ~"'.1\- 0LI /c)rtJ/'L((l_ I Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Importance: Donna Higueras <jojohigi@aol.com> Monday, April 12, 2021 3:47 PM David Christian CityManager; Geoff Kors; Christy Holstege; Lisa Middleton; Grace Garner; Dennis Woods; Llubi Rios; Cindy Cairns; City Clerk Re: Frank Bogert and Palm Springs High Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I would wager to say that we already know how the Human Rights Commission will vote regarding the location of my father's statue this evening. I am hoping one of you will have the courage to ask them if they have done their homework regarding the true facts pertaining to Section 14. I am assuming that the City Council has indeed studied these facts and has taken advantage of the Historical Society's offer to present them. In considering their vote it is also my hope you will remember the hundreds of passionate letters that flooded City Hall refuting the allegations that Frank was a racist. I am also hoping at least a few of you took the time to read even a few of the comments made on the Facebook page that has almost 2,000 members. These people are long time residents from all walks of life, all races, and all gender identities who personally knew Frank in some capacity or another. I doubt one person on the commission has ever met him and have formed their judgments on hearsay and false allegations. If we are to seriously address human rights issues in our city it is my opinion and that of most who live here that we should put our energy into solving the homeless issue that has gotten out of control. With the hot summer months approaching it is imperative that we provide a solution to help those living on the streets. Please do not waste precious city time and money on removing a statue of a man who dedicated his life to the city. Respectfully, Donna Higueras Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I was just informed that the Frank Bogert statue is on the agenda for today's (April 12) 5:30 Human Rights Commission meeting. So, I would like to submit the following for your review. This will be brief. 1 • Frank Bogert did not handle the Section 14 evictions on his own. He did not have that authority. • The land was owned by member of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and they wanted to develop it. • There were three times as many white families as "families of color" evicted from Section 14. So, who was the racial target here? The attached article by Tracy Conrad has more detail on this statement. • These path of development are almost always messy and painful, but it had to be done for the future of Palm Springs. Taking action for the greatest good for the greatest number is a mainstay of city planning. Sad, but true. • Take a few minutes and read some of the entries on this site. There is a lot to learn about Frank Bogert here. • http s://www .facebook.com/grou p s/264197 661349135 / • Frank had a Hispanic wife and children. His first wife was Jewish. The man was not a racist. Thank you much for your service to our lovely city, and please help us keep a statue in place that is but a small token of the gratitude that those of us who knew him feel toward Frank Bogert. Best regards. David David Christian Architecture & Interior Design 431 Villaggio North Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone:760-285-2220 dc@davidchristian.com www.davidchristian.com To the City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, Would you please enter this email as well as the supporting attachment into the meeting minutes. Thanks, David <Frank Bogert -Desert Sun[l].docx><Desert Sun -July 5 2020 -You Can't Eat Dirt[4].pdf><Desert Sun - December 27 2015 -Section 14[4].pdf><Desert Sun -July 12 2020 -Section 14[4].pdf> 2 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: lori russell <lorirps@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 13, 2021 8:09 AM Anthony Mejia Cc: CityManager; Christy Holstege; Geoff Kors; Lisa Middleton; Llubi Rios; Dennis Woods; Grace Garner Subject: Re: Frank Bogert Statue Needs to Stay! To The City of Palm Springs Mayor and City Council, I heard that the discussion of removing my grandfather's statue is being brought up again. I think it was part of a discussion last night. I just wanted to ask you all again to please just refer to the documents that are on record that were produced at the time that all of this was taking place. NOT from people's "recollections" or versions of what they think happened with Section 14. I have read many of those versions over the years. But I also have read the actual historical documents that tell a very different story .... Additionally, I have spoken to my grandfather in the past about what really happened. Please don't let people drag his name through the mud anymore. It is so hurtful for his family to hear these things about a great man. We just lost his oldest grandson, my brother (named after him) a few weeks ago and are trying to navigate through that as a family. And it is overwhelming to say the least. Please feel free to call me at any time to hear from someone who grew up knowing him and loving Frank Bogert. Thank you for listening, I beg you to hear us. With Respect, Lori Russell 760-413-9977 On Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 10:14 AM lori russell <lorirps@gmail.com > wrote: June 30, 2020 Re: My Grandfather Frank Bogert To The City of Palm Springs Hello, my name is Lori, I am Frank Bogert's oldest granddaughter. I woke up about 10 days ago to a Facebook message about a petition to take down my grandfather's statue. It was like I had been kicked in the stomach. I had heard rumors of this back in 2017 but had hoped that it was just that, rumors. I immediately reached out to David Weiner on Facebook (the man who started the petition) and never received a response. I asked him to PLEASE call me to discuss his reasons for the petition. I was hoping to be able to contribute some positive inf~rmation to the conversation, after all I knew the man all of my life. For some this petition seems to be political, for some it may be about principal, and for some it just seems to be about jumping on the bandwagon. (One of the comments was actually "I guess we gotta start somewhere") .... But for me and my family it was very personal. And very hurtful. 1 D4 / oe ('2oL\ The originator of the petition didn't know my grandfather, and is not even a long time resident from what I understand ... I moved here in 1989, and have never moved since. I was there for the dedication of that statue, and it meant a lot then, and it means a lot now. My mother is Frank's oldest daughter, who is just about to turn 80. She was born and raised here. The majority of his immediate family are still here! This affects us all. The words that have been used about my grandfather, in some of the comments on the petition page, and by David Weiner himself, are disgusting. Not only was he not a racist, or a bigot, he was in fact, the complete opposite. He was kind and loving to EVERYONE. He treated everyone the same. I know everybody says that bout the ones they love, but in my grandfather's case, there are still people around to testify to his character. That actually knew him!! David Weiner and his fellow petitioners are throwing around erroneous snippets of history, without the basis of facts! This is really disturbing to his family, as these stories are inaccurate to say the least! Especially when discussing Section 14. There are documents and records of how that really happened. People need to do their research. There are people coming forward in my grandfather's defense that were around then too, that are bringing the real history of Section 14 to light. I have a lot more to say, but just get emotional trying to defend a man that should never need defending. Thank you for your time and consideration. Lori Russell 2 Consolidated Agenda Correspondence Received through 04/08/2021 Batch Four Consolidated Agenda Correspondence Received through 04/08/2021 Batch Three Agenda Correspondence Received Prior to 04/08/2021 Batch Two Given the magnitude of the homelessness crisis in California and the amount of funding the state and federal governments commit to combatting it, the State needs to ensure that its system for addressing problems at both the Coe and the state level is coherent, consistent, and effective. Respectfully submitted, ELAINE M. HOWLE, CPA California State Auditor 2 April 6, 2021 palm springs modern committee Honorable Mayor and City Council, I am writing on behalf of the Palm Springs Modern Committee board of directors. At our recent board meeting, driven by requests from our membership, we took up the subject of the Forever Marilyn statue. After extensive discussion the board requests that the location of the statue be sent to the planning commission for more community input, and ultimately a reconsideration of other locations, even temporarily. First, know that our discussion and resulting action did not take into account the politics or any judgements on the statue's merits artistically; PS ModCom does not object to the statue itself. The board did not feel those issues were in the purview of our mission. However, the board did feel that the location is a bad idea for the following reasons: It would be closing a city street and it would block a clear view of, and direct access to, the entrance of a Class One designated building designed by one of Palm Springs' premier architects. The board understands why the City Council would support the statue and its return to the city given its tourist draw and social media impressions, but It seems there are other locations that would be more appropriate without having negative impacts on our internationally respected art museum. The board felt that the previously approved location in the new downtown park makes better sense and the council should consider this or alternate sites. Clearly there are other options and locations. It also appears that closing Museum Way, even temporarily, might be at odds with the Downtown Specific Plan as it was rewritten for the new downtown development. One thing seems certain, a public street leading to the entrance of the museum should not be blocked by this statue or any other structure. Does this not contradict the point of the street in the first place? When the city purchased the street from Wessman Development it was planned to be just that, a street, which offered a clear view and direct access from Palm Canyon to the art museum. We feel that the original intent should be honored and if the city chooses not to do so, the board fears this could establish a dangerous precedent regarding the use of streets and public spaces for private and corporate interests. In closing, we respectfully request that this item be sent to the planning commission for their consideration of a better location. Most Sincerely, Courtney Newman (President) Julie Rogers (Secretary) Peter Moruzzi (Treasurer) Chris Menrad Peter Blackburn Jade Nelson Staci Munic JR Roberts Cindra Stalk Hugh Wakeham Dominic Ramos Ruiz Agenda Correspondence Received Prior to 04/08/2021 Batch One Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: No No No No! Richard C <reside123@gmail.com> Saturday, April 3, 2021 6:08 PM Llubi Rios Cindy Cairns; City Clerk; Christy Holstege; John Berger NO homeless at the Boxing Club! I have expressed this opinion to Mayor Holstedge previously on a few occasions. The ending of homeless services at this most unsuitable of locations was a welcome relief. The fact that it is being considered once more is an outrage, as it's an insult to property tax paying local homeowners, residential & commercial renters alike, who were & will be most certainly negatively impacted by such usage. If Riverside County, the City etc,. requires by law(?) some homeless redress situations in our city, these need to be off the main drags so to speak, ie; in the far east or far north of the city, ideally near more industrial or even semi/rural locations. Never downtown & never near the airport entrance/exits. Richard Crowley Realtor. Bre# 01505269 mobile 323. 449 0364 Bennion Deville Homes. 201 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 www.BDHomes.com Architecture. Homes . Income Properties . ITEM NO. No " -ATJ V\d? r 0 '° Lk (()MI\J\Nl ... \:- 1 o Lf ( o e ( z 01-l Anthony Mejia To: City of Palm Springs Subject: RE : *NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs From: City of Palm Springs <palmspringsca@enotify.visioninternet.com> Sent: Sunday, April 4, 20219:46 AM To: City Clerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>; Anthony Mejia <Anthony.Mejia@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: *NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs Full Name/Nombre Susan Yates City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia Palm Springs Phone (optional) /Telefono (opcional) 8082844646 Email (optional/opcional) suyates52@gmail.com Your Comments/Sus comentarios I live in Palm Springs part of the year and come every year. I am really shocked by the homeless population that is surging. I lived in Honolulu for many years; it started small like this but nothing was done so now it is a huge problem with homeless encampments everywhere and tourists leaving the state in droves. Palm Springs should build a plan to combat homelessness immediately or I can see it will impact your city. It is already reaching desperate levels . I suggest you create hygiene facilities downtown where they are camping out already; provide outreach and facilities; provide a shelter; and, if the word gets out and you are afraid homeless will flock to PS to take advantage, involve current homeless people in a task force to come up with solutions . Believe me, they will not want homeless from other areas coming in to take away their advantages. The homeless should always be included in decision- making since they know what will work. Do something soon before it takes over. Thank you, City of Palm Springs This is an automated message generated by the Vision Content Management System™. Please do not reply directly to this email. 1 ITEM NO. No"-A'fnO;;, p.,~\\c (o,n,nto...,\- o <-t f CX>{lo t-\ Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: E Dear Council members, Petal Mansouri <ppmansou@gmail.com> Sunday, April 4, 2021 8:49 PM City Clerk Public Comment -Item This is the first time I've written however as a resident of Palm Springs I have been alarmed and disappointed in the number of transient people on the streets of the city. Recently NBC Palm Springs reported a story about "bussing" programs relocating mentally ill and drug addicted homeless who were recently released from Jail onto the streets of Palm Springs. Driving down Ramon, Indian Canyon, and Palm Canyon it is evident that the number of transient people on the streets is disproportionate to the small population here. I have seen trash and filth cluttering the sidewalk in front of the "Bev Mo" store on palm canyon with a group that seems to have permanently squatted on the steps there. People wandering up and down Ramon muttering to themselves and yelling at passerby's and a vacant lot on the comer of Indian Canyon and Ramon that has become a frankly dangerous and dirty area that I do not feel comfortable walking by due to the large group who hangs out in the bus stop drinking and doing drugs. This situation is unacceptable. I would like to know what the city is doing to prevent the Riverside County, other counties, and other states from bussing in people to our city. This is a small resort community very dependent on tourism. The situation that is being created here will detour people from feeling comfortable walking, shopping and dining. Neighboring Palm Desert is mysteriously free of these problems so clearly there is a solution that is possible to prevent this issue from festering even more than it has. I know it's not a new problem for Palm Springs but it seems to be progressively getting worse year over year. We need strong action and decisive leadership to solve it. I'm looking forward to hearing your responses. Thank you. 1 ITEM NO. Noo-A0 ne);:i Pvlo\'li; eoM(W,~ o4/ o'o /2-01-I Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Dear Councilmember Middleton, David Murphy <dcm5116@gmail.com> Monday, April 5, 2021 6:43 PM Lisa Middleton City Clerk; Geoff Kors; Christy Holstege; Grace Garner; Dennis Woods Relocation Well in the Desert I am writing to first express support and appreciation for the recent decision to relocate the Well in the Desert. I hope by now, after the debacle we have suffered, the council is sufficiently attuned to the negative consequences of placement anywhere near neighborhoods and/or business and tourist corridors. I trust the council will not repeat the mistake made four years ago while it considers a new location for the Well in the Desert. In my opinion the PS Boxing Club also seems like an unsuitable location due to its proximity and visibility to tourists and others using the airport -not a good impression. I was struck by the comment from Greg Rodriguez at the last council meeting when he referred to "community enabling services" as problematic. He makes a point that I myself have come to acknowledge. Services that on the surface help mitigate the daily suffering of people-on-the-street, while well intentioned, very likely prolong their time in a dire condition. I now seriously question the Well's mission and any long-term benefit to the clients served. I hope the council will undertake a cost/benefit analysis for the city's investment in Well of the Desert while it considers the relocation. Regards, David Murphy 410 E Avenida Olancha Palm Springs, CA 92264 415-310-3530 David Murphy 415-310-3530 1 ITEM NO. (':J o" -~vJ 7, t> .)~\\L lf)MMewV o L{ ( 00( 191)