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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2A Public CommentAnthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Dru Hall <dru55ohall@gmail.com> Thursday, April 22, 2021 3:32 PM City Clerk Relocating Well in the Desert There must be a better alternative than re-locating the Well in the Desert to the old boxing club on El Cielo. This is not what we want as a first impression for visitors coming in at the Palm Springs International Airport. Please find another location. Sent from Mail for Windows 10 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Eric Gray <ericgrayps@gmail.com> Thursday, April 22, 2021 12:26 PM City Clerk Fwd: Well in the Desert Center Relocation Forwarded to City Clerk for Public Comment, thanks. ---Forwarded message--------- From: Eric Gray <ericgrayps@gmail.com > Date: Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 11:04 AM Subject: Well in the Desert Center Relocation To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov> Hi Mayor Christy Holstege, My name is Eric Gray at 198 Vibe Way Palm Springs, CA 92262. I understand the city is considering locations for the Well in the Desert Relocation spot. I applaud any city who is working to help people who are experiencing homelessness and advocate for every city in California with a population over 50,000 to be mandated to provide proven services for individuals who need help. I also know the impacts that occur to a neighborhood when an establishment like Well in the Desert is operating. I'm advocating for Well in the Desert to be relocated where there are not residences within 500 feet of it. It appears that location would be 4144 E Ramon Road. I do have concerns of some of the neighboring businesses there as well like EOS gym .... so hopefully there will be conditions placed on the operator that they will have to adhere to. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. Eric Gray 198 Vibe Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 1 qfiilmt cOI\ 1ub~i CAim~ Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Well in the Desert Center Relocation From: Eric Gray <ericgrayps@gmail.com > Date: April 22, 2021 at 11:05:04 AM PDT To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Well in the Desert Center Relocation Hi Mayor Christy Holstege, My name is Eric Gray at 198 Vibe Way Palm Springs, CA 92262. I understand the city is considering locations for the Well in the Desert Relocation spot. I applaud any city who is working to help people who are experiencing homelessness and advocate for every city in California with a population over 50,000 to be mandated to provide proven services for individuals who need help. I also know the impacts that occur to a neighborhood when an establishment like Well in the Desert is operating. I'm advocating for Well in the Desert to be relocated where there are not residences within 500 feet of it . It appears that location would be 4144 E Ramon Road. I do have concerns of some of the neighboring businesses there as well like EOS gym .... so hopefully there will be conditions placed on the operator that they will have to adhere to. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. Eric Gray 198 Vibe Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 1 Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Boxing Club Shelter From: Michael Thompson <mike8046@hotmail.com > Date: April 22, 2021 at 1:26:11 PM PDT To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Boxing Club Shelter I just want to relay my concerns about the proposed boxing club shelter. I know this is a sensitive topic and I'm not opposed to homeless services but don't think it is prudent to relocate services from one community to the other without first addressing the concerns that were encountered at the prior community. It is not as if any of the issues have resolved. I live in the new VIBE community and lived here 6 months when the boxing club was a shelter. Once the shelter was at capacity the overflow persons would sleep in the medical buildings, bus stops, VIBE access gate areas and bushes. They would stash their belongings around the neighborhood and our community since they were not allowed to leave their belongings during the day. They would leave the shelter then hang out in the park at Sunrise until the city wisely parked their tactical vehicle outside. They would tote their belongings up and down the street to and from Sunrise Park. I'm an early riser and jog around the block at dawn and often felt unsafe because people were camping around our new neighborhood. I know you did an impact study of people living near the proposed shelter but completely disagree. You have 300-400 new residents in the VIBE alone, not to mention all the apartments on Tahquitz and the condos on Baristo. The proposed Boxing Club offers no outside area around the building for persons to enjoy the outside but right across the street is a lovely airport fountain and green grass with shade trees for the homeless to setup for the day. I not sure this is the welcoming committee Palm Springs has in mind. The homeless persons taking over Baristo Park during the day seemed to be a major concern and I don't see how locating the homeless services to the Boxing Club alleviates that concern for the new community. The Boxing Club offers no outside amenities whatsoever. So, the march will begin between El Ceilo and Sunrise Park. You are not addressing any of the concerns that beleaguered the last neighborhood, just moving those problems to a new neighborhood. The VIBE is a new community but won't be any less vocal than the prior community. Michael Thompson 183 Vibe Way 1 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: Thursday, April 22, 2021 2:31 PM 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 Cheryl Long City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia Palm Springs Phone (optional) /Telefono (opcional) 5624802991 Email (optional/opcional) cheryllongpatriot@gmail.com Your Comments/Sus comentarios Moving the homeless shelter right near the new vibe neighborhood only moves the problem and doesn't do anything to solve it. The airport just expanded and the first thing visitors will see is our homeless problem. I do not support this solution. They should be located into a commercial area not a million dollar homes area. COD is building campus near here too. Having homeless on campus not effective. Suggest a former motel as better option. 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 ~{1i/ivz,1 ITRMNO. ciA M2Lic \- ~NUft\i Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Well in the Desert Location From: RICH GARDUNO <Richgarduno@aol.com > Date: April 22, 2021 at 2:15:17 PM PDT To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Well in the Desert Location E I am reaching out to voice concern and to ask for reconsideration to the potential relocation of Well in the Desert to the Boxing Club location. As a new resident of the Vibe neighborhood on Baristo and Farrell I am worried about the safety and well being of the residents to the Vibe. As the past has shown that when overflow has been reached at the shelter, people start leaving their belongings all over the neighborhood and sleeping inside and around our homes. As someone who has invested lots of money into this new home, I don't want to see our investment diminished and I don't want to feel like my safety and health are going to be challenged as the past has shown needles and other items left around by those often seeking shelter. I see there is a need for a new location, but hope that a different location can be found that doesn't challenge our new community. Thank you Rich Garduno LX at the Vibe 1 ~/u,,/Mt ITEMNO. d~ QlAbtie, I,, ()rmmtlll Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Use of old Boxing Club building From: brawnbear8 <brawnbear8@aol.com > Date: April 19, 2021 at 12:39:22 PM PDT To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Use of old Boxing Club building Dear Christy, I understand the old Boxing Club Building on El Cielo near the police station is being considered for a homeless shelter. I want let you know I think this is a very bad idea. I have talked to a number of other residents of the Vibe Community and the feeling is unanimous. The building is very small and will suffer from overcrowding and a very limited number of people would be able to be housed. We are dealing with a homeless problem here at Vibe as well (issues the board is addressing). I do understand there is a need for housing the homeless. We feel it would be best located in an area that won't impact a residential neighborhood and the huge potential to negatively impact home values. I would suggest a committee be established that includes member of the neighborhood being affected to make a recommendation I hope you will give my concerns strong consideration. Sincerely, Donald Sund 2725 Sunrise Sonata Ln Palm Springs, CA 92262 1 Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Well in the Desert Moving to El Cielo From: Curt Larson <curtlarsonmn@yahoo.com > Date: April 21, 2021 at 9:28:27 PM PDT To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Well in the Desert Moving to El Cielo E Hi Councilmember Holstege, I just heard that city staff is supporting moving the well the desert to the old boxing club on el Cielo? Is this accurate? If so, do you support this? 1 Anthony Mejia Subject:. RE: Concerns about potential relocation of Well in the Desert From: Steve Ritchie <steve@steveritc~e.net> Date: April 22, 2021 at 12:36:03 PM PDT To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Concerns about potential relocation of Well in the Desert Dear Ms. Holstege: I am aware that the City Council will be discussing potential new locations for the Well in the Desert facility this evening and I wanted to express my concerns. I live in the Vibe community on Baristo Road and believe that -unless Well in the Desert does a better job managing its operations -I and my neighbors will see our quality of life greatly diminish because of the proposed relocations to either Taquitz Canyon Way or the Boxing Club. I am not opposed to homeless services nor do I want to be an obstructionist, but I would ask that the City Council evaluate how well Well in the Desert is managing its operations and taxpayer funds before we simply move the problem from one area of the city to another. Residents who lived in the area when the shelter was formerly in the Boxing Club report that, "The shelter had a 50 person capacity and once that limit was reached the overflow would sleep in the medical building walkways, in the bus stop stations and in the access gates to our community and bushes. Since they aren't allowed to leave their belongings at the shelter during the day I would find their luggage stashed around the property and block." This sounds like the problems in Baristo Park and along Indian Canyon Dr are a continuation of problems in other locations -none of which is good for the City or our residents. What assurances can the City or WitD give us that we are not simply moving the crime eastward? Will the "unsustainable" level of police calls improve, or will they simply drive to a different location? In addition, should the Boxing Club location be chosen, is a lot of homeless people sleeping in bus stops and in the vacant lot south of the Boxing Club really what we want visitors to Palm Springs to see as soon as they leave the airport? Again, I want a humane solution, but I am concerned that the current administrators of the day facility are not doing what they can to help both their clients and the city as a whole. Moving from Calle Encilia will not change that unless the city requires better management and accountability for not diminishing neighborhood quality of life. Best regards, Steve Ritchie 173 Desert Song Lane 1 Palm Springs, CA 92262 (404) 822-9075 steve@steveritchie.net 2 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Thursday, April 22, 2021 3:12 PM CityManager; City Clerk Subject: Fwd: STRONG OPPOSITION TO RELOCATING WELL IN THE DESERT TO BOXING CLUB E ---Forwarded message -- In addition to the opposition noted below to the "Boxing Club" relocation, I also strongly oppose the 3111 E. Tahquitz Canyon and the 211 N Sunrise Way locations, for the reasons cited below. Thank you, On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 4:01 PM Dear Mayor Holstege, wrote: We are residents of the newly developed VIBE neighborhood located between Tahquitz Canyon and Baristo, with Farrell Drive on the west. We are surrounded by several residential neighborhoods, including single family homes, condominiums and apartments. We strongly oppose the possible relocation plan for the Well in the Desert homeless shelter to the Boxing Club. My wife and I had first-hand experience with the problems with the current homeless shelter location having lived less than a block from Baristo Park. The park was a gathering place for drugs, fights, and was a sanitary nightmare. We felt so unsafe that we sold our house and moved to the new VIBE community. Now there is a proposal for the shelter to move to our new location? Moving a shelter from one residential area to another does not solve the problem!! Is This the First Impression You Want Tourists to See??? Also, given its location to the PS International Airport, what kind of first impression will this give to tourists flying into Palm Springs? The first thing they will see when they come to this "oasis in the desert" are homeless encampments, grocery carts packed with belongings, people sleeping on sidewalks, and likely watching men and women urinating in bushes. Danger to Students at New College of the Desert Campus And finally, locating a homeless shelter so close not only to residential areas but the new College of the Desert campus that is now underway will increase the danger to young students. Please do the right thing and reject the Boxing Club site as a proposed location for the Well in the Desert. There are other, better locations for a shelter. This is not one of them. Respectfully, 1 ~/ii/m( ITEM No~ tM?Uc ~W\~nt- (YOU DO NOT HAVE MY PERMISSION TO IDENTIFY ME IN ANY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THIS MATTER.) .. , . 2 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: Thursday, April 22, 2021 3:20 PM 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 Michael Mitrovic City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia Palm Springs Phone (optional) /Telefono (opcional) 3235723518 Email (optional/opcional) mikeylikesit26@hotmail.com Your Comments/Sus comentarios I object to WITD at its current location where I find my neighborhood very unsafe to walk, especially at night. And I object to the current plan to move across from the airport at the former boxing center. Please move WITD outside the city limits or refuse to renew its current lease. Let Rancho Mirage or Cat City pick up the tab by moving to their city .... I'm sure that will never happen. I am extremely frustrated and angry at this city council for their inept handling of this problem that is affecting the quality of life in this community. I've watched it deteriorate in the the last few years as the homelessness and crime our skyrocketing .... Am absolutely sick that this problem is not being addressed in a more agggressive manner. Just move WITD outside the city!!!!!! 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 qlii/ioil ITEM NO. ctB ~AkWCt OHntnPJlt Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear City Council, Richard Allegra <rallegra@gmail.com> Thursday, April 22, 2021 3:25 PM City Clerk Comment in regards to Public Hearing item 2.A. I have been a supporter of the work of the Well in the Desert since learning about them back in 2010, when we bought a home here. It pains me to be critical of them at this point, but I was dismayed to hear Arlene's weak reporting and response at the March 25th Council meeting in defense of continuing the Conditional Use Permit for the building on Calle Encilia. I witnessed what looked like confusion and struggle on the faces of Council members as they tried to get information from her. I work for a non-profit, and statistics and reports are our lifeblood; we have to have numbers at the ready to support the need for funding and continuation of our work. It was painful, and frankly inexcusable, that Arlene was not able to give you even an idea of how many people The Well had served over any given timeframe, nor what it is she needs to better serve them. I know that Arlene has a grassroots, Mother Teresa-style approach to serving homeless people; that is absolutely wonderful. However, she needs to be more up on her data, or collaborate with a PR person to argue her case if she is seeking City funding and support. This got me thinking that maybe the City needs to 1) take time to identify what we really need in terms of services to homeless people, given the concomitant services offered by the County, and 2) determine if The Well is the best service for what we need. I would want the Council to analyze this before allotting thousands of dollars to a program that might not be able to meet the challenge. At the same time, because I care about the welfare of homeless people, I'd support the use of the Boxing Club with trailers on a temporary basis, with the requirement that Arlene's team provides you with better reporting and results. Thank you for reading this. Richard Allegra (District 4) 2238 N Sunshine Circle Palm Springs, CA 92264 rallegra@gmail.com 1 4/tZ/toJ./ JA Pv1b~· ~ tJ,mm,r1i ITEMNO. ____ _ Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: @ Ardine Thompson <ardinelt@gmail.com> Thursday, April 22, 2021 9:49 AM City Clerk COUNCIL MEETING 4/22/2021: 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. WELL IN THE DESERT City Council Members, City Manager, City Clerk, The City Council Staff Report makes it clear that homelessness presents a growing challenge in Palm Springs that we need to address. The report lays out a clear rubric for decision making and adequate information on the potential sites considered. The information on the Palm Springs Police Department "analysis" does not provide the relevant information that our neighborhood associations and residents will need to form a thoughtful opinion. Page two states that overall calls for the current WITD area increased significantly in 2020 and may be attributable to the increase in homeless individuals. It then compares the total service calls for the area, for several periods year over year (YoY). Two important comments that follow invite further detail from the analysis. The report states that calls for service do not directly translate to citations or arrests and that the increase in calls did NOT result in an increase in arrests within the area, rather, that arrests decreased. Additionally, the report goes on to state that in some cases, a reported call for service is SELF-IN/TIA TED by the police department. However, a simple chart by month, with more detail on the calls for service, point of initiation (resident or police), and their general outcome, (e.g., no action, citation, arrest, etc.) would provide important context. For example, if there were more frequent patrols and police self-initiated calls drove up the call for service volume, this could indicate effective community policing, rather than an increase in issues caused by WITD clientele. One of the most relevant comments for our neighborhood communities is the final sentence on P 14, before the Fiscal Impact analysis: "Other sites relocate WITD operations to other residential and/or commercial areas and may contribute to secondary impacts currently experienced by residents and business owners in the area surrounding the existing WITD site." Put more simply, "A problem passed is not a problem solved." 1 Before making a decision on a new site, it is equally important that we present a clear, data-based plan based on our experience with the current WITD location: 1) What is the community policing plan, 2) What is the social service agency engagement plan, 3) What is WITD plan to actively manage the facility residents to mitigate potential issues in the surrounding area Without this deeper discussion of the data and a holistic community management and intervention plan, this important project has the potential to quickly escalate into a "not in my backyard" debate that is based on emotion, rather than fact. The City Council should direct these follow up facts and data analysis be included in an appendix to the 22 April report, along with a simple summary that one PS can share with its neighborhood associations to help them understand the project and what Palm Springs is doing and will do to make this move a benefit for all. Thank You, Ardine Thompson, Chairperson, Escena Neighborhood Organization 2 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Council members: Mike <mikeskohl@aol.com> Thursday, April 22, 2021 11 :09 AM City Clerk Public Comment on Agenda !Homeless issues in Palm Springs The Well brings people living on the streets to its location; when the sun sets, they must leave for the night. The neighbors are adversely affected. This will be The Well's fifth move. They have been asked to move every time because of impact to the neighborhood. Bad management, bad business plan, no accountability. It is obvious that Arlene Rosenthal is not the solution to homelessness. She verbally attacked a friend for him suggesting that the Well not be located behind Wang's -she replied to him by stating "shut up" and that he was an idiot. She also started a campaign to hurt a business in Palm Springs -Wang's. Did the council ever receive a business plan from the Well? Please do not permit the problem of homelessness to continue by shifting it to another location. Please instead find a solution to the problem. Mike Tahquitz River Estates, Palm Springs 1 4luJio2( c91l ~l,(~lA{., _, ~ Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: David Darst <daviddarst@mac.com> Thursday, April 22, 2021 11 :26 AM City Clerk Public Comment on Agenda 4/22/2021 Regarding the Relocation of Well of the Desert. Before it is relocated it may be useful to decide if this is a viable part of solutions to the homeless challenge.(from what I have heard it has more boxes checked against it than towards it and the folks running it aren't very cooperative in working with the City/Mayors office) And before moving structures should be put in place so that the current reasons for relocation aren't just repeated again. If Relocated, the first location on your list, The Boxing Club on El Cielo should be a last resort and in my opinion, Not on the list at all. While this location may check the box of easy to shift due to zoning. The building itself is small, and doesn't look like it would work for the situations current needs much less a growing problem. Because "Well of the Desert" doesn't provide housing it is inevitable that homeless encampments show up around it as they have in every location Well of the Desert has been in. And while it would keep the homeless challenge top of mind ... Do we really want the first or last thing a visitor to Palm Springs see is a bunch of blue tarps and shopping carts full of belongings spread out amongst the lovely palm trees and green grass in front go the airport? Let's keep looking at a long term strategy rather than just keep moving the problem around to different areas hoping it will go away. Writing this with a saddened heart, David Darst La Palme Resident. D avid Darst www.TeamDarst.com 1 Ll/tt/wzt .:J~ vurou c.... eowimeNr"" Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Hello and good morning, Janine lvanelli <jlifit1 O@gmail.com> Thursday, April 22, 2021 8:22 AM City Clerk Justin Clifton; Lisa Middleton E-Public Comment Our community at Ramona Villas on Ramon and Caballeros was broken into recently. My bike was taken and the gardeners' tools and several other things. The Police said it is because homeless folks need drugs so they take our stuff to sell and support their habit. Please reconsider the idea to move the Well in the Desert. Let's address the problem and be part of the solution. Please watch this video. It's very graphic so the first 10 minutes and then starting at minute 45 would give you a good idea of some needed changes that are actually helping with these issues in Rhode Island. My brother was a repeat offender and is now gone from this earth because programs like this did not exist. There's a group of concerned citizens in Palm Springs who are willing to help with this problem. Please consider so111ething like the MAT program in Palm Springs. Thanks for reading my letter and watching this poignant video. Janine Ivanelli JW LEGACY 1 qlzi/zoi( Jl4 VIA b\i c Uftlmm' Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: https://youtu. be/bpAi70WWBlw Janine lvanelli <jlifit1 O@gmail.com> Thursday, April 22, 2021 8:24 AM City Clerk; Justin Clifton; Lisa Middleton Thank you for your work in making Palm Springs wonderful The video is called Seattle is Dying and it's a Youtube video (in case the link doesn't work). Sincerely, Janine Ivanelli 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Mr Mejia, Ynid D. Finsten <deb8151@me.com> Thursday, April 22, 2021 10:59 AM City Clerk Debbie Finsten City Council Meeting regarding moving The Well in The Desert I recently sent an email regarding The Well in the Desert. You responded, telling me that it would be included in the public record. I would also like to have the following included in the Public Comments. Thank you, Debbie Finsten Your email has been received and will be provided to the City Council and included in the official record. Thank you. Anthony J. Mejia, MMC City Clerk 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 T: 760.323.8206 palmspringsca. gov Ynid D Finsten 552 Fern Canyon Dr PS 92264 (760)323-7223 "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 1 q/ii(~ ciA i@~·1c ftlm~nl'" 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 Respectfully, Ynid D Finsten Sent from my iPad Sent from my iPad 2 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: larry warnock <1.warnock@me.com> Thursday, April 22, 2021 10:40 AM City Clerk Homelessness and WITD Lack of affordable housing is real. And it can lead to homelessness. But the solutions recommended in a document by consultant Barbara Poppe about the problem of homelessness in Palm Springs seems to miss completely what the main problems are. Drug addiction and mental illness cannot be cured by putting people into housing (which isn't necessarily what they want). I understand the impulse toward putting them into homes and hotels, but I feel like the most important first step would be a 24 hour drop in center where social services are available. I know people who have run homeless shelters in San Francisco and New York, and I hope we can avoid making the same mistakes made repeatedly in other cities. I know there are issues with Wellness in the Desert, and I think there should be much more oversight of the services provided there, no matter where it is located. There are a lot of people here in the community willing to work on this problem, and I hope the city will reach out to work with them. I feel like the report and recommendations put forward in "Report to the City of Palm Springs: HHAP Consultation" looks quite nice with its charts and graphs, but is not based on any street level knowledge of the situation in Palm Springs. Best Regards, Larry Warnock www.WarnockFineArts.com 415.377.7438 1 ~/2i/io2.1 JA fU(bUi ~r Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Baristo Park From: Alma Serrano <ASerrano@apertopm.com > Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 20214:52 PM To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov >; Justin Clifton <Justin.Clifton@palmspringsca.gov> Cc: Lisa Middleton <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov >; Grace Garner <Grace.Garner@palmspringsca.gov>; Geoff Kors <Geoff.Kors@palmspringsca.gov >; Dennis Woods <Dennis.Woods@palmspringsca.gov > Subject: Baristo Park Good Afternoon City Council Members, My Name is Alma serrano I am the property director of Pacific Palms Apartments located right across the street from Baristo Park. I'm reaching out to you regarding the on going daily issue we have been dealing with for a little over a year already with homeless coming into the property, stealing, damaging our property, drug use, harassing our residents etc.etc. We've held a community meeting where one of our guest speaker was the city officer in charge of the homeless division, gave our resident useful information and resources to have handy if any of our residents ever had problems with a homeless. After several emails and calls to the city leaders this homeless issue was somewhat contained for the time being . Baristo Park was actually a place where you could see kids playing and not see homeless fighting ,using drugs, getting undressed , screaming profanity at the top of their lungs etc. Unfortunately this park has now been over ran by homeless, they set up their shades, clothes ,blankets, shopping carts, bikes chairs and it's made into make shift shelter for them. Every morning they are lined across the street from the park all across the hotel wall ,but gradually they make their way back to the park and the next morning it's the same deal all over again. If homeless would stay away from the property and not harass residents there would be no issue , But the constant nuisance they cause is out of hand already and something needs to get done ASAP . My residents don't feel safe in their own apartment community . It's extremely disappointing that a city with such high prestige like palm springs hasn't came up with a permanent solution to the homeless problem. I think we can all agree that a resident should be able to do their laundry, walk their dog, check their mail or simply just walk outside their apartment without fear of homeless lurking . Our Kids Shouldn't be exposed to homeless shooting up in the middle of the day by the playground , they shouldn't be finding used syringes in between the woodchips of the playground . We don't call the police department for every homeless encounter we have, otherwise if we did we would be on the phone our entire work day. I have been told by several officers that apparently this homeless issue is an entire city issue at the moment, which is very unfortunate. I have Also been told that the wells in the desert lease would not be renewed ( not confirmed ,just speculation) which I believe could solve 80% of our homeless issues , but what I would like to know is what is the city's plan of action for this issue? Our Beautiful city of Palm Springs can't be tainted with homeless, there has to be a permanent fix done not a in the meantime type of solution. I really look forward to your response. Have A great evening. Thank you 1 ~/-ii/wil c9~ Pw~i t c imrrv, Alma Serrano Community Manager Pacific Palms 410 S Calle Encilla, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Aperto D (760) 325-3964 F (760)778-4848 E aserrano@apertopm.com www.apertopm.com ODD This email, sent from aserrano@apertopm.com to Justin.Clifton@palmsprinqsca.gov on Tue Apr 20 19:52:22 2021 , is confidential and may contain privileged or copyright information. If you are not Justin.Clifton@palmsprinqsca.gov please notify aserrano@apertopm.com and delete this email. 2 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Jessica Spry <jessica_spry@me .com> Tuesday, April 20, 2021 8:59 PM City Clerk Public Comment on Agenda-CUP for WITD Dear Mayor Holstege and Council Members, I do not support the extension of the Conditional Use Permit for WITD (Well in the Desert) until new oversight provisions are in place. WITD has not proven it can manage operations effectively. Without proper oversight it will continue to cause problems in any location. Lack of affordable housing is real. And it can lead to homelessness. But the homelessness problem in Palm Springs is not due to lack of affordable housing. It's due to drug addiction and mental illness. I know this because I've been working with the homeless people of Palm Springs for the past several years. I can name every chronic homeless person In Palm Springs and tell you what their drug of choice is. The drugs are getting stronger and our people are dying. Over the past six months three people I cared about died on these streets. Rest in Peace Ray, Deshawn and Jessica. I'm sure there are countless others. It took me a long time to really understand what's going on in this town. I no longer find it compassionate to let people languish in their addictions while providing just enough food and clean clothing to get them to their next day of addiction. Furthermore, the lax security environment at WITD lends itself to on-site drug use. I saw it first-hand two weeks ago while sitting in the WITD "smoking section." I was talking to a few guys when one pulls out a meth pipe and starts smoking, passing it to the next guy. The volunteer "security guard" was sitting right with us and didn't even notice/react. It was only after I made a huge fuss that the men were asked to leave the property. That was the final straw for me. I decided to leave my volunteer position --one I loved-and speak up. Moving WITD to a new location, without making any changes to the existing program, will only cause new problems for new people. I urge you to watch the two KOMO News Documentaries ..... 1 SEATTLE IS DYING https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpAi70WWBlw&t=15s FIGHTING FOR THE SOUL OF SEATTLE https://www .youtube.com/watch ?v=Wi joL3 Hy Bw We must not let our city become the next Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco ........ . Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Jessica Spry 2 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: carolegraf88@gmail.com Wednesday, April 21, 2021 4:37 PM City Clerk Comment Regarding Public Hearing Item 2. A. Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council, I strongly object to the relocation of Well in the Desert to the Boxing Center on El Cielo. This is too close to residential communities. It is also the gateway to Palm Springs from the airport. This sets a bad image if this is the first thing tourist see. This may be the most expedient solution, but not the best for the residents and businesses impacted by this location. Carole Graf 2121 E Park Drive Palm Springs 1 ITEMNO._'Z_A __ OL\ I z_.zj?.-o2.. \ Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: bgraf88@gmail.com Wednesday, April 21, 2021 5:11 PM City Clerk FW: Comment Regarding Public Hearing Item 2. A. Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council, I am strongly opposed to the relocation of Well in the Desert to the Boxing Center on El Cielo. Last year when this location was used as a temporary shelter it quickly looked blighted with people hanging around outside sitting on the sidewalk. This location is very near residential and business communities. It sets a poor example of our City if it is the first thing an airport traveler sees as they arrive. It is further discouraging that WITD wants to add pod style structures to the property. Palm Springs is becoming a leaders appear to care more about the homeless and the mismanaged WITD group than they do about citizens and voters. It appears all of the locations under consideration are near residential communities. Do you really think moving them into our neighborhoods is a good idea? Robert Graf 2121 E Park Drive Palm Springs 1 ITEMNO. ?_A O'f /1.-~\'lo'L\ Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Robert Peterson <rpeter2740@sbcglobal.net> Wednesday, April 21, 2021 3:40 PM City Clerk Subject: Well in the Desert Relocation to 225 S. El Cielo -Boxing Club. My name is Robert Peterson and I am an 1 O year resident in Sunrise Park neighborhood I would like to provide the following comments to the City Counsel regarding Item 2A on 4 22 2021 Council meeting agenda. Well in the Desert Relocation to 225 S. El Cielo -Boxing Club. Staff report recommends Boxing Club. Excerpt from City Council Staff Report April 22, 2021 -Page 14 Well in the Desert Alternative Site Review CUP 5.1419 In evaluating these potential sites, Staff observes that the most expedient potential is to relocate WITD to the "Boxing Club" site as it is controlled by the City (subject to resolving short-term lease of the site for non-Airport uses) in a building currently used to support homeless services and as a previous temporary shelter. Relocating WITD operations to residential and/or commercial areas may contribute to secondary impacts currently experienced by residents and business owners in the area surrounding the existing WITD site. I would recommend staff pursue acquisition and development of another site for a navigation center I drop-in facility/ homeless services and temporary shelter, in conjunction with WITD. This should NOT be located near a residential and/or commercial area. The WITD stand alone business model has proven that the concept doesn't work and moving it as stand alone will only result in the same problems currently encountered. In conclusion, the Boxing Club is NOT a good location as it would have the same problems as current location and it is directly across from airport the gateway to our city ITEM NO._?_..=.;...{\ __ 04 ( 'LLl'"LJJ2 \. 1 Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Baristo Park From: Alma Serrano <ASerrano@apertopm.com > Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 4:52 PM To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov>, Justin Clifton <Justin.Clifton@palmspringsca.gov> Cc: Lisa Middleton <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>, Grace Garner <Grace.Garner@palmspringsca.gov>, Geoff Kors <Geoff.Kors@palmspringsca.gov>, Dennis Woods <Dennis.Woods@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Baristo Park Good Afternoon City Council Members, My Name is Alma serrano I am the property director of Pacific Palms Apartments located right across the street from Baristo Park. I'm reaching out to you regarding the on going daily issue we have been dealing with for a little over a year already with homeless coming into the property, stealing, damaging our property, drug use, harassing our residents etc.etc. We've held a community meeting where one of our guest speaker was the city officer in charge of the homeless division, gave our resident useful information and resources to have handy if any of our residents ever had problems with a homeless. After several emails and calls to the city leaders this homeless issue was somewhat contained for the time being . Baristo Park was actually a place where you could see kids playing and not see homeless fighting ,using drugs, getting undressed , screaming profanity at the top of their lungs etc. Unfortunately this park has now been over ran by homeless, they set up their shades, clothes ,blankets, shopping carts, bikes chairs and it's made into make shift shelter for them. Every morning they are lined across the street from the park all across the hotel wall ,but gradually they make their way back to the park and the next morning it's the same deal all over again. If homeless would stay away from the property and not harass residents there would be no issue, But the constant nuisance they cause is out of hand already and something needs to get done ASAP. My residents don't feel safe in their own apartment community. It's extremely disappointing that a city with such high prestige like palm springs hasn't came up with a permanent solution to the homeless problem. I think we can all agree that a resident should be able to do their laundry, walk their dog, check their mail or simply just walk outside their apartment without fear of homeless lurking . Our Kids Shouldn't be exposed to homeless shooting up in the middle of the day by the playground , they shouldn't be finding used syringes in between the woodchips of the playground . We don't call the police department for every homeless encounter we have, otherwise if we did we would be on the phone our entire work day. I have been told by several officers that apparently this homeless issue is an entire city issue at the moment, which is very unfortunate. I have Also been told that the wells in the desert lease would not be renewed ( not confirmed ,just speculation) which I believe could solve 80% of our homeless issues , but what I would like to know is what is the city's plan of action for this issue? Our Beautiful city of Palm Springs can't be tainted with homeless , there has to be a permanent fix done not a in the meantime type of solution. I really look forward to your response. Have A great evening. Thank you 1 ITEM NO. --=2, __ f\ __ _ 0 4 I 1,t-{'2,oe-\ Alma Serrano Community Manager :J ----.. --·---. __ .... _ .......... Pacific Palms 410 S Calle Encilla, Palm Springs, CA 92262 .:1 --~:-, . ..,.,.. ·o (760) 325-3964 F (760)778-4848 E aserrano@apertopm.com www.aeertoem.com ,:,1 .. ·-:J .. -d---.. -·--. -----.. This email, sent from aserrano@apertopm.com to Lisa.Middleton@palmsprinqsca.gov on Tue Apr 20 19:52 :23 2021 , is confidential and may contain privileged or copyright information. If you are not Lisa.Middleton@palmsprinqsca.gov please notify aserrano@apertopm.com and delete this email. This email , sent from aserrano@apertopm.com to Lisa.Middleton@palmsprinqsca.gov on Wed Apr 21 17:28 :09 2021 , is confidential and may contain privileged or copyright information. If you are not Lisa.Middleton@palmsprinqsca.gov please notify aserrano@apertopm.com and delete this email. 2 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: E Good afternoon: Lina Sola <ljsola@hotmail.com> Wednesday, April 21, 2021 12:33 PM Justin Clifton; Lisa Middleton; City Clerk Relocation of Well in the Desert As a full time resident of Palm Springs I am gravely concerned about the City's intention to extend the Well in the Desert conditional use permit without overseeing and enforcing it. There is no question that the Well does provide some valuable services but they are far from addressing the true needs of the homeless population in Palm Springs. This population is receiving food, clothing and temporary relief from the weather but then they are free to commit crimes, destroy property, be assaulted and do drugs without consequence. This is the topic our City should be taking action on-the drugs. The Well seems to be a magnet for those individuals who want services but do not want to follow the rules. If the City is going to depend on the Well in the Desert to support our homeless then it needs to ramp up services and offer the proper over-site. Doesn't it make sense to collaboration with other companies or non-profits that are equipped to address the mental health and addiction problems as a condition of the Wells continuance to operate in Palm Springs? In conjunction with the City's new building plan, wouldn't local business's be interested in helping to sustain a more full service solution? Simply moving the problem to a new location just impacts a different part of our community with the same crime and destruction will continue. I know there is a lot to consider and not all solutions can come at once, however give our City a purposefully well thought out plan that will build the much needed solution rather than continue to support a 20 plus year old organization that exacerbates the problem for both the community and the homeless population. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Lina Sola ljsola@hotmail.com ITEMNO._'l_A __ Sent from my iPhone 0 4 (--z:L/1..0-z,, \ 1 From: joe joeenos.com Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 8:45 AM To: Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov> Cc: Geoff Kors <geoff.kors@palmspringsca.gov>; christy.holstege@palmspringsca.gov<christy.holstege@palmspringsca .gov>; Grace Garner <grace.garner@palmspringsca.gov>; Dennis Woods <dennis.woods@palmspringsca.gov>; justin.clifton@palmspringsca.gov <justin.clifton@palmspringsca.g OV > Subject: Palm Springs Boxing Club and WITD For the record and to be entered into public comments: Dear Lisa- As my solely-elected Palm Springs representative on city council, and a sounding board for the homeless issues affecting our district and the impact it has made on my neighborhood, I am writing once again to ask you not to consider the Palm Springs Boxing Club as a new location for Well in the Desert (WITD) and the Pallet Shelter project. It is time for Palm Springs to think big and move the agenda from continuing to offer "enabling" services to those which are truly "transformative". Moving WITD one more time into a temporary location and under its current leadership is not solving the problem. WITD has moved at least four times since I arrived here in 2005. From the historic Albert Frey-designed Jay Cee Building in Sunrise Park, to my former Sunmor neighborhood on N Commercial Drive, to Gene Autry, and now to its very inappropriate downtown Palm Springs location. WITD has never been a good neighbor and placing it in a semi-residential neighborhood across the street from the Palm Springs International Airport would be another bad decision. Is this what we want hundreds of thousands of arriving and departing visitors from the valley to see as they access the airport? As a community, not only Palm Springs, but the eight other valley cities, we are dependent upon a robust visitor market. I can't think of anything more unappealing or inappropriate in the support of tourism. I am also listening carefully to what Greg Rodriquez and the county are saying about our current approach to the homeless issue. It's clear to me that WITD is not a top pick in their opinion to be part of the new century approach to working with agencies that move beyond providing "enabling services" to those who are offering and building upon a menu of services that are "transformative". I'm asking you to do the same. Martha's Village and CV Rescue Mission are two examples of leading organizations in providing the whole of wraparound services that the county and many experts say are needed. In fact, you should also be looking at DAP Health, who under the leadership of David Brinkman, has transformed its services from HIV care to comprehensive medical and behavioral health services for the entire underserved community in the valley. They're even experts in low income housing! The fact that Arlene Rosenthal admitted at your last meeting that she didn't even listen to public comments is not only appalling, it's a dereliction of duty she made to her board, her clients, and our community. My recent experiences with the housing of homeless along S Palm Canyon Drive in hotels that were built and permitted for transient vacationers and the impact it has had on my neighborhood (of which you and Chief Reyes are well aware of), has made me even more aware, vocal, and informed about developing a new way of thinking in 2021 about the way we look at the homeless issue here and across the county. I am completely supportive of agencies, planning and leadership that will address homelessness in a holistic way. That includes housing in appropriate permanent locations that offer a suite of transformative services that MUST INCLUDE addiction and behavioral health services. Please don't make another mistake by kicking the can down the road again by offering the Palm Springs Boxing Club to WITD, its dated "soup kitchen" approach and its current leadership. 2 l//12/tf)t/ , &Fl pu/Jlic f!t;111111f/i Sincerely, Joe Enos Joe Enos Palm Springs 3 Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Relocation of Well in the Desert & helping people experiencing homelessness From: David Murphy <dcmurphysf@gmail.com > Sent: Monday, April 19, 202112:09 PM To: Justin Clifton <Justin.Clifton@palmspringsca.gov> Cc: Lisa Middleton <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Relocation of Well in the Desert & helping people experiencing homelessness Hello Justin, I am writing in advance of the upcoming public hearing about the relocation of the Well in the Desert, which I am not able to attend. I read the city council staff report on the subject. First let me express my dismay that after all that is known about the so-called "secondary impact' and the unsustainable police activity from the current location -and by the way -from the previous location as well, how can the council staff include so many options that are still so close to residential, tourist and business corridors, including a site directly across the street from a downtown parking garage? This makes no sense. My concern now is that the council will take a path of least resistance and, as the report indicated, try to "expedite" the relocation by selecting an equally unsuitable site such as the Boxing Club. Where was the 500 feet distance from residential derived as a metric? That distance is entirely insufficient given the known problems surrounding the operation. If the WITD is to receive a use permit, then the location should be in an industrial or planned R&D park. I have come to believe, and agree with Greg Rodriquez, that the Well's service model is flawed and causes more problems than it solves, although Greg is careful not to mention it by name. Palm Springs needs a better, more comprehensive and humane level of service for people suffering from addiction, mental illness and experiencing homelessness. The WITD has become a dysfunctional, unaccountable operation that prolongs addiction and time out on the streets. As a new city leader who has stated that homelessness is a priority, I hope you will take the time to view these two must-see documentaries produced by an ABC affiliate in Seattle. You will no doubt find them educational and enlightening. Seattle Dying https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpAi70WWBlw Fighting for the Soul of Seattle https://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=Wijol3 Hy Bw Respectfully, David Murphy 410 E. Avenida Olancha Palm Springs, CA 92264 415-310-3530 1 ~/,11/unl ITEM NO.a A 1 u !?Ii c &1r1,r11,l Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Justin Clifton Tuesday, April 20, 2021 9:59 AM City Council Mike Kovaleff; Anthony Mejia Public Hearing on WITD Good morning Council. Please see an update that was provided by Captain Kovaleff to Council Member Kors on impacts around the current Well in the Desert location. This seems relevant to the public hearing scheduled for this Thursday and will be entered into the public record. Names have been removed to ensure privacy. From Captain Kovaleff: We will address the vehicles and rubbish again today. Myself, Lieutenant Araiza, Sergeant Guarino, and Tom Cox went out there yesterday and contacted about 10 subjects in both areas of the park over the course of an hour. I reached out to Arlene prior to going over there to see if she could do anything and she agreed that it was an eye sore but if they wanted assistance at the WITD and were banned they could request a meeting to be reinstated. All of those I personally contacted stated they were clients of the WITD, had not been banned, but did not want to hang out there because there are too many rules. Several walked away when they saw us approaching the park. We advised all of them of the complaints and that their illegal activity will not be tolerated. Nearly all told me they were addicted to heroin or meth and use daily. Quite frankly, none of them are ready to get help or get clean. I asked them what we could do for them and a few replied designate a legal camping area. All of them agreed that they would not let their kids play at the park due to the current situation. Absent one who was smoking a cigarette, we did not see any illegal activity. Tom provided each of them with info and forms to get I.D.s and services. He returned again this morning and contacted provided the following via email: Thank you for the names. I stopped by this morning at Baristo Park this morning and did some outreach: 1. Individual #1 (waiting for ID to be mailed to Boxing Club} 2. Individual #2 (truck) did not come by boxing club and was not at park this morning 3. Individual #3 (Cody and Arthur) (transporting Cody to OMV tomorrow) 4. Individual #4 -was not at park this morning 5. Individual #5 (Transporting to OMV tomorrow) 6 . Individual #6 (Transporting to OMV tomorrow) 7. Individual #7 wanted help with Social Security 8. Individual #8 (Transporting to Boxing Center tomorrow afternoon for Social Security) 9. Individual #9 (Transporting to Boxing Center tomorrow afternoon for Social Security) 10. Individual #10 (waiting for ID to be mailed) 11. Individual #11 (waiting for ID to be mailed) We had city cleanup crews address the park yesterday after we left. We are developing an enforcement plan to address any illegal activity by spending a lot more time over there with various personnel but with the current cite and release issues at the jail they will likely return as they were not receptive to relocating via services, free transportation to wherever they were from, or any other means. There level of comfort in the situation is not what we experienced pre- pandemic with these types of issues at Sunrise Park. They seemed well versed in the rules and did not seem to care that we would be conducting enforcement as they know the outcome of being released. 1 ~Iii/wt ITEM No. 0A: Pu blA e, etfw\ wu,vt' Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Comments for City Council regarding approach to the unhoused, Well in the Desert and proposed location From: Mary Miller <marymmiller@live.com > Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 202110:35 AM To: Justin Clifton <Justin.Clifton@palmspringsca.gov>; Lisa Middleton <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Comments for City Council regarding approach to the unhoused, Well in the Desert and proposed location Hello Justin and Lisa, I would like for this communication to be shared as part of the public comments in the City Council meeting on Thursday, April 22. I am writing to express my concerns about Well in the Desert's operations and the proposal to relocate WITD to The Boxing Club. I've familiarized myself with the history of WITD's locations in Palm Springs and it's apparent that wherever they have been located in the past, the surrounding residential and commercial neighborhoods have experienced problems with public drug use, petty theft, camping, and harassment of residents and business customers. I am surprised and disappointed that the City would even consider relocating this operation to a building across the street from the airport. What impact do you think this will have on the first impression of tourists arriving by air? And what about the surrounding residences and businesses that will be similarly impacted as the ones near WITD in the past? I completely support moving the current operations of WITD. Clearly the damage to our downtown and the surrounding residential neighborhoods has been significant. However, The Boxing Club is not a good alternative location given the proximity to our airport, as well as the nearby residences and businesses. Please recognize that the problem we are dealing with is not primarily driven by people who have lost jobs, are looking for work, and are temporarily down on their luck. If you would take some time to observe the unhoused gathered in the public spaces of Palm Springs, it is easy to recognize that most are addicts. While this is a sad situation, these addicts are not going to be helped by simply providing a roof over their heads, free food and showers. In fact, this approach simply enables them to continue their current lifestyle. They need addiction treatment and this needs to be mandatory, as these folks are not capable of making appropriate decisions for themselves. In the meantime, they are littering, creating a public health hazard with discarded needles and human waste left in public spaces, committing petty theft to support their drug habits, harassing those who pass by, and ruining public spaces for everyone else who lives in the area, as well as for tourists that Palm Springs depends on for revenue. The two videos "Seattle is Dying" and "Fighting for the Soul of Seattle" provide excellent perspective on what is really happening on the streets of not only Seattle but other "compassionate" cities, as well as an alternative approach that would actually be much more compassionate and humane. Please take the time to watch these two videos, and to consider carefully whether the current approach of leaving the addicts to die on the street while ruining public spaces for everyone else is truly compassionate and the best way forward for the unhoused, as well as for the City and the vast majority of our residents and visitors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpAi70WWBlw 1 tJ In /zn1 ( ~¥\ ?u~L;c ~;ntA1 https://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=Wijol3Hy Bw Thank you, Mary Miller, Palm Springs resident and property owner 2 Anthony Mejia Subject: RE: Palm Springs Boxing Club and WITD From: kevin@kevinjcorcoran.com <kevin@kevinjcorcoran.com > Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 202111:09 AM To: Lisa Middleton <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov> Cc: Justin Clifton <Justin.Clifton@palmspringsca.gov>; kevin@kevinjcorcoran.com Subject: FW: Palm Springs Boxing Club and WITD Lisa: I joined the business "working committee" that Michael Braun formed to look at the homeless issue in Palm Springs and try to engage new ideas to address the challenges. Joe Enos is also on that committee. I've learned a lot from the dialogue and have a new appreciation for the complexity in making meaningful change that can make a real difference. I've been most moved by the discussion of providing "enabling services" vs a menu of services that are "transformative." The experts that have presented to us have convinced me that we will never bring about significant change unless we propose/implement a more comprehensive plan that includes housing but also the vast array of mental health services that will get people off the streets and productive again. I've also experienced the resistance from entrenched service providers to maintain the status quo and keep 'control" in the hands who have been at this but, in my opinion, have not solved the problem. I have to agree that moving the Well in the Desert to the Boxing Club is a very bad idea. No one wants to see the blight on Indian Canyon move to the airport neighborhood. And, unfortunately, the leadership at the Well has not been able to build public support for their mission and strategy moving forward. This could be the time to step back and consider the more comprehensive strategy to address it all vs. just solve for the Well. Michael Braun and our team have been looking at other locations in the city that could accommodate the more comprehensive strategy. I hope our efforts can help you and the council to achievable change for our community. Thanks, as always, for your consideration. PS, Justin, welcome aboard. I look forward to meeting you and engaging on important issues for our community! All the best, Kevin Kevin J. Corcoran P.O. Box 5537 Palm Springs, CA 92263 Kevin@kevinjcorcoran.com www.kevinjcorcoran.com (206) 617-9098 1 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: Monday, April 19, 2021 7:24 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 Charles Rogers City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia CA Phone (optional) /Telefono (opcional) 9093745926 Email (optional/opcional) dbarchuck@aol.com Your Comments/Sus comentarios This comment is in response to Agenda Item 2 A of the upcoming April 22, 2021 City Council meeting. Page 1 of the Staff Report pertaining to this Agenda item states the following: "Social services and homelessness specifically, are the province and jurisdiction of County Government. However, the City of Palm Springs has provided significant General Fund resources to address increasing issues of homelessness within the City." The April 22, 2021 report further states in pertinent part that "the secondary impacts of the WITD facility and the general increase in the homeless population in the area have resulted in challenging conditions for area residents and businesses." These statements are proof that the City neither has the resources nor the expertise to address and mitigate the enormous problem of homelessness. The City needs to work with the County of Riverside to identify and locate a homeless shelter outside its borders to minimize the "secondary impacts" of such a shelter. 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 ~In /2021 ITEM NO. d fl fu blit tm111m 1