Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Timeline SUMMARY OF BOGERT SEEKING LOW-COST HOUSING FOR DISPLACED RESIDENTS The HRC concludes that the statue should be removed from City Hall under the premise that Bogert “demonstrated no effort to address the harms caused by (Section 14) evictions.” Not only is this premise completely false, but the HRC intentionally omitted evidence that would have directly refuted its very premise to remove the statue (see housing timeline). Indeed, the very sources the HRC cites in its own Report provide more than ample evidence to invalidate many of the HRC’s false accusations. For example, the HRC cherry-picks information from a Nov. 15, 1968, article in the Desert Sun to support its biased narrative about Section 14 — however, below are quotes from the same exact article that the HRC left out of its Report. These quotes, among many others, directly discredit the Report’s premise to remove the statue. Thus, the HRC purposely excluded this rebutting information and crafted a one-sided, disingenuous Report: “Mayor Frank Bogert, long active in trying to solve the housing problems of the minority groups in Section 14 said he thought the Gould-Crossley project would be a good thing. ‘I think we ought to stretch a point and let them have the zoning they want,’ he said. ‘Due to the housing emergency at the present time, we have to lean over backwards.’ Nevertheless, Mayor Bogert emphasized, he wanted to be sure any dwellings built for rentals would be good housing. ‘I don’t want to see another slum area. If someone is going to build a place for these people, it should be good.’… A $2.5 million housing development which will be used for families displaced from Section 14… was the upshot of a previous request, of several months standing, by Mayor Bogert of (the developer) to seek a solution to the problem of homes for the residents of Section 14.” Bogert worked “tirelessly” to minimize the effects of Section 14 evictions and to seek low-cost housing for its residents Knowing that evictions and clearing were necessary and unavoidable, Bogert worked relentlessly to alleviate the harms associated with these evictions and to make the best out of an untenable housing crisis (see timeline of Bogert’s actions). While Bogert took office in 1958, city-coordinated evictions did not take place until six years later, in 1964, and city-sponsored demolition began seven years later, in October 1965. Although there were evictions prior to 1964, these evictions were executed by private citizens and without city coordination or assistance. Within that six-year period when he became Mayor and when the city worked with conservators and the Tribal Council to relocate and evict residents in 1964, the record shows that Bogert was resolute on finding solutions to the Section 14 crisis. Specifically, Bogert took the following actions to alleviate the effects of the inevitable clean-up campaign: Held off city-coordinated relocations and evictions until 1964 (6 years after becoming Mayor), despite pressure to do so sooner from tax paying residents, Tribal landowners, local businesses, and conservators. Worked “tirelessly” to seek low-cost housing for displaced residents. Secured housing certificates from the FHA which provided relocation grants with 100% financing to displaced residents. (See Bogert and housing certificate photo.) Pursued numerous public assistance programs to fund low-cost housing. Pushed for and supported several privately funded low-cost housing projects (see clipping for one such project), including that of Lawrence Crossley, a Black pioneer of the community and a close friend of Bogert’s. Launched an administrative investigation into Superior Court ordered burnings after numerous residents had made complaints. Delayed evictions for six months in 1961 to allow 430 families to find housing. (See eviction delay photo.) Created multiracial citizens committees, consisting of members from the Black community, to assist with relocation efforts and to communicate the city and Tribe’s eviction plans with Section 14 residents. Enacted a bond program in 1961 to purchase land that would partially be used for low-cost housing for evicted residents. Ensured that the city complied with all local, state, and federal regulations throughout a complex eviction and demolition process. The Desert Sun described Bogert as working “tirelessly” over the span of 10 years to seek low-cost housing for evicted Section 14 residents. These efforts included him continuously pushing for numerous publicly and privately funded housing projects. As detailed in the timeline, the HRC purposely omitted these facts from its Report and falsely claimed that Bogert “demonstrated no effort to address the harms caused by these evictions.” Select quotes from the housing timeline: “The Mayor, working tirelessly for a low-cost housing project, had asked (developers) some months ago if (they) couldn't come up with a solution to the ever-increasing problem of homes for the scores of people who are residing in Section 14” “Mayor Frank Bogert...has sought to promote a minority housing development in the Palm Springs area” “Since Bogert was elected to the council almost three years ago, (he) has been working steadily to get private money to build a low-cost rental unit project for (Section 14 residents)” Bogert even continued seeking housing for displaced residents after his Mayoral term ended. In 1967 — the year after he left office and with his wife battling breast cancer — he partnered with his close friend the Rev. Jeff Rollins, a leader in the Black community, and the First Baptist Church to develop a 250-unit housing complex adjacent to Gateway Estates (see Desert Sun clipping). He traveled to Washington, D.C., with Rev. Rollins to lobby the FHA to secure federal funds for minority housing (see Bogert and Rollins photo). Bogert cared deeply for the welfare of Section 14 residents and was extremely vocal in public forums about the need of low-cost housing for Section 14 residents. The HRC falsely claims in its Report that “city decision makers focused their energy clearing Section 14 for development instead of addressing the core issue of housing for those displaced.” In addition to the housing timeline, which provides significant evidence to discredit this claim, below are quotes from Bogert himself demonstrating that he indeed was focused on “the core issue of housing for those displaced”: “There is a great demand for low-cost housing for the working force in the city. Something must be done for them…There were a lot of fine people moved out of Section 14.” “We do need enough (low-cost housing) to take care of our labor force. There is a terrific demand for housing for the working people” “The biggest scandal is that (Section 14 residents) are forced to live in these conditions, because we haven’t done anything about it” “I don’t want to see another slum area. If someone is going to build a place for these people, it should be good” “I think we ought to stretch a point and let them have the zoning they want...Due to the housing emergency at the present time, we have to lean over backwards (to allow for zoning for low-cost housing)” As Mayor in 1961, Bogert directly hired Charles Jordan, the city’s first Black employee and a resident of Section 14. Through this hire, and by advocating for minority interests in general, Bogert directly contributed to the city’s first completed housing project for Section 14 residents. Indeed, Jordan was instrumental in the development of Seminole Gardens in 1968, the city’s first federally funded, medium-cost housing project which was prioritized for Section 14 residents. Bogert made this unprecedented hire when it was unpopular to do so. When Jordan returned to Palm Springs after graduating from Gonzaga University, Los Angeles Times reporter Ken Reich explained: “It was then Mayor Frank Bogert who gave him a job as a recreation supervisor. Jordan said he had suggested to Bogert at the time, 1961, that he might not be accepted by whites in that position. Bogert had been adamant about going ahead with the job offer, and it was the beginning of a brilliant career for Jordan.” Indeed, Bogert’s championing of Jordan, at a time when no Black resident was employed by the city, was the catalyst to a brilliant career. After working as a city official in Palm Springs, Jordan ran the Parks Departments in both Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon. He was the first ever Black city councilmember in Portland and the first to serve as city commissioner. After leaving public office he ran the Conversation Fund, an environmental non-profit, where he established a land trust for Black farmers. President Ronald Reagan appointed both Jordan and Bogert to the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors, where they worked together to promote nationwide recreational opportunities for citizens. Jordan served as an ex-officio member of a multiracial housing committee Bogert created to work with and help Section 14 residents during relocations. As the Desert Sun said, “Jordan made tremendous strides toward greater understanding and respect between all races in Palm Springs and worked toward greater involvement of blacks in community affairs, helping to bring City Hall closer to the (Black) community than ever before.” After being promoted to assistant to the City Manager, Jordan was instrumental in securing funding for and developing the aforementioned Seminole Gardens housing project. Serving on the Palm Springs Housing Committee and active in community relations, Jordan worked to understand the needs of the Black community and other minorities and to develop a housing plan for Section 14 residents. In June of 1987 while giving the commencement speech at Palm Springs High School, Jordan thanked Bogert for taking a chance on him and giving him a job with the city after college. To recap: Bogert hired the city’s first Black employee, Charles Jordan, when he was unable to find another job after college. Jordan, who was a former Section 14 resident, was instrumental in completing the city’s first federally financed housing project, Seminole Gardens. This housing project was prioritized for Section 14 residents and is even referenced in the HRC’s Report. Jordan went on to have a brilliant political career and positively impacted the lives of many Black citizens, due in part to the chance Bogert took on him in 1961 when others didn’t. (See Jordan photo.) Low-Cost Housing Timeline Bogert worked relentlessly to find housing for Section 14 residents and to minimize the effects of the legal evictions The timeline below is just one example of many in which the HRC purposely provides a one-sided, dishonest assessment of Bogert and Section 14. Inexplicably, the HRC falsely claims that Bogert “demonstrated no effort to address the harms caused by these evictions” and makes similar statements on at least 15 separate occasions in the Report. In reality however, nothing could be further from the truth. Over a span of 10 years, both during and after his Mayoral term, Bogert worked “tirelessly” to find housing for evicted Section 14 residents. The timeline below confirms to what great lengths Bogert went to secure low-cost housing and to address the harms caused by the relocations and evictions. It must be stressed that several of these quotes came from the same articles and sources the HRC cited in its Report. In other words, the HRC saw these same exact quotes and facts but intentionally omitted this refuting information in order to support its false narrative that Bogert “demonstrated no effort to address the harms caused by these evictions.” January 1961 Bogert asks the city for an “Urban Redevelopment Program” on Section 14. The Desert Sun notes: “Mayor Frank Bogert...has sought to promote a minority housing development in the Palm Springs area” Additionally, the Desert Sun claims, “since he was elected to the council almost three years ago, (Bogert) has been working steadily to get private money to build a low-cost rental unit project for (Section 14 residents), but the location of it has been the big problem.” ‘'If it is too far from downtown, they can't get into town, and there just isn't any place they can go downtown,” said the Mayor. February 1961 Bogert enacts a bond program for the purchase of land used for the airport. Part of the justification for purchasing the land is not just for the airport itself, but for the development of low-cost housing as well. Indeed, “The Mayor also mentioned that the purchase of the airport by the people of Palm Springs may solve many other problems which to date have plagued the resort community. One of these is the initiation of a low-cost housing project eyed for the north-east corner of the land. According to the Mayor, backers have approached the city seeking such a project.” March 1961 “Bogert, in his official capacity as Mayor, has served a request to the FHA and HHFA to come to Palm Springs and discuss a federal housing program, especially in connection with their project 221, the replacement of displaced persons...Mayor Bogert said that the federal representatives have looked at a couple of parcels of land which could qualify under the requirements of FHA and HHFA.” May 1961 He later stated that, although the city was rushing the slum clearance of Section 14, the city council was not interested in persecuting anyone, emphasizing that “The biggest scandal is that people are forced to live in these conditions, because we haven’t done anything about it.” June 1961 Bogert announces a six-month moratorium on evictions and demolitions in order to buy time to find housing alternatives. The BIA had previously issued a June 1961 deadline for Section 14 evictions, but Bogert issued this six-month moratorium given housing options weren’t yet in place for Section 14 residents. Bogert enacted this moratorium after hearing directly from two residents in Section 14 who said they came back to find their homes in ashes. “A promise from Federal Housing Authority representatives to the City Council that action would be speeded to certify city eligibility for financing guarantees for low-cost housing, both private homes and rental property.” Additionally, the Desert Sun states: “Councilmen and members of the Planning Commission had been working more than a year in anticipation of a housing crisis in Section 14 when the June eviction deadline arrived, ‘I'm pleased to learn this financing could be rushed through,’ said Vice-Mayor Ken Kirk. ‘It’s shaping up into a definite program and it looks like no one will be actually displaced without getting a better home’…Kirk went on to credit Mayor Bogert and Councilman Ted McKinney with spearheading work on obtaining housing for families evicted from Section 14. “They've worked very hard on it.” he said. “It's good to see things moving along.” July 1961 Bogert creates a special committee, which he leads, to work on minority housing problems related to Section 14. Among those named to the committee is the Rev. Jeff Rollins, a Black community leader and a friend of Bogert’s. This committee had four functions: Inform the community of the substandard conditions in Section 14. Inform the community and those being relocated about the assistance they were eligible for under Section 221, which provided 100% financing for relocation with only $200 down. Assist relocated families in finding alternative housing within their price range. Communicate important updates and details to all related parties of Section 14. The city submits a program for community improvement “made in support of the city's application for federal aid in relocation housing for persons to be moved from a portion of Section 14 marked a major step toward solving the problems of displacement, caused by area development” The Desert Sun stated, “As Palm Springs builds for the future, it is working for adequate housing for its citizens.” Mid-July 1961 Bogert endorses and pushes for the low-cost housing development plans of Lawrence Crossley, a Black city pioneer and close friend of Bogert’s. These plans included 150 low-cost, two-story units in Section 20. “Mayor Frank Bogert, long active in trying to solve the housing problems of the minority groups in Section 14 said he thought the Gould-Crossley project would be a good thing,” In fact, Bogert even pushed city council and officials to relax zoning ordinances to enable the Crossley development to proceed as quickly as possible: “I think we ought to stretch a point and let them have the zoning they want...Due to the housing emergency at the present time, we have to lean over backwards.” Regardless of which low-cost housing projects the city approved, Bogert demanded that the new dwellings be suitable for the people of Section 14: “Nevertheless, Mayor Bogert emphasized, he wanted to be sure any dwellings built for rentals would be good housing. “I don’t want to see another slum area. If someone is going to build a place for these people, it should be good.” August 1961 Federal Housing Association approves a $2.5 million housing development for families displaced by Section 14 evictions. The development was spearheaded by N & W Development Corp., whom Bogert had pushed to help find a solution to the housing crisis. Indeed: “The Mayor, working tirelessly for a low-cost housing project, had asked (N & W Development) some months ago if (they) couldn't come up with a solution to the ever increasing problem of homes for the scores of people who are residing in Section 14 and who are presently on notice that they must move from their present homes to make way for a full-scale Indian Section clearance program.” Upon hearing that the FHA and FHAA had approved this $2.5 million plan, Bogert “was elated. It had brought to an end the months upon months of studying for a solution to a problem which was only worsening with time.” Unfortunately, the N & W project ultimately failed as the developers went through a period of “tight money” brought upon by a recession that had hit the country. This recession “set back many major housing and building development projects everywhere,” not just in Palm Springs. Additionally, the recession “was particularly harmful to the city’s plans for the immediate solution to the problems of Section 14.” September 1961 The city and Frank Bogert secure a certification from the “Housing and Home Finance administrator proclaiming that Palm Springs has qualified for Federal Aid in its Workable Program for community improvement” “U.S. Housing administrator Robert C. Weaver has determined that this community's program meets Federal requirements….The certification means that Palm Springs can proceed with its program, under federal assistance, to utilize appropriate private and public resources to eliminate and prevent the development or spread of slums and urban blight: to encourage needed urban rehabilitation; to provide for the development of blighted, deteriorated or slum areas, or to undertake other activities as may be suitable employed to achieve the objective of such a program.” October 1961 Bogert and the city council “rezoned five acres of Section 20 for 120 low-cost housing units. Developer Robert Gould applied for a low-interest loan for the project and subsequently announced the city had qualified for it.” December 1961 Bogert and the city rezone seven and a half acres in Section 34 for 200 to 250 low-cost housing units. The developer for this project unfortunately died before the project could get underway and the development was cancelled. 1961 As detailed earlier, Bogert hires Charles Jordan as the city’s first Black employee. Jordan would go on to serve on a special citizens’ committee created by Bogert to assist Section 14 families with relocation. He was instrumental in securing the city’s first federally financed housing project in 1968. Early 1962 “Certificates of eligibility for the Section 221 loan plan were distributed by the city’s building inspector.” These certificates were to provide financing for relocation for Section 14 residents. August 1962 “The Palm Springs City Council last night ordered an administrative investigation and report on Section 14 burnings carried out under a Superior Court order last month. The council took the action after emphasizing that the city was not involved in the action, nor could it legally make payments for personal goods lost in answer to a plea by 72-year-old Mrs. Florence Fatheree for city payment for her house and household goods.” September 1962 City approves plans for low-cost homes in the southeast section of town. Mid-1963 “A judge struck down a proposed affordable housing project” January 1965 When Indian agent Paul Hand stated that city sponsored public housing could be built on Indian reservations, Bogert asked “Where could you put this public housing?” asked the Mayor. There was no answer to his questions,”  demonstrating the difficulty in finding land for relocated Section 14 residents. The city council approves 20 acres to be rezoned in Section 20 for 300 low-cost housing units. September 1965 When the city needed to enact a “workable program” in order to secure federal funds for low-cost housing and when inspections to comply were lagging, Bogert pushed to accelerate the completion of tasks needed to qualify for the federal program. “Mayor Frank Bogert however, pointed out that this would delay the program about 4 months and asked Aleshire to proceed as rapidly as possible with the inspection using present staff members...the proposed low-cost housing would be located in the lower half of Section 34. The city has also met most of its workable program requirements, including a master plan and zoning.” November 1965 Under Bogert’s leadership, the city created a human relations commission. The commission was recommended, “partially because it is needed to fulfill provisions of a “workable program" the city has submitted to the federal government for low-cost housing aid” Bogert, who was a member himself, appointed a multiracial committee, comprised of members representing various minority groups, including Rev. Rollins of the First Baptist Church, Eileen Miguel of the Agua Caliente Tribe, Rabbi Joe Hurwitz, and John Quinonez. January 1966 Even up until his last months in office, Bogert was working furiously to secure low-cost housing: Bogert helped create and conducted a meeting for the human relations commission to “alleviate problems of minority groups in Palm Springs.” Bogert “outlined some of the aims of the present committee. Among them, he said, would be its relationship with economic opportunity programs and with the city’s workable program which would pave the way for federal aid in low-cost housing developments. In addition to his constant efforts seeking low-cost housing during his Mayoral term, Bogert even continued seeking affordable housing options after his term ended in early 1966. He did so by partnering with leaders of the Black community. May 5, 1967 “Backed by city council support, former Mayor Frank Bogert today prepared to go to Washington in an attempt to obtain federal aid in low-cost housing for Palm Springs. Bogert, who has been working on a program for low-cost housing for 10 years, received a consensus of approval from the council yesterday at a study session…. Bogert will seek a 250-unit housing complex adjacent to the Gateway Estates and will try to get federal subsidies for a ‘Model Neighborhood Program’ which would include the housing project.” “The former Mayor noted that the city has had a workable program for three years, an FHA requirement for aiding private developers in construction of low-cost housing. “There is a great demand for low-cost housing for the working force in the city,” Bogert told the council. “Something must be done for them.” “Bogert pointed out that as a result of the Indian-owned Section 14 cleanup campaign many of the city’s hotel workers and domestics were forced to move to Banning and to Beaumont. “There were a lot of fine people moved out of Section 14,” he told the council.” “(Bogert) said he had conferred with FHA officials in San Francisco on a 250-unit housing development. But, he said, they recommended only 60 units. This is far from sufficient”, he added. “We’re not trying to create a paradise to bring in people from Los Angeles,” (Bogert) declared “but we do need enough to take care of our labor force. There is a terrific demand for housing for the working people.” May 18, 1967 The “possibility of getting 180 units of low-cost housing for Palm Springs was described as good today by former Mayor, Frank Bogert, after conferring with Federal Housing Administration officials.” “Bogert and a group interested in obtaining low-cost housing for the city returned this week from Washington where they met with officials.” “With Bogert (on the trip to Washington) was…Rev. Jeff Rollins, pastor of the First Baptist Church.” “He said the local delegation made the FHA officials aware of the Section 14 cleanup in which a large number of residents were forced to leave Palm Springs for Banning and Garnet and other nearby areas.” These residents, Bogert said, still work in Palm Springs and would prefer to live here.” August 1967 Rev. Rollins speaks before the city council urging them to pass emergency zoning laws in order to facilitate Bogert’s proposed development project. The First Baptist Church and the Los Angeles Psychological-Social Center are co-sponsors of Bogert’s low-cost housing project. September 1967 Bogert meets with school trustees to push for low-cost housing plans for displaced residents. Bogert stresses to the trustees that “low-cost development is needed to house the city’s hotel work force.” Furthermore, “Bogert said he...covered Palm Springs thoroughly to locate economically priced land for the low-cost development. The only place they could find, he said, was the proposed location.” November 1967 City Council all but kills Bogert’s low-cost housing plans. A council member “indicated the federal rent supplement program on which the development hinged, was untested “and there is no experience on which the city can rely. Federal Housing Administration regulations call for approval by the city council before funds will be allocated” but ultimately the city council disapproved of the rent supplemental program. “Former Mayor Frank Bogert, who said he had worked for 10 years or more on getting low-cost housing for the area, said it was obvious the council wouldn’t listen to the proposal. Rev. Jeff Rollins, pastor of the First Baptist Church which would have been sponsor of the development, termed the action short-sighted on the part of the council.” Examples of the HRC falsely accusing Bogert of not seeking low-cost housing and not caring for the welfare of Section 14 residents The Report whitewashes the crucial fact that Bogert went to great lengths to minimize the effects of the evictions (specifically by “tirelessly” working on low-cost housing) and also falsely claims that Bogert, “did not take adequate measures to address the needs of our most vulnerable people.” The housing timeline provides an overwhelming amount of evidence to refute all of the false and/or misleading claims below made by the HRC in its Report.: “City decision makers focused their energy clearing Section 14 for development instead of addressing the core issue of housing for those displaced.” “During this time, civic and business leaders were focused on commercial development and maintaining the resort image of Palm Springs without ensuring the residents they displaced had access to affordable housing or were provided just compensation.” “Regrettably, no low-cost or affordable housing plan was realized to care for Black, Indigenous, persons of color and other working class families displaced under city directed forced evictions.” “City decision makers focused their energy clearing Section 14 for development instead of addressing the core issue of housing for those displaced.” “No city plan for relocation, coupled with racial covenants preventing African Americans from buying land in Palm Springs, displaced residents were forced to disperse to the north part of town.” “Prior administrations recognized access to housing for those evicted was a concern. The plans developed during Frank Bogert’s term, for demolition and burning of homes, continued in Palm Springs during and less than two years past Bogert’s mayoral term.” “The fact remains that people of color were banished from city limits and city leaders didn’t intervene” “No replacement housing was ever constructed. Rather, the residents were simply expelled through forced eviction and their homes destroyed.” “Facing a human rights crisis, why didn’t the Desert Sun or city leaders move to upgrade the shacks to improve dangerous or unhealthy living conditions for tax paying residents?” “Our city leaders did not take adequate measures to address the needs of our most vulnerable people.” “Bogert’s Positive Traits and Attributes Did Not Surface to Aid Those Being Evicted.” “History documents Bogert was more often found to disregard the values of ethical and moral principles. His decisions in planning and preparing the community for low-cost housing and to plan for financial support of the families the city displaced is a demonstration of behaviors opposite of the positive traits community members have shared at official city meetings” “In our opinion, the reality of Bogert’s decisions and judgement while serving his first term as mayor was mismatched between his actual behaviour and actions and a community's perception of the person he was.” “A society based on norms and values expects one with entrenched values would have acted in good faith and stepped up to stop the eviction process until low-cost housing alternatives and financial support was made available to the impacted families.” “Bogert demonstrated no effort to address the harms caused by these evictions.” “Low-Cost Housing Timeline” The most egregious example of the HRC concealing Bogert’s efforts to secure low-cost housing occurs in a section titled “Low-Cost Housing Timeline,” whereby the HRC provides a timeline relating to the city’s efforts to seek low-cost housing for Section 14 residents. This timeline is further proof of the disingenuous and biased nature of the Report. Despite a voluminous amount of documentation (including in the same articles the HRC cites) that Bogert worked constantly to secure low-cost housing, never once is his name mentioned in the timeline. No mention of him pushing private developers to build low-cost housing. No mention of him securing housing certificates from the FHA for displaced residents. No mention of him pushing for and supporting the low-cost development projects of Lawrence Crossley. No mention of the multiracial citizen’s committee he put together to study potential solutions to the housing crisis and to communicate with and hear the voices of minority residents. No mention of the numerous quotes of Bogert saying the city needed to find housing for the displaced. No mention of him partnering with his friend Reverend Rollins after he left office to secure low-cost housing. No mention of him lobbying in Washington with Rollins for low-cost housing funding. No mention of him searching for and applying for numerous federal assistance programs. No mention of him hiring Charles Jordan, the city’s first ever Black employee, who was instrumental in securing the city’s first federally funded housing project which was prioritized for Section 14 residents. / PHOTO #2 Bogert with the Rev. Jeff Rollins in Washington, D.C., in 1967. Bogert and Rollins went to Washington the year after Bogert left office to seek funds and approval from the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) to build low-cost housing for Section 14 residents. From the Desert Sun: Bogert “said the local delegation made the FHA officials aware of the Section 14 cleanup in which a large number of residents were forced to leave Palm Springs for Banning and Garnet and other nearby areas. ‘These residents,’ Bogert said, ‘still work in Palm Springs and would prefer to live here.’” / PHOTO #3 Bogert displaying a housing certification to city officials that he and the city were able to secure for Section 14 residents. This certificate would provide Section 14 residents with 100% financing for relocation with only $200 down. The “Housing and Home Finance administrator proclaim(ed) that Palm Springs has qualified for Federal Aid in its Workable Program for community improvement.” / PHOTO #12 Charles Jordan in 1976. Jordan, a former Section 14 resident, was hired by Bogert as the city’s first Black employee. Jordan was instrumental in the development of Seminole Gardens, the first federally funded housing project that was prioritized for Section 14 residents. From Palm Springs, he went on to have an illustrious political career, serving as Portland’s first Black city councilmember and city commissioner, running the Conservation Fund, and working with Bogert on Ronald Reagan’s President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. He gave the commencement speech at Palm Springs High School in 1987 and thanked Bogert for taking a chance on him by giving him a job in 1961. / / PHOTO #13. A Desert Sun article from May 18,1967. Bogert continued seeking low-cost housing for Section 14 residents the year after leaving office in 1966. / PHOTO #14 Article from the Desert Sun on June 27, 1961. Bogert and the city issued a six-month moratorium on legal evictions to allow residents time to seek housing alternatives and to provide time for the city to explore both private and publicly funded low-cost housing projects. / PHOTO #16 Desert Sun headline from August 18, 1961. The HRC claims this development was proposed in 1968 after Bogert was Mayor, when in reality it was Bogert himself who pushed for the development as Mayor in 1961. The article states, “The Mayor, working tirelessly for a low-cost housing project, had asked (the developer) some months ago if he couldn't come up with a solution to the ever increasing problem of homes for the scores of people who are residing in Section 14.”