HomeMy WebLinkAbout3A - Public CommentFrom:Mark Coleman
To:City Clerk
Subject:Public Comments
Date:Tuesday, April 19, 2022 4:46:42 PM
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
Council,
As you move forward with discussing reparations, I would like to remind council of a few
items you have have ignored.
1). The people involved were not Owners of the property. In many cases, they were squatters
and were legally evicted from land, many were not even paying rent on. Legal evictions are
happening every day-shouldn't they be compensated?
2). The land wasn’t owned by Palm Springs-why aren’t the Augusta Caliente Band of
Cahuilla Indians paying restitution, rather than taxpayers? This money is not councils money
to give away.
3). The fact the relocatees are mostly interested in monetary compensation (when many don’t
even live in Palm Springs’s) and secondary to them is bettering the community here in Palm
Springs , speaks volumes to the motivations.
4). If any compensation is due which it’s not, it’s due to only to those directly involved, not
descendants that merely are looking for a free handout from a weak and sympathetic council.
5). What reparations is city council thinking about to the white families that were displaced
along with the POC?
Regards,
Mark Coleman
Mark Coleman
P.O. Box 4975
Palm Springs, CA 92263
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:William Olvera
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14
Date:Tuesday, April 19, 2022 7:18:58 PM
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attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
Hello, Honorable Mayor and Council members:
My name is Dr. William Olvera. I am a descendant of a Section 14 survivor. I wish to go on the record supporting
Section14 survivors for reparations.A loss at no fault of their own. Serious consideration is appreciated. My family
lost their home and moved into a neighborhood where they were not wanted. So, the racism and trauma continued
from there.
Thank you,
Dr. William Olvera
Thanks & Fight On!
Sincerely,
Dr. William Olvera
*Realtor Cal DRE (FosterDouglas): #02095452 *Real Estate Investor & Mentor *Knowledge-Integrity-Trust * USC
Trojan *760-534-3333
#82nd Airborne Paratroopers Lead the Way!
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Isabella Olvera
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14
Date:Tuesday, April 19, 2022 7:12:59 PM
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
Hello, Honorable Mayor and Council members:
My name is Isabella Olvera. I am a descendant of a Section 14 survivor. I wish to go on the record supporting
Section14 survivors for reparations. A loss at no fault of their own. Serious consideration is appreciated. My family
lost their home and moved into a neighborhood where they were not wanted. So, the racism and trauma continued
from there.
Thank you,
Isabella Olvera
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Carol Adney
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14
Date:Wednesday, April 20, 2022 8:29:16 AM
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
Financial reparations are due to all who lived in section 14 and their survivors, including those
who moved from this area.
The effect of this governmental act still has an impact on generations of former residents.
Carol Adney, 22 year resident of Coachella Valley
760 449-0441
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Paloma Olvera
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14
Date:Tuesday, April 19, 2022 8:33:07 PM
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attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
Hello, Honorable Mayor and Council members:
Hope you are well. My name is Sunny Olvera. I am a descendant of a Section 14 survivor. I wish to go on the
record supporting Section 14 survivors for reparations. A loss at no fault of their own. Serious consideration is
appreciated. My family lost their home and moved into a neighborhood where they were not wanted. So, the
racism and trauma continued from there.
Sincerely,
Sunny Olvera
April 19, 2022
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:spoiler-boot.0c@icloud.com
To:City Clerk
Subject:Reparations
Date:Wednesday, April 20, 2022 7:17:05 AM
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attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
Reading the article in the Desert Sun made me realize that this is a clear money grab from the group.
Nothing city council does will be good enough and the city will be criticized regardless. The apology made by city
council should have been enough. It is impossible to compensate every person or descendant of someone who was
treated unfairly. I believe city council’s commitment to reparations was a big mistake and a huge waste of tax payer
money.
The city has major issues to deal with. The homeless problem is an embarrassment. I went to the new downtown
park yesterday and it filled with homeless people. It made me want to cry. All that money wasted.
And crime! Please spend our money on the police department before handing it out to these so called victims of 50
years ago.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Vera Abner
To:City Clerk
Date:Tuesday, April 19, 2022 11:48:44 PM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
Section 14 survivors: I Am 72 and was a teenager at time and lived on section 14 in palm
springs ca and saw first hand the horror and injustice that was done to my family as well as
other familys there...coming home and seeing homes bulldozer and set on fire...horrifying and
unjustified.one of the worst experience I have seen in my life. I feel when need to be
compensated financially for the injustice that was done...my name is Mr Joe Abner Sr one of
the section 14 survivors
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:City of Palm Springs
To:City Clerk; City Clerk
Subject:*NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs
Date:Thursday, April 14, 2022 9:54:59 AM
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs
Submission #:1596317
IP Address:66.74.2.126
Submission Date:04/14/2022 9:54
Survey Time:8 minutes, 49 seconds
You have a new online form submission.
Note: all answers displaying "*****" are marked as sensitive and must be viewed after your login.
Full Name/Nombre
David Powell
City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia
Palm Springs,
Phone (optional) /Teléfono (opcional)
4158454230
Email (optional/opcional)
haven001@gmail.com
Your Comments/Sus comentarios
I am a Palm Springs resident at 2025 Acacia rd W. I am writing in support of Fuego Nightclub’s appeal of the
planning commission denial. This site is already approved for the same capacity and use. Denial of their permit
appears discriminatory and reactive based on the history of Zelda’s. As you and the planning commission are aware,
Palm Springs needs entertainment for the target customers that this nightclub is attempting to serve. Fuego has a
plan to keep noise inside and has an extensive security plan. Another nightclub was approved, even applauded very
near this site (former site of The Alley) with a plan for outdoor speakers. Please support the approval of this project.
Thank you,
City of Palm Springs
This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Roberta Olvera
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14 Survivors Group Reparations.
Date:Monday, April 18, 2022 8:31:24 PM
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attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
Hello,Honorable Mayor & Council Members. My name is Roberta Bejjani
I am descendant of a Section 14 survivor . I wish to go on the record supporting Section 14 survivors for reparations.
A loss at no fault of their own . Serious consideration is appreciated . My grandfather built his home with his hard
earned money and time ,only to be forced out of their home and into a neighborhood where they were not wanted .
So the racism and trauma continued from there !
Thank you ,
Roberta Bejjani
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Patricia Marbury
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: LETTER TO PS CITY COUNCIL
Date:Tuesday, April 19, 2022 10:25:46 AM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
-----Original Message-----
From: Pearl L. Devers <pdevers1@gmail.com>
To: psexyleo@aol.com
Sent: Tue, Apr 19, 2022 10:14 am
Subject: LETTER TO PS CITY COUNCIL
To: Palm Springs City Council - cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov
From: Rochelle Ross
Date: 4/19/20
RE: PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING
I am a Section14 Survivor. Although I do not still live in Palm Springs I am not a “Relocatee.” I am
someone who was forced to leave. However, I still have many family members there, who are
Voters. My father was Frank Devers,, son of Willie Crossley who was the brother of Lawrence
Crossley. It was despicable the way the city treated us. We ended up having to move our family
into army barracks on the Crossley Track.
When I saw the mayor talking on TV about how horrible this event was. I had hope that the city
Council would be ready to turn this wrong into a right for the people who were terribly harmed. I
get choked up every time I think about what my parents, and we as children went through
because of the cities' horrible actions.
All we are asking for is for the council to repay us for the harm that was done, and it should not be
that difficult to figure out how to do it.
DIRECT SURVIVORS (People who experienced the harm, should be the first to be
compensated). Where Survivors currently live, should NOT matter. People were "FORCED"
out. People were scattered. This was a huge part of the harm. The change of location does not
diminish the damage done to the people. While many Survivors no longer live in Palm
Springs, most still have family, frequent the area, and still consider it home.
DESCENDANTS (children, grandchildren of the current survivors), inherited the harm, and
deserve to be compensated with beneficial community programs. It will not be a hard task to
identify both Survivors and Descendants. Please consider the voice of the people who were
directly and critically impacted. There is No valid amends if those directly harmed are not
rewarded.
WHAT WE ARE SEEKING:
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
Involvement in any potential management of Settlement/Reparations Programs
1. Monetary Compensation For Direct Survivors
2. Community Resources For Descendants and Survivors
3. Affordable Housing
4. Educational Grants
5. Business Grants, Business Opportunity
6.Grants to Memorialize Historical Significance, e.g., Documentaries, exhibits and
educational curriculum. Memorials, Statutes, Street Names
7. Grants For Non-Profit Organizations already providing community services
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:J. Hum
To:City Clerk; CityManager; Llubi Rios
Subject:NO SECTION 14 REPARATIONS!
Date:Tuesday, April 19, 2022 10:20:02 AM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
The Section 14 reparations proposal is an unjustifiable scheme developed under frivolous
pretense; fraud.
NOTE: The email links on the website for our City Council members - actually all city administrators - are unresponsive.
Why?
When will they return to active links?
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
My name is Bettye Hall-Brown and I am a Section 14 survivor. I was not born in
Palm Springs; however, my mother and I moved to Palm Springs when I was
three years old. We lived with my grandfather on El Segundo. One day after
returning home from school, I was greeted with a burned down home. Me, my
mother, and grandfather were all traumatized to find that our home was burned
to the ground and all our worldly possessions were destroyed. I later found out
that the sole purpose for burning down our home was so that the city of Palm
Springs could build hotels and other buildings for enrichment. However, the city
had no regard for the families that lived in the area. Although the city has
acknowledged and apologized for the damages, I strongly believe that this unjust
enrichment of the city of Palm Springs gives rise to the obligation of the city
repaying the direct survivors for the injustice that was committed against us and
our families.
I thank you for your time and consideration.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Jim Farden
To:City Clerk
Subject:Palm Springs Council Meeting--Potential Reparations Program
Date:Tuesday, April 19, 2022 1:11:38 PM
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
Good Afternoon,
I wanted to comment on the above item. I am completely against ANY reparations. These
evictions happened over 55 years ago. Why should I as a Palm Springs resident and tax-payer
be responsible? Their leases were up and they refused to move!!!! This is a total shake
down!!! What interesting is this group did not even want to discuss anything but direct cash
payments. They should go to the Aqua Caliente Tribe and ask them for money. It was
their land and they terminated the leases. Seems cut and dry to me.
Thank-you
Jim Farden
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
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Public Comment
Item 3A
Greetings Palm Springs City Council
My name is An-g (Angie) Smith, and I am a descendant of Section 14. My
grandparents are Simpson and Selma Sylvester. The Survivors are my
mother, Sharon (Sylvester) Warren, and aunts and uncles include Karen
Sylvester, Patrick Sylvester, Patricia (Sylvester) Gadson, and Stevie
Sylvester.
What is owed to the Survivors is something more than an apology; it must
be compensatory FIRST, followed by economic and educational incentives,
as outlined in the letter from our attorney. We ask that you hear our voices
and work with us to right a significant wrong. The Survivors are senior
citizens, and immediate financial repairing is the just thing to do. While
nothing can erase the vast memories that still haunt them, monetary
reparations can assist and enhance their golden years.
Please do not attempt to build a few houses or assist with housing and call
it “reparations” when it is merely affordable housing opportunities that are
already underway.
You, the Palm Springs City Council, have compared the Section 14
holocaust to other cities/states around the country and have mentioned
what they have or have not done. You also menti oned being a trailblazer. A
trailblazer is a pioneer, an innovator, a person who blazes a trail for others
to follow through unsettled country or wilderness. Be the first to
compensate the Survivors with dollars and not cents and let everyone else
follow YOUR lead.
Respectfully,
An-g Smit h
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:jason Olvera
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14 Support
Date:Wednesday, April 20, 2022 11:22:22 AM
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
04/20/22
My name is Jason Olvera. I am writing in support of the Section 14 survivors. I want to thank the Palm Springs
City Council for acknowledging the wrong, and for issuing an official apology. I am a descendant of the Section 14
survivors. My Grandfather built a home with his own hands, for my grandmother, my mother, and her siblings to
grow up in. This home was demolished illegally by the City of Palm Springs. I believe the ripple effects of being
forced out of our family home and community led to my grandfather committing suicide. It also caused anger,
alcoholism, and drug use that has been passed from generation to generation and continues today. I believe the
illegal act of destroying our family home in Section 14 has had a continued economical strain on our family that
continues to the present day. Only having two minutes of your time is not nearly enough of your attention to express
the negative impact that my family has experienced from these selfish acts. Apologizing is not enough for the
suffering that the City of Palm Springs has caused on the Section 14 survivors, including my family. The survivors
of Section 14 should not only receive monetary reparation but also receive everything they are asking for. Thank
you for your time.
Thank you
Jason Olvera
(760) 835-2850
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Aaliysah Olvera
To:City Clerk
Date:Wednesday, April 20, 2022 12:56:53 PM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
Dear Mayor and city council members,
My name is Aaliysah Olvera. I am a Section 14 descendant. I wish to go on the record to
support monetary reparations for the Section 14 survivors. No monetary reparations are
enough for the damage caused.
Thank you,
Aaliysah Olvera
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
Good evening, My name is Kavon Ward and I am the Founder
of Justice for Bruce’s Beach and CEO and Founder of Where
Is My Land.
Where Is My Land is a national organization focused on
reclaiming land stolen from Black Americans or obtaining
restitution in cases where stolen land can't be returned.
Section 14 Survivors have survived a lot, now is the time for
them to thrive in a world they've had to navigate for far too
long with PTSD. While I am grateful to the City of Palms
Springs for stepping up and doing what cities like Manhattan
Beach were too racist and afraid to do, which is apologize, I
would like to urge you all to complete the assignment and
seriously consider paying compensatory damages for the
harm your city admitted to inflicting upon Section 14
Survivors and their ancestors.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
Now is the time for repair. Reparative justice is not telling a
group of Black people you harmed what redress is.
Reparative justice is not pushing forward a lackluster agenda
and hoping to get public recognition for being trailblazers. It
is listening to the people who were harmed and seriously
considering what they deem necessary to remedy the
wounds the city of Palms Springs inflicted.
Reparative justice is not forcing your ideals of reparations
down their throats and telling them to be happy they get
something. Something isn't enough! This country has
expected us to be happy with the scraps they throw our way
for far too long and you all have the unique opportunity to
change that and to set a precedent.
Now is the time for redress. Now is the time to decolonize
the way in which this country see’s and implements
reparative justice for Black people. Now is the time for you all
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
to pick a side and I hope and pray you choose to be on the
right side of history.
Thank
You
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
I Am A Survivor of Section 14
Hello Palm Springs City Counsel,
My name is Gary Grizzell and I am a Section 14 Survivor, born to Olen Lee Grizzell and Teretha Grizzell,
as they were building and nurturing our family, as a Section 14 Resident. Along with several of my Aunts
and Uncles (The Murrell Family), all greatly affected mentally and physically, from this ill planned
Eviction and Forced Removal, of the ‘Section 14 Residences’. Shortly afterwards, my father passed away,
now a Single Mother, she push onward to Survive amid this Horrified Removal.
I am calling to support the Section 14 Survivors for compensation for the harm done to our Parents, by
the City Leaders, of Palm Springs California.
Many of this Class of Minorities, were highly motivated, not only to help Develop the Great City of Palm
Springs, but very instrumental, in community developmental programs and education. For this reason, I
realize why my mother never told the family about this tragic episode in their life, they did not want to
pass their Discouragement on to us. She, my Aunts and Uncles, motivated the entire family, to have
better lives. This is why I went on to college. Even though I have Not YET Returned, my History and
Many Family and Friends, are still here.
Today’s Palm Springs City Counsel. Please look through their eyes and see yourself returning home,
from a hard day of work, to see your home burning or demolished to the ground!
This History of Palm Springs California, was a Horrified Shock for them to Live through, has Returned to
the Descendants, to find out at this point in our lives, what happened to them affecting their plight for
Survival. Today, we Re-Live this Horrified Event, in their Life.
I have a Question to the Palm Springs City Counsel. What and Why, the Urgency!!! To PUSH the
People of Section 14, out of their Homes, Off their Property, in such a Horrified and Disgraceful way.
Many who moved to Palm Springs, escaping the same type of Horrible Life Conditions, of their Parents
Life History. Will they Ever Get A Break, from the Ill MISTREATMENT, as a Human Being? We The
Survivors, ARE HERE, TO SEE AND RECEIVE THAT BREAK, FOR THEM!!!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I Support WHAT WE THE SURVIVORS ARE SEEKING: Involvement in any potential
management of Settlement/Reparations Programs 1. Monetary Compensation For Direct
Survivors 2. Community Resources For Descendants and Survivors 3. Affordable Housing 4.
Educational Grants 5. Business Grants, Business Opportunity 6. Grants to Memorialize Historical
Significance, e.g. Documentaries, exhibits and educational curriculum. Memorials, Statutes,
Street Names 7. Grants For Non-Profit Organizations already providing community services.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Patricia Gadson
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 4:53:59 AM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open
attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
Please understand I remember this day when my Mother stood in the window watching the house down from our
home begin burned down to the ground.
My Mother crying saying Lord what are we going to!!!
I remember very well this heartbreaking day!!!
Sent from my iPhone
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
To: Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton and City Council:
cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov
I am the elected chairperson for the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors Group.
We are the majority of the ones who experienced the horrific housing
destruction. The City manager's staff report, based on his early research,
missed the mark massively. He did not reach deep nor wide enough to include
those who were harmed. Earlier talks about "doing housing first," for whatever
reasons, did not include section14 direct victims' input, or opinions. Why would
anyone do a study to consider making amends, and leave out the very people
that were harmed? The early talks were with the majority people who did not live
on Section 14, but they were "Descendants" of those who were impacted
directly.
The deep scarring, done to my family, will never ever vanish. I cannot wait to tell
my full story, and to allow my neighborhood friends to share their stories as well.
An apology is a great beginning, and once again, we truly thank you from the
bottom of our hearts. This current city council has an amazing opportunity to
help shape the ending of some of those horrific stories, while wiping away much
of the ugly stain of the shameful history of the beautiful city of Palm Springs.
This must be heard, and understood. Just because many of us changed our Zip
Code, move to another city, (especially after being forced out in such an
abhorrent manner), does not, nor could ever erase the harm done to us.
Not only was I born in Palm Springs, My father was a carpenter, who helped
build this city, is buried in this soil, my mother who was a hard working taxpayer
in Palm Springs, is buried in this soil. I grew up playing with the young boy next
door, who became my husband of 50 years. Two years ago, I buried the love of
my life ... in this very soil, and I've also secured my final resting place right
beside him.
Following the initial harm done to us on Section 14, it is further painful, for the
city manager of my home town, a place where I frequently visit my family and
friends, who are taxpaying voters in the city of Palm Springs, to disregard me as
a "Relocatee" because I, and many others, no longer live there. We are NOT
RELOCATEES, we are FORCED VICTIMS who survived a horrible ordeal done to
us, by the city of Palm Springs. I ask that you please strike that language from
your reports, and address us according to what the city did to us. "Forced
Victims," no matter where we live now.
Page 1 of 2
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
Also, the community that was affected, stand solidly together. Please do not try
to divide us by saying that some, are asking for one thing, and others are asking
for something different. After collaboration with all of the groups, together, we
concluded that we are;
(A) Asking for Monetary Compensation for those who lived on Section14.
(Validation is Not an Issue.) Also, when you pay someone for a wrong that was
done, that is called restitution, it is not a Gift.
There is absolutely NO recompense or justification, if the people who were
impacted directly, are NOT properly compensated. If you don't start there, then
you may want to consider rescinding your apology. If you ask the people what
they want, and then attempt to go forward with what you desire to give them,
that is like sticking a fork in the existing wound. We ask that you please allow
the action's of the city council, to match the apology, and the words spoken by
Mayor Middleton on TV, expressing what an awful thing that was done by the
city of Palm Springs.
(B) We also seek Community Measures for housing, education, businesses, and
Historical Valuables. Please Don't SEEK a precedence, just CREATE one.
Because of the long-standing injustice placed upon our people, we are very
concerned, however we hold dear to our faith, and hope that you will do the
right thing and give us what we are seeking, for the harmed heaped upon us and
our descendants. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Pearl Taylor Devers
Page 2 of 2
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
April 20, 2022
Palm Spring City Council
Subject: Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors
To Whom it May Concern:
My name is Patrice Key and I one of my family members lived on the land and they were removed from
their home.
Thank you for your time,
�yfu,\
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
My name is Bettye Hall-Brown and I am a Section 14 survivor. I was not
born in Palm Springs; however, my mother and I moved to Palm Springs
when I was three years old. We lived with my grandfather on El Segundo.
One day after returning home from school, I was greeted with a burned
down home. Me and my family were all traumatized to find that our home
was burned to the ground and all our worldly possessions were destroyed. I
later found out that the sole purpose for burning down our home was so
that the c ity of Palm S prings could build hotels and other buildings for
enrichment. However, the city had no regard for the families that lived in
the area. Although the city has acknowledged and apologized for the
damages, I strongly believe that this unjust enrichment of the city of Palm
Springs gives rise to the obligation of the city repaying the direct survivors
for the injustice that was committed against us and our families.
I thank you for your time and consideration.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
April 20, 2022
To whom it may concern:
My name is Margarita Godinez Genera and I am the daughter of Philip
and Victoria Godinez. I am a Section 14 Survivor and I am in favor of
reparations for the damage done to us.
Thank you,
Margarita Godinez Genera
Home Phone: 760-327-6116
Cell Phone: 760-902-9650
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Elizabeth Dolores
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14 reparations
Date:Wednesday, April 20, 2022 6:03:13 PM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
To all of my neighbors/ workers/ visitors of the city of Palm Springs, my name is Elizabeth
Dolores and I'm a resident of Palm Springs since 1996. I grew up here I work here I live here.
In this esthetically beautiful city, where we are fair people but yet hide our ugly past. We do
what's right here! We need to right our wrong with the residents of section 14! We must
support our neighbors in full reparations of their land, their dignity! Where we have more than
enough evidence of our mistakes and mistreatment of our black community. 26 years in this
wonderful city I can say that I want to make us an example of what it is to be just! I went to
school with affected family members of this betrayal and now my daughter also has
descendants as friends and as friends of affected families I have seen how this violent unfair
action has affected them. Let's do right. We're better by this.
Sincerely,
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Joan And Steve
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14 Reparations
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 12:55:04 AM
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
Please relay to PS Mayor, City Council Members, and City Manager--
My impression reading the article in Wednesday's Desert Sun, "Section 14 leader wants reparations in
Palm Springs", is that the City Council is being bullied and intimidated! Do not fall for it. Remember any
monetary payout you all are considering, is NOT your money. It is ours, the residents of Palm Springs--
and we had nothing to do with what happened in Section 14.
Any reparations should be paid by the Agua Caliente Tribe. It was their land-- and they are the ones who
have benefited from the evictions in terms of developments.
Thank you.
Joan Smith
Palm Springs Resident
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
I Palm Springs City Council
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Attention Palm Springs City Council,
My name is Valerie Malone. I am a Direct Descendant of Section 14. I lived on Section 14 along with my
families. I was born on Section 14 and have proof. I attended Francis Stevens Elementary School as a
child. My teachers were: Mrs. Clapp, Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Ruth, one other that I cannot remember.
I have the addresses where my families resided. I have Legal Documentation of where my families
actually lived on Section 14. To us it was known as the Reservation.
My family had a street named after them at that time on Section 14. My grandfather and uncles built
the homes that we resided in. My uncles were Roofers and Construction Workers. They worked for
Perry Sanders Roofing Company.
After building the homes one of my Uncles went to the Gas Company to have a gas line installed so that
our families could have gas.
The gas company asked my Uncle what is the name of the road? My uncle did not know? The Gas
Company told him that they would name the street after him. The name of the Street was Lacy Road.
The street sign stayed up for years even after the homes were demolished.
My grandmother and Aunts worked for the Rich and Famous. They worked for Lucille Ball and Red
Skelton among others. My grandmother had her own Café on Section 14. My father worked as a dry
Cleaner at Desert Hand Laundry.
My families were friends to many including Agua Calente Tribal Members that lived next door to us at
that time.
I was told by families that we paid ground rent at that time. I did not understand how we owned the
homes and were forced to move. I was told that we paid what was called ground rent to the Tribe in
order to live and build on the land.
I know that my families had to move. Therefore we are not relocates. We were forced to move in order
to have shelter for our families. Everyone did not have the same financial means at that time.
Therefore everyone did not choose to relocate to the North End of Palm Springs. It was known to have
been Racial to certain people and did not allow certain people to reside there at one time.
That is one of the reasons that many people left the area. They refused to be dictated to where they
could live.
I am not totally sure of why we had to vacate? I was told by family. That the BIA had everyone move in
order to give certain Tribal Families there parcels of land. . I do know that we were never compensated
for the road or the dwellings.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
If compensation is due to us we would prefer that it is monetary to Direct Descendants that actually
lived on Section 14 at that time.
Sincerely,
Valerie Malone
Po Box 188
Banning CA 92220
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
THURSDAY 21 APRIL, 2022 REGARDING REPARATIONS for PALM SPRINGS SECTION 14 SURVIVORS/DESCENDANTS COMMUNITY PARTNER and FRIEND LETTER of SUPPORT to PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL It is impossible to know how you would feel if the house you worked for, all of your accumulated earthly possessions, dogs, cats, photos, memories and future opportunities were intentionally and maliciously set ablaze (by fire and equipment) for none other than because someone (allegedly, Frank Bogert) gave the order to wage warfare to destroy your belongings simply because he wanted your property. [Bogert's actions are reminiscent to current events of Validimar Putin ordering the destruction of Ukraine.] Do you agree and support Putin's aggressions? Let's imagine that such an evil act would befall you and your family. I guess some of your understandable reactions would be confusion, hurt, anger, helplessness, fear, desperation, homelessness, embarrassment, feeling unprovoked punishment and absolute bewilderment. What would you do? Who would you reach-out to? The time has come for Palm Springs to make retribution for the (past and present) harm, damage (physically and emotionally) that its representatives caused and inflicted upon the American-African residents of Section 14. Section 14 Survivors have identified 7 remedies (Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors, p 2) that the City of Palm Springs is responsible for complying with to expedite Reparations and make whole the wrongs that were inflicted upon the innocent victims of Section 14. Frank(ie) S. Elmore, MBA frank.elrnore25@gmail.com 4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Frankie Elmore
To:City Clerk
Subject:REPARATIONS FOR PS SECTION 14 SURVIVORS
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 9:45:24 AM
Attachments:PALM SPRINGS REPARATIONS.pdf
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
To Whom It May Concern:
Thank you for the opportunity to join the number of supporters seeking justice
(REPARATIONS) from the City of Palm Springs for the Survivors and Descendants of the
malicious actions of destruction and relocation of American-Afrakan residents of Section 14.
Please record and archive my attached Letter of Support.
Frank(ie) Elmore, MBA
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:msvjmalone@aol.com
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14 City Council meeting 4-21-22
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 9:44:20 AM
Attachments:Palm Springs City Council April 21, 2022.docx
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
Good Morning Palm Springs City Council
I have attached a letter for your review concerning Section 14.
Thank You,
Valerie Malone
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Karen Sylvester
To:City Clerk
Subject:Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 10:19:57 AM
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
Hello Mayor and City Council, I am addressing you tonight as a survivor (10 year old child) of
this 60 year old atrocity. It is time to settle this inhumane act. The Palm Springs Section 14
Surviors are requesting justice in form of reparations. In addition, we ask that this request be
honored as soon as possible in that the City continues to support causes of all kinds in a
reasonable manner. Thank you.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Melisa Dolores
To:Lisa Middleton; City Clerk
Subject:Section 14 reparations
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 10:02:57 AM
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
To the Palm Springs City Council,
Palm Springs Mayor, Lisa Middleton,
Mayor Pro Tem, Christy Holstege,
Councilmember, Grace Elena Garner,
Councilmember, Dennis Woods, and
Councilmember, Geoff Kors
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Dear Palm Springs City Council,
I hope this letter finds you well and healthy.
Today you can make history, today you decide if you stand with the people of your city or you stand
alongside white supremacy, racism, and the mistakes of our past. You five have the power to allocate
resources to survivors of section 14, and to make actual meaningful change for the real people of
Palm Springs.
Many years ago the mayor and city staff made a hateful decision to illegally evict the people of
section 14. Since the tragic event Black folks have suffered numerous barriers as a result. They have
been treated as second class citizens in this city, one example is the black community being
terrorized by police officers.
In Palm Springs you see one too many police cars terrorizing communities of color on the North
side. But of course you wouldn’t know this because besides a couple Councilmembers present you
don’t know what it is like to grow up here. I remember policemen monitoring us in elementary
school because we lived in the marginalized communities of Palm Springs, cops harassing my sister
and her friends in high school just because they were brown, and various police officers drawing
guns on my brother for walking to a taxi after a party. Many traumatizing events later, it’s extremely
difficult to trust a PSPD officer. My experiences are only reiterated in the study conducted by Loma
Linda in 2014. Black folk are physically and emotionally damaged by the police officers in Palm
Springs. The way they treat people (baristas at Starbucks, Koffee and other businesses in the city) as
if they are less than and the way they carry themselves is truly disgusting.
Another example, the lack of resources for the black folks of Palm Springs. They has to create a 4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
community organization to advocate and fight for basic needs. The efforts of people like Dieter
Crawford there is now health clinics and bathrooms in the park. Things that are accessible to most
were not to them, ans that isn’t right.
Even more disgusting is the way Councilmember and now mayor Lisa Middleton disregarded our
experiences during listening sessions. She has continuously undermined Black, Indigenous and
People of Color (BOPOC) experience and so has her staff. The Palm Springs City Manager Justin
Clifton continues to refer to direct survivors as "relocates" rather than victims, who were
forced out of their homes and lost their possessions, as if their relocation erased the city's
damage. Not to mention, he also implied the difficulty of validating those who have been
harmed. However, Section I4 Survivors have already compiled the majority of victims and
have a plan in place to validate all victims, survivors, and descendants. It is a shame that white
supremacy and microagressions are ever-present in our city, city staff, and elected officials.
I also urge you to reconsider that blue lives matter flag in the reception area of City Hall. Not only
does it make people of color uncomfortable but it shows that you all willingly and openly support
police lives over black lives. Cops can take off their uniforms, Black folk cannot take off their skin
color.
I will end this from a quote from my favorite movie, Boyz n the Hood, written and produced by Ice
Cube
“Either that don’t know, don’t show, or don’t care bout what’s going on in the hood.”
Make the right decision.
Best regards,
Melisa Dolores-Silva
2057 Zachary Ct.
Palm Springs, Ca 92262
District 1
--
Melisa Dolores-Silva
MPP Candidate 22'
BA Public Policy '19
School of Public Policy
University of California, Riverside
melisadolores@gmail.com
she/her
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Karen Sylvester
To:City Clerk
Subject:Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 10:19:57 AM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
Hello Mayor and City Council, I am addressing you tonight as a survivor (10 year old child) of
this 60 year old atrocity. It is time to settle this inhumane act. The Palm Springs Section 14
Surviors are requesting justice in form of reparations. In addition, we ask that this request be
honored as soon as possible in that the City continues to support causes of all kinds in a
reasonable manner. Thank you.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:L Saunders
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 12:42:55 PM
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
To whom it may concern:
I would like to be directed to the person in charge of this matter of Section 14. Me and my
family lived on the Indian Reservation during this time. My family Buster and Stella Mae
Adams and my siblings moved there in November 1959 on E Amado Rd exactly where the old
Palm Springs post office was situated.We moved and lived with my Great Aunt and Uncle,
Lillie Mae and Tam Crawford, along with her family, until we were forced to move to the
north end of town.
I just want to make sure that my name and my brother's name are listed on this reparations list.
My name is Lavenda Faye Adams-Saunders, and my brother's name is Johnny B. L. Adams. I
currently live at 28525 W Worcester Rd, Menifee, CA 92586, and my brother's address is
3834 Pruitt Avenue, Dallas Texas 75227.
My phone number is 817 657-9569.
I will virtually attend today's City Council meeting, in hopes of being enlightened on this
issue.
Thanks in advance,
Lavenda Adams-Saunders
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
Good evening, my name is Penny Murrell Lyons and I submitting this letter on
behalf of my eight siblings, myself and our father Ivory Murrell, Sr. (deceased) a
Direct Survivor who passed last month. Let me first thank the Palm Springs City
Council for acknowledging the wrong, and for issuing an official apology. The
damage is obviously irreversible. However, any apology should be backed by
actions that will be beneficial to those harmed. During our Daddy’s last days, he
expressed his support for the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors and his desire for
his children and community to be compensated. My one wish is that my father
had lived to see more than an apology and that he could have experienced true
reparation and know that his children were atoned for the mental anguished and
turmoiled they were forced to endure.
Living on The Reservation (Section 14) is mine and my siblings first memory of
Palm Springs because it was our family’s first home in Palm Springs. My family
moved when I was a three-year-old child from Scott County, Mississippi to Palm
Springs, California. I can remember playing with my siblings in the desert across
the dirt road from the house we lived at 644 Sage Road. We ran around and
played games as children do. We lived on the Reservation (Section 14) for a few
years before our parents were forced to find a new home us. Our parents were
no different from most parents, that is they try to shelter their children from
things that children should not be involved in or have to worry about. As children
we, become sensitive to your parents’ moods so when they begin to whisper and
you see your mother crying you wonder what is going on. This was a very
frightening time for eight young children ranging in ages from thirteen (13) years
to two (2) years of age. We were aware of the turmoil our parents and neighbors
were facing but unable to help. I can remember my older sister reading to us to
keep our mind off the adult conversations going on all around us and my father
telling my mother that God would provide. This did not keep us from being
afraid. If anything, we were more afraid. The Reservation was our home and we
were being told that we had to go. Go where? Would the boogeyman come
before our father was able to move us? As children all that you could depend on
was your parents and if they had no where to stay, you had no where to stay.
Many times, over the years as a young girl, I had to sleep with my parents
because of bad dreams relating to the actions that caused such an upheaval in
our community and for the families living on the Reservation (Section 14).
Nothing can change what happened to us back then.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
I no longer live in Palm Springs, as I enlisted and served in the U. S. Army from
1975 until 1995, I got married and live in Florida with my spouse. Last
September, my Daddy moved to Henderson, Nevada to spend his last days with
his oldest and youngest daughters. Four of my five brothers still live in Palm
Springs with their families. As a we were always taught the importance of family
I have returned the desert often annually during the past years. Palm Springs has
and will always be home to me as both of my parents and are buried there.
Where the survivors now live should have no bearing on this action or the
harm caused by the destruction of the homes on the Reservation (Section 14).
Damaged was caused to all because of the action of the Palm Springs City Council
back then. All Direct Survivors (People who experienced the harm, should be the
first to be compensated). Again, where Survivors currently live, should NOT
matter. People were "FORCED" out. People were scattered. This was a huge part
of the harm. The change of location does not diminish the damage done to the
people.
Humbly request that the Section 14 Committee Request for involvement in
any potential management of Settlement/Reparations Programs and:
1. Monetary Compensation for Direct Survivors and Descendants
2. Community Resources for Descendants and Survivors
3. Affordable Housing for Descendants and Survivors
4. Educational Grants for Descendants and Survivors
5. Business Grants, Business Opportunity for Descendants and Survivors
6. Grants to Memorialize Historical Significance, e.g. Documentaries, exhibits and
educational curriculum. Memorials, Statutes, Street Names
7. Grants for Non-Profit Organizations already providing community services
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Murrell Lyons
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Melisa Dolores
To:Lisa Middleton; City Clerk
Subject:Section 14 reparations
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 10:02:57 AM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
To the Palm Springs City Council,
Palm Springs Mayor, Lisa Middleton,
Mayor Pro Tem, Christy Holstege,
Councilmember, Grace Elena Garner,
Councilmember, Dennis Woods, and
Councilmember, Geoff Kors
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Dear Palm Springs City Council,
I hope this letter finds you well and healthy.
Today you can make history, today you decide if you stand with the people of your city or you stand
alongside white supremacy, racism, and the mistakes of our past. You five have the power to allocate
resources to survivors of section 14, and to make actual meaningful change for the real people of
Palm Springs.
Many years ago the mayor and city staff made a hateful decision to illegally evict the people of
section 14. Since the tragic event Black folks have suffered numerous barriers as a result. They have
been treated as second class citizens in this city, one example is the black community being
terrorized by police officers.
In Palm Springs you see one too many police cars terrorizing communities of color on the North
side. But of course you wouldn’t know this because besides a couple Councilmembers present you
don’t know what it is like to grow up here. I remember policemen monitoring us in elementary
school because we lived in the marginalized communities of Palm Springs, cops harassing my sister
and her friends in high school just because they were brown, and various police officers drawing
guns on my brother for walking to a taxi after a party. Many traumatizing events later, it’s extremely
difficult to trust a PSPD officer. My experiences are only reiterated in the study conducted by Loma
Linda in 2014. Black folk are physically and emotionally damaged by the police officers in Palm
Springs. The way they treat people (baristas at Starbucks, Koffee and other businesses in the city) as
if they are less than and the way they carry themselves is truly disgusting.
Another example, the lack of resources for the black folks of Palm Springs. They has to create a 4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
community organization to advocate and fight for basic needs. The efforts of people like Dieter
Crawford there is now health clinics and bathrooms in the park. Things that are accessible to most
were not to them, ans that isn’t right.
Even more disgusting is the way Councilmember and now mayor Lisa Middleton disregarded our
experiences during listening sessions. She has continuously undermined Black, Indigenous and
People of Color (BOPOC) experience and so has her staff. The Palm Springs City Manager Justin
Clifton continues to refer to direct survivors as "relocates" rather than victims, who were
forced out of their homes and lost their possessions, as if their relocation erased the city's
damage. Not to mention, he also implied the difficulty of validating those who have been
harmed. However, Section I4 Survivors have already compiled the majority of victims and
have a plan in place to validate all victims, survivors, and descendants. It is a shame that white
supremacy and microagressions are ever-present in our city, city staff, and elected officials.
I also urge you to reconsider that blue lives matter flag in the reception area of City Hall. Not only
does it make people of color uncomfortable but it shows that you all willingly and openly support
police lives over black lives. Cops can take off their uniforms, Black folk cannot take off their skin
color.
I will end this from a quote from my favorite movie, Boyz n the Hood, written and produced by Ice
Cube
“Either that don’t know, don’t show, or don’t care bout what’s going on in the hood.”
Make the right decision.
Best regards,
Melisa Dolores-Silva
2057 Zachary Ct.
Palm Springs, Ca 92262
District 1
--
Melisa Dolores-Silva
MPP Candidate 22'
BA Public Policy '19
School of Public Policy
University of California, Riverside
melisadolores@gmail.com
she/her
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:j norbert mcdaniel
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14/City counsel meeting 4/21/2022
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 1:28:03 PM
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
My J Norbert McDaniel.
I’m a direct Survivor who
lived on Section 14 during the
time of this horrible event.
Because of the admitted
injustice done by the city of
Palm Springs, monetary
restitution should be the first
and primary focus. With that
being said let’s agree to
start there to be forthright
and without delay. Thank
you. 4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
--
J. Norbert McDaniel
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Aniya Alves
To:City Clerk
Subject:Palm Springs Section 14 survivors
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 1:48:53 PM
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unless you are sure the content is safe.
From George H. Lemmons Jr.
I lived in section 14 with my family from 1947 to 1964. When we were forced to move
and relocate to the desert Highland Estates Community. That was not easy because of the
economic impact on my grandparents. My family was not the only family that was forced to
make that transition. Later on in 1985, I became the first chairman of the Desert Highland
Estate/Gateway Redevelopment Committee. We worked with the city to set up the agency. I
do believe that reparations to all surviving family members are warranted.
Thank You For Your Support.
George Lemmons.
(760) 534-2057
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:City of Palm Springs
To:City Clerk; City Clerk
Subject:*NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 2:14:29 PM
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Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs
Submission #:1611709
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Submission Date:04/21/2022 2:14
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Full Name/Nombre
paul Merritt
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property VILLA S 1 BLDG 7,
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Your Comments/Sus comentarios
closed session// 'Reparations issue'' support to cancel Homeless center. CONSENT CAL// make COUNCIL MTG.
OPEN/ other boards now do. pull item ''d'' bids.// consider approve as inflation and need warrant improvement for
Desert Highlands. thanks paul merritt
Thank you,
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This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
April 21, 2022
City Council of Palm Springs,
My name is Betty Mayfield Taylor I am a section 14 survivor and council
board member. I am calling to support Palm Springs section 14
survivors for compensation for the harm done on behalf of the city of
Palm Springs from 1950-1965.
Our parents were pioneers that move from several southern states.
They were told that there was plenty of work in Palm Springs and a new
beginning for them. One came and hundreds followed. Our parents
became hardworking individuals helping to build the city of Palm
Springs, they were treated as modern-day indentured servants where
carrots (dreams), were promised for their hard work. But, as we know,
they would never receive great benefits such as home ownership or
entrepreneurship, because the city of Palm Springs redlined them from
being able to get loans to buy homes and make a better life for us as
their children. When the city got greedy, they convinced Aqua Caliente
Indian Bureau could get more money for that land in the form of
commercial development that's when they decided to push us out. The
Indians were told to issue the so-called 30-day notices of evacuation.
However, some received a 30-day notice but homes were demolished
in 10 days. this was a wrong that was done by the city of Palm Springs it
was wrong from the start. As we see now, if we had resided on that
property and homes had remained and built properly, that investment
and the financial gain that would have been had, would have been
much greater than they were for those that had to be displaced. which
was over 250 families. Palm Springs you need to do what's right. Forge
ahead and make this wrong a right. Be the first to correct the cities
indiscretions formed by the, then Mayor, Frank Bogart. His wrongdoing
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
by Palm Springs is in black and white, pardon the pun! But this needs
to be done and it needs to be done right and it needs to be done right
now. To date many questions have been asked as to where the
survivors are residing at this time in their life. Many have moved on
past Palm Springs but realize Palm Springs will always be home realize
most of you sitting on that City Council are not Palm Springs born and
bred so, these decisions at times may fall on deaf ears. But realize we
are survivors. We were born here and raised here and educated here.
So, regarding where we live now, that has no bearings on where we
were in 1965. At this point realize that what happened to us in our
younger years only made us stronger so it wouldn't happen to us again
in our older years. But Palm Springs, you should be proud because we
were educated here, and we have gone on with strength between us as
a community to become educators, to become producers, to become
Stock Exchange individuals, to become many entrepreneurs of many
facets. So be proud of who's been produced from the city of Palm
Springs and do the right thing. Pay your reparations to the section 14
survivors.
thank you.
Betty Mayfield Taylor
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
April 21, 2022
Statement for the City Council Meeting:
Good evening, everyone;
I am Gloria Holland Thompson and a board member of the Palm Springs Section 14 Advisory
Board.
I was born on the Auga Caliente Reservation where my parents had five (5) children. I grew up
in Palm Springs and still have a home there. I moved to Los Angeles after college and retired
from a career in Finance. I feel there were better opportunities away from Palm Springs.
The harm that was done to our families, are still being done today.
l. Flooding our neighborhood with drugs
2.Confiscating property through Eminent Domain
3. Building communities around us that they cannot afford
4. More working immigrants than citizens
5. building homeless shelters in our neighborhood for your children and undesirables’
adults
I can go on, but I only have 2 minutes.
Your apology is fruitless if you try to shove something down our throats that fits your agenda,
instead, listen to what we feel will help us heal and move on from the EVIL that was done not
so long ago to our families, we lost everything! And please do not consider reparation a GIFT, it
is what is owed and long overdue.
My father was a Master Welder, carpenter, mechanic and Mason, my mother was a gifted
business woman like so many others in our community. We had something in our community
that other communities would die for and that is “Togetherness and Love” and no one went
without. Your engineered destruction of our community destroyed all of that.
The living survivors do not need or want your programs, that is for the Descendants and their
children. Survivors should be paid first and foremost! And not another 50 years from now, but
today – we are in our 60’s and 70’s and is not looking for housing or scholarships etc.
You did not wait forever to give the Gay’s funds, or build a homeless shelter in our
neighborhood for your children and undesirables, so don’t drag your feet with us.
And please stop calling us evacuees, we were, pushed, bulldozed and burned out with no
eviction notice - call us what we were at the time “VICTIMS” OF AND EVIL ACT!
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
We have given you all our recommendation for reparation as a collective group with the
community groups in Desert Highland for reparation so let’s work from there and be serious
about the business of making the past right.
LET YOUR APPOLOGY REFLECT YOUR ACTIONS!
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Billy Steinberg
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 3:15:27 PM
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attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
Palm Springs City Council:
My family moved to Palm Springs in 1958, when I was 8 years old. Through a child’s eyes, I could see the the town
was racially segregated. Most black children attended a certain elementary school.
Not long thereafter, Section 14, where many black residents lived, was burned to the ground to make way for the
city’s development. There is no question in my mind that this was illegal and that those families should receive
reparations.
Sincerely
Billy Steinberg
Sent from my iPhone
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:JANET GOREE-GREEN
To:City Clerk
Subject:PALM SPRINGS SECTION 14 SURVIVORS
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 3:29:42 PM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
TO THE CITY COUNCIL OR BROAD COMMISSION:
MY NAME IS JANET GOREE-GREEN
I AM A SECTION 14 SURVIVOR WHO LIVE WITH MY FAMILY
I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TO SUPPORT THE DIRECT SURVIVORS FOR MONETARY
COMPENSATION FOR THE HARM DONE ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS.
I REMEMBER AS A CHILD LIVING IN A HOUSE WHERE I COULD SEE OUTSIDE THRU
THE WALLS NOT WINDOWS. I REMEMBER FAMILIES LIVING IN TRAILERS WITH MAKE -
SHIFT ROOMS. OUR FAMILIES WORKED HARD TO MAKE OUR LIVING QUARTERS WORK.
I ATTENDED KATHERINE FINCHY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FROM KINDER GARDEN TO 1ST
GRADE,
AND ATTENDED VISTA DEL MONTE ELEMENTARY FROM 2ND GRADE ON.
OUR FAMILIES WORKED HARDTO PROVIDE A BETTER LIFE FOR THEIR FAMILIES
BUT THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DENIED US THAT OPPORTUNITY.
SHAME ON YOU CITY OF PALM SPRINGS. DO WHAT'S RIGHT.
THANK YOU
JANET GOREE GREEN
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:City of Palm Springs
To:City Clerk; City Clerk
Subject:*NEW SUBMISSION* Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 8:18:51 PM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
Submit Public Comment to the City of Palm Springs
Submission #:1612381
IP Address:104.28.85.130
Submission Date:04/21/2022 8:18
Survey Time:2 minutes, 11 seconds
You have a new online form submission.
Note: all answers displaying "*****" are marked as sensitive and must be viewed after your login.
Full Name/Nombre
Ellen Tupman
City of Residence/Ciudad de residencia
Palm Springs,
Phone (optional) /Teléfono (opcional)
4153122601
Email (optional/opcional)
ellentupman@gmail.com
Your Comments/Sus comentarios
I support city-funded reparations designed to make amends for participating in the dissemination and destruction of
the Section 14 community.
Thank you,
City of Palm Springs
This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Mikail el amin
To:City Clerk
Subject:Attention City Council/ concerning section 14
Date:Thursday, April 28, 2022 7:19:28 PM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
I was born in 1948 in Palm Springs, Calif on section 14, my family lived at 164 1/2 lacy Road,
Robert and Marie Robinson, one child name Michail Crane Robinson (thats me)I had name
change, my name is (Mikail Hassan Elamin) this concerns any Reparations for Survivors
which i'm a Survivor and Descendent,I Listen to City council meeting on April 21, 2022 very
heartbroken and disappointed with one of your council members saying build monument or
plaque, this guy still in JIM CROW days, i'm not with anyone with this lawyer so far, would
you be so kind and let me know you received my email, and my name on list for
Reparations.My mother maiden name was (Lacy) lots of family members on lacy road, My
family has history on section 14, im have much to say; i will say goodby and wait to hear from
you.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Frank Parker
To:City Clerk
Subject:Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 4:38:47 PM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
Hello, my name is Frank Parker
I am a Section 14 Survivor as I was born the year 1951 while my parents, grandparents, aunts and
uncles,
cousins and a host of friends and their families lived there. I can recall vividly as I became older sitting on
the wall
of the residence (El Segundo and Ramon Rd) and watch cars with my younger brothers at the time
claiming what
we thought were the pretty ones. There was even a time when we saw Nat King Cole and his pink
Cadillac driving
by.
I attended Francis Stevens Elementary School as did so many of us. I also remember watching the
big kids
getting off the school bus from Palm Springs High School. My grandmother and my Uncle lived at 663
Date st. ,
and the reason it is so distinct in my memory is because my Uncle Pork Chop would always wash his 57,
Plymouth Fury
in the yard while we were under foot. Well, that resulted in his giving us a handful of change and running
us off to Frosty'
Freeze. We stayed under his feet.
There came a time (1957) when life's turns saw us leaving to live with my grandparents in Alabama.
Those were some
wonderful times of my life. But there also came the time to return home to California. I remember the train
ride with my Aunt Frances
who brought me back in 1966, I was going to the 8th grade. When I stepped off the train the heat was
breath taking.
But I was so glad to see my mother it soon went away.
However after piling in the car and heading home , I remember asking "when are we going to get to
town"? (the Reservation)
We didn't. We never left Garnet. It was later that I learned there was also no Reservation (Section 14).
Even though I was 15 yrs old , "I was traumatized at learning the reason there were no longer homes
there. It is still to this day
'TRAUMATIZING' .....
So it is with great remorse and sadness and anger that I have to pen this letter. And I pray that the
City of Palm Springs is
sincere in addressing the harm instilled in this story.
Thankfully,
Frank Parker 4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Monique Lomeli
To:opals42609@mypacks.net; City Clerk; CityManager; Lisa Middleton
Cc:Geoff Kors; Justin Clifton
Subject:RE: April 21 2022 Sec 14 proposed reparations discussion
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 8:18:30 PM
Confirming receipt. I will include the attachment. Thank you.
From: opals42609@mypacks.net <opals42609@mypacks.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2022 8:12 PM
To: Monique Lomeli <Monique.Lomeli@palmspringsca.gov>; opals42609@mypacks.net; City
Clerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>; CityManager <CityManager@palmspringsca.gov>;
Lisa Middleton <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>
Cc: Geoff Kors <Geoff.Kors@palmspringsca.gov>; Justin Clifton
<Justin.Clifton@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: RE: April 21 2022 Sec 14 proposed reparations discussion
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open
attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
Monique be sure attached testimony about the sec 14
witness is included.
-----Original Message-----
From: Monique Lomeli <Monique.Lomeli@palmspringsca.gov>
Sent: Apr 21, 2022 7:53 PM
To: opals42609@mypacks.net <opals42609@mypacks.net>, City Clerk
<CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>, CityManager
<CityManager@palmspringsca.gov>, Lisa Middleton
<Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: RE: April 21 2022 Sec 14 proposed reparations discussion
Thank you for your email. Your comments will be included in the official record and shared
with the City Council.
Monique M. Lomeli, CMC
Interim City Clerk
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
T: 760.323.8204x8356 F: 760.322.8332
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From: opals42609@mypacks.net <opals42609@mypacks.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2022 6:52 PM
To: City Clerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>; CityManager
<CityManager@palmspringsca.gov>; Lisa Middleton
<Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: April 21 2022 Sec 14 proposed reparations discussion
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links
or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
April 21 2022
City Clerk, City Manager, Mayor Lisa Middleton:
Please reply that you received. It is a sad day when
this city listens to the lies, rhetoric of Foat & others to
mislead. It is a sad day when this city misleads the
black community that this city has power or authority to
allocate funds, public funds when the tribe had full
authority to clear their sovereign tribe land to build as
they chose.
Letter attached as witness at the time. Shame on you
for riling, inciting the community thusly. Close this
matter, end it since what you are doing is illegal, you
may not give out public funds for the fact the tribe had
rights to their property.
And it is wrong to totally ignore the 351 White families
of two or more who were impacted by having to leave
Sec 14 to favor only black or POC minority of 115
families of two or more. 4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Robert Jiles
To:City Clerk
Subject:Section 14 Survivors City Council Meeting
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 4:37:29 PM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
Dear City Council Members,
My family lived on Section 14 land. I am writing to support the Section 14 Survivors for
compensation for the harm done on behalf of the City of Palm Springs.
My family moved from Texas in the 1940s with hopes to build a better life in Southern
California by escaping the horrors of Jim Crow racism. Once settling in Palm Springs my
grandmother found work as a maid and my grandfather took a job as a cook in a hotel. Both
took pride in their work and put a lot of time and energy into it. With their service, they helped
make Palm Springs a premier celebrity destination.
They also loved the city of Palm Springs and were proud to call it home. Although they were
victims of the forced removal, I never heard them complain. However, the legacy of Section
14 and the forced removal of hard working people who called the land home left permanent
scars and interrupted their efforts to make a better life for themselves.
City council members, I ask you to please listen to the people’s request for reparations needed
to move beyond this horrific period in Palm Springs history that so painfully lingers in the
hearts and memories of the families and communities affected. Do not make this process about
anything other than a plan to prove that the apology is sincere.
Thank you,
Robert D. Jiles
--
Robert De'Von Jiles, PhD
Assistant Professor
Multicultural and Gender Studies
African American Studies
California State University, Chico
"Fires can't be made with dead embers, nor can enthusiasm be stirred by spiritless men.
Enthusiasm in our daily work lightens effort and turns even labor into pleasant tasks."
James A. Baldwin
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
Requests are made to close the matter, apologize for
misleading now and future.
4/21/2022
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Frank Parker
To:City Clerk
Subject:Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 4:38:47 PM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
Hello, my name is Frank Parker
I am a Section 14 Survivor as I was born the year 1951 while my parents, grandparents, aunts and
uncles,
cousins and a host of friends and their families lived there. I can recall vividly as I became older sitting on
the wall
of the residence (El Segundo and Ramon Rd) and watch cars with my younger brothers at the time
claiming what
we thought were the pretty ones. There was even a time when we saw Nat King Cole and his pink
Cadillac driving
by.
I attended Francis Stevens Elementary School as did so many of us. I also remember watching the
big kids
getting off the school bus from Palm Springs High School. My grandmother and my Uncle lived at 663
Date st. ,
and the reason it is so distinct in my memory is because my Uncle Pork Chop would always wash his 57,
Plymouth Fury
in the yard while we were under foot. Well, that resulted in his giving us a handful of change and running
us off to Frosty'
Freeze. We stayed under his feet.
There came a time (1957) when life's turns saw us leaving to live with my grandparents in Alabama.
Those were some
wonderful times of my life. But there also came the time to return home to California. I remember the train
ride with my Aunt Frances
who brought me back in 1966, I was going to the 8th grade. When I stepped off the train the heat was
breath taking.
But I was so glad to see my mother it soon went away.
However after piling in the car and heading home , I remember asking "when are we going to get to
town"? (the Reservation)
We didn't. We never left Garnet. It was later that I learned there was also no Reservation (Section 14).
Even though I was 15 yrs old , "I was traumatized at learning the reason there were no longer homes
there. It is still to this day
'TRAUMATIZING' .....
So it is with great remorse and sadness and anger that I have to pen this letter. And I pray that the
City of Palm Springs is
sincere in addressing the harm instilled in this story.
Thankfully,
Frank Parker
From:Monique Lomeli
To:opals42609@mypacks.net; City Clerk; CityManager; Lisa Middleton
Cc:Geoff Kors; Justin Clifton
Subject:RE: April 21 2022 Sec 14 proposed reparations discussion
Date:Thursday, April 21, 2022 8:18:30 PM
Confirming receipt. I will include the attachment. Thank you.
From: opals42609@mypacks.net <opals42609@mypacks.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2022 8:12 PM
To: Monique Lomeli <Monique.Lomeli@palmspringsca.gov>; opals42609@mypacks.net; City
Clerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>; CityManager <CityManager@palmspringsca.gov>;
Lisa Middleton <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>
Cc: Geoff Kors <Geoff.Kors@palmspringsca.gov>; Justin Clifton
<Justin.Clifton@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: RE: April 21 2022 Sec 14 proposed reparations discussion
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open
attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
Monique be sure attached testimony about the sec 14
witness is included.
-----Original Message-----
From: Monique Lomeli <Monique.Lomeli@palmspringsca.gov>
Sent: Apr 21, 2022 7:53 PM
To: opals42609@mypacks.net <opals42609@mypacks.net>, City Clerk
<CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>, CityManager
<CityManager@palmspringsca.gov>, Lisa Middleton
<Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: RE: April 21 2022 Sec 14 proposed reparations discussion
Thank you for your email. Your comments will be included in the official record and shared
with the City Council.
Monique M. Lomeli, CMC
Interim City Clerk
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
T: 760.323.8204x8356 F: 760.322.8332
From: opals42609@mypacks.net <opals42609@mypacks.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2022 6:52 PM
To: City Clerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>; CityManager
<CityManager@palmspringsca.gov>; Lisa Middleton
<Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: April 21 2022 Sec 14 proposed reparations discussion
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links
or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
April 21 2022
City Clerk, City Manager, Mayor Lisa Middleton:
Please reply that you received. It is a sad day when
this city listens to the lies, rhetoric of Foat & others to
mislead. It is a sad day when this city misleads the
black community that this city has power or authority to
allocate funds, public funds when the tribe had full
authority to clear their sovereign tribe land to build as
they chose.
Letter attached as witness at the time. Shame on you
for riling, inciting the community thusly. Close this
matter, end it since what you are doing is illegal, you
may not give out public funds for the fact the tribe had
rights to their property.
And it is wrong to totally ignore the 351 White families
of two or more who were impacted by having to leave
Sec 14 to favor only black or POC minority of 115
families of two or more.
Requests are made to close the matter, apologize for
misleading now and future.