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Home My WebLink AboutNon-Agenda - Public CommentTheophous H. Reagans, Esq. 565 Bellevue Avenue Suite 703 Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 333-6021 May 18, 2022 Mayor Lisa Middleton, My name is Theophous Reagans and I am a former resident of Palm Springs —born in Palm Springs and educated in Palms Springs public schools. I missed the opportunity to speak at the recent Council meeting regarding Section 14. You may recall that I sent a letter last year introducing myself and the newly formed Palm Springs Section 14 Advisory Group. I noted in that letter that as a young child, I lived on Section 14, and later in Desert Highland Estates. My dad was the Pastor of First Baptist Church when it was located on Section 14. I am very grateful to the City Council, the three organized groups advocating for reparations, and the various citizens who are engaged in this process, for their attention to this issue. Since I was unable to speak during the Council meeting, I would like to offer my point of view by letter. I understand that you were presented with a nine point plan and what I suggest may be redundant but I offer my views nonetheless. In my opinion, any reparations plan needs to be c omprehensive. I am not opposed to monetary compensation. However, money alone will not address the harm done by the “Negro Removal” that happened in the 50s, and that appears to be repeating in recent years. Statistics show that the prices of homes in the Desert Highland/Gateway Community are going up significantly and the neighborhood is undergoing gentrification as a result. This does not bode well for the future of the Desert Highland Estates as a predominantly African American neighborhood, and such a loss would have devastating consequences. After being forcibly removed from their homes on Section 14, our parents and grandparents, showing extraordinary fortitude, survived and established another community. They built homes for their families and they also built churches—First Baptist Church, Lily of the Valley Church of God in Christ, Ajalon Baptist Church, and New Bethel Church of God in Christ. These congregations guided our community members, strengthened community bonds and provided programs and activities. Our parents established clubs, fraternities, sororities, and community education organizations that fostered academic achievement and community service . Our ancestors created a community that thrived. Through their encouragement, tenacity, and guidance the residents of Desert Highland produced educators, lawyers, police officers, social workers, medical professionals, and more. Many of our educators stayed in the community to inspire us and to pour into us that which they had acquired. We had Boy Scout troops and Girl Scout troops. We had an NAACP Chapter, and a scholarship group was established to provide financial support for higher education (NASF). We have had a rich community that has produced many solid and some extraordinary citizens. Had we not been met with racism, redlining, lesser work opportunities and general sanctioned discrimination like the mass unlawful eviction that occurred on Section 14, they would have been able to accomplish even more, and the racial wealth gap that currently exists between African American and white 7/28/2022 Public Comment Non-Agenda residents would not be so great. The established community on the “North end”, nevertheless, served as a buffer and mitigated some of the harm. If all of the people who make up the fabric of that community, and their progeny, are forced to relocate, the community as we know it will cease and this will exacerbate the problems that currently exist. It would dishonor the legacy of our ancestors, many of whom are unacknowledged outstanding city fathers and mothers who contributed greatly to our city and larger society despite the injustice that was visited upon them in the 1950s. Accordingly, in my view, as part of the reparations program we should do everything we can to prevent the dislocation of the current residents in the Desert Highland/Gateway Estates neighborhoods and keep this historic community intact. This would honor the persons who were most directly impacted by the unlawful removal and remedy the harm by preventing the complete gentrification and demise of the community they worked so hard to build. One way other communities are doing this is by providing subsidized housing programs. I am attaching a copy of the reparations program established by the City o f Evanston, Illinois. As I understand it, Evanston is the first city in the nation to actually provide reparations to some Black residents. The Evanston program is not without its opponents but I encourage you to review that program, if you have not already done so, and consider it as a possible component of a reparations program for African Americans in the City of Palm Springs. I note also that there are new housing developments planned or being built near Desert Highland Estates. The City of Berkeley has a set aside requirement for affordable units in new housing developments in the city for qualifying residents. This ensures that persons who cannot afford the high cost of new housing are able to purchase in the new developments within the City of Berkeley. You might consider making this approach a feature of the contemplated reparations program. This would allow African American residents to purchase homes in the new developments being planned and built in close proximity to Desert Highlands. This in turn would enable our younger residents to purchase in or near the neighborhood and allow them to continue being a part of the fabric of a community that is vital to the continued strength and success of future generations. These are just a few thoughts and what I would have offered as comments had I been able to speak during the City Council meeting. There are a variety of reparations programs being considered throughout the country as I know you are aware, but these two wo uld seem to have long term impact and represent true atonement. Thank you for taking the time to read my comments. If there is any way that I can assist, feel free to call upon me. I am encouraged that you have decided to right this wrong. Blessings and thanks, Reverend Theophous H. Reagans, Esq. Cc: Jarvis Crawford, Cynthia Harris-Session, Pearl Devers 7/28/2022 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Julie Kay Rupp To:Monique Lomeli; Brent Rasi; Ken Lyon; Lisa Middleton; Llubi Rios; N Katherine Greg Hough; David Recio; Marcus Fuller; Rande S Ferguson; CityManager; Arwel Bermudo Subject:VIOLATIONS AT 2501 S ARABY DRIVE - HISTORIC 1 PROPERTY Date:Tuesday, July 26, 2022 6:57:04 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. Ken, Monique, Llubi and Brent: PLEASE INFORM THE HISTORIC BOARD, CITY COUNCIL and CITY MANAGERS AND CITY ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY! Enough, The City of Palm Springs has FAILED to protect Historic 1 Resources at 2501, 2050 and 2500 S Araby Drive. Citations and STOP Unpermitted Roofing at these properties NEED to be IMMEDIATE! Vacant Building Ordinance needs to be followed starting tomorrow morning for all 3 properties. Please DO your JOB. I filed 4 Code Enforcement Reports and had Palm Springs Police Department Report# 2207P-5540 at the site today at 8:38 am and yet with No Response from CODE the Owners added a stark white plastic and silver coating on the roof at 2501 S Araby and will continue tomorrow at 2550 S Araby and must be STOPPED! I called Katherine Hough, President Historic Board and Ken Lyons as Katherine said if my property at 2540 S Araby Drive was Historic I would receive Protection from the Police and other City of PS Departments. That was a LIE! Please call me at (760) 322-0243 to meet on SITE tomorrow, Wednesday, July 27th at 6 am before additional UNPERMITTED ROOFING CONTINUES. D. Enforcement. Enforcement of this Section shall be the responsibility of the City Manager, City Attorney or designee. (Ord. 2030 § 2, 2020; Ord. 1970 § 2, 2019) 8.05.140 Maintenance and Repair of Historic Resources. A. General Maintenance Requirements. The property owner is responsible for routine maintenance and repair of a designated historic resource. Such maintenance and repair may be performed without specific approval from the HPO or the HSPB if such maintenance and repair does not materially impair the character-defining features of the historic resource. 7/28/2022 Public Comment Non-Agenda B. Deterioration oa Historic Resource. The property owner of a designated historic resource or a contributing resource within a historic district shall not permit it to fall into a state of disrepair so as to result in the deterioration of any significant exterior character- defining feature of the historic resource. Examples of deterioration for which the property owner is responsible under this Section include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Excessive erosion, reverse drainage, and other preventable site conditions; 2. Loss of structural integrity due to deterioration of footings, foundations, load-bearing walls or columns, beams, trusses, or other support members; 3. Weathering or damage to exterior elements such as wall and roof surfaces, chimneys, balustrades, doors, windows, and other architectural features; 4. Loss of weather-tightness or security due to any of the above; 5. Deterioration resulting in public nuisances or other hazardous conditions which would warrant demolition of the building, or a portion thereof, in the interest of public safety. C. Abatement of Violations/Public Nuisances. In order to avoid demolition necessitated by deterioration described in subsection (B) above, the City may repair a historic resource and assess the cost of such repairs to the property owner in the same manner as the abatement of public nuisances provided in Section 11.72.270 of this Code. D. Enforcement. Enforcement of this Section shall be the responsibility of the City Manager, City Attorney or designee. (Ord. 2030 § 2, 2020; Ord. 1970 § 2, 2019) 7/28/2022 Public Comment Non-Agenda 7/28/2022 Public Comment Non-Agenda 7/28/2022 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Rob Costa To:Planning Subject:Mesquite Golf Course Date:Tuesday, July 26, 2022 2:13:51 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. My wife and I are homeowners in Mesquite Country Club. We are extremely saddened at the announcement that it will be converted in to some sort of preserve. If this, in fact, happens what will the city do to keep vagrants from making this area their new home? Will there be enforcement to keep vagrants and homeless camps out of this area. We are concerned about the value of our property. Many homeowners purchased at Mesquite because of easy access to the golf course. I've also heard that the city wants to eliminate Tahquitz as a golf course and convert to some sort of preserve as well. What does the city have against golf courses? The present a nice green belt, many animals enjoy living on/in the golf courses and the provide an oasis in the desert. The preserves will just become more desert space with more dust and debris from lack of watering. Very disappointed in the City of Palm Springs for allowing these actions to happen. Rob and Marcia Costa 7/28/2022 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Gordon Schick To:City Clerk Subject:Public Comment on Agenda Date:Friday, July 29, 2022 5:24:28 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. What kind of teeth will there be for this to absolutely not to become an encampment for the mentally deranged and drug addicts? 7/28/2022 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Shad Fenton To:Lisa Middleton Cc:Geoff Kors; Christy Holstege; Dennis Woods; Grace Garner; Jeff Ballinger; City Clerk; CityManager; james.queally@latimes.com; Board@one-ps.org; Chief Subject:Public shaming of homeless by Lisa Middleton / July 28th, 2022 CC Meeting Date:Friday, July 29, 2022 8:04:19 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. Ms. Middleton, On record and duly noted, your generalization and public shaming of the homeless spoke volumes to your character. That you chose to publically harass and intimidate those that need services more than anyone, right after Chief Mills statements that we do not currently have enough supportive services is discrimination, and disgraceful. You did not have the right, this is not authoritarian rule. It's not your way or get out, or is it? Your statements of stoking fear with threats and harassment to the homeless is no different than the actions, harassment, fear mongering and corruption many in this government chose to use against me. I don't know where you think 250 plus homeless are to sleep when this city has only 30 temporary beds available, and they are harassed out of parks and makeshift community encampments. Leaving one of their last options as bus benches. No one wants to sleep on a bus bench Ms. Middleton. I also want to add this: We are getting into the hottest months ahead, please be concerned about the health and wellbeing of those that are unhoused and having to struggle to try to survive. Please be compassionate, lead with safety, follow the law and stop violating civil rights. Those words, coming from a celebratory mayor, not an elected mayor, were hard to take in. 7/28/2022 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Julie Rupp To:Ken Lyon; N Katherine Greg Hough; Christy Holstege; Marcus Fuller; Arwel Bermudo; Rande S Ferguson; Diane Hoodhood Deremo; Llubi Rios; Monique Lomeli; David Recio; Brent Rasi; CLEAR Rupp Subject:FOAM ROof at 2550 S Araby Drive Date:Monday, August 8, 2022 9:10:04 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 Stop Destruction of Historic 1 Property Immediately. FALSE Building Permit Issued by City of Palm Springs. Sent from my iPhone 7/28/2022 Public Comment Non-Agenda From:Bronco Newcomb To:Brent Rasi Date:Wednesday, August 3, 2022 9:35:17 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. Hi Brent It was nice to talk to you Monday. As I was mentioning the other day Monday . The city must remidey and replace the statue of Sonny Bono downtown Palm Springs the statue down there now is George Hamilton, not Sunny Bono. Please pass this note on to the city fathers they can do something about it. Thank you very much John Cadenhead. 7/28/2022 Public Comment Non-Agenda