HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-09 HRC Regular Meeting Agenda
Palm Springs City Hall
Large Conference Room
Monday
March 9, 2020, 3:00 p.m.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
www.palmspringsca.gov
AGENDA
Terrie Andrade Ron deHarte, Chair Denise Chappell, Vice Chair
Harold Ames Glenn Flood Nicki Randolph
Staff Liaison
Dale Cook, Community Development Administrator
City of Palm Springs Mission Statement: Palm Springs is an inclusive world-class city dedicated to
providing excellent and responsive public services to enhance the quality of life for current and future
generations.
Please silence electronic devices.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
2. MISSION STATEMENT: "The Mission of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission is
to promote and protect the diversity of our community and to
improve human relations through education and community
awareness."
Goals:
▪ To develop community education programs;
▪ To investigate and mediate instances of discrimination of
groups or individuals;
▪ To bring persons and groups together in common support of
human rights issues;
▪ To acquire the fiscal and human resources necessary to
support and accomplish the work of the Commission;
▪ To provide management and coordination for the
Commission;
▪ To promote diversity through the appointment of candidates
to all city boards and commissions to proportionately reflect
the diversity of the population of the City of Palm Springs;
▪ The Commission and each Committee shall develop goals
and objectives annually, for adoption by the commission;
▪ The Commission shall work closely with the Mayor, City
Council, and City Cabinet and with all other City Commissions
and Boards in joint endeavors that support the Commission's
mission statement and City's goals and objectives.
3. QUORUM:
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Any person who wishes to speak on a topic within the City’s
jurisdiction during this portion of the agenda must file a “Speaker
Card” with the Staff Liaison BEFORE that portion of the agenda
is called. [Three (3) minutes per speaker] Although the
Commission values your comments, pursuant to the Brown Act, it
generally cannot take any action on items not listed on the posted
Human Rights Commission Meeting Agenda
Monday, March 9, 2020
Page 2
agenda, Commissioners will not enter into discussion with
speakers, but during Commission Comments, may refer the
matter to staff for report and recommendation at a future
Commission meeting.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 13th and February 10th
6. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS:
7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
A. Committees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell
Community Relations Committee/Budget/Personnel Committee
a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee (deHarte)
b. Master Calendar
c. Main Street (deHarte)
d. Finance (Randolph)
e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs
Cultural Affairs Committee
a. Film Screening (Randolph, Andrade)
b. Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell, Ames)
c. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood)
Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee
a. Veterans issues (Flood)
Youth/Education Affairs Committee
a. Student Representatives (Chappell)
Executive Committee
a. Clean Indoor Air and Health Protection Ordinance
b. March 1st Zero Discrimination Day
c. April 7th World Health Day
Commission Development/Mediation Committee
a. Mediation (Andrade)
b. Retreat (Chappell, deHarte)
B. Topical Newsworthy Items
8. ACTION ITEMS:
A. HRC Meeting Time
9. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING:
10. ANNONCEMENTS:
11. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission will adjourn to an adjourned regular meeting Monday, April
13, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz
Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA.
The Human Rights Commission regular meetings are aired on the City's PSCTV Channel 17 following
the meeting on every Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. and every Saturday at 8:00 a.m.
Human Rights Commission Meeting Agenda
Monday, March 9, 2020
Page 3
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Dale E. Cook, Jr., Community Development Administrator, City of Palm Springs, California, certify this Agenda was posted on or before 6:00
p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2020, as required by established policies and procedures. Pursuant to the Government Code Section 54957.5, the
designated office for inspection of public records in connection with the public meeting of the Human Rights Commission is the office of the City
Clerk, City Hall, at 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California.
Dale E Cook, Jr., Community Development Administrator
Community & Economic Development
It is the intention of the City of Palm Springs to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a
participant at this meeting or in meetings on a regular basis, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provi ded, the City will
attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the Department of Community & Economic Development, (760) 323-
8321, TDD (760) 864-9527, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is
feasible.
Pursuant to G.C. Section 54957.5 the designated office for inspection of public records in connection with the meeting is the Office of the City
Clerk, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California.
Human Rights Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
January 13, 2020
Palm Springs City Hall, Large Conference Room
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Present Present FY 2019/2020 FY 2019/2020
This Meeting to Date Excused Absences Unexcused Absence
Terri Andrade X 5
Harold Ames X 4
Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X 5 1
Ron deHarte, Chair X 6
Glenn Flood X 6
Nicki Randolph X 5 1
Other Staff Present:
Dale Cook, Community Development Administrator, Staff Liaison
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 3:00P.M.
2. MISSION STATEMENT: Commissioner Flood – “The Mission of the Palm Springs Human Rights
Commission is to promote and protect the diversity of our community and to
improve human relations through education and community awareness."
Goals:
To develop community education programs;
To investigate and mediate instances of discrimination of groups or
individuals;
To bring persons and groups together in common support of human rights
issues;
To acquire the fiscal and human resources necessary to support and
accomplish the work of the Commission;
To provide management and coordination for the Commission;
To promote diversity through the appointment of candidates to all city
boards and Commissions to proportionately reflect the diversity of the
population of the City of Palm Springs;
The Commission and each Committee shall develop goals and objectives
annually, for adoption by the Commission;
The Commission shall work closely with the Mayor, City Council, and City
Cabinet and with all other City Commissions and Boards in joint endeavors
that support the Commission's mission statement and City's goals and
objectives.
3. QUORUM: Staff Liaison, Mr. Cook announced a quorum was present.
-
Human Rights Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2020
Page 2
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Adam Bevington – Addressed the Commission in an effort to have his statement be a public record in regards
to seeking protection from being threatened and experimented on by the government.
Paul Henrichson – Inquired about what would be the most efficient process to bring forward issues to the
Commission. In response, Chair deHarte specified that he send information directly to Mr. Cook and then h e
will distribute the information to the full Commission. Chair deHarte noted that Mr. Henrichson would still want
to come to a meeting to speak and bring forward the subject
Chair deHarte - Announced that they are aware that there are a couple of oth er speakers wanting to make a
public comment. They will resume public comments when the other speakers come in, abiding by the same
rules and guidelines for public comments.
The following two speakers arrived during Agenda Item 7.A Committees to give their public comment:
Jeff Hocker - Publicist for Jewish Family Services of the Desert (JFS) – Spoke on behalf of Assistant Executive
Director Kraig Johnson to the Commission. Information about their upcoming March 15th event “Accidental
Courtesy” a PBS documentary featuring Race Relations Expert Daryl Davis was shared. Mr. Hocker indicated
that JFS would like to get more in involved with the community and inquired if the Commission in some way has
supported similar events or given their stamp of approval. He specified that JFS is not looking for financial
support.
Craig Scott – Is a Volunteer who is working with LGBT people who have been seeking asylum from many different
countries, by helping them start a new life in the United States. He would like to start a conversation over the
next few months on how the City of Palm Springs might be able help. A copy of a LGBT Magazine was provided
to each Commissioner with reference to page 24 that talked about his work and challenges encountered by
refugees. Mr. Scott identified “Luis” who was released from a concentration camp, in the audience as one of
the people he is currently helping.
At the end of public comments, the meeting resumed with Agenda Item 7.A. Committee Reports
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: December 9th
MOTION: By Commissioner Andrade, Second by Vice Chair Chappell to approve the minutes of December 9,
2019 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
6. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS:
Commissioner Randolph – Indicated the Palm Springs International Film Festival was fantastic with many great
films, some of which are now nominated for an Academy Award.
Commissioner Ames – Also agreed the Film Festival was fantastic and participated in the red carpet where he
was able to observe how visitors responded to the experience.
7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
A. Committees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell
Chair deHarte opened the floor for Committee Reports.
Community Relations Committee/Budget/Personnel Committee
a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee (deHarte) – No Report.
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Regular Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2020
Page 3
b. Master Calendar
Commissioner Andrade – Will be meeting with Mr. Cook to discuss the Master Calendar Dates of
Awareness.
Vice-Chair Chappell - Informed the Commission of the ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo coming up
in March 21, 2020 and took an informal commitment poll to participate. Commissioners Ames,
Flood and Randolph committed to participating in the Expo. The Commission will move forward
with their application for a table.
c. Main Street (deHarte) – No Report.
d. Finance (Randolph)
Commissioner Randolph – Reported no expenditures. The committee is looking at items to hand
out at the parades. Commissioner Ames has agreed to be on the Finance committee and has
reached out to the Sustainability Commission. Their goal is to brand the Commission but not by
creating trash.
Commissioner Ames – Indicated that they are exploring what some of the browning ite ms may be
best sustainable and ensuring their carbon footprint is small when doing outreach.
Commissioner Randolph – Would like the Commission to be involved in the Harvey Milk Diversity
Breakfast Sponsorship but feels the Commission should look at whether they want to spend half
their budget in this manner and asked Chair deHarte how they should handle the discussion on this.
Mr. Cook – In response to Commissioner inquiry, indicated the $1,123.95 proceeds from the film
screening event has been transferred to the current fiscal year.
A brief discussion followed regarding the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Sponsorship. Chair
deHarte suggested that the Committee bring it forward and if the motion is to table Harvey Milk
Diversity Breakfast for 2020 and look at other ways to be involved, then at least that gets it off their
agenda and they do not have to spend the time they have been spending on it.
Chair deHarte further suggested that the Finance Committee provide a draft budget to Mr. Cook by
the end of February so that he may distribute it to the full Commission prior to the March meeting.
At the March meeting, the Commission will vote to approve or make changes, so that an approved
budget comes out of that meeting and it will move forward to City Council and City Manager David
Ready for support.
Commissioner Flood – Received confirmation by Chair deHarte that he could still choose to
participate as an individual if the Commission decided not to sponsor Harvey Milk Diversity
Breakfast and if there was no objection he could be a representative of the Commission at the
Breakfast.
e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs - Report given under Master Calendar.
Cultural Affairs Committee
a. Film Screening (Randolph, Andrade)
Commissioner Ames – Highlighted that the committee is working on checking licensure, finalizing
collaboration with the Desert Highland Community and capacity building.
Commissioner Randolph reported the following detailed updates:
Human Rights Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2020
Page 4
They will not be doing a Film Screening Event on February 9, 2020
and will be canceling the reservation at the Camelot Theater
Hopes the Commission continues with the Legacy event after her term ends and
emphasized the advance far planning that is required.
Identified the current event planning processes to be opposite of last years efforts
Committee is now pursuing organizing a fall event
Considering “The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind” film that was suggested by former
Commissioner Chandrasena. They will be making contact with Netflix who owns the rights
to the film.
Recommended the subcommittee start planning now for the film event in 2021 and
suggested working with the Film Festival as a resource.
b. Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell, Ames) – Report update given under Executive
Committee.
c. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood)
Commissioner Flood – Reported that no meeting was held last month; however, they did not
announce it and he did not find out until he arrived. A meeting is scheduled tomorrow and he will
be attending.
Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee
a. Veterans issues (Flood) –
Commissioner Flood – Stated that the American Legion Post 519 is getting a lot of mileage out of
the Color Guard leading off the Pride Parade this past November. A news release was sent to
Headquarters. He will be attending the American Legion meeting tomorrow at 5PM.
Chair deHarte – Shared that he helped clarify a slight correction, in point of fact that Palm Springs
has led the country in having military leading the Pride Parade. Credit was given to Mel Tips who
was the primary advocate for making the long-term relationship happen.
Youth/Education Affairs Committee
a. Student Representatives (Chappell) – No Report.
Executive Committee
a. World Day of Social Justice – Chair deHarte reported that February 20th - World Day of Social
Justice, will be highlighted at next months meeting during the Agenda.
b. Announcement of 2020 Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell, Andrade)
Chair deHarte – Reported that the slate of honorees that the Commission approved last month
have all been notified and were thrilled in accepting. The 2020 Human Rights Commission
Community Service Award recipients were proudly announced as follows:
Joy Brown Meredith
Brothers of the Desert
Ginny Foat
Rabbi David Lazar
Katherine V. Forrest
Chief Bryan Reyes
Brian Wanzek
Ron Oden
Human Rights Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2020
Page 5
Chair deHarte – Explained the award ceremony process and Commissioner Responsibilities.
Roundtable interest was gathered on which honoree each Commissioner would like to present to
figure out the February Agenda. Invitations will go to City Council to have their participation and
Mr. Cook will order all award plaques. A minor conversation followed regarding further details of
the Community Service Awards Ceremony.
Executive Committee Meeting Report:
Commissioner Andrade – Commended the Executive Committee. She shared that she had attended
her second meeting and has learned a lot that she did not know before; she encouraged
Commissioners to consider being an alternate.
The following items were noted by Commissioner Andrade to be a part of the Executive Committees
discussion:
Community Service Awards and its structure
Film Screening Event - February 9th cancellation, and possibility of doing other activities that
still have a lot of merit as well.
Commission Development/Mediation Committee
a. Mediation (Andrade) – No Report.
b. Retreat (Chappell, deHarte) – No Report.
B. Topical Newsworthy Items – No Report.
8. ACTION ITEMS:
A. Harvey Milk Sponsorship
Chair deHarte – Suggested to the Commission that they take some action, even if it is a motion from the
Committee to not participate as a $1000 sponsor.
This led to a minor discussion where Vice Chair Chappell expressed being in favor of a $1000 Sponsorship
and Commissioner Randolph expressed being in favor of a branding opportunity less than $1000 . In
response to inquiry, Chair deHarte informed the Commission that the next available high profile
recognition is a 10-student sponsorship package for $650 that gets name recognition in the program and
on the table where students sit. The discussion ledt to the following motion.
MOTION: By Commissioner Randolph, Second by Commissioner Flood, to buy the $650 sponsorship
package, which would sponsor 10 high school students to come to the event and the Human Rights
Commission would get name recognition in the program and at the table.
DISSCUSSION:
In response to inquiry, Chair deHarte stated Commissioners interested in buying a ticket on their own
could go online or submit an order form by mail, noting on the guest list that they want to sit together.
It was noted started February 1st the $65 ticket increases to $75.
MOTION CARRIES UNINAMOUSLY.
B. Black History Month Table
Chair deHarte - Indicated that the Agenda item was brought back to confirm having a presence at the
Black History Parade.
Vice Chappell – Stated that Commissioner Flood, Ames and herself were committed to walking in the
parade.
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Regular Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2020
Page 6
Chair deHarte – Opened the floor for the Commission to indicate interest to staff a table at the fair which
takes place after the parade. A minor discussion ensued among the Commission regarding staffing a table.
There was a consensus that the Commission will stick with their presence only at the parade.
9. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING:
Commissioner Randolph - Requested that she would like to have Film Update be added to the March Agenda.
Commissioner Randolph – Received confirmation that the budget need to be submitted to Staff before the
March meeting.
Chair deHarte informed that the Executive Committee rotation is coming up and asked Commissioners to think
about who would like to step up for the next quarter which would be March, April, and May.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Cook – Announced that annually the County conducts the Point -In-Time-Count for homelessness. The
2020 Homeless Point-in-Time Count, will be on January 29, 2020 and registration is available through the City’s
website and volunteers trainings coming -up if Commissioners are interested.
Commissioner Ames – Further shared the Affordable Housing & Homelessness Standing Subcommittee
Community Forum coming up at the Convention Center, regarding the $10 million State Grant to Address
Homelessness in Palm Springs.
Mr. Cook was asked to forward the event information to the Commission.
Commissioner Andrade – Indicated that at a recent City Council meeting in regards to Boards and Commissions
changes, persons will no longer have to be registered voters to participate; persons don’t have to be a resident
as long as they work or go to school in Palm Springs; Council Liaison’s will no longer be assigned to
Commission’s; and there is an ordinance that they cannot have a meeting prior to 5:30PM; and youth members
are now voting members.
Minor comments ensued regarding Commissioner Andrade’s announcement. Chair deHarte indicated that
the Commission will wait for direction from City Staff on scheduling so there is no immediate change for the
immediate future.
11. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at. to an adjourned Regular Meeting, Monday, February 10, 2020,
at 3:00 P.M. in the City Council Chamber 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie Rodriguez
Housing Program Assistant
Human Rights Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
0
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Monday, February 10, 2020
Palm Springs City Hall 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Council Chamber
Present Present FY 2019/2020 FY 2019/2020
This Meeting to Date Excused Absences Unexcused Absence
Terri Andrade X 6
Harold Ames X 4 1
Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X 5 2
Ron deHarte, Chair X 7
Glenn Flood X 7
Nicki Randolph X 6 1
Other Staff Present:
Mayor Kors
Councilmembers Middleton and Woods
Jay Virata, Community and Economic Development Director
Dale Cook, Community Development Administrator, Staff Liaison
Annie Rodriguez, Housing Program Assistant/Staff Liaison Assistant
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m.
2. QUORUM: Chair deHarte announced that a couple Commissioners were out sick.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
4. PROGRAM:
Chair deHarte - Addressed the audience and welcomed everyone present. He identified the meeting as the Human
Rights Commission’s opportunity to come together and showcase the diversity of the community and as a community
understand the values that drive the work that the Commission does duri ng the year.
A special recognition was made for guests Mayor Kors, Councilmembers Middleton and Woods. Also recognized was
Human Rights Commission Members and Staff members Mr. Virata, Mr. Cook and Ms. Rodriguez. Chair deHarte
introduced himself as Chairperson.
Related to the Commission’s Mission Statement, Chair deHarte announced that the Human Rights Commission would
like to acknowledge that the land they are meeting on today is very special and introduced Margaret Park, Director
of Planning with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Human Rights Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2020
Page 2
Margaret Park - Gave a Land Acknowledgement on behalf of the Tribal Council and welcomed everyone to the original
homelands of the Cahuilla people. Respect was given to their elders both past and present who have stewarded the
land for generations and the honorees were congratulated.
Chair deHarte – To start the program, announced a welcome from Mayor Kors.
Mayor Kors - Welcomed the audience and indicated that the Community and the people who do extraordinary things
because of the goodness of their hearts makes Palm Springs special. He congratulated the honorees and indicated
that he could not be more pleased to see who is being honored.
Chair deHarte - Presented a video introduction of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission indicating that today’s
meeting marked the 27th Anniversary of the Commission.
[Music Playing] The program proceeded with an opening song by Ted Fox, and accompanying Guitarist Joe Musser.
Ted Fox has been the Community Service Award’s invited entertainment for the last 3 years.
Chair deHarte - Spoke about the role and performance the Human Rights Commission has had since established 27
years ago; highlighting areas of the Commission’s previous focus and the current years focus. The 2020 Community
Service Awards honorees were introduced as extraordinary individuals and organizations who have made
outstanding contributions in the community and are the heart of the community.
The following Community Service Awards were presented:
Chair deHarte - Proceeded to introduce the first Community Service Award by sharing a biography of honoree Ginny
Foat. Ms. Foat is recognized for serving the community and the City of Palm Springs through her role as a 14-year
councilmember and as Executive Director of the Mizell Senior Center. While on city council, she was often a staunch
voice for residents and neighborhoods and was instrumental in the establishment of ONE -PS as a conduit for grass
roots, neighborhood concerns. She has been an advocate for the rights of under-served and/or under-represented
people in the Coachella Valley. Her involvement in LGBTQ causes and organizations stretches back to the 1970s. Ms.
Foat accepted the award from Chair deHarte and Mayor Kors and provided an acceptance speech.
Chair deHarte - Continued the program and introduced the next honoree, Brothers of the Desert; as an organization
for lifting and amplifying the voice of the historically disenfranchised and under -represented black community.
Brothers of the Desert builds interpersonal relationships by nurturing, supporting and connecting black gay men in
Coachella Valley through philanthropy, volunteerism, mentorship, education, advocacy and social networking. Their
work includes supporting a scholarship fund, hosting social gatherings and summits to build community, supporting
like-minded local organizations. Chair deHarte and Councilmember Woods presented the award to Acting Chair Tim
Vincent who identified members of the organization among the audience in his acceptance speech.
Commissioner Andrade - Introduced a biography of third honoree Joy Brown Meredith, who is recognized for her
leadership and civic involvement. Since 1992, she has continued to serve on the board of Main Street Palm Springs
and through the years, she has provided the leadership that established the organization as a pivotal voice in the
community. A downtown business owner for 32 years, Joy has operated with a philosophy that it is all about helping
yourself, your family, your community, and the world through furthering love and peace. She created Crystal Fantasy
as a sort of a community center for kind people where they embrace all religions, races, and sexual orientations. Ms.
Brown-Meredith accepted the award from Commissioner Andrade and Councilmember Middleton, and provided an
acceptance speech.
Commissioner Andrade - Introduced award recipient Rabbi David Lazar, for his work to help Palm Springs be a more
inclusive and welcoming community that embraces all individuals. He serves as the spiritual leader of Or Hamidbar.
As a Jewish educator in a variety of frameworks, he promotes inclusive Jewish practice and interfaith dialogue. Lazar
is active in the community and has served with the Transgender Community Coalition and the steering committee of
the Raina Chessman Fund, which is designed to help support transgender persons facing various life crises that might
Human Rights Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2020
Page 3
otherwise result in potentially tragic outcomes. Rabbi Lazar accepted the award from Commissioner Andrade and
Councilmember Kors and provided acceptance speech.
Commissioner Andrade - Introduced a biography recognizing Katherine V. Forrest as an honoree. Ms. Forrest is
recognized as a seasoned storyteller who has presented lesbian and gay lives with a forthright dignity over a span of
more than three decades. She is the groundbreaking author of Curious Wine, the Kate Delafield mystery series and
the Daughters science-fiction series. She is known as a prolific editor with anthology and non -fiction credits in her
own name as well as the editor of hundreds of novels. Dozens of lesbian writers count her among their mentors.
She is widely credited as a founding mother of lesbian fiction writing. She has numerous awards and honor s, and a
profile in USA Today. Ms. Forrest accepted the award from Commissioner Andrade and Councilmember Middleton,
and provided an acceptance speech.
Commissioner Flood - Introduced a biography of award recipient Chief Bryan Reyes, who is recognized for increasing
the community presence, visibility and communication from the police department. Under his leadership, the
department is actively involved in our communities, and they engage and collaborate with civic groups and individual
citizens to achieve a shared goal of creating a safer and better Palm Springs for all. In his three years as Chief, he is
particularly recognized for combating extremism, bigotry and hatred and for his commitment to police training,
installing an accepting, and welcoming organizational culture for all. Chief Reyes accepted the award from
Commissioner Flood and Councilmember Woods, and presented an acceptance speech indicating that they were
honoring not just him but the Palm Springs Police Department.
Chair deHarte - Introduced a biography recognizing Brian Wanzek, known as Bella da Ball, as an honoree. Brian has
served the community for over twenty years by being the ultimate community volunteer, entertaining and helping
to raise funds for many organizations, groups and charitable events. Bella has a star on the Palm Springs Walk of
Stars, has been recognized by Safe Schools Desert Cities as Champion for Youth for LBGT Youth in the Desert and the
Herb Lazenby Community Service Award from AIDS Assistance Program. Other awards and recognition include
named the inaugural Community Sweetheart at the 25th Festival of Lights Parade for the City of Palm Springs, and
the P.S. I Love You award from the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. Brian Wanzek accepted the award from
Chair deHarte and Councilmember Woods and provided an acceptance speech.
Chair deHarte - Introduced a biography of the last Community Service Award recognizing Ron Oden. The first African
American and the first openly gay man to hold the office of Mayor of Palm Springs and lead a California City in 2003.
His election was significant because of both his race and his sexual orientation. Oden began his career in community
and political involvement in 1990 when he moved to Palm Springs. In 1995, he was elected to Palm Springs City
Council, where he advocated for social causes. As a City Councilmember and as Mayor, Oden worked tirelessly to
promote respect for diversity through organizations such as the Palm Springs Human Rights Task Force, and the Palm
Springs branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Oden was also noted
for his support of community organizations. Mayor Oden accepted the award from Chair deHarte and
Councilmember Kors and provided an acceptance speech.
[Music Playing] Ted Fox and accompanying Guitarist Joe Musser proceeded with the Closing Song.
Chair deHarte - Thanked Ted Fox and Joe Musser for their participation in the Community Service Awards ceremony.
Chair deHarte - Announced the conclusion of the program with some closing remarks relating to protecting human
rights and ensuring fundamental rights are realized for all. On behalf of the Commission, Chair deHarte thanked all
of the eight Community Service Award Honorees and the audience for their support. Chair deHarte concluded by
saying it’s been a privilege for himself and all of the Commissioners to serve the City and the community. Special
thanks was given to Staff Liaison Mr. Cook and Assistant to the Liaison Ms. Rodriguez for their service to the
Commission throughout the year.
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Regular Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2020
Page 4
6. ADJOURMENT: Chair deHarte concluded the program. The Human Rights Commission adjourned at 4:18p.m. to a
Regular Meeting, Monday, March 09, 2020 at 3:00 p.m., Palm Springs City Hall, Large Conference Room, 3200 E.
Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie J. Rodriguez
Housing Program Assistant