HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-14 Non-AgendaFrom:Christy Holstege
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fw: Letter from Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Task Force
Date:Thursday, November 14, 2024 6:33:54 PM
Attachments:Letter to Councilmember Holstege.docx
Christy Gilbert Holstege, Esq.
Councilmember
City of Palm Springs, District 4 Tel: (760) 323-8200
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Fax: (760) 323-8207
Palm Springs, CA 92262
www.palmspringsca.gov christy.holstege@palmspringsca.gov
From: Dan Spencer <JGDS1@msn.com> on behalf of Dan Spencer <dan@danspencerstudio.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2024 2:39 PM
To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: Letter from Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Task Force
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.
Greeting Councilmember Holstege -
I hope you are well. I have attached a short letter from the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Task Force that we hope
you can read prior to the City Council meeting next Thursday.
Looking forward to seeing you and thanks so much for your ongoing support of this Memorial.
Dan Spencer
Founder/Spokesperson
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
11/14/24
Dear Councilmember Holstege:
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial. This
Memorial has been a passion of ours since 2012 and the all-volunteer Palm Springs
AIDS Memorial Task Force is thrilled that the design is in its final step before becoming
a reality.
As you are aware, earlier this year the Task Force organized a series of targeted
community listening sessions and the participants provided important feedback and
thoughts about what the memorial should be. This culminated with a large open-to-all
Town Hall in which members of the public were invited to provide additional input. Artist
Phillip K. Smith III and the Task Force then reviewed all the input and Phillip
incorporated these thoughts into the new design of the Memorial. This design has
already received tremendous support from the entire community and was accepted by
the Public Arts Commission to be installed in the Downtown Park, pending Council
approval.
The Memorial is on the Council’s November 21 agenda, and we hope, like so many
others in the community, that you love this design as much as we do. The Public Arts
Commission agreed to gift $65,000 towards the installation/sitework for the Memorial.
That was the installation/sitework cost for the original design which was budgeted at
$600,000. The new, more involved design (that incorporates the many excellent
suggestions that came out of the community listening sessions, such as adding
adjacent seating and a related plaza) now has a budget range of $1-1.2 million with an
installation/sitework cost of $125,000. While approval of the Memorial at the City
Council meeting on the 21st is our priority, we do hope that the City might consider
allocating additional funds to reinforce a greater commitment to this important project.
We are happy to answer any questions you might have, and we all look forward to
seeing you on the 21st at the City Council meeting.
Best regards,
Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Task Force
Dan Spencer, Founder/Spokesperson
Arturo Fernandez
Dana Manciagli
Jeffrey Jurasky
Karyl E. Ketchum, Ph.D.
Mike Richey
Phillip K. Smith III
Stuart Kent
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
From:Michael Howard
To:City Clerk
Subject:PS City Council meeting public comment 14 Nov 2024
Date:Thursday, November 14, 2024 1:28:37 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.
City Clerk
Re: PS City Council meeting public comment 14 Nov 2024
Re: City Council Resolution 25147, 12 October 2023. --
Can the City Council either rescind this resolution or amend it to give equal consideration to
both the Palestinian and Israeli people? --
1st: As the City of Palm Springs is not a nation state with responsibilities in international
relations, this resolution appears ill advised and unwarranted. --
2nd: Even if warranted, its bias of concern for the state of Israel and ancillary consideration of
the Palestinian people is plainly unjust. --
3rd: The Hamas 7 October 2023 attack was a crime against humanity. But, based on kill
numbers alone, the response of the state of Israel in the past year has been a 42+
times worse crime against humanity. --
4th: Consequently, the state of Israel needs constraint not unqualified support. --
Michael Howard
Palm Springs, CA
760-323-1050
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
Public comment (Non-Agenda Items):
Soon the Council will be presented with a City Council Staff Report which will provide a summary of feedback
received by its own subcommittee regarding an update to the scope of the Human Rights Commission. As the
current Vice Chair of the HRC, I must express my extreme concerns with the direction the Subcommittee took since
the Council decided on June 13 to pause the HRC’s work and to delay any further appointments to fill its two current
vacancies.
Without getting into the genesis of the action, or what the final staff report might eventually contain, I am appealing
to you to ensure that any direction you give City staff in updating a reimagined HRC’s role, scope and authority
through an update to Chapter 2.45 of the Municipal Code include strengthening and addressing the process for
soliciting, vetting, and recommending individuals and organizations for future Community Service Awards, should
Council decide to retain this program.
Should the final staff report limit the HRC’s work to assisting community members in finding existing services and
grant opportunities, and to participation in wellness fairs, parades, and other community events, I urge the full
Council to reject it. Should the recommendations not make clear that advocacy and expansion of basic human
rights and dignity in public policy – to ensure our residents are free from prejudice, discrimination, and hate – remain
core functions of the HRC, it should be rejected. Although a reimagined Commission could certainly look at
incorporating a Human Services component in the course of its work, to do so without also looking at the promotion
and expansion of Human Rights, in a time when there is so much division, anger, and concern among Palm Springs
residents, would be a disservice to the community. We can engage with various social service providers and partners
while also continuing to be a voice for Human Rights in our community.
As Mayor pro tem deHarte recently said, in discussing the concerns of many in our community over former President
Donald Trump’s reelection, “we can regroup as a community and unite and support one another and be prepared to
do what the LGBTQ community has been doing for decades, and that’s fighting to keep rights that are basic human
rights for all individuals.
Finally, I believe as any re-imagining of the HRC will certainly not be accomplished until mid-2025, if not even later,
it is time for this Council to lift the hiatus, proceed with filling all vacancies, and allow the HRC to resume serving the
community in a meaningful way. Any proposed changes to the Palm Springs Municipal Code will take months to be
adopted, given that the process requires multiple readings before the Council takes final action; I believe the city
deserves better now. Thank you.
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Roxann Ploss
To:Roxanne Rodriguez
Subject:Another request
Date:Thursday, November 14, 2024 5:47:53 PM
Attachments:While on the Historic Site Preservation Board for many years.docx
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,
It's the other Roxann again. Could you please distribute this amongst
the council members? I don't know when this will be agendized but I
hope I haven't missed it already!!! Thanks so much; I appreciate it.
--
roxann ploss
palm springs
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
While on the Historic Site Preservation Board for many years, the
airport, particularly the iconic façade facing Mt. San Jacinto, was
discussed several times. That stellar example of mid -century modern
architecture was too valuable to be eclipsed .
For thousands upon thousands, their introduction (and farewell) to
Palm Springs is the airport. In fact, it might be the only part of Palm
Springs they see on their way to Coachella Fest, Stagecoach or a
sports tourney.
Yet, t his expansion proposes 3- to 4-storied, above -ground structures
on either end of the concourse. That will dwarf the entrance, making
it visible only from head-on.
Most of the land on four sides of the airport is already developed;
with some exception (Gene Autry), it’s residential. As proposed, the
northern structure will move uncomfortably closer to existing
neighborhoods. More planes, cars, people and congestion challenging
an overloaded infrastructure.
Expansion of the Jackie Corcoran Airport which offers more than
double the amount of open and buildable acreage is the better option.
It’s also better for visitors making the East Valley their final
destination.
Airlines want more flights. Businesses want more customers. To
satisfy both while placating local residents, please reject this
proposal.
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
From:Roxann Ploss
To:City Clerk
Subject:Could this be distributed to Council members?
Date:Sunday, November 3, 2024 6:00:31 PM
Attachments:Why should anyone care about a vast tract of sand and brush being lost to overwhelmingly tall.docx
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'd appreciate that.
--
roxann ploss
1845 E. Tachevah
palm springs
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
Why should anyone care about sand dunes and scrub brush being lost
to overwhelmingly tall, graceless cement warehouses? Or about
trucks loading and unloading goods almost 24/7?
Many do care. Palm Springs is a resort destination. Appearances
matter a great deal. Resorts which purport to be beneficial to a
visitor’s health and well-being cannot afford to assault those same
visitors with polluted, lung-damaging air.
Engines idling or re-starting all day will add to the current poor air
quality from the through traffic of the I-10. Those residents who live
within the “wind belt” with pre-existing respiratory problems will, on
the frequent blustery days, find them exacerbated by the added
exhaust fumes of hundreds of extra, heavy vehicles.
Many contend that the desert is already overbuilt, particularly when
measured against available resources. If more construction MUST
come, wouldn’t the land proposed for these behemoth store houses be
better used for affordable housing? Or, at least, something more
inviting?
These warehouses which depend on automation will not bring new
jobs to the Valley. They will not add to its attractiveness. They will
not improve the health of those who live or visit here. And if tax
incentives are being offered to entice those companies here, they will
not immediately add to over-burdened coffers.
Short-term economic gains should not outrank the long-term health,
well-being and, yes, economics of the Valley. They’re not what we
need.
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
From:Jeffrey Bernstein
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: Palm Springs Human Trafficking Assistance Request
Date:Tuesday, November 12, 2024 10:07:24 PM
Thank you!
Jeffrey
Jeffrey Bernstein
Mayor
City of Palm Springs
442-305-9942
Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov
Begin forwarded message:
From: Michael SaMo Pitkin MSO <pitkinmichael3@outlook.com>
Subject: Palm Springs Human Trafficking Assistance Request
Date: November 12, 2024 at 5:28:46 PM PST
To: "Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov" <Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov>, Michael SaMo Pitkin MSO <Pitkinmichael3@outlook.com>, Evelyn Beltran <Evelyn.Beltran@palmspringsca.gov>
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.
Michael Joseph Pitkin
pitkinmichael3@outlook.com
The Center
1301 North Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, Ca. 92262
C/O: Dan Griffin
November 12, 2024
Jeffrey Bernstein, Mayor
City of Palm Springs
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 323-8299
Alyssa Chavez, Executive Administrative Assistant
(760) 322-8385
RE: Palm Springs Human Trafficking Assistance Request
Dear The City of Palm Springs:
I am currently being human trafficked, in Palm Springs, California. The Palm Springs Police Department have labeled me : "Paperclip NAZI"!
I am not interested in assistance from the Palm Springs Police Department, due to this. Also, questionable Virtual Reality phone conversations I had earlier (with their help) that seemed very A.I.!
Today, I ask help in reaching out to my family (out of state). I have tried for 3 years with social service agencies, only to be ridiculed and yelled at! This is not helpful!
I have had my emails, all of my accounts (for 40 years ) hacked and my Obama phones stolen (sold on the black market) by the actual Obama Phone street vendors. I cannot get California Lifeline, until I sue the last
Obama phone distributor, in Santa Monica, California). I have not had a phone (to make calls in years).
Today, I ask for the Mayor's assistance in making emergency phone calls. I ask to set some appointments.
I make this public, to bring attention to my 3 years of "standing up to bullies", here in Palm Springs! The BIPOC, Indigenous, bullies have made it clear they are going to PROVOKE, and when those they
attack defends themselves (and their civil rights), the bullies then claim they are the VICTIM! ~HOG WASH!
Signed, Michael Joseph Pitkin
P.S. No one can even call 911 at the Palm Springs International Airport!
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:kaluratrattoria
To:Jeffrey Bernstein; Christy Holstege; Ron deHarte; Grace Garner; Lisa Middleton; Jeff Ballinger-C; Scott Stiles;
Teresa Gallavan; Alyssa Chavez; City Clerk; Michael Braun; Octavio Fernandez
Cc:kaluratrattoria@aol.com; ibattaglia@aol.com
Subject:Opposition to Misleading Representation
Date:Tuesday, November 12, 2024 3:17:26 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 Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
We ignazio Battaglia, Joseph Amodeo leaseholder of Kalura Trattoria, write to express strong
opposition to the city's misleading representation of the proposed theatre project.
*Misrepresentation*
1. Posted pictures exclude Kalura Trattoria's patio, misrepresenting the project's impact.
2. Omitting Kalura Trattoria from visuals, ignoring community concerns.
3. Falsely implying Kalura Trattoria's relocation or demolition.
*Damages to Business*
1. Loss of revenue due to uncertainty.
2. Damage to reputation.
3. Emotional distress.
4. Decreased property value.
*Lack of Agreement*
No agreement has been reached regarding:
1. Fair compensation.
2. Relocation terms.
3. Alternative solutions.
*Intent to Seek Damages*
Our attorney will file for damages under applicable laws:
1. California Civil Code § 1708.5 (Tortious Interference).
2. 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (Civil Rights).
3. California Code of Civil Procedure § 425.16 (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public
Participation).
*Request*
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
1. Correct misleading representations.
2. Provide accurate information.
3. Engage in meaningful negotiations.
4. Immediately remove the Plaza Theatre poster that falsely depicts the area without Kalura
Trattoria's patio.
5. Issue a public clarification statement.
*Supporting Documents*
1. City's posted pictures.
2. Community Impact.
Best Regards
Ignazio Battaglia
Joseph Amodeo
Kalura Trattoria
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
From:Jeffrey Bernstein
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: NO REPARATIONS
Date:Monday, November 11, 2024 8:10:05 AM
Thank you,
Jeffrey
Jeffrey Bernstein
Mayor
City of Palm Springs
442-305-9942
Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov
Begin forwarded message:
From: Rory Pumpernickel <rorypumpernickel@gmail.com>
Date: November 11, 2024 at 6:31:10 AM PST
To: Jeffrey Bernstein <Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: NO REPARATIONS
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 urge you to veto the big money grab that is section 14 reparations. These folks
have already received government assistance in many forms (Cal Fresh, SNAP,
housing vouchers, SSI, unemployment, Social Security, educational assistance,
many many other programs). The current residence of Palm Springs should not
suffer for this lawyer driven money grab sham. Thank you.
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Item 3A
From:Christy Holstege
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: Response to Relocation Assistance Offer and Request for Calculation Details
Date:Thursday, November 7, 2024 9:13:28 PM
Christy Gilbert Holstege, Esq.
Councilmember
District 4
City of Palm Springs
Begin forwarded message:
From: kaluratrattoria <kaluratrattoria@aol.com>
Date: November 7, 2024 at 5:54:34 PM PST
To: Jeffrey Bernstein <Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov>, Ron deHarte
<Ron.deHarte@palmspringsca.gov>, Lisa Middleton
<Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>, Grace Garner
<Grace.Garner@palmspringsca.gov>, Christy Holstege
<Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov>, Alyssa Chavez
<alyssa.chavez@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: FW: Response to Relocation Assistance Offer and Request for
Calculation Details
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.
Kalura Trattoria
-------- Original message --------
From: kaluratrattoria <kaluratrattoria@aol.com>
Date: 10/31/24 8:29 PM (GMT+01:00)
To: Teresa Gallavan <Teresa.Gallavan@palmspringsca.gov>, Jeff.Ballinger-
C@palmspringsca.gov, Scott.Stiles@palmspringsca.gov
Cc: ibattaglia@aol.com
Subject: Response to Relocation Assistance Offer and Request for Calculation
Details
Kalura Trattoria
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
Teresa Gallavan, City Manager
City of Palm Springs
Jeffrey Bellinger, City Attorney
City of Palm Springs
Dear Ms. Gallavan, Mr. Bellinger.
I am writing to express extreme disappointment and surprise at the relocation
assistance offer of $95,000 presented to us after four months of waiting for the
assessor's report. This offer is grossly inadequate and does not reflect the actual
losses incurred by Kalura Trattoria due to the city's proposed patio relocation.
*Previous Calculations*
As previously discussed, our estimated losses include approximately:
1. *Loss of Goodwill*: $ 400,000
2. *Loss of Purchasing Power*: $300,000
3. *Additional Employees Costs* for 8 year's $1,200,000
4. *Wireless Computers*: $60,000
*Total Estimated Loss*
$1,960,000
*Concerns and Requests*
1. We request a detailed breakdown of the assessor's calculations used to
determine the $95,000 offer.
2. Provide documentation supporting the assessor's methodology and
assumptions.
3. Clarify how the offer addresses our specific losses and business disruption.
4. Explain why our previously submitted calculations were not considered.
*Complaint Regarding Assessment Process*
We are deeply concerned and disappointed that:
1. The assessor's company, hired by the City of Palm Springs, has only provided a
draft report after four months.
2. We were refused access to this draft report.
This lack of transparency and cooperation is unacceptable. We urge you to:
1. Provide immediate access to the draft report.
2. Ensure the assessment process is conducted fairly and openly.
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
*Methodology and Assumptions*
To ensure transparency and fairness, we request information on:
1. Valuation methods used (e.g., income approach, market data approach).
2. Data sources and market analysis.
3. Assumptions regarding our business operations and revenue projections.
4. Treatment of intangible assets (e.g., goodwill, trade secrets).
*Negotiation and Resolution*
We are willing to negotiate, but the current offer is unacceptable. We propose:
1. A revised offer reflecting our actual losses.
2. A meeting to discuss the assessor's report and our concerns.
3. Consideration of alternative dispute resolution methods.
*Conclusion*
The $95,000 offer is insufficient and disregards our documented losses. We urge
you to reassess and provide a more comprehensive and equitable relocation
assistance package.
Please respond within 14 days, addressing our concerns and providing the
requested information.
Sincerely,
Ignazio Battaglia
Joseph Amodeo
Kalura Trattoria
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
From:Christy Holstege
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: Urgent: Oppose Resolution of Necessity for Plaza Theater Redevelopment
Date:Thursday, November 7, 2024 9:13:18 PM
Christy Gilbert Holstege, Esq.
Councilmember
District 4
City of Palm Springs
Begin forwarded message:
From: ibattaglia <ibattaglia@aol.com>
Date: November 7, 2024 at 5:57:45 PM PST
To: Jeffrey Bernstein <Jeffrey.Bernstein@palmspringsca.gov>, Ron deHarte
<Ron.deHarte@palmspringsca.gov>, Grace Garner
<Grace.Garner@palmspringsca.gov>, Christy Holstege
<Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov>, Lisa Middleton
<Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>, Alyssa Chavez
<alyssa.chavez@palmspringsca.gov>
Cc: Michael Braun <Michael@gritps.com>, Octavio Fernandez
<Octavio@gritps.com>
Subject: Urgent: Oppose Resolution of Necessity for Plaza Theater
Redevelopment
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.
Kalura Trattoria
The Honorable Mayor, Council Members:
- Jeffrey Bernstein
- Lisa Middleton
- Christy Holstege
- Grace Garner
- Ron Deharte
City of Palm Springs
Dear Council Members,
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
We are writing to express strong opposition to the proposed Resolution of
Necessity for the Plaza Theater redevelopment project, which unjustly targets
Kalura Trattoria's property through eminent domain.
Community Involvement*
Kalura Trattoria has been an integral part of Palm Springs' dining scene and
cultural fabric for 22 years. Our customers, employees and neighbors are deeply
concerned about the project's impact.
*Key Concerns*
*Lack of Transparency*
1. Lack of transparency in assessment process and relocation terms.
2. Insufficient documentation supports the resolution.
*Unfair Compensation*
1. Offered relocation assistance ($95,000) grossly underestimates our losses ($1.8
million).
2. Ignores Kalura Trattoria's goodwill, customer base and employee investments.
*Community Impact*
1. Threatens local businesses and landmarks.
2. Harms community character and cultural significance.
*Eminent Domain Abuse*
1. Misuses power to benefit private interests.
2. Violates California Code of Civil Procedure § 1230.030.
*Initiating a Petition*
To demonstrate community opposition, Kalura Trattoria will initiate a petition.
We urge concerned citizens to join us in expressing their objections to the project.
Context*
The Plaza Theater redevelopment project's proposed use of eminent domain
contradicts Palm Springs' values:
1. Community engagement and participation.
2. Preservation of local landmarks.
3. Support for small businesses.
*Call to Action*
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda
We urge you to deny the Resolution of Necessity and consider alternative
solutions that balance development and community needs. We request a meeting
to discuss fair relocation assistance and community engagement.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Kalura Trattoria
11/14/2024
Public Comment
Non-Agenda