September 13 Daily Briefing: Reparations backlash, new AIDS Memorial design, and more

Welcome to Friday the 13th! If you’re on Facebook or Instagram, you may have seen that we’re running a few ads encouraging people to sign up for this newsletter. We haven’t done that for a few years, but thought we’d give it a shot in order to get over the 17,000 mark. So far, we’ve seen some success, but we know there’s nothing better than word of mouth. So, in that spirit, if you’d like to let your friends, family, or neighbors know about us, we’d love it if you forwarded them this link. Thanks, and have a great weekend!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Black Coffee in Bed” by Squeeze

LEADING OFF

City Council faces backlash over Section 14 reparations delay

Survivors and descendants of Section 14 confronted the Palm Springs City Council Thursday evening over what they said were unfulfilled promises of reparations. 

Driving the news: Dozens of speakers addressed the council, expressing frustration over the lack of progress on reparations for the city’s part in the forced removal of residents and destruction of homes on tribal land in the 1960s.

• The city had previously apologized and offered reparations that include $4.3 million in direct cash payments, access to affordable housing,  a healing center, a park, and a day of remembrance.

At issue: Recent exchanges between the city attorney and lawyers for the Section 14 Survivors organization show there is still no agreement on the total direct cash payments. 

• The city appears ready to stand by its $4.3 million offer from earlier this year, partially based on its research on the number of destroyed homes. The Section 14 group is asking the council to approve $9 million based on its figures.

What they’re saying: Many who spoke Thursday evening said that further delays in awarding the reparations are unnecessary and harmful to aging community members.

• “For years, you have shamefully strung me and other Section 14 survivors along with promises made, promises broken,” said Pearl Devers, a Section 14 survivor who has long advocated for the reparations

What’s next: Survivors and supporters vowed to continue their fight for justice, promising to take their message to the streets of Downtown Palm Springs, the State Capital in Sacramento, Congress, and the courts if necessary.

Read more in our full story

BRIEFLY

💰 City looks to tighten nonprofit grant oversight

The Palm Springs City Council got a chance to review new policies aimed at strengthening oversight of grants to nonprofit organizations Thursday evening. The measure would enhance accountability and transparency in the city’s fund disbursement process. 

• Key proposed changes include eliminating lump sum payments for projects exceeding $75,000, requiring reimbursement-based or split payments for large grants, and mandating regular progress reports and invoices.
  
  
• The proposed changes come in response to recent financial control issues surrounding a guaranteed income pilot program.
  
  
• Next steps: The City Council has requested further clarification and consideration of potential impacts on smaller nonprofits. Staff will refine the policies based on council input and present an updated version at a future meeting.

Read more in our full story

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YOUR WEEKEND

ALL WEEKEND

• How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying kicks off the season at Palm Canyon Theatre ($17-$38)

TODAY

• All Valley Mayors and Tribal Chairpersons Luncheon in Indian Wells at 10:30 a.m. ($100-$125)
  
  
• Country Western Dancing at Dance Ranch Palm Springs at 7:30 p.m. ($5)
  
  
• Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso at 9 p.m. ($10-$15)

SATURDAY

• Indoor Farmers Market at Palm Springs Pavilion from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
  
  
• Cat Show at Palm Springs Convention Center from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. ($10-$15)
  
  
• Auditions for the Modern Men Chorus at United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.
  
  
• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus School Supply Drive at Dollar tree on Vista Chino from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m.
  
  
• Second Saturday Art Walk at The Lofts Art District from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
  
  
• Gregory Douglass at Palm Springs Cultural Center at 7:30 p.m. ($22)

SUNDAY

• Open House celebrating Agnes Pelton in Cathedral City from  10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

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AND FINALLY …

A new design for the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial has been released, featuring a three-faced mirror-like structure called “The Well of Love.” The updated concept by artist Phillip K. Smith III aims to evoke emotions of hope, loss, grief, gratitude, and love.

Driving the news: The redesign comes after community backlash against the original concept, which some found disrespectful and offensive when it gained wider attention in fall 2023.

• The new design incorporates unique oval “pools of tears” on each face, allowing visitors to see their reflections intermingled with ripples.

Why it matters: Organizers behind the sculpture said Thursday that the redesigned artwork aims to create a more inclusive and respectful tribute to those affected by AIDS, while fostering a sense of community healing and remembrance.

• The Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Sculpture Task Force hosted multiple listening sessions to gather public input and inform the new design.

What’s next: The task force will seek approvals from various city departments and commissions, including the Public Arts Commission, starting in October.

• The project had an initial cost estimate of $500,000. But with the new, larger design, that figure has now been set at $1.2 million. Those interested in contributing to the memorial can visit this website. The city is covering installation in Downtown Park.