April 15 Daily Briefing: Reparations offer, ‘treasure’ in Plaza Theatre, it’s Tax Day, and more

Happy Monday, and welcome to Tax Day. Hopefully by now you’ve got your documents in order and have either filed your 2023 taxes, plan to file them today, or have requested an extension. If not, today might be a bit stressful. However, you won’t be alone — an estimated 20 million Americans wait until the last moments to file. Curious about when you might get any refund, how to file for free, or other information pertinent to the annual event? Check out this informative article. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Taxman” by The Beatles

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs proposes $4.3 million reparation for its role in evictions

Palm Springs has offered $4.3 million in reparations to former residents and descendants of Section 14 for property losses during the eviction in the 1960s, a gesture aimed at acknowledging and rectifying the city’s role in these historical injustices.

Driving the news: Documents show the city’s proposal, aimed at compensating for real and personal property losses, was presented to attorneys representing the Section 14 Survivor last week. The move comes years after the city agreed to offer reparations, acknowledging its part in the evictions from land owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

• The proposed amount is significantly lower than the $187 million to $366 million sought by the survivors’ organization, reflecting a discrepancy in the estimated value of the homes and personal property lost during the evictions.

Acknowledging the past: Following a closed session Thursday evening, Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein and the City Council announced new initiatives to promote equity and healing for the displacement of minority groups, particularly in Section 14. 

• These include contributions to a Community Land Trust for affordable housing and the exploration of a healing or cultural center, among other reparative measures.

What they’re saying: “I think you will agree that this offer of monetary damages, and the potential for a resolution of these issues, for these Section 14 Survivors is a historic move,” City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger wrote of the compensation offer in an email to attorneys Areva Martin and Andrew Kratzer. “…It is my and the City Council’s sincere hope that your clients give this offer serious consideration for what could be truly a historic resolution in reparative justice.”

Looking ahead: The city’s offer and the council’s newly announced initiatives mark a significant step towards reparative justice for the Section 14 Survivors. The focus now shifts to the response from the survivors’ representatives and the potential impact of these measures on the community.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

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IN OTHER NEWS

🎨 You may already be familiar with some of the work by Michael Birnberg, a contemporary artist known as ‘Midabi.’ Another one of his pieces will be dedicated today as part of the Pillars of Palm Springs project. [KESQ]

👟 Drag star Trixie Mattel talks about her love of running and offers recommendations for the Downtown Palm Springs businesses she sees along her running route. [NYLON]

✈️ The Palm Springs Air Museum is celebrating after one if its most popular historic aircraft sprang back to life last week. [YouTube]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Lecture: So You Want to Be a Writer?
2 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
Kathy Weyer and the Palm Springs Writers Guild will discuss goals, barriers, and support for beginning writers. Plus, there will be fun writing prompts, and games and opportunities to learn more about the Palm Springs Writers Guild. 

Architectural Review Committee
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
According to the agenda, committee members will discuss final development plans for the Dream Hotel.

Monday Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Gre Coffeehouse
Come have coffee and chat with other men about issues that are on your mind. No RSVP required — just drop in! 

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Join Bella Da Ball for a night of fabulous bingo. (Must spend $30 at Kings Highway to participate).

SAVE THE DATE

• Drive the Plaza Theatre into the Future on Friday at the Prescott Collection Hangar.
  
  
• Free Shredding Event at Palm Springs City Hall on Saturday.
  
  
• Coachella Acappella performs at Palm Desert High School on Saturday.
  
  
• Dine out For Life at multiple restaurants and other eateries on April 25.
  
  
• Palm Springs Entertainment Convention on May 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
  
  
• Desert Winds Freedom Band Concert on May 4 at Temple Isaiah.
  
  
• PSUSD Multicultural Festival on May 4 at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
  
  
• Palm Springs International ShortFest from June 18 -24.

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AND FINALLY …

Crews working on the restoration of the Plaza Theatre downtown made a remarkable discovery when they unearthed original 1930s artwork, hidden for decades, marking a significant milestone in the theatre’s ongoing restoration efforts.

Driving the news: One of the biggest discoveries is detailed, original stencil work along the theater’s proscenium. This discovery kickstarts an extensive restoration process by Architectural Resources Group, aiming to return the theatre to its original aesthetic.

• The stencil work’s unveiling is part of a broader initiative to restore every facet of the venue, from the lobby’s tiles to the unique star ceiling.

Community impact: Beyond the architectural restoration, the Plaza Theatre’s refurbishment is envisioned as a revitalization of cultural heritage in Palm Springs, with the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation and the Oak View Group at the helm.

Looking ahead: The theater is set to reopen sometime next year.