City leaders, commissioners begin work to refocus Human Rights Commission’s work

The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission (HRC) is undergoing its first comprehensive review in 30 years, with commissioners discussing potential changes to focus on a variety of issues in the community, possibly including human services, elderly care, and homelessness issues.

During its regular meeting Monday, HRC commissioners voiced concerns about unclear expectations for the commission, limited resources, and poor communication, highlighting challenges in fulfilling their roles effectively.

Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein and Councilmember Grace Garner, who spoke during the Monday meeting, are leading efforts to revise the commission’s ordinance, incorporating input from commissioners on potential new focuses and responsibilities.

“This is the first time in 30 years the commission’s been looked at, and it’s something that we should take seriously,” Bernstein said. “We’re here ready to do it.”

Much of the effort to rework the HRC’s focus follows reporting by The Post in February that some members of the commission reportedly changed a decision behind closed doors about who would receive a community service award and didn’t involve the full commission in a public meeting.

That reporting led to the HRC disbanding its executive committee, but also to a hiatus of sorts as city officials worked with members of the commission to refocus its work.

Alluded to but not discussed during the Monday meeting were claims that the hiatus proposed by City Councilmember Christy Holstege was politically motivated.

In recent communications with the city attorney, individuals who were named in a public records request by The Post — through their attorneys — claim they were being retaliated against by Holstege as concerns about one award recipient known to her were first brought to the attention of commission members. 

While final decisions about changes to the Commission’s goals are likely weeks away, the four members who were present Monday gave a glimpse of what might be discussed.

Commissioner Michael Horne expressed support for adding a human services component to the commission’s work. 

“I think it’s really important that we understand what the 501(c)(3)s do in the city,” he said. “We understand the populations that we serve, the populations that are in need.”

Horne suggested inviting executive directors of local organizations to present to the commission, helping members understand the agencies’ work and needs.

Vice Chair David Vignolo proposed removing the commission’s mediation role, stating, “In the time I’ve served on this commission, it has never worked. I just don’t see going forward that a human relations or human rights commission or whatever we end up being called needs to take on that role of mediation.”

Commissioners also discussed the possibility of partnering with local organizations and attending community events to increase visibility and effectiveness.

“There is a lot of redundancy and so much ability to collaborate, especially with something as important as this,” said one commissioner, referring to efforts to address homelessness in the city.

The HRC is currently unable to take on new business during the review process, but will continue to participate in regular events such as the Veterans Day and Pride parades.

Garner emphasized the need for clear expectations and systems moving forward. 

“A lot of these human rights commissions, their mission statements are very broad or very vague,” she said, “and that makes it difficult to move forward without systems in place.”

The next HRC meeting is scheduled for Oct. 9, where commissioners will continue discussions on their future roles and responsibilities.

“I think we have moved very far along in this process and you did over the last few months,” Bernstein said near the end of Monday’s meeting. “And I just want to reiterate how grateful we are to the work that you did.”

---