City of Palm Springs launches historical context study of Section 14 displacements

The city of Palm Springs has initiated a study to document the complex history of Section 14, a one-square-mile tract adjacent to downtown where properties were demolished between 1956 and 1969.

Architectural Resources Group (ARG), a Southern California consultant, has been selected to conduct the study. In a news release issued Thursday, city officials said ARG’s extensive experience with similar projects in Los Angeles, Pasadena, West Hollywood, and Culver City makes them qualified for the task.

The study, directed by the City Council at their April 11 meeting, aims to clarify the city’s role and responsibilities related to the displacements that occurred during the clearing of Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ property.

It will focus on the period when the city was asked to assist the tribe in clearing their property. During this time, some properties in Section 14 were abated by burning and demolition due to health concerns raised by federal, state, and Riverside County officials, as well as ongoing development efforts.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the City Council to address past inequities. In April, the council agreed to offer $4.3 million to residents with verified property losses related to Section 14.

Several of the residents who were displaced during the efforts, as well as their descendants, have filed a claim against the city, asking for more than $100 million in reparations.

In a letter dated May 22, Areva Martin, an attorney who represents the Section 14 Survivors organization, not only rejected the city’s offer, but claimed her clients should be paid nearly $105 million.

At issue for Martin is what she said is an undercounting of structures the city assisted in destroying more than 50 years ago and the present day value of those structures.

Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein emphasizes the importance of an external review, stating, “The City Council values an external third party who will analyze historical documents and provide the city and all residents and stakeholders with a comprehensive historical report of Section 14.”

The study is expected to be completed in September, with a final presentation to the City Council scheduled for November.

Additionally, the council has requested staff to explore several programmatic actions, including:

• Building more affordable housing
  
  
• Increasing economic opportunities for underserved communities
  
  
• Exploring the feasibility of a Healing Center dedicated to Section 14
  
  
• Potentially renaming a community park
  
  
• Dedicating an art installation
  
  
• Creating a day of remembrance

Some of these efforts are expected to be discussed by the Council in the coming months.

“My Council colleagues and I are united in agreement that we want to work together as a community to address the inequities of the past,” Bernstein said. “This historical context study is the first step in the process.”

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More information: Residents and stakeholders interested in learning more about the history and facts from the city’s perspective surrounding Section 14 can visit EngagePalmSprings.com. The website offers access to thousands of city documents related to the matter, as well as Fact Sheets providing additional context.

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