Dec. 10 Daily Briefing: School officials tackle hate speech, police chief grounds fleet, and more

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🎶 Setting the mood: “Can I Sit Next To You” by Spoon

LEADING OFF

School officials aim to improve response to hate speech incidents

Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) officials faced calls for better communication and accountability in addressing hate speech during a town hall meeting Monday. 

Driving the news: The meeting was organized by the African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) to gather feedback on the district’s handling of hate speech incidents. Attendees voiced concerns about inconsistent disciplinary measures across different schools and grade levels.

• Participants, including some students, shared personal experiences of racial slurs and discriminatory behavior on campus, highlighting the need for universal, equitable practices.

Zoom in: PSUSD officials who spoke emphasized education and support over punitive measures for hate speech. However, they noted the district’s ability to share disciplinary actions is limited by privacy regulations.

What they’re saying: Suggestions for improvements included staff and student training, inclusive education on racial and ethnic diversity, ongoing community engagement, and updates to board policies. Improved communication with families about handling hate speech incidents was also a priority.

Next steps: Post-meeting, Dr. Antonia Hunt, director of Title IX and Compliance for the district, acknowledged the need to better inform the community about existing protections and reporting procedures, promising to use the town hall input to refine policies and improve communication.

• “It’s about receiving that information to ensure that we see where the gaps in our systems lie so we can start filling them in,” she said. “If we haven’t communicated that effectively to our community, then it’s not doing us a lot of good if we’re not sharing the information.”

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🚨 PSPD motorcycle fleet grounded after parade incident

Following a crash at the Festival of Lights Parade that injured 12 people, including an officer whose motorcycle slid into the crowd, Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills has halted all motorcycle operations within the department for an administrative review. The incident has also prompted a series of actions including an external investigation by the California Highway Patrol and a review of the Traffic Division’s policies.

• Mills announced plans on Monday to overhaul motorcycle unit protocols for events, enhance department-wide training on decision-making and risk assessment, and conduct an Internal Affairs investigation to scrutinize the incident’s details. He emphasized the need to correct any procedural inconsistencies and improve safety measures.
  
  
• The chief also addressed motorcycle officers performing stunts like “wheelies” during the parade, assuring such actions will be strictly prohibited in future public events.
  
  
• The latest: Three of the 12 people injured, including the officer, remain in the hospital undergoing treatment. The Walter Clark legal group said it is preparing to file claims against the city on behalf of some of the injured individuals.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

ONE-PS Monthly Meeting
4:30 p.m. | Online and in-person
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) holds its monthly meeting to discuss neighborhood issues with city council members, public safety officers, and other.

Grand Opening PROULX galleries | studios
5 p.m. | The Lofts Art District
Celebrate the opening of a new gallery, featuring works of artists Martin Prew and Barbara Boissevain.

Melba Miller’s Jazz Oasis
5:30 p.m. | Cultural Center
Join songstress Melba Miller and special guests for an evening dedicated to serious listeners and lovers of Jazz. ($22)

VillageFest Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The VillageFest Board consists of seven members appointed by the City Council. The Board typically meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

PSUSD Board of Education Meeting
6 p.m. | PSUSD Headquarters
The Board of Education meets tonight in a special meeting. Check out the agenda here.

SAVE THE DATE

• Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage starts in downtown Palm Springs on Thursday.
  
  
• 2024 Walk of the Inns on Thursday.
  
  
• The Great Catsby Book Club at Frisky Business Cat Cafe on Thursday.
  
  
• A DAP Health Community Conversation online on Thursday.
  
  
• Palm Springs City Council Meeting at City Hall on Thursday. 
  
  
• Christmas Movie in the Park at Sunrise Park on Friday.
  
  
• Holiday Paw Parade & Pet Costume Contest at Victoria Park on Saturday.
  
  
• Friends of the Library Holiday Bazaar at the public library on Saturday.
  
  
• The History of Political Cartoons in America on Dec. 17 at the public library.
  
  
• Desert Film Society Screenings on Dec. 21.

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AND FINALLY …

The Friends of the Palm Springs Library will host its third annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday. The event offers a unique opportunity for holiday shopping while supporting local library services.

Driving the news: Over 50 themed and curated gift baskets will be up for sale, in addition to gently used books, DVDs, and CDs, autographed items, and one-of-a-kind ornaments.

Why it matters: Proceeds from the Holiday Bazaar support the Palm Springs Public Library’s services and programs, including purchasing supplies, materials, and equipment.

What they’re saying: “Each year the gift baskets get more extravagant and increase in number,” said Nanci Morrison, president of the Friends of the Palm Springs Library “Board members love putting these together and it is a great opportunity to offer something special during the holidays, at great prices, in support of the Library, so you can’t go wrong!”

Details: The Holiday Bazaar opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday and runs until 1 p.m. inside the lobby area of the main library at 300 South Sunrise Way.