While the cleanup continues after Tropical Storm Hilary, residents and public officials are banding together to help provide for those affected by the storm and to try and prevent some of the impacts whenever floods hit Palm Springs.
The efforts includes those by Riverside County to collect reports of damage, those of a local museum to collect funds, and those of one Palm Springs resident to send letter to state officials. Below is what we know:
Damage reports needed
The Riverside County Emergency Management Agency is seeking assistance from the public to document damage resulting from Tropical Storm Hilary impacting the county. The information will be used to assist in collecting consolidated impact information as damages are assessed.
To complete the form, click here.
Air museum fundraiser
The Palm Springs Air Museum launched a community fundraiser last week to aid Cathedral City residents affected by the storm, offering a free ride on their C-47 Skytrain for donations of $200 or more.
“During these difficult times, our hearts extend to all in our community who’ve felt the impact of the recent storm,” museum Vice Chairman Fred Bell said in a statement. “The Palm Springs Air Museum wants to be a beacon of hope and solidarity as the community faces adversity. … We hope to raise $20,000 for the residents. The funds will be given to the local community to distribute.”
As of Sunday, more than $9,000 had been raised. To donate, go to this website.
Automated letter campaign
One enterprising city resident made it easier to send letters to state officials, who local leaders said last week need to hear from residents in order to help secure funding for a bridge over the wash at North Indian Canyon Drive.
On Saturday, Miguel Rodriguez crafted letters that can be automatically sent to Sacramento using Resistbot, which allows users to compose and send letters to elected officials from the messaging apps on their mobile phones.
“I read about Indian Canyon being closed for up to two months as well as Palm Spring’s request for funding for construction of a bridge from the state, via the Palm Springs Post,” Rodriguez wrote. “I made the letter a form letter that you can use to send it directly to our governor and state representatives.”
To begin the process, which is designed to be completed in under two minutes, text SIGN PRNKNN to 50409. From there, you will be taken through a series of steps that result in letters signed by you being sent to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, State Sen. Kelly Seyarto, and State Assemblymember Greg Wallis.
If you’d prefer contacting them via email, phone call, or a written letter, the following is their contact information:
- Gov. Gavin Newsom: Write him at 1021 O Street, Suite 9000, Sacramento, CA 95814; leave him a message at 916-445-2841; or email him by completing the form at this website.
- State Sen. Kelly Seyarto: Write him at his Palm Springs field office, 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 200-12, Palm Springs, CA 92262; leave him a message at 760-422-6684; or send him an email by completing the form at this website.
- Assemblymember Greg Wallis: Write him at his district office, 41-608 Indian Trail Road, Suite D-1, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270; leave him a message at 760-346-6342; or send him an email by completing the form at this website.
