Nov. 14 Daily Briefing: Section 14 agreement, commission concerns, superintendent contract, and more

Welcome to Thursday, everyone, where if you’re like many people right now you’ve decided not to watch cable news or bury your face in your phone endlessly doom scrolling social media. It’s happening in our own homes, and we can tell you first-hand that it seems beneficial. Not that you shouldn’t care about the world around you, but perhaps continuous exposure to news talk shows and other’s opinions and predictions isn’t the most healthy thing. Just some food for thought. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Right Time of the Night” by Jennifer Warnes

LEADING OFF

City reaches agreement with Section 14 Survivors group

Palm Springs officials and the Section 14 Survivors organization have reached a landmark reparations agreement for the city’s role in the displacement of minority residents during the 1950s and 1960s.

Driving the news: The settlement was announced Wednesday. It acknowledges the forced removal of predominantly African American and Latino families from Section 14, a one-mile-square tribal-owned area in the heart of the city.

By the numbers: The reparations package includes $5.9 million in direct compensation, and a promise of $20 million dedicated to housing programs and $1 million for business support. 

• It will also see the possible renaming of a park, the creation of a monument, and the establishment of a cultural and racial healing center to honor the Section 14 survivors

What they’re saying: “(T)his agreement is a long-overdue recognition of what we experienced, and how our lives have been changed because of the destruction of our homes,” said Pearl Devers, president of the Section 14 organization. “While no amount of money can fully restore what we lost, this agreement helps pave the way for us all to finally move forward.”

What’s next: The Palm Springs City Council is set to discuss and possibly vote on the detailed settlement offer this evening starting at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🏛️ Commission’s future debated amid Trump re-election

Palm Springs officials and residents are grappling with concerns about potential threats to human rights following Donald Trump’s re-election, as the city’s Human Rights Commission (HRC) debates its future role and focus.

• At a meeting Tuesday evening, members of the HRC and public speakers pushed back against a proposal to shift the commission’s emphasis from human rights to human services, arguing such a move could weaken protections for vulnerable populations at a critical time.
  
  
• The discussion centered on a draft staff report suggesting the commission could focus on assisting residents in accessing existing services and participating in community events, rather than focusing on human rights advocacy.
  
  
• Bottom line: Public speakers warned that dismantling or weakening the HRC could damage Palm Springs’ reputation as an inclusive city, especially in light of Trump’s re-election, and urged attendance at the Nov. 21 council meeting to provide input on the commission’s future.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Animal Vaccine Clinic
9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Animal Shelter
Low-cost vaccines for the public every Thursday by appointment; available to both dogs and cats. For an appointment, call 760-416-5718.

Dog & Cat Parent Pick Day
11 a.m. | Bones-n-Scones
This adoption event supporting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter introduces a new program to assist adopters with food for their new pet.

Free Admission
5 p.m. | Art Museum
Join us for an engaging evening at the Palm Springs Art Museum with free admission, art, music, and community socializing. Explore the galleries, enjoy a DJ in the sculpture garden, and more.

City Council 
5:30 p.m. | Council Chambers
The Palm Springs City Council will discuss and possibly vote on a reparations agreement with residents and descendants of Section 14.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
A street fair offering art, entertainment, shopping, and food, occurring every Thursday on Palm Canyon Drive.

‘La Cage Aux Folles’
7 p.m. | Palm Canyon Theatre
A glitzy musical set in a Saint-Tropez drag nightclub featuring farcical adventures and a powerful storyline. ($17-$38)

‘Next to Normal’
7 p.m. | CV Rep
A musical following a family’s struggle with mental health through powerful songs and storytelling. ($90)

SAVE THE DATE

• ‘Loot’ by Desert Ensemble Theatre starting Friday.
  
  
• ‘Hillary and Clinton’ by Dezart Performs starting Friday. 
  
  
• ‘Studio One, Forever’ with Q & A following at The Church of St Paul in the Desert on Saturday.
  
  
• ‘When the Band Played On: A conversation with Michael G. Lee and Hank Plante’ on Saturday.
  
  
• Kewet Native American Learning Day and Market on Saturday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Hospitality Association Pickleball Tournament on Saturday.
  
  
• “Paddles for a Cause” Pickleball Tournament on Nov. 23.

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AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) Board of Education voted Tuesday evening to extend Superintendent Dr. Tonatiuh ‘Tony’ Signoret’s contract until June 30, 2027.

Driving the news: The extension, finalized during a recent board meeting, follows Signoret’s appointment as interim superintendent in July 2023 and his transition to the permanent role in January 2023. 

• During the vote, board members cited Signoret’s more than three decades in educational roles, including significant positions within PSUSD, noting that his tenure has been marked by a focus on student success and educational excellence.

Background: Signoret’s history with the district includes his initial role as a bilingual teacher and key administrative positions, including Director and Assistant Superintendent of Certificated Human Resources. 

• He holds doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne.
  
• Raised in Mexico City, district officials said Signoret’s bilingual skills have significantly aided his ability to engage with the district’s diverse community.

Bottom line: “I look forward to our continued focus on academic success and becoming an anti-racist organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Signoret said in a statement released by the district.