Marty Morris / MPM Photography
Palm Springs, CA
Section 14, located in downtown Palm Springs, once thrived as the residential hub for numerous individuals, predominantly minority families. However, in the 1950s, their livelihoods were abruptly disrupted as they faced compulsory eviction and witnessed their homes demolished to make way for the city’s expansion. The Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors initiated a campaign demanding justice from the city for past injustices. In January, numerous advocates addressed the city council, urging them to take action and issue a resolution.
(Marty Morris / MPM Photography – Guests at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert in Palm Springs Supporting Section 14 Survivors and their descendants)
Last night, the Palm Springs City Council discussed Section 14 in a closed session. Here is a statement from Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein on what was discussed about Section 14:
“Today the City Council met in Closed Session and had a very thoughtful and robust discussion regarding Section 14. We agreed on the following actions:
- My colleagues and I recognize that City funds were used to clear land which housed individuals and families who were tenants on the property, including minority groups. We know that we as a city need to right that wrong and in today’s Closed Session we collectively agreed on a number of steps to accomplish that goal.
- First and foremost, we will build more affordable housing by contributing to a Community Land Trust.
- We also agreed to focus our collective efforts to explore ways that we can increase economic opportunities; especially with small businesses in underserved communities. The first step we will be taking is asking Staff to review the results of our new small business entrepreneur pilot program with Caravanserai – and potentially expand funding.
- In addition, the City of Palm Springs will explore the feasibility of a healing or cultural center, dedicated to Section 14. We are directing Staff to coordinate with county, state, and federal governments for possible funding.
- The Council previously approved hiring a consultant for a historical context study — and in today’s Closed Session we reaffirmed our commitment and asked Staff to come back within 90 days on the hiring of that consultant and next steps.
- The Council discussed other potential programs which would include the possible renaming of a community park, dedication of an art installation, and/or creating a Day of Remembrance.
- My City Council colleagues and I are committed to continuing the conversation with the survivors of Section 14 and all residents of Palm Springs as we work together to address the inequities of the past.
- The City of Palm Springs recognizes that marginalized and minority communities have been negatively impacted by City actions from the past.
- Finally, the City Council has given direction to the City Attorney with regards to the claims made to the City by the residents of those displaced from Section 14.”
In response to the Palm Springs City Council’s announcement following their closed session to discuss the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors’ ongoing march for restorative justice, Attorney Areva Martin, lead counsel for the Section 14 Survivors and their descendants, issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors, we are encouraged that the City of Palm Springs has heard our call for justice and has committed to taking tangible steps to make the Section 14 Survivors whole. We look forward to working closely with the City Council to reach a reasonable and just resolution, so that we can turn a page on this chapter of Palm Springs’ history and move forward.”