2015 Winners And Losers In Local Politics In 2015

As always, it has been a tumultuous year in local politics. With little fanfare, here we go with our 2015 Year In Review

Winner: Dr. Raul Ruiz. Barring unforeseen circumstances, he is a shoo-in to be re-elected. Popular in the district, the local GOP can't even field a candidate at this stage of the campaign.

Loser: Mayor Steve Pougnet. Despite his assertions to the contrary, he was planning on running for a 3rd term. The financial links to local developers ended any chance of that and the FBI raid on Palm Springs permanently tarnished his reputation. A maudlin and over the top farewell ceremony didn't help much.

Winner: Geoff Kors. The new Palm Springs City Council member ran a terrific campaign and owes no one. He is being mentioned for higher office already.

Loser: Ginny Foat. Blown out in the mayoral election in Palm Springs garnering only 25% of the vote. Did not run a good campaign coming across at times as a self-centered martyr.

Winner: Rob Moon. Moon had the guts to go up against entrenched power interests in Palm Springs. Aided by the scandal in the City Hall, he won.

Loser: Palm Springs Police Officer Association. Union had a bad year. Dropped it's lawsuit on naming officers in police involved shootings. Only one candidate it backed, Geoff Kors won so there was 35 grand down the tubes. Also the city paid 2.5 million dollars in a wrongful death lawsuit involving a police shooting in 2012.

Winner: Greg Burton. the editor of the Desert Sun courageously led his staff in reporting the events in Palm Springs. A hit piece mailer was sent out on him. That did not stop him or the paper from doing an outstanding job on local coverage.

Loser: DHS Voters. They gave  Mayor Adam Sanchez the boot in favor of Scott Matas but also re-elected Russell Betts and put Yvonne Parks back on the council. Look for more craziness in 2016. By the way, Sanchez is now working as a clerk in a medical pot store.

Winner: Dana Hobart. The feisty Rancho Mirage City Council member has put CVAG on the defensive and is causing a much needed look at CV Link. Buoyed by an arrogant roll out, Hobart vows to continue the fight in 2016.

Loser: Palm Springs Power Elite. From Harold Matnzer's obscene campaign donation amounts given to council candidates to Aftab Dada allowing a motor cycle gang to rent out his hotel, there were several look behind the curtains moments in Palm Springs. And now John Wessman is also being targeted by residents over his downtown hotels. But don't count them out yet.

Winner: J.R. Roberts The Planning Commission Member eked out a win for a council seat in Palm Springs.

Loser: Paul Lewin. Lost his seat over the ongoing scandals in Palm Springs. He may still have a future in local politics but that remains to be seen.

Winner: Social Media. While there were the expected gaffes and craziness, there were new pages devoted to politics and they were widely consumed.

Loser: Chris Mills. The Palm Springs Council member seemed out of touch many times. In a May council meeting he dismissed calls for a criminal investigation into land deals by Palm Springs as "ridiculous." The Feds didn't see it that way.


Mixed Bag: Palm Springs Modernist movement. They had some successes in 2015. They help elect JR Roberts to City Hall and stopped Nexus for a redevelopment project in Palm Springs. However they seem to have started a fight with the Agua Caliente Tribe. A fight they can not and should not win.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com followed on Twitter at @skellynj

Time To Reset Tribal Relations In Palm Springs

With the news that the Agua Caliente Tribe are starting to move on the development of their portion of downtown Palm Springs, it is time to reset tribal-city relations. In the past few years, there has been a disconnect between the tribe and the city, In fact, I would go as far as to say that it borders on disrespectful to a people who were here long before the first pseudo-hipster downed a Cosmopolitan at a trendy Palm Springs Hotel. And who will  be here long after Palm Springs loses its glitter.

Many newer residents and preservationists have no idea that Palm Springs is part of an Indian reservation. They complained that the tribe never consulted them on the tearing down of the Spa Hotel. Before the demolition PS ModCom came up with a plan that told the tribe how to run their own hotel!!  Rather patronizing! Then after it was torn down this insulting Op Ed appeared.

There was the whole Magruder building tear down. It took the city 4 months to sit down with the BIA and Congressman Ruiz and the tribe to resolve this. That should have been done in April, not dragged on for months. Totally mismanaged by the city.

I was dismayed that during the Palm Springs televised candidates debate, there was not one question asked about tribal relations. It should have been addressed at the most visible forum in the election cycle. Instead there was a question about a living wage!! Talk about esoteric.

The tribe in my opinion is reaching out asking for comments on how to rebuild their portion of downtown. They don't have to do this. I think their project and downtown garage will be a welcome addition to the area. I have been here 24 years, not 10 and know that the tribe has always been top shelf. This is also a great chance for you architectural buffs out  there to weigh in.

I urge Mayor Moon to sit down with Chairman Grubbe ASAP. I also urge Councilman Chris Mills to help as he has dealt with the tribe for years. I would like to see the old joint meeting of the Palm Springs City Council and Tribal Council to come back.

And finally I think the citizens of Palm Springs, especially the modernists and newer residents should educate themselves before they go off on tangents that like Shakespeare said are merely, "Sound ans Fury" signifying nothing.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com or on twitter @skellynj

Jeff Stone For Congress Thank You Santa

Despite the dark and dreary days that happen in December, there always appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. I myself have suffered from the holiday blahs. But the Desert Sun like the angels of old brings me tidings of great joy. It appears that State Senator Jeff Stone may step up  and run for Congress in the 36th District against 2 term incumbent Raul Ruiz.

Local Republicans are desperate to find a candidate and I guess Dwight Kealy, a lawyer who doesn't even live in the district, doesn't fit the bill. Jeff Stone is said by political insiders to be considering such a race. Why even such a Valley GOP honcho as Dick Oliphant is quoted in the article.

One of the factors in his decision must be  the amount of money Stone could potentially raise against Ruiz in a short time. He would need a lot. What makes me salivate about a proposed Stone-Ruiz match up is the fact that Jeff Stone has more baggage than the Ace Hotel. A pharmacist by trade, let just say that Stone is generally considered by most to be a few tablets short of a full prescription.

He has links to Scientology, wanted to secede from California, and demanded a face to face meeting with President Obama last year when Central American refugees came to Murietta. And of course there was the now infamous badge incident a few years back. For those of you who remember the old MASH television show, he is definitely the Colonel Flagg of our local political leaders.

Stone has been trying to be a little more serious in the last year. He has also tried to reach out to the gay community and employed CC Councilman Greg Pettis in his office. In fact, someone pointed out to me that Stone had gone to an Equality California breakfast. While that is all well and good, I would bet Ruiz would be pretty happy to have Jeff Stone as his opponent.

Stone is a man for his times. If those times were 1950. But he would certainly add color to what appears to be right now a one-sided race. Run Jeff run.


Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com or followed on Twitter @skellynj

RIP George Zander A True Warrior

Word has just started to come via social media that George Zander, a long time political activist in the Valley passed away today. George and his spouse were the victims of a hate crime assault last month. No word yet on whether or not that contributed to today's sad event.

George was like me. a child of an FBI agent. He was a big time Democratic activist in Seattle and when he moved to the desert, he continued to be very involved with the Stonewall Democrats and Equality California. He also was an expert on Covered California. George was on the front lines in the battle against homelessness in Palm Springs.

Over the years George and I would get together to talk politics. We didn't always agree on everything but I really enjoyed spending time with him and I hope he felt likewise. I last saw George back in October at the Desert Sun's pop-up political event. We chatted in the parking lot about various candidates and the usual pomposity that reigns supreme in Palm Springs politics. Within 20 minutes, we were both laughing. When I think of George, that last chat is what I will remember.

A warrior for the underdog, no matter what community they were in. Bless you my friend.

Steve Kelly can be reached at svericker12@gmail.com or on twitter @skellynj

We Interrupt Reality To Bring You Palm Springs

A few weeks ago I was telling one of our Valley leaders how shocked I was at the lack of even a hint of embarrassment in official Palm Springs over the ongoing corruption investigation and September City Hall raid. He said to me, "Steve you have lived here almost 25 years and you still haven't figured out this place is less like reality and more like Disneyland?"

Well he turned out to be a prophet at least  for the first half of the last meeting of the Palm Springs City Council. The city said farewell to Mayor Steve Pougnet and Councilmen Paul Lewin and Rick Hutcheson. It commenced with 94 year old Broadway legend Carol Channing grabbing the microphone and wishing "Mayor Steve" well. Pougnet then regaled us with the story of how Ms. Channing had given his daughter a feather boa when she got cold a few years ago. Okay.

The meeting then turned to a city produced video montage of the Mayor and departing others. Bear in mind one was departing because he lost an election and the other 2 declined to run again. It was not like they were overthrown by coup d'état. The song played during the video was by a group called 10,000 Maniacs. Enough said.

Then came the goodbye speeches. While I understand this council has done a lot, I must say their self-aggrandizing patting on the back is getting rather tiresome. I found it incredible that no one even acknowledged the investigation into the city. Instead like some group engaged in a tontine of mutual admiration, the tears flowed as each up on the council took their turn lauding their colleagues. Several of them also lauded the first responders who were in the audience. A good touch but also bear in mind the Palm Springs Police Department has paid out almost 3 million dollars in lawsuit claims in the past year.

When he spoke to the crowd, Pougnet never once addressed the issues that are currently dogging him. He was in good spirits and it was clear that he was enjoying this swansong to the point of it becoming a victory lap. If you listened to the list of accomplishments both he and the others rattled off, you wonder what the Council did on the 7th day? Did they rest?

Although despite my astonishment at how ludicrous at times it was, I couldn't help but feel sad that these people, even upon their departure failed to acknowledge that some of their actions caused shame and embarrassment to the city. And that is also part of their legacy.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com. You can follow him on Twitter @skellynj

Will Steve Pougnet Leave Them Laughng When He Says Good Bye

Tonight at 6PM, change will be afoot in the Palm Springs City Hall when along with new Mayor Rob Moon, Councilmen Geoff Kors and J.R. Roberts take office. Leaving will be Rick Hutcheson, Paul Lewin and embattled mayor Steve Pougnet. And in this case like so many times in life, how you leave can be as important as how you arrive.

I know I will be watching to see the closing statements of the departing council. Local politicians normally embarrass themselves as they luxuriate in accomplishments both real and perceived. The book on this city council has not been written yet. There are unfinished chapters that will be penned by forces and groups outside of Palm Springs.

For a dozen years, Chris Mills, Ginny Foat and Pougnet have been fixtures on the city council. Now 2 remain. They will tonight one assumes wax poetically on days gone by while lavishing their departing colleagues with praise. Rick Hutcheson has been a relative non-entity for the last 2 years a will be probably on the I-10 at 945P headed to his new digs in LA. Paul Lewin, who is a young dynamic leader, should take a few months off and then plan a race in 2017, when both Ms. Foat and Mr. Mills are up for re-election.

That leaves us with Steve Pougnet. What thoughts must be swirling in his head tonight!! Oh the sycophants will line u in public comments to praise his time in office.  They will be joined by the Hallelujah Chorus of big mony and tourism interests. This should be a time of tremendous pride for Mr. Pougnet. Alas even the most die hard supporter knows it is not. The circumstances of the ongoing  corruption probe in Palm Spring hover over him like the Sword of Damocles.

Which Steve Pougnet will deliver his final speech tonight to the citizens of Palm Springs. Will it be the fresh-faced newbie I interviewed in 2003? Or the bitter Mayor who went on an embarrassing public tirade last spring when published reports about his ties to a local developer surfaced? Or will he even show up? It will be fascinating to watch.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com or @skellynj

Bigotry Alive And Well In Riverside County

There is no question we live in turbulent times. Turn on any news channel and all one sees is chaos and sometimes darkness upon the world. That is why what is going on in Menifee is so discouraging.

After Pastor Bill Freeman of the Menifee United Church announced plans to ask for the grand total of 2, yes 2 Syrian refugees to be settled there, the 2015 version of Know Nothing Party was outraged.

In the link you will hear the voice of a woman threaten to protest the church using a rather vulgar profanity. Not exactly a What Would Jesus Do Moment. One suspects too much scotch combined with too much Fox News was the reason for the outburst.

Members of ISIS are not looking to parade up the 15 to launch a pre-emptive strike on the Mission Inn in Riverside. Nor are they going down the mountain to attack the Miracle On El Paseo.

Reverend Freeman is fulfilling what he believes to be the teachings of Jesus and rendering aid. The others appear to be following the teachings of Chris Christie and Glenn Beck. I think we all guess that the former trumps the latter.

What also is interesting the silence of the Riverside County Supervisors in this matter. Menifee itself, is represented by Supervisor Marion Ashley. Ashley, who thought inviting former indicted Texas Governor Rick Perry out here to speak was a good idea, has been extremely quiet on the issue. Not a peep out of Marion who can be at times a human quote machine.

Much like last year when the Supervisors stood silent while buffoons protested against migrant children, it appears that the Gang of Five Supervisors is mute when it comes to overt forms of bigotry.

For all the swells and sophisticates who live here in our Valley, remember this nonsense is going on in the county you call home.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcast.com. You can follow him on Twitter @kellynj

What Has Hapened To The Local GOP

As our thoughts turn to turkey and friends and family, it is also a time to take stock. And one group that really needs to take stock is the local Republican Party.

I am not talking about the fat cats who winter at the Vintage Club or will be at the Sacred Heart Fundraising Dinner. They and their wealth have already parachuted in here. National GOP candidates will come here on the QT seeking their money. No, this is about a huge problem facing the rank and file members who belong to the Lincoln Club or Republican Women's groups, as well as the East Valley Republican Club. While they can throw their weight around in some local council elections, at this point they appear impotent as they search for a congressional  candidate to face Congressman Raul Ruiz in 2016.

Early on, it looked like Indio Council member Lupe Watson would run. Lupe dropped out after a couple weeks. There was some buzz about my former colleague Rich Gilgallon running. But he has accepted a job as a sports talk host and that appears to be done.

We are less than a year form an election and it appears that the local GOP is conceding the 36th district to Raul Ruiz. Oh I am sure they will come up with some nominal candidate to run but whoever that is will have a long slog. Starting at a baseline of zero funding 11 months before an election almost guarantees defeat.

However all may not be lost for whoever takes up the GOP banner in 2016. Brian Nestande who ran and lost in 2014, got a job as a lobbyist for Riverside County where he makes more money than Raul Ruiz does in Congress!! Ah such are the vagaries of local politics.


Steve Kelly can beached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com. His podcasts can be accessed on Kelly's Corner Facebook page or follow him om twitter @skellynj

Hacienda Hi Jinks

The strange case of the Hacienda Beach Club in Palm Springs continues. Earlier in the week, the club announced it was ceasing daily operations to switch to an "event" only mode. This of course drew a lot of interest because the owner of the club is Rich Meaney, the controversial developer who appears to be a focal point of a Federal anti-corruption task force. More specifically, the feds interest appears to be the relationship between Meaney and outgoing Mayor Steve Pougnet.

The switch to event only mode appears to be in order to keep from having to repay the city the $250,000 in grant money that was advanced to the Hacienda by Palm Springs.When financial questions about the Hacienda were first being raised, City Manager David Ready said the $250,000 was guaranteed to be paid back. He never specified how. This has raised at least 2 pertinent questions.

Why is David Ready acting as a spokesman for Rich Meaney? Mr. Ready has been explaining how the owner now wants to extend his liquor hours after 6p and may make an application to extend the playing of amplified music. That is all well and good but why not hold a hearing where Meaney has to come and state this in public? I bet I can answer that. If Meaney, who has disappeared faster than you can say Claude Raines, surfaces in public, he may have to answer questions about his financial relationship with Steve Pougnet.

Also, why were these grants never secured with surety bonds to guarantee repayment if the recipients had financial problems in the first 3 years? 30 years ago, I worked for the then 2nd largest insurance brokerage in the world. A surety bond simply guarantees repayment if a project falters. The premiums are usually cheap because the underwriters look at the financial wherewithal of the parties involved. They only agree to write bonds on companies that have a proven track record or solid financial footing. The lack of a bond in place for the Hacienda indicates to me that either Mr. Meaney could not pass muster with an insurance company or the city didn't require one. Either way, hardly inspriring.

Now of course in the long run, 250 grand is a mere pittance in the city's coffers. But what this incident does highlight is a lack of due diligence by the city. Whether that lack of due diligence was caused by incompetence, lack of attention to details or more outside sinister factors should be determined in the next few months.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

2 Different Roads In Palm Springs Election

When news came yesterday that J.R. Roberts had defeated Paul Lewin by a small number of votes in the race for a 2nd seat on the council, it seemed that within moments Mr. Lewin was on social media with a gracious and classy concession statement. I think he garnered a lot of plaudits and showed all how to act in such a circumstance.

Contrast that with the actions of Ginny Foat when she was defeated by Robert Moon in the Mayor's race. Ms. Foat seemed petulant and even managed to get in a fight on Facebook with of all people, journalist Hank Plante. That whole sordid chapter did not end well with Mr. Plante releasing e mails from Robert Moon which showed Ms. Foat portraying herself as a martyr in a very unflattering light.

I get the frustration that Ms. Foat is experiencing. She has often boasted that in the last 3 council elections, she received the highest vote total. No way could she have ever dreamed that she would get only 25% of the vote in a mayoral election. But as painful as losing may be, it really is sometimes how you play the game. And she did not play it well.

Getting back to Paul Lewin, like Ms. Foat he was a casualty of the recent investigations and scandals in City Hall. While it is early, he probably should consider another run in 2 years. He is a good man and I wish him all the best.

What has not been said yet but what is really fascinating is that a few months back, this city council received a "Lifetime" Achievement Award. Now take a look at the 5. Mayor Steve Pougnet is an official in name only. Ignored at the Pride Parade and heading off to Denver as soon as he can. Paul Lewin has lost his seat Rick Hutcheson is headed as fast as he can to LA. Chris Mills stays on the council as he hurtles towards obscurity joined by Ginny Foat who sits on the council where the plaque in front of her does not say Mayor. The Fab 5 has become a lot less fabulous.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Time To Clean UP PSPD

Last week the Palm Springs Police Officers Association finally dropped it's lawsuit against the city of Palm Springs involving the naming of officers involved in shootings. The lawsuit was doomed to failure but I congratulate the Desert Sun which spent a lot of time and money in fighting the union. In an editorial, the paper clearly spelled out the reasons for this information to be made public. The PSPOA tried to throw up the red herring of officer safety but fortunately, they caved.

It was also announced last week, that Chief Al Franz was retiring. This will give the new administration in Palm Springs a chance to set a new tone in relations with the department. After the forced resignation of David Dominguez over the Warm Sands sting, the PSPOA flexed it's muscles and demanded that it have input in the selection of the next chief. That of course should have been rejected out of hand by the City Council. It wasn't. In no way shape or form should the PSPOA have any input in the selection of a new chief.

I personally like Al Franz. Full disclosure, I have known Al's brother Benny for over 20 years. I think Al has done a good job but now it is time for a new head, preferably not one with local ties.

In the last 4 years, 2 members of the Department have been arrested. One, a woman who worked out od the Palm Springs Girls and Boys Club, was a former Drug Prevention Officer. She was charged with having sex with an underage minor. Also there was the married PSPD Lieutenant who was arrested and then released when his girlfriend disappeared. She was found safe and he was fired for insubordination later but kept his roughly 60k a year pension for life.

The overwhelming majority of the Palm Springs PD are courteous, highly trained professionals. They have a tough job, one in which it cannot be stressed enough that they volunteered for!! They are owed respect and courtesy but not subservience.

There has been talk of setting up a Civilian Review Board for the PSPD. I don't think that at this point such a move is necessary. Also there will be a tendency to judge a new chief on his/her relationship with the LGBT community. That should only be one criteria.  The new chief should also be able to reach out to other communities including the long neglected African American community.

We have been told it will no longer be business as usual in Palm Springs. In the next few weeks the new mayor and council will have a chance to prove that. This is a good test.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Ignorance Not Bliss In Palm Springs

After a some prodding by me and others, the Desert Sun Editorial Board finally got around  to addressing big money donations in Palm Springs. While this milquetoast response was expected, it was lax in both in tone and content.

The editorial mentions failed gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman and her huge financial lead over and subsequent loss to Jerry Brown. It glosses over the fact that most of that money was her own and not given to her by a single big bucks donor. Obviously a self-funded candidate will have an advantage in a medium sized town like Palm Springs. Also, without getting too wonky, much of her money was spent early just to get name recognition, something Brown had in spades.

Next the Desert Sun brings up the fact that limiting individual campaign contributions will not limit outside money or IEs (Independent Expenditure Committees) from hiding sources of donations in future campaigns. In theory true. In reality, balderdash. If an IE were to come in Palm Springs, any self-respecting journalist would jump at the opportunity to expose who was behind it. Why just in the last election, a group calling itself the Committee To Clean Up Palm Springs was formed and purchased ads. Now what was the name of the newspaper who immediately investigated and exposed the principals involved? I believe it was The Desert Sun. Perhaps the Editorial Board should peruse their own product more diligently.

The elephant in the room is the $150,000 Harold Matzner directly gave to failed mayoral candidate Ginny Foat. That is 55 times the amount he will be allowed to directly give to either Hillary Clinton or Marco Rubio in 2016.

What the Desert Sun is basically saying is let's have the status quo. In fact  it even tries to be clever and say limiting individual contributions is "A solution in search of a problem.". See above paragraph if you don't perceive a problem.

Without getting into the esoteric debates over IEs and public financing, I propose Palm Springs limit individual contributions to match the $2,700 federal limit and group contributions to $5,000. Of course self funded campaigns would be exempt. There is no need for some proposed Ethics Committee to take this up. It should be done ASAP.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Moonshots For The New PS Mayor

Okay, you have been Mayor-elect for 12 hours, Rob Moon stop wasting time and get to work. No seriously here are some unsolicited but sound suggestions.

1.) Meet with Geoff Kors before you are sworn in. I know, the OnePS crowd will be up in arms but you are not subject yet to the Brown Act. Come up with an individual cap on campaign doantions for the next election cycle. It will not be perfect, but something must be done. This could be your first ordinance.

2.) Meet with Jeff Grubbe. Some ridiculous and inflammatory comments regarding the tribe have been made and it is time to counter-act them.

3.) After getting into office, instigate an immediate closed door review of both David Ready and Doug Holland's performances. Their roles in the disputed property sales must be vetted. It may be that changes may be in order for one or both of those positions.

4.) While I despise Blue Ribbon Committees, you should look into one for the selecting of a new police chief. The Palm Springs Police Officers Association should have no say in the selection of the next chief. They did in the last one. As a retired military man, you are aware of structure. The ranks don't choose their leaders

5.) Reach out to the African America Community. They have been shunted aside in the last few years.

6.) Palm Springs is more than just downtown. Hang out over by Panera Bread or Marshalls. Stop by Goodies for a great breakfast.

7.) Speaking of downtown  get it sorted. New plans every other week. Tell John Wessman to get a plan and stick with it.

8.) Have fun. Palm Springs is a cool place. But in many ways, very provincial. As I have said before, if you put a porta-potty on Ramon Road at the end of a read carpet, 70 people will get out their cars to pose on it.

9.) Listen to bloggers. We always know best. Or think we do.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Morning After Moonglow

Well it is the morning after in Palm Springs. And a new day has dawned in the fabled city. As per is my wont, I got the election prediction wrong n Palm Springs. I did predict Geoff Kors which anyone could have done. Paul Lewin as of this writing trails by 20 votes to JR Rpberts who I did have finishing 2nd. But that lead is tenuous right now That race may not be decided for a few weeks and we even may see a recount. No of course the surprise is the Mayor's race where voters sent such a clear message in the election of Robert Moon.

I often say the only time % of votes matter is at the end of the night. And in this race, it spoke volumes. Ginny Foat, despite the backing of the rich and powerful got only 25% of the vote!! Obviously that means the 75% voted against her!! Robert Moon gathered 36% for his victory outpacing Foat by roughly 1100 votes.

The votes against Ms. Foat and Mr. Lewin were obviously a reaction to the ongoing corruption investigations into city practices and the September FBI raid. Now Foat's disappointed supporters will talk about how mean and vicious this election was. Let me make it clear. Ginny Foat is no victim. She is an experienced political operator who gives as good as she gets. She still will be on the city council and have tremendous influence. Hopefully she will be gracious in defeat.

But the era of Pougnet/Mills/Foat which started in 2003 has come to an end. The voters have chosen to now move in a different path.

I think the reason that I got the election for Mayor wrong is that I underestimated the overall revulsion of the voters at the corruption probe. I think today, there is shock at City Hall as the ruling clique in Palm Springs just got jolted. While black bunting may adorn both the Hilton and Spencer's Restaurant in Palm Springs, the majority of voters in Palm Springs spoke loudly and clearly last night. They want a different path.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Palm Springs Election Predictions

Well tomorrow is D Day. In one of the most placid elections in recent memory, voters go to the polls to elect a Mayor and 2 council people in Palm Springs. Okay placid isn't right: It is the dirtiest, most godawful bowels from hell German Reichstag Election of 1932 type of deal. Not really. It. however, is the most expensive election in PS history and is very reminiscent of the 1991 election for mayor between Will Kleindienst and Lloyd Maryanov.

As a matter of record, I remind readers that if council person Ginny Foat is elected Mayor, the 3rd place finisher will be elected for a 2 year term for council.

I also want to thank all of you who have read my blog about the election. I enjoy hearing criticisms and plaudits and consider both of equal validity. So here we go:

Council 4 Year Term: Geoff Kors. Easy pick and the highest vote getter in the election. A good campaign and someone to keep an eye on.

Council 4 Year Term: JR Roberts. Despite an association with Ginny Foat, he has run a steady if unspectacular campaign. Has good name recognition in  town and from Bay Area ex pats. Also big with the modernists.

Mayor 4 Year Term: Ginny Foat. She will win with less than 50% of the vote. I have changed my mind several times on this. What has to be explored is if she can be beaten by Rob Moon? I think not because she will benefit from the 2nd tier candidates who will siphon just enough of the anti-Foat votes away from Moon. If it were a straight up vote. Moon wins

Council 2 Year Term: Paul Lewin. He now tries to rebuild his reputation in the next 2 years.

Obvious Prediction 1: One of the winning candidates will of course get presumptuous and say, "The city needs to heal."

Obvious Prediction 2: After this election, the relationship between the city and the Agua Caliente Tribe will get worse.

Obvious Prediction 3; This being Palm Springs, some bankrupt former Life Coach will pen an Op ED piece offering to help the residents express themselves through art therapy as a way of healing.

Patently Obvious Prediction: I probably am wrong on all counts with the exclusion of Obvious 3. That is a given.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
                 

Winners and Losers Already In Palm Springs Election

As we get closer to the election in Palm Springs and its finale on Tuesday, it is clear that there have been winners and losers in this election cycle. No matter what the outcome, here are a few at least in my mind.

Loser Ginny Foat

No matter the outcome on Tuesday, she has done a huge amount of damage to her standing. If elected, the huge cash infusion of Harold Matzner coupled with some hyper-sensitive behavior has put off many and will cast a pall on her governance To be fair, her and her supporters expected more of a coronation than a race. The FBI raid on downtown Palm Springs changed all that and her camp was slow to respond.

Loser Rob Moon

The path was clear to run as aspirational campaign and in the beginning, that is what he did. However it squandered many an opportunity to not get silly. Moon had the moral high ground when Ms. Foats's campaign planted those phony Measure J Commission letters in the paper. He promptly gave it back with planted letters denouncing Ms. Foat for not attending a forum on short notice. Also if true, his supporters dressing as federal agents for Halloween was just stupid.

Winner JR Roberts

Has managed to run his own campaign and appear above the fray in Palm Springs. Now really running hard, he has done well. His association with the modernists in Palm Springs, while beneficial in the short term may have to change if he gets on the council. Some of the preservationists have been involved in futile and divisive feuds with the Agua Caliente tribe.

Loser Paul Lewin

Paul Lewin has been caught u[ in a whirlwind basically not of his making. He has not been able to shake the stigma of the corruption probe in Palm Springs. Many, including myself have predicted a bright future for him. He may survive and if he does, he can recover but this should serve as a wake-up call for the future. A big one.

Winner Geoff Kors

Yes he took a lot of money from Harold Matzner but other than that he has run a flawless if sometimes over the top campaign. (Endorsements from state political types.) He is indebted to no one and is a guaranteed winner with a bright future.

 Loser Harold Matzner

The philanthropist and head of the Palm Springs Film Festival has made huge cash donations to Ginny Foat and even appears on a billboard with her. One must ask why? And that question has not been answered yet.

Winner Desert Sun News

Great reporting on the election. And a great Op Ed piece by Greg Burton slapping down conspiracy theories floated by Foat supporters.

Loser Desert Sun Editorial Board

Their failure to address the huge donations made by Mr. Matzner does not speak well for them. They have a duty to express an opinion yea or nay on such a totally unprecedented occurrence. To not do so in a timely manner smacks of an unbecoming reticence

.Loser PSPOA

The Palm Springs Police Union has invested 35k in this election. As usual with this crowd, there has been some chicanery. Their endorsement signs create the impression the police department is endorsing the candidates, not the union.

Winner Social Media

Despite the usual whining and self-righteous amongst us, social media has exploded in this election and has help drive it and answer questions. If you bear in mind there are no filters on social media other than the self-imposed, it can be fun. Many of those favoring the status quo may not like it but oh well. And by the way, will al the "victims" of the "mean' election grow up. Elections in a resort city are about money and power and this one is no exception.

Winner  LGBT Community

Many candidates expressing a variety of opinions. It shows a bit of true diversity when this occurs.

Loser LGBT Community

There also appears to be a rise in the 1%'s in the gay community here who are not connected to the day to day life of the city. Also many are trying to bring San Francisco or West Hollywood to Palm Springs. Palm Springs is neither. It is a city in Riverside County represented by the Republican Leader of the State Assembly!! I interviewed one prominent gay candidate for office who did not know Palm Springs has about a 1000 Filipino-Americans who live off of Ramon Road!! Get out of the bubble.

Tomorrow election predictions

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Money Talks Rhetoric Walks In Palm Springs

The older one gets, the least surprised you are supposed to be. But today's report on campaign donation has me reeling. The fact that recipients of a single donor's largesse are supposedly "Progressivse" makes this even worse.

Mayoral candidate Ginny Foat has received $91,000 dollars in goods and services from one man, Harold Matzner. That made me imitate Linda Blair even before Halloween. Now this does include goods and services but somehow I guess my invite on election night to Spencer's will somehow get lost in the mail.  That anyone will wind up spending close to 300 grand as Ms.Foat will running for Mayor in Palm Springs is just absurd.

Geoff Kors has already raised 232 grand running for council. For council. Stunning.

Harold Matzner has given 176 grand in sum total to 4 different candidates.

I want to make this clear. I do not attribute any nefarious motives to either the benefactor or recipients of this money. Instead I want to know why I hear a chorus of crickets from the normally loud political players in Palm Springs on this topic? Remember this is occurring in a town where some quarters went into near hysteria over the taking down of a Marilyn Monroe statue, yet huge cash donations and nary a peep.

One of the hallmarks of the Progressive Movement so many give lip service here in Palm Springs is strong opposition to Citizens United and the witches brew that unleashed. Yet here, no mention of it regarding a local election by the so-called local progressives. Right now we have an IMBY not a NIMBY occurring here.

That extends to the local media as well. Where is the Desert Sun editorial on this? If they are in favor of no campaign finance limits, fine. But say something!! Jesse Marx has done a great job laying out all the facts.

What will really crack me up is when Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) does the same dodgy fundraising in next year's race against Greg Rodriguez for Assembly, many of the self-muted now will suddenly find their voice.

These are dark yet highly lucrative days for Palm Springs. At least for the quiet ones.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcaasting.com

Ironies Abound In Palm Springs Election

As I scroll through the social media sites involving local politics, the postings of progressive on progressive violence almost literally leaps from the computer screen. With more drama than a junior high girls locker room, allegations of "personal" attacks, sexism, ageism, downright lies and claims of moral virtue have exploded into a cacophony of claims, and counter-claims. The indignation level is at Defcon 5.

Keeping all of the above in mind, my gift to you is yet another public service announcement. These are  just local political candidates here,  not Gandhi trying to free the Indian subcontinent. They are doing what all local politicians do.

Ironic behavior is also part and parcel of this election and here are just a few examples that may provide much needed comic relief.

Ginny Foat

Back in April, when Palm Springs tenants were forced to vacate early from properties owned by tribal members, Ginny Foat was asked what her reaction would be if a similar situation had happened to her. She told the Desert Sun," I would be angry as hell, and frankly I would never do anything on Indian land." Except maybe advertise?

Driving into Palm Springs from Cathedral City, there is a huge billboard of Ms. Foat and Harold Matzner encouraging you to Vote Foat. In case you didn't know it, that billboard is on what, Indian allotee land.

Robert Moon

Rob Moon states that he is a Democrat and a progressive, yet touts the endorsement of Richard Grennell, a conservative foreign policy expert. Moon must be going for the votes of the 6 gay Reagan Democrats in Palm Springs

PSPOA

The police union in Palm Springs refuses to invite Representative Raul Ruiz to it's awards luncheon because of his involvement in a  Native American Thanksgiving protest 17 years ago. Yet it has endorsed Ginny Foat for Mayor. Now I know all that stuff with her is ancient history but seriously.

Geoff Kors

He talks all about the small donors to his campaign but he also took 35 grand from Harold Koch, er Matzner.

Paul Lewin

He is put in the awkward position of hoping for Ms. Foat to win because it increases his chances of staying on the council. I don't think Ms. Foat and Mr. Lewin are enamored with each other.

JR Roberts

JR served on the Planning Commission when all of the downtown plans were pushed through. Now that they have been revised on the fly, JR is now against some parts of a plan he approved. Must be loving John Wessman and Michael Braun at this moment.

Ricky Wright

The former head honcho at Palm Springs High may have to teach his supporters all about geography as for at least 2 days, at least 5 of his signs were on Mission Drive off Gene Autry. Mission Drive is in Cathedral City!!

Hopefully this will provide both a smile and some needed perspective on an election that seems to be staggering to a finish.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

A Palm Springs Tradition Colorful Candidates

As we stagger to the conclusion of yet another Palm Springs election, it is time to slow down and smile a little. Besides being blessed with a natural abundance of riches, Palm Springs has a vibrant political scene as well. Over the past 20 years or so, it has been my pleasure to observe the political scene in Palm Springs as  both an interested party and a broadcast journalist.

There are a few candidates this year who have "colorful" backgrounds. (Not going to name names, google them.) With all due deference to those with delicate sensibilities, I reach back into the memory vault and post just a few of my favorites:

George Margolis

George said he was a former Air Force Officer when he ran for Mayor in  1995. He parked a big camper van illegally at Village Fest for a month. The most interesting thing about George was that he lived in Rancho Mirage!! He never really explained as to why he was running in town he didn't live in. 2 years later, he ran for Mayor of DHS. Yes, he still lived in Rancho Mirage.

Fred "The Hat" Eberling

Ran for council in the mid-90's. The Hat was great. Drove around in an unlicensed hearse!! Also floated a hot air balloon over downtown. He didn't like Al Smoot, a city employee, and held up a sign at Council Meetings that read, "Smoot must go!!" You couldn't read the sign ov TV because it was pixelated!!

Kitty Cole Bang

A 6ft drag queen, she livened up the Mayor's race in 1995. The whole campaign, which was mostly camp, came to an end when a check of Kitty's finances revealed an eye opening string of debts that would match any feather boa in length and luminosity.

"Fireman" Vinny

Vinny ran for Council in 2009 and Mayor in 2011. He claimed to have been a Chicago firefighter and went to Palm Springs because of 9-11. In 2011, I was moderating the Mayoral debate for the PS Chamber and Vinnie almost physically attacked Steve Pougnet. That got him tossed from the debate. He then went over to the Desert Sun and gave a rambling interview before disappearing into the ether.

Wayne Boyd

A judo instructor, Wayne ran for Mayor in 2003 as a write-in candidate. When asked why, he said, "I forgot there was an election this year." He got 12 votes.

Richard Harrison

A very dapper B list movie actor who ran for Mayor in 1995 and 1999. I remember him doing an interview talking about how he got some political ideas while filming in Uganda. Made no sense at all. Plus the way he pronounced Uganda was hilarious. OOO- GAND-UH.

So there you go. Now while none of these candidates won, they made the election season fun. In this year's race to the bottom, filled with enough sanctimony to make the Mormon Tabernacle Choir blush, we could all do with a smile.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Captain Obvious In Palm Springs Elections

We have all seen the Captain Obvious commercials on TV where the guy touting the hotel website spouts off what we all know. Almost all of us have a friend who drives us nuts by saying the same thing. You are walking down Palm Canyon when a gust of wind knocks your hat off. Your companion says, "Windy today." Well in just the last few days, Captain Obvious has planted his flag solidly in the Palm Springs.

Moon Supporters Lash Out AT Op Ed Pieces And Letters

I'm sorry but theses attacks on Robert Moon about his tenure on the Measure J Committee are part and parcel of the political game. There have been these type of letters appearing in the paper in every Palm Springs election at least since 1991. Moon's supporters should have expected it. The real issue is why the authors of such pieces never come clean and announce who they are supporting? Also why the Desert Sun allows them to get away with it? The charges they make may or not be true but for the newbies don't be fooled, all these letters and Op Ed pieces are done by supporters of rival candidates. The Desert Sun should also identify those candidates the writer supports.

Knickers In A Twist Over " Personal" Attacks

Even I am offended at the hyper-sensitivity in this election. Given some of the personal histories of the candidates involved, someone is going to say something. Rational voters will take this stuff with a grain of salt. While I'm at it, for those of you who wail and bemoan at how " vicious" and "this is the worst election in Palm Springs history", I can easily cite 2 others right off of my head.

In 1991, supporters of Lloyd Maryanov who opposed Will Kleindienst in the mayoral race kept bringing up the fact Will was a house husband and therefore was unemployed. It was nasty. And just 4 years ago, the Palm Springs Police Union sent out a hit piece on former PD Chief and then Council Member Lee Weigel. In a misleading and disgusting mailer, Weigel was accused of advocating policies that led to an increase in the murder rate of 300% in one year. (There were no murders in 2010. 2 conventional murders in 2011 and one unconventional one where a Cathedral City police officer was killed in a crash during a pursuit.) Saying your policies lead to a higher murder rate is about as "personal" as you can go.

 Campaign Signs Knocked Over In Palm Springs

 Oh the horrors!! Is it right? No. Should it be done? No. At some point all candidates have had supporters or sign companies misplace signs or block or "accidentally" knock down opponents signs. Also even the cream of Palm Springs can screw up. Remember the Chamber and the Yes On J Committee put up a bunch of illegal signs a few years back. The world survived.

 Social Media Is Not Accurate, Say It Ain't So

 As we all know, social media sites are not always sticklers for accuracy. All posters on social media have some agenda and to deny that is ridiculous.

 Candidates Are Perfect People With No Flaws

No.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly @rrbroadcasting.com

Will Institutional Arrogance Derail CV Link

Decided to take a break from the mundane, bland Palm Springs election to take on CV Link and the trials and tribulations that are taking place between the supporters and opponents of the project.

While supporting the concept, I have remained deeply skeptical of the process. I had an hour long talk with Tom Kirk of CVAG and was impressed with what they were trying to do.  but wondered whether they all had their ducks in a row.

What has always perplexed me is why they didn't put out the perspective routes sooner? Instead they made this grand splash and really dropped the ball in the beginning. Also the costs and nature of trail security should have been addressed right away.

Now that they have released their proposed routes, both Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells have objected. For his opposition, Rancho Mirage Mayor Dana Hobart has been portrayed as an Abe Simpson-like character. There has also been a whispering campaign that both cities are against the project because of racial undertones. That is unfair and ludicrous and needs to stop. 

Now Rancho Mirage is going o hold an advisory vote on the matter in April. This will put CVAG and the powers behind the CV Link, including the Desert Sun in the odd position of initially opposing this move and then asking for a Yes vote. Talk about awkward!!!

At this point, there are really only 2 ways out of this mess and I am not sure either one is tenable.

A summit meeting brokered by a neutral 3rd Party such as Raul Ruiz. He doesn't have a dog in this fight. They could have it over at Palm Desert and all the towns should participate. Keep hammering away till an agreement can be reached. All the egos, Dana Hobart's, Tom Kirk's and especially Marion Ashley's need to be checked at the door. The problem though with this is that it remains to be seen if:

1.) Raul Ruiz would want to get involved with this train wreck.

2.) If the County Board of Supervisor's, which has 3 far right GOPers on it, would accept Ruiz as a neutral party.

A non-binding Valley plebiscite in June 2016. The problems which this approach are multitude and include:

A.) The towns would complain about the cost of the ballot.

B.) CVAG has already agreed to take money for the project. If voted down, could they return the funds?

The fight over CV Link is really just beginning and like everything these days, I am sure it will wind up in court.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcastng.com

Blinders Off In Palm Springs

In yet another blistering editorial, today's Desert Sun goes after the Palm Springs City Council for their comments after a city commissioned report was read aloud at the October 7th meeting. It had to do with the sale of redevelopment property in Palm Springs, This is the sentence I that caught my eye.

Also disappointing is the latest "nothing to see here" reaction we've heard here time and time again from Palm Springs' leaders.

Bingo. I have often wrote of the tendency for the current members of the City Council, all of them, to risk bursitis by constantly patting themselves on the back. It is an affliction that seems to dominate here in Palm Springs and never leads to necessary self-examination.

The current City Council even accepted a 2015 Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award at the Best of the Best Golden Palm Awards!! There are very few things in life that I won't write or comment on but I was left as silent as a nunnery on a winter's night by this one. Future generations will probably burst out into laughter when apprised of the circumstances.

Since the spring, when questions started to be raised about city practices and Mayor Steve Pougnet, the other 4 Council members on the dais have displayed behavior that runs the gamut from martyrdom to arrogance. But what is missing in their actions is maturity and propriety.

Regardless of whether or not criminal proceedings commence, there was a problem in the disposition of land and in the disclosure of conflicts. There were also problems with city staff. And all council members should bite the bullet and talk about it. Somewhat unfairly, all the heat seems to fall on Paul Lewin and Ginny Foat because they are electoral candidates. But need I remind you that Chris Mills back in May said that the thought of a DA probe into matters was "laughable" and that LA bound Rick Hutcheson has praised city staff throughout this mess? I understand not
wanting to throw people under the bus, but  instead donning a Ralph Kramden uniform is quite another kettle of fish.

While it is obvious to most who are following the whole sordid mess, that problems were exacerbated by the City Manager, and City Attorney. Palm Springs leaders refuse to discuss or criticize said employees in public. In fact, Mayor Steve Pougnet, in one of his cameo appearances called David Ready, "The best city manager in the country." Not sure about that one but he is in select company with city managers who have had their City Halls raided. As for Attorney Doug Holland he lost his seat on the credibility train when he refused to release Mayor Pougnet's schedule via a public request citing legal reasons. What was bizarre about this was that Pougnet himself released it!!! Would not want to be on Death Row with Mr. Holland handling my appeal.

And last month after the attorney representing the city in a shooting death by police of a US Marine made some outrageous comments, not one city official would issue a public reprimand.

No matter what individuals triumph in the upcoming election in Palm Springs, the good news is it appears that the recent Caligula-like orgy of self-aggrandizement of the Palm Springs City Council is coming under scrutiny.


Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Sanity Guide For Palm Springs Election

Having scoured the comments on both new and old media, I have been fascinated by the intensity and impressed by enthusiasm shown by Palm Springs residents regarding this election. As always there has been a compendium of wit, insanity, fun, hyper sensitivity and pomposity in the comment cauldron. For those of you new to the game, here a helpful guide to not only surviving the election, but enjoying it.

It is only an election: While important, it is not like ISIS is on Ramon Road. The new council will not be able to operate in a way prior councils did because of the raid on Palm Springs City Hall.

Keep it classy: If you post, no profanity. If you have been drinking, stay away from the keyboard. Check the comments you receive. Have you ever noticed that both the hostility and imbecility levels rise considerably after 9P? Vino and Facebook make for an interesting combo.

Don't take yourself so seriously: While please post all you want, don't be under the impression that you will change anyone's mind. That way you have the freedom to be yourself and not a pompous windbag.

Raise the offense bar: If we really wanted we could be offended every waking moment we spend on this planet. Have a sense of humor. A case of moral self-smugness is a complete turn-off.

Stay mature: I had one of the holier-than-thou prigs rip me. Fair enough. But then he got personal and I thought "If I upset him that much", time for him to go.

If something bugs you on social media too much, it is you not them. You have options. You can always not read a post or not respond. Or in extreme cases, you can block someone. Life is too short

Use cannon sense: I had someone say I had zero credibility. Then why read me? If you are reading a blog written by someone with no credibility what does that say about you?

Put It In Perspective: The Palm Springs election is notorious for references that are ridiculously self-important. Already we have seen comparisions to misogyny, Mitt Romney, dirty tricks and the Koch Brothers (Oh yeah, that was me. Better practice what I blog.) It is an election for a mid size California town. Enjoy.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Palm Springs Election Fact Or Fiction

This is the dirtiest election in Palm Springs history filled with "personal" attacks:

Fiction: No it isn't. There have been character issues raised in Palm Springs elections on numerous occasion. What does amplify the process is the introduction of social media in the equation.

The really important election is the one for Mayor.

Fact: So much rides on this. Ironically enough, the phrase "Politics makes strange bedfellows" is never more apropos. If  I am Paul Lewin or J.R. Roberts, I want a Ginny Foat victory because that almost guarantees me a spot on the council.

Geoff Kors has been the breakout star of the election.

Fact: He has run a campaign too good for this office. While I feel 200 grand is completely out of whack to run in a council race, he will and should be on the short list for a run against John Benoit in a few years.

Ginny Foat and Paul Lewin have run less than stellar campaigns.

Fiction: How do you run as a 3rd term or on all the "progress" made while the city is enduring an ongoing corruption investigation? In case you haven't noticed, the name Steve Pougnet has disappeared faster from the vocabulary of both of them than an ice cube on Palm Canyon Way in July. I think both have done the best with what they have.

The media have been biased for/against candidates.

Fiction: Be real

Some of the candidates have been "less ready for prime time" than others.

Fact: True and so what? I have interviewed all of the current council members and believe me, none all of them were media delights in the beginning of their runs.

Palm Springs is a "Progressive" city and this race reflects those values.

Fiction: Oh the boxes have been checked, the LGBT community feted and talk about income inequality also raised. But when you have one man donating a huge amount of money to a block of candidates, it has a certain Koch Brothers ring to it.  Also candidates fawned all over the local police union when endorsed by them. The union in turn is supplying muscle for signs and also phone calls. On the same Facebook Page where the candidates thanked the union, the union is blasting anti-racial profiling laws. Hardly a progressive move.

As always there is no shortage of irony in an election.

Fact: My favorite this year is people going on social media websites urging people not to talk politics. Huh? If the talk of the election is so upsetting, then don't go on the websites.

Political signs are the end of civilization as we know it.

Fiction: They are a vibrant part of life in a political season. Also they must have some effect as the city is now putting up Measure J signs in every nook and cranny they can. But I know those signs aren't political in the least. Ahem.

The sun will come up the day after the election.

Fact/Ficton: The jury is still out on that one.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Desert Sun Editor Attacks Conspiracy Theorists

With voting in the Palm Springs election upon us, it was very interesting to read a piece which appears today online and will be in the Desert Sun tomorrow. It strikes at the very heart of the corruption probe that is ongoing in Palm Springs and in great detail, lays out the reportage about it in the local paper.

Since the story first broke in April, many supporters of both Mayor Pougnet and the power elite in Palm Springs have been spreading a tale that the allegations originated from the Robert Moon Mayoral campaign and specifically they point to Freeman Public Affairs in Torrance who have consulted for Mr. Moon. Freeman was the group hired by the Palm Springs Police Officer's Association in their successful attempt to unseat former Chief and Council member Lee Weigel 4 years ago. For those of you who don't recall, a vicious and salacious mailer against Mr. Weigel was sent out by the union which was denounced by many. Freeman did that mailer. Embattled Mayor Steve Pougnet implied as much from the council dais in a performance the Desert Sun said was, "Nixonesque".

Earlier this year, I spoke with Mr. Moon about this. He said he hired Freeman Public Affairs on the advice of Palm Springs POA head William Hutchinson but was not happy with their work and would disassociate himself from them. He vigorously denied he or they started this story. I have heard him or his camp repeat this denial on at least on 3 separate occasions.

Today Greg Burton Editor of the Desert Sun wrote about the timeline his reporters used in writing and advancing the story. In my opinion, this is a must read for those who have an interest in Palm Springs local politics. As a point of disclosure, I do know most of the parties involved. In my dealings with all of them, I have been impressed by their professionalism and going where angels fear to tread. I think Mr. Burton explains his case beautifully. Many in social media have clamored for the "facts". In this column, Mr. Burton more than delivers.

As many of you know, I have often criticized the paper. Especially the Vibe and Style sections. They give as good as they get from me and fair play to them. They even accused me of being cynical a few weeks ago in an editorial. I am not a lap dog for the paper but have the highest respect for the practice of good journalism. I say bravo to the all the reporters and editors who have covered this story.

And let us not forget that Mr. Burton himself, has been more than gracious about this matter. Shortly after this story started running, yet another garbage mailer, this time involving Mr. Burton was mailed to the community. The pusillanimous poltroons behind this mailing never had the courage to name themselves. Mr. Burton and his crew have never wavered in doggedly following their leads.

There remain chapters to be written in this ongoing investigation. For the gang over on Gene Autry Drive, keep it up. And no I don't care if Taylor Swift is sipping coffee in Palm Springs.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Sacre Bleu It's Pepe Le Pew In Palm Springs

As we get ready for the candidates debate this week in Palm Springs, there is more than a whiff of the aroma of political garbage as candidates for office are going into scramble mode. While early voting has started. there remains many votes to be cast in this polarizing election. Here are a few examples of what has gone on to tickle my olfactory senses.

I have decided to reach each stinker on a scale of 1 to 4 clothespins.

1= Get the Glade

2= Open the Window

3= Leave The Area Immediately

4= Don The Gas Masks

Deceptive Valley Voice Piece On Mayoral Candidate Rob Moon

As blogger Bond Shands points out, A Valley Voice piece appeared in the Desert Sun attacking claims made by mayoral candidate Rob Moon about his time and tenure on the Measure J Committee in Palm Springs. The piece was penned by Mark Marshall, Chair Of The Measure J Committee. Mr. Marshall was nominated by mayoral candidate Ginny Foat to his position and is closely intertwined with her at the Mizell Senior Center. Now I have no idea if Mr. Marshall's assertions are true but by not disclosing his ties to Ms. Foat, he is being coy at least and deceptive at best.

2 Clothespins

Harold Matzner

My fellow New Jerseyean and Chair of the Palm Springs Film Festival has spent an ungodly sum of money, well into 6 figures, in order to support a block of candidates. I am dumbfounded that not more people have spoken up about this matter, especially local Democrats. I don't question Mr. Matzner's character but I do question how this is not viewed as dangerous to the electoral process.

3 Clothespins

Committee to Clean House

This group is running anti-incumbent ads in Palm Springs. It appears to be a shadowy I.E. (Independent Expenditure Committee). I hate these types of committees because by design, it is difficult to find what individual or groups are behind them.

3 Clothespins

The Palm Springs Police Officers Association Endorsement

It was quite the sight to see 4 candidates practically swoon at receiving this endorsement. Remember all these candidates are allegedly progressive. This is a right wing union which has a history of dirty political tricks and misrepresentations in the council elections. It is also suing to stop the release of names of officer involved shootings.

3 Clothespins


With a few weeks to go and septicemia setting in from all sides, there is only one plausible action.  Buy some more clothespins.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

2 Out Of 3 Ain't Bad In Palm Springs Circus

The other day I gave my predictions on 3 things that would happen at the  city council meeting  the Independent Legal Review Of The Disposition Of  Redevelopment Properties in Palm Springs. Let's see how I did.

Mayor Pougnet Would Stay Silent

Faster than a speeding bullet the Mayor recused himself. Since he is currently in the middle of a corruption probe involving people linked to these sales, this one was easy. Of course he cited his "business" conflict.

No One Would Mention The September Raid By The Task Force On Palm Springs City Hall

Like any reference to Kim Jong Eun's Uncle in North Korea, it has disappeared from the consciousness. Okay I am 2 for 2.

The City Council Would Have The Sense Not To Crow About It

Boy did I strike out on this. Despite the fact this report did find flaws in the way the process was handled twice, you would have thought Moses himself had descended from Mt. Sinai carrying this report instead of the 10 Commandments. The terms "sloppy" and "technical violations" were bandied about. Paul Lewin went on social media and explained how the city really did nothing wrong. Ginny Foat and Rick Hutcheson were almost combative in their stands. David Ready was Eddie Haskellesque in his statements. And on websites, the defenders of Truth, Justice and the Palm Springs Status Quo nearly fell over themselves in praising the city.

In this pique of this self-righteousness and self-congratulatory orgy, city officials failed to mention a few obvious facts.

1.) The report was about technical processes not whether the processes were steered from the start for the benefit of one group or individual. It did find a serious problem in the sale of the Prairie Schooner lot.

2) The US Attorney's Office and their independent legal review trumps any one funded by the city. They are looking into whether the process was flawed from the start due to corruption, not if the paperwork was correct. 

The old saying goes It Ain't Over Till The Fat Lady Sings. In the case of Palm Springs, she isn't even at the theater yet.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Palm Springs City Council Right To Remain Silent

Tomorrow night at the Palm Springs City Council meeting there may be the greatest display of footwork since Ginger Rogers graced our Valley. The Council will look at the independent legal review of the disposition of former Redevelopment Agency Properties by the Los Angeles based law firm of Kane, Balmer and Berkman. I have read the report and it left me flat footed.

The report is big on process but very little else. It describes various actions the city took in getting rid of property after the state mandated closure of the Redevelopment Agencies. While it raises questions over the sale of the Prairie Schooner lot and some lack of communication between various city agencies, unless one wants to cure insomnia, it is not recommended reading.

This report was requested by Council person Paul Lewin back in the spring when questions were raised about the city and certain dealings with developer Rich Meaney. This was to be the report that would exonerate city officials and reassure the public all was well and above board in Palm Springs.

All of this was blown out of the water by the Task Force raid on City Hall back on September 1st. The real review of the city and how well they did in the divestiture of these properties is now taking place in the US Attorney's office in LA. The real entertainment should be tomorrow night.

If Mayor Steve Pougnet is there, he obviously will have no comment on the report because of advice of counsel. While the Palm Springs City Council never misses an opportunity to congratulate itself for both normal and customary doings, they really can't go too overboard in this case. This is a self-commissioned report that has been made redundant by the federal probe.

Despite an ever growing smaller circle of acolytes who will praise all that happens in Palm Springs, the City Council and staff will have to show all the dexterity of Julianne Hough  as they will praise the report while never mentioning what happened on that September morn.

The only time I can remember a similar circumstance was about a dozen years ago when the "Naked Bridge" opened on Palm Canyon. Then Mayor Will Kleindienst wanted it referred to only as an archway. The word archway was bandied about 50 times during the council hearing on the project I believe designed by current council member Chris Mills. But finally a member of the audience reminded the council the archway was a bridge for nudists to cross the street, from one part of the resort to the other.. It was a "Naked Bridge." The name stuck.

Abraham Lincoln once said, "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." Regarding this report, advice that Palm Springs officials should heed on Wednesday.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

A Handy Translation Guide To The Palm Springs Election

Following the Palm Springs election on social media has been fascinating. Local groups on Facebook have been a beehive of activity. I, too, have joined by blogging about my impressions of the people, claims and facts of the elections. For those who are knew to the scene or social media, I present some primers as to what to expect along with some helpful translations.

Statement: Did You Know That

Translation: Supporters of candidates usually recycle old or negative stories about election opponents. I just found out that Mr. Brown wore combat boots in 1986. This disqualifies him from holding office in 2015.

Statement: I Am Tired Of All These Negative Postings

Translation: People are questioning my candidate so in order to rebut that, I am fleeing to the moral high ground of smug superiority. I chose to live my life as a paragon of virtue, unlike the rest of you and therefore will engage in pompous lecturing.

Statement: The Desert Sun News Division Is Biased

Translation: I don't know how media works and the paper did not endorse my candidate. While by it's very nature, the Editorial Board does make judgement, the news division plays it straight. Oh and I will slam Gannett too.

Statement: This Is The Most Vicious Campaign Ever In Palm Springs

Translation: I have lived here less than 10 years or I have forgotten a few of the earlier doozies.

Statement: I Only Deal With Facts Not Speculation

Translation: The ones that support my candidate. Again I am morally superior to the supporters of other candidates.

Statement: This Election Is Just Like 

Translation: We will put in any national political metaphor because Palm Springs can not just be a town in the desert of 50,000 people. No, it must be special.

Please bear these in mind as the next month or so transpires as you are going to be reading a lot of the above aforementioned

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

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Foat and I Eclipsed By Moon Endorsement

In a move that some would call a surprise, the Desert Sun has endorsed Rob Moon for Mayor in Palm Springs. Quite frankly, there was no way the paper could endorse the prohibitive favorite in the Palm Springs race, incumbent council member Ginny Foat. Yesterday the Desert Sun basically eviscerated fellow council member Paul Lewin in not endorsing him in his bid for re-election.

Of course looming large over the election is the ongoing probe into Mayor Steve Pougnet and his relationship with developer Rich Meaney. The Desert Sun Editorial Board has made it clear that it feels that there was a lack of oversight by the city council in Palm Springs.

Now what does the endorsement mean? I think it will help Rob Moon marginally. In this day of early voting and other media sources, a newspaper endorsement does not mean as much as it used to. However it does make a statement that the status quo is no longer acceptable, at least to Editorial Board and good for them.

As befits Palm Springs, news of the endorsement of Rob Moon has of course elicited some pretty entertaining comments from a few of Ms. Foat's supporters. Some are reaching back to 2012 when the paper endorsed Mitt Romney for President. To compare both is completely ludicrous. But again, many people are still upset believing Mr. Moon is behind the whole Steve Pougnet mess. I had someone today say they were going to send me "proof" of some nefarious conspiracy Mr. Moon is now purportedly involved in. I will let you know if it shows up.

Without naming me the editorial also took me to task for my view, hardly one that I alone hold, that the election of Ms. Foat was more of a planned coronation:

Some cynically insist that the dye has been cast in this race crowning Councilwoman Ginny Foat as the hand selected next in line by high-powered interests that make up the Palm Springs 'machine" that decides how the city is run.

All well and good but I am waiting for the Desert Sun to name those interests. Okay I will. Harold Matzner, and the Palm Springs Hospitality Association. And I do point out to the Editorial Board the huge amount of money invested in this race by Mr. Matzner. Totally unprecedented. I stand by my writing about this being an attempted coronation.

In the long run, Ms. Foat has to be considered the favorite but if she does achieve the Mayor's seat, one wonders how she will deal with the Desert Sun in the future.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Pop Up Politics

I decided this morning to drop by the Desert Sun's Pop Up politics event at the Palm Springs Air Museum. It was a really great event and kudos to the people who put it on. It was fun seeing so many familiar faces. My general takeaways:

Palm Springs

I talked to a lot of candidates for in both the mayoral and council races. The general consensus was that many were surprised that the Desert Sun was so hard on Paul Lewin basically tearing him to shreds while endorsing Geoff Kors and JR Roberts. Many felt there was no way the paper could endorse Ginny Foat for Mayor after the editorial yesterday.

When asked who the paper would endorse if not Ms. Foat, the consensus was it would be Robert Moon. I myself feel they will issue no endorsement but we shall see.

Most of the crowd I talked to was both abuzz and aghast at the amount of money Palm Springs power broker Harold Matzner has plopped down in this election. Well into 6 figures, it should basically frighten everyone. I would not be surprised if campaign finance limits are in place soon as a result.

DHS

It was a good turnout except for Mayor Adam Sanchez who skipped the event. In DHS it all boils down to turnout, A big turnout tends to favor more traditional candidates.

Also there were candidates for the various water boards there. Sorry I didn't get to hear there presentations.

All in all not a bad way to spend the morning.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

New Twist In Palm Springs

Every day brings new revelations in the ongoing investigation into the city of Palm Springs. Good story by Barrett Newkirk in the Desert Sun about developer John Wessman and his bid to takeover a failed project with help from a city council vote It is well worth reading.

What I also found interesting was the fact that Dennis Cunningham, who complained about Wessman muscling in, spoke freely about his conversations with the FBI. Now I am no rocket scientist but since the FBI doesn't leak interview subject matter, the story must of have come from Mr. Cunningham. And now kids the interesting part.

The lawyer for Dennis Cunningham is none other than Dave Baron, an extremely well connected Palm Springs guy. Lawyer for the Film Festival, backer of Ginny Foat, Chair of the Yes On Measure J and close friend of Harold Matzner, he obviously approved his client talking to the Desert Sun.

It is now pretty clear that the powers that be in Palm Springs have deserted Steve Pougnet. They are letting him "Twist slowly in the wind." I doubt very much they will organize another "We love the Mayor" at the next city council meeting.

One also wonders who looks bad in relationship to the Mayor in this story. Interestingly enough, it is Paul Lewin and Rick Hutchenson who voted along with the Mayor. Hutchenson is gone but this story could hurt Paul Lewin. Ginny Foat and Chris Mills look good

 At the top level of Palm Springs politics, a game of chess is being played for high stakes as the board itself constantly changes.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Palm Springs City Council No Appointments Neccesary

Interesting piece in last week's Desert Sun by Jesse Marx about the fact that the 3rd place finisher in the Palm Springs Council election could be promoted to the city council if incumbent member Ginny Foat was elected Mayor. Having been on the air covering the introduction of the ordinance that mandates this, I believe it made sense then and makes sense now.

After the defeat of Deyna Hodges back in 2001, Councilman Jim Jones resigned and asked that Ms. Hodges just take his seat. Mayor Will Kleindienst and Councilman Chris Mills were adamantly opposed and refused to allow this. On the other side, Ron Oden and Jeannie Reller-Spurgeon wanted Deyna back. After a few 2 2 votes, the city had to hold a special election and Deyna won overwhelmingly. It was a complete waste of money predicated on ego.

The new 3rd place ordinance went into effect shortly thereafter and low and behold, in the 2003 municipal elections, when Rod Oden was elected Mayor, a newbie was the 3rd place finisher in the council race behind Steve Pougnet and Mike McCullough. Her name was Ginny Foat. And that is how Ms. Foat originally got on the city council.

Now the same ordinance has been in place in DHS since 2005. To the best of my recollection, it was used only once in 2013 when Jan Pye went back on the city council after Adam Sanchez was elected Mayor.

All of the other city councils in the Valley now opt to appoint new members for vacancies. Despite people claiming the 3rd place option is undemocratic, this procedure is even worse. (Point of disclosure, I applied to fill a vacancy on the council in Cathedral City last fall. While I was treated well and the candidate chosen, John Aguilar is a fine man, the outcome was about as predictable as a pro wrestling match.)

I can understand those who call for automatic special elections but unless the city council's in the Valley give up the appointment option, then 3rd is good enough for me.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Shocking Turn In Palm Springs Election

In the last few days, something horrible has happened in Palm Springs. Something so vile, so utterly unspeakable that children are weeping, and the afflicted are seeking shelter. You see, gasp, politics has invaded an election season. Akin to the Great Flu Epidemic of 1919, it is reeking havoc on what lies in it's path. It has disrupted an orderly process.

Ginny Foat was to be elected mayor. Paul Lewin and Geoff Kors to council terms as well as JR Roberts to fill the 3rd slot created by Ms. Foat's elevation to the mayor's role. No less a power broker than Harold Matzner put down 25 grand on that outcome. The Googie (Good Government crowd) in Palm Springs was along for the ride.

In the last few weeks, that orderly transfer of power has been challenged. The apostates have succeeded in changing a polling place. The election of Ms. Foat and re-election of Mr. Lewin while still a strong possibility, are no longer a sure thing. Mr. Kors appears to be a lock but I would feel much more comfortable if he would promise to bring campaign fiance to the forefront. Mr. Roberts now is in a scramble and he can only improve his position by being more aggressive.

Now the supporters of some of the establishment candidates are not taking this vulgarity lightly. There are now complaints of illegal signs and large cash donations. Hmmm, this is my 12th election season in Palm Springs and this the 12th time I have heard this. For all of you upset by the JR Roberts signs, you were equally as upset by the Yes On Measure J signs that were found to be illegal. For those of you perturbed by large cash expenditures, you were equally upset by Mr. Matzner's donations as well? I somewhat doubt it. Will outrage be forthcoming when the public safety unions mount a sign blitz for their chosen? My tears are reserved for a true victim in this election season, the empty lot next to the Valero gas station on Ramon Road.

As someone who has covered local politics for a few years, exaggerated outrage in Palm Springs elections is about as predictable as seeing Mt. San Jacinto. Now if that disappeared, I would be outraged.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Pivotal Moment In Palm Springs Politics

In a move that probably she didn't want to make but ultimately may have had to, Palm Springs Council member and Mayoral candidate Ginny Foat strove to separate herself from embattled Mayor Steve Pougnet today. In an interview with the Desert Sun Editorial Board, Foat expressed anger at Pougnet and his ties to developer Richard Meaney. She also expressed frustration at her inability to unearth more about the relationship between Meaney and the Mayor which appears to be the target of a multi-agency corruption probe..

As I previously wrote, Ms. Foat's campaign had all the earmarks of a coronation at first. Despite his troubles, Mayor Steve Pougnet remained popular and Ms. Foat seemed to be running as an extension of a Pougnet third term. Then came the  September 1st raid of City Hall by the Feds. How could a candidate continue to tout all the "progress" being made if some of that was fodder for a corruption inquiry? The wheels were getting a little persnickety on the Foat bus and I am sure there were some backroom discussions on whether or not to attack the Mayor.

That is not to say this strategy is without risk.On the one hand, Mr. Pougnet still has his supporters who deem any criticism gossip or speculation. They may be upset that by expressing anger with Mayor Pougnet, Ms. Foat has gone over to the dark side and is no longer a "team" player. Foat runs the risk as being perceived as kicking the Mayor while he is down.

On the other hand, many who have been critical of Mayor Pougnet since the spring will see M.s Foat's "Road to Damascus" conversion as being too little, too late. Some may also wonder whether or not if the Foat campaign has done any recent polling and found her support was neing threatened by her being an incumbent associated with the Mayor. It is a gambit that may wind up hurting her.

I blogged the other day the ground is shifting in the Mayor's race. Today it moved a little more.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcsting.com

Tough Times For Ginny Foat

It wasn't supposed to be like this. After  Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet bowed out of the Mayor's race over the revelations of his relationship with a local developer, Ms. Foat threw her hat in the ring. Since Ms. Foat has 2 more years to go on her council term it was with little risk.

She started her campaign very well. The big shots and power brokers all signed on board. Ms. Foat checked all the boxes getting support from national LGBT organizations as well. This was looking more like a coronation than an election. Ginny Foat was well on her way to becoming the first lady Mayor of Palm Springs. Then the Feds paid a visit to City Hall.

It placed Ms. Foat in a tough position. How can you run based on all the "progress" Palm Springs has made when some of that "progress" is now under investigation?  It t is not an enviable task and one she is obviously struggling with.

Since the raid, Ms. Foat and her supporters have been aggressive responding to slights both real and imagined. I think she did not acquit herself well when the ridiculous suggestion of moving voting away from the Mizell Center was made by her political opponents. She should have never even commented on the story but  she did. It was a petty move by her opponents not worthy of discussion.

Her lunch meeting with developer Rich Meaney and Mayor Steve Pougnet while not looking great, at least in my mind, looks a lot worse for the Mayor than her.  She has meetings all the time over the city. She claims she had no knowledge of the extent of the Pougnet's relationship with Rich Meaney. 2 other people, not her supporters, with knowledge of the situation have said the same thing to me. It remains to be seen if there is any "there" there.

Ms. Foat has also been quoted talking about how much the city is cooperating with the federal authorities. The city really has no choice in the matter.

Foat's supporter's have also become more aggressive on social media. Taking a dubious high moral tone, they have denounced what they perceive as gossip and speculation. Part of this aggressiveness can be attributed to pent up frustration

Many of the Foat supporters were also supporters of Steve Pougnet, They blame mayoral candidate Rob Moon for the state of flux Palm Springs is in. There has been a whispering campaign that Mr. Moon's original political consultant Freeman Public Affairs of Orange County leaked the whole Pougnet Meaney story in the first place. Pougnet hinted at this in a rambling April statement. Mr. Moon has denied this at every chance and even if true so what? The Feds obviously think there is something to look into.

So where does this all leave Ms. Foat? She still must still be considered the front runner but the ground under her has shifted.  Should be an interesting few weeks.

Steve Kelly can be reached st stevekelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Outrageous Comment By Palm Springs Lawyer

While the dramatic raid on Palm Springs City Hall basically took up all the media oxygen in the Valley, there was another huge story that flew under the radar. The insurance company for the city of Palm Springs agreed to pay more than 2.5 million dollars to the family of Marine Corporal and Afghanistan veteran AJ DeVillena who was shot to death by 2 Palm Springs police officers back in November 2012. The shooting took place in the city parking garage in Palm Springs.

It was a horrible incident for all concerned. But there was gasoline thrown on the fire by city attorney Patrick Desmond who called the settlement a "business" decision and then proceeded to trash Corporal DeVillena. Mr. Desmond, a Long Beach State and U of San Diego Law School Grad obviously skipped school the day when they were teaching compassion and decorum. 

What Mr. Desmond did not comment on is that according to the Los Angeles Times, the Palm Springs PD in the settlement agreed to discourage it's officers from shooting at moving vehicles. A practice which in the past 3 years had led to 1 death and 2 monetary settlements. Shooting at moving cars may work on TV but in reality, it is both dangerous and ineffective. Hardly a "business" decision but a policy one.

Also the PSPD will now liaison with the 29 Palms Base to make sure Marines can be safe while partying here. This was specifically according to the wishes of Corporal DeVillena's family. 

How much more appropriate if the esteemed lawyer had just said, "We are glad to see this chapter end." But no, he had to defend at all costs the actions taken that evening by Officers Mike Heron and Chad Nordman. (Nordman is a whole column himself. He has been involved in 3 different settlements by the city. Only union protection keeps him employed.)

No one is condoning drunk driving nor disobeying police orders. But the penalty for both is not death. Mr. Desmond did neither the city or himself any honor with those remarks.

Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist wrote that "The law is an ass." The comments made by Mr. Desmond in this case may extend that phrase to the practitioner as well.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com

Palm Springs City Council Meets The Enemy And It Is Them

Last night I had the privilege of being interviewed by local television about the raid by law enforcement of the Palm Springs City Hall. I got on the bus in time to get to my Cathedral City home to watch the Palm Springs City Council meeting. To say the meeting was strange, disappointing and sad is to do it an injustice. It was pathetic

The complete abrogation of any responsibility by the leadership of the city was completely appalling. I can understand why Mayor Steve Pougnet, who appears to be the target of the probe, would be short and succinct. He was. But the whining of other members and some of the audience was disgraceful.

First of all, there is no conspiracy by the FBI, DA, IRS and US Attorney Eileen Decker to stop "progress" in Palm Springs. Whatever has happened in the past, the current mess in Palm Springs was brought about by actions that are perceived by the above agencies to warrant investigation.

The litany of plants, er citizens spouting off praises of the council was like Shakespeare once wrote, "Sound and fury signifying nothing."  What does that, if anything, have to do with the current situation?

The chiding of the media is always a loser. The Desert Sun has done a marvelous job on this story as well as Natalie Brunnell from Channels 2 and 3. They have reported factually and professionally. Yet the response in some quarters in Palm Springs has been assinine. It really makes me wonder about the maturity level of some of the residents.

It has also been amazing that some city officials are seeking plaudits for cooperating fully with investigators. In reality they have absolutely no choice but to do so.  To not do so would risk criminal charges. 

So let us see if moving forward in the next few weeks, Palm Springs "leaders" do just that and not keep indulging in self pity.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrrbroadcasting.com