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