It was with keen interest that I read of last night's joint meeting of the Palm Springs City Council and Agua Caliente's governing council. It looks like the reset button is being pushed on relations between the 2 and that can only be a good thing. In recent years, it appeared to this observer that a combination of both arrogance and ignorance on behalf of the city and newer residents caused a rift between both.
It is imperative that the 2 entities get along. Squabbles over the Spa Hotel and the ludicrous complaints over a spotlight over the Spa Casino set relations back. I would bet that many recent arrivals have no idea that Palm Springs is also part of an Indian Reservation which limits the powers and scope of city authority. Some in the "Modernism Movement" need to realize that tribal owned property or buildings owned by tribal members are just that. And as such, not subject to city rules.
I think it is vital that meetings between the 2 groups happen more regularly. Especially now with all the activity going on downtown. The possibility of a glut of downtown hotel rooms is one I am glad both sides are talking about. Plus cooperation on the homeless issue can only benefit both parties.
Thae Agua Caliente people have a sacred right to their land. They were here thousands of years before the first gluten-free Cosmopolitan was drunk by a fedora wearing hipster before he gets on the Buzz Trolley. The tribe will be here long after.
Mayor Moon and the new council should get kudos for reaching out. Well done.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com or followed on Twitter @skellynj
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