Palm Springs Approves $5.9 Million Reparations Settlement

The Palm Springs City Council has unanimously approved a historic $5.9 million reparations settlement for former residents of Section 14, a neighborhood predominantly inhabited by Black and Latino families that was demolished in the 1960s for commercial development. This agreement, which follows decades of advocacy, also includes a $21 million funding package for housing and small business support aimed at assisting the affected communities. Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein acknowledged that while no monetary amount can fully remedy past injustices, this step is crucial for community healing. The settlement reflects a broader trend of reparative actions being taken in various regions, such as Los Angeles County's recent land purchase for another African-American family. Despite uncertainties about how the reparations will be distributed among over 1,200 eligible recipients, advocates view this as a meaningful acknowledgment of the city's historical role in the displacement. Pearl Devers, a former resident and advocate, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the significance of the agreement for her community.