Palm Springs council hosts online listening session on policing, racism, discrimination

As the conversation around police brutality and racial inequity continues nationwide. Palm Springs city council held their first online listening session on policing, racism, discrimination and related issues. 

Palm Springs city council opened the door for discussion by starting their virtual meeting quoting late civil rights congressman, John Lewis.

Grace Garner quoted John Lewis “Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year it is the struggle of a lifetime. never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble."

City leaders were present and ready to listen 

“Knowing this is the first step, first conversation and whatever comes out of this, we’ll know other types of conversations we should have," said Christy Holstege, Palm Springs councilwoman.

As dozens of public comments spark up stressing concerns on topics of policing methods the removal of the Frank Bogert statue and racial injustice.

“Every-time I am stopped, the police ask me if i am on probation or parole," said Jetter Crawford. "We know that the city is 5 percent black but that blacks are 13 percent of the arrests.”  

Palm Springs High School’s assistant principal also chiming in.  

“Watching your brother pick up beer bottles from his grandmother’s home because there’s a party across the street and the beer bottles are in her yard and the police officer taking my brother when he was in high school down to police department arresting them for four hours," said Janel Hunt, PSUSD assistant principal.  

One resident defending the police.

“Crime is going up this is not the time to get tough on police and soft on crime my building have been vandalized more than once, whatever it is, its a crime against all of us but there’s work to do here and it starts with safe streets.”

After four hours of public comments Mayor Geoff Kors adds.

“I know on behalf of the council, we really appreciate the participation and for those that called in so we can listen and learn," said Mayor Geoff Kors.

Palm Springs city council is asking the public to take part in their meeting on Thursday at 5 p.m.