City Leaders Remember Richard Milanovich

At Palm Springs City Hall, the flag is being flown at half staff in honor of Richard Milanovich who as tribal chairman led the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for 28 years.

After a long battle with cancer, Milanovich died Sunday at the age of 69.

During his time at the helm of the tribe, the tribe donated millions of dollars to local charities and built the Spa Casino in Palm Springs and the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage.

City leaders who worked closely with Milanovich over the years describe him as a man who was genuine.

“I remember my initial meetings with the chairman and he was just warm and welcoming,” said David Ready, Palm Springs city manager. “I immediately just enjoyed connecting with him and talking with him. He had this great sense of history.”

Dana Hobart, the mayor of Rancho Mirage, remembers how the city and tribe butted heads for a time over the development of the tribe’s casino in the city.

Ultimately, the two sides came together because Hobart said Milanovich was a master at finding the middle ground.

“Regardless of differences we always found a way to overcome those differences and it takes genuine leadership. It takes a person who is confident in his role, who is progressive in his mind, but fair,” said Hobart.

A U.S. Army veteran, this year’s Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade will be held in Milanovich’s honor.

Also, beginning Tuesday, a condolence book will be available at the Palm Springs Library.