Palm Springs Human Rights Commission to present community service awards

On Monday the city of Palm Springs’ Human Rights Commission presented its annual Community Service Awards to nine community leaders and organizations, including two police officers killed in the line of duty last
year, local philanthropists and organizations supporting local students and causes.

The awards, selected by the nine-member volunteer commission, were presented Monday afternoon for those “Promoting Universal Human Rights Close to Home.”

Honorees include:

Officers Jose “Gil” Vega and Lesley Zerebny, who were shot and killed in the line of duty in October 2016, for their “ultimate sacrifice.” Bianca Rae, KESQ anchor and philanthropist who started the Bianca Rae Foundation and “uniquely uses the voice she has through the media for those in need.” Will Paige, publisher of Desert Daily Guide, who organizers say “has helped countless nonprofit organizations and equality events” through his publication’s promotions, “providing a voice for the disenfranchised.” Lisa Middleton, an “active Transgender community leader who works tirelessly building bridges within the community and promoting collaborative relationships between neighborhoods and citizens of Palm Springs.” Some Fabulous Leos, a local nonprofit that “provides fundraising and awareness for numerous nonprofit, equality and local charities and organizations.” The Victory Squadron, a volunteer group associated with the Palm Springs Air Museum made up largely of veterans, who “volunteer their time to educate others on America’s important past to archive precious documents and artifacts and to share stories that honor the brave people who fought to preserve our freedom.” Negro Academic Scholarship Fund, a fundraising group that provides scholarships “to numerous economically challenged students and families.” Xavier College Preparatory High School, the Palm Desert school that “created a summit focusing on poverty in education, immigration, gender inequality and sustainability.”

Slain officer Lesley Zerebny was honored by the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission Monday afternoon.

Zerebny’s husband, Zachary Zerebny, was on hand to accept the award on her behalf.

I want the community to see our everyday heroes,” Palm Springs Human Rights Commission chair Wes Rankins said about the recipients.

At Palm Springs City Hall, a room full of volunteers and humanitarians rose to their feet as families of officers Jose Gilbert Vega and Lesley Zerebny accepted community service awards after the officers died while on duty.

“Both officers in the line of duty were people who really upheld that right. We wanted to honor them and show their families how much we appreciated their service,” Palm Springs Human Rights commissioner Sam Ciraulo said.

The commission honored nine recipients for their community service “promoting universal human rights close to home.”

“As terrible as the situation is it’s pretty incredible seeing the reaction from the community,” Zachary Zerebny said.