Palm Springs City Council votes to replace Walk of Stars board
The Palm Springs Walk of Stars will now be officially under new management.
The Palm Springs City Council voted unanimously to replace the ‘Walk of Stars’ board with the city’s Chamber of Commerce.
A handful of people spoke during public comment, hoping to sway the council, but the decision has been made final.
“I’m amazed that the city seems to do so many things wrong,” said Robert Alexander, president of the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.
Alexander has been the president of the Walk of Stars organization for more than 15 years.
leaving the city council meeting disappointed in the decision to replace his board with the Chamber of Commerce for the next three years.
“The Palms Springs Chamber is ill-equipped to handle this program,” Alexander said.
Dozens serving on the Walk of Stars board and their supporters begging council members to re-evaluate the recommendation.
“Please, please look inside. take a really deep look at what you guys want to do,” said one of today’s speakers.
Councilmembers expressed concern over profit, the Palm Springs Walk of Stars organization held more than $150,000 in their account in profit of the stars. The city council argued the money should go back to the community. They hope to use the money for community events like parades.
Last month, News Channel 3’s I-Team took a look into the city’s new plan.
Long-time director of the stars program, Bill Beck argues against the motive.
“The Palm Springs Walk of Stars was never intended to be a fundraiser for the council,” Beck said. “This is money we gave to Palms Springs kids for scholarships.”
The council also wanted to amend the selection process in which honorees are chosen.
In earlier interviews, Palm Springs mayor Robert Moon said some constituents are concerned the selection process has become a ‘pay-to-play.’
“The most recent submitted stars, relevant to Palms Springs, are they relevant to PS? To the accomplished community, to even the city’s history,” Moon said.
The claim shut down by Beck.
“The guidelines for a star are very clearly written and nobody has ever been able to pay to play,” Beck said.
Chamber of Commerce CEO, Nona Watson, says she and a board of 18 are ready to take on the program and have plans to make several changes.
“Refresh the branding, improve the selection process, add new website and mobile app to improve the experience. Our visitors are going to have to our community. In fact, we have already begun the development of a brand mark. We have the design ready to present to the city council as soon as you decide to move this program.” said Nona Watson, CEO of the chamber.
“I wish the chamber well. I talked to Nona Watson. I think she’s a great lady. I think they do a great job at the chamber. I don’t think they’re qualified to run the Palm Springs Walk of Stars,” said Robert Alexander, president of the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.
Alexander said he and his board have been asked to relocate their stars in at least three other southern California locations.
The price for a star may also go up from $10,000 to $15,000. The change in management is effective immediately.
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