Next week, the City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission will bestow awards upon seven residents and two organizations. These honorees are being recognized for their substantial contributions to human rights, social progress, improved living standards, and equality.
A press release from the City of Palm Springs stated that the awards would be presented at the “Promoting Universal Human Rights Close to Home” ceremony. The event is scheduled for February 12 at 5:30 p.m., taking place in the Council Chamber at City Hall, located on 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. The city extends an invitation to all members of the public to attend.
The City of Palm Springs elaborated in its press release, “This year’s honorees have improved the quality of life for Greater Palm Springs and Coachella Valley residents over many years as well as helped the unsheltered, senior citizens, LGBTQ+ youth and families, active-duty military and veterans, people living with HIV, communities of color, artists and performers, and many others.”
According to the same press release, this year’s recipients include Brad Prescott who donated what is now a preserve for open space in Palm Springs in 2022; Dee Dee Wilson Barton for her dedication to youth and the LGBTQ community; the Coachella Valley Filipino Festival Committee which initiated a new festival that debuted at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on October 8, 2023; LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert for their efforts to collect, preserve and make accessible regional LGBTQ+ history; Rabbi Dr. Jules Long who is founder, spiritual leader and teacher of the Desert Outreach Synagogue; Tom Oliver and Matthew Stocker who have both volunteered and donated towards local human rights causes; Tommi Rose for his volunteer work with LGBTQ youth along with United Services Organization and Soldiers Organized Services; Willie Rhine who has assisted in raising thousands of dollars for local nonprofits.
The press release further informs that the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission consists of nine members, all of whom are citizens appointed by the city council for three-year terms.
