I'm running for Palm Desert council, and I say yes on Measure B. Let's fix the mess

As a candidate for Palm Desert City Council, I urge fellow residents to vote yes on Measure B supporting five voter districts. Don’t be fooled by the fear-ridden, fact-free arguments of the opposition. Voters will gain democracy by selecting a representative directly accountable to each district. Would you rather spend your time contacting four council members who possibly have little personal experience with your neighborhood or just one who lives in your area and answers specifically to you?

The opposition provides no factual support that multi-district governance results in less attention to a city-wide vision. Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, and Indio have multiple districts and they’re doing just fine. So will we.

Without offering evidence, the opposition states that parks and public safety will be at risk because of multiple districts. Why would future district-elected council members vote to cease popular programs? They wouldn’t of course, but others will try to manipulate you with unsubstantiated fear-mongering.

The opposition will tell you to keep Palm Desert united. Fact check: we’re already broken into two districts because the council accepted an agreement settled by lawyers, not voters.

On Measure B, vote yes to fix the mess.

Gregg Akkerman, Palm Desert

It's a pleasure to share our La Quinta home. No on Measure A

I would like to share some positive stories that my family and I have experienced since I become a proud homeowner in La Quinta, and subsequently, sharing our home with our guests from all over the world.

Firstly, my home in La Quinta is used by my family as a break from city life. We thoroughly enjoy spending as much time as possible in La Quinta and have made many friends in the area along the way. We have gotten to know our neighbors, as well as many of the local business owners, whose businesses we frequent.

Secondly, it is an honor to share our home with our guests. Our guests have shared with us their love for La Quinta and many have been back to contribute to our city’s economy by supporting local businesses during their stay.

La Quinta is a world-renowned destination, whether it be for golf, tennis or simply enjoying everything our desert has to offer. We hope to be able to continue sharing our home for many years.

Please join me in voting no on Measure A to allow us to continue to share La Quinta with others, and support and protect La Quinta businesses.

Peter Ktori, Los Angeles 

What was she thinking?

In regard to the Mar-a-Lago situation, it appears lawyer Christina Bobb signed a letter without verifying its contents. I don’t think that’s a professional way to practice law!

Louise Kermode, Palm Desert

Duran would be an asset on DSUSD board

I am writing this letter of support for my former colleague Michael Duran as he campaigns for a seat on the Desert Sands Unified school board.

I have had the pleasure of working with Michael in the Palm Springs Unified School District for the past seven years. Michael is a fantastic counselor and advocates for his students. I have been more than impressed by his ability to connect to all students on his caseload. He has the uncanny ability to get to the root of any issue and rally a support network around any struggling student and their family members.

His empathetic nature extends beyond the students; he is also a great mentor and friend to many James Workman Middle School teachers and staff. When I was a new teacher in the district, he went out of his way to ensure that I felt welcomed and included in my new school community. He has a vast heart and is consistent from beginning to end. Michael Duran would make an excellent choice for Desert Sands Unified school board member.

Nichi Avina, Palm Desert

Support council candidates who will keep STVRs out of Rancho Mirage

Three of six Rancho Mirage City Council candidates support the city-wide prohibition on short-term vacation rentals (STVRs).

Steve Downs voted against them while on the planning commission and does not believe they have a place in residential neighborhoods.

Meg Marker’s website states that "to uphold the quality of life for Rancho Mirage residents … our city should not permit STVRs.”

Lynn Mallotto said" “STRs have a place in some communities, but not in Rancho Mirage.”

Louisa Davis spoke in favor of allowing STVRs at city council meetings. She also supported the lawsuit against our STVR ordinance brought by Vacation Rental Owners and Neighbors of Rancho Mirage. Kim Martos didn’t respond to our inquiry.  She lists her profession as property manager and says she is “running alongside” Louisa Davis.

Ken Amman believes “there is a place for them.”

We believe Rancho Mirage neighborhoods are better places as a result of the current STVR prohibition.  We encourage residents to support candidates who will uphold the current ban.

Mark Susskind, Jim Gaube and Mike Ziskind, Rancho Mirage

Salton Sea panel's plan is a bad science project

Taxpayer funds of $300 million are in danger of being wasted on a “science project” modeled after the Owens Lake Restoration Project. That solution isn’t right for anyone.

A desalinization plant owned by the federal government sits idle near Yuma, Arizona.

By constructing holding ponds near the plant, contaminated Salton Sea water can be sent for purification and returned to the Salton Sea, eventually cleansing it.

The brine placed into these holding ponds would be re-processed and concentrated until sufficient in concentration to send to a final evaporator pond, allowing for removal of solid waste.

Meanwhile, Congress should pursue an agreement with Mexico to bring water from the Sea of Cortez that could perpetually supply fresh potable water to the citizens of Arizona, California and Mexico through desalination.

Ask yourself, why was this project, associated with Imperial and Riverside counties, tasked to UC Santa Cruz rather than UC Riverside? What political motivation played into this decision?

The current “solution” is tantamount to putting a band-aid on a leg infected with gangrene and expecting a positive outcome for the patient.

Steve Jones, Indio

Why I support Silveira for DSUSD board

I am a parent and a member of a PTO in the Desert Sands Unified School District and I am endorsing Katherine Silveira for DSUSD Board of Education Trustee, Area 2.

There are plenty of reasons to vote for Mrs. Silveira but let me tell you the most important one. She has and will always listen, research and process any information, problem or complaint given to her before rushing to make a decision. Katherine Silveira does not believe in “knee-jerk” reactions. Katherine Silveira’s biggest concern is to make sure every student in DSUSD is safe, never overlooked and receives the best education possible. As a parent and educator herself, she knows and respects parents’ concerns as well as the challenges teachers face on a daily basis.

Katherine Silveira believes that supported teachers, safe schools and good communication are the keys to successful students. Even before she was a candidate, Katherine Silveira attended every board meeting since 2020 to advocate for both students and teachers. I believe she was the only candidate to attend all of the meetings.

If you believe in equity for all students, support for teachers, and safe and healthy environments in our schools, vote Katherine Silveira, DSUSD Board of Education Trustee, Area 2.

Jenelle Jarmond, Indio

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Desert council candidate Gregg Akkerman says yes on Measure B