Palm Springs Historical Society's context of Section 14 is informative

Regarding The Desert Sun's "Thanks for the Memories" on history of land equalization for the members of the Agua Caliente band, printed Sunday April 30:

Palm Springs Historical Society Director of Education and Associate Curator Renee Brown wrote an excellent article of what transpired with the Agua Caliente land in Section 14 through the middle to the late 1950s. I would like to see The Desert Sun request Renee Brown to complete the Section 14 redevelopment story from September 1959, from the date of the Land Lease Act, through the 1960s. I have been coming to Palm Springs since 1954 with my grandparents on the way to the Salton Sea. I remember how deplorable the living conditions were in Section 14 and what an eyesore this area must have been to the Agua Caliente Tribe and the City of Palm Springs. I look forward to Renee Brown finishing the article so we will all know factually what occurred.

David Ormiston, Palm Springs

Happy 100^th birthday to decorated WWII pilot, Fred Elg

On Sunday April 23, Fred Elg, along with his family and friends celebrated his 100^th birthday party at the Country Club Café in Palm Desert. Fred was a decorated World War II pilot who skippered PB M Flying Boats during the war. Their duties included Air-Sea rescue and Submarine Recon.

Fred and some of his younger pals have been meeting for breakfast at the café for several years Sunday mornings. The owner of the café, Mr. Genaro Cruz, wanted to throw a party for Fred on his birthday.

So, thanks to “Mr. G” and his staff and many others. Fred had a great party!

And thank you to those who helped:

City of Rancho Mirage Mayor Richard Kite, Tim Esser and family, Cathedral City Jr. ROTC Color Guard, led by Sgt. Harvey Philon, blessing by Mia Lynott, DRA Motorcycle group, Jim Smith, Desert Air Museum, national anthem Singer, Ms. Michelle Fiore, Palm Springs Opera Guild, King Mac McWilliams, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Sign-maker, Ron Crook.

Thank you all and happy birthday Fred.

Barbara Elg, Palm Springs

Check out this wonderful documentary, 'Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn'

Malcolm Kenyatta (and Chief of Staff Matthew Daggett) stayed at our home for the Palm Springs premier of “Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn” on Malcolm’s 2022 run in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary in Pennsylvania.

Malcolm is the first openly LGBTQ person of color in the Pennsylvania House, serving the impoverished North Philadelphia area where Malcolm grew up. Having premiered at the London LGBTQ+ Film Festival to critically acclaimed reviews, also recognized by LGBTQ People of Color Film Festival in Los Angeles, the documentary was presented locally by AmDocs Film Festival by Teddy Grouya.

Malcolm is not an ordinary politician and this must-see film presents a unique campaign of passion and leadership, based on integrity, community and love. It speaks of Malcolm’s unwavering fight against racism, poverty and homophobia, and his love for his wonderful husband, not by exposition but by demonstration. It is a love story – love of a spouse, love of a community desperate for a better future, love of the hope that democracy and tolerance can triumph. Malcolm shows us that a true hero exemplifies selflessness in action, not in words, not in talking points, but in character – a true rarity in today’s political environment.

Rich Weissman, Palm Springs

We have a duty to rally around President Joe Biden

It is beyond gratifying to know our president is eager and anxious to “finish the job.” We all have a duty to rally around him and do whatever we can to help. Because it is a really big job! All Republicans represent a threat to democracy, not just the ones who want to make America great again.

T.J. Sexton, Indian Wells

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Springs Historical Society's context of Section 14 is informative