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Hidden Harvest, NAMI and AQMD announce programs; city recognizes staff and community groups
Summary
At the Oct. 23 meeting the council heard presentations and community announcements: Hidden Harvest described produce rescue and a November luncheon; NAMI announced a Nov. 15 walk and resource fair; South Coast AQMD outlined upcoming dust summit and incentive programs. The council also presented proclamations and an award to the finance department.
Council members and community partners used the Oct. 23 meeting to deliver community updates and organizational announcements.
Hidden Harvest: Francisco Linares, executive director of Hidden Harvest, told the council the nonprofit acquires surplus produce from packing houses and, when gleaning declined after COVID, pays small local farmers to grow produce that the group distributes to senior centers, youth groups and nonprofit meal providers across the valley. Linares invited council members to Hidden Harvest’s annual luncheon on Nov. 20 and asked about sponsorships. He said the organization distributes to sites from Desert Hot Springs to North Shore and Idlewild and named recipient organizations including the Jocelyn Center, Rescue Mission and Martha’s Kitchen.
NAMI Coachella Valley: Christine Tomstad, president of NAMI Coachella Valley, invited council members and staff to the fourth annual NAMI Coachella Valley walk and resource fair on Nov. 15 at Palm Desert Civic Center Park, a free event that raises funds and awareness for mental‑health programs. Tomstad said all NAMI programs and supports in the valley are volunteer‑run and free of charge.
South Coast AQMD: Todd Wharton, South Coast AQMD field representative, announced a dust summit Nov. 6 at UCR Palm Desert and described incentive programs (Invest Clean and GoZero) for heavy‑duty goods movement and electrification of heat pumps/water heaters; he also applauded Palm Desert’s long‑running EV charging stations and CNG use in waste haulers.
Proclamations and awards: The council presented a proclamation recognizing Greater Palm Springs Pride 2025, proclaimed Code Compliance Officer Appreciation Week and Community Planning Month, and honored local business owner Pete Carlson with a proclamation declaring Oct. 23, 2025 as Pete Carlson Day. The finance department received the Government Finance Officers Association award for excellence in financial reporting — the city’s 28th consecutive year receiving that recognition, staff said.
How this matters: The announcements highlight local nonprofit services for food access and mental‑health outreach, regional air‑quality initiatives and the city’s efforts to recognize volunteer and staff contributions.
