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City honors police risk‑management award and photo contest winner; students, health district and volunteers speak at public comment
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Summary
At its Feb. 3 meeting, Desert Hot Springs received a PERMA law‑enforcement risk management award (with a $2,500 grant), recognized a photo contest winner, and heard public comments from Key Club students, Desert Healthcare District and volunteers seeking help with desert cleanups and service needs.
The Desert Hot Springs City Council opened its Feb. 3 meeting with two community presentations and a series of public comments from residents and local organizations.
Beth Lyons, executive director of the Public Entity Risk Management Authority (PERMA), presented the city with a law‑enforcement risk management award recognizing the police department’s use of the First Sign risk‑management program and granted $2,500 to support training, equipment and risk‑management efforts. Deputy Chief Hattersey accepted the award on behalf of Chief Shaw.
The council also announced the winner of the city's annual photo contest: Paul Atwell’s image “Super Bloom,” which will be displayed on a billboard along Palm and Dylan in February. Atwell accepted a certificate and made brief remarks.
During the public‑comment period, several residents and group representatives spoke. Steven Finch of the Kiwanis Club of Palm Springs introduced Desert Hot Springs High School Key Club members Julian Orianna and Daniela Amazola, who described volunteer projects including animal rescue work, senior‑center visits and toy drives. Carol Rogers, representing the Desert Healthcare District, promoted upcoming community listening sessions and said the district will receive Measure A funds for long‑term planning that could support a freestanding emergency room and expanded services locally.
Other commenters asked the city to support volunteer cleanups of encampment debris, raised concerns about low‑flying government helicopters and described problems of vandalism and 911 service routing. Council members thanked volunteers and recognized the local spa‑tourism and events that support the city’s revenue base.
No formal council action was taken on these presentations beyond acceptance and recognition; these items were presented for community awareness and acknowledgement.
