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Desert Hot Springs recognizes photo-contest winner and spotlights Black History Month
Summary
At its Feb. 4 meeting Desert Hot Springs City Council celebrated the city photo-contest winner, displayed the winning image on a local billboard, and heard community presentations for Black History Month and local organizations. Residents raised safety and communications concerns during public comment.
The Desert Hot Springs City Council used its early presentation period on Feb. 4 to honor the winner of the city’s photo contest and to hear several community announcements tied to Black History Month.
Roberta Cernick, recreation and community programs director, described the contest process—anonymous submissions, three categories and council voting—and introduced the winner. Jaime Lopez accepted recognition for a photograph titled "Dancing in the Sunset," which the council noted is displayed on a billboard at Palm and Dylan. Lopez said the image felt like "an analogy to Desert Hot Springs," describing how difficult periods "shape us and make us stronger."
Mayor Mattis and several council members used the presentation period to highlight Black History Month events and local cultural programming. Mayor Mattis invited Naim Noriega to speak about community inclusion; Noriega urged the council and residents to create more spaces where Black residents can "speak about who I am" and called for cross-community involvement during February events.
During the public-comment portion residents raised a mix of community issues. Matthew Young described concerns about changes to a homeless-services hub and rider drop-offs outside the city, and he urged compassion and coordinated responses. Kent Anderson asked for clearer city communications and requested more public updates on projects such as the new fire building and the planned animal hospital (which staff said will open under the name Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies, aiming for an April 1 opening). Larry Peters, vice president of the Desert Hot Springs Historical Society, promoted upcoming Rock House events and volunteer opportunities for archival work and a demonstration garden.
Council members thanked presenters and reiterated plans to follow up: staff will publish a community newsletter later in the month and the Black History Committee will receive the contest recognition at a future meeting.
