HomeMy WebLinkAbout00A Non-Agenda Public CommentsSanchez, Gloria
From: Ann Japenga
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2021 1:34 PM
To: CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject: public comment on Living Desert smoke bomb event for 2/25/21 meeting
Dear councilmembers:
On April 91h, 2021, Desert X will be igniting a 1,200-acre smoke bomb at the base of Eisenhower Mountain, in
the backyard of captive meerkats and wild bighorn sheep. Eleven bighorn Iambs have just been born in the
mountains and there will be more by April. Hikers often spot sheep on the trails above the Living Desert.
While artist Judy Chicago argues that the smoke is non -toxic and therefore harmless, two prominent local
wildlife biologists told me the huge volume of colored smoke may panic both captive and wild creatures.
Captive animals, in particular, may be startled by the smoke and injure themselves trying to escape.
Desert X received negative media attention in 2019 because of their negligent treatment of the local
landscape. They damaged endangered species habitat at Snow Creek and trashed Homme Adams park, among
other transgressions.
Also in 2019, the Whitewater Preserve canceled a Desert X light show at the last minute due to concerns
about the effect on endangered bighorn sheep and also the damaging "optics" of the event. In an era of
Instagram copycats, it sends the wrong message to blast light or explode smoke near wildlife habitat.
On April 91h, 2021, Instagram images of smoke engulfing bighorn habitat will be flashed worldwide, with "Palm
Desert" in the hashtags. Is this good publicity?
I hope you share my belief that it's bad for animals, bad for Palm Desert, even bad for Judy Chicago. She made
her name challenging the "toxic masculinity" of male land artists who bludgeoned the landscape. Exploding
smoke bombs in the faces of bighorn Iambs might be the crowning irony of her otherwise laudable career.
If the City has any influence over this spectacle, please encourage the organizers to relocate the event to open
desert somewhere nearby. Out near the windmills or by Edom Hill, there would still be the potential to
frighten native creatures --but the Living Desert location is especially dense with animals both captive and wild.
Because the event is largely virtual, a new location will not dim the impact. There is still time to relocate.
Thank you for considering this input. I am a 25-year Palm Springs resident who writes about the history of
desert art for my website: www.CaliforniaDesertArt.com
Ann Japenga
Sanchez, Gloria
From: Living Usana
Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2021 11:39 AM
To: CouncilMeeting Comments
Subject: Recall Members ! Comments for City Council RE: STRs
We need better representation for STRs on city counci! The music festivals potentially looking at moving as
well as the new arena being built STRs are the way of the future. If city council members are not on board with
STRs they should excuse themselves or we can push for a recall! Using city council for your own personal gain
and ignore the fact that this is a vacation destination is negligent in your duties to this city. Council members
should resign if you are not able to keep up with the changing trends and times of the future. If lets get a recall
before the opportunity at the next election. Stop pushing policies that hurt our city and only satisfy a small few!