Contact: Cindy Uken
Communications Director
City of Palm Springs
760.323.8250
December 17, 2007
Knowing there is strength in numbers speaking and with a unified voice, two
groups of Palm Springs residents have formally organized, taking advantage of
a City of Palm Springs program.
This week, the Ruth Hardy Park Neighborhood Organization and the Racquet
Club West Neighborhood Organization became official, bringing to 15 the total
number of officially recognized groups associated with the City's Office of
Neighborhood Involvement (ONI). Established by City Ordinance in April 2005,
the ONI is a vehicle for encouraging citizen involvement in service delivery and
improving communication among citizens, City staff and elected officials.
"We felt it was important to have not just one voice but a group of voices in
things that matter to us in our area -- and also in Palm Springs in general," said
Joy Smith, Chairperson of the Racquet Club West Neighborhood Organization.
"We just needed a stronger voice and we felt that the Neighborhood
Organization provided that opportunity. We're very excited. We're achieving
what we want. "
Jim Franklin, who was instrumental in helping to organize the Ruth Hardy
Neighborhood Organization, said that group's goal is centered more on getting
to know one another.
"Our focus is more the social part of it and getting to know the neighbors,"
Franklin said. "It obviously strengthens the community when you know
everybody around, and it makes it easier to address issues that might come up
from time to time. We've been talking about this for a couple of years and it's
finally become reality."
The group elected officers on Saturday. They are: Franklin, President; Bill
Markley, Vice-President; Joy Meredith, Secretary; and Tom Fitzgerald,
Treasurer.
Both new Neighborhood Organizations will be recognized at the City Council
meeting on Wednesday, December 19; the meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the City
Council Chambers of City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.
Although the ONI is a City office, the Office of Neighborhood Involvement
Committee (PSNIC) works with the City Manager and staff to address matters of
concern to citizens and other neighborhood interests. The PSNIC is comprised of
elected representatives of Neighborhood Organizations that have become
officially recognized by the City through an application process.
The benefits of a Neighborhood Organization include:
- A community of people who know and look out for one another
- A place for bringing people together to socialize and address common concerns
- A collective voice to advocate for neighborhood interests and concerns
- A recognized entity that works with city government to access resources and resolve issues affecting neighborhood character and quality of life
- A communication conduit that exchanges information and knowledge
Palm Springs residents who are interested in organizing their neighborhoods
should call Husfeldt at 323-8255.
