Happy Tuesday, everyone! While we’re running down our 2024 top stories (and yours) this week, we thought we’d point out what readers of The Coachella Valley Independent said were the top local businesses. We meant to point to the publication’s annual Best of the Valley last month, but circumstances prevailed. So, today let us encourage you to check them out by clicking here. Chances are you’ll see many Palm Springs businesses among the honorees!
🎶 Setting the mood: “Pretty Paper” by Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson
LEADING OFF
Section 14 settlement named 2024’s top story by readers
The historic Section 14 reparations settlement addressing the forced displacement of a predominantly Black community in the 1950s-60s was voted the biggest Palm Springs story of 2024 by Palm Springs Post readers.
Driving the news: The settlement was seen as a pivotal and polarizing event – an overdue act of justice for some, but setting a concerning precedent for others. Readers were divided on the implications.
- One supporter called it “a historic moment for the city and the country,” while a critic warned it “opens an unprecedented grab for money and land.”
Readers also highlighted the opening of the homeless navigation center, a “Forever Marilyn” statue lawsuit, and alleged misuse of funds by a local non-profit leader as major 2024 events…