We received this letter from a concerned citizen 02/23/05.  Lengthy but very well worth reading

Hello Friends Of Desert Hot Springs

I understand that Dion Neutra's schedule is very busy, and that if more time was available, a more activist role in interceding on this mess in Desert Hot Springs would occur.  Although you explained the background well I think in your email to Dion and others, perhaps emails from other individuals describing and reiterating this situation as being particularly unique in that Desert Hot Springs is located in the Coachella Valley and is shared with such other "architectural-oriented communities" as Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, etc..  Dion may not be aware that this valley is fairly well recognized nationwide as a "progressive" area and open to inventiveness historically, with architecture being one of the area's "claim to fame", and that as other communities in the valley, Desert Hot Springs enjoys the tradition of mid-century modern architecture, as it also does early California Mission - this is our heritage. 

It was obvious in your email to Dion that you were able to convey how particularly disturbing to see this community specifically eliminate an entire category of architecture, that I realize that Dion must to well aware as universally renown, and that the valley has been experiencing a renaissance.

The nonsensical decisions made by the City of Desert Hot Springs, besides assessments made by independent attorneys determining it constitutes a blatant form of discrimination, is unparalleled.  If this were a community like Santa Barbara that has a very steeped tradition in early California Mission architecture, there may be a firm basis to outlaw alternative architectural styles.  Not that this community has any right, basis or education in which to exercise such a ban, but it has done so entirely independent from any review with its citizens or a formal action taken by the city legislatively, and in fact, is in direct violation of our own general plan guidelines and zoning ordinance.  Interesting to note that prior to the dismissal of the city's planning commission last August, 2004 that the commission and the city council did approve essential design aspects that are representative of mid-century modern architecture in a commercial project - flat and low-sloping roof, minus parapets, etc., but has independently decided to ignore this, and to press-on with their private agenda of unexplained, unjustified discriminatory design prerogative minus citizen and legitimate legislative action to give it a legal basis. 

"Arbitrary", "capricious", "discriminatory" represent just a few terms that various civil suit attorneys contacted about this latest Desert Hot Springs mess, that describe Desert Hot Springs' city staff dismissive, yet actions that have essentially resulted in the discontinuation of this wonderful architectural style.  Interesting to note that an architectural style that is totally uncharacteristic most anywhere in the Coachella Valley, "English Tudor" or "English Stucco" according to the DHS Taliban dictates would be "deemed" acceptable to them, much similar to its former counterparts in Afghanistan that destroyed thousands of ancient Buddhist statues prior to U.S. Army occupation.  Similar to Afghanistan Taliban, their admirers in the DHS city government apparent objective is to re-write history and to rid itself of mid-century modern architecture.  Although we realize that some of the best designed buildings in town are mid-century modern, you were wise to point out that this famed architectural style is also reflected within the city's official logo (the city was incorporated in 1963).

I would imagine as word gets out, that this matter will continue to unfavorably raise eyebrows with local valley architecture enthusiasts, who, as anybody hearing about this, finds it difficult to comprehend that this is really happening.  Many in the valley and outside of the valley have already surmised the city's really bad tract record of poor decision-making, historically led by mischievous, self-serving leaders that have driven the city to the brink of financial extinction and major embarrassment.  This example is one of the reasons they conclude that the city has not changed much over the years, and continues to make major, expensive and embarrassing blunders.  One of the city's major "claims to fame" are continued acts of discrimination that the city has been slapped with major court judgments costing the city millions of dollars in punitive damages - with the latest bond $20 million bond measure protracted over a period of 30 years as per historic Federal court judgments against a municipality that was forced to file bankruptcy in order to stave-off the results of the court's judgment.  Unfortunately, more of the same are appear to be lining-up - that will result in still even more punitive damages against our citizens.  With this regrettable and undesirable history as the background, many throughout the valley hearing about this are amazed that the local Hitlerites have suddenly assumed "authority" status in the realm of architecture (of course, minus any experience or education or awareness of their own architectural surroundings), when their tract record abundantly demonstrates their pathetic lack of know-how in most everything else it does. 

An interesting and sad remark I have often heard by several regarding this latest DHS quagmire and the city's stepping into a realm of architecture that they know absolutely nothing is "they can't even wipe their own asses, yet they are dictating others how to do it." 

I would hope that if a group of us were to invite Dion Neutra and others to town, they may be encouraged to write letters of support and maybe even attend council and planning commission meetings.  It is important right now that letters about this issue be addressed to the general plan advisory committee.  I know that we will be able to make Dion Neutra and others feel at home.

Thanks for your ongoing efforts to make this travesty known to the world.