This Weeks Feature: Indio's Villa

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12/14/07

AmeriCorps OK from Washington DC
to clear dirt paths in high traffic danger zones
Exclusive to FODHS (staff report)

PRESS RELEASE
DHS Sidewalk Task Force

Event Date: Sunday December 16th 2007
Location: Desert Hot Springs

A 13 person team of AmeriCorps (http://www.americorps.org/) workers are coming to Desert Hot Springs to clear dirt paths in high traffic danger zones. This hard working team of young men and women are from Sacramento on special assignment here in the Coachella Valley. The hotel Shilla (http://www.hotelshillausa.com) has generously provided Sunday night accommodations for the crew which will be working an 8 hour day moving dirt, rocks, brush and debris.

Dan Noriega, AmeriCorps team leader, received the OK from Washington DC headquarters Thursday evening at 8:30 PM and phoned the Sidewalk Task Force Coordinator Dean Gray immediately. Dean said,  "I had just left the Public Safety Commission where the Task Force had just been appointed. I got the call as I was coming home, turned around and rushed back to tell City Manager Rick Daniels the amazing news." 

The newly refurbished Hotel Shilla joined in support of the actions of the Sidewalk Task Force in bringing AmeriCorps to the aid of the community. "We know how important this work is" said Glen who is AmeriCorps operations Manager, "We jumped at the chance to lend a helping hand as best we could." The AmeriCorps team will be generating 108 man hours of effort to clear paths.  They are looking forward to the welcome relief of the hotel accommodations. "We never expected that. Your town is so amazing. These kids have been roughing it working in Mecca so we will find a mattress to be something special."

Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel ( http://www.dhsspa.com ) will be hosting breakfast for AmeriCorps Monday morning. Hotel owner Mike Bickford said, "Count on my support to show our appreciation for AmeriCorps." Other local DHS restaurants are expected to provide lunch and dinner for the troops.

AmeriCorps is a federal program to employ young people in service to America. This Sacramento team has been working in Mecca digging ditches to construct low income housing. Approval came from Washington due to the urgency of the situation in Desert Hot Springs. Long neglected construction of curbs, gutters, sidewalks and street lighting have plagued the community causing injury and fatalities.

Additional follow-up http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071214/NEWS01/712140370/1006/news01

Dean Gray
Sidewalk Task Force Coordinator

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