On February 12, 2024, the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission held its “Promoting Universal Human Rights Close to Home” ceremony at Palm Springs City Hall where seven people and two organizations were recognized and awarded the Community Service Award for their contributions to promoting and protecting human rights, social progress, better standards of living, and equality. One of the organizations that was recognized was the Coachella Valley Filipino Festival Committee who spearheaded the Coachella Valley Filipino Festival that took place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on October 8, 2023, which was attended by thousands of residents and visitors from throughout Southern California. Palm Springs Human Rights Commissioner Bobby Rimas stated that “the Human Rights Commission recognized all the festival organizers for their dedication and tireless work bringing this incredible event to the Coachella Valley. Their vision for the Filipino Festival not only celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Filipino community, but also promoted cross-cultural understanding, tolerance, and appreciation. A variety of organizations, including Bayanihan Desert, National Alliance of Filipino Americans, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, and the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association, all came together to collaborate in the true spirit of human rights. For their tireless efforts in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where people from all parts of the Coachella Valley could experience the best aspects of Filipino culture, the Human Rights Commission honored all the individuals and organizations associated with last year’s Coachella Valley Filipino Festival with the 2023-2024 Community Service Award.” Michael Milan and Lauren Wolfer represented and accepted the award on behalf of the Coachella Valley Filipino Festival Committee that was presented by Palm Springs Human Rights Commissioners Bobby Rimas and Hugo Loyola. Michael Milan and Lauren Wolfer gave a brief acceptance speech to the joyous crowd regarding their gratitude and thankfulness to all those who made the Coachella Valley Filipino Festival a reality and to expect another festival in the future.
Commissioner Bobby T. Rimas stated that “it was an honor to present the Community Service Award to phenomenal individuals who promote inclusion and diversity.” Brad Prescott, Dee Dee Wilson Barton, LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert, Rabbi Dr. Jules Long, Tom Oliver & Matthew Stocker, Tommi Rose, and Willie Rhine were also awarded the Community Service Award at Palm Springs City Hall.
In addition to being a Commissioner for the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission, Mr. Rimas is an Associate Professor at California State University, Los Angeles, an Adjunct Instructor at West Los Angeles College, and a Board Member for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Lambda Alumni Association. He is also a Paralegal at the Larson LLP law firm and serves as Chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee for the Stonewall Democratic Club. Mr. Rimas graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History from UCLA and a Master of Legal Studies degree, cum laude, from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. He is the Past Chair/President of the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Association and Past President of the Los Angeles Paralegal Association.
The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission was established in 1992 with a mandate to promote and protect the diversity and to enforce human and civil rights, provide public education, and issue policy recommendations on civil and human rights. To further the mandate, the commission advises and makes written recommendations to the Palm Springs Mayor, City Council, and City Manager concerning the implementation of programs and practices deemed by the commission to be necessary.
