August 22 Daily Briefing: DA looking into councilmember’s residency, county sued over shelters, and more

Welcome to Thursday, everyone! We recently weighed in with our thoughts on legislation in our state to address the crisis in local news. We didn’t like what was proposed. Yesterday, it was announced that the proposal had been reworked and a deal was reached. The new proposal is a good start in providing nearly $250 million in public and private funding over the next five years and tying contributions to news outlets to the number of employees they have instead of web traffic. Still, Google is agreeing to less than it has elsewhere, other big technology firms are not participating, and public radio and local TV are not included. As we watch the situation unfold, we’re more grateful than ever that every day, our readers and advertising partners support The Post. Thank you!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Misty” by Stan Getz (with Herbie Hancock on Piano and Ron Carter on bass)

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LEADING OFF

Council votes at risk as Holstege’s residency questioned

Palm Springs City Councilmember Christy Holstege is under investigation for allegedly not living in her district, potentially invalidating her council seat and votes since 2022, according to published reports,.

Driving the news: The Desert Sun reported Wednesday evening that the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office found that Holstege no longer owns her claimed District 4 residence, which has been rented on Airbnb since 2022.

• In a letter to the city obtained by The Sun, District Attorney Mike Hestrin demands the city address the alleged violation or face legal action.

Why it matters: Palm Springs’ municipal code requires council members to reside in their districts. Termination of residency creates a vacancy unless a substitute residence is immediately declared.

• The investigation raises questions about the legality of Holstege’s votes during the period she lived outside her district.

The response: Holstege describes the issue as “a misunderstanding we are in the process of resolving.”

• She previously claimed that bringing up a home purchase she made outside the district was a misogynistic attack.

Zoom in: This is not the only controversy involving Holstege. The CEO of a nonprofit involved in a universal basic income program she championed is also under investigation for alleged misuse of funds.

What’s next: City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger says the city hopes to review the evidence before determining specific actions.

Dive deeper with the complete story here.

BRIEFLY

🐾 Animal activists sue county over euthanasia practices

Coachella Valley animal welfare activists have filed a lawsuit against the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, alleging violations of California’s Hayden Act, which prohibits euthanizing adoptable dogs and cats. The suit claims the county may be the worst in the nation for pet terminations to create shelter space.

• The lawsuit, announced Wednesday, seeks to overhaul the department through court-ordered relief. It specifically names Department Director Erin Gettis, aiming for a permanent injunction against her policies. The county has not yet received a copy of the lawsuit and declined to comment on pending litigation.
  
  
• Best Friends of the Animal Society reported that in 2022, Riverside County shelters euthanized more animals than any other reporting shelter in the United States.
  
  
• Bottom line: An estimated 24,000 dogs and cats were euthanized in county shelters during 2022 and 2023, according to the organization. 

🎬 NVISION Latino Film Festival unveils diverse lineup

The NVISION Latino Film and Music Festival has announced its full lineup for the 10th annual event, taking place from Oct. 10 through 12 at the Palm Springs Art Museum. 

• The festival will showcase four feature-length projects and 35 short films, highlighting Latino culture, indigenous communities, and LGBTQIA+ narratives.
  
  
• Notable films include “Ponyboi,” the festival opener, and “Esta Ambición Desmedida,” the centerpiece film. The event will close with “En la Caliente: Tales of a Reggaeton Warrior,” a documentary about Cuban artist Kandyman.
  
  
• Details: The festival will also feature panels on Latin music, with industry voices such as Leslie Grace, Anthony Ramos, and Jessy Terrero participating. Go here to view the full lineup. 

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Pet Vaccine Clinic
9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
The shelter provides low-cost vaccines every Thursday, excluding holidays. You do not need to be a Palm Springs resident to attend. These services are by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call 760-416-5718.

Wine & Design
4 p.m. until 6 p.m. | H3K Home + Design
Join designers at this free and fabulous pop-up on multiple topics, including how to make small changes for big impact. For more information, visit h3khomeanddesign.com or call 760-325-5400.

VillageFest
7 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The weekly street fair featuring art, entertainment, shopping, and food, starts at 7 p.m. in the summer. The Palm Springs Art Museum also has free admission tonight starting at 5 p.m.

Dan Olivo
7 p.m. | Agua Caliente Casino
Inspired by legends such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, Dan Olivo, is nothing short of timeless and enchanting. He’s here to showcase his love for jazz music with his smooth vocals and captivating stage presence. (Starting at $15)

Karaoke
8 p.m. | Quadz
Enjoy Karaoke night at Quadz Video Bar in The Arenas District every Thursday at 8 p.m. or Sunday at 6 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Auditions at the Mizell Center on Aug. 27.
  
  
• Friends of the Palm Springs Library Book Sale at the Palm Springs Public Library JC Frey Building on Aug. 31.
  
  
• Mrs. Frisky’s Cats & Bakewell Tart Night at Frisky Business on Sept. 6.
  
  
• PSUSD Diversity & Racial Equity Conference at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Sept. 7.
  
  
• Palm Springs Genealogical Society meets on Sept. 7 and monthly after then.
  
  
• Audition for the Modern Men Chorus on Sept. 9 and Sept. 14 at United Methodist Church of Palm Springs.
  
  
• Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs at Indian Canyons Golf Resort on Sept. 18.
  
  
• Healthy Desert, Healthy You summit on Sept. 20 and 21.
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefit for AAP – Food Samaritans on Oct. 13.

AND FINALLY …

If you’re planning to utilize the track at Palm Springs High School, or attend an event at Ralph Watt Stadium, you’ll need to make note of an important announcement from Palm Springs Unified School District.

Driving the news: On Wednesday the district sent word that both the stadium and the adjacent track are closed to the public due to a water main break.

• There is no timeline yet for when the necessary repairs will be completed.

What they’re saying: “Please be aware that this may lead to rescheduling of athletic events,” the district wrote. “We appreciate your understanding and will provide additional details as soon as possible.”

Zoom in: The PSHS football team is scheduled to face off against Segerstrom Friday evening at 7 p.m. in its season opener. Fortunately, it’s an away game in Santa Ana.

• However, the closure could impact the Indians’ Aug. 30 home opener against Grand Terrace.