Dec. 19 Daily Briefing: Our Person of the Year, an update on a fraud case, how to help PSHS band, and more

TGIF, everyone, where we’ve got some good news for us and some bad news for everyone who likes getting this newsletter every day — we’re taking next week off! Twice a year, we take a step back to rest and recuperate from the madness that is the news business, and one week during the holidays is one of those times. So, if you don’t get The Post in your inbox next week, now you’ll know why. We will both be thinking of all of you and hope you are having the most joyous of holiday seasons! — Mark and Kendall

🎶 Setting the mood: “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham

Leading Off

Foundation director honored for decade of quiet impact on valley students

Ellen Goodman has been named The Palm Springs Post’s 2025 Palm Springs Person of the Year for her work leading the Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District. For more than a decade, she has quietly built programs serving more than 20,000 students across communities from Palm Springs to Sky Valley.

Driving the news: Under Goodman’s leadership, the Foundation has raised millions for programs not funded by tax dollars, creating initiatives that exist nowhere else in the Coachella Valley.

• These include Musical Theater University, SMART mentoring, eSports programs, and drone and robotics initiatives that expose students to technology fields early.

Why it matters: Many valley residents don’t realize the scale of student need in their communities, often assuming property taxes fully fund local schools.

• Goodman regularly leads school tours that change donors’ perspectives. “Once people see our schools, see our kids, see the reality — everything changes for them,” she said.

The big picture: Goodman transformed a small, volunteer-run operation into what former School Board member Richard Clapp calls “a powerful force for students.”

• “She makes small ideas big, and big ideas sustainable,” Clapp said.

What they’re saying: “I love this community,” Goodman said. “People might go about it differently, but everyone here wants the best possible life. And I get to be part of that.”

Dive deeper with our complete story

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Briefly

⚖️ Queer Works CEO’s fraud case delayed again

• The latest pre-trial hearing for Jacob Rostovsky, CEO of Queer Works facing 53 felony counts for allegedly stealing taxpayer funds from a Palm Springs universal basic income program, was delayed again and reset to February 2026 after his defense filed a mental health diversion motion.
  
• KESQ-TV reported Thursday that prosecutors are arguing Rostovsky’s mental health claim is problematic because the diagnosis relies on self-reported symptoms and he developed anxiety after the investigation began, not during the alleged crimes. The DA’s office notes Rostovsky posted nearly $1 million bail and hired private attorneys and psychologists but hasn’t repaid any stolen funds.
  
• Bottom line: The judge did not review the motions on Wednesday, marking another delay in the case that has been under investigation or active prosecution for more than two years.

🏳️‍🌈 L-Fund will merge with The Center

• The L-Fund and The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert announced Monday that the organizations will officially merge effective July 1, 2026, expanding programs that support cis, trans, and queer-identifying lesbians in the Coachella Valley with greater resources and reach.
  
• L-Fund co-chairs Mei Ling Tom and Robbin Burr will join The Center’s board in January, while Dr. Karyl E. Ketchum, a California State University professor of gender and sexuality studies, will serve as The L-Fund’s new director.
  
• Details: Community response to the proposed merger has been enthusiastic, with L-Fund founding members celebrating the merger at town halls this fall. The partnership aims to strengthen support, equity and resilience for the entire LGBTQ community through combined resources and expanded reach.

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Your Weekend

MULTIPLE DAYS

• Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum all weekend ($16)
  
• Branden & James with Effie Passero at The Purple Room Friday and Saturday ($60)
  
• Plaid Tidings at Revolution Stage Company Friday and Saturday ($43)
  
• Dear Evan Hansen at the Coachella Valley Repertory all weekend ($100)

TODAY

• Desert Community College District Board of Trustees Meeting at 9:30 a.m. at the Palm Desert Campus 
  
• Friends Book Club at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library at 2 p.m. 
  
• Foodie Fridays at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 5 p.m.
  
• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus’ Food Drive at the Plaza Theatre at 6 p.m. 
  
• Remember The Night at the Cultural Center ($14)
  
• Bow Wow Xmas Ball at Boozehounds at 6 p.m. ($20)
  
• Razzle Dazzle at the Cultural Center at 7 p.m. ($22)

SATURDAY

• Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 8 a.m.
  
• Tahquitz Creek Cleanup at the Tahquitz Creek Foot Bridge at 8 a.m. 
  
• A Very Sinatra Christmas at the Palm Springs Surf Club at 5 p.m. ($30)
  
• Country Western Dancing at Step By Step Palm Springs at 7 p.m. ($5)

SUNDAY

• Palm Springs Retro Market at the Cultural Center at 10 a.m. 
  
• Ho – A Hilarious and Twisted Holiday Brunch at PS Underground ($99)
  
• Plaza Theatre Book Talk & Signing at Destination PSP at 5 p.m.
  
• 5th Annual White Christmas Sing-Along at Quadz Video Bar
  
• Judy’s Old Fashioned Christmas at The Purple Room Supper Club ($45)

AND FINALLY …

Musical legacies and future stars alike are in need of a financial boost, as two fundraising efforts seek community support for causes celebrating Palm Springs’ rich musical heritage.

Driving the news: The Palm Springs High School “Spirit of the Sands” marching band is one of only eight groups across the country selected to perform in Rome’s New Year’s Day Parade, which will be internationally televised on PBS.

• The 90-member ensemble still needs funding for bus transportation to and from airports and tour jackets, with the entire trip costing approximately $360,000.

What’s happening: Beyond the parade, the band will perform at a festival in Frascati and give a concert in a church that’s roughly 500 to 600 years old.

• The invitation came after the band’s successful European tour two years ago, when they performed three concerts in Spain.

How to help: Community members can donate or sponsor a student at psband.org.

But wait: The late beloved Palm Springs music teacher, musician and philanthropist Jeanie Cunningham has been approved for a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, but organizers need to raise $15,000 for the granite, engraving, event and upkeep.

• Donations can be made for that cause at this link.