Jeffrey Bernstein, owner of the Destination PSP retail shop on North Palm Canyon Drive, announced Sunday he will seek one of three Palm Springs City Council seats being contested this year.
Bernstein, who is currently chair of the city’s Measure J Oversight Commission and is active in multiple civic organizations, intends to run for the District 2 Council seat. That seat is currently occupied by Councilmember Dennis Woods, who has yet to announce whether he will seek re-election.
“I’m running because I know what makes Palm Springs special and unique – its residents, businesses and its myriad of community organizations – and I want to ensure we work together as a city to support them all so that we keep this city like no place else, Bernstein said in a news release. “I know what it takes to build lasting, community-oriented institutions and businesses, and I want to bring my knowledge and experience to benefit the city council.”
In addition to his work on the Measure J Commission, Bernstein touted his service on the board of multiple business groups — including Main Street Palm Springs and Visit Greater Palm Springs — as well as involvement with nonprofit organizations such as the LGBT Community Center of the Desert, The Palm Springs Animal Shelter, and The Palm Springs Cultural Center, as qualification for the City Council.
He said outreach in District 2 would be a priority if he is elected.
“As a longtime resident of District 2, I am committed to regular (monthly) meetings with District 2 residents, local businesses, non-profits, and neighborhood organizations so I can be the advocate on the Council that they deserve,” he said. “From public safety, to housing and homelessness, and many other important issues, I will work hard to do what is best for our city and those who work and live in District 2.”
Prior to moving to Palm Springs, Bernstein spent 25 years in the television industry, launched his own e-commerce business, owned and operated a restaurant, and founded a national AIDS awareness organization.
Bernstein and his husband, Dr. Oscar Chamudes, live in the Oasis del Sol neighborhood with their dog Archie.
Bernstein is the second person this month to announce his candidacy for a Council seat. Earlier, Palm Springs Pride president Ron deHarte said he would be running for the District 3 seat being vacated by Councilmember Geoff Kors.
On Saturday, Mayor Pro Tem Grace Garner announced she would be seeking re-election in District 1.
