July 23 Daily Briefing: Program participant shares story, parks director leaves, Thompson job fairs, and more

Welcome to Tuesday. If you were up early Monday to attend a morning meeting about parking in the city, or ventured down to City Hall for a similar evening meeting, you were probably disappointed. Both were postponed after the vendor working with the city had flights canceled and word came down after we listed the meetings in yesterday’s newsletter. There’s no word yet on when the meetings will be rescheduled and we haven’t seen a preview of what will be discussed. That means fears that the city is entertaining the idea of paid parking will probably linger, even though it seems unlikely that’s what will be proposed. Stay tuned!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Summer In New York” by SOFI TUKKER

LEADING OFF

As UBI program fell short, participants were left struggling

A Palm Springs Universal Basic Income (UBI) program whose organizer is the subject of an investigation has also left some of its participants frustrated and humiliated.

Zoom in: Clarence S., one of 30 participants in the UBI program, said he faced financial struggles after the promised $800 monthly payments were repeatedly delayed by the program’s organizer, Queer Works CEO Jacob Rostovsky. 

• Launched with the promise of regular payments to recipients making less than $16,600 annually, Clarence said participants experienced late payments and inconsistent communication.

The impact: While the program was intended to provide financial stability, it instead brought frustration to participants. Clarence, aiming to pay his rent and finish his degree in social work, had to delay his plans as the expected funds never arrived on schedule.

Details: After months of insufficient responses and changing criteria by Rostovsky, Clarence only received his first payment in October 2023, six months after the program was supposed to start. 

The latest: After the initial alleged mismanagement under Rostovsky, the program has now been transferred to DAP Health. As of this month, DAP Health states the revised program serves 14 individuals or families and will continue until April 2025.

• However, participants like Clarence have not received an update on the payment backlog, which, in his case, amounts to $4,800. 

What we’re watching: Neither the city nor DAP Health has clarified whether any of the original $700,000 in funding approved by the Palm Springs City Council for the program remains.

Bottom line: With ongoing city and law enforcement investigations, participants await resolution and hope for the promised financial aid to be fully realized under DAP Health’s new management. Participants remain cautious and concerned about further disruptions or disappointments.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

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BRIEFLY

🏛️ City parks director departs amid criticism

Palm Springs is seeking a new director of parks and recreation after Yvonne Wise left the position on July 11, just over two year into her tenure. The departure comes amid public criticism over issues at city parks and the Palm Springs Swim Center.

• Lauri Aylaian, vice chair of the city’s Planning Commission, will serve as interim director while the city recruits a permanent replacement.
  
  
• Wise faced challenges during her time, including frequent closures at the Swim Center and complaints about park facilities. Despite attempts to address these issues, users reported little improvement.

Looking back: The city has experienced several leadership vacancies in recent years, with multiple department head positions needing to be filled between 2021 and 2022.

Dive deeper with our complete story.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Palm Springs Toastmasters
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Toastmasters Club
Learn to speak with confidence with the Palm Springs Toastmasters and practice with friends. Guests always welcome.

Trivia Tuesday
6 p.m. | Play Lounge PS
Come alone or bring a group to participate in trivia covering topics like history, pop culture, and science. 

Fierce Femmes!
6:30 p.m. | Online
Hosted by The Center, this support group provides a safe and inclusive space for individuals who identify as transfeminine to come together, share experiences, offer support, and build a sense of community. Register by emailing Esther Loewen at esther@thecentercv.org.

SAVE THE DATE

• Craft Beer Fest at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club on Saturday.
  
  
• Merienda Filipino Halo-Halo workshop at Play Lounge & Cafe on July 28.
  
  
• Mrs. Frisky’s Cats & Eccles Cakes Night at Frisky Business Cat Cafe on Aug. 2.
  
  
• Summer Sunday: Weaving Patterns at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum on Aug. 4.
  
  
• The Great Catsby Book Club at Frisky Business on Aug. 8.

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AND FINALLY …

Work on the Thompson Palm Springs hotel has ramped up in the past year, and now officials there are ready to start hiring.

Driving the news: The Thompson Palm Springs, which will contain 168 bungalow-inspired guest rooms and suites, is under construction in the middle of downtown Palm Springs. Developers are eyeing a partial opening by September. Now, they need employees to staff the place.

Context: The project was formerly known as the Andaz Hotel, the new group took over in 2020. But various other projects at the corner of North Palm Canyon Drive and East Alejo Road have been in the works for much longer, dating back to 2006 when the land was first approved for condominiums and retail. 

What they’re looking for: The Thompson is hosting two talent fairs and they’re looking for full and part-time positions in management, housekeeping, front office, food and beverage, finance, administration, and more.

What to expect: Interested candidates will have the opportunity to interview for open roles at the event, and may even have the possibility of receiving an offer on the spot.

More information: Look for more information on the specific jobs, including information about pay and benefits, by searching for Thompson Palm Springs on the Hyatt website. 

Details: The first talent fair is this Wednesday, July 24 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the hotel’s San Jacinto Ballroom. The second is on July 31 at the same time and location.

• Be sure to enter on North Indian Canyon and Alejo.