Oct. 24 Daily Briefing: Indictment in alleged fraud case, previewing council meeting, homecoming parade, and more

Welcome to Thursday. Earlier this week, we were saddened to hear that Volunteer Palm Springs had ceased operations. We last reported on the organization in 2022, just as it was reemerging after a pandemic hiatus. Over the years, it helped connect volunteers who provided more than 30,000 hours of service in the valley. It also spearheaded cycling safety initiatives and much more. As David Carden Jr. wrote in a closing statement, there are many, many opportunities to give of yourself in the city and beyond. This past summer, we collected dozens of them all in one spot. We invite you to peruse them here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Take the Money and Run” by Steve Miller Band

LEADING OFF

Queer Works CEO indicted on 53 fraud counts

Jacob Rostovsky, CEO of Palm Springs-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit Queer Works, faces a 53-count indictment for allegedly misusing over $840,000 in public funds intended for housing assistance and basic income payments, it was announced Wednesday.

Driving the news: In a statement to the media, Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin revealed charges of fraudulent claims, grand theft, and money laundering against the 33-year-old Rostovsky. Issues surrounding him were first reported earlier this year by The Post.

Looking back: Queer Works received grant funding from Riverside County in July 2021 for programs assisting homeless individuals and domestic violence victims, as well as $700,000 from the city of Palm Springs for a universal basic income pilot program.

The allegations: Prosecutors allege Rostovsky made 89 false statements and submitted forged documents to obtain funds, which he then used for personal expenses such as purchases at Disney, Burberry, and the Beverly Garland Hotel.

• Similar to the city of Palm Springs, financial reviews by Riverside County Housing & Workforce Solutions uncovered discrepancies in expenses reported by Queer Works and showed Rostovsky altered financial documents he had submitted.

The impact: The indictment raises questions about oversight and due diligence in the administration of public funds for community programs and may prompt local and county officials to reevaluate their procedures for vetting and monitoring organizations receiving public funds.

• In September, the city began to take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents, including eliminating lump-sum payments, requiring regular reporting and audits, enhancing vetting processes, and training staff on financial oversight.

Current status: Deputy District Attorney Natasha Sorace of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit is prosecuting the case. The basic income program is currently being administered by DAP Health.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🏛️ What to watch for at tonight’s City Council meeting

The Palm Springs City Council will meet in regular session this evening. The following items could be among the highlights, according to the agenda:

• On the consent agenda, councilmembers are expected to approve an order to convert Sunrise Park’s irrigation system to recycled water and also a cooperative agreement with Riverside University Health System for crisis/triage behavioral health services.
  
  
• Public hearings are planned for the historic site designations of the Merrill Lynch Building and the Ratner Residence.
  
  
• Details: The meeting takes place in Council Chambers at starting at 5:30 p.m. You can submit comments via an online public comment form, in person, or by calling the city clerk’s office at 760-323-8204 prior to the end of the public comment period. View the meeting live on the city’s website, YouTube or Spectrum channel 17.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Modernism Week October
Various times | Multiple locations
Modernism Week October’s annual four-day festival will feature more than 350 events including the Palm Springs Modernism Show, CAMP, tours, and lectures.

Pickleball Lessons
7:30 a.m. | Demuth Park
Sign up for a month’s worth of lessons for $115 or drop in. Beginners and advanced beginners session starts at 7:30 a.m.

Animal Vaccine Clinic
9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Animal Shelter
Low cost vaccines available to the public every Thursday. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. To make an appointment, please call (760) 416-5718.

Leather Pride Registration
12 p.m. | Hotel Zoso
Register at Hotel Zoso and meet event attendees, enjoy pop-up museums, and join the Welcome Party at Hunters. Registration continues with multiple activities.

Two Toms: A Panel Discussion
4:30 p.m. | Cultural Center
Engage with the living legacy of our two Toms with an intimate conversation between Durk Dehner, Tom of Finland Foundation President & Cofounder, and Tom Bianchi, legendary photographer; moderated by Richard Villani, Foundation Creative Director.

Guardians of the Galaxy
5 p.m. | Desert Learning Academy
Join for a night of excitement for male guardians and their kids with live football, activities, refreshments, and a cornhole tournament.

Free Admission to the Museum
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum
Enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collection at your own pace.

City Council
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs City Hall
The City of Palm Springs welcomes community input on matters being considered by the City Council. See tonight’s agenda here.

Young Frankenstein
6 p.m. | Camelot Theatres
Join in for the Monster Mash Cocktail Party and then at 8 p.m. for an interactive movie.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
VillageFest takes place every Thursday on Palm Canyon Drive. The street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food.

SAVE THE DATE

• Blood Drive on Friday inside the Miralon development. 
  
  
• DAP Health Equity Walk on Saturday.
  
  
• Trunk or Treat at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday.
  
  
• Friends of the Palm Springs Library Book Sale on Saturday.
  
  
• Be A Hero for Kids Halloween Bash benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs on Sunday.
  
  
• Halloween Palm Springs on Sunday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Nov. 2.
  
  
• Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival on Nov. 9 and 10.
  
  
• Be A Hero for Kids Halloween Bash on Oct. 27.
  
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Nov. 2.
  
  
• Deep Pit BBQ at Los Compadres Stables on Nov. 2.

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AND FINALLY …

Parade season kicked off with some hometown pride on Wednesday as Palm Springs High School celebrated homecoming week with a parade down Palm Canyon Drive.

Driving the news: With the theme “Candyland” prevalent, bands, cheerleaders, class floats and the Indians football team made their way down the street to the delight of fans young and old.

Looking ahead: The 3-5 Indians football team (0-3 league) will take on 4-4 Palm Desert Friday at home, hoping to get back to their winning ways.

• The next parade in Downtown Palm Springs is the Pride Parade on Sunday, Nov. 3, starting at 10 a.m., followed by the annual Veterans Day Parade on Monday, Nov. 11 at 3:30 p.m.