Bernstein Secures Motherlode of Key Endorsements

Jeffrey Bernstein has earned key endorsements from City Council majority

PALM SPRINGS — Jeffrey Bernstein on Wednesday, July 20, announced that he has secured the coveted key endorsements of Mayor Lisa Middleton, and Councilmembers Geoff Kors and Christy Holstege in his bid to become the next councilmember elected by District 2 residents.

Councilmember Dennis Woods currently represents District 2.

Bernstein is clearly hungry to serve and has been putting in the work since announcing in January that he would run. He has been holding meetings — first by Zoom then in person — to hear what is on the mind of constituents. He’s taken nothing for granted. His work ethic has not gone unnoticed by members of the current City Council. Their work is not for the faint of heart.

“As the city goes through the transition to a new city manager, we need engaged Councilmembers with management experience who understand how the city works,” Middleton said in a prepared statement. “Jeffrey brings that knowledge and experience — and so much more that will benefit our community.”

Councilmember Geoff Kors, in a prepared statement, said that “At the heart of our city is our unique small, locally owned businesses and effective nonprofit organizations. As a business owner, long-term resident, and board member and supporter of numerous nonprofit organizations, Jeffrey understands what makes this city unique. He will be a terrific member of the City Council. I strongly endorse his campaign for City Council.”

Councilmember Christy Holstege, also in a prepared statement, said, “We need someone on City Council who represents all of the residents, who is passionate about ensuring Palm Springs is all that it should be, and listens to those who are too often not heard. I know Jeffrey will guarantee that City Council and staff truly hear and work for the residents of Palm Springs.”

Bernstein, who founded and operates a highly successful retail business in downtown Palm Springs, would become the only business owner and employer on the Palm Springs City Council if elected.

Joy Brown Meredith, who owns Crystal Fantasy, would also be the sole business owner on the City Council if elected. Two of the most important drivers of our local economy are its unique retail and our world class hospitality; Bernstein brings important experience in both.

He is the elected retail member of the Board of Directors of Visit Greater Palm Springs, our Convention and Visitors Bureau, an elected member of the Board of Directors of the Palm Springs Hospitality Association, a former member of the Board of Directors of Main Street Palm Springs, a member of the Bureau of Tourism Strategic Advisory Committee, and a founding member of the Palm Springs Roundtable. In each of those roles, Jeffrey volunteers his expertise and time to help grow our economy, create jobs, and make Palm Springs the very special place that it is to live.

“I’m honored to have the trust and support of the current City Council members,” Bernstein said in a prepared statement, “I have worked closely with all of them, and they know of my commitment,
knowledge and experience.”

In addition to his business acumen, Jeffrey brings deep community ties and involvement. Jeffrey is Chairperson of the City of Palm Springs Measure J Oversight Commission and a founding member and Chair of the Palm Springs Sister City Committee. Personally, and through his business, Bernstein has worked extensively on partnerships with local non-profit organizations including DAP Health, the Human Rights Commission, the LGBT Community Center of the Desert, Modernism Week, The Palm Springs Animal Shelter, The Palm Springs Cultural Center, The Palm Springs International Film Society,
The Palm Springs Library, and others.

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.

He has earned numerous other key endorsement such as the Palm Springs Police Officers Association, Aftab Dada, Ginny Foat, Harold Matzner, Mindy Reed, Willie Rhine, J.R. Roberts, Greg Lucas Rodriguez, Arlene Rosenthal, Ann Sheffer, Eileen Stern, Brian Wanzek, James Williamson, David Zippel and many others.