Senior‑center members urge Palm Desert to press for oversight after executive‑director removal

Multiple public commenters used non‑agenda public comment to press the council for oversight of senior‑service governance at the Joslyn (Jocelyn) Senior Center.

Michael Abrams, a long‑time volunteer teacher at the center, said board actions "appear to be negligently or possibly intentionally wrong" and described difficulty obtaining meeting notices and financial information. He urged the council to review how Palm Desert’s funding and $1/year lease arrangements are monitored and to consider an inquiry into the center’s board.

Later, Soraya Lavasani, speaking on behalf of Joslyn Center members, described deep disappointment over the unexplained removal of an executive director and said the Cove Community Senior Association (the center’s governing body) lacked transparency and apparent accountability to the three funding cities. "We were shocked to learn that there is no oversight of this board by the city," she said, urging Palm Desert to lead coordinated oversight with Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells and, if possible, to restore the previous director.

Council and staff did not make an on‑the‑spot policy decision at the meeting; public‑record speakers requested follow‑up. The council accepted the comments as non‑agenda input; staff are expected to coordinate next steps if the council directs further investigation or requests a staff report.