Coachella Grant Controversy & CVUSD Election Could Shake Up Leadership

New questions about public grant funding in Coachella are raising concerns over transparency and fairness. During a heated City Council meeting, officials defended their process, but scrutiny grew when it was revealed that a City Arts Commission member, Yaya Ortiz, received $60,000 in public funds—while the nonprofit grant limit is just $1,000.

Mayor Steve Hernandez pushed back, insisting the process is fair. However, an email from a resident raised another alarming issue—some of the nonprofits receiving funds are out of compliance with the California Attorney General's Charities Division, meaning they legally shouldn’t be operating or soliciting funding.

Adding to the tension, a separate CVUSD special election next Tuesday could change the school board’s composition. If that happens, many believe Superintendent Francis Esparza’s future could be in jeopardy as the new board may push for a leadership shake-up.

Meanwhile, concerns over construction project bidding within CVUSD surfaced, prompting calls for four years of bid records to see who has been awarded contracts and if transparency measures are truly in place.

With millions in public funds at stake, both Coachella and CVUSD are under the microscope. As investigations continue, the question remains: Who’s really benefiting from taxpayer money?

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