DA investigation says Palm Springs councilmember lives outside district, violating municipal code

The Riverside County District Attorney has sent a letter to the Palm Springs city attorney, saying Council member Holstege has been violating the city's municipal code, claiming she's lived outside the district she represents (4) for many years and that the city must fix it. Although the letter doesn't specifically state which home they've determined to be her primary residency, the DA says it's in the 3rd District.

According to the city's municipal code, "the termination of a district residency will create a vacancy on the council unless a substitute residence within the district is immediately declared."

This could mean her seat has been vacant since 2022 and votes she's cast since then are invalid.

Read the District Attorney letter and the City Attorney's response below:

"Republican Asm. Greg Wallis got his Republican DA buddy to change the conversation from Christy surging ahead and distract voters from his record of failing the people of AD47. How can the guy who endorses Greg Wallis be the one who is supposedly running an independent investigation? He should recuse himself immediately and refer this matter to the California Attorney General where we have every confidence it will be resolved quickly. Christy does and has always lived in her Palm Springs City Council District at the address where she is also registered to vote."

Holstege Campaign

“Proper representation is a cornerstone of our Democracy. The accusations against Councilmember Holstege are very concerning. The public deserves a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. Our justice system assumes innocence until proven guilty and we will decide how to proceed once more facts come to light.”

Assembly member Greg Wallis

"The City needs to see the factual basis of the District Attorney’s conclusions. The City Attorney will be requesting that the DA share that information so that the City can review it and determine how best proceed. The City Clerk’s office is reviewing the Council actions during the relevant period, to determine which votes involved a 3-2 vote in which Councilmember Holstege voted in the majority. When candidates turn in their candidate paperwork for election, they certify under penalty of perjury that they are qualified to hold office, which includes that they live in the appropriate district.  No city that we are aware of goes beyond that and actively monitors the residency requirement."

Amy Blaisdell, Chief Communications Officer

"The letter from the District Attorney states 'We have found sufficient credible evidence' It does not however include any evidence. Until such time as the evidence that District Attorney relies is made known to City Council any comments are pure speculation."

Lisa Middleton, Palm Springs City Council

The DA says if the city doesn't resolve this in 30 days, they will "take any and all appropriate legal action."

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information on this developing story.