July 14, 2005  

Caring community reaches out

Just goes to show what can be done when everyone pulls together …. Businesses remaining but damaged or without electricity after the devastating fire in the Mission Plaza Shopping Center should be up and running again soon. Water was turned on Thursday (today) and the power could be restored as early as sometime next week. Although Albertson’s was not affected, five businesses burned to the ground. ASC Jewelers suffered some carpet and ceiling damage, which should be repaired by Monday, and Nail Images, the Smoke Shop, Smart Woman’s Closet and the New Hong Kong lost electricity.

Through the work of the property manager, Sue Dubrin, other representatives of the management company, Har-bro contractors, Greg Wetmore of the Chamber of Commerce, Paul Shillcock and Keith Scott of city staff, and utility companies, the work went smoothly and quickly. The contractor hopes that the burned part of the building can be rebuilt within nine months.

Just appointed today

Congratulations to two new lieutenants at the Police Department – Chuck Robinson and Laura Hanlon. Both are long-time employees and have been involved in all facets of law enforcement. Chief Stan Henry made the appointments after an open recruitment process. The promotions are effective Sunday, July 17.

The show must go on …

New construction and renovations continue at The Villas, a resort behind the Target shopping center. Plans call for a permanent stage with state-of-the-art acoustical equipment, seating area, larger kitchen facilities, and bar covered with a dramatic white tent made by Ferrari, no less – in an effort to create an entertainment showcase. Additional parking will be provided to accommodate show crowds. Cabarets and acts from throughout Southern California will entertain on the outdoor stage.

General Manager Tony Nemger is planning the grand opening Sept. 8-11 with a show on the new stage featuring Betty Buckley, a Tony Award winner for Cats. In the meantime, while construction continues, on July 22, Jaston Williams will perform in a musical comedy, “I’m not Lying,” about growing up gay in Texas. Entertainment will continue on the portable stage throughout the summer.

Cool it!

Looking for FREE cool activities on those hot summer nights? How about wine tasting? Vino 100 is holding themed Third Monday Wine Tasting Nights from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 18, will feature “Australian” wines.

Complementary wine tasting is also offered at Vino 100, located next to the Mary Pickford Theatre, Friday nights and all day Saturday. Sausalito, a jewelry boutique, has also opened in the new retail center downtown. It features jewelry, handbags, hair accessories, sunglasses, gift cards, gift wrapping and other items.

Managing information systems and more

City Council has asked that staff explore various options for operation of the Management Information Systems division currently housed in the Police Department. A survey of cities throughout the valley is also being conducted to gather information about in-house vs. contracted out services, staffing levels, budget, use of consultants and other data. With the departure of Mike Young to Indio and Travis Michael to Pennsylvania, only Justin Hilderbrand remains to respond to basic computer problems. On any given day, the employees have been handling computer software issues, p.c. troubleshooting, telephone problems, card keys, building access and elevator programming, cell phones and audio-visual assignments.

Tickets on the turf

There will be zero tolerance for motorists who decide to drive up on the turf at Panorama Park. They will be ticketed by the Police. Throughout the weekends, in particular, SUVs laden with families and picnic food pull off the street and onto the grass, to their staked-out party sites, popping off sprinkler heads, breaking irrigation lines and destroying turf. The Council has said, “No more!” and police officers will begin issuing citations to violators.

Officer Williams leaving

Officer Steve Williams is heading to the District Attorney’s office to become senior investigator with the Bureau of Investigation Division. Currently assigned as a detective, Steve has been with the Cathedral City Police Department since 1994.

Ink barely dry, when …

Following a recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the City Council has approved a contract with PlaySafe to prepare a parks master plan. No sooner had the contract been approved Wednesday night than the firm emailed a survey for the Council and members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission and Public Arts Commission to fill out to gain specific insight into their thoughts about parks and recreational needs of the community.

Heading the effort to create the master plan will be Dr. Craig Kelsey, who spearheaded six focus groups of citizens at the end of May on leisure services and facilities needs.

When completed in the fall, the plan will provide recommendations on current and future parks facilities, recreational programs, cooperative efforts with other service providers and funding opportunities.

Building our cathedral

Mountains and cathedrals are represented in a stainless steel sculpture that will be installed on North Date Palm Drive as part of the Public Arts Commission’s Art in Public Places program.

The sculpture is being created out of recycled steel by Cove artist Michael Paul Thiry, whose work was discovered during the Commission’s “call to artists” for another piece of artwork, a pending sculpture in front of the Volvo dealership on East Palm Canyon Drive.

Cimarron Cove says YES

Property owners in Cimarron Cove have approved a landscape and lighting district for landscaping maintenance in their neighborhood with an 89 % YES vote.

You’re invited

A neighborhood meeting will be held Tuesday, July 19, at the Cathedral City Elementary School on Converse Way. City Council members and city staff will be on hand to talk about recent events and programs and to answer questions residents have about city issues. The public is welcome. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.