A beacon of light

Cathedral City will be recognized throughout the Inland Empire for its innovative solar panel project on the Civic Center parking structure that will save energy and cut costs. 

Now nearing completion, the project will be lauded in a Flex Your Power congratulatory ad that will run in newspapers throughout the region on Oct. 23.

In addition to a 1600-panel photovoltaic display on the top floor of the parking structure, the Honeywell Building Solutions system includes energy-efficient lights, occupancy sensors, window tinting and energy-saving lights on traffic signals.  Improvements were financed by subsequent energy-cost savings and rebates. Flex Your Power is a state-wide organization that promotes energy conservation.    

Not quite there yet

Even though it was reported in the news that the Public Works Division will be digging a trench to prevent off-roaders from hauling their trailers into the open desert north of I-10, the City is not quite ready to move in that direction yet.  Before that happens, the city attorney is checking into any potential legal liability and staff will find out if the Coachella Valley Association of Governments will help defray the estimated $2,500 cost for the trench and any other possible remedies. Discussed at the last City Council meeting as a low-cost option to help discourage the dangerous sport, the two-foot-deep trench would be dug along Date Palm from Varner Road to the I-10 on-ramp.

Recommendations to Council: yes for one, no for another 

The Planning Commission is recommending approval of one project and denial of another.  At its meeting this week, the commission supported a single-family development on the former Glory to God property in the lower Cove.  Called Tesoro, the planned unit development entails 107 homes on about 16 acres of land between the west Cathedral Channel and the hillside.  Developer is Shadow Valley Heights. The project will probably go to the City Council on Oct. 26, but it could be delayed until the Nov. 9 Council meeting.            

The project failing to gain Commission support was a 144-apartment complex proposed for Landau and Vista Chino by Jeff Stein of Gazelle Properties.  Since it involves a requested zone change and General Plan amendment it also must go to City Council for consideration.  Date is Nov. 9. 

Lending a helping hand

The Fire Department’s emergency services team has been busy the past few weeks, helping to fight wildland fires throughout the Southland.  Capt. Jeff Welsh, Engineer Dennis Kinda and Firefighter Chris Galbraith have been fighting the San Timoteo Canyon fire in Banning.  Before that, Cathedral City firefighters were involved in Burbank and Calimesa fire-fighting efforts. More red alerts are expected next week because of predicted high Santa Ana wind conditions. 

Street work in two neighborhoods

On Monday, Oct. 10, paving will begin on about two-thirds of the streets within the 35^th Avenue Assessment District.  The job will take about two days.  After that, streets will be striped, signage will be put up and manhole covers will be raised.

On Friday, Oct. 14, Lennar Homes will pave San Joaquin in the Dream Homes neighborhood.  This work follows the installation of sewer and water lines as part of a Palm Springs golf course development that encompasses about 50 homes within Cathedral City.         

Services set

Services for Police Chief Stan Henry’s father-in-law, Ignatius (Greg) Petek, who passed away this week, will be held Sunday.  Mass will be at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Solitude Church in Palm Springs, preceded by visitation from noon to 1 p.m. and rosary at 1 p.m. at Wiefels and Son on Vella Road in Palm Springs. 

Richards leaving

City Planner Joe Richards has resigned to become Assistant Director of the Regional Conservation Agency at a higher salary and better benefits. It is a joint powers agency charged with administering the Multi-Species Habitat Plan and comprised of Riverside County and cities in the Western end of the County. This is a tremendous loss for the City’s community development team. He will leave in about three weeks. 

This could save a life

Fire Capt. Eric Hauser, in cooperation with the Critical Care Institute, will conduct CPR awareness classes at the Senior Center Oct. 22 and 29.  They will be from 10 to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon on both days. It is open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. Call Alice at 770-8200 to make an appointment.  Free take home kits, including a practice manikin, watch-then-practice video and instruction booklet, will be provided to all participants. Certifications will not be issued at the completion of the courses, because these are awareness classes.  

Whatever your groove …

Want to unwind and have fun Friday night?  Don’t forget the jazz, Ranchero musica and rap that will be offered Friday, Oct. 14, starting at 7 p.m. in Town Square. Whatever your musical taste, this varied mixture as part of the Friday Night Concert series is sure to please.

Citizens should get ready, too

At the beginning of the City Council meeting next week (Oct. 12), the Fire and Police Departments will provide a presentation on local preparations being made for emergency operations during a major earthquake. Regardless of local plans and in lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, Fire Chief Steve Sowles said citizens should plan to be on their own for longer than 72 hours, with plenty of food, water, medicine, batteries and extra provisions for themselves and their pets.