A peek inside Iraq
Detective Corwin DeVaes takes viewers to Iraq with a video he made of
children and the war during an 18-month tour of duty with the National Guard
in Baghdad. You can see it for yourself by logging on to the city’s website
(Video Link). (The download takes a few
minutes.) DeVaes comes back to work full time at the Police Department on
Monday. Unfortunately, some of his buddies will never be returning.
Stepping up communications
Allen E. Howe has been appointed communications officer/assistant to the
city manager. He is filling a position created by the City Council in an
effort to strengthen the city’s communication primarily with residents. He
will also handle special projects for City Manager Don Bradley.
Howe has been a resident of the desert for about a year. Prior to that,
he served as marketing director for the University of Washington Medical
Center, one of the top 10 medical centers in the U.S. While there, he lead
and developed the strategic and operating planning process, reaching
consensus with a varied constituency (several hospitals, physicians,
insurers and business), all with different priorities; developed effective
fund raising tools; and negotiated complex contracts.
He is moving into Warren Bradshaw’s old office. Special thanks to Carlos
Rodriguez and Ismael Elizondo of Public Works for assembling the furniture
and getting the office ready. also to Horst Schnur for the fresh coat of
paint.
All the news before it happens
The City Council did not approve the Multi-Species Habitat Plan as
reported in the press. Instead, at the study session Wednesday afternoon
they simply sent it back to CVAG, so that the individual cities can take a
formal vote on the plan. Council had a number of questions that will be
answered before they actually decide whether or not to support the
far-reaching document.
Grosjean fills project manager post
Leslie Grosjean has been named project manager in Engineering. She has
been working temporarily in that capacity for about six months. Before that,
she was with SunLine, where she worked on transportation issues and built
alliances with Caltrans, the Riverside County Transportation Commission and
other agencies. She is currently heading up the staff effort to create a
17-acre soccer park east of the James Workman Middle School and installation
of the “Mountain Cathedrals” sculpture in the Date Palm median. The hole for
the concrete base of the two-ton steel sculpture is being dug Monday
morning, Jan. 30.
Downtown entertainment
Concerts in the Square Friday, Feb. 3, features three bands: Jesus
Ramos, Grupo Feflejo and Camilo y sus Cazadores. The free event starts at 7
p.m.
Efforts to create a Friday market fair by the originator of the COD
Street Fair, Joe Iantorno, are moving forward. Plans call for vendors and
entertainment to be located in the area of the new retail complex, Pickfair
Promenade. Proposed hours are 3 to 10 p.m.
Up the ICC ladder
Building Inspector Marilyn Overman has been elected first vice president
of the Coachella Valley Chapter of ICC (International Code Council). Chief
Building Official Gil Estrada, who has been with Cathedral City for only a
few months, was elected second vice president.
Marilyn, by the way, will soon be heading south for a mini-vacation of
whale watching in San Diego with Carma Giron of Building, and Leslie
Grosjean and Gloria Cohen of Engineering.
Thanks for giving lessons that last a lifetime
Local teachers of the year will be honored at the Chamber of Commerce
Power Breakfast at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the Doral Desert Princess
Resort. Teachers from Cathedral City, Thousand Palms and Rancho Mirage will
receive commendations for their outstanding skills and dedication to their
students’ progress.
The program will also highlight Cathedral City High School’s Mentoring
Program for the Broadcast Media, teacher Matt Hamilton, business mentors and
students.
Boxer aide to move in
City Council has approved a lease agreement with Senator Barbara Boxer to
rent a small space at City Hall for a part time aide to the legislator.
Exact date of the move-in is not known, but it should be within a month.
This will be the second lawmaker to lease space at the Cathedral City Civic
Center. State Assemblywoman . Bonnie Garcia maintains her district offices
in a 1,600 sq. ft. space next to the Police Station.
Park streets to be drier
Following replacement of the playground equipment and installation of
ADA-compliant soft surfacing during the last two years, more improvements
are coming to Panorama and Century Parks. Next is installation of a water
conservation system that includes a moisture-sensor irrigation system and
replacement of the park’s turf perimeter with drought-tolerant landscaping,
rocks and public art. The contract with H20 Strategies will also provide
for replacement of wiring, valve controllers and other equipment. Most of
the $175,000 cost will be paid for by a state grant and state environmental
funds.
New developer fees approved
Developer impact fees will soon go into effect to help pay for
infrastructure improvements such as recreational facilities ( swimming pool,
playing fields, tot lots, community center, etc.) a bridge, roadways,
replacement city yard and a joint police-fire public safety facility north
of I-10.
In order for cities to impose development impact fees, a fee
justification study must be conducted to determine what facilities are
needed and their costs. David Taussig & Associates conducted the Cathedral
City study, working with the Building Industry Association, the City
attorney’s office and city staff.
Bradley, COPS honored
Our
very own unsung hero, City Manager Don Bradley, has been voted “Man of the
Year” by members of the Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce. He accepted his
Orion Award at the Chamber’s annual awards dinner and installation of
officers ceremony Friday night at the Doral Desert Princess Resort
Others recognized for their community contributions were: Citizens on
Patrol, non-profit of the year; Alex Tildy, Anne and Alfred Hook, volunteers
of the year; Ulysses Rosas, youth of the year; Dave Hart of Cathedral City
Elementary School, educator of the year; Vino 100, rising star of the year;
El Gallito, restaurant of the year; Debra Ahlers of the Community Blood
Bank, woman of the year; and Palm Springs Volvo Subaru, business of the
year.
Extra technological support coming
Harris Computer Systems will provide technical services for the City’s
Cayenta financial system, including the software, hardware and offsite back
up support. From now on, Cayenta support calls from the City will be
directed to Cayenta staff instead of the single employee remaining in the
Management Information Systems operation. This will free up the limited MIS
staff to concentrate on other city-government-wide technology support
issues. Cayenta will also provide disaster recovery back up on an offsite
computer to safeguard the City’s financial data in case of a catastrophe.
City’s particular selling points
At a meeting held at the Doral Desert Princess Resort this week, the Palm
Springs Desert Resorts Convention and Visitors Authority (CVA) sought
information about what the community wants promoted to the world. Various
ideas for tourism promotion were given by hoteliers, representatives of
attractions, members of the newly formed Marketing Committee and city staff.
In a nutshell, most in attendance agreed that the community and its
entertainment venues – Big League Dreams, Boomers, Fountain of Life, Desert
IMAX -- offer tremendous appeal to families. Niche marketing for the gay
visitor was also touted. The CVA is meeting in each of the valley’s cities
to learn about their particular brand and selling points. These will be
used under the overall marketing umbrella of the desert’s relaxing lifestyle
and rejuvenating environment.
Weekly
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