News from: City of Cathedral City

City delivers on voter-approved initiatives for street improvements, recreation services, and emergency response

Cathedral City officials report significant progress in implementing the voter-approved Measure W, which passed with overwhelming support last November. The measure, which received approval from 74% of voters, funds critical improvements to emergency medical services, neighborhood street paving, and integration with the Desert Recreation District (DRD).

Neighborhood Street Improvements

The city has developed a comprehensive five-year plan for street improvements, with Measure W providing an additional $1 million annually dedicated specifically to neighborhood streets. The plan works in conjunction with existing funding from SB 1 state gas tax funds and required local matching funds.

Projects scheduled for the first year (FY 2025-26) include grinding and slurry seal on Panorama neighborhood streets (Los Gatos, Durango, and Panorama roads) and complete reconstruction of Corta and Alcita streets.

Future years will address:

• Year 2 (FY 2026-27): Slurry seal for streets south of 30th and north of Vega-west of Date Palm, plus Dream Homes neighborhood
• Year 3 (FY 2027-28): Slurry seal in the Cove neighborhood south of Terrace
• Year 4 (FY 2028-29): Tortuga and Concepcion street reconstruction
• Year 5 (FY 2029-30): Slurry seal in the Cove neighborhood north of Terrace

The City Council will review these projects along with other street improvement initiatives during their Capital Improvement Plan study session on April 23, 2025.

Desert Recreation District Annexation

The measure enables Cathedral City to join the Desert Recreation District, providing residents with expanded parks maintenance and recreation programming. On February 12, 2025, both the City Council and DRD board approved the service and tax sharing agreements necessary to make this partnership official.

Starting July 1, 2025, the DRD will maintain Esperanza, Ocotillo, Panorama, Century, and Dennis Keat soccer parks, while also providing:

• Recreation programming in Cathedral City parks and local facilities
• Summer operation of the Cathedral City High School pool
• Park attendants to monitor facilities and address issues
• Access to DRD events and programs throughout their service area

The DRD is currently preparing application documents for the annexation process through the Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), expected to be completed within six months.

Improved Emergency Medical Response

To maintain emergency response times amid increasing service calls, Measure W funds the acquisition and staffing of a fourth ambulance. The City Council has already approved the purchase, along with authorizing six new firefighter/paramedic positions to provide 24/7 staffing.

The Fire and Human Resources departments are actively recruiting, testing, and hiring personnel to staff the new ambulance, which is scheduled to enter service on July 1. Practical exams and interviews have already been conducted. Additionally, the Police Department has been authorized to hire two more emergency medical dispatchers to support these expanded services.

Community Recreation Center Development

Measure W also allocates funding for developing and eventually operating a community recreation center. As the first step in this process, the city has issued a request for proposals to select a consulting firm that will evaluate potential locations for either new construction or adaptive reuse of an existing building.

The study will incorporate community input and review by the DRD and other potential facility users. Proposals from interested firms are due by May 5, 2025.