News from: Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District

The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District (CVPD or District) recently joined with other special districts from across California to advocate on behalf of the communities they serve. The event was sponsored by the California Special District Association (CSDA). Special districts are public agencies created by the community to provide one or more specific services, such as water service, sewer service, cemetery, parks, fire protection and other needs critical to the wellbeing of a community.

In addition to guest speakers, the event featured seminars on governance and updates on legislation that could impact our local special districts. The keynote speaker was State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara who spoke on the impact climate change and drought are having on fire protection, parks and recreation, and other districts across the State.

“From climate to workforce development, state lawmakers are making critical decisions that will impact the budget, infrastructure, and operations of our local districts in the Coachella Valley,” said CVPCD General Manager Joshua Bonner. “Our goal in visiting Sacramento is to not only stay abreast of new laws and potential funding opportunities for the District, but also directly engage with elected leaders to create those opportunities through legislation.”  Bonner points to the $57,512 in COVID-19 relief funding the District recently received as part of the COVID-19 Fiscal Relief for Special Districts as an example. “That was a direct result of significant advocacy work being done by the CSDA and their local district partners.”

The District was represented in Sacramento by Trustee Marcos Coronel, Jr., Trustee Dr. Bruce Underwood, and their General Manager. They were joined by representatives from five other special districts in the Coachella Valley. In addition to organized activities, the group was able to meet with Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, representatives from Assemblymember Chad Mays office, and other elected leaders.

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About the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District

The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District is an independent California Special District formed in 1927. The District serves the public cemetery needs of an area encompassing nearly 3,444 square miles of Riverside County, including the cities of Coachella, Indio, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, as well as parts of Rancho Mirage and unincorporated Riverside County. The purpose of the District is to offer affordable interment services for our County residents.