CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
Study Session
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
3:00 PM
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
MAYOR
Rita Lamb
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Pro Tem
Mark Carnevale
Councilmember
Nancy Ross
Councilmember
Raymond Gregory
Councilmember
Ernesto Gutierrez
• CALL TO ORDER
• ROLL CALL
• AGENDA FINALIZATION
At this time the City Council may announce any items being pulled from the agenda or continued to another date.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the opport unity for members of the public to comment on any items not appearing on the regular agenda. Because of restrictions contained in California Law, the City Council may not discuss or act on any item not on the agenda but may briefly respond to statements ma de or ask a question for clarification. The Mayor may also request a brief response from staff to questions raised during public comment or may request a matter be agendized for a future meeting. Public Comment will be limited to three (3) minutes.
2. STUDY SESSION
Normally no action is taken on Study Session items, however, the City Council reserves the right to give specific policy direction and take specific action as Cathedral City P a g e 2
necessary. Presentation will be limited to 10 minutes unless other provisions are made in advance.
A. Presentation - Salton Sea Management Program Update
Recommendation: This is a presentation only. There is no formal action required.
B. Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon
Recommendation: This agenda item is for review and discussion only.
C. Council Salary Comparison Data
Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only.
ADJOURN
NOTES TO THE PUBLIC:
The City of Cathedral City complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you require special assistance to participate in this meeting, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (760) 770-0322 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
If you desire to address the City Council during the meeting, please complete a Request to Speak Form available at the entrance and present it to the City Clerk. Speakers will be called upon at the appropriate time.
Any documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public in spection in the City Clerk’s office at City Hall located at 68 -700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero during normal business hours. In addition, such documents will be posted on the City’s website at www.cathedralcity.gov.
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Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 2.A
Meeting Date: October 25, 2023
From: Tracey Hermosillo, City Clerk
Title: Presentation - Salton Sea Management Program Update
City Council
RECOMMENDATION:
This is a presentation only. There is no formal action required.
BACKGROUND:
The Salton Sea is t hirty-five miles long and 15 miles wide and extends from the Coachella Valley into the Imperial Valley. Though saltier than the ocean, the Sea supports an abundance of fish that provides an important food s ource for millions of migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway.
The modern -day Salton Sea was created when the entire Colorado River flowed unchecked into the Salton Sink for two years beginning in 1905.
Flows into the Salton Sea have declined in recent yea rs, and the result is a shrinking, increasingly saline lake. As the Sea recedes, previously submerged lakebed is being exposed, creating dust that can be hazardous as it dries and becomes airborne.
Declining lake levels and resulting exposure of the lakebed negatively impact surrounding communities and reduce remaining habitat for fish and wildlife.
To address these challenge s, the California Natural Resources Agency, the California Department of Water Resources and the California Department of Fish and W ildlife are implemented a 10 -year plan to improve conditions by constructing 30,000 acres of habitat and dust suppression projects around the Salton Sea.
In May 2015, the state created the Salton Sea Task Force and directed state agencies to develop a comprehensive management plan for the Salton Sea with specific goals to create projects in the short and medium term. These goals were memorialized in in 2016 through a 10 -year Memorandum of Understanding between the United States Department of Interior and t he Natural Resources Agency and are being implemented through the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) pursuant to the Phase I 10 -year plan released in March 2017.
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DISCUSSION:
Miguel Hernandez, Public Information Officer with SSMP , will be presenting an update on the Salton Sea Management Program to the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact with this item.
2.A
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Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 2.B
Meeting Date: October 25, 2023
From: Stone James, Economic Development Director
Title: Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon
City Council
RECOMMENDATION:
This agenda item is for review and discussion only.
BACKGROUND:
Inspired by San Juan Capistrano’s Los Rios Street, Mayor Lamb sees Chuperosa Lane as more than a collection of neighborhood paintings and mosaics. Mayor Lamb believes Chuperosa Lane could become an authentic regional treasure, the type of hidden gem elevating Cathedral City much like Los Rios Street deepens the character and appeal of San Juan Capistrano.
In November 2022, Mayor Lamb used $15,000 of District 1’s community fund to engage M.I.G. Consulting Group (MIG). By January 20 23, MIG was under contract and working with Economic Development (ED). After meeting with relevant community stakeholders, touring Chuperosa Lane , and driving the surrounding neighborhood in late February 2023, MIG creat ed three initial design themes . Thes e three initial themes are titled “Initial Concepts June 2023” and may be found beginning on page 6 of the attached MIG Art Walk Concept Package.
Following multiple discussions on Cathedral City ’s community identit y coupled with feedback from Mayor Lamb, MIG combined the best elements from each initial design theme into the Preferred Concept found on page 3 of the attached MIG Art Walk Concept Package.
The August 24, 2023, Preferred Concept (Project) is intended to highlight Cathedral City’s rich art his tory. This concept includes a scaled -down version of Cathedral City’s iconic Highway 111 stone and metal archway placed at Chuperosa’s north and south entrances (“B” Street and “H” Street). Wooden beam sitting benches stationed throughout the Project pay h omage to the wooden timbers used in the Cree Estates to hold up doorways and window frames . Fragrant native desert plants are to be clustered throughout the Project to allow visitors to reconnect with nature similar to our early Cathedral City residents, like artists Agnes Pelton, Matille Prigge, and Val Samuelson.
2.B
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DISCUSSION:
This proposal is being brought to the City Council for review and input. If the City Council thinks adoption of this plan is desirable as a guideline for future improvements, ED an d MIG designed the Project to be implemented over time as funds become available. MIG estimates the total cost of implementation to range from $1.5M to $2.0M.
MIG’s costs to complete include prevailing wage but do not include value engineering.
Recognizing the City has not budgeted funds for Chuperosa Lane improvements, staff has identified possible funding alternatives which may allow Council to incrementally move this Project forward should the Council support some or all the proposed Preferred Concept.
Alternatives include:
1. Reducing the size and scope of Chuperosa Lane improvements.
2. Utilize Art in Public Places funds for arts related projects.
3. Pursue grant funding.
4. Tie Chuperosa Lane implementation to the future development of the five acres located between “B” Street, Van Fleet Street, Buddy Rogers Avenue, and East Palm Canyon Drive1.
Public Works and ED have evaluated additional project ideas to further improve the area by breaking certain components of the Project installation into smaller steps.
These smaller steps could include:
a) Weed removal: Public Works will weed the lane as a part of their routine scope of work.
b) Compacting uneven terrain : This can be handled by Public Works with existing City equipment. Grading and compacting the entire lane (“B” Street to “H” Street) should take no more than two days. c) Focus on improving the lane block by block.
d) Identify additional opportunities to install public art.
At Council’s direction, staff can identify additional steps to move the project forward and identify value-engineered costs associated with each additional potential step.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This item is for review and discussion only.
The attached costs to complete estimate total project buildout including prevailing wage but excluding any value engineering at $1.5M to $2.0. Currently, this project is not a budgeted nor planned project.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
1 The five acres located between “B” Street, Buddy Rogers Avenue, Van Fleet and East Palm Canyon
2.B
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Strategic Plan Action B -6: Improve and expand Chuperosa Lane to become a point of pride in Cathedral City.
ATTACHMENTS:
2023-08-24 Chuperosa Lane DESIGN FINAL ART WALK CONCEPT PACKAGE 2023-08-31 Chuperosa Lane COST ESTIMATE for 2023-08-24 Concept Package 2022-10-18 WESTWAYS MAGAZINE Los Rios Historic District Article Photo Chuperosa Lane Looking South from A Street
Photo Chuperosa Lane Looking North from B Street
Photo Chuperosa Lane Looking North from H Street
Photo Chuperosa Lane West Wall 1 of 3 between E and F
Photo Chuperosa Lane West Wall 2 of 3 between E and F
Photo Chuperosa Lane West Wall 3 of 3 between E and F
Photo Chuperosa Lane East Wall 1 of 4 between E and F
Photo Chuperosa Lane East Wall 2 of 4 between E and F
Photo Chuperosa Lane East Wall 3 of 4 between E and F
Photo Chuperosa Lane East Wall 4 of 4 between E and F
2.B
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Chuperosa Lane
Cathedral City, CA
Art Walk Concept Package
August 24, 2023
Prepared by:
2.B.a
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Attachment: 2023-08-24 Chuperosa Lane DESIGN FINAL ART WALK CONCEPT PACKAGE (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City The proposed Chuperosa Lane improvements will contribute to the overall transformation of the Civic Center area. The overall intent of this project is as follows:
1. Celebrate the rich artistic legacy of Cathedral City and the surrounding neighborhood
2. Create a themed destination for Cathedral City residents and visitors
3. Provide basic improvements to Chuperosa Lane that enhance placemaking and safety
4. Improve connections between the Chuperosa Lane neighborhood and the Civic Center
5. Integrate the Chuperosa Lane art experience into future redevelopment projects on the south side of Highway 111 This package includes the preferred concept followed by the initial concepts presented in June of 2023. The preferred concept includes the following:
1. Overall Chuperosa Lane plan
2. Block Prototype
3. Design Narrative
4. Precedent Imagery
5. Major and Minor Gateway Concepts
The preferred concept also includes suggestions for the following design elements:
1. Alley Surface
2. Crosswalks
3. Wayfinding and Gateways
4. Planting Areas
5. Lighting
6. Seating
7. Shade
8. Art Opportunities
Overview
2.B.a
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Attachment: 2023-08-24 Chuperosa Lane DESIGN FINAL ART WALK CONCEPT PACKAGE (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City The overarching themes for the preferred concept are informal, rustic, low-key, textural, etc.
1. Alley Surface – the surface for the entire length of Chuperosa Lane would remain as is or could include a porous walking surface such as decomposed granite.
2. Crosswalks – crosswalks at each of the cross streets would be a simple painted continental style crosswalk (white painted bars)
3. Wayfinding and Gateways – major gateway elements are proposed as pedestrian height gateways that could mimic the original gateway that spanned Highway 111. The plan includes two major gateways, one each at the north and south ends of Chuperosa Lane. Each gateway could be different and designed by a local artist. Proposed minor gateway elements natural local native-stone columns possibly topped by an art element or branding icon. Each column could be designed by one artist or by different artists. The concept includes two single column distributed through Chuperosa Lane.
4. Planting Areas – planting areas would include desert-friendly planting set amongst cobble and natural stone planting beds. Planting would be low (less than four feet) and feature colorful and textural desert plants.
5. Lighting – lighting is proposed as simple low-level lighting, including up lights splashing light on the existing walls, demarking the walking path, and within the planting areas Lighting would also be incorporated into the intersections in the form of hanging lights suspended by metal poles .
6. Seating – seating would include a manufactured heavy timber bench that could be customized with paint or mosaic tile, to be integrated art pieces.
7. Shade – shade elements are proposed as overhead sails of different colors supported by metal poles located at the sides of Chuperosa Lane.
8. Art Opportunities – opportunities for public art include continuation of the current blend of painted murals and mosaics. In addition, some of the above elements could also be designed by artists as “integrated art” including the wayfinding and gateway elements, light poles, seating, and shade elements.
Preferred Concept
Churperosa Lane
T
C Street
E Street
Existing Wall
Existing Fence
+/- 1,850’
+/- 200’ typ.
Opportunity to intergrate
Art Alley into new
development
Future
Development
Site
Future
Development
Site
Future
Development
Site
Opportunity to intergrate
Art Alley into new development
B Street
D Street
F Street
San Jacinto Road
H Street
Active
Area
Passive
Area
Opportunity to intergrate
Art Alley into new
development
Potential plaza/Art Alley
relationship
Crosswalk/Intersection
Agnes
Pelton
House
Garage Access
Highway 111
Civic Center
Existing Wall
Existing Fence
Shade Sails
Shade Sails
Shade Sails
Seating Area
Garage Access
Transit Stop
SCE
Utilities
NAPA
St. Louis
Catholic Church
Seating Area
Secondary
Gateway/Monument
Primary
Gateway/Monument
Project Site Block Prototype
2.B.a
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Attachment: 2023-08-24 Chuperosa Lane DESIGN FINAL ART WALK CONCEPT PACKAGE (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Precedent Imagery
Major Gateway
Minor Gateway
Major Gateway
Seating
Planters
Lighting
Alley Surface
Crosswalk
Shade
2.B.a
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Attachment: 2023-08-24 Chuperosa Lane DESIGN FINAL ART WALK CONCEPT PACKAGE (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Gateway Concepts
2.B.a
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Attachment: 2023-08-24 Chuperosa Lane DESIGN FINAL ART WALK CONCEPT PACKAGE (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Initial Concepts
June 2023
2.B.a
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Attachment: 2023-08-24 Chuperosa Lane DESIGN FINAL ART WALK CONCEPT PACKAGE (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City The overarching themes for Concept 1 are organic, do-it-yourself, low-key, etc.
1. Paving – the paving for the entire length of Chuperosa Lane would remain as is or could include a porous walking surface such as decomposed granite.
2. Crosswalks – crosswalks at each of the cross streets would be a simple painted continental style crosswalk (white painted bars)
3. Wayfinding and Gateways – proposed wayfinding elements would be painted metal poles with a sculptural/branding element at the top. Each pole could be designed by one artist or by different artists. The concept includes one pole per block.
4. Planting Areas – planting areas would include desert-friendly planting set amongst cobble and natural stone planting beds. Planting would be low (less than four feet) and feature colorful and textural desert plants.
5. Lighting – lighting is proposed as simple low-level lighting, including up lights splashing light on the existing walls and/or pedestrian height down lights (10 to 12 feet high).
6. Seating – seating would include natural stone boulders and painted wood logs, the latter being an opportunity for public art
7. Shade – shade elements are proposed as overhead sails of different colors supported by metal poles located at the sides of Chuperosa Lane.
8. Art Opportunities – opportunities for public art include continuation of the current blend of painted murals and mosaics. In addition, some of the above elements could also be designed by artists as “integrated art” including the wayfinding and gateway elements, light poles, seating, and shade elements.
Concept 1
B Street
C Street
D Street
E Street
F Street
San Jacinto Road
H Street
Highway 111
Existing Wall
Existing Fence
+/- 1,850’
+/- 200’ typ.
Opportunity to intergrate
Art Alley into new development
Future
Development
Site
Future
Development
Site
Future
Development
Site
Opportunity to intergrate
Art Alley into new development
Active
Area
Passive
Area
Opportunity to intergrate
Art Alley into new
development
Potential plaza/Art Alley
relationship
Crosswalk/Intersection
Agnes Pelton House
Garage Access Points
Churperosa Lane
Civic Center
Existing Wall
Existing Fence
Transit Stop
SCE
Utilities
NAPA
St. Louis
Catholic Church
Gateway/Monument
Project Site Block Prototype
Narrative
Gateway Seating Planters
Crosswalk Alley Surface Shade
Precedent Imagery
2.B.a
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Attachment: 2023-08-24 Chuperosa Lane DESIGN FINAL ART WALK CONCEPT PACKAGE (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City The overarching themes for Concept 2 are informal, rustic, low-key, textural, etc.
1. Paving – the paving for the entire length of Chuperosa Lane is proposed as an informal stone pattern that could be constructed of flagstone, pavers, and/or recycled broken concrete slabs.
2. Crosswalks – crosswalks at each of the cross streets would be a continuation of the paving materials located on Chuperosa Lane.
3. Way inding and Gateways – proposed wayfinding elements would be natural local native- stone columns possibly topped by an art element or branding icon. Each column could be designed by one artist or by different artists. The concept includes two columns per block.
4. Planting Areas – planting areas would include desert-friendly planting set amongst cobble and natural stone planting beds similar to Concept 1. Planting would be low (less than four feet) and feature colorful and textural desert plants but also include taller plants in specific areas.
5. Lighting – lighting is proposed as simple low-level lighting, including up lights splashing light on the existing walls, demarking the walking path, and within the planting areas.
6. Seating – seating would include larger natural stone boulders integrated with the cobble and landscape planting areas.
7. Shade – shade elements are proposed as rectangular panels comprised of different colors supported by metal poles located at the sides of Chuperosa Lane.
8. Art Opportunities – opportunities for public art include the continuation of the current blend of painted murals and mosaics. In addition, some of the above elements could also be designed by artist as “integrated art” including the wayfinding and gateway elements, lighting, and shade elements. In addition, the concepts include open areas that could display rotating temporary art elements.
Concept 2
B Street
C Street
D Street
E Street
F Street
San Jacinto Road
H Street
Highway 111
Existing Wall
Existing Fence
+/- 1,850’
+/- 200’ typ.
Opportunity to intergrate
Art Alley into new development
Future
Development
Site
Future
Development
Site
Future
Development
Site
Opportunity to intergrate
Art Alley into new development
Active
Area
Passive
Area
Opportunity to intergrate
Art Alley into new
development
Potential plaza/Art Alley
relationship
Crosswalk/Intersection
Agnes Pelton House
Garage Access Points
Churperosa Lane
Civic Center
Existing Wall
Existing Fence
Transit Stop
SCE
Utilities
NAPA
St. Louis
Catholic Church
Gateway/Monument
Project Site Block Prototype
Narrative
Precedent Imagery
Gateway Seating Planters
Lighting Alley Surface Shade
2.B.a
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Attachment: 2023-08-24 Chuperosa Lane DESIGN FINAL ART WALK CONCEPT PACKAGE (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Concept 3
B Street
C Street
D Street
E Street
F Street
San Jacinto Road
H Street
Highway 111
Existing Wall
Existing Fence
+/- 1,850’
+/- 200’ typ.
Opportunity to intergrate
Art Alley into new development
Future
Development
Site
Future
Development
Site
Future
Development
Site
Opportunity to intergrate
Art Alley into new development
Active
Area
Passive
Area
Opportunity to intergrate
Art Alley into new
development
Potential plaza/Art Alley
relationship
Crosswalk/Intersection
Agnes Pelton House
Garage Access Points
Churperosa Lane
Civic Center
Existing Wall
Existing Fence
Transit Stop
SCE
Utilities
NAPA
St. Louis
Catholic Church
Gateway/Monument
Project Site Block Prototype
Narrative
The overarching themes for Concept 3 are Mid-century modern, formal, eclectic, etc.
1. Paving – the paving for the entire length of Chuperosa Lane is proposed as concrete paving constructed in large angular shapes surrounded by areas of stone and decomposed granite paving.
2. Crosswalks – crosswalks at each of the cross streets would be painted crosswalks with overhead lighting. Each crosswalk could be different and designed by a local artist.
3. Way inding and Gateways – proposed wayfinding elements are proposed as pedestrian height gateways that could mimic the original gateway that spanned Highway 111. The plan includes three gateways, one each at the north and south ends and a third adjacent to the Agnes Pelton home. Each gateway could be different and designed by a local artist.
4. Planting Areas – planting areas would include desert-friendly planting set amongst cobble and natural stone planting beds similar to Concepts 1 and 2 but also including taller plants that complement the shade structures.
5. Lighting – lighting will be incorporated into the overhead shade elements.
6. Seating – seating would include standard streetscape benches such as concrete benches and/or benches constructed of wood and steel in a Mid-century modern fashion.
7. Shade – shade elements are proposed as large overhead botanically themed shades, created in either fabric or steel. Each shade structure could be different and designed by a local artist and incorporate lighting effects.
8. Art Opportunities – opportunities for public art include the continuation of the current blends of painted murals and mosaics. In addition, some of the above elements could also be designed by artist as “integrated art” including the gateways, lighting, and crosswalks.
Precedent Imagery
Gateway
Gateway
Seating Crosswalk
Alley Surface Shade
2.B.a
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Attachment: 2023-08-24 Chuperosa Lane DESIGN FINAL ART WALK CONCEPT PACKAGE (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City August 31, 2023
Chuperosa Lane
Estimated probable order of magnitude costs based on August 24, 2023 concept plans Assumptions:
Total number of blocks: seven
Total area including cross streets: 1,850 linear ft x 20 ft wide: 37,000 total sf Intersections: Seven at 20 ft by 30 ft = 4,200 sf
Total lane area excl. intersections = 32, 800 sf
Planting area of lane dedicated to plant ing: 3,280 sf (10% of total area) Excludes artwork and in volvement of artists
Estimated costs:
1. Decomposed granite paving: 32,800 sf @ $10.00/sf including site prep = $328,000
2. Planting areas with cobble: 3,280 sf @ $10.00/sf = $32,800
3. Shade sails: three blocks wit h shades @ $$50,000/block = $150,000
4. Benches: two per block = 14 benches @ $4,000/bench = $46,000
5. Crosswalk improvements: sev en @ 600 sf ea. @ $15.00/sf = $63,000
6. Monuments:
a. Major: two @ $200,000 each = $400,000
b. Minor: two @ $75, 000 each = $150,000
7. Lighting:
a. Seven blocks @ $40,000/block= $280,000
b. Seven intersections @ $20,000/intersection = $140,000
Total items 1 – 7 above: $1,589,800
Suggested range based on plans: $1.5 to $2.0 million
2.B.b
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Attachment: 2023-08-31 Chuperosa Lane COST ESTIMATE for 2023-08-24 Concept Package (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City AAA Magazines
Seeking the spirit of San Juan Capistrano, past and present FF
Father Arthur Hutchinson and visitors feed Mission San Juan Capistrano's white pigeons in the courtyard in this 1934 image. Photo courtesy Auto Club of Southern California Archives By Morgan P. Yates
October 18, 2022
Looking up at the dramatic ruins of the Great Stone Church at Mission San Juan Capistrano from a café across the street, I imagined how the landscape might have looked in 1812 when an earthquake devastated the church.
Was it dotted with grazing cattle? Was it lined with rows of crops? In the bright afternoon light, the church evoked an old-world vibe despite the modern surroundings: cars sparkling in the sun, sidewalks bustling with tourists. This juxtaposition of old and new, modest and opulent, reminded me of how our present landscape intermingles with the past.
While studying history in graduate school, I learned the Latin term genius loci, which roughly translates to “the spirit of the place.” At the time, it was both a romantic notion and an elusive concept. I was intrigued by the challenge of determining how a place’s elements shape its distinctive character, in terms of the physical structures and the people who inhabit them.
2.B.c
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Attachment: 2022-10-18 WESTWAYS MAGAZINE Los Rios Historic District Article [Revision 1] (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral I realize, of course, that the answer varies depending on where you look and who you talk to. History is dynamic, and its interpretation can be controversial.
On a recent weekend trip to San Juan Capistrano with my wife, Susan, also an archivist, I sought to find threads from the past woven into the fabric of the present. To me, history is a puzzle, and research and observation can help fill in missing pieces. While exploring the town and its mission, I hoped a genius loci would come into focus.
People of the past
The Los Rios Historic District is lined with cozy restaurants and shops. Photo by David Ricks On a sunny Saturday, Jan Siegel from the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society led us on foot to the Los Rios Historic District, California’s oldest residential neighborhood. We stopped first at the society’s O’Neill Museum on Los Rios Street for an overview.
As we strolled, Siegel told stories about the adobe structures and the town’s colorful characters, including Modesta Avila, who in 1889 attempted to obstruct a train to demand compensation for tracks running across what she believed was her land. She is considered Orange County’s first convicted felon and she later became a feminist icon.
Siegel also told us about “Judge” Richard Egan, who came to the town in 1868. A surveyor and a prominent landowner, he built a brick house, where he served as justice of the peace
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Attachment: 2022-10-18 WESTWAYS MAGAZINE Los Rios Historic District Article [Revision 1] (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral by day and hosted social gatherings at night. That home—located on the town’s main road, Camino Capistrano—is now a restaurant called Ellie’s Table, notable for its pastries and made-to-order breakfasts and lunches.
The 1898 Egan House is now Ellie’s Table, a popular café. Photo by David Ricks After our tour, with a crostata from Ellie’s and java from nearby Hidden House Coffee in hand, Susan and I headed to a shaded picnic table on the plaza between the 1790s Montanez and Rios adobe homes. Savoring our treat, we contemplated the rarity of encountering such old buildings in California and wondered about preservation.
How much of the structures was original, and how much was replaced? How do restoration efforts impact a historical site’s importance?
It’s a parlor game of sorts. One must extrapolate from what survives to imagine how things once were, and the more of the past that survives, the easier it is to envision. Thankfully, San Juan Capistrano’s efforts to preserve and restore homes and interpret the lives of its antecedents gave us good glimpses.
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Attachment: 2022-10-18 WESTWAYS MAGAZINE Los Rios Historic District Article [Revision 1] (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral
A signpost in the Los Rios Historic District. Photo by David Ricks Mission meanderings
2.B.c
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Attachment: 2022-10-18 WESTWAYS MAGAZINE Los Rios Historic District Article [Revision 1] (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral
The mission’s iconic bell wall. Photo by David Ricks
I suspected “the spirit of the place” would reveal itself further at the mission, where nearly all of the town’s historical lines coalesce.
As I entered the courtyard, the exposed and pitted adobe brick buildings, the unevenly paved arcades, and the ornate chapel interiors transported me to another era. Taken as a whole, the mission allowed us to see how past eras overlap and often obscure some of what came before. For example, the gardens—a product of the 20th century—grow in spaces once devoted to the work of the mission’s inhabitants.
Read more: 10 'secret' must-visit gardens in Southern California Exhibits and audio-wand presentations describe the mission’s evolution, from its founding in 1776 by Junípero Serra, to its conversion to a private residence in 1845, to the celebration of the swallows’ return beginning in the 1930s.
Given today’s growing efforts to include underrepresented peoples in the historical record, I wondered how the mission would interpret the experience of the Native American “neophytes” (what the Spanish missionaries called the recent converts to Christianity), as well as the padres and soldiers.
2.B.c
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Attachment: 2022-10-18 WESTWAYS MAGAZINE Los Rios Historic District Article [Revision 1] (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral While I saw stories in the courtyard’s west wing about the neophytes and their Acjachemen forebears, I found myself wishing for more for the sake of interpretive balance, especially since Serra has become a controversial historical figure.
Although Pope Francis canonized Serra in 2015, critics blame him for the harsh treatment of the Mission Indians. In fact, 2 years ago, the 1914 Serra statue that had been displayed in the front courtyard for nearly 80 years was relocated to another spot on the property to keep it safe from possible vandalism. Here we see historical dynamism reshaping the landscape.
Although Serra originally founded the mission, its current revitalization is owed to Father St.
John O’Sullivan. He came here from Arizona in 1910 as a young man, falling in love with the near ruins and becoming the mission’s resident priest.
As automobiles and the railroad brought more visitors, O’Sullivan began charging a modest admission and raised funds for the restoration, envisioning a return to the mission’s former glory, even if the changes weren’t necessarily historically accurate.
The mission’s Serra Chapel. Photo by David Ricks
When O’Sullivan expanded Serra’s namesake chapel, the sole remaining mission church in California where Serra celebrated Mass, he secured the donation of an ancient altar and retablo—but raised the roof to install them, altering the space considerably.
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Attachment: 2022-10-18 WESTWAYS MAGAZINE Los Rios Historic District Article [Revision 1] (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral Although now more ornate, the building retains the spirit of its original purpose and feel.
This is an example of how genius loci can evolve based on a place’s needs and uses. It is neither good nor bad, but a natural progression.
New voices
The Village of Putuidem helps keep Acjachemen traditions alive. Photo by David Ricks Historians will tell you history is ongoing and not a static set of facts. And in north San Juan Capistrano, I found more voices being added to the region’s story.
After years of lobbying, the Village of Putuidem, a 1.5-acre community park dedicated to the Acjachemen tribe, opened in December 2021. It has an interpretive trail, a native plant habitat, and an amphitheater where tribal members can hold ceremonies and share their stories.
In its own way, this new park demonstrates how the spirit of San Juan Capistrano continues to reveal itself.
Taking the train to San Juan Capistrano
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Attachment: 2022-10-18 WESTWAYS MAGAZINE Los Rios Historic District Article [Revision 1] (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral
San Juan Capistrano is a stop on Metrolink and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. Photo by David Ricks San Juan Capistrano is a stop on Metrolink and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. The Los Rios Historic District, the mission, and downtown shops and restaurants are all within walking distance of the depot.
Historian's toolbox
Check out these resources when visiting a new place.
• Local guides bring the past to life. The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society offers a 45-minute walking tour at 1 p.m. Saturdays (suggested donation, $5).
• Community libraries often have sections on local history. • Historical images (easily found online) can be a gold mine.
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Attachment: 2022-10-18 WESTWAYS MAGAZINE Los Rios Historic District Article [Revision 1] (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral
The lobby of the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Photo courtesy Marriott International Inn at the Mission
Located across the street from the mission, the AAA Four Diamond Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano (rates start at $409) takes cues from the historic landmark, as well as from local history, in its design and offerings. Throughout the 125-room hacienda-inspired hotel, opened in fall 2020, guests will find touches that evoke the spirit of the town.
Whether or not you stay at the inn, it’s worth a visit. Look for these items:
Spanish-inspired design elements
The property features 3 types of architecture: Spanish Revival, Monterey, and adobe.
Wooden ceiling beams, Spanish-style tiles, and stone touches add to the rustic feel. In the lobby rotunda, look for the 4 suspended lights with faceted sides that hint at the shape of mission bells.
Portrait of Ysidora Pico de Forster
This oil painting hangs at the entrance to the lounge and bar. Ysidora was the sister of Pío Pico, the last governor of California under Mexican rule, who sold the mission to Ysidora’s
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Attachment: 2022-10-18 WESTWAYS MAGAZINE Los Rios Historic District Article [Revision 1] (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral husband, John “Don Juan” Forster. The on-site Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge serves traditional Spanish dishes made with regionally sourced ingredients. 72 olive trees
Mission olives were a staple in the Spanish missionaries’ diet. The inn produces its own custom blend, Reverence Olive Oil (available in the hotel gift shop), in partnership with California company Nuvo Oil. Ysidora Restaurant offers an olive oil tasting event on the second Thursday of each month ($30; reservations required).
Auto Club historian and archivist Morgan P. Yates has been writing Westways’ Off-Ramp column since 2001.
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Attachment: 2022-10-18 WESTWAYS MAGAZINE Los Rios Historic District Article [Revision 1] (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral
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Attachment: Photo Chuperosa Lane Looking South from A Street (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon)
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Attachment: Photo Chuperosa Lane Looking North from B Street (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon)
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Attachment: Photo Chuperosa Lane Looking North from H Street (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon)
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Attachment: Photo Chuperosa Lane West Wall 1 of 3 between E and F (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon)
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Attachment: Photo Chuperosa Lane West Wall 2 of 3 between E and F (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon)
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Attachment: Photo Chuperosa Lane West Wall 3 of 3 between E and F (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon)
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Attachment: Photo Chuperosa Lane East Wall 1 of 4 between E and F (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon)
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Attachment: Photo Chuperosa Lane East Wall 2 of 4 between E and F (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon)
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Attachment: Photo Chuperosa Lane East Wall 3 of 4 between E and F (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon)
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Attachment: Photo Chuperosa Lane East Wall 4 of 4 between E and F (3941 : Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon)
Cathedral City Page 1 of 5 Printed on 10/19/2023
Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 2.C
Meeting Date: October 25, 2023
From: Charles McClendon, City Manager
Title: Council Salary Comparison Data
City Council
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only.
BACKGROUND:
Salaries for the City Council are established through the City Charter adopted by the voters in 2016:
Section 605. City Council Salaries.
The then-current salary of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Council Members shall be reviewed and adjust ed annually beginning with the first pay period after July 1 of each year based on the change in the consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI -U) for the Los Angeles -Riverside-Orange County, CA average for all items, 1982 -84=100, as published by th e U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics or the most closely equivalent successor thereto in the event the index is terminated or changed.
The “base index” for the adjustment shall be the index for December 2015. Regardless of the CPI -U, in no case shall the salaries be increased by more than 3% in any given year or exceed a maximum of $2,500 per month.
Staff provided an update presentation to Council during the study session on August 23, 2023. Council asked that additional comparative data be gathered on non -salary compensation including medical and other benefits and stipends or reimbursements.
DISCUSSION:
The following table provides a ten -year history of Council salaries. Since the Charter was approved and became effective, there has been a CPI increase each year. Please note that in 2020 Council authorized a ten percent reduction in salaries as part of the COVID budget reductions. That cut was restored and the Charter authorized CIP increases were added in 2021.
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ANNUAL
SALARY
EFFECTIVE
DATE
16,439.71 07/09/2023
15,960.88 07/10/2022
15,496.00 07/01/2021
13,659.52 07/05/2020
15,177.21 07/14/2019
14,735.16 07/01/2018
14,305.95 07/02/2017
14,025.44 07/05/2016
14,025.44 07/05/2015
14,025.44 07/05/2014
The following table p rovides comparison data on Council salaries paid by the other Coachella Valley cities. The table also provides information on medical benefits, retirement benefits and auto and technology stipends.
CITY SALARY/STIPENDS
BENEFITS
ELIGIBLE FOR
AUTO
ALLOWANCE
CELL PHONE
ALLOWANCE
CATHEDRAL
CITY
Council - $16,439.71 annually Health Benefits
Life/Disability/AD&D
CalPERS
$200 monthly Reimbursement
up to $1800 per
FY
PALM
SPRINGS
Mayor - $49,920.00 annually
Council - $41,604.00 annually
Health Benefits
Life Insurance
CalPERS
$200 biweekly None
DESERT HOT
SPRINGS
Mayor - $17,151.36 annually
Council - $13,339.44 annually
$75- Per Board/Committee
meeting (where no stipend is
provided)
Health Benefits
Life Insurance
CalPERS
$600 monthly $144 monthly
RANCHO
MIRAGE
Mayor - $38,500 annually
Council - $35,000 annually
$50- Per Housing Authority
meeting
$50- Per Library & Observatory
Board meeting
Health Benefits
Life/AD&D
CalPERS
$500 monthly $100 monthly or
elect a city issued
device
PALM DESERT Council - $27,357 annually
$50- Per Housing Authority
Meeting
Health Benefits
Life/Disability/AD&D
CalPERS
None $40 monthly or
elect a city issued
device
INDIO Council - $16,073.64 annually
$100 stipend for specific outside
meetings
Health Benefits
CalPERS
Reimbursement
for travel mileage
None
LA QUINTA Mayor - $33,600.00 annually
Council - $27,600 annually
Health Benefits
CalPERS
None $40 monthly or
elect a city issued
device
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COACHELLA Council - $8532.60 annually Health Benefits
Life Insurance
CalPERS
None $200 monthly
INDIAN
WELLS
Mayor - $24,120.72 annually
MPT - $20,100.48 annually
Council -16,080.60 annually
None None None
Should the Council decide to amend the Charter and revise Council salaries , the following procedure will be required to do so:
“Under Section 3 of article XI of the California Constitution and Government Code 34450 et seq., the process to amend a City Charter follows one of two methods. One method is for the registered voters of the City to elect commissioners to a charter commission which is res ponsible for drafting a proposed amendment that is then submitted to the registered voters for approval. See Government Code sections 34450 - 34457. The alternative method, which was the method Cathedral City followed to adopt its Charter, is for the City Council to agree upon a proposed Charter amendment which is then submitted to the registered voters of the City for approval. See Government Code sections 34458.
Using the alternative method, at a regular Council meeting, the City Council would discuss the issue and text of a proposed Charter amendment and approve text for consideration by the public. Pursuant to Government Code section 34458, the Council must then hold two separate public hearings on the issue and content of the proposal.
Notice of each public hearing must be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the City, and posted in three places within the City, both for 21 days prior to the each public hearing. In addition, the second public hearing must be held at least 30 days after the first public hearing. At least one of the public hearings must be held outside of normal City business hours to facilitate public participation. Then, 21 days following the second public hearing the City Council may vote on whether to approve the proposed Charter amendment. If approved by the City Council, the proposed amendment must be submitted to the voters at the next established statewide general election date pursuant to Election Code section 1200 provided there are at least 88 days bef ore the election. The approved Statewide election date is the first Tuesday, after the first Monday in November of each even -numbered year. A majority of electors voting on the question must vote in favor for it to be passed.
If the amendment propose s to authorize the City Council to have the power to raise its own compensation and the compensation of other City Official without voter approval that must be specified in the ballot description. The City must also comply with certain procedural rules. See Government Code sections 34458.5, 34459, and 34460.”
One option the Council may wish to consider is to tie the Council benefits package to certain benefits provided in the regulations covering non -represented employees.
Salaries would, of course, s till be regulated by the Charter provisions and certain stipends are expressly prohibited. Otherwise , the benefits and other compensation provisions of the regulations would be provided to Council and a statement to that effect would be added to the regul ations. The provisions of the regulations covering non -
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represented employees that could be expressly tied to the Council as well are the following:
3.17 Car Allowance
11.1 Group Insurance
11.2 PERS
11.5 Enrollment in Group Insurance Plans upon Retirement
11.6 Wellness Program
11.7 Life Insurance
11.8 Deferred Compensation
The City Attorney has provided the following analysis of stipends that are regulated by state law and therefore, cannot be provided.
In accordance with subsections (a) and (b) Se ction 36516 of the Government Code, Cathedral City Charter Section 605 provides that "in no case shall the salaries [of Council Member] be increased by more than 3% in any given year or exceed a maximum of $2,500 per month." Additional compensation to city council members, e.g., stipend for attending a meeting, in excess of the salary limits established in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 36516 of the Government Code is prohibited, unless another statute expressly authorizes a stipend or other compensatio n to its board members.
As such, an entity may authorize stipends for Councilmembers who serve on a board, commission, advisory board, etc., only if the governing statue expressly authorizes a stipend. However, absent a statute authorizing a stipend or c ompensation, the City Council is prohibited from approving stipends for Council participation on city boards and/or commissions in excess of the compensation limits set forth in Government Code section 36516.
For example, pursuant to its bylaws, the Sout hern California Association of Governments is an agency voluntarily established by its members pursuant to the Joint Exercise of Powers Act. Because the Joint Exercise of Powers Act does not expressly authorize compensation or stipend to a member of a JPA board, representatives of Regional Council members who serve on the Regional Council for the Southern California Association of Governments, are prohibited from receiving a stipend or compensation.
Therefore, unless a statute authorizes a stipend or com pensation, pursuant to Government Code Section 36516(c), City councilmembers are prohibited from approving stipends that exceed the compensation established Cathedral City Charter Section 605 and subsections (a) and (b) Section 36516 of the Government Code.
Any allowable changes the Council wishes to enact will need to be formally adopted on a future Council agenda.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None with this discussion item. Council salaries are budgeted in accordance with Charter provisions.
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FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
GOAL A: SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITH PRIDE AND DEDICATION
Objective: Through diversity, equity and inclusion driven employee programs and employee experiences, Cathedral City is the employer of choice with a workforce that is engaged, motivated and respected public stewards.
Action A-2 Review Comparison data on Council salaries and the process to update if warranted.
ATTACHMENTS:
Elected Official Benefit Comparison Chart 2023 (2)
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EE Only EE+1 EE+Children EE+Fam
Medical $930 $1,800 n/a $2,300 Eligible for CalPERS Wellness reimbursement for 75% cost of program up to a max of $300 Dental HMO $17.42 $32.53 $51.59 City Contributes $100 month to Health Reimbursement (HRA) Dental PPO $40.32 $77.26 $129.02
Vision $8.45 $18.86 $18.86
Mayor $4,160.00 monthly Medical $855 $1,723 $2,252 Eligible for CalPERS Dental HMO $17.23 $29.82 $39.08
Dental PPO $42.62 $90.70 $142.60
Vision $13.42 $13.42 $13.42
Mayor $1,429.28 monthly Medical EPO $685.92 $1,399.51 $1,270.49 $1,787.79 Eligible for CalPERS Life $50,000 $600 monthly $144 monthly Council $1,111.62 monthly Medical PPO $657.08 $1,340.38 $1,217.14 $1,707.04 Medical HMO $430.59 $885.49 $810.42 $1,096.23
Dental PPO $57.79 $109.11 $135.87 $124.90
Dental HMO $14.60 $30.50 $31.60 $4.12
Vision $14.55 $24.95 $25.47 $33.00
Rancho Mirage Mayor $38,500 annually Medical Life - Premium dependent on age Council $35,000 annually Dental HMO
$50- Per Housing Authority meeting
$50- Per Library & Observatory Board
meeting
Palm Desert Council $27,357 annually Medical Eligible for CalPERS Eligible for Life - equal to annual salary $50- Per Housing Authority Meeting Dental Eligibale for Retiree Health Savings Plan- 1% Employee Contribution, 1% Employer match
Eligible for Long Term Disability Plan
Vision
Indio Council $1,339.47 monthly Medical
Dental
Vision
La Quinta Mayor $2,800 monthly Medical Eligible for CalPERS None None $200 Annual Wellness Benefit for FY Council $2,300 monthly Dental Eligible for Deferred Comp Plan- $50 match per pay period Vision
Coachella Medical
Vision
Indian Wells Mayor $2,010.06 monthly
Mayor Pro Tem $1,675.04 monthly
Council $1340.05 monthly
NoneNone None None None
Desert Hot
Springs
Council $3,467.00 monthly
Technology/Cell
Phone
Palm Springs
Eligible for Deferred Comp Plan- City match up to $46.16 per pp ($1,200 /yr) City
Reimbursement up to
$1800 per FY for
purchase and/or
service of devices
$200 monthlyLife $50,000
Health BenefitsSalary/Stipends Retirement Life Insurance/Disability/AD&D Auto Allowance Council $16,439.71 annuallyCathedral City
Misc Benefits
City pays EE+1 rate up to 2nd highest plan, Council
pays difference OR max cashout of $1,018
Up to $2,580.73 per month
Up to $169.46 per month
Travel mileage
reimbursement at
current GSA rates
NoneNoneEligible for CalPERS
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) $44.04
Eligible for Retiree Health Savings Plan- City pays $50 monthly Life $50,000 $200 biweekly
Council $711.05 monthly
$40 monthly stipend or
can elect a city issued
device
Eligible for Deferred Comp Plan- City match up to $100 per month (NTE $1,200 per calendar year)
$75- Per Board/Committee meeting
(where no stipend is provided)
$1800.00 per month
$100 stipend for specific outside
meetings
Eligible for CalPERS Life $250,000 None $200 monthly
Vision
Eligible for Deferred Comp Plan as provided for in State and Federal Tax Codes.
Employee may contribute deferred comp to the Plan in accordance with Plan provisions.
Up to $1992 per month
Dental
None
$100 monthly stipend
or elect city issued
device
$2850.73 per month
$175.20 per month
$40.20 per month
Eligible for CalPERS $500 monthly
AD&D- Premium dependent on age
Eligible for AD&D
None
Up to $22.80 per month
$40 monthly stipend or
can elect a city issued
device
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- MHN covered by City
None
n/a
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Attachment: Elected Official Benefit Comparison Chart 2023 (2) (3956 : Council Salary Comparison Data)