BACKGROUND:
On August 20, 2023, the eastern flank of Tropical Storm Hilary (Storm) passed through the Coachella Valley. The western portion of the Coachella Valley was the hardest hit.
The overall damage left from the storm is estimated at over $130 million throughout Riverside County as rainfall approached 50-year storm events in the valley floor area and over 1,000-year storm events along the eastern slope of the San Gorgonio Mountains.
The Storm impacted several areas within Cathedral City. The one area that was significantly impacted was the northeast Panorama area neighborhood, specifically the Horizon Road area. In this area, first responders rescued motorists and residents from the devastating mud flows that came from northwest of the City.
The Riverside County Flood Control District (RCFCD) is the regional flood control entity that provides maintenance, operations and planning for regional stormwater protection.
The RCFCD was created July 7, 1945 by an act of the California Legislature.
The overall District area (2700 sq. mi.) is located in the western portion of Riverside County (7200 sq. mi.). It extends easterly far enough to include the cities of Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs. RCFCD boundaries are generally west of the Whitewater River Channel extending northwest of the City. The District is governed by a Board of Supervisors comprised of the same individuals as the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.
The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is the City’s other regional flood control entity that provides maintenance, operations and planning for regional stormwater protection. Having roots as The Coachella Valley Stormwater District formed in 1915 to control regional flooding, CVWD was formed in 1918 to protect and conserve local water sources and took on the Stormwater District’s responsibilities.
CVWD is now a multifaceted agency that delivers irrigation and domestic (drinking) water, collects and recycles wastewater, replenishes the groundwater basin, promotes water conservation, and provides regional storm water protection. CVWD’s stormwater boundaries essentially extend east from when the RCFCD boundaries terminate.
DISCUSSION:
RCFCD and CVWD will provide a joint presentation on the Storm. RCFCD will provide the “what happened” facts of the August 20, 2023 passing of Tropical Storm Hilary through the Coachella Valley, and “why” Cathedral City was the recipient of the upstream flood mud flows.
CVWD will provide information on what facilities and infrastructure are planned to mitigate this challenge in the future.
Jason Uhley, the General Manager - Chief Engineer and Claudio Padres - Chief of Design and Construction will be here from the RCFCD to give their presentation.
Jim Barrett - General Manager, David Wilson - Engineering Manager and John Aguilar – Director will be here from CVWD to give their presentation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This item is for the City Council’s information, discussion and questions.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
GOAL B: COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Objective: Cathedral City roads, gateways, public spaces, and other city infrastructure are well planned, designed, constructed, and
maintained.
GOAL E: SAFETY
Objective: Cathedral City is safe for all who live, work, visit, and play in our community.