Impacts on Vulnerable Populations
Low-Income Residents: Low-income individuals may face barriers to accessing healthcare, testing, and vaccinations during an infectious disease outbreak. They are also more likely to work in industries that require in-person labor, increasing their exposure risks. Financial hardships due to job losses or medical expenses can further exacerbate economic instability.
Elderly Individuals: Older adults are particularly vulnerable to severe illness and complications from infectious diseases. Long-term care facilities and assisted living communities may experience outbreaks with high mortality rates if proper infection control measures are not maintained. Limited mobility may also prevent older residents from accessing medical care and essential supplies.
People with Disabilities: Individuals with disabilities may face heightened risks during pandemics due to reliance on caregivers, medical equipment, and specialized healthcare services. Transportation limitations, disrupted medical supply chains, and difficulties in accessing public health information can further increase their vulnerability.
Unhoused Individuals: Unhoused populations are at extreme risk during infectious disease outbreaks due to lack of access to sanitation, healthcare, and stable shelter. Congregate living settings, such as homeless shelters, may facilitate disease transmission, requiring enhanced infection control measures.
Outreach programs and emergency housing initiatives play a critical role in protecting this population during pandemics.
Non-English-Speaking Populations: Language barriers may prevent some residents from receiving timely public health information, accessing healthcare services, and understanding emergency directives. Culturally competent outreach efforts and multilingual public health campaigns are essential to ensuring equitable access to disease prevention and treatment resources.
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4.2.10 Landslides
Overall Vulnerability and Impact
Cathedral City is susceptible to landslides and rockfalls, primarily in areas adjacent to the Santa Rosa Mountains and Indio Hills. The region’s geologic composition, including crystalline bedrock and fractured metamorphic and granitic units, presents natural planes of weakness-such as joints and fault zones-that increase slope instability. Areas with loose or unconsolidated alluvial soils on steep inclines, particularly near the Cove neighborhood, Edom Hill, and hillside developments west of Cathedral Canyon Drive, face elevated risk during periods of intense precipitation or seismic activity.
Seismically induced landslides pose a moderate to high risk due to proximity to the San Andreas, Banning, and San Jacinto fault zones. Strong ground shaking during a major seismic event may destabilize steep slopes such as those surrounding East Palm Canyon Drive, resulting in rockfalls and debris flows. Human activity-including grading for hillside development or infrastructure-may exacerbate instability in these zones.
The primary impacts of landslides include roadway obstructions, damage to hillside residences, and utility disruption. Debris flows may affect key arterial routes such as Cathedral Canyon Drive, Date Palm Drive south of the wash, and adjacent canyon roads. Infrastructure, including sewer force mains and electrical lines crossing hillside areas, may sustain damage or require costly stabilization measures.
Population
The entire population of Cathedral City is exposed to indirect impacts from landslides, though those in proximity to steep terrain-especially in the Cove, Panorama, and neighborhoods bordering the Santa Rosa Mountains-face greater physical and economic risk. Slope failures may isolate neighborhoods by cutting off access routes or damaging water, power, or communication lines.
Critical Facilities
Landslides threaten the operability of critical facilities if they impact access routes or infrastructure support systems. Cathedral City Fire Station 411 on Date Palm Drive and emergency service staging areas must maintain clear access via ridge-adjacent corridors. A landslide blocking Cathedral Canyon Drive or the adjacent wash crossings could delay emergency response to the southern portion of the city.
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Water and wastewater systems operated by CVWD are at risk where force mains cross vulnerable slopes. Breakage due to slope movement could lead to service interruption, wastewater spills, or contamination. Similarly, above-ground and buried electrical infrastructure-particularly lines descending from Flat Top Mountain-may be affected by ground displacement or rockfalls.
Non-Critical Facilities
Non-critical facilities, including schools, businesses, and residential structures, may experience structural damage or access limitations due to landslides. Schools and community centers located near steep terrain may need to implement mitigation measures such as slope stabilization, retaining walls, or early warning systems to ensure safety.
Industrial and commercial properties with large outdoor storage areas may be vulnerable to debris accumulation or structural damage if located in or near landslide-prone zones. Landslides affecting major transportation routes can also disrupt supply chains and economic activity, leading to business closures or financial losses.
Residential properties in hillside areas face the greatest direct risks from landslides. Homes built on or near unstable slopes may experience foundation damage, structural failure, or property loss due to slope movements. Homeowners without landslide insurance may face significant financial burdens in the aftermath of an event.
Environment
Landslides can cause lasting environmental damage by altering natural drainage patterns, increasing soil erosion, and disrupting ecosystems. The loss of vegetation due to slope failures can accelerate erosion and sedimentation in local waterways, impacting water quality and aquatic habitats.
Key environmental consequences of landslides include:
• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation: Landslides transport sediment into storm drain infrastructure, the Cathedral Canyon Wash, and the Whitewater River Channel, reducing flood-carrying capacity and increasing downstream flood risk. • Habitat Disruption: Vegetation loss in the Santa Rosa foothills or along Edom Hill exposes sensitive desert ecosystems and undermines slope stability. • Airborne Dust and Debris: Landslide events can generate significant dust, affecting air quality and exacerbating respiratory issues for vulnerable populations.
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Changes in Development Since Last Approved Plan
Development Trends: Several new developments have been approved near slope-adjacent areas, including hillside subdivisions and infrastructure improvements. These are subject to geotechnical review and slope stabilization standards per city ordinance.
Land Use and Zoning: No major zoning changes have significantly altered the city’s exposure to landslides. However, updated building regulations may have been implemented to improve slope stabilization requirements in at-risk areas.
Population Shifts: While Cathedral City’s overall population growth has been steady, an increase in older adult residents may heighten vulnerabilities related to landslide evacuations and post-disaster recovery efforts.
Impacts on Vulnerable Populations
Low-Income Residents: Households with limited financial resources may struggle to repair landslide damage or relocate to safer areas. Insurance coverage for landslide damage is often limited, making recovery efforts more challenging.
Elderly Individuals: Older adults may have difficulty evacuating from landslide-prone areas, particularly if roads are blocked or transportation options are limited. They may also be more susceptible to health risks associated with landslide-related disruptions.
People with Disabilities: Individuals with mobility impairments or medical conditions may face significant challenges during a landslide event, especially if access to emergency services is disrupted.
Unhoused Individuals: The unhoused population is particularly vulnerable to landslides, as they often reside in areas with unstable terrain and lack access to safe shelter. Landslides can destroy makeshift encampments and increase exposure to hazardous conditions.
Non-English-Speaking Populations: Language barriers may limit access to landslide preparedness information and emergency alerts. Multilingual communication strategies are essential for ensuring that all residents receive timely warnings and evacuation instructions.
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4.2.11 Sandstorms (Haboob and Blowsand)
Overall Vulnerability and Impact
Cathedral City is highly vulnerable to sandstorm-related disruptions due to its geographic location along the northern edge of the Coachella Valley, where strong, sustained winds frequently transport sand and fine particulate matter from the west. Blowsand and haboobs reduce visibility, disrupt transportation and utilities, and create serious health hazards, particularly for people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Blowsand accumulations can impede access to critical roads, clog storm drains, damage mechanical systems, and require frequent clean-up and maintenance. Haboob events-sudden dust storms generated by strong downdrafts-can create extreme driving hazards, limit visibility to near-zero conditions, and produce wind gusts exceeding 60 mph. According to NOAA’s Storm Events Database, haboobs in the region have been observed with gusts above 70 mph, most recently recorded in Riverside County in 2022. The area near Varner Road, Date Palm Drive, and east of the Whitewater River Channel is particularly susceptible due to its topography, wind channeling effects, and proximity to undeveloped desert terrain.
In addition to safety impacts, sandstorms can accelerate wear on infrastructure and increase costs for municipal operations. Frequent cleanup of sediment from medians, storm drains, and intersections creates an ongoing burden on Public Works and Streets Maintenance. Fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations during sandstorms often exceed state and federal air quality thresholds, triggering South Coast AQMD health alerts.
Population
The entire population of Cathedral City is exposed to sandstorm risks, but outdoor workers, children, elderly individuals, and people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are particularly vulnerable. The presence of mobile home communities and workforce housing near open desert areas increases exposure to airborne particulates and windborne debris. Pedestrian and transitdependent residents are also disproportionately affected due to direct exposure during routine activities.
Critical Facilities
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Critical facilities in sandstorm-prone areas face functional disruption during low-visibility or highwind events. Emergency response times may be slowed by poor roadway visibility and debris accumulation, especially on routes like Varner Road, Vista Chino, and Date Palm Drive. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operations may be challenged by power outages caused by sand intrusion into HVAC and mechanical systems, particularly for facilities without sealed intakes or HEPA-grade filtration. Medical facilities and shelter sites may see increased demand from individuals suffering from asthma, COPD, or particulate-induced cardiovascular events during major blowsand days. Electrical substations and solar arrays, particularly those near the eastern edges of the city or open desert tracts, are exposed to sand abrasion, panel inefficiency, and maintenance needs.
Non-Critical Facilities
Sandstorm impacts to non-critical facilities include operational disruptions to schools, small businesses, and transit infrastructure. Schools, particularly those with aging HVAC systems or poor sealing, may be forced to suspend classes due to air quality or poor visibility, limiting educational continuity. Small businesses, especially auto repair shops and construction contractors operating outdoors, often experience productivity losses due to equipment damage and unsafe working conditions. Public transit stops without sheltering canopies along Cathedral Canyon Drive and Dinah Shore Drive offer little protection for waiting passengers during haboob conditions. Parks and recreational areas, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the city, often require temporary closures and post-event cleanup.
Environment
While sandstorms are not directly toxic to the environment, they significantly impact air quality and exacerbate erosion. They contribute to violations of ambient air quality standards for PM10, which are linked to public health outcomes and regulatory compliance. Sandstorms also strip topsoil and destabilize vegetative buffers, increasing susceptibility to flooding and fire ignition. They obstruct stormwater infrastructure and natural wash conveyance with sediment deposition, decreasing floodwater capacity. Vegetation loss in sandstorm-prone areas also limits urban cooling and heat resilience, compounding risks during concurrent extreme heat days.
Changes in Development Since Last Approved Plan
Development Trends: Since the prior LHMP, development in eastern Cathedral City, particularly near Rio Vista Village and the Varner Road corridor, has increased exposure to sandstorm-prone zones. New Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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homes, schools, and industrial facilities have been constructed near previously undeveloped desert areas, elevating vulnerability to windblown sand intrusions.
Land Use and Zoning: There has been some expansion of land use in blowsand corridors, without full implementation of vegetative buffers or windbreaks. Coordination with regional planning and the CVAG Blowsand Mitigation Program remains limited.
Population Shifts: Population growth east of Date Palm Drive and along the I-10 corridor has introduced more residents to high-risk sand deposition areas, including communities less likely to have access to air filtration, cooling infrastructure, or vehicle protection.
Impacts on Vulnerable Populations
Low-Income Residents: May lack access to air conditioning or filtered air during sandstorm events and may be more reliant on walking or transit during hazardous air conditions.
Elderly Individuals: Are at higher risk of respiratory distress and hospitalizations triggered by airborne particulate concentrations.
People with Disabilities: May face challenges evacuating or accessing clean indoor environments if reliant on ventilators or other electronic medical equipment.
Unhoused Individuals: Face direct exposure to wind and particulate matter with little access to shelters during haboobs.
Non-English-Speaking Populations: May not receive timely air quality warnings or visibility alerts, increasing risk of outdoor exposure and traffic-related accidents.
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4.2.12 Transportation-Related Disruptions
Overall Vulnerability and Impact
Cathedral City faces increasing vulnerability to transportation-related disruptions due to its reliance on a limited number of regional roadway, rail, and air corridors that are susceptible to natural and human-caused hazards. The city is bisected by major arterial roadways, including East Palm Canyon Drive (CA-111), Date Palm Drive, and Dinah Shore Drive, and lies directly adjacent to Interstate 10 (I10), a primary transcontinental freight and evacuation route. Additionally, the Union Pacific Railroad corridor and proximity to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) create risk exposure to rail and air service disruptions, derailments, and crash hazards.
Flooding, earthquakes, windstorms, or wildfires can render key arterial routes impassable, as occurred during Tropical Storm Hilary in August 2023, when flooding closed multiple I-10 exits and left Cathedral City partially isolated. Mudflows and debris deposits blocked major access points between Palm Springs and Palm Desert, highlighting the lack of redundant evacuation routes. Train derailments on the Union Pacific line-which carries up to 100 trains daily between Colton and Yuma-pose potential chemical spill, fire, or explosion risks to adjacent neighborhoods. Similarly, increasing air traffic at Palm Springs International Airport raises long-term risk of aviation incidents, particularly during extreme weather or mechanical failure events.
Transportation disruptions threaten emergency response, evacuations, supply chain continuity, and public mobility. The absence of reliable alternative routes or mass transit redundancy increases the city's sensitivity to single-point transportation failures. As projected growth in both airport traffic and regional freight volumes continues, Cathedral City’s exposure to compounding impacts from concurrent hazards and infrastructure failure is expected to intensify.
Population
All residents of Cathedral City are exposed to transportation-related disruption risks, with disproportionate impacts on transit-dependent populations, elderly individuals, and those with mobility or medical access needs. During road closures or system outages, residents may be unable to access employment, healthcare, or emergency services, particularly in neighborhoods dependent on a small number of entry or exit points. During Tropical Storm Hilary, emergency access to and from some subdivisions was restricted for hours due to blocked crossings and detoured arterials.
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Critical Facilities
Transportation-related disruptions can severely impair the functioning of critical facilities that rely on continuous accessibility and logistical supply. Emergency services, including the Cathedral City Fire Department and Police Department, require unimpeded road access for emergency response and mutual aid operations. Facilities located near vulnerable infrastructure-such as fire stations adjacent to the Whitewater River channel or flood-prone roadways-face greater risk of isolation during highimpact events. Ambulance and medical transport to regional hospitals may be delayed or rerouted if major corridors are blocked. The city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the Civic Center Complex also depends on reliable access for continuity of operations.
Rail and airport disruptions pose risks to facilities located near the Union Pacific corridor and PSP airspace. The increasing volume of PSP traffic-projected to double from 3.2 million to over 6 million passengers by 2042-means that delays, diversions, or aviation incidents could disrupt supply chains, emergency evacuations, and critical goods movement during regional crises.
Non-Critical Facilities
Non-critical facilities such as schools, commercial centers, and municipal buildings also face operational and economic disruptions during transportation outages. School closures or early dismissals may be required if bus access is obstructed or pedestrian routes are deemed unsafe. Businesses in the Perez Road industrial corridor and North City commercial zones rely on just-in-time delivery systems that are vulnerable to I-10 and rail service interruptions. Retail and tourism-oriented businesses may suffer revenue losses when airport or roadway access is delayed due to storm or accident-related closures.
Public transit users experience the most immediate effects of transportation system failures. Cathedral City residents who rely on SunLine Transit Agency services may be unable to reach jobs, schools, or medical appointments when flooding, road hazards, or driver shortages halt routes or delay service.
The city’s limited paratransit capacity exacerbates access challenges for people with disabilities or without vehicles.
Environment
Transportation disruptions can contribute to environmental harm in several ways. Train derailments involving hazardous materials could result in spills or fires affecting air and water quality, particularly near wash channels or groundwater basins. Flood-related transportation failures may involve roadway Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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erosion, sedimentation into local washes, and uncontained oil, fuel, or brake fluid runoff into storm drains. Prolonged idling during road closures increases greenhouse gas and particulate emissions, further exacerbating local air quality issues. Repeated closures or detours on unpaved or lowmaintenance routes may accelerate land degradation and impact habitat areas adjacent to traffic corridors.
Changes in Development Since Last Approved Plan
Development Trends: New residential and commercial development north of I-10 and east of Date Palm Drive has increased demand for reliable roadway access. Industrial growth in the Perez Road corridor and the Dinah Shore Drive commercial spine has added vehicle volume to already strained corridors.
Land Use and Zoning: Expansion near the Union Pacific rail line and I-10 has increased the number of structures and population potentially impacted by rail or roadway incidents. Some zoning designations have allowed development within potential impact buffers of the airport and rail line without requiring risk mitigation features.
Population Shifts: Demographic growth in neighborhoods lacking redundant ingress/egress routessuch as the Panorama, Dream Homes, and Rio Vista areas-has heightened transportation vulnerability during flooding or seismic events.
Impacts on Vulnerable Populations
Low-Income Residents: Residents without private vehicles rely more heavily on transit systems that are highly vulnerable to disruption. Limited income also reduces flexibility to use alternatives like rideshare services during outages.
Elderly Individuals: Seniors may require consistent access to healthcare or prescription delivery, which may be interrupted if roadways are impassable or transit is suspended.
People with Disabilities: Those requiring wheelchair-accessible transit or paratransit services may become isolated during extended disruptions or during storm-related service outages.
Unhoused Individuals: May be forced to shelter in hazardous roadside areas or be stranded without access to services if roads are closed or transit stops are inaccessible.
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Non-English-Speaking Populations: May not receive timely updates on transit rerouting, emergency closures, or detours if communications are not multilingual or culturally accessible.
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4.3 Critical Infrastructure & Key Resources
Lifelines
FEMA's Lifelines are a framework for identifying and prioritizing critical infrastructure and services that are essential to the functioning of communities during and after a disaster. The Lifelines framework was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help emergency managers and first responders prioritize their response efforts and allocate resources during a disaster.
The concept of Lifelines emerged from the realization that disasters can have wide-ranging impacts on a community’s infrastructure and services, and that disruptions to these critical systems can significantly hinder response and recovery efforts. The Lifelines framework was developed to identify these critical systems and services and prioritize them based on their importance to overall community functioning and resilience.
There are eight FEMA Lifelines, each of which represents a critical area of infrastructure or service. Critical facilities are categorized under the following lifelines:
• Safety and Security: This includes law enforcement/security, search and rescue, fire services, government service, and responder safety.
• Food, Water, and Shelter: This encompasses evacuations, schools, food/potable water, shelter, durable goods, water infrastructure, and agriculture.
• Health and Medical: This lifeline involves medical care (hospitals), patient movement, public health, fatality management, health care, and supply chain. • Energy: Power (grid), temporary power, and fuel.
• Communications: This includes infrastructure, alerts, warnings, messages, 911 and dispatch, responder communications, and financial services.
• Transportation: This encompasses highway/roadway, mass transit, railway, aviation, and pipeline.
• Hazardous Materials: This includes facilities, hazardous debris, pollutants, and contaminants. • Water Systems: This includes potable water infrastructure and wastewater management.
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The Lifelines framework is designed to help emergency managers and first responders prioritize their response efforts and allocate resources based on the criticality of each Lifeline. By prioritizing the most critical Lifelines, emergency responders can work to restore essential services and infrastructure more quickly, which can help to speed up the overall recovery process and reduce the impact of the disaster on the community.
Inventory of Critical Facilities
Critical facilities are essential to the response, recovery, and overall resilience of the City of Cathedral City. These facilities include emergency response centers, public infrastructure, transportation hubs, utilities, and community service buildings that support essential operations. Identifying and assessing these facilities' vulnerabilities is a key component of hazard mitigation planning to ensure continued functionality before, during, and after disaster events.
The following table lists all critical facilities within Cathedral City, along with their addresses and functions.
Facility Name Address Function FEMA Lifeline
City Hall 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero,
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Government administration and emergency
coordination Safety and Security
Council Chambers 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero,
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Venue for city council meetings and public
forums Safety and Security
Fire Station 411 68-950 Buddy Rogers Avenue,
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Fire suppression and emergency medical
services Safety and Security
Fire Station 412 – Headquarters/EOC 32100 Desert Vista Rd., Cathedral City, CA 92234
Fire suppression, emergency medical
services, and administrative headquarters Safety and Security Fire Station 413 27610 Landau Blvd., Cathedral
City, CA 92234
Fire suppression and emergency medical
services Safety and Security
Police Department 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero,
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Law enforcement and public safety
operations Safety and Security
Public Works 68385 Kieley Road, Cathedral
City, CA 92234
Public infrastructure maintenance and
emergency response support
Transportation
Canyon Springs Healthcare Facility 69696 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Healthcare services for individuals with
developmental disabilities Health and Medical
Cathedral City Public Library 33520 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Public library and community resource
center
Food, Water,
Shelter
Cathedral City Senior Center
37171 West Buddy Rogers
Avenue, Cathedral City, CA
92234
Senior services and community programs Food, Water,
Shelter
Agua Caliente Elementary School 30800 San Luis Rey Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Education services and emergency shelter
capability
Food, Water,
Shelter
Cathedral City Elementary School 69300 Converse Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Education services and emergency shelter
capability
Food, Water,
Shelter
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Facility Name Address Function FEMA Lifeline
Landau Elementary School 30310 Landau Blvd., Cathedral
City, CA 92234
Education services and emergency shelter
capability
Food, Water,
Shelter
Rio Vista Elementary School 67-700 Verona Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Education services and emergency shelter
capability
Food, Water,
Shelter
Sunny Sands Elementary School 69-310 McCallum Way, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Education services and emergency shelter
capability
Food, Water,
Shelter
Nellie N. Coffman Middle School 34-603 Plumley Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Education services and emergency shelter
capability
Food, Water,
Shelter
James Workman Middle School 69-300 30th Avenue,
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Education services and emergency
shelter capability
Food, Water,
Shelter
Cathedral City High School 69250 Dinah Shore Drive,
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Education services and emergency
shelter capability
Food, Water,
Shelter
Mount San Jacinto High School 30800 Landau Blvd.,
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Continuation education services and
emergency shelter capability
Food, Water,
Shelter
Eisenhower Medical Center 39000 Bob Hope Drive,
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Regional hospital providing
comprehensive medical services
Health and
Medical
Desert Regional Medical Center 1150 N Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Regional hospital providing
comprehensive medical services
Health and
Medical
John F. Kennedy Memorial
Hospital
47111 Monroe St, Indio, CA
92201
Regional hospital providing
comprehensive medical services
Health and
Medical
Southern California Edison
Substations
Various locations within
Cathedral City
Electrical power distribution and grid
stability Energy
Frontier Communications
Switching Stations
Various locations within
Cathedral City
Telecommunications and emergency
communication infrastructure Communications
Spectrum Fiber Switching
Facilities
Various locations within
Cathedral City Fiber communications infrastructure Communications Cathedral City Amphitheater 68526 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Outdoor venue suitable for public
gatherings or emergency staging
Safety and
Security
Cathedral City Boys and Girls
Club
32141 Whispering Palms
Trail, Cathedral City, CA
92234
Youth services, gymnasium, and
community support programming
Safety and
Security
SoCal Gas Facilities Various locations within
Cathedral City
Natural gas infrastructure, transmission
and distribution Energy
Cathedral City Public Parks
(Desert Rec Management)
Multiple park facilities
citywide
Public recreational areas and potential
shelter or cooling center functions
Food, Water,
Shelter
Coachella Valley Water District 75525 Hovley Ln. E., Palm Desert
Water infrastructure and supply
management
Water
Riverside County Emergency
Operations Center 4080 Lemon Street Regional coordination hub for emergency response Safety and
Security
Esperanza Park
Dinah Shore Dr. and Avenida
La Paloma, Cathedral City,
CA 92234
Public recreation, potential shelter site
managed by Desert Recreation District
Food, Water,
Shelter
Desert Water Agency 1200 S. Gene Autry Trail,
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Regional water supply and
infrastructure management Water
Cathedral City EOC Fire
Administration Offices
68950 Buddy Rogers Avenue,
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Local hub for emergency coordination
and response
Safety and
Security
Riverside County Flood Control
and Water Conservation District
1995 Market Street, Riverside,
CA 92501
Regional flood control and stormwater
infrastructure management Water
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Note: Some facilities, such as utility substations and switching stations, have multiple locations within Cathedral City. Specific addresses are not publicly disclosed for security reasons.
Transportation and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Cathedral City serves as a critical transportation and supply chain link within the Coachella Valley and the broader Southern California region. Located along key transportation corridors, the city provides access to major highways and arterial roads that support the movement of goods, residents, and emergency response vehicles. However, this infrastructure is vulnerable to various hazards, including earthquakes, extreme heat, flooding, high winds, hazardous material spills, and cyberattacks targeting transportation logistics and supply chain management.
The city’s transportation network includes Interstate 10 (I-10), a major east-west route that connects the Coachella Valley to Los Angeles, Arizona, and beyond. State Route 111 (SR-111) serves as a key commercial and commuter route, linking Cathedral City with Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and other valley cities. Additionally, Gene Autry Trail, Date Palm Drive, Landau Boulevard, and Palm Drive are crucial north-south connectors that facilitate local and regional mobility. These roadways are essential for daily commerce, emergency response, and public transit, yet they remain susceptible to damage from seismic activity, storm-related flooding, and excessive heat-induced pavement degradation.
Supply chain vulnerabilities are of particular concern due to Cathedral City’s concentration of commercial, retail, and light industrial facilities, particularly within the industrial corridors along Perez Road, Ramon Road, and Date Palm Drive. The region depends on a steady flow of goods, particularly for food distribution, fuel supply, medical resources, and construction materials. Disruptions to major transportation routes, including I-10, could significantly impact local businesses, lead to shortages, and delay emergency services. Power outages, often triggered by extreme heat, windstorms, or Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), can interfere with fuel availability at gas stations and interrupt cold chain logistics, further exacerbating transportation and supply chain challenges.
The table below provides a comprehensive list of transportation and supply chain facilities. Each facility is categorized by its function and FEMA lifeline designation.
Facility Name Address Function FEMA
Lifeline
Interstate 10 (I-10) N/A Major east-west highway corridor Transportation East Palm Canyon Drive (SR111) N/A Primary commercial and commuter route Transportation Gene Autry Trail N/A North-south regional connector Transportation Date Palm Drive N/A North-south connector for local and regional traffic Transportation Palm Drive N/A Key access route between Desert Hot Springs and I-10 Transportation Varner Road NA Alternate to I-10 interchange Transportation Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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Facility Name Address Function FEMA
Lifeline
Cathedral City Public Works
Yard 68385 Kieley Road Public infrastructure maintenance Transportation SunLine Transit Facility 32-505 Harry Oliver
Trail Public transit operations and emergency transport Transportation Palm Springs International
Airport
3400 E Tahquitz
Canyon Way Nearest regional airport Transportation
Union Pacific Railroad
Corridor N/A Freight rail service connecting the Coachella Valley Transportation Cathedral City Fueling
Stations Various Locations Fuel supply for commercial and emergency vehicles Energy Palm Springs Unified School
District Transportation Yard
150 District Center
Drive, Palm Springs,
CA 92264
School bus fleet maintenance and student transport
services
Transportation
State Route 74 (SR-74 /
Pines to Palms Highway)
N/A Mountain corridor linking I-5 in Orange County to
Coachella Valley via Palm Desert; potential
alternative evacuation and supply route
Transportation
Potential Transportation Disruptions and Vulnerabilities Several hazards pose a risk to Cathedral City’s transportation and supply chain networks, including:
• Earthquakes: Seismic events can cause roadway damage, bridge collapses, and temporary highway closures, limiting access for emergency response and supply deliveries. • Flooding: Heavy rain events, often exacerbated by undersized or overwhelmed stormwater infrastructure, can lead to localized road closures, particularly in low-lying intersections.
Heavy rain events, within or outside the city can also transport mud and debris into the city as was the case with the August 2023 Tropical Storm Hilary Event. The damaging mudflows transported rainfall, mud and debris from over 20 miles northwest to a city neighborhood. • Extreme Heat: Prolonged high temperatures can degrade road surfaces, increasing the likelihood of pavement buckling and vehicle overheating incidents. • High Winds: Santa Ana winds can lead to roadway obstructions from downed trees, power lines, and debris, delaying emergency response and disrupting supply chain operations • Cyberattacks: Given the increasing reliance on digital logistics, a cyberattack targeting transportation management systems, fuel distribution networks, or traffic signal infrastructure could disrupt Cathedral City’s supply chain and emergency mobility.
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SECTION 5 – CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
Element C: Mitigation Strategy Requirements
C1. Does the plan document each jurisdiction’s existing authorities, policies, programs and resources and its ability to expand on and improve these existing policies and programs? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(3))
C2. Does the plan address each jurisdiction’s participation in the NFIP and continued compliance with NFIP requirements, as appropriate? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(3)(ii))
5.1 Planning & Regulatory Capabilities
Existing Local Plans, Policies, and Regulatory Framework Cathedral City has a well-established set of plans, policies, and regulations that contribute to hazard mitigation and resilience. These include the General Plan and various zoning and regulatory codes. The following table provides an overview of key local plans that address hazard mitigation, land use planning, and community resilience.
Plan/Document Purpose and Relevance to Hazard Mitigation Latest Update Cathedral City General Plan
Provides long-term guidance on land use, housing, transportation, and environmental planning. Includes the Safety Element, Land Use Element, and Conservation and Open Space Element, all of which integrate hazard mitigation policies.
2024
General Plan Safety Element
Establishes policies for reducing risks from earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat, air quality hazards, and hazardous materials. Aligns with California’s State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) and AB 2140 requirements for local hazard mitigation integration.
2024
General Plan Land Use Element
Regulates land use to ensure that development is compatible with hazardprone areas. Guides industrial, commercial, and residential development with hazard resilience considerations.
2024
General Plan Conservation and
Open Space Element
Addresses environmental conservation, air quality, and energy efficiency, supporting climate adaptation strategies and hazard mitigation goals. 2024 General Plan Circulation Element
Plans for resilient transportation infrastructure, incorporating evacuation routes, transit accessibility, and multi-modal transportation strategies for emergency response.
2024
General Plan Housing Element
Ensures adequate housing supply while integrating climate resilience strategies, flood risk reduction measures, and emergency preparedness policies in housing developments.
2024
Environmental Justice Element
Identifies disadvantaged communities most impacted by hazards and outlines equity-focused strategies to enhance resilience, emergency preparedness, and access to resources.
2024
Cathedral City Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan (LHMP)
Identifies hazard risks, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies specific to Cathedral City. Ensures compliance with FEMA’s Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.
2018 (Update in Progress)
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Plan/Document Purpose and Relevance to Hazard Mitigation Latest Update California State Hazard
Mitigation Plan (SHMP)
Provides statewide hazard mitigation goals and serves as a guiding document for local hazard mitigation planning. 2023
Zoning Code & Development
Regulations
Establishes building and land use regulations that integrate hazard mitigation measures such as floodplain management, seismic safety, fire protection standards, and defensible space requirements.
Ongoing Undergoing a
complete update – est.
completion 2026
Cathedral City Climate Action
Plan
Aligns with California’s climate goals and includes mitigation strategies for extreme heat, flooding, and emissions reduction. 2013 SCAG Regional Transportation
Plan/Sustainable Communities
Strategy (RTP/SCS)
Outlines transportation and sustainability initiatives that impact Cathedral City, including greenhouse gas reduction, transitoriented development, and emergency evacuation routes.2024 Cathedral City Emergency
Operations Plan (EOP)
Establishes emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, including hazard-specific protocols for earthquakes, floods, extreme heat, and hazardous materials incidents.
Ongoing (Update in
Progress)
Cathedral City Floodplain
Management Program
Ensures compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates development in flood-prone areas.
Implements flood risk reduction strategies.
Ongoing
Stormwater Management &
Urban Runoff Plan
Implements Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce flood risks, improve water quality, and enhance stormwater retention capacity.
Ongoing
Cathedral City Capital
Improvement Program (CIP)
Prioritizes infrastructure investments to enhance resilience, including seismic retrofits, drainage improvements,
transportation resilience projects, and emergency facility upgrades.
Biannual Update
CVAG Coachella Valley
Flooding and Blowsand Risk
Study
Assesses regional flooding and windblown sand hazards across the Coachella Valley. Identifies at-risk transportation corridors and informs local mitigation planning, including for Cathedral City.
2021
CVAG Varner Road/I-10
Emergency Bypass Study
Evaluates emergency access and bypass potential for Interstate 10 via Varner Road. Supports transportation resilience and emergency evacuation capabilities.
2022
Cathedral City General Plan and Key Elements
The Cathedral City General Plan serves as the city’s long-term blueprint for growth, development, and resilience. It establishes policies that guide land use, infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and hazard mitigation. The Safety Element, a key component of the General Plan, specifically addresses disaster preparedness, hazard mitigation, and climate resilience, ensuring that Cathedral City remains compliant with FEMA guidelines and the California State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP).
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Other elements of the General Plan also incorporate hazard mitigation principles:
• The Safety Element (2024) aligns with FEMA, the SHMP, and the California Climate Adaptation Strategy, integrating policies that address earthquakes, flooding, extreme heat, wildfire risks, air quality, hazardous materials incidents, and emergency response coordination. • The Land Use Element ensures zoning and development decisions account for natural hazards, guiding growth to reduce exposure to high-risk areas such as flood zones and seismic fault zones.
• The Conservation and Open Space Element promotes urban greening, stormwater management, water conservation, and air quality improvements, supporting climate adaptation efforts.
• The Circulation Element includes evacuation planning, emergency transportation strategies, and critical infrastructure resilience measures to enhance public safety and mobility during disasters.
Local Hazard Mitigation Planning
Prior to the current update, Cathedral City adopted its most recent Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) in 2017, providing a comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation strategy for earthquakes, floods, wildfires, hazardous materials incidents, extreme heat, and other hazards. The city is currently in the process of updating the LHMP to ensure continued compliance with FEMA’s Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and to align with the 2023 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Additionally, Cathedral City participates in the Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) (2023), which facilitates regional coordination on disaster response and mitigation efforts.
Zoning Code and Development Regulations
The City’s zoning code regulates land use and development to reduce exposure to hazards. Key hazard mitigation measures include:
• Seismic safety standards for buildings in compliance with California seismic codes. • Floodplain management regulations to control development in flood-prone areas, ensuring compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). • Fire-resistant building codes and defensible space requirements for structures near wildfireprone areas. • Industrial hazard zoning to regulate the storage and handling of hazardous materials in compliance with California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) guidelines.
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Climate and Sustainability Planning
The Cathedral City Climate Action Plan (2013) establishes a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate-related hazards such as extreme heat and poor air quality. The plan includes mitigation strategies such as urban tree canopy expansion, energy efficiency incentives, and sustainable transportation policies.
Additionally, Cathedral City is part of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) (2024), which prioritizes climate resilience in regional transportation and land use planning.
Emergency Operations and Floodplain Management
The Cathedral City Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is currently under development and will provide a framework for disaster response and recovery. It will be updated regularly to integrate hazard-specific response protocols, interagency coordination strategies, and public communication efforts.
The city also maintains a Floodplain Management Program, which ensures compliance with FEMA floodplain regulations and implements strategies to reduce flood risks through stormwater infrastructure upgrades and land use planning. The program is informed by the Cathedral City Stormwater Management & Urban Runoff Plan and ongoing coordination with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
The City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) prioritizes infrastructure resilience projects, including seismic retrofits for public buildings, storm drainage system enhancements, and road upgrades for emergency access. The CIP is reviewed annually to align investments with hazard mitigation priorities and supports implementation of LHMP action items related to climate resilience and critical facility upgrades.
Zoning & Land Use Policies
The City’s zoning and land use policies ensure compatible land use, disaster risk reduction, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. These regulations help mitigate earthquake risks, flooding, hazardous materials exposure, wildfire threats, and extreme heat impacts.
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The following table outlines Cathedral City’s zoning and land use policies, including applicable Municipal Code sections where available.
Policy/Code Name Code Number
(if applicable) Purpose & Relevance to Hazard Mitigation Zoning Code & Land Use
Regulations CCMC Title 9
Establishes zoning districts, land use regulations, and hazard mitigation measures, including seismic safety standards, floodplain management, and hazardous materials zoning.
Floodplain Management
Ordinance CCMC § 9.86
Regulates development in FEMA-designated flood zones, enforces NFIP requirements, and mandates elevation, stormwater drainage, and floodproofing requirements.
Seismic Safety & Building Code
Regulations CCMC § 8.04
Requires adherence to the California Building Code (CBC) seismic provisions, mandates structural retrofitting of vulnerable buildings, and regulates earthquakeresistant construction practices.
Hazardous Materials Overlay Zone CCMC § 9.62
Designates industrial zones for hazardous materials storage, requiring risk mitigation plans, spill prevention, and compliance with CalEPA and Riverside County Environmental Health Department regulations.
Fire Hazard & Wildland-Urban
Interface (WUI) Standards
CCMC § 8.12 & §
9.101
Establishes defensible space, fire-resistant building codes, and vegetation management for developments in high fire-risk areas, in compliance with Cal Fire WUI requirements.
Industrial & Manufacturing Land
Use Standards CCMC § 9.60
Regulates industrial and manufacturing development to prevent hazardous material risks, air pollution, and industrial fire hazards in compliance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulations.
Residential Zoning & Hazard
Mitigation Requirements CCMC § 9.20
Limits residential density in high-risk areas, requires structural resilience, and incorporates climate adaptation strategies such as cool roofs and energy-efficient building design.
Redevelopment & Special Study
Areas Policies CCMC § 9.88 Guides land use changes in redevelopment areas to reduce hazard exposure, improve infrastructure resilience, and integrate sustainability measures.
Stormwater Management & LowImpact Development (LID)
Ordinance
CCMC § 13.10 Reduces flood risks and improves water quality through green infrastructure, permeable surfaces, bioswales, and retention basins.
Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) & Infrastructure Resilience
Standards
N/A Prioritizes investments in seismic retrofits, stormwater drainage improvements, and emergency access route enhancements to reduce disaster vulnerability.
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5.2 Floodplain Management & Compliance
The city enforces zoning, development regulations, and flood mitigation programs to ensure responsible land use in flood-prone areas and protect life and property from flood hazards. Cathedral City actively participates in the NFIP and promotes community-wide flood risk reduction through infrastructure investments, stormwater management, and hazard mitigation planning.
The following table provides a detailed overview of Cathedral City’s floodplain management policies, including applicable code numbers where available.
Policy/Code Name Code Number
(if applicable) Purpose & Relevance to Flood Mitigation Floodplain Management
Ordinance CCMC § 9.86 Regulates development in FEMA-designated flood zones, requires floodproofing, and ensures compliance with NFIP requirements.
Stormwater Management & LowImpact Development (LID)
Ordinance
CCMC § 13.10
Reduces flood risks through permeable surfaces, retention basins, bioswales, and stormwater detention requirements to mitigate urban runoff.
Subdivision & Land Development
Flood Standards CCMC § 9.84
Ensures new developments avoid high-risk flood areas and comply with FEMA flood elevation standards. Requires stormwater drainage infrastructure in new subdivisions.
Building Code – Flood Protection
Requirements CCMC § 15.04
Mandates flood-resistant construction, elevation requirements, and floodproofing for structures in designated flood zones. Aligns with California Building Standards Code and FEMA flood mitigation guidelines.
Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) – Drainage & Flood
Resilience Projects
N/A
Funds flood control infrastructure, storm drain system improvements, and channel maintenance to enhance flood resilience. Prioritizes projects reducing localized flooding and improving stormwater conveyance.
National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) Participation & Compliance N/A
Ensures compliance with FEMA floodplain regulations, making residents eligible for flood insurance under NFIP. Cathedral City actively enforces floodplain management requirements to maintain participation.
Community Rating System (CRS)
Participation N/A Cathedral City does not currently participate in the CRS.
Coachella Valley Water District
(CVWD) & Riverside County
Flood Control Coordination
N/A Collaborates with regional agencies on regional flood management, watershed planning, and stormwater infrastructure improvements.
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National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Participation
CID
Community
Name
County
Init
FHBM
Identified
Init FIRM
Identified
Curr Eff
Map Date
Reg-Emer
Date
Tribal
060257#
CATHEDRAL
CITY, CITY
OF
Riverside
County 06/14/74 09/26/2008 09/26/2008 09/26/2008 No
The City of Cathedral City (CID: 060257#) joined the NFIP on September 26, 2008. According to FEMA, the city contains several mapped flood zones, including low- and moderate-risk areas as well as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) associated with the Whitewater River Stormwater Channel and nearby drainages.
Flood Zones: The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Cathedral City were last updated on September 26, 2008. The city includes the following FEMA-designated flood zones:
• Zone X: Areas outside the 500-year floodplain, considered to have minimal flood risk. • Zone AE: High-risk flood zones with base flood elevations (BFEs) established; primarily near the Whitewater River Channel.
• Zone AH: Shallow flooding areas with ponding (1–3 feet of depth). • Zone D: Areas with possible but undetermined flood hazards.
Although a majority of Cathedral City falls within Zone X, flood hazards persist in targeted areas due to regional drainage conditions and stormwater channel proximity.
Floodplain Management Regulations and Compliance: Cathedral City enforces NFIP minimum standards through its local floodplain ordinance, zoning code, and development review procedures.
Core practices include:
• Regulating construction in mapped flood zones
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Floodplain development permits are reviewed by the Public Works Department – Engineering Division, which ensures compliance with NFIP criteria and California Building Standards Code requirements.
Adoption of NFIP Criteria: Cathedral City adopted NFIP-compliant floodplain regulations via CCMC § 8.24 (Floodplain Management Ordinance), incorporating FEMA minimum standards and floodresistant construction guidelines.
FIRM Adoption: The City formally adopted the latest effective FIRM panels on September 26, 2008.
Implementation Oversight: The Engineering Division of the Public Works Department oversees NFIP program execution, technical guidance, and coordination with developers. Contact: (760) 770-0349.
Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage (SI/SD) Provisions: The Planning and Development Department evaluates SI/SD thresholds post-disaster. Properties determined to meet SI/SD criteria must comply with current flood-resistant standards.
Repetitive Loss Properties (RLPs): According to FEMA’s most recent data, Cathedral City does not have any properties classified as Repetitive Loss Properties.
Community Rating System (CRS) Participation: Cathedral City does not currently participate in FEMA’s CRS program.
Regional Coordination: The City collaborates with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RCFCWCD) on:
• Regional stormwater master planning
• Channel maintenance and capital improvements
• Joint watershed-scale flood resilience initiatives
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5.3 Administrative & Technical Capabilities
Local Staff & Agencies Responsible for Mitigation
The City of Cathedral City distributes hazard mitigation responsibilities across multiple departments, with the Cathedral City Fire Department (CCFD) serving as the lead agency for emergency management. Unlike some cities that have a dedicated Emergency Management Division, Cathedral City integrates disaster response, hazard mitigation, and emergency preparedness functions primarily within CCFD, with support from Police Services, Public Works, Community and Economic Development, and regional agencies.
This section outlines the local staff and agencies responsible for mitigation and their specific roles.
Cathedral City Fire Department (CCFD)
The Cathedral City Fire Department (CCFD) is the primary agency responsible for emergency management, disaster mitigation, and response coordination. CCFD oversees fire prevention, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and disaster preparedness initiatives. Key responsibilities include:
• Operation & Management of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) – CCFD leads the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), activated during disasters to coordinate response and recovery.
• Emergency Preparedness Planning – Develops and maintains the City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and integrates hazard mitigation strategies into emergency response procedures. • Community Disaster Preparedness & Training – Conducts public education campaigns, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, and disaster drills to enhance community resilience.
• Fire Prevention – Implements fire safety codes, vegetation management programs, and outreach to reduce ignition risks.
• Hazardous Materials Response & Mitigation – Leads hazmat response and mitigation planning, particularly in Cathedral City’s industrial corridors.
• Mutual Aid & Regional Coordination – Works closely with Riverside County, Cal OES, FEMA, and SCAG to enhance regional emergency coordination and hazard mitigation.
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Cathedral City Police Department (CCPD)
The Cathedral City Police Department supports hazard mitigation through law enforcement, public safety operations, and emergency dispatch. CCPD also provides dispatch services for both police and fire departments, ensuring integrated emergency communication. Key responsibilities include:
• Emergency Response & Evacuations – Leads traffic management, evacuation planning, and public safety enforcement.
• Critical Infrastructure Protection – Protects key facilities and systems during emergencies. • Disaster Public Communications – Coordinates emergency notifications, media communications, and public information.
• Mutual Aid Coordination – Coordinates with regional law enforcement agencies for disaster response.
Public Works Department
The Public Works Department supports disaster recovery and resilience through infrastructure maintenance and emergency response. While Cathedral City does not directly manage floodplain and stormwater systems, it supports interagency coordination and disaster logistics. Key responsibilities include:
• Seismic Resilience for Public Infrastructure – Oversees retrofits of public buildings, bridges, and utilities.
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) – Manages infrastructure investments to enhance resilience, including transportation access and facility upgrades. • Emergency Response Support – Provides debris clearance, damage assessments, and infrastructure repairs post-disaster.
Community and Economic Development Department
The Community and Economic Development Department includes Planning, Building & Safety, Code Enforcement, and Economic Development. The department ensures development and code enforcement align with hazard mitigation priorities. Key responsibilities include:
• Planning Division – Zoning & Land Use Resilience – Implements hazard-sensitive land use regulations, including development restrictions in high-risk zones. • Building & Safety – Seismic Safety & Post-Disaster Assessments – Ensures structural resilience under CBC standards and conducts post-disaster building evaluations.
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• Code Enforcement – Municipal Code Compliance – Enforces property maintenance and safety codes to reduce fire, flood, and public health risks.
• Economic Development – Business Continuity Planning – Coordinates resilience strategies to safeguard the city’s commercial sectors.
Cathedral City Capital Projects & Engineering Division
Operating under Public Works, this division focuses on designing infrastructure improvements to mitigate seismic, flood, and transportation risks. Key responsibilities include:
• Drainage & Stormwater Infrastructure Coordination – Supports CVWD and RCFCD in regional drainage planning and infrastructure development.
• Seismic Resilience Projects – Oversees structural retrofits for municipal buildings. • Transportation & Evacuation Route Improvements – Enhances roadway durability and ensures clear evacuation routes during emergencies.
Interagency & Regional Coordination
Cathedral City collaborates with federal, state, and regional agencies to ensure coordinated hazard mitigation and emergency preparedness. Key partner agencies include:
• Riverside County Emergency Management Department (EMD) – Supports disaster planning and multi-jurisdictional coordination.
• Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) – Oversees regional flood control infrastructure, regional stormwater management, potable water, and wastewater east of the Whitewater River Channel.
• Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District (RCFCWCD) – Manages flood infrastructure and drainage systems west of the Whitewater River Channel. • Desert Water Agency (DWA) – Provides potable water and sewer service west of the Whitewater River Channel.
• Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) – Supports regional climate adaptation and hazard mitigation strategies.
• California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) – Provides technical assistance and grant support for emergency management.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Offers funding, policy guidance, and technical assistance under the NFIP and disaster programs.
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• Desert Recreation District (DRD) – Manages maintenance and programming for city parks under annexation agreements.
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5.4 Financial Capabilities
Local & State Funding Sources
Cathedral City has access to a variety of financial resources to support hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure resilience. These include local funds, state grants, and regional financing mechanisms that help the city plan and sustain hazard mitigation strategies.
The city’s financial strategy draws from General Fund allocations, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) investments, enterprise funds, and external grants to support climate adaptation, critical infrastructure, and emergency preparedness.
The following table summarizes key local and state funding sources relevant to Cathedral City’s hazard mitigation priorities:
Funding Source Type Purpose & Relevance to Hazard Mitigation General Fund Local
Supports emergency preparedness, disaster response, and hazard mitigation planning. Funds staff salaries, training programs, and operational costs.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget Local Finances seismic retrofitting, stormwater management, flood control projects, and critical infrastructure upgrades.
Local Sales & Property Tax Revenues Local
Provides discretionary funding for emergency response
facilities, fire protection services, and public safety improvements.
Stormwater & Flood Management Fees Local (Enterprise Fund) Finances storm drainage infrastructure, retention basins, and compliance with floodplain management requirements.
Public Safety Augmentation Fund (PSAF) Local Supports fire prevention, emergency response operations, and police services for disaster-related public safety needs.
Measure A – Riverside County Local
Transportation Sales Tax
Measure A – Riverside County
Local Transportation Sales Tax
Measure A – Riverside County Local Transportation Sales Tax
California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA)
Grants State Provides funding for post-disaster recovery, hazard mitigation projects, and emergency protective measures.
Cal OES Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
(HMGP) State Allocates funds for seismic safety, flood mitigation, wildfire resilience, and energy security projects.
California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) Grants State Supports fire prevention, vegetation management, and wildfire mitigation efforts.
California Climate Resilience & Adaptation
Grant State Provides resources for climate adaptation projects, heat mitigation programs, and sustainability initiatives.
SCAG Sustainable Communities Program
(SCP) Grants Regional (State-Administered) Funds land use planning, transportation resilience, and climate-smart infrastructure projects.
California Transportation Commission (CTC)
Active Transportation Program (ATP) State
Provides financing for transportation safety enhancements, evacuation route improvements, and pedestrian
infrastructure resilience.
Regional Supports storm drain projects, flood channel improvements, and water retention systems within Cathedral City.
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Funding Source Type Purpose & Relevance to Hazard Mitigation Riverside County Flood Control & Water
Conservation District (RCFC&WCD) Capital
Improvement Funds
Federal Programs
Cathedral City is eligible to pursue multiple federal funding sources for hazard mitigation and recovery.
These programs support investments in disaster-resilient infrastructure, housing, flood control, energy resilience, and public safety.
Funding Program Administering Agency Purpose & Relevance to Hazard Mitigation Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
(HMGP) FEMA
Provides post-disaster funding for seismic
retrofitting, flood mitigation, wildfire risk
reduction, and energy resilience projects.
Flood Mitigation Assistance
(FMA) Grant FEMA Supports stormwater management, flood-resistant infrastructure, and NFIP compliance.
Public Assistance (PA) Grant
Program FEMA
Provides reimbursement for post-disaster
emergency response costs, infrastructure repairs,
and debris removal.
Community Development Block
Grant – Disaster Recovery
(CDBG-DR)
HUD
Provides post-disaster funding for housing
reconstruction, infrastructure repairs, and
community resilience initiatives.
Transportation Infrastructure
Resilience Grants (RAISE &
INFRA Grants)
U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT)
Funds evacuation route enhancements, seismic
retrofits for bridges, and climate-adaptive
transportation projects.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE) Flood Risk Management
Program
USACE
Supports levee improvements, stormwater
diversion systems, and large-scale flood mitigation
projects.
EPA Climate Pollution Reduction
Grants (CPRG)
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA)
Supports climate resilience projects, heat island
reduction strategies, and energy-efficient
infrastructure upgrades.
5.5 Community Partnerships & Collaboration
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Public-Private Partnerships
Cathedral City has the potential to build a strong network of public-private partnerships (PPPs) that support hazard mitigation, emergency response, and community resilience. The city collaborates with businesses, industrial stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, utility providers, and regional agencies to enhance disaster preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and economic stability in the face of natural and human-caused hazards.
As a city with growing commercial and industrial sectors, Cathedral City prioritizes private-sector engagement in hazard mitigation planning. Key focus areas for PPPs include:
• Infrastructure protection
• Emergency management coordination
• Transportation resilience
• Climate adaptation initiatives
• Business continuity planning
The following table summarizes Cathedral City’s key public-private partnerships, followed by a detailed narrative describing their roles and contributions to hazard mitigation.
Public-Private Partner Sector Role in Hazard Mitigation & Resilience Coachella Valley Chamber of
Commerce ( Business/Industry Facilitates business continuity planning, emergency preparedness training, and economic recovery coordination.
Southern California Edison (SCE) Energy & Utilities Provides grid resilience upgrades, wildfire mitigation efforts, and emergency power restoration planning.
Coachella Valley Water District
(CVWD) Water & Utilities Oversees regional stormwater management, regional flood mitigation projects, and NFIP compliance.
Desart Water Agency Water & Utilities Water supply and sewer collection.
Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership CVEP
Economic
Development
Supports disaster recovery funding, business resilience strategies, and workforce development post-disaster.
Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG) Regional Planning Provides technical assistance for climate adaptation, sustainable transportation, and hazard mitigation grants.
Union Pacific Railroad &
Transportation Partners Transportation Coordinates hazardous materials transport safety, rail infrastructure resilience, and evacuation logistics.
Local Industrial Businesses
(Manufacturing, Logistics, & Retail
Sectors)
Industry & Trade Implements hazardous materials storage safety, emergency response training, and facility retrofitting projects.
American Red Cross &
Community-Based Organizations
(CBOs)
Nonprofit/Public
Health
Provides disaster relief, emergency shelter support, and public education on hazard mitigation.
Homeowner Associations (HOAs)
& Property Owners Residential Enhances flood mitigation, wildfire preparedness, and seismic resilience in private developments.
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Regional and Multi-Jurisdictional Coordination
Cathedral City is integrated into regional and multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation efforts, working with Riverside County agencies, regional planning organizations, mutual aid networks, and state and federal entities. Given the city’s geographic location within the Coachella Valley, exposure to multiple hazards (earthquakes, floods, extreme heat, and hazardous materials incidents), and transportation infrastructure, intergovernmental coordination is crucial for:
• Enhancing disaster preparedness
• Protecting critical infrastructure
• Ensuring emergency response efficiency
• Improving regional climate resilience
The table below provides an overview of Cathedral City’s regional and multi-jurisdictional partners, followed by detailed descriptions of their roles in hazard mitigation.
Agency/Organization Jurisdiction /
Scope Role in Hazard Mitigation & Resilience
Riverside County Emergency Management
Department (EMD) Countywide Coordinates disaster response, mutual aid, and regional emergency planning.
Riverside County Fire Department (RCFD) / CAL
FIRE Countywide Provides fire suppression, hazardous materials response, and emergency medical services.
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) Regional Oversees stormwater management, flood mitigation projects, and NFIP compliance.
Desert Water Agency Regional Water supply and sewer collection.
Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG) Regional Supports climate adaptation, sustainable land use planning, and transportation resilience.
California Governor’s Office of Emergency
Services (Cal OES) Statewide Administers hazard mitigation grants, disaster response coordination, and emergency planning support.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
– Region IX Federal Provides funding, technical assistance, and disaster response resources.
National Weather Service (NWS) – San Diego Regional Issues extreme weather warnings and climate risk forecasts for Cathedral City.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Federal Leads flood control infrastructure projects and large-scale mitigation efforts.
Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California (MWD) Regional Coordinates drought resilience planning and emergency water supply management.
California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans) – District 8 Statewide Supports transportation infrastructure resilience and evacuation route planning.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) –
Emergency Operations Bureau Countywide Provides law enforcement mutual aid, security coordination, and emergency evacuation support.
California Department of Water Resources
(DWR) Statewide Supports floodplain management, groundwater sustainability, and drought mitigation.
South Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD) Regional Monitors air quality and supports extreme heat and wildfire smoke mitigation efforts.
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5.6 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
(SWOT) Analysis
The SWOT analysis provides a detailed assessment of Cathedral City’s capabilities, challenges, potential improvements, and external risks in the context of hazard mitigation and resilience planning. This section evaluates internal strengths and weaknesses (factors within the City’s control) and external opportunities and threats (factors influenced by regional, state, and federal conditions).
The table below provides a summary of the SWOT analysis, followed by detailed explanations of each category.
Category Key Findings
Strengths Strong emergency response capabilities, existing hazard mitigation plans, established public-private partnerships, participation in regional climate adaptation efforts.
Weaknesses Aging infrastructure, limited dedicated funding for large-scale mitigation projects, reliance on regional agencies for emergency response coordination, high exposure to extreme heat risks.
Opportunities Access to state and federal funding, emerging climate adaptation initiatives, regional transportation resilience projects, potential for wildfire and flood mitigation partnerships.
Threats Increasing climate risks (extreme heat, flooding), seismic vulnerability, hazardous materials incidents, energy grid reliability issues, reliance on imported water supplies.
Strengths
Cathedral City has several internal capabilities that enhance its ability to mitigate, respond to, and recover from hazards. The Cathedral City Fire Department (CCFD) serves as the primary emergency management agency, leading disaster response, hazardous materials incidents, and emergency preparedness efforts. The city benefits from a well-equipped Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which facilitates coordination among city departments and regional agencies during disasters.
Additionally, the Cathedral City Police Department (CCPD) plays a critical role in emergency evacuations, law enforcement support, and public safety coordination. CCPD also provides dispatch services for both police and fire.
Cathedral City has made significant progress in hazard mitigation planning through its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and General Plan Safety Element, which integrate disaster risk reduction policies into land use, emergency response, and climate adaptation efforts. The city also actively coordinates with regional partners such as the Riverside County Emergency Management Department (EMD), the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to enhance multi-jurisdictional planning and resilience-building strategies.
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Another key strength is the city’s public-private partnerships and regional collaboration with utility and water agencies. These include the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) for regional stormwater management, regional flood control, and water conservation; Desert Water Agency (DWA) for potable water and sewer collection west of the Whitewater River; and Southern California Edison (SCE) for wildfire mitigation and electrical grid reliability. Cathedral City’s diverse and growing commercial and industrial sectors further contribute to economic stability and provide opportunities for business continuity planning, hazardous materials risk reduction, and private-sector investment in resilience initiatives.
Weaknesses
Despite its strengths, Cathedral City faces several internal challenges that impact its ability to implement large-scale hazard mitigation projects. One of the most pressing concerns is its aging infrastructure, including older public buildings, roadways, and utility systems that require seismic retrofitting, flood-resistant upgrades, and cooling infrastructure improvements to combat extreme heat.
The city’s stormwater drainage system is aging and managed largely the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RCFC&WCD), contributing to localized flooding during high-intensity rainfall events. Older neighborhoods, including mobile home parks, remain vulnerable to heat-related emergencies, high wind events, and flooding.
Cathedral City also has limited dedicated funding for large-scale mitigation projects. While the General Fund and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) support ongoing infrastructure maintenance, funding for seismic retrofits, advanced stormwater systems, and cooling center expansions relies heavily on state and federal grants. Several key projects remain dependent on the availability of external financial assistance.
The city’s reliance on regional agencies for emergency response coordination is another constraint.
While CCFD leads fire and hazmat response within city limits, major wildfire incidents, large-scale evacuations, and post-disaster recovery operations require support from Riverside County Fire Department (RCFD), CAL FIRE, and mutual aid partners. This interdependence, while critical, may introduce coordination delays during simultaneous regional emergencies.
Extreme heat also presents growing challenges. With more frequent and prolonged heatwaves, Cathedral City’s low-income residents, elderly populations, and outdoor workers are at increased risk, especially where there is limited access to air conditioning or cooling centers. The city’s sparse urban tree canopy coverage exacerbates localized heat island effects, heightening public health risks and increasing energy demands during peak summer months.
Opportunities
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Cathedral City has access to several external opportunities that can improve its resilience to hazards.
The city is eligible for multiple state and federal hazard mitigation programs, including FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and the California Climate Adaptation Planning Grant Program (CAPG), now administered by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR).
Expanding the city’s participation in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) program would help reduce flood insurance premiums for property owners while improving the city’s floodplain management practices.
Emerging climate adaptation programs offer further opportunities. The Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) supports wildfire prevention and regional conservation strategies. SCAG’s Sustainable Communities Program (SCP) and Active Transportation Program (ATP) provide planning and infrastructure funding for transportation safety, climate adaptation, and multimodal resilience. Cathedral City may also benefit from state initiatives under the Extreme Heat Action Plan and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)-funded energy resilience and urban greening programs.
Expanded public-private partnerships present another key opportunity. Cathedral City can collaborate with SCE, CVWD, DWA, and local industries to implement solar-powered cooling stations, distributed energy storage, and smart-grid infrastructure. Additionally, pilot projects involving AI-driven flood forecasting, real-time air quality monitoring, and battery-powered microgrids can enhance the city’s adaptive capacity. Participation in Southern California Edison’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) mitigation efforts also offers opportunities to reduce power-related vulnerability during wildfire conditions.
Threats
Cathedral City faces several external threats that could exacerbate hazard vulnerabilities. Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme heat events, increasing risks of heat illness, power outages, and wildfire ignition. Prolonged drought, coupled with dependence on imported water from the Colorado River and State Water Project, presents ongoing threats to water security and fire suppression capacity. Water conservation mandates and regional allocation reductions could strain future municipal and residential supply.
Seismic threats remain severe due to the city’s proximity to the San Andreas Fault and associated systems. A major earthquake could damage critical infrastructure, disrupt utilities, and compromise Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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public safety. Older unreinforced masonry buildings and aging mobile homes are especially susceptible to collapse and loss during a major seismic event.
The city's industrial sector and major transportation corridors-particularly Interstate 10 and the Union Pacific rail line-pose ongoing hazardous materials risks. Accidents involving freight trucks or rail cars carrying flammable or toxic substances could lead to explosions, environmental contamination, or mass evacuation events. Compliance with CalEPA and regional air quality regulations helps mitigate these risks, but the potential for accidents remains.
Lastly, energy grid reliability is an increasing concern. Wildfire-related Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), cyberattacks, and grid strain during peak demand periods all threaten service continuity.
Extended outages may severely affect residents who rely on electricity for medical devices, communications, and cooling. As electrification expands and extreme heat intensifies, the resilience of the power supply will become even more critical to Cathedral City’s emergency management strategy.
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5.7 Opportunities for Improvement
Cathedral City has made substantial progress in hazard mitigation through regulatory planning, emergency management coordination, and infrastructure investments. However, there are opportunities for improvement that can strengthen resilience, expand financial resources, and enhance public safety. By refining regulatory frameworks, administrative capabilities, funding strategies, and community engagement efforts, Cathedral City can ensure it remains adaptive to emerging hazards and climate-related risks.
Regulatory and Planning Mechanisms
Cathedral City has integrated hazard mitigation policies into its General Plan’s Safety Element, yet there are opportunities to further strengthen zoning regulations and building code enforcement.
Enhancing seismic retrofitting mandates for vulnerable structures, elevating minimum flood protection standards, and embedding wildfire-resistant design principles into new developments would mitigate long-term disaster risks. Additionally, pursuing enrollment in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) program could improve floodplain management practices, enhance stormwater control efforts, and lower flood insurance premiums for residents and businesses.
Cathedral City also has the opportunity to align hazard mitigation planning with regional climate adaptation frameworks. Expanding urban heat mitigation strategies-such as increasing tree canopy coverage, integrating green infrastructure, and adopting energy-efficient building standards-can reduce extreme heat risks and support climate resilience. Coordination with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and implementation of CVAG’s Blowsand and Flooding Mitigation Study recommendations would further enhance citywide resilience. Strengthening stormwater management policies through additional low-impact development (LID) measures and enhanced drainage system planning would also reduce flood vulnerabilities.
Administrative and Technical Capabilities
Expanding administrative and technical capabilities can improve Cathedral City’s capacity for disaster preparedness, hazard mitigation, and emergency response. While the city relies on multiple departments and regional partnerships to execute hazard mitigation initiatives, consideration should be given to establishing a full-time emergency management coordinator position to provide more focused oversight and accelerate the implementation of resilience strategies. Formally designating an Office of Emergency Management within the Fire Department or City Manager’s Office could Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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streamline disaster planning, enhance interagency coordination, and improve hazard mitigation program oversight.
Additionally, developing a centralized data-sharing platform for real-time risk assessment and emergency response coordination could improve communication between municipal agencies, regional stakeholders, and first responders. Strengthening partnerships with Riverside County, Cal OES, FEMA, and SCAG could enhance technical support, access to specialized training, and grant opportunities.
Expanding multi-jurisdictional collaboration would allow Cathedral City to leverage regional expertise in disaster recovery, climate adaptation, and infrastructure resilience planning.
Financial Resources
While Cathedral City has successfully secured federal and state grants for mitigation projects, diversifying funding sources remains a priority. Expanding participation in FEMA grant programs and newer funding sources such as the Climate Resilience Planning & Adaptation Grants (CRPAG) administered by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) could provide additional funding for seismic safety upgrades, flood control projects, and extreme heat mitigation initiatives. The city could also explore bond financing, local hazard mitigation fees, and public-private partnerships to fund large-scale resilience investments.
The community should consider integrating insurability planning into ongoing resilience and economic development planning. Insurability planning focuses on the relationships between:
• Resilience/mitigation investments and insurance affordability and accessibility. • Scope and nature of insurance protection gaps and the community’s ability to respond/recover from catastrophes.
• Cost and availability of insurance and its effect on property valuations and the tax base.
Given the growing impact of extreme weather on insurance markets, Cathedral City should assess provider stability, insurance coverage options, and innovative risk financing solutions. Exploring alternative financial tools, such as Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts (GHADs) and regional taxing authorities, could create sustainable, long-term funding mechanisms for hazard mitigation projects.
Additionally, parametric insurance models and resilience bonds-which provide pre-determined payouts based on hazard intensity rather than damage assessments-could help the city secure financial resources for rapid disaster recovery.
Community Outreach and Education
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Enhancing community engagement and public education efforts can improve disaster preparedness and response readiness. Developing multilingual hazard preparedness materials, implementing targeted outreach programs, and working with schools, faith-based organizations, and local businesses could increase participation in emergency preparedness initiatives.
Improving public awareness of climate adaptation strategies-including extreme heat mitigation, water conservation, and energy resilience-can also help residents and businesses prepare for long-term environmental changes. Establishing formal partnerships with Cathedral City Library, Desert Recreation District facilities, and senior centers as resilience hubs could provide residents with access to cooling centers, emergency resources, and preparedness training.
Resilience and Adaptation
Cathedral City can benefit from a more integrated approach to climate adaptation within its hazard mitigation planning. With the increasing frequency of extreme heat events, wildfires, and flooding, aligning resilience planning with regional climate adaptation frameworks-such as those established by SCAG, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG)-will be critical. Expanding green infrastructure initiatives, integrating renewable energy solutions into municipal buildings, and enhancing heat resilience through community shade programs, reflective surface retrofits, and urban forestry partnerships with CAL FIRE’s Urban and Community Forestry Program will help mitigate both climate and disaster risks.
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SECTION 6 – MITIGATION STRATEGY
Element C: Mitigation Strategy Requirements
C1. Does the plan document each jurisdiction’s existing authorities, policies, programs and resources and its ability to expand on and improve these existing policies and programs? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(3)) C2. Does the plan address each jurisdiction’s participation in the NFIP and continued compliance with NFIP requirements, as appropriate? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(3)(ii))
C3. Does the plan include goals to reduce/avoid long-term vulnerabilities to the identified hazards? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(3)(i)) C4. Does the plan identify and analyze a comprehensive range of specific mitigation actions and projects for each jurisdiction being considered to reduce the effects of hazards, with emphasis on new and existing buildings and infrastructure? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(3)(ii))
C5. Does the plan contain an action plan that describes how the actions identified will be prioritized (including cost benefit review), implemented and administered by each jurisdiction? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(3)(iii)); (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(3)(iv))
6.1 Introduction
The Mitigation Strategy serves as a comprehensive guide for the City of Cathedral City in its pursuit of enhancing disaster resilience by reducing vulnerability to identified hazards. Through the identification of specific mitigation goals and objectives, strategies and initiatives are formulated to prevent, minimize, and alleviate the impacts of both natural and human-caused disasters on the local population and property within the planning area.
Strengthening community resilience involves the implementation of building codes, zoning ordinances, and other regulatory measures. During the review or update of these planning mechanisms, there is an opportunity to assess the feasibility of integrating mitigation strategies into policy changes.
City departments-including Fire, Public Works, Planning, Engineering, and Community Development-make recommendations to the City Manager and Cathedral City’s City Council regarding prioritization, phasing, and funding of hazard mitigation actions and capital investments. Capital Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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Improvement Projects and other mitigation initiatives may receive public hearings as either part of the budgeting process or as individual staff items for City Council, which allows for public input. (this page intentionally left blank)
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6.2 Vision, Goals, & Objectives
Alignment with FEMA and Local Resilience Priorities
The mitigation vision, goals, and objectives for the City of Cathedral City form the foundation of this Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and directly support the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000). These components articulate the community’s long-term aspirations to reduce hazard vulnerability and enhance resilience, while aligning with FEMA’s national mitigation mission and the State of California’s 2023 State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP).
Mitigation Vision
The planning team established the following vision statement, goals, and objectives after reviewing existing City and regional plans, conducting risk assessments, and incorporating public and stakeholder input.
"To protect the lives, health, safety, and economic stability of Cathedral City residents, workers, and institutions by reducing the long-term risk of hazards through sustainable, equitable, and coordinated strategies that increase community resilience." This vision supports the principles outlined in the FEMA Mitigation Planning Policy Guide (2025), including risk-informed decision-making, whole community involvement, and integration with other local and regional plans. It also supports key priorities in the 2040 Cathedral City General Plan, particularly those expressed in the Safety Element, Environmental Justice Element, and Conservation and Open Space Element
Mitigation Goals and Objectives
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Goal Objective(s)
1. Protect public health and safety by
reducing life-threatening risks from natural
and human-caused hazards.
1.1 Identify and prioritize the most vulnerable populations, facilities, and systems through risk and capability assessments. 1.2 Promote retrofitting and emergency preparedness at essential facilities, including fire stations, schools, and critical infrastructure.
2. Minimize damage to property,
infrastructure, and economic assets.
2.1 Integrate hazard mitigation into the City’s Capital Improvement Plan and development review process. 2.2 Support pre-disaster retrofitting, relocation, and elevation of at-risk structures. 2.3 Encourage adaptive reuse and zoning strategies in flood- or earthquake-prone areas.
3. Enhance hazard awareness, emergency
preparedness, and public education.
3.1 Conduct multilingual public education campaigns tailored to each hazard. 3.2 Engage residents in evacuation planning, shelter location awareness, and climate-related health risk communications.
Goal Objective(s)
4. Support equitable access to hazard mitigation
benefits and reduce disproportionate impacts on
vulnerable and underserved populations.
4.1 Prioritize mitigation actions in disadvantaged communities (DACs) as identified in the Environmental Justice Element and CalEnviroScreen. 4.2 Ensure that climate adaptation and air quality initiatives also address health burdens in overburdened neighborhoods.
5. Promote environmental sustainability and
natural systems resilience.
5.1 Expand green infrastructure projects that reduce urban heat, manage stormwater, and improve air quality. 5.2 Coordinate mitigation projects with goals in the Conservation and Open Space Element and regional habitat restoration efforts.
6. Strengthen interagency coordination, capacity
building, and funding readiness.
6.1 Maintain an interdepartmental Hazard Mitigation Working Group to guide implementation. 6.2 Pursue federal and state hazard mitigation grants (e.g., HMGP, FMA) with shovel-ready project proposals. 6.3 Coordinate mitigation investments with SCAG, Riverside County agencies, Cal OES, and FEMA.
Integration with FEMA and State Resilience Priorities
This mitigation framework reflects a dual commitment to both federal and state resilience priorities by aligning closely with FEMA’s 2025 Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide and California’s 2023 State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP). Cathedral City’s goals and objectives are designed to address hazard mitigation through a comprehensive, equity-driven, and climate-resilient lens consistent with both agencies’ strategic direction.
At the federal level, this plan supports FEMA’s emphasis on risk-informed decision-making, community-based planning, and proactive pre-disaster hazard mitigation. Equally important is the City’s alignment with the State of California’s resilience agenda. The mitigation strategy integrates core priorities identified in the 2023 SHMP, including the advancement of climate adaptation, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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environmental justice, and housing resilience under the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).
This includes coordination with the state’s climate-smart land use strategies, alignment with the Safeguarding California Plan, and implementation of cross-sector risk reduction approaches recommended by Cal OES, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the California Natural Resources Agency.
Cathedral City’s plan also supports state directives related to wildfire preparedness, flood risk reduction, extreme heat mitigation, and the advancement of green infrastructure projects. Through integration with SCAG’s Sustainable Communities Strategy and regional adaptation frameworks, the City enhances its ability to access and apply state funding programs, such as the California Climate Resilience Fund and the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program.
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6.3 Mitigation Actions
The action items are a listing of activities in which City agencies and citizens can be engaged to reduce risk. Each action item includes an estimate of the timeline for implementation.
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
All Hazards
Backup Power
for Critical
Facilities
Install backup generators or solar + battery systems at fire stations, police, EOCs, and designated shelters to ensure service continuity.
First responders,
vulnerable
populations
Continuity of
Operations,
Public Safety
Public Works,
Fire Department
FEMA HMGP,
CPUC
Resilience
Fund,
1–2 years High Yes
All Hazards
Multilingual
Public Alert &
Warning System
Expand and modernize public alert systems (SMS,
radio, signage) with multilingual content and
redundant communication paths.
LEP populations,
renters, elderly
Risk
Communication,
Public Safety
IT/Communicatio
ns Division under
the City
Manager’s Office,
Police Services
FEMA IPAWS,
Cal OES Public
Alert &
Warning Grant
1–2 years High No
All Hazards
Community
Outreach and
Preparedness
Campaign
Implement annual public education and outreach
campaigns (virtual and in-person) tailored to diverse
hazards and languages.
Renters, youth,
elderly, LEP
households
Public
Awareness,
Equity
Fire Department,
Community
Services and
Cathedral City
Fire Department
(CERT Program)
FEMA HMGP
(Capability &
Capacity
Building), Cal
OES Outreach
Support
Ongoing Medium No
All Hazards
Local Hazard
Mitigation
Working Group
Formalize a multi-department team to track
mitigation progress, seek grants, update hazard data,
and ensure ongoing LHMP implementation.
Departmental silos,
funding
fragmentation
Plan
Maintenance,
Interagency
Coordination
Cathedral City
Fire Department
(lead), Public
Works, Planning,
Police, and
Engineering
No-cost, with
eligibility for
FEMA HMGP
C&CB
technical
assistance
Within 1
year
Low No
Power Outage,
Earthquake,
Extreme Heat
Harden Utility
Infrastructure in
High-Risk
Corridors
Underground or retrofit critical utility lines and
transformers to maintain service during heat, seismic,
and fire-triggered power disruptions.
Lifeline
infrastructure,
emergency services
Continuity of
Operations,
Infrastructure
Protection
Public Works,
Utility Partners
(Southern
California Edison
(SCE))
FEMA HMGP,
CPUC
Resilience
Fund, Cal OES
Utility
1–3 years High No
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Mitigation
Grant
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
Flooding, Fire,
High Wind
Multi-Use
Green
Infrastructure
for Flood and
Fire Buffers
Construct bioswales, fire-resistant landscaping, and
greenbelts that both manage runoff and act as fire
breaks in vulnerable areas.
Drainage corridors,
WUI zones, Varner
Road/I-10 corridor,
washes east of Date
Palm Drive
Environmental
Protection,
Community
Safety
Public Works,
Community
Development
DWR IRWM,
CVAG
Blowsand
Mitigation
Program, State
Water Board
SRF
2–4 years High Yes
Earthquake,
High Wind, Fire
Resilient Home
Retrofit
Incentive
Program
Provide financial incentives for residents to upgrade
roofs, brace water heaters, and install defensible space and fire-resistant materials.
Mobile home parks in
northern Cathedral
City and older blockframe homes in the
Cove District.
Housing
Resilience, Life
Safety
Community
Development
HMGP,
CalFire Fire
Prevention
Grants, Seismic
Safety Retrofit
Fund
2–3 years Medium Yes
Flooding, Fire,
Landslide
Debris Flow and
Runoff
Mitigation at
Washes and
Slopes
Upgrade culverts, retention basins, and slope
reinforcements in areas with flood, fire, and erosion
risks.
Panorama
neighborhood slopes,
foothills along
Cathedral Canyon
Drive, and Cathedral
Canyon Wash
drainage paths.
Risk Reduction,
Infrastructure
Protection
Public Works,
Engineering
Division
FEMA FMA,
DWR Urban
Streams
Program, Cal
OES Slope
Hazard
Mitigation
Fund
2–5 years Medium No
Power Outage,
Cyberattack,
Earthquake
Redundant
Emergency
Communication
s Systems
Deploy solar-powered and backup-capable radios and
alert systems to ensure public safety alerts during grid or cyber disruptions.
Public alert systems,
Cathedral City EOC
(Civic Center), and
communications
towers on Perez
Road.
Operational
Continuity,
Emergency
Coordination
IT Department,
Cathedral City
Police
Department
(CCPD)
FEMA HMGP,
Cal OES
Emergency
Communicatio
ns Grants,
UASI
1–2 years Medium No
Fire, Wind,
Earthquake
Wind- and FireResistant Street
Tree
Replacement
Replace hazardous street trees along evacuation routes
with fire- and wind-resistant species.
East Palm Canyon
Drive, Cathedral
Canyon Drive—
subject to falling
limbs and winddriven embers.
Public Safety,
Environmental
Resilience
Public Works,
Parks Division
Cal Fire Urban
Forestry,
CPUC
Vegetation
Management
Fund
2–3 years Low Yes
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Fire, Flooding,
Drought
Urban Wash
Management
and Vegetation
Control
Establish shaded fuel breaks and invasive plant
removal in wash areas that are vulnerable to wildfire
ignition and post-drought flood erosion.
Whitewater Wash,
Desert Cove areas,
and open parcels near
East Palm Canyon are
prone to fire and
erosion.
Fire Risk
Reduction, Flood
Control
Public Works,
Fire Department
Cal Fire Fire
Prevention,
NRCS EQIP,
State Parks
Green
Infrastructure
3–5 years Low No
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
Fire, Flooding,
Drought
Urban Wash
Management
and Vegetation
Control
Establish shaded fuel breaks and invasive plant
removal in wash areas that are vulnerable to wildfire
ignition and post-drought flood erosion.
Whitewater Wash,
Desert Cove areas,
and open parcels near
East Palm Canyon are
prone to fire and
erosion.
Fire Risk
Reduction, Flood
Control
Public Works,
Fire Department
Cal Fire Fire
Prevention,
NRCS EQIP,
State Parks
Green
Infrastructure
3–5 years 3 No
Earthquake,
Pandemic,
Power Outage
Emergency
Shelter
Resilience
Upgrades
Retrofit Cathedral City Senior Center, Agua Caliente
Elementary multipurpose room, and designated
shelter sites for seismic, power, and air filtration
resilience.
Seniors, disabled
persons, medically
vulnerable
Shelter
Readiness,
Equity, Health
Protection
Community
Services, Public
Works
FEMA HMGP,
HUD CDBGDR, Cal OES
Preparedness
Grant
2–3 years 2 Yes
Extreme Heat,
Drought, Fire
Community
Cooling and
Resilience Hub
Network
Retrofit Cathedral City Library, Senior Center, and
partner school sites, among others, to serve as
resilience hubs with cooling, hydration, and
emergency communications.
Elderly, medically
fragile, and
linguistically isolated
populations
concentrated in
Dream Homes and
Rio Vista
neighborhoods.
Health
Protection, Risk
Communication
Fire Department,
Community
Development
, CPUC
Resilience
Fund, Cal OES
Preparedness
Funds
1–2 years 2 No
Extreme Heat
Resilience Hubs
with Cooling
Infrastructure
Retrofit public buildings as community hubs with air
conditioning, hydration, and backup power.
Outdoor workers and
mobile home
residents also face
high exposure risks
during prolonged
heat events.
Protect Life and
Health,
Community
Resilience
Fire Dept,
Community
Services
, Cal OES
Preparedness
Grants, CPUC
Resilience
Fund
1–2 years 1 No
Extreme Heat
Shade Tree and
Cool Roof
Programs
Implement incentive program for planting shade trees
and installing reflective roofs on residential
properties.
Urban heat islands
and mobile home
parks; older singlestory homes with
dark roofs.
Reduce Heat
Island Effect
Community
Development
Cal Fire Urban
Forestry,
AQMD AB
617, CA
Strategic
Growth Fund
2–3 years 2 No
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254
Extreme Heat
Cooling Center
Expansion &
Transit Access
Expand hours, seating, and ADA access at cooling
centers; enhance transit linkages from vulnerable
neighborhoods.
Seniors, transitdependent residents,
and outdoor workers
in underserved areas.
Increase Access
to Cooling
Resources
Community
Services, Transit
Dept
Cal OES,
Caltrans
Active
Transportation
Grant
1–2 years 2 No
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
Extreme Heat
Passive Cooling
Design for New
Development
Require passive cooling features (orientation,
ventilation, shading) in zoning/building code for new
builds.
New housing and
commercial
development in highexposure areas.
Integrate Heat
Resilience in
Development
Community
Development
Local
Ordinances,
CalGreen, CEC
Title 24
Ongoing 3 No
Extreme Heat
Heat Emergency
Alert &
Outreach
System
Implement neighborhood-level text/call/email alerts
and distribute heat preparedness kits in multiple
languages.
LEP communities,
renters without A/C,
and senior
populations
Risk
Communication,
Preparedness
Fire Dept, IT
Cal OES Public
Safety Power
Shutoff
Outreach,
FEMA HMGP
1 year 3 No
Drought
Landscape
Conversion
Incentive
Program
Offer rebates for turf replacement with droughttolerant native landscaping in residential and commercial zones.
High water use
residential areas with
turf lawns, HOA
communities, and
commercial corridors
with ornamental
landscaping.
Water
Conservation,
Resilience
Community
Development,
Water District
DWR Water
Use Efficiency,
Metropolitan
Water District
Grants
1–2 years 1 No
Drought
Recycled Water
Infrastructure
Expansion
Extend recycled water lines to city parks, CVUSD
school fields, and industrial parks.
Parks, schools,
industrial users
Water Reliability,
Sustainability
Public Works,
Water Utility
State Water
Board SRF,
DWR IRWM
3–5 years 2 No
Drought
Smart Metering
and Leak
Detection
Implement AMI meters and leak detection systems for
schools, apartment complexes, and city-owned
facilities
High waterconsuming
properties, including
hotels, schools, and
multi-family
buildings.
Resource
Protection,
Operational
Efficiency
Public Works,
Water District
DWR Leak
Detection and
Repair Grants
2 years 2 No
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255
Drought
Drought
Emergency
Ordinance
Codify mandatory water reduction measures during
declared drought emergencies.
All residential,
commercial, and
institutional water
users; most acute for
HOAs, golf courses,
and landscaped
corridors.
Policy Readiness,
Public
Compliance
Community
Development,
Legal
Local
Resources 1 year 3 No
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
Drought
Groundwater
Recharge
Feasibility Study
Assess sites for groundwater recharge using
stormwater or recycled water to offset drought
depletion.
Long-term aquifer
health and future
potable water
reliability; Cathedral
City relies on
Colorado River and
local groundwater
sources.
Sustainable
Water Supply
Public Works,
Water Agency
DWR
Sustainable
Groundwater
Management
1–2 years Low No
Fire
Defensible
Space
Enforcement
Program
Conduct targeted inspections and enforcement for
brush clearance in Very High Fire Hazard Zones.
Homes along the
lower cove, Cathedral
Canyon foothills, and
undeveloped areas
with adjacent
vegetation.
Fire Risk
Reduction, Code
Compliance
Fire Dept, Code
Enforcement
Cal Fire Fire
Prevention
Grants, FEMA
HMGP
Annual High Yes
Fire
Ember-Resistant
Retrofit
Incentives
Provide rebates for ember-resistant vents, window
screens, and non-combustible siding.
Pre-2008 homes
lacking emberresistant construction
near wildfire-prone
washes or open space
buffers.
Home Hardening,
Life Safety
Community
Development
Cal Fire
Building
Resilience
Grant
2–3 years Medium Yes
Fire
Public Smoke
Protection &
Air Filtration
Install HEPA filtration in public buildings (e.g.,
Senior Center, Library) and distribute air purifiers
during poor AQI events.
Asthma-prone
residents, seniors, and
low-income renters
in areas impacted by
smoke drift (e.g.,
north of Ramon
Road).
Health
Resilience,
Indoor Air
Quality
Public Health,
Community
Services
Cal OES,
AQMD AB
617, FEMA
HMGP
1–2 years Medium No
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256
Fire
Fuel
Management in
Washes and
Open Space
Conduct mechanical thinning and prescribed grazing
in city-owned open spaces and canyons.
City-owned open
space and
undeveloped washes
(e.g., Whitewater
Channel, East
Cathedral Canyon),
with dense brush and
unmanaged fuels.
Fire Spread
Prevention,
Ecosystem Health
Public Works,
Fire Department
Cal Fire
Wildfire
Prevention,
NRCS EQIP
2–4 years Low No
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
Fire
Community
Evacuation
Planning &
Drills
Develop block-level evacuation maps and conduct
multilingual community drills with alert systems.
LEP populations in
mobile home parks
and multifamily
complexes;
neighborhoods with
limited egress near
foothills
Public Safety,
Emergency
Preparedness
Fire Dept, Police
Services
FEMA HMGP,
Cal OES
Planning
Grants
1 year Low No
Power Outage
Backup
Generators for
Critical
Facilities
Install permanent backup generators at police
stations, fire stations, EOCs, and senior centers.
Fire stations, police
substation, EOC, and
senior center (Buddy
Rogers Ave)
currently lack
sufficient redundant
power capacity.
Continuity of
Operations,
Public Safety
Public Works,
Fire Dept
FEMA HMGP,
Cal OES
Utility
Mitigation
Grant
1–2 years High Yes
Power Outage
Solar Microgrids
with Battery
Storage
Install solar photovoltaic systems with battery backup
at places like Cathedral City Library, Senior Center,
and designated shelters to support grid-independent
operations.
Community-serving
buildings and shelters
without backup
power, vulnerable
during PSPS and peak
heat outages.
Clean Energy
Resilience, Equity
Community
Development
CPUC
Resilience
Fund, DOE
Renewable
Energy Grant
2–4 years High No
Power Outage
Critical User
Registry &
Wellness
Checks
Maintain and expand database of residents reliant on
powered medical devices for outreach during outages.
Residents relying on
electrically powered
oxygen, refrigeration,
or mobility aids,
especially those in
mobile homes and
affordable housing
units.
Equity, Risk
Communication
Community
Services, IT
FEMA HMGP,
Cal OES
Access &
Functional
Needs
Preparedness
Grants
1 year Medium No
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
257
Power Outage
Public Alert
System
Redundancy
Upgrade emergency messaging systems with solarpowered signage, radio override, and mobile alert redundancy for blackout periods.
All residents,
especially
linguistically isolated
or digitally
disconnected
communities during
grid outages.
Emergency
Communication Police, IT
FEMA HMGP,
UASI, Cal OES
Emergency
Comms Funds
1–2 years Medium No
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
Power Outage
Utility Pole
Vegetation
Management
Program
Collaborate with utilities for vegetation clearance
near power lines in high wind and fire zones.
Overhead utility lines
near Cathedral
Canyon and
Whitewater washes,
among other
locations, with
vegetation intrusion
in high wind/fire
exposure zones
Hazard
Prevention, Grid
Reliability
Public Works,
Utility Agency
CPUC Wildfire
Mitigation
Fund, Cal Fire
Utility
Corridor
Grants
Annual Low No
Earthquake
Soft-Story
Retrofit
Program
Incentivize seismic retrofits for vulnerable soft-story multifamily and commercial buildings.
Older apartment
complexes and
commercial plazas
built before seismic
code updates.
Protect Life,
Prevent Property
Loss
Community
Development
FEMA HMGP,
Cal OES
Earthquake
Grants
1–3 years High Yes
Earthquake
Nonstructural
Seismic Bracing
for Public
Buildings
Anchor bookshelves, HVAC, lighting, and utilities in
libraries, shelters, and schools.
Senior Center, Fire
Station interiors,
school multipurpose
rooms lacking
anchored fixtures or
nonstructural
bracing.
Life Safety,
Operational
Continuity
Public Works,
School District
FEMA HMGP,
Emergency
Management
Performance
Grant
1–2 years Medium Yes
Earthquake
CommunityBased Seismic
Outreach
Campaign
Deliver multilingual workshops, materials, and
shakeout participation for renters, schools, mobile
home parks, and small businesses.
Limited preparedness
knowledge among
renters, LEP
populations, and
small commercial
tenants vulnerable to
shaking impacts.
Public
Awareness,
Preparedness
Fire Dept,
Community
Services
Cal OES,
FEMA
NTHMP
Outreach
Funds
Annual Medium No
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
258
Earthquake
Seismic Early
Warning System
Integration
Link MyShake and ShakeAlert to citywide alert
systems for institutional and public use.
Key facilities (e.g.,
City Hall, Agua
Caliente Elementary,
health centers)
lacking direct early
warning integration
for earthquakes.
Rapid Response,
System Readiness
IT Department,
Police Dept
FEMA HMGP,
USGS
Partnership
Funds
1–2 years Low No
Earthquake
Critical Facility
Retrofit
Prioritization
Study
Identify and prioritize retrofits for key emergency
facilities based on updated risk data.
Fire Stations 411/412,
Civic Center, and
essential water and
wastewater utility
infrastructure.
Continuity of
Government
Public Works,
Engineering
FEMA PA 406
Mitigation,
CEAEarthquake
Brace + Bolt
1–2 years Low No
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
Flooding
Channel and
Culvert
Capacity
Enhancements
Reinforce or upsize undersized culverts and improve
drainage channels near Whitewater River, East Palm
Canyon Drive, and Cathedral Canyon Wash.
Low-lying streets and
neighborhoods near
storm channels,
including east of Date
Palm and Panorama
areas.
Prevent Property
Damage
Public Works,
Engineering
FEMA FMA,
DWR Flood
Control Grants
1–3 years High Yes
Flooding
Green
Infrastructure
Demonstration
Sites
Implement bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable
surfaces at parks and civic sites to demonstrate LID
best practices.
Public lands with
high runoff and
limited infiltration
capacity during
storms.
Reduce Runoff,
Demonstrate
Resilience
Community
Development
State Water
Board SRF,
CalGreen
Implementatio
n Funds
2–3 years Medium No
Flooding
Flood Hazard
Mapping &
Outreach
Update FEMA FIRMs with detailed local data and
conduct bilingual outreach in flood-prone areas,
including mobile home parks and rental communities.
Populations living
near flood channels
and washes with
limited awareness of
flood risk or NFIP
requirements.
Public
Awareness, NFIP
Compliance
Public Works,
Planning
FEMA CTP
Program, Cal
OES Outreach
Grants
1–2 years Medium No
Flooding
Repetitive Loss
Property
Mitigation
Acquire, elevate, or retrofit properties with two or
more NFIP claims to reduce repeated loss and
improve long-term resilience.
Isolated parcels with
multiple flood claims
in lower elevations
near Cathedral
Canyon Channel and
the Whitewater River
system.
Reduce Recurrent
Risk
Community
Development
FEMA FMA,
HUD CDBGDR3–5 years Low No
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259
Flooding
Evaluate and
Pilot NatureBased Flood
Mitigation
Strategies
Study feasibility of restoring or creating wetlands and rewilded green infrastructure at flood-prone areas
such as Los Gatos Rd, DaVall Rd, and the Horizon
neighborhood. Implement pilot projects based on
study findings.
Repetitive flooding in
neighborhoods with
limited drainage and
undeveloped
retention basins.
Reduce Flood
Risk, Improve
Climate
Resilience
Public Works,
CVWD,
Planning, Tribal
Coordination
FEMA FMA,
DWR IRWM,
Cal Fire Urban
Forestry
Grants
1–5 years Medium No
High Wind
Utility Pole
Hardening &
Vegetation
Clearance
Coordinate with SCE to replace wood poles with
composite or steel in storm-prone zones; maintain
clearances.
Aging overhead
infrastructure in areas
with high wind
exposure and
vegetation intrusion
near utility
easements.
Prevent Outages,
Improve Safety
Public Works,
Utility Partners
CPUC
Resilience
Grant, FEMA
HMGP
1–3 years High No
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
High Wind
Citywide Tree
Inventory and
Maintenance
Plan
Conduct assessment and replace weak species with
wind-tolerant alternatives.
Weakened or topheavy trees along
medians (Date Palm
Dr, Dinah Shore Dr)
and in older
neighborhoods.
Reduce Hazards,
Improve
Resilience
Public Works,
Parks Division
Cal Fire Urban
Forestry,
AQMD Urban
Greening
2 years Medium No
High Wind
Roof Anchoring
and Shutter
Program
Offer financial assistance or rebates for commercial
property owners to install roof anchoring systems and
storm-rated shutters.
Small businesses, strip
malls with aging
roofing systems.
Reduce Structural
Damage
Community
Development
FEMA HMGP,
Local
Incentive
Funds
2–3 years Medium No
High Wind
Emergency
Power for
Traffic Signals
Install solar-powered battery backups at priority
intersections such as Date Palm Drive & Ramon Road
and Dinah Shore Drive & Cathedral Canyon to
maintain traffic control during outages.
Key intersections on
evacuation and
emergency response
routes vulnerable to
high wind-related
power failures.
Safety, Traffic
Continuity
Public Works,
Police Services
FEMA HMGP,
Caltrans
System
Resilience
Fund
1–2 years Low No
High Wind
Public Warning
System
Upgrades
Install durable, weatherproof electronic signage at key corridors and integrate push-alert tools for high wind
and dust storm warnings.
Pedestrian-heavy
areas including
transit stops, school
zones, and outdoor
workspaces with
limited weather
visibility.
Early Warning,
Safety
IT Department,
Fire Dept
FEMA IPAWS,
Cal OES
Emergency
Alert Grants
1–2 years Low No
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260
Cyberattack
Cybersecurity
Assessment &
Infrastructure
Hardening
Conduct external vulnerability testing and upgrade
firewalls, routers, and municipal servers with
redundant power supplies and secure cloud options.
Citywide IT networks
serving Police, Fire,
permitting systems,
and emergency
dispatch reliant on
legacy infrastructure.
Continuity of
Government,
Risk Reduction
IT Department
FEMA HMGP,
DHS CISA
Cyber
Resilience
Grant
1 year High No
Cyberattack
Multi-Factor
Authentication
and Access
Control
Deploy multi-factor authentication (MFA) protocols
and role-based access tiers for all city-operated digital platforms.
Critical systems
including SCADA,
EOC servers, and
notification systems
with limited current
access controls.
Prevent
Unauthorized
Access
IT Department
FEMA HMGP,
DHS CISA,
State
Cybersecurity
Grants
1 year Medium No
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
Cyberattack Redundant Data
Backup Systems
Implement geographically diverse, encrypted data
backups with automated syncing for key systems
including law enforcement, permitting, and
emergency services.
Current backups
concentrated onpremises, increasing
recovery risk in the
event of a cyber or
physical disruption.
Data Integrity,
Disaster Recovery IT, City Clerk
FEMA HMGP,
Cal OES
Emergency
Communicatio
ns Grants
1–2 years 2 No
Cyberattack
Cyber Incident
Response Plan
Development
Develop and adopt a Citywide Cyber Incident
Response Plan that integrates with Cathedral City’s
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and outlines
communications protocols and recovery timelines.
Lack of formal cyber
response framework
jeopardizing
coordinated action in
the event of IT
system compromise.
Plan Readiness,
Operational
Continuity
IT, Emergency
Services
FEMA HMGP,
DHS CISA
Technical
Assistance
Program
1 year 3 No
Cyberattack
Citywide
Cybersecurity
Awareness
Campaign
Implement recurring cybersecurity trainings,
phishing tests, and digital hygiene outreach for all
City departments and key vendors.
City staff and
contractors who
access sensitive
systems but may lack
consistent cyber
threat training.
Risk Reduction,
Behavioral
Resilience
IT, Human
Resources
DHS
StopRansomwa
re, FEMA
Emergency
Planning
Funds
Annual 4 No
Pandemic
Public Health
Emergency
Coordination
Annex
Develop a standalone public health emergency annex
to the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, with
protocols for coordination with Riverside County
Department of Public Health.
Citywide population,
including emergency
responders and
medical providers
Plan Integration,
Continuity of
Operations
Fire Dept, Public
Health
FEMA HMGP,
Cal OES
Emergency
1 year 1 No
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
261
lacking integrated
health coordination
protocols.
Planning
Grants
Pandemic
Shelter & Public
Facility
Ventilation
Upgrades
Retrofit HVAC systems in Cathedral City Senior
Center, libraries, and emergency shelters with
MERV-13 filtration and increased outdoor air intake.
Public shelters and
government buildings
serving at-risk groups
lacking modern
ventilation during
airborne disease
outbreaks.
Health
Protection,
Operational
Readiness
Public Works,
Community
Services
FEMA HMGP,
CDC Climate
& Health,
AQMD AB 617
Grants
2–3 years 1 No
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
Pandemic
City Employee
Continuity of
Operations
(COOP) Plan
Update and test COOP plan with remote work
protocols, cross-training, and secure digital access to maintain operations during infectious disease
emergencies.
Government services
reliant on in-person
operations, with
limited current
provisions for remote
continuity.
Resilience,
Operational
Continuity
City Manager,
HR, IT
FEMA COOP
Planning
Assistance, Cal
OES
Continuity
Program
1–2 years Medium No
Pandemic
Vaccine and
PPE
Distribution
Planning
Pre-designate city buildings (e.g., Cathedral City
Library or Civic Center) as vaccine and PPE
distribution hubs and coordinate with County and
logistics partners.
Populations with
limited healthcare
access, and first
responders lacking
established logistics
for rapid medical
supply distribution.
Public Health
Logistics, Equity
Public Health,
Emergency
Services
FEMA HMGP,
HHS Strategic
National
Stockpile
Program
1 year Medium No
Pandemic
Public Risk
Communication
Strategy
Develop multilingual emergency messaging templates
for social media, radio, and SMS alerts tailored to
pandemic scenarios.
Linguistically isolated
residents, seniors, and
essential workers
needing clear and
timely health
updates.
Equity,
Behavioral
Response
IT, Public Health,
Fire Dept
FEMA IPAWS,
CDC Crisis
Emergency
Risk
Communicatio
n (CERC) Fund
1 year Low No
Landslide
Slope Hazard
Mapping &
Monitoring
Program
Conduct geotechnical assessments and establish
monitoring at high-risk canyon slopes and ridgelines.
Residential areas and
roads built along
elevated ridgelines
with historic erosion
or slide activity.
Risk
Identification,
Prevention
Public Works,
Engineering
FEMA HMGP,
Cal OES
Geohazards
Program
1–2 years High No
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
262
Landslide
Slope
Stabilization for
Critical
Infrastructure
Stabilize and reinforce slopes supporting
infrastructure near flood-prone washes, sewer lines,
and hillside roadways.
Essential
infrastructure at risk
of failure due to slope
instability, especially
post-storm or seismic
events.
Infrastructure
Protection, Life
Safety
Public Works
FEMA HMGP,
State Highway
Slope
Protection
Program
2–4 years High No
Landslide
Erosion Control
and Vegetative
Stabilization
Apply native vegetation, straw wattles, jute netting,
and other soil stabilization measures to wildfire burn
scars and steep natural slopes.
Wildland-urban
interface areas where
post-burn slopes are
exposed to
accelerated erosion
and debris flow.
Nature-Based
Mitigation, Soil
Stabilization
Parks, Public
Works
NRCS EQIP,
Cal Fire Fire
Recovery
Grants
2 years Medium No
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
Landslide
Development
Review
Protocols in
Hazard Zones
Update municipal zoning code and review checklists
to require detailed geotechnical studies in high-slope
areas.
Undeveloped parcels
on slopes where
development could
trigger or worsen
instability without
adequate design
review.
Risk Avoidance,
Long-Term
Mitigation
Community
Development
Local
Resources, Cal
OES Planning
Assistance
Ongoing Low No
Landslide
Post-Storm
Slope Inspection
and Response
Plan
Develop a post-storm and post-earthquake rapid
inspection protocol for slopes in hillside zones,
including deployment checklists, safety criteria, and
inspection team responsibilities.
Sloped areas
vulnerable to
landslide or debris
flow, and first
responders requiring
standardized postevent slope
assessment guidance.
Rapid Risk
Evaluation,
Public Safety
Public Works,
Fire Dept
FEMA HMGP,
Cal OES
Emergency
Management
Planning
Grant
1 year Low No
Sandstorms
Roadway
Blowsand
Maintenance
Program
Implement a proactive cleaning and inspection
schedule for sand accumulation zones like Varner
Road, Ramon Road, and Vista Chino.
Transportation
corridors and
emergency routes
frequently blocked by
sand deposits and low
visibility.
Traffic Safety,
Emergency
Access
Public Works
Caltrans
Maintenance
Assistance
Program,
CPUC
Resilience
Fund
Annual High No
Sandstorms
Blowsand
Vegetative
Buffer
Installation
Install vegetative windbreaks (e.g., mesquite,
creosote) in eastern Cathedral City along major sand
migration corridors.
East-facing
neighborhoods and
roadways (e.g., Rio
Vista, Date Palm
Infrastructure
Protection,
Erosion Control
Public Works,
Community
Development
DWR Urban
Streams, Cal
Fire Urban
Forestry,
2–4 years Medium No
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
263
Drive) with high
exposure to
windblown sand.
CVAG
Blowsand
Mitigation
Sandstorms
Sandstorm
Visibility Alert
Integration
Integrate sandstorm/haboob warnings into IPAWS
and citywide mobile alerting platforms using AQMD
PM10 and NOAA wind data.
Drivers, pedestrians,
and outdoor workers
exposed to rapid
visibility loss during
haboob events.
Risk
Communication,
Public Safety
IT, Emergency
Services
FEMA IPAWS,
Cal OES Public
Alert &
Warning
1–2 years Medium No
Hazard Action Description Vulnerability Goals Coordinating Agency
Funding
Source Timeline Priority
In 2018
LHMP
Update?
Transportation
Disruptions
Emergency
Evacuation
Route
Redundancy
Plan
Identify and pre-plan alternate evacuation routes
using GIS analysis; test routes annually under
simulated closure scenarios.
Neighborhoods with
only one major access
point or dependence
on I-10 and CA-111
for regional
evacuation.
Continuity of
Operations,
Public Safety
Fire Dept, Police,
Public Works
FEMA HMGP,
Cal OES
Evacuation
Route Grant
1–2 years High No
Transportation
Disruptions
Critical
Intersection
Resilience
Upgrades
Retrofit flood- or quake-prone intersections such as
Dinah Shore at Cathedral Canyon to improve
emergency egress capacity.
Lifeline intersections
critical for emergency
access and daily
commuter flow.
Infrastructure
Resilience, Public
Safety
Public Works
Caltrans
System
Resilience
Fund
2–4 years Medium No
Transportation
Disruptions
Flood-Resistant
Transit
Infrastructure
Retrofits
Elevate or relocate vulnerable SunLine bus stops and
staging areas affected during Tropical Storm Hilary.
Transit-dependent
populations,
especially seniors and
low-income
residents, stranded
during floods.
Transportation
Equity,
Continuity
Public Works,
SunLine
Caltrans ATP,
FEMA FMA 1–3 years Medium No
Transportation
Disruptions
Airport
Emergency
Coordination
Protocols
Integrate Palm Springs Airport emergency response
plans with Cathedral City’s EOP for crash or closure
scenarios.
Air traffic-related
incidents impacting
Cathedral Canyon
corridor and adjacent
land uses.
Interagency
Coordination,
Public Safety
Emergency
Services, Police,
Airport Partners
FEMA HMGP,
DHS Critical
Infrastructure
Protection
1 year Low No
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
264
6.4 Status of Prior Mitigation Actions
Mitigation Action Item 2018 LHMP Comments and
Status Reason for Not Being Included
Eagle Canyon Dam Project
Completion
Completed in 2015 as a major flood
mitigation effort along East Palm
Canyon Drive
Project already completed; does not require
inclusion in new mitigation actions
Cathedral Canyon Drive Bridge over
Whitewater Channel
Scheduled in 2017; identified as high
priority to support evacuation and
mitigate flood hazard
Project completed in 2018 using local and federal
funds; no further action required
Replace Collapsed Storm Drains (24"
and 15")
Identified as a high-priority project due
to street flooding and infrastructure
damage
Completed and integrated into ongoing Public
Works maintenance; new actions will build upon
these upgrades
Cooling Centers for Extreme Heat Ongoing; Senior Center, EOC, and schools designated as cooling centers
Program institutionalized; further improvements
to cooling infrastructure addressed under new
plan actions
CERT and Teen CERT Expansion
Ongoing; supported through annual
outreach and public training by
Cathedral City Fire Department
Maintained as continuous program; specific
expansion efforts to be updated in future LHMP
actions
Escarpment Stabilization along East
Palm Canyon Drive
Identified as a unique earthquaketriggered landslide hazard near Rancho Mirage border
Under long-term interagency review; not yet
scoped for city-led mitigation project funding
Drought Resilience via Water
Management Planning
Called for integrated water and
groundwater planning
Strategy embedded into regional water agency
coordination; future actions will emphasize
regional water reliability partnerships
Storm Drain Master Plan
Implementation
Addressed citywide flooding risks
through phased projects on Ramon, Date
Palm, Vista Chino, and Varner
Many components completed; future phases and
retrofits to be addressed under 2025 LHMP
project list
Seismic Risk Awareness and
Community Outreach
Education through CERT and
community events
Maintained as standing outreach priority; future
actions will focus on public-facing seismic retrofit
incentives
City-Owned Emergency Water Tank Mentioned in stakeholder discussions Deferred due to operational cost and regional
mutual aid agreements for potable water
provision
Rockslide Risk Monitoring – East
Palm Canyon Escarpment
Escarpment described as a landslide risk
post-earthquake
No monitoring program established to date;
future monitoring to be integrated into state or
regional landslide assessments
Coordination with State Dam Safety
Division
Ongoing coordination regarding dam
inspection timelines
Addressed as standard practice; not included as
new mitigation action unless city jurisdiction
over dams changes
Wind Hazard Public Warning and
Road Closure Protocols
Supported by Police and Public Works
during wind events
Ongoing operational procedure; new mitigation
actions will evaluate early warning system
upgrades
Non-Structural Mitigation of City
Facilities
Includes securing of equipment,
furniture, and files to prevent injury and
damage
Ongoing facility-by-facility basis; new actions to
assess critical infrastructure retrofits
comprehensively
Mitigation Action Item 2018 LHMP Comments and
Status Reason for Not Being Included
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
265
Vulnerability Assessments of Public
Infrastructure
Facilities assessed for flood, heat, and
seismic vulnerability
Integrated into CIP process; updated evaluations
to inform 2025 mitigation priorities
Seismic Building Code Enforcement Adoption of 2016 California Building and Fire Codes
Continues under Community Development
Department oversight; will remain baseline for
future mitigation
Highway 111 Escarpment Abatement
(in partnership with Rancho Mirage
& CVAG)
In planning stages as of 2017
No formal project scoped or funded as of 2025;
included in future hazards for potential
mitigation
Emergency Operations Coordination
and Planning
Includes NIMS compliance, updated
Emergency Operations Plan
EOP and interagency coordination continuously
updated; tracked separately from mitigation
action list
Mutual/Automatic Aid Agreements Maintained with Palm Springs and Riverside County Fire Departments
Standard operating agreement; not a discrete
mitigation project
Upgrade of Communications and
Interoperability Systems
Suggested for multi-agency disaster
response
Partially addressed through regional investments;
next steps to be outlined under future mitigation
planning
Maintenance of Drainage Plans and
Integration with Development
Review
Stormwater BMPs included in plan
updates and permitting
Ongoing via Planning Department; not included
as stand-alone mitigation action
Continued CERT Recruitment and
Public Education Campaigns
Recruitment and training conducted
annually
Continues as a standing program; future LHMP
will include multilingual outreach and equityfocused engagement Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
266
6.5 Actions Considered but Not Included
Hazard Mitigation Action
Item
2018 LHMP
Timeline
2018 LHMP Comments
and Status
Current Status (as of 2025
LHMP Update)
Flooding Eagle Canyon Dam
Project Completion
Completed
before 2017
Completed in 2015 as major
flood mitigation project
No longer an active mitigation need;
omitted from 2025 plan
Flooding
Cathedral Canyon Drive
Bridge over Whitewater
Channel
1–3 years
Completed in 2018; major
evacuation and flood access
corridor improvement
Retired from action list due to
completion
Flooding Replace Collapsed Storm
Drains (24" and 15") 1–2 years Identified as a priority due to recurring street flooding Integrated into storm drain upgrades;
not listed as a separate action in 2025
plan
Extreme
Heat
Cooling Centers for
Extreme Heat Ongoing
Designated sites include
Senior Center, Library, and
EOC
Now institutionalized as part of
resilience hubs; not included as
standalone action
MultiHazardCERT and Teen CERT
Expansion Ongoing Maintained through Cathedral City Fire Department outreach Continued as part of annual public
education programming; not a
discrete mitigation project
Landslide
Escarpment Stabilization
along East Palm Canyon
Drive
3–5 years Considered due to earthquakeinduced rockfall risks Not scoped or funded as a mitigation
action; to be addressed in future
geotechnical assessments
Drought City-Owned Emergency
Water Tank 3–5 years
Considered but deferred due
to maintenance and cost
concerns
Not included; potable water
redundancy addressed via regional
coordination with DWA
Landslide
Rockslide Risk
Monitoring – East Palm
Canyon Escarpment
3–5 years No formal monitoring
program developed
Deferred again; requires interagency
coordination and technical support
Drought
Drought Resilience via
Water Management
Planning
1–3 years
Incorporated into DWA
planning and regional
conservation programs
Now part of external agency-led
efforts; not included in city's 2025
mitigation list
Flooding Coordination with State
Dam Safety Division Ongoing Routine inspection coordination No local jurisdiction over dams; not
appropriate as a Cathedral City
mitigation action
Flooding
Conduct outreach to
businesses in minor flood
areas
1–2 years Deferred due to staff capacity
limitations
Superseded by broader risk
communication and outreach
strategies in 2025 plan
Earthquake
Emergency water tank
for post-disaster water
supply
3–5 years
Evaluated; determined
infeasible due to operational
costs
Addressed through mutual aid water
provisions; not included as a
standalone action
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
267
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
268
6.6 Implementation & Monitoring
Prioritization Criteria
Drawing in part from the STAPLEE method (Social, Technical, Administrative, Political, Legal, Economic, Environmental), the prioritization process for this LHMP’s mitigation strategies included evaluation across several key criteria:
• Anticipated risk reduction
• Technical feasibility
• Cost-benefit considerations
• City implementation capacity
• Co-benefits
• Alignment with local planning goals and existing program priorities These considerations were ultimately summarized using a simplified scoring approach. Each mitigation action received a subjective score on a 1–3 numeric scale, where:
1 = High Priority, 2 = Medium Priority, and 3 = Low Priority. These numeric scores were then translated into standardized ranking titles (“High,” “Medium,” or “Low”) to ensure consistency across plan sections. This simplified presentation was designed to reduce complexity and make the menu of mitigation options more accessible and user-friendly.
The LHMP is intended not only to support funding applications for specific projects, but also to guide elected officials and staff in integrating mitigation into broader city government processes. Presenting these strategies in a clear, straightforward manner directly supports that goal.
Responsible Agencies & Implementation
The successful execution of the Cathedral City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update requires coordinated action among multiple city departments, regional partners, and state and federal agencies.
This section outlines the designated lead and supporting agencies for implementation, as well as anticipated timelines for initiation and completion of mitigation actions.
The Cathedral City Fire Department (CCFD) serves as the lead agency for overall emergency management, disaster mitigation, and plan coordination. CCFD leads preparedness planning and directs community disaster training. CCFD is responsible for tracking the overall implementation of mitigation actions, maintaining the LHMP, and coordinating with external partners such as Cal OES, FEMA, and Riverside County.
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• Cathedral City Fire Department (CCFD): LHMP coordination and annual progress tracking, emergency preparedness planning, public education and CERT training, fire prevention, hazardous materials mitigation, dispatch operations, and regional mutual aid coordination. • Cathedral City Police Department (CCPD): Emergency evacuations, traffic management, and public safety operations; critical infrastructure protection and public communications during disasters; law enforcement coordination for terrorism, civil unrest, and multi-hazard incidents; joint dispatch with Fire Department.
• Public Works Department: Post-disaster debris removal, road clearance, and utility coordination; infrastructure restoration projects; oversight of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) in collaboration with Engineering.
• Capital Projects & Engineering Division (under Public Works): Design and delivery of seismic retrofit, stormwater, and transportation resilience projects; evacuation route planning and resilient infrastructure design; technical review of funding applications. • Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD): Includes Planning, Building & Safety, Code Enforcement, and Economic Development.
• Planning Division: Land use and zoning policy–based mitigation; integration of General Plan Safety Element priorities.
• Building Division: Enforcement of California Building Code seismic and floodplain standards; post-disaster safety assessments of buildings and structures. • Code Enforcement: Enforcement of city municipal codes, including those related to nuisance abatement, occupancy safety, and structural integrity. • Economic Development: Supports resilience of commercial and industrial sectors and encourages investment in risk-reduction upgrades.
Each mitigation action identified in Section 6.3 – Mitigation Action Plan Table includes:
• A responsible coordinating agency (lead)
• Supporting agencies where applicable
• A proposed implementation timeframe, categorized as:
• Short-Term (0–1 year)
• Mid-Term (1–3 years)
• Long-Term (3–5 years)
• Ongoing (recurring or policy-based actions)
Mitigation actions will be integrated into the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Annual Departmental Budgets, and the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) as appropriate.
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barriers, identify funding opportunities (e.g., FEMA HMGP, FMA, Cal OES programs), and adjust timelines and responsibilities as needed.
Performance Metrics & Reporting
To ensure accountability and measure progress, the City will track the implementation of each mitigation action using specific performance metrics. These will be reviewed and updated during regular plan maintenance and during funding application development.
Performance monitoring will be structured around the following indicators:
• Implementation Milestones: Completion of key steps such as feasibility studies, grant applications, design, permitting, and construction.
• Project Completion Rate: Percentage of total actions initiated and completed within each 5- year LHMP cycle.
• Funding Leveraged: Amount of federal, state, and local funding secured for mitigation implementation (e.g., FEMA HMGP, Cal OES, CPUC).
• Risk Reduction Achieved: Quantitative and qualitative reductions in risk, such as:
• Number of critical facilities retrofitted.
• Square footage of stormwater improvements.
• Number of households reached through outreach or served by resilience programs. • Community Engagement: Number of participants in mitigation-related outreach, trainings, and workshops.
• Equity Metrics: Percentage of actions implemented in CalEnviroScreen-designated disadvantaged communities or benefiting socially vulnerable populations.
Reporting will occur through three key mechanisms:
• Annual Mitigation Implementation Review Memo: Each year, the Cathedral City Fire Department will compile a memo summarizing:
• Actions completed or initiated.
• Any delays or constraints encountered.
• Upcoming priorities and funding needs.
• A status summary of each mitigation action (not started, in progress, completed, deferred).
• FEMA 5-Year LHMP Update Cycle Reporting: At the start of each LHMP update cycle, the City will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of:
• All mitigation actions from the prior plan.
• Quantitative progress on metrics.
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• Revised priorities based on new data and risk assessments. • Documentation of actions completed, revised, or not implemented, with justifications. • Grant Reporting and Post-Award Performance Tracking: For all mitigation projects funded by external sources (e.g., FEMA, Cal OES), the City will comply with federal and state performance monitoring requirements, including quarterly progress reports, cost tracking, benefit-cost validation (as applicable), and outcome summaries. •
SECTION 7 – PLANNING, MAINTENANCE AND
ADOPTION
Element A Requirements
A1. Does the plan document the planning process, including how it was prepared and who was involved in the process for each jurisdiction? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(1)) A2. Does the plan document an opportunity for neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities, and agencies that have the authority to regulate development, as well as businesses, academia, and other private and non-profit interests to be involved in the planning process? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(b)(2))
A3. Does the plan document how the public was involved in the planning process during the drafting stage and prior to plan approval? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(b)(1)) A4. Does the plan describe the review and incorporation of existing plans, studies, reports, and technical information? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(b)(3))
7.1 Planning Process
Cathedral City’ Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is designed to meet the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) and to ensure that the City of Cathedral City is eligible for all appropriate benefits under state and federal law and practices. The LHMP planning process considers natural and human-caused hazards facing the City, ensuring compliance with all FEMA and Cal OES guidance and supporting plan review and approval.
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The LHMP planning team gathered information from a variety of sources, including participating municipal departments, local organizations and utilities, regional planning agencies, and residents of Cathedral City. Hazard mitigation strategies were developed through an extensive, iterative process involving internal subject matter experts and external stakeholder feedback.
As listed on page 4 of this Plan, the Planning Team consisted of:
Fire Department
Michael Contreras – Fire Chief
Stakeholder Group
Robert Bradbury -Director of Emergency Services, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Laura James – Chief Executive Officer, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership Angelique Ontiveros – Vice President, Business Development, Desert Arc Gregory Papazian – Emergency Management & Safety Administrator, Coachella Valley Water District Jacob Green and Associates
Patrick Marchman, AICP, SCR, Project Manager
The planning process began with a kickoff meeting in October 2024. The consultants (JGA) worked closely with the planning team, with bi-weekly check-ins throughout the process. Hazards workshops took place in December 2024 involving both members of the Stakeholder Committee and the Planning Team. Two public meetings were subsequently held in January 2025, one in-person and one virtual to maximize opportunities for participation.
Sections of the draft plan were made available for review to the City and the Stakeholder committee at various times throughout the process, and the completed draft was made available for review in May 2025.
The Planning Team incorporated comments into a Final Draft Plan, which was submitted to Cal OES and FEMA Region IX for review and conditional approval. Following incorporation of mandated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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revisions, the Plan was returned to Cal OES and FEMA on DATE TO BE DETERMINED for formal approval. The final FEMA-approved LHMP was presented to the City Council for adoption by resolution on DATE TO BE DETERMINED. A copy of the adoption resolution was forwarded to FEMA for formal acknowledgment and record.
The planning area for this LHMP includes the entire jurisdictional boundary of the City of Cathedral City. The risk assessment was conducted for this complete area and includes analysis of hazard exposure, probability, and vulnerability for both current and future conditions, in accordance with 44 CFR §201.6(c)(2). All Planning Team members, with the exception of outside technical consultants, were affiliated with the City of Cathedral City. Coordination occurred through a series of dedicated planning meetings, internal work sessions, and standing project checkins to ensure consistency and interdepartmental alignment.
The Planning Team compiled a comprehensive stakeholder contact list across multiple sectors and agencies, inviting their participation throughout the planning process. Neighboring jurisdictions and school districts were also contacted following completion of the Plan.
In compliance with 44 CFR §201.6(b)(3), the planning process incorporated existing plans, studies, and technical resources relevant to Cathedral City. The following documents were reviewed and referenced:
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Plan / Document Description
Cathedral City LHMP
(Update in Progress)
Served as the baseline hazard mitigation document, including hazard profiles, vulnerability summaries, and previously prioritized actions.
Cathedral City 2040 General
Plan & Elements
Provided demographic, land use, infrastructure, and environmental context for the updated risk assessment and capability analysis. The Safety, Land Use, Housing, Environmental Justice, and Conservation and Open Space Elements were especially critical to hazard identification and prioritization. 2023 California State Hazard
Mitigation Plan (Cal OES)
Used to ensure consistency with state hazard profiles, climate adaptation integration, and mitigation funding priorities.
Riverside County MultiJurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan (2023)
Provided cross-jurisdictional hazard context and regional coordination frameworks for hazards such as flooding, drought, and seismic activity.
California’s Fourth Climate
Change Assessment – Inland
Deserts Region Report
Offered scientific projections for extreme heat, water stress, wildfire, and regional climate change indicators relevant to Cathedral City.
Coachella Valley Multiple
Species Habitat Conservation
Plan (CVMSHCP)
Informed ecological resilience strategies and regional habitat protections linked to wildfire, drought, and heat mitigation.
SCAG Connect SoCal 2024
RTP/SCS and Sustainability
Planning Resources
Supported integration of transportation resilience, housing risk, and regional mitigation co-benefits.
Other external resources included data from commercial climate risk providers and technical assistance from the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). These materials were used in the risk assessment, capability analysis, and mitigation strategy sections. (this page intentionally left blank)
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7.2 Plan Update
Element E: Plan Update Requirements
E1. Was the plan revised to reflect changes in development? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(d)(3))
E2. Was the plan revised to reflect changes in priorities and progress in local mitigation efforts? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(d)(3))
The City of Cathedral City’s previous LHMP update was completed in 2018. This 2025 update uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau, SCAG Local Profile (2023), and the recently adopted Cathedral City 2040 General Plan to examine how development trends and demographic changes impact the City’s hazard vulnerabilities-particularly for low-income residents, unhoused persons, elderly adults, disabled persons, and linguistically isolated households. Further information on land use, infrastructure, and community conditions can be found in Section 2.
This update to the City’s LHMP represents a comprehensive plan revision, integrating updated risk data, expanded hazard profiles, and new planning requirements, as well as changes in community priorities. It reflects and operationalizes the most recent FEMA mitigation planning guidance (April 2023) and Cal OES climate and equity criteria. This LHMP update incorporates projected climate change impacts into every relevant hazard profile to more accurately describe how temperature rise, precipitation shifts, and wildfire risk may evolve. These insights are also reflected in proposed mitigation actions to advance community adaptation and resilience.
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7.3 Stakeholder Involvement
Stakeholders were involved at multiple stages in the plan development process. As part of the initial research and analysis setting the foundation for the Plan, documents from not only the City of Cathedral City but also from neighboring jurisdictions and regional planning partners were used to inform the Plan’s context development. Stakeholders were contacted via email invitations, telephone calls, and in some cases direct in-person outreach conducted by City staff and the planning consultant team to ensure comprehensive engagement.
Meetings of the core planning team were held biweekly and as otherwise required throughout the project.
Local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities • Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) • Riverside County Emergency Management Department
Agencies that have the authority to regulate development • Cathedral City Community Development Department
Neighboring communities
• Copies of the initial draft LHMP were sent for review and comment to the cities of:
• City of Palm Springs
• City of Rancho Mirage
• City of Desert Hot Springs
• City of Palm Desert
• Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Representatives of businesses, academia, and other private organizations • Outreach was conducted to entities with relevant technical knowledge and major local employers, including:
• Southern California Edison
• SoCalGas
• Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce
• College of the Desert – School of Applied Sciences
• SunLine Transit Agency
Representatives of nonprofit organizations, including community-based organizations that work directly with and/or provide support to underserved communities and socially vulnerable populations • Outreach was conducted to the following organizations:
• Lift to Rise
• United Way of the Desert
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• Coachella Valley Housing Coalition
• Jewish Family Service of the Desert
• Catholic Charities San Bernardino & Riverside Counties • Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City
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7.4 Public Involvement
The City of Cathedral City provided members of the public several opportunities to participate in the planning, design, and review phases of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). In addition, members of the public, local commissioners, and City Council members were given the opportunity to provide input and recommendations verbally, through emails, and via digital comment forms.
Public outreach for input on the Plan took place in several formats, including online, in print, and in person:
• A multilingual community survey in English and Spanish was made available on the City’s website through February 2025, allowing residents to share their experiences and perspectives regarding hazards affecting the City and potential actions to reduce risk. • Notifications and survey links were posted on the City’s website and on social media platforms. • A virtual Hazards Workshop was held in December 2024, engaging residents, communitybased organizations, and regional partners. • An in-person public meeting was held in January 2025 along with a virtual workshop using the same content and presentation format as the in-person workshop, allowing community members to participate remotely and provide live feedback. • The Draft LHMP was published to the City’s website in May 2025 for a two-week public comment period, and comments received were reviewed and integrated into the final draft.
Survey results summaries are included in the Appendices to the Plan, alongside printed and digital notification examples and outreach materials posted on social media and the City of Cathedral City’s website.
Public and stakeholder involvement was meaningful and influential in shaping the Plan. Feedback directly informed the refinement of several mitigation actions and the prioritization of specific hazards – the Coachella Valley Water District contributed comments to the discussion of drought as a hazard as well as to the understanding of Cathedral City’s water infrastructure.
Copies of the final LHMP Update will be catalogued and made available at Cathedral City Hall, the Cathedral City Branch of the Riverside County Library (33520 Date Palm Drive), and the Planning Division at City Hall. The existence and locations of these copies will be publicized via the City’s website and social media channels. A copy of the Plan and any proposed amendments will remain available on the City’s website throughout the Plan's lifecycle. The website will also include a designated email address and phone number for ongoing public comment, recommendations, and inquiries.
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The Hazard Mitigation Coordinator, designated within the Cathedral City Fire Department (CCFD), will work with other City departments to create opportunities for public involvement throughout the Plan's five-year cycle. These opportunities may include outreach through existing public meetings (e.g., safety open houses, Desert Recreation District programs, CERT events, and preparedness workshops) as well as regular updates to City Council during public sessions.
Specific annual events and outreach channels identified to promote public involvement in hazard mitigation planning include:
• National Fire Protection Association Fire Prevention Week • Earthquake Preparedness Month (October)
7.5 Plan Incorporation
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The City of Cathedral City addresses statewide planning goals and legislative requirements through its 2040 General Plan, Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Municipal Code, and Building and Safety Regulations. The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) provides a series of recommendations, many of which align closely with the goals and objectives of these existing plans and programs. The City incorporates recommended LHMP mitigation actions through established procedures to ensure that hazard mitigation remains an integral and ongoing part of city planning and investment efforts.
The 2018 Cathedral City LHMP was previously referenced in the Safety Element of the General Plan.
In this 2025 update, the LHMP has been developed to take into account and ultimately incorporated by reference into the updated Cathedral City 2040 General Plan in compliance with California Senate Bill 379 (SB 379), which requires local jurisdictions to incorporate climate adaptation and resilience strategies into their Safety Elements based on the most current LHMP.
The Safety Element (2024) references the 2018 LHMP Update, consistent with state guidance. In parallel, planning mechanisms such as the CIP, Housing Element, Environmental Justice Element, and Conservation and Open Space Element are mechanisms to incorporate LHMP content where hazard exposure, infrastructure investment, and resilience are directly relevant.
The Planning Division within the Community and Economic Development Department is responsible for enforcing the California Building Standards Code, ensuring hazard-resistant design in accordance with seismic, floodplain, wildfire, and energy efficiency regulations. The Department-which also includes Building & Safety and Code Enforcement-collaborates with state agencies and regional partners to ensure building safety regulations reflect evolving climate and hazard risks. This process ensures that life-safety criteria are met for all new construction and substantial renovations.
Some of the LHMP’s goals and mitigation actions will be implemented through projects and priorities listed in the Capital Improvement Program, including infrastructure upgrades, facility retrofits, and green infrastructure investments. City departments-including Public Works, Engineering, and Planning-develop and review the CIP annually. During this annual CIP review cycle, the Hazard Mitigation Coordinator will coordinate with City departments to assess where LHMP actions align with CIP goals and identify opportunities for incorporation.
Upon FEMA approval of the LHMP, the Hazard Mitigation Coordinator will initiate a structured integration process to embed the LHMP’s strategies into relevant City plans and programs. The Hazard Mitigation Coordinator will review and evaluate annually to:
•
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• Track the integration of mitigation strategies into General Plan implementation, CIP updates, housing and zoning policy, and community investment decisions; • Ensure consistency between mitigation actions and Citywide goals for resilience and public safety;
• Monitor and document progress toward LHMP implementation; and • Recommend updates or adjustments to improve integration and effectiveness.
7.6 Monitoring, Evaluating and Updating the Plan
Element D: Plan Maintenance Requirements
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D1. Is there discussion of how each community will continue public participation in the plan maintenance process? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(4)(iii)) D2. Is there a description of the method and schedule for keeping the plan current (monitoring, evaluating, and updating the mitigation plan within a five-year cycle)? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(4)(i))
D3. Does the plan describe a process by which each community will integrate the requirements of the mitigation plan into other planning mechanisms, such as comprehensive or capital improvement plans, when appropriate? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(4)(ii))
Monitoring
Under the direction of the Hazard Mitigation Coordinator within the Cathedral City Fire Department (CCFD), the Cathedral City Hazard Mitigation Planning Team will take responsibility for Plan maintenance and implementation. The Hazard Mitigation Coordinator will facilitate annual Planning Team meetings, assign tasks, and ensure that progress on implementation and integration is tracked consistently. This individual will maintain a yearly record of necessary updates to ensure the LHMP reflects the most current hazard data, completed actions, and planning priorities.
The Hazard Mitigation Coordinator will also coordinate with relevant City departments-including Public Works, the Community Development Department (Planning, Building & Safety, Code Enforcement, and Economic Development), Fire, Police, and Engineering-to track progress on mitigation actions and support alignment with other planning mechanisms (e.g., 2040 General Plan Implementation Program, Capital Improvement Plan [CIP], and Emergency Operations Plan [EOP]).
Plan implementation and evaluation will remain a shared responsibility among all members of the Planning Team.
The Hazard Mitigation Coordinator will also collaborate with City leadership, including the City Manager’s Office and Finance Department, to secure funding and support for the required five-year update cycle, in accordance with FEMA and Cal OES regulations.
The Planning Team will meet at least once per year to review action status, coordinate interdepartmental implementation, and identify any necessary modifications. These meetings will be scheduled annually following the confirmation of Planning Team representatives. The Hazard Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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Mitigation Coordinator will be authorized to reassign or designate new Planning Team members as needed.
Evaluating
The LHMP will be formally evaluated on an annual basis to assess the effectiveness of existing actions and determine whether changes in development patterns, hazard conditions, or state and federal policies require updates to mitigation priorities. This annual evaluation will follow a consistent schedule and will be led by the Hazard Mitigation Coordinator, who will convene and facilitate the evaluation meeting.
During the evaluation, the Planning Team will review:
• The continued relevance of goals and mitigation actions; • New or emerging hazards based on updated science or local experience; • Implementation status of current mitigation actions;
• Progress and setbacks in interagency collaboration.
Each coordinating department will be asked to report on:
• Successes in implementation
• Challenges or barriers encountered
• Lessons learned or recommended revisions
• Interagency coordination performance
If plan revisions are needed, the Hazard Mitigation Coordinator will assign responsible Planning Team members to draft and circulate those changes within three months. All updates will be distributed to City departments, external plan partners, and posted on the Cathedral City website. Substantial revisions will be tracked for incorporation into the next full plan update.
Each annual Planning Team meeting will also include a review of:
• Any changes in the nature or magnitude of identified risks • The current status of mitigation actions
• Ongoing or new challenges encountered during implementation • Adjustments to strategies based on changing community needs, funding, or guidance The evaluation process will include outreach to key internal and external stakeholders such as:
• Neighborhood associations and HOA representatives
• Cathedral City Police and Fire personnel
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• Faith-based organizations and local nonprofits
• Social service providers, including housing and senior services • Staff from Public Works, Engineering, and Community Development These stakeholders will provide updates on community conditions, equity considerations, and hazard mitigation needs to help inform responsive and inclusive plan improvements.
Updating
The Hazard Mitigation Coordinator will oversee ongoing monitoring and annual evaluation to support timely identification of grant opportunities and alignment with City budgeting cycles. Following adoption of the annual budget by the City Council, the Hazard Mitigation Coordinator will collaborate with the Planning Team and applicable departments to pursue state and federal mitigation funding, including FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Cal OES Resilience Grants.
Beginning in Year Four of the five-year LHMP lifecycle, the Hazard Mitigation Coordinator will initiate the formal update process in accordance with 44 CFR §201.6(d)(3). The revised LHMP will be submitted to Cal OES and FEMA for review and approval and will subsequently be adopted by resolution of the City Council.
Public engagement will be a critical component of the update. Citywide meetings will be advertised through a combination of social media, website notifications, direct outreach, and public postings, with special emphasis on reaching:
• Low-income and linguistically isolated residents
• Elderly and persons with access and functional needs
• Community-based and service organizations
• Youth, seniors, and participants in Desert Recreation District programs The updated LHMP will be made available:
• Online via the City of Cathedral City’s website
• Physically at City Hall and the Cathedral City Public Library • By request through the Planning Division or Cathedral City Fire Department – Emergency Services
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7.7 Plan Adoption
Element F: Plan Adoption
F1. For single-jurisdictional plans, has the governing body of the jurisdiction formally adopted the plan to be eligible for certain FEMA assistance? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(5))
F2. For multi-jurisdictional plans, has the governing body of each jurisdiction officially adopted the plan to be eligible for certain FEMA assistance? (Requirement 44 CFR § 201.6(c)(5))
Adoption of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan by the City’s governing body is a core requirement for FEMA and Cal OES approval. Once the Plan is conditionally approved by FEMA and finalized, the City Council will be responsible for formally adopting the Mitigation Plan by resolution. The governing body holds the authority to promote sound public policy around hazard mitigation, resilience, and emergency preparedness.
The City Council will retain authority to update or amend the Plan as needed to reflect changes in local hazard risks, exposures, regulatory requirements, and community needs. Once adopted, the approved LHMP will serve as a foundational policy document, guiding hazard mitigation investments and influencing future growth, infrastructure improvements, and climate resilience strategies.
On [TO BE COMPLETED WITH FINAL DATE], during a regularly scheduled public meeting, the Cathedral City City Council formally adopted the Cathedral City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (2025 Update). The City Council resolution of adoption is provided in the Appendices of this Plan.
Primary Point of Contact
Michael Contreras
Chief, Cathedral City Fire Department
City of Cathedral City
32100 Desert Vista Road
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Phone: (760) 770-0300
Email: [email protected]
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APPENDICES
Appendix A: Sample Adoption Resolution
Note to Reviewers: When this plan has been reviewed and approved pending adoption by FEMA Region IX, the adoption resolutions will be signed added to this appendix.
Sample Resolution: City of Cathedral City
Resolution # ______
Adopting the City of Cathedral City Hazard Mitigation Plan WHEREAS, The City of Cathedral City recognizes the threat that natural and manmade hazards pose to people and property within our community; and
WHEREAS, undertaking hazard mitigation actions will reduce the potential for harm to people and property from future hazard occurrences; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress passed the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (“Disaster Mitigation Act”) emphasizing the need for pre-disaster mitigation of potential hazards; and WHEREAS, the Disaster Mitigation Act made available hazard mitigation grants to state and local governments; and
WHEREAS, an adopted Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is required as a condition of future funding for mitigation projects under multiple FEMA pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant programs; and WHEREAS, the City of Cathedral City fully participated in the FEMA-prescribed mitigation planning process to prepare this local hazard mitigation plan; and WHEREAS, the California Office of Emergency Services and Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region IX officials have reviewed the City of Cathedral City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and approve it contingent upon this official adoption of the participating governing body; and WHEREAS, the City of Cathedral City desires to comply with the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act and to augment its emergency planning efforts by formally adopting the City of Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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Cathedral City Hazard Mitigation Plan by reference into the Safety Element of the General Plan in accordance with the requirements of AB 2140; and
WHEREAS, adoption by the governing body for the City of Cathedral City demonstrates the jurisdiction’s commitment to fulfilling the mitigation goals and objectives outlined in this Local Hazard Mitigation Plan; and
WHEREAS, adoption of this legitimizes the plan and authorizes responsible agencies to carry out their responsibilities under the plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Cathedral City adopts the City of Cathedral City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan as an official plan; and BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Cathedral City adopts the Cathedral City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan by reference into the safety element of their general plan in accordance with the requirements of AB 2140; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Cathedral City will submit this adoption resolution to the California Office of Emergency Services and FEMA Region IX officials to enable the plan’s final approval in accordance with the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and to establish conformance with the requirement of AB 2140.
Passed:
(date)
Certifying Official
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Appendix B: LHMP Approval Process
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Appendix C. Public Outreach Documentation
Public post on Discover Cathedral City, January 7, 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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Facebook post from Cathedral City, January 7, 2025
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Public noticed published in the Desert Sun, January 12, 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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Appendix D: Survey Results (English)
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Appendix E: Other Public Comment
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Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 6.B
Meeting Date: September 24, 2025
From: Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager
Title: 2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation Grant Award RECOMMENDATION:
To accept the 2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation Grant in the amount of $98,167.00 and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the grant agreement.
BACKGROUND:
Arts in California Parks is a new program from California State Parks. This initiative brings together talented artists, wise culture bearers, California Native American tribes, and our diverse communities. Part of this program is a grant to bring art into local parks.
Cathedral City applied for the first round in June 2024 but did not receive an award. The City applied during the second round and was awarded an implementation grant.
DISCUSSION:
Cathedral City’s project, Hope Rising, will activate Esperanza Park, which opened on May 22, 2025, welcoming neighbors and visitors to this new public space, promoting fun and culturally relevant activities to ensure the park remains a safe place for all to enjoy. Through activation, Cathedral City will be able to share our culture with all who visit and help the Dream Homes community heal from shared trauma. Cathedral City wants Esperanza Park to become a place of healing and the place for celebrating this portion of the community. The new Public Art will help bring the community together and create a sense of ownership for the residents. Utilizing community outreach, creating tangible art, and facilitating cultural celebrations, Hope Rising will honor the past, present, and future of the Dream Homes neighborhood and Cathedral City.
The project will also help celebrate Cathedral City’s diverse cultures through four themed events: Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Present, Visions of the Future, and Together We Heal. Each event will center around the community working together to paint a mural section centered around the shared themes, culminating into a nearly 300 sq ft mural. Located on the 9.5 ft x 30 ft wall facing the entry to CV Link, the mural will showcase the themes identified in the events and will be a welcoming entryway into the park. The planned events will utilize art activities, music, cultural performances, storytelling, poetry, and food to bring the community together and celebrate our shared heritage.
Desert Recreation District (DRD) has pledged support for this project and will help plan and implement all events.
To achieve these overarching goals, the Hope Rising Committee will:
• Complete a call for artists for the painting of community mural, bringing all submissions to the Public Arts Commission for a panel review. The final concepts will be brought to the community for review and acceptance.
• Utilize partners to assist with community engagement
• Work with community leaders and organizations to bring finalists for community approval.
• Work with Desert Recreation District to plan and coordinate four themed community events.
• Implement four themed community events, installing the art and promoting art celebrating our varied cultures.
The grant award ($98,167.00) will cover DRD’s labor, event materials and supplies, event promotion, and grant subcontractors (including the muralist, S.C.R.A.P. Gallery classes, and local musicians). Grant match ($190,230.00) will include the cost of the sculpture, city staff labor, and the call for artists. It is anticipated 90% + of the grant match expenses will be incurred using the Art in Public Places fund (231) and the remainder will come from the General Fund (100).
FISCAL IMPACT:
DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2025-2026 Grant Revenue 249-900-910-
911-6700-6731 G0XXXX ($ 98,167.00) ONE-TIME
2025-2026 Grant Expense 249-900-910-
911-8200-8209 G0XXXX $ 98,167.00 ONE-TIME
2025-2026 Grant Match
Expense
231-500-510-
513-8800-8802
100-900-910-
911-XXXX-XXXX
G0XXXX $190,230.00 ONE-TIME
2025-2026 Total $288,397.00
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal A - SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITH PRIDE AND DEDICATION
Goal B - COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Goal F - EMBRACING, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Grant Award Notification
2. Grant Application
3. Grant Agreement
1 Amanda Geisendorfer
From: Parks California <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2025 2:07 PM
To: Amanda Geisendorfer
Cc: [email protected]; Kevin Biersack
Subject: Parks California - 2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation Grant - Award Information
Dear Amanda Geisendorfer:
Congratulations! Your organization, City of Cathedral City, has been selected to receive the 2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation Grant. Your grant project, Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural Celebration, is receiving $98,167.00.
This grant program is administered by Parks California, the official public-private nonprofit partner to California State Parks. We are excited for the opportunity to fund your proposal and connect more people to California's vibrant network of arts, culture, and local parks!
What’s next?
1. Confirm Organization Signatory and Preferred Payment Method: A form titled "Grant Award Information - 2025 Arts in California Parks Grant Program" has been assigned to you in Parks California’s grant management system to collect information to help us execute your grant agreement and awards communications. Please complete this form by September 20, 2025.
2. Execute Grant Agreement: Once step 1 is complete, your organization’s grant agreement will be sent to you through AdobeSign for electronic signature. Please sign the agreement by Monday, September 30, 2025. If another individual should receive the grant agreement, please let us know as soon as possible.
3. Grantee Kick Off Call: We will be holding a kickoff call for the grantee cohort and available Parks California staff on Tuesday, October 14, 3-4PM. The purpose of this call is to share key information, introduce program staff and our evaluator, outline grant requirements and timelines, and answer questions to set you up for success. Please look out for a calendar invitation from Sarah Scheideman, Arts in California Parks Program Manager, at [email protected]. If you are unable to attend, feel free to invite a representative from your organization in your place. The call will also be recorded and shared in the event you cannot attend.
2 4. Communications: Parks California will be doing a press release announcing the grantees the week of October 20th. Please refrain from sharing news of your award publicly until our press release. Promotional materials and how to utilize them will be shared closer to the kickoff call.
Thank you again for your application to the 2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation Grant. If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to Sarah Scheideman, Arts in California Parks Program Manager, at [email protected].
Parks California
Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
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2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation
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Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural Celebration
2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation Grant
City of Cathedral City
Mr Kevin Biersack
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234-1208
[email protected]
O: 760-770-0340
Amanda Geisendorfer
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234-1208
[email protected]
O: 760-202-2493
Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
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2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation
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Application Form
About Arts in California Parks
We’re excited to introduce you to Arts in California Parks, a program from California State Parks in partnership with Parks California and the California Arts Council. This program brings together talented artists, wise culture bearers, California Native American tribes, and our diverse communities.
Together, we’re creating art that celebrates our past, reflects our present, and dreams up our future. Imagine beautiful installations and engaging programs in our State and local parks, all designed to spark meaningful connections, boost community well-being, and inspire a healthier, happier California.
We’re working hand-in-hand with some amazing initiatives that are all about making nature accessible and enjoyable for all Californians:
• The Outdoor Access for All initiative, championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
• The Natural Resources Agency’s Outdoors for All initiative • California State Parks’ Outdoors for All Initiative
• California State Parks’ thoughtful Reexamining Our Past initiative The goals of this program are to:
• Welcome: Our parks are open to everyone! We’re creating projects that reflect and embrace California’s amazing diversity.
• Empower: We’re paving the way for exciting creative careers through mentorship and job opportunities.
• Heal: Experience the healing potential of arts and nature! We’re tapping into their power to boost your well-being and bring communities together.
• Connect: Dive into unforgettable experiences that link you to our beautiful parks, blend culture with nature, and weave our communities closer.
• Inspire: Get ready to unleash your creativity! We’re celebrating California’s rich heritage and honoring the cultural significance of our parklands.
In 2024, we launched the Arts in California Parks Grants Program with a $2.8 million investment to support 31 grant recipients across California. These innovative projects are bringing art and culture programming to local parks, and transforming them into vibrant hubs that blend art, culture, and nature together.
Within this program, Parks California is managing and administering the competitive Arts in California Parks Grants Program, which includes two tracks: Planning + Development and Implementation Grants.
Implementation Grants support established partnerships in executing artistic or cultural projects within local parks. These grants emphasize strong community collaborations with public park entities, specifically funding the project's implementation phase.
These grants aim to:
• Reflect and better connect the public with the cultural heritage of the region.
Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
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• Increase investments for arts and cultural experiences in often overlooked communities. • Drive authentic community engagement and thoughtful art program design. • Support a diverse set of art mediums to enhance parks experiences for all visitors. • Connect communities through shared art and cultural experiences in the Arts in California Parks programs.
For the 2025 Implementation Grants, proposals must focus on arts projects and/or cultural programs that are fully developed and ready for implementation. Proposals must meet the following minimum qualifications:
• Applications must be submitted by a 501c3 non-profit organization, fiscally sponsored community organization, California Native American tribe, Native 7871 organization, foundation, land trust and/or local government agency (city, county, regional*). *Regional agencies refer to government entities operating across multiple jurisdictions, such as regional park districts, regional planning agencies, or multicounty collaborations. • Projects must facilitate a partnership between nonprofit(s) and local public park manager(s). Partnerships may include 501c3 non-profit organizations, fiscally sponsored community organizations, California Native American tribes, Native 7871 organizations, foundations, land trusts and/or local governments. • Projects must contribute to community health, well-being, social cohesion, and/or place-making, fostering sustainable connections between people and local parks. • Eligible projects must be free and open to the public.
Proposals must meet most of the following criteria to be considered:
• Demonstrates alignment with the Arts in California Parks program goals. • Integrate inclusive community engagement strategies in the development of art and culture programming to enhance cultural and social relevance.
• Support artists career development, equitable compensation, mentorship, and/or strengthens the regional creative economy.
• Contribute to community health, well-being, social cohesion, and place-making, fostering sustainable connections between people and parks.
• Ensure projects are inclusive and accessible, with focus on economic and physical access for diverse populations.
Preference will be given to proposals that meet multiple criteria listed below:
• Offer participants meaningful and relevant experiences that can be enjoyed more than once. • Supports artist development of sustainability within their practices, encourages actions to control and offset the harmful impacts of material use or fabrication methods. • Project takes place in a desired region.
• Projects with matching funds (financial or in-kind).
The 2025 grant term is from October 2025 – September 2026, with a total anticipated award amount of $2.6 million. Applicants should anticipate awards ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 for Planning & Development Grants and $15,000 to $150,000 for Implementation Grants. However, applicants are encouraged to request an amount that aligns with the scope and scale of their proposed project.
Funds for this grant track are intended to cover the fulfillment of the proposal’s goals and expenses. These Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
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expenses may include, but are not limited to staff time, community engagement activities, artist fees, materials, labor, installation costs, event costs, and permits.
Letter of Intent Responses
Your Letter of Intent responses have been added below for project context. If you would like to make any minor changes to these responses, please feel free to do so here. We do not allow any major changes to your program such as a new installation, different theme, and/or purpose. Please limit your changes to minor updates and clarifying details that maintain the spirit of the original LOI.
Primary Local Park
Please list the name and address of the primary local park where the project will take place.
Example: Rainbow Park, 800 Capitol Drive. Arcadia, CA, 97356 Esperanza Park, 30600 San Diego Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234 If your program has more than one primary park location:
Please list the names and addresses of the additional local parks here.
Project Summary
Provide an overview of your project, including the intended audience, confirmed locations, and key activities.
Describe how the project aligns with your goals and timeline, specifying whether it will take place once or multiple times during the grant period. If any aspects are still being finalized, explain how this phase will support the project’s successful implementation.
Cathedral City is a working-class community of 51,968 residents, located within the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation between Palm Springs and the Rancho Mirage in Inland Empire’s Riverside County. Cathedral City has a majority minority population with 61.55% of the residents identifying as Hispanic. Cathedral City has the third lowest median income of the nine Coachella Valley cities at $65,462.
The Dream Homes neighborhood, a Federal Climate and Economic Justice disadvantaged community, was established in 1958 as part of the post-World War II desert valley community housing boom. Predominantly settled by low income, working-class immigrant families who fled Los Angeles, the 84% Hispanic neighborhood struggled with the Barrio Dream Homes gang from the earliest days. Effective policing helped reduce neighborhood gang violence. But neglect, lack of community resources, and an overall feeling of being overlooked has remained.
Esperanza Park, the city’s newest and largest park, is a conscientious effort by the city to reinvest in the Dream Homes community and provide equitable access to recreational facilities. Creating Esperanza Park leveraged significant community engagement to determine the desired amenities and the park’s name.
Esperanza, Spanish for hope, honors the resiliency and hope the residents feel for the future.
Opened May 22nd, this park, adjacent to the Dream Homes neighborhood, includes children’s play areas and equipment, shaded picnic and outdoor fitness areas, a multi-use field, soccer fields, basketball courts, dog park, and a connection to CV Link: a regional multi-modal corridor. Cathedral City is also annexing into Desert Recreation District (DRD) to program and maintain the city’s parks, including Esperanza, effective July 1, 2025.
Residents are mainly concerned with park safety. To promote appropriate activities, Hope Rising will continue community engagement to activate the new park, providing community-led art projects and cultural celebrations to honor the generational histories of the neighborhood’s and Cathedral City’s tribal and Hispanic residents. This grant will allow the City to develop and implement a nearly 300 sq ft mural which will be installed and centered around four city hosted, themed community events. These events will include Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
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music, food, cultural displays, performances, and the creation of the mural, co-created and painted by residents in partnership a professional artist, activating and celebrating the neighborhood’s and Cathedral City’s cultural heritage.
DRD will be a key partner in this program’s implementation. If awarded, they will assist with various tasks such as community engagement, book readings, providing art classes, and other family-engaging activities.
Initial conversations have also occurred with muralists experienced in creating community-involved projects to consult and possibly participate in the murals’ creation.
Partnership*
List your project partner organization(s) and include the names and titles of the key individuals who will work closely on the project. The minimum partnership requirement includes at least a nonprofit and park manager, with the option to identify artist(s).
Clearly outline the nature of the partnership, the responsibilities each partner will take on, and any specific resources or expertise they will provide.
The below will partner on the project and plan the events.
Desert Recreation District, Kevin Kallman, General Manager - Community engagement, planning and hosting events
City of Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission, Erin Hyland, Chair - Hope Rising Committee City of Cathedral City Public Arts Commission, Craig Liebelt, Chair - Hope Rising Committee The below will not partner on the project but will participate in the events.
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Margaret Park, Chief Planning Officer Agua Caliente Elementary School, Eric Antuna, Principal Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, Scott Robinson, Chief Executive Officer Cathedral City Senior Center, Geoff Corbin, Chief Executive Officer and Vic Ide, Chief Operations Officer S.C.R.A.P. Gallery, Karen Riley, Executive Director
Community Engagement
How will community engagement activities (e.g., workshops, surveys, public meetings) shape the project/program while promoting inclusivity and accessibility?
The Hope Rising Committee, comprised of City staff, the Desert Recreation District (DRD), Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE), and Public Arts Commission (PAC) members, will serve as the engagement team for the events.
The City has been engaging with the Dream Homes community throughout the development of Esperanza Park, which opened May 22nd. A community listening session was conducted March 18, 2025, in English and Spanish, to introduce the DRD and get community feedback on programming and activities residents would like to see at the park. The DRD is the largest park and recreation district in California, with extensive experience producing culturally relevant programming in collaboration with the communities they serve. The city also sought input on a public art piece at the March 18th meeting. Desired themes for the sculpture that will welcome visitors to Esperanza Park included rebirth, resurrection, and resilience. A joint subcommittee of PACE and PAC members have also worked together on the earlier park development and artwork outreach.
They will continue to be at the forefront of resident engagement within the Dream Homes neighborhood.
Agua Caliente Elementary School has and will continue to serve as the neighborhood meeting place for community meetings. The City has plans to conduct a citywide survey of to gain the community’s thoughts on desired programming when the DRD takes over the City parks. Surveys will be provided in both English and Spanish. With DRD’s expertise, Cathedral City will develop a culturally relevant project, celebrating our multifaceted heritage.
Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
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Community engagement will continue during the mural project. As plans are finalized, staff will advertise upcoming events to the public via the city’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor; through the city’s weekly newsletter at www.discovercathedralcity.gov; on the city’s online calendar; and via direct mailers to the residents of the Dream Homes community. For the development of the mural projects, staff will solicit community input on themes or topics and provide that input in the call for artists to select artists for the projects. Local and regional artists be invited to bid and all residents will be invited to help finish the murals. Through using a “paint by numbers” mural approach, the entire city will help celebrate and activate Esperanza Park and the Dream Homes community.
Artistic Focus
What is the artistic vision of your project, and how does it align with your goals and community engagement efforts?
The Dream Homes community has faced many hardships, including gang violence, loss of loved ones, and a sense of neglect from the local communities. Through their perseverance and unwavering hope, the Dream Homes community willed Esperanza Park to life. With construction set for completion in 2025, Cathedral City wants to see this park become a place of healing and the place for celebrating this portion of the community.
The new Public Art will help bring the community together and create a sense of ownership for the residents.
Utilizing community outreach, creating tangible art, and facilitating cultural celebration, the Hope Rising Committee is committed to implementing a Public Arts project to benefit the community, helping them heal from past trauma. Hope, vibrancy, and renewal will be themes used throughout to guide this project.
Project plans will be designed to celebrate our community’s multifaceted heritage, create a sense of ownership for the park, inspire community members to express themselves through art, empower local artists, and elevate community engagement through creative expression. Mural design meetings will take place in a centralized location, allowing more community members to express their hopes for Esperanza Park.
Accommodation will be available for families with young children who may not be able to sit through a meeting.
Planned programming during the four events will include art activities, music, performances by the Cathedral City High School folklórico dancers, storytelling, poetry, and the installation of a nearly 300 sq ft mural. A committed key supporter is the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery: the only children’s art and environmental conservation museum in Coachella Valley, and the only one of its kind in Riverside County. The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery teaches children about complex environmental issues, arts, culture, science and much more while creating art using donated discarded materials. The city is also fortunate to have an abundance of local artists to reach out to for bids on mural projects. Cathedral City has a history of using local talent for public art projects, including hiring 25 local artists to paint benches at Ocotillo City Park.
Esperanza Park will also serve as a beacon of hope to others in the community. Located along Coachella Valley Link (CV Link), an over 40-mile alternative transportation route snaking from Palm Springs to Coachella, CA, Esperanza Park will be one of the first completed destinations along the route and will connect the park to the rest of the Coachella Valley. The art, showcasing Dream Homes and Cathedral City’s vibrant past, present, and future, will help share the neighborhood and the city’s culture and heritage with the Coachella Valley and the many visitors who travel from all over the world to the valley during the winter months. Cathedral City will no longer be a pass-through community and will instead become a destination, sharing their culture with the world.
Artist or Organization Selection Process
What was your artist selection process and key priorities for partnering with an artist(s) or the organization responsible for leading artistic aspects of the project? The Hope Rising Committee has not finalized artists. However, as part of the implementation process, the committee will conduct a call for artists for the community murals. Details of the request will include Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
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requesting art samples, a statement of qualifications, and a panel review by the Public Arts Commission. Final options will be presented to the Dream Homes community for input prior to selection. Staff will seek artists from underrepresented groups or who have experience developing art with underrepresented groups, to submit proposals.
Staff have been in contact with muralists with experience in community-participating murals who have informally expressed interest in collaborating with the city to develop the proposal process for the murals.
These include:
Peter Salcido, Flat Black Art Supply, Inc – local street art store and gallery www.flatblackonline.com.
Carlo & Ethel Zafranco, AQMNI Mural Co. AQMNI partners with Arts Bridging the Gap, a non-profit Social Justice organization, to facilitate community programs that uplift the voices of youth in underserved communities. Recent works include AQMNI, along with the student cohort Disrumpo and local Antelope Valley artist Lori Antoinette created a mural in Palmdale, CA titled “Modern Ancestry” that paid tribute to the rich indigenous heritage that is part of the national identity. www.aqmni.com.
By July 1, 2025, Cathedral City will have been annexed into the Desert Recreation District (DRD) who will provide, for the first time, regular recreational programming to Cathedral City residents. The DRD will lead efforts to coordinate vendors and logistics for the arts and cultural days scheduled in the park.
Cultural Relevance
How does your project engage with the historical, contemporary, and/or future narratives of the local community, and how will it ensure cultural relevance within the region? Cathedral City celebrates its multicultural heritage! The City of Cathedral City’s adopted vision statement states, “Cathedral City is a safe, family-oriented community that values, respects, and supports human differences and diverse perspectives. We strive to be a vibrant, progressive, enterprising, and visually attractive community. Our diverse housing options and vibrant businesses attract residents and visitors who choose Cathedral City for its culture, arts, special events, and natural resources.” The City Council adopted five-year strategic plan has a goal of being an embracing, inclusive community.
The Hope Rising project at Esperanza Park will utilize murals, music and dance, food, and poetry readings to honor and celebrate the Dream Homes community’s past, present, and their hope for the future. Community engagement will help determine the topics and activities most meaningful to the community, such as rebirth, resurrection, and resilience. In addition to a community-led mural creation, proposed art subjects include design of the community inspired entryway sculpture, “What Hope Means to Me” poetry readings, book giveaways and readings of Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan, along with other art and cultural focused activities coordinated by the Desert Recreation District. Two of the proposed participants for cultural learning and entertainment include inclusion of local Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Bird Singers and Cathedral City High School folklórico dancers. The events will focus on Cathedral City’s tribal heritage and our strong Hispanic roots. The committee will work with the Dream Homes community to finalize the project plan. The recurring events will help activate the park, celebrating the area, sharing and honoring our culture, and continuing Cathedral City’s mission of being the place “Where Art Lives.” Implementation Grant - Full Application
We are thrilled to invite your organization to submit a full application for the Arts in California Parks program. Final rankings will be based solely on the score received on your full application.
Full applications are due on June 13, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
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Project Name*
Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural Celebration
Organization Type
Please select your organization type from the options below.
If invited to submit a full application, nonprofit organizations will be asked to upload 501c3 status letter from IRS.
Local Government Agency
Grant Request Amount
As the projected budget estimates of the LOI process were directional and not binding, please update the grant request amount here if applicable. However, please be sure that your request remains within 10% of the previous request.
98167
Program Goals*
What are your goals for the project and the participant’s experience? Hope Rising will activate Esperanza Park, which opened on May 22, 2025, welcoming neighbors and visitors to this new public space, promoting fun and culturally relevant activities to ensure the park remains a safe place for all to enjoy. Through activation, Cathedral City will be able to share our culture with all who visit and help the Dream Homes community heal from shared trauma. Cathedral City wants Esperanza Park to become a place of healing and the place for celebrating this portion of the community. The new Public Art will help bring the community together and create a sense of ownership for the residents.
Utilizing community outreach, creating tangible art, and facilitating cultural celebrations, Hope Rising will honor the past, present, and future of the Dream Homes neighborhood and Cathedral City.
The project will also help celebrate Cathedral City’s diverse cultures through four themed events: Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Present, Visions of the Future, and Together We Heal. Each event will center around the community working together to paint a mural section centered around the event's theme, culminating into a nearly 300 sq ft mural. Located on the 9.5 ft x 30 ft wall facing the entry to CV Link, the mural will showcase the Dream Homes and Cathedral City culture for all travelers to see. The planned events will utilize art activities, music, cultural performances, storytelling, poetry, and food to bring the community together and celebrate our shared heritage.
To achieve these overarching goals, the Hope Rising Committee will:
- Complete a call for artists for painting and design of the community mural, bringing all submissions to the Public Arts Commission for a panel review. The final concepts will be brought to the community for review and acceptance.
- Utilize partners to assist with community engagement
- Work with community leaders and organizations to bring finalists for community approval. - Work with Desert Recreation District to plan and coordinate four themed community events. - Implement four themed community events, installing the art and promoting art celebrating our varied culture.
Participant Experience*
Describe what participants might observe, interact with, and/or participate in during the program.
Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
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The Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural Celebration will take place over four community events centered around hope, vibrancy, and renewal. Throughout each event, the community will work with a professional muralist to complete part of the “paint by number” mural. The mural will face the multi-modal trail park entrance, visible to all who travel CV Link: a 42-mile trail system through Coachella Valley. Each event will incorporate the event’s theme into the mural, instilling pride in the public art.
The event series begins with Echoes of the Past—a celebration honoring the cultural roots and ancestral stories of the Dream Homes community. This event will honor local traditions with performances by Cathedral City High School’s folklórico dancers and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI) Bird Singers. A curated Memory Lane art installation will display historic photos and stories contributed by residents. Traditional artisans will showcase handmade cultural goods as attendees participate in a papel picado workshop, expressing their cultural pride with vibrant paper art and serving as the next event’s art installation.
Voices of the Present captures the vibrant energy, talent, and identity of the Dream Homes community and Cathedral City today. The park will come alive with performances by local bands, spoken word artists, and music reflecting the neighborhood and community’s dynamic and diverse spirit. “What Hope Means to Me” will give residents the chance to share their voices through poetry, storytelling, and lived experience. Book giveaways and readings of Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan will teach complex themes. Resource booths will highlight local programs focused on arts, wellness, and youth development. Children and families will create hope flags and participate in a mini canvas painting workshop.
Visions of the Future allows the community to dream boldly, looking ahead with hope and imagination. An Innovation Zone will showcase arts, STEM, and career readiness programs. Attendees will contribute to an interactive Dream Board Wall, expressing their hopes for the future. Young performers will inspire with music, dance, and storytelling. Children will craft themed art with recycled materials, connecting environmental consciousness and creativity.
The final event, Together We Heal, will be a powerful celebration of connection, restoration, and community resilience. A ceremonial blessing by a representative of ACBCI will honor the land, setting an intentional tone of gratitude and unity. The event will also feature cultural performances to bring the community together through shared rhythm and tradition. A Wellness Row will offer yoga sessions, mental health resources, and free wellness screenings while a Community Partner Village with local organizations shares social events and programming. Families will engage in reflective activities, creating kindness stones and planting seed bombs, reinforcing themes of healing and growth.
Concept Illustrations*
Provide visual or conceptual materials to illustrate your concept. These materials should align with your project’s current stage of development. If artists have been selected, include relevant visuals; if artists are still being identified, provide materials that represent the project’s vision. All files should be clearly labeled with your project name and organization.
File Upload Options:
• Images/renderings: Up to 10 high-quality images (300dpi) with descriptions. Images may include previous work samples, conceptual sketches, or relevant visual references. • Video Links: Provide a video link (YouTube, Vimeo) for performance or interactive elements, not exceeding 5 minutes.
• Portfolio or Proposal PDF document (optional): If preferred, applicants may submit a single PDF combining images with brief descriptions instead of visual uploads.
Note: Applicants are encouraged to provide clear narrative responses in the application. Required project details – such as vision, deliverables, artist qualifications, and process – will be addressed separately in textbased questions.
City of Cathedral City Hope Rising Vision Board 6.13.25 3.pdf Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
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Access and Inclusion*
How does your project promote access and inclusion?
All will be welcome at our events! To help promote the events, we will utilize multiple forms of advertisements, including mailers, social media blasts, direct outreach to neighborhood schools, and our website. All advertisements will be in both English and Spanish. Events will also feature a variety of activities, giving attendees the ability to express their creativity in multiple ways. In addition to the mural paintings, we will have music, dance, poetry corners, Dream Board walls, and many other offerings. The events will be in a centralized location in the park, in an area where all can reach. Utilizing the concrete areas will ensure all that will be able to attend the events, regardless of their physical ability. Activities will also have adaptive options available.
Each event will also incorporate cultural inclusions, sharing each other’s experiences with the community at large, following the main event theme. Installations will include a curated Memory Lane art installation displaying historic photos and stories contributed by residents; performances by local bands, spoken word artists, and music that reflect the neighborhood’s dynamic and diverse spirit; and cultural performances, including Indigenous drumming and dance, to bring the community together through shared rhythm and tradition.
Community Benefit*
How will your project directly benefit the local community? Directly address the ways in which your project will bring art and nature together as a catalyst for community connection, health, well-being, and/or placemaking in local parks.
Esperanza Park will serve as a place of rebirth for the Dream Homes community. The neighborhood, once without equitable access to recreational facilities, is now home to the newest and largest park in Cathedral City. Opened May 22nd, the park has already seen families come play and enjoy the outdoors. As one of the first completed stops for CV Link, other communities also have the ability to walk or bike to the new park, turning Dream Homes into a destination and not just another community.
Hope Rising will activate Esperanza Park, curating a safe and inviting area for visitors to enjoy the outdoors and local art. Each event will incorporate a theme correlating with the mural section being completed, with the goal of the community expressing and sharing their culture, history, and hope for the future. In addition to the mural, each event will incorporate art and activities, building upon the event’s theme. This will allow residents to express themselves in a safe and supportive space and will help transform public opinion of the neighborhood whose history is full of strife and difficulties.
Additional activities will include a curated Memory Lane art installation, inviting reflection and conversation about the neighborhood’s journey; resource booths highlighting local programs focused on arts, wellness, and youth development; youth organizations hosting an Innovation Zone, showcasing STEM, arts, and career readiness programs; and a ceremonial blessing by a representative of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, honoring the land and setting an intentional tone of gratitude and unity.
Collaboration*
How will the project strengthen connections and collaborations between community organizations, community and land managers?
Before events can take place, Hope Rising will complete a call for artists and a community approval meeting.
This meeting will help finalize the mural. Agua Caliente Elementary School is centralized in Dream Homes, providing a central location for the community meeting and engagement with students on ideas for murals for the park. The City received 400 responses from the students with their ideas on names for the park and Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
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drawings of what they would like to do at the park. Nearly 200 students also submitted drawings of what they would like the entryway sculpture to depict.
Hope Rising will be one of the first major recreation programs hosted by Desert Recreation District (DRD) in Cathedral City. Before being annexed into DRD (effective July 1), recreation programs were not common in Cathedral City. Without the ability to regularly host recreation programs, Cathedral City instead hosted a handful of larger events. With DRD, residents will now have access to multiple events throughout the Coachella Valley. Hope Rising will serve as an introduction to DRD’s programming, with options such as swimming lessons, guitar and piano lessons, dance and exercise classes, and sports to name a few. Not only will the community learn what DRD has to offer, information booths at each event will also ask residents what programming they would like to see in the community. Cathedral City and DRD will also continue to collaborate with the local communities throughout Hope Rising, ensuring the events reflect the community’s desires.
Community organizations will also be invited to host information booths or activities. Each organization will share what they provide with the community and receive feedback from residents. The organizations include Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, Cathedral City Senior Center, S.C.R.A.P. Gallery, and Tools for Tomorrow.
Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City’s mission is “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” They will assist with community outreach and activities during community celebrations in the neighborhood.
Cathedral City Senior Center offers social, recreational, educational, and health-related programs to over 600 local members. Cathedral City Senior Center will assist with community outreach.
S.C.R.A.P Gallery is an environmental/art organization delivering art and environmental education to children in the region. S.C.R.A.P. will assist with art activites during events.
Tools For Tomorrow provides free, after-school literacy programs integrating Creative Writing, Art, Music and Theater for children ages seven to eleven. During the events, Tools for Tomorrow will provide information on their programs and activities for attendees.
Creative Development*
How will this project support artists’ career development and/or strengthen the regional creative economy? Please describe specific strategies for artist mentorship, training, and/or equitable compensation.
The Coachella Valley, and specifically Cathedral City, is home to many local artists. The Perez Arts District in Cathedral City is one of the largest regions of artists in the Coachella Valley. Desert Open Studios annually showcases over 150 regional artists through a weekend of open studios. The Public Arts Commission has also developed a list of local artists who have submitted during prior calls for artists. With the Public Arts Commission’s help, Cathedral City is working to strengthen the Downtown Arts District, helping to further promote our extremely talented resident artists.
During Hope Rising, the City’s Public Arts Commission will advertise a Call for Artists to identify artists for the mural project. As with past efforts, the City will reach out to local and regional artists and will focus on submissions from California artists. The Public Arts Commission will try to identify if there are any artists currently residing in the Dream Homes neighborhood and invite them to participate in the calls for artists.
Utilizing community feedback, the Public Arts Commission will recommend selections that can best bring the community’s vision to light. Artists will be paid fairly for their work and will be promoted through the City’s social media, helping to increase their recognition.
Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
Printed On: 13 June 2025
2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation
Grant 12
Communication Strategy*
Describe your strategy for communicating with your community about your program, including how you will encourage involvement or keep people informed. What specific tools (social media, printed materials, mailings, newsletters, etc.) will you use to effectively engage your audience and promote participation? Cathedral City will partner with multiple organizations to ensure the best outcome for our communities.
Desert Recreation District (DRD), experienced and competent in working with multilingual communities, will facilitate outreach and plan the mural painting events. Currently identified leaders from within the community will also be brought in to help connect with neighborhood residents. The Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) also has a subcommittee identified that worked within the neighborhood to name the park that will be leveraged.
The Hope Rising Committee will send periodic mailers out to the Dream Homes community, letting them know the date and location of the approval meeting and requests to fill out surveys to gather opinions. The Hope Rising Planning Committee will also post information online on Cathedral City’s website and social media platforms. The meeting will give residents a chance to give input and express their ideas before the final artist selection.
The Hope Rising Planning Committee will utilize bilingual (English and Spanish) mailers, social media blasts, surveys, and a community meeting to communicate with the community. Past Community Outreach efforts have favored these outreach options.
Mailers featuring a call to action will be sent out periodically to the Dream Homes community. These will include items such as surveys to complete, meeting locations to attend, and scheduled events. Sending these bilingual mailers directly to residents will help ensure they know when, where, and how to attend meetings and events. If they are unable to attend, they will also know where to receive updates and submit comments or requests.
The Hope Rising Planning Committee will also utilize social media and the Cathedral City website to perform announcements. Adding this communication strategy will give another notice to residents who may not have received the mailers.
The committee will also host the meeting in a centralized location. Agua Caliente Elementary School, located in the center of the Dream Homes community, is the tentative location. The school was the meeting site for most of the community meetings during Esperanza Park’s design. The meeting will utilize a translator so all members of the community can participate. To help families with young children, art classes will be held during the meeting. This will allow parents to participate in the meeting while children can express their hopes for Esperanza Park.
Surveys and voting will be used to ensure community members’ voices are heard throughout the process. We will provide options to vote in person at the meetings, email, and allow citizens to drop off or mail surveys to City Hall.
Project Timeline*
Please provide detailed project timeline outlining key milestones, deadlines, and deliverables. The timeline should indicate when major activities will take place, starting as early as October 2025.
Once awarded, the Hope Rising Committee will start immediately planning the call for artists, anticipated to be completed October 9, 2025. Copies of the advertisements will serve as the deliverable for this step. Artists will have a month to respond to the call, anticipated November 6, 2025. Responses will be sent to the Public Arts Commission for review. A list will be provided as the deliverable. The Public Arts Commission will have 2 weeks (anticipated November 20, 2025) to review the applicants and develop a top eligibility list. A list of the finalists will be provided as the deliverable.
Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
Printed On: 13 June 2025
2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation
Grant 13
Once finalists are selected, the Hope Rising Committee will announce the date of the community meeting to develop final concepts, anticipated December 15, 2025. Surveys will be available for those unable to attend.
During this meeting, the finalists and their draft concepts will be presented to the community. The community will then have a chance to provide feedback and their desires for the mural themes and vote for the finalist. Copies of the mailers, meeting minutes, and the artist contract will serve as deliverables for this step.
Desert Recreation District and the Hope Rising Committee will start planning the events after artist selection.
Details for the first event will be finalized by the time the mural is approved by City Council (anticipated January 23, 2026). Other events will be finalized as the event approaches (approximately 2 weeks before the event.)
The selected artist will then have two and a half weeks (anticipated January 1, 2026) to incorporate the community’s feedback into their final concept. The final mural will be approved at the next Public Arts Commission (anticipated January 13, 2026) and then approved by the City Council (anticipated January 23, 2026). The final concept and approvals from the City Council and Public Arts Commission will serve as deliverables.
Once approved, it will be time to announce the event timeline and send out notices. The first event, Echoes of the Past, is anticipated mid-February. The second, Voices of the Present, is anticipated mid-March. Visions of the Future, the third event, is anticipated mid-April. The final event, Together We Heal, is anticipated in May.
Photos and videos of the events and vendor and artist contracts will be provided after each event.
The final report will be completed within 30 days of the last event, anticipated June 30, 2026.
Estimated Number of Events/Programming Days*
Please consider each day of events/programming as a separate event. 4 Estimated Number of Program Participants*
Please estimate the total number of program participants in your project as a whole. 8000
Organizational Capacity*
Describe your organization’s capacity to implement the proposed project and the principal staff involved. Detail any anticipated needs for hiring new and/or limited term staff to complete the proposed project, including the roles they would fill and how they would contribute to the project’s success.
The City is finalizing annexation into the Desert Recreation District (DRD), the largest recreation district in California. The DRD will provide park maintenance and programming in Cathedral City. They have a capacity for programming that the City has not had before. DRD has already hired a Community Services Supervisor who is leading the charge to develop programming throughout the City, including the proposed activities under this grant. She will be supported by part-time and contract staff.
The City’s Communications and Special Events department will also support these events through publicity, social media, photography, videography, and graphic design. The department produces the city’s four key annual signature events: Taste of Jalisco, an annual celebration, honoring the sister city relationship between Cathedral City and Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico through culture, cuisine, music, and fashion; the Cathedral City LGBT+ Days, California’s first Pride event of the year, brings together LGBTQ+ residents and visitors for a weekend of live entertainment, community engagement and fun activities every March; the Annual Hot Air Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
Printed On: 13 June 2025
2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation
Grant 14
Balloon Festival which draws close to 20,000 attendees; and the city’s newest event, Taste and Sounds of Cathedral City, a weekly event showcasing the city’s local restaurants and talented local artists.
Recreational, cultural, and arts programming in Cathedral City is also supported by two commissions: the Public Arts Commission (PAC) and Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE). Both commissions have a long history of promoting cultural events to showcase and celebrate the local community. PAC advances performing and visual art in the community by making recommendations to the City Council for the selection, acquisition, and installation of public art; supports the production of live art performances; and sponsors programs and cooperative ventures with other art organizations. The commission administers a grant program ($20,000) to support local artists. Some of the City’s recent artistic events include a book reading and signing of the “The Old Gays Guide to the Good Life” by internet sensation, LGBTQ+ activists, and locals, The Old Gays; quarterly art exhibits of local Cathedral City artists, and completion of a recent project that brought in twenty-three artists to paint benches to beautify Ocotillo Park. PAC has begun public engagement for an entryway sculpture for Esperanza Park, which will be funded by developer in-lieu fees.
The PACE Commission has also conducted many smaller scale programs in city parks across the City. Some key accomplishments of the PACE Commission have been free Yoga in the Park, a Howloween Dog Costume Contest, the new Feliz Navi Dog Costume Competition, participation in the City’s Snowfest events, and supporting other events where needed. PACE was instrumental in helping bring in the Dream Homes residents to provide input in the planning, development and naming of Esperanza Park.
Potential Challenges*
What are some anticipated challenges (internal and/or external) that your organization may encounter when implementing your project/program plan? What are potential strategies for overcoming them? Staff does not anticipate any major challenges with the implementation of this program plan. The city is thrilled to have the Desert Recreation District and their staffing on board as a critical partner to implement the activities of the grant.
The Dream Homes community is a low-income, working-class community. Many of its residents work late or evening hours, making regular meetings a difficult challenge. To help address this, Hope Rising Planning Committee will schedule meetings related to the selection of art in the evenings. Meetings will take place in a centralized location for the community, primarily at Agua Caliente Elementary School, allowing residents to walk, bike, or drive to the meeting. Childcare activities will be provided to enable more families to attend. The childcare activities will be provided by Desert Recreation District and focus on art projects tied to the theme of hope. Staff will also mail flyers and post information on the City’s website. Any voting or requests for ideas will be available in person, by mail, or drop-off at City Hall.
The Dream Homes community is a primarily Hispanic community with many adult residents only speaking Spanish. Bilingual materials and meetings with translators will be provided to promote inclusivity.
Maintenance
If applicable, outline your strategy for maintaining temporary or permanent art installations, detailing the maintenance schedule, and alternative funding sources.
Please note, maintenance costs beyond the project period are not eligible expenses for this grant.
Cathedral City will incorporate the mural into their current public art maintenance schedule. Maintenance will include periodic graffiti removal and touchups as needed. We will also work closely with our chosen artist to help finalize any maintenance plans.
Completed murals will be covered in an Anti-Graffiti coating, helping extend the life and quality of the projects. Any graffiti can also be reported on the MyCathedralCity Mobile App: an application created for our residents to report any concerns to city staff such as city code violations, graffiti, parks maintenance, potholes, sidewalk defects, and traffic signs.
Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
Printed On: 13 June 2025
2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation
Grant 15
For any touchups, Cathedral City will work with the artist. This will ensure the mural can last up to and potentially past the expected lifespan and will help protect the integrity of the art piece.
Environmental Sustainability*
How, if at all, will your project support artist development of environmental sustainability within their practices, encourage actions to control, and offset the harmful impacts of material use or fabrication methods? Hope Rising will promote multiple environmentally friendly options during the event. First, utilizing active transportation to attend the events will be promoted. Utilizing active transportation such as walking or biking will not only help reduce carbon emissions for the events but will help the community get active. Esperanza Park is the first park located along the CV Link trail system, an over 40-mile multi-modal trail that traverses the Coachella Valley, enabling residents from other cities to also utilize alternative transportation to the event.
S.C.R.A.P. Gallery will also provide environmental education for children. Utilizing discarded and donated materials, S.C.R.A.P. teaches children about complex environmental issues and helps them express their creativity.
DRD will contract with local wildlife experts to provide education on the local wildlife and biodiversity. This booth will help spread the importance of biodiversity and provide a fun learning experience for children and adults alike.
Events will also promote recycling, providing multiple recycling bins throughout the park.
Additional Project Details
Use this section to share any additional project details not covered in the previous responses that could help evaluate your proposal.
One Application Per Organization Confirmation
Is your organization involved in any other Arts in California Parks grant proposals?*
If you have selected "Yes", please specify in the text box below.
No
If Yes - Your Organizations is involved in other Arts in California Parks grant proposals:
How is your organization involved in other Arts in California Parks grant proposals? Please specify.
Are any of your partner organizations involved in other Arts in California Parks grant proposals?*
If you have selected "Yes", please specify in the text box below.
No
Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
Printed On: 13 June 2025
2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation
Grant 16
If Yes - Partner Organizations are involved in other Arts in California Parks grant proposals:
How is/are your partner organization(s) involved in other Arts in California Parks grant proposals? Please specify.
Attachments
Partnership Documentation
Coordination with Primary Land Manager
If you are not the primary local park land manager, please provide the landowner's confirmation of coordination with the applying community organization (e.g. emails, letters of support).
Coordination with Additional Land Managers (if applicable) If your project takes place at land owned by multiple owners, please include the types of agreements in place between the applicant and landowners. Please ensure these agreements are combined into a single, submittable file.
Coordination with Primary Community Partner
If you are the primary local park land manager, please provide confirmation of coordination with the primary community organization (e.g. emails, letters of support).
Cathedral City Hope Rising LOS.pdf
Project Budget*
Upload a detailed project budget using the Arts in California Parks Budget Template, which includes a built-in budget narrative section. The budget should outline all project expenses, specifying how the Arts in California funds will be used and identifying any external funding sources.
Within the budget narrative section of the template, provide a brief explanation for each cost category, detailing how expenses align with project objectives and distinguishing between grant-funded and externally funded costs.
Please submit your file in an .xlsx format.
Cathedral City Hope Rising Implementation Grant Budget.xlsx Photo Release*
Provide an example of your organization’s participant photo release form. Parks California and California State Parks may request photos of your program for reporting, marketing, and/or storytelling purposes.
Photograph-Video Release and Waiver Form.pdf
Additional Information
Did your organization participate in any technical assistance opportunities? Please select any technical assistance opportunities that your organization attended and/or participated in. Your feedback in this section will help us enhance grant cycles and will not affect funding decisions.
Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
Printed On: 13 June 2025
2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation
Grant 17
Information Webinar
Arts in California Parks Resource Hub and/or FAQ
Please estimate how long it took you to complete this proposal and suggest any improvements.
Amanda Geisendorfer City of Cathedral City
Printed On: 13 June 2025
2025 Arts in California Parks - Implementation
Grant 18
File Attachment Summary
Applicant File Uploads
• City of Cathedral City Hope Rising Vision Board 6.13.25 3.pdf • Cathedral City Hope Rising LOS.pdf
• Cathedral City Hope Rising Implementation Grant Budget.xlsx • Photograph-Video Release and Waiver Form.pdf
• 2024 City of Cathedral City ACFR.pdf
• 2024 City of Cathedral City ACFR.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/live/_bR
M10UsR0?feature=shared
Singing the Birds 2024
Singing the Birds YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/live/_bR-M10UsR0?feature=shared&t=1359
June 9, 2025
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager
City of Cathedral City
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Dear Ms. Ambrose,
As chairs of the Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) and the Public Arts Commission (PAC)
Art in Parks grant program. The proposed Hope Rising cultural arts series at Esperanza Park represents a meaningful collaboration between our commissions and the community we serve.
is in
most culturally rich and underserved neighborhoods. From the earliest planning stages, through the development and naming of the park (Esperanza which means hope), PACE has worked with the community and staff to ensure that residents needs and desires were achieved in the creation of this public space. The Public Arts Commission has taken the baton and has begun working with the community to provide input into the creation of a large-scale public art piece that will grace the entrance of the park. After a listening session facilitated in both English and Spanish, the vision for the piece is about resilience, rising from the ashes, and rebirth with words provided by the residents and artwork of what the sculpture could be provided by the students at the neighboring Agua Caliente Elementary School. The residents will be active participants in helping select the final art piece.
Both commissions have worked City staff to develop this four-part series Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Present, Visions of the Future, and Together We Heal to reflect the unique cultural identity, resilience, and creative spirit of the Dream Homes community.
This initiative is not only a celebration of Hispanic heritage and an acknowledgment of the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians it is also a powerful example of how public spaces can be activated through the arts to foster unity, healing, and pride. The inclusion of live performances, intergenerational workshops, a collaborative community mural, and culturally grounded wellness and resource activities will transform Esperanza Park into a vibrant hub of connection and expression.
As commissions dedicated to elevating the quality of life for residents through arts, culture, and inclusive public programming, we are proud to have helped shape this vision. We will continue to provide guidance, volunteer support, and community outreach to ensure the success of this series.
We enthusiastically endorse this grant application and are confident that Hope Rising will have a lasting impact not only on Esperanza Park, but on the cultural landscape of Cathedral City as a whole.
Sincerely,
Erin Hyland, Chair
Parks and Community Events Commission
Craig Liebelt, Chair
Public Arts Commission
President:
Julie Frazier
Frazier Pest Control
Vice President:
Austin Beneteau
Modern Woodmen
Treasurer:
Ralph Thompson-Cantua
Community Advocate
Secretary:
Elizabeth Grant
Community Advocate
Directors:
Christy Austin
Lender, Fairway Mortgage
Chief Michael Contreras
Cathedral City Fire
Department
Craig Bruce
Evolve Health & Lifestyle
Karen Cornett
P.S.U.S.D. School Board
Cmdr. Jon Enos
Cathedral City Police
Department
Christina Gordon
Vice President, Marketing
Julio Luna
Retired - Cathedral City
Police Department
Jack Rivers
Canyon Print & Signs
Chief Executive Officer:
Scott Robinson
Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City Tax I.D. #95-3507225 32141 Whispering Palms Trail, Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.770.4965 www.bgcccity.org June 12, 2025
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager
City of Cathedral City
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Dear Ms. Ambrose,
On behalf of the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, I am writing to express our enthusiastic support for the City’s application to the California Arts Council’s Art in Parks grant program. We are especially excited about the proposed Hope Rising event series at the new Esperanza Park, which aligns deeply with our mission to enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
This dynamic four-part series—Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Present, Visions of the Future, and Together We Heal—beautifully blends cultural celebration, artistic expression, and community empowerment. It creates an inclusive space for families and youth to connect with their heritage, express themselves creatively, and envision a hopeful future. The City’s thoughtful approach to honoring both the neighborhood’s Hispanic roots and the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is commendable and inspiring.
The Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City is proud to partner with the City on this initiative.
We are committed to participating in the Hope Rising series through youth-led art activities, performance opportunities, and hands-on workshops that engage our members and amplify their voices. Our team looks forward to contributing to the Innovation Zone, supporting the creation of the community mural, and helping build out the Community Partner Village at the culminating event.
We commend the City for investing in programs that strengthen community pride, promote healing through the arts, and provide safe, creative spaces for youth and families. We believe this series will have a lasting positive impact on the Dream Homes neighborhood and beyond.
Please count on our full support and participation as you move forward with this important and uplifting project.
Sincerely,
Scott Robinson
Chief Executive Officer
June 6, 2025
Mayor Nancy Ross
City of Cathedral City
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Dear Mayor Ross and Members of the City Council,
On behalf of the SCRAP Gallery, I am writing to express our enthusiastic support for the City of Cathedral City’s application to the California Arts Council’s Art in Parks grant program. The Hope Rising cultural arts series at Esperanza Park aligns perfectly with our mission to actively engage youth and families in environmental education and creative expression through repurposed materials.
As a longtime community partner and advocate for environmental and artistic enrichment, we proudly support this meaningful initiative. The Hope Rising series—Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Present, Visions of the Future, and Together We Heal is a powerful and creative approach to honoring culture, fostering community, and promoting sustainability through public art and events. We are particularly excited about the integration of recycled and eco-friendly materials into youth art-making activities, such as the Hope Flags, papel picado workshops, and the Dream Board Wall.
SCRAP Gallery is committed to being an active partner in this project. We will provide hands-on workshops and engaging art experiences at the events, using reused and repurposed materials to help children and families explore environmental creativity. Through our participation, we aim to reinforce messages of sustainability, resilience, and imaginative thinking at the heart of our organization and the Hope Rising program.
We applaud the City for investing in innovative, inclusive programming that celebrates the cultural richness of the Dream Homes neighborhood while honoring the land and its original people. This initiative is a shining example of how art, culture, and environmental stewardship can come together to strengthen and inspire a community. We look forward to supporting and participating in this inspiring series.
Warm regards,
Karen Riley
Executive Director
760/861-6479
[email protected]
Applicant:
Program/Project Name:
Total Grant Amount
Requested $ 98,167.00
Budget Item Notes/ Description of Costs Arts in CA Parks Request Other Funding Secured Item Total Budget Expenses
Project Staff / Personnel
Assistant City Manager 60 hours @ $136.95 $ - $ 8,217.00 $ 8,217.00 Communications & Events Manager 60 hours @ $82.51 $ - $ 4,951.00 $ 4,951.00 Senior Analyst 60 hours @ $52.76 $ - $ 3,166.00 $ 3,166.00 Administrative Assistant 4 hours @ $99.00 $ - $ 396.00 $ 396.00 Recreation Supervisor 160 hours @ $53.93 $ 8,629.00 $ - $ 8,629.00 Recreation Instructors 10 employees @ 64 hours @ $23.86 $ 15,270.40 $ - $ 15,270.40 $ -
Subtotal, Staff $ 23,899.40 $ 16,730.00 $ 40,629.40
Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural Celebration
Arts in California Parks | Local Parks Grant Program
Budget | 2025 Implementation Grant
BUDGET TEMPLATE
City of Cathedral City
Budget Narrative: Integrated into Project Budget
Program Operating Costs
Community Event - Supplies 4 Events @ $673.15 $ 2,692.60 $ - $ 2,692.60 Community Event - Mural Painting
Supplies 4 Events @ $500 $ 3,000.00 $ - $ 3,000.00
Books for Book Reading 700 Each @ $5 $ 3,500.00 $ 3,500.00 Entryway Scuplture 1 Each @ $173,000 $ - $ 173,000.00 $ 173,000.00 $ -
Subtotal, Operating Costs $ 9,192.60 $ 173,000.00 $ 182,192.60 Cynthia Morquecho, Community Services Supervisor will serve as the Recreation Supervisor. As a staff member of Desert Recreation District (DRD), she will serve as the Event Coordinator Lead. It is estimated Cynthia will spend 160 hours on the project. Her time will be spent attending the public meeting (4 hours), planning and setting up events with Recreation Instructors (144 hours), and attending and working the events (4 events at 4 hours each for 12 hours total).
Recreation Instructors will be essential to ensuring smooth operations, meaningful engagement, and participant safety across all four community events. Their responsibilities will include: event setup and breakdown, including logistics, signage, and equipment assistance; supporting interactive stations such as youth workshops, art activities, and poetry slam; providing crowd management, participant support, and directional assistance; assisting partner organizations and vendors throughout the event; and participating in pre-event orientation and training sessions. With four large-scale events spread across several months, these staff members will help to deliver high-quality, inclusive, and well-coordinated community experience. Distributing responsibilities across 10 staff will ensure appropriate coverage and capacity while maintaining a welcoming and safe environment for all attendees.
Budget Narrative: Personnel costs are based on the approximate time staff will spend during the project and their hourly rate with benefits.
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, will serve as the Project Lead. She will coordinate between the residents, the Public Arts Commission, the Parks and Community Events Commission, subcontractors, and project staff to ensure all deliverables are met. It is estimated that Anne will spend 60 hours on the project. Her time will be spent attending the public meeting (4 hours), announcing and reviewing submitted calls for artists (12 hours), planning and setting up events (32 hours), and attending and working the events (4 events at 4 hours each for 12 hours total). Her pay rate of $136.95 multiplied by 60 hours and rounded to the nearest whole dollar is $8,217.00.
Ryan Hunt, Communications & Events Manager, will serve as the Community Outreach Lead. He will coordinate with vendors and our internal team to prepare marketing and community outreach materials. It is estimated that Ryan will spend 60 hours on the project. His time will be spent attending the public meeting (4 hours), working with the internal team to develop marketing materials (12 hours), planning and setting up events (32 hours), and attending and working the events (4 events at 4 hours each for 12 hours total). His pay rate of $82.51 multiplied by 60 hours and rounded to the nearest whole dollar is $4,951.00.
Amanda Geisendorfer, Senior Analyst will serve as the Project Administrator. She will coordinate between the Public Arts Commission, the Parks and Community Events Commission, and project staff to ensure all reporting and accounting needs are met. It is estimated that Amanda will spend 60 hours on the project. Her time will be spent attending the public meeting (4 hours), gathering and recording information (16 hours), ensuring payables and receivables are properly recorded (16 hours), and completing all reporting documents (16 hours). Her pay rate of $52.76 multiplied by 60 hours and rounded to the nearest whole dollar is $3,166.00.
Michelle Molina, Administrative Assistant will serve as the Live Translator. She will attend the public meeting and translate for our Spanish speaking residents. It is estimated Michelle will spend 4 hours on the project, all of which will be at the public meeting.
Marketing and Communications
Community Engagement Materials
and Supplies 1 Meetings @ $125 each $ 125.00 $ - $ 125.00 Mailers - Printing and Mailing 5 Mailers @ $300 each $ 1,500.00 $ - $ 1,500.00 Call for Artists and Bid Requests -
Mural and Sculpture 2 Calls @ $250 each $ 500.00 $ 500.00 $ -
Subtotal, Marketing and Comms - $ 1,625.00 $ 500.00 $ 2,125.00 Subcontractors
Mural Creation 4 Events $ 50,000.00 $ - $ 50,000.00
Translator - Mailers 1 Meeting and 4 Events $ 450.00 $ - $ 450.00 S.C.R.A.P. Gallery Art Classes 4 Events $ 2,000.00 $ - $ 2,000.00 Mural Painting Event - DJ Will serve as MC at 4 events $ 6,000.00 $ - $ 6,000.00 Cathedral City High School Ballet
Folklórico 1 Event $ 500.00 $ - $ 500.00
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Bird Singers 1 Event $ 1,000.00 $ - $ 1,000.00
Budget Narrative: Program Operating Costs are based off of estimated event and Esperanza Park Public Art costs.
Community Event - Supplies: This budget item will cover event material not related to the Mural Painting activity. This will include costs such as creating and displaying temporary art displays (such as the Memory Lane art installation), information booth supplies, and flyers.
Community Event - Mural Painting Supplies: This budget item will cover supply costs not provided by the mural artist. This will include items such as materials for priming and sealing the mural wall, drop cloths, paint brushes for participants to use, and paper cups to hold paint while participants paint.
Books for Book Reading: This budget item will cover the cost of 700 copies of Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Copies will be available in English and Spanish so all children will have the ability to read the novel. A book reading will also take place during one of the events, hosted by local non-profit Read With Me.
Entryway Sculpture: This budget item will cover costs related to the Esperanza Park Entryway sculpture. Dream Homes Park residents' vision for the sculpture will come to life throughout the project.
Cathedral City staff will provide sculpture updates to the residents at each event, allowing them to select from finalist concepts and submit any additional feedback.
Budget Narrative: Marketing and Communications costs are based off of historical costs.
Community Engagement Material and Supplies: This budget line item will cover the costs for printing information packets during the public meeting. It is estimated most costs will be negligible with the use of technology. However, paper copies will be provided for those wishing to take notes or save information.
Mailers - Printing and Mailing: This budget line item will cover the costs for printing and mailing informational postcards to residents. Residents will receive one postcard notifying them of the public meeting and four event notifications.
Call for Artists and Bid Requests: This budget line item will cover the costs for posting bids requests for the mural and the sculpture. Utilizing a centralized bidding program and social media will help ensure a wide selection of bidders.
Local Musician Fees Additional Entertainment $ 3,500.00 $ - $ 3,500.00 Subtotal, Subcontractors $ 63,450.00 $ - $ 63,450.00
Other (Permits, insurance fees, travel,
etc)
$ - $ -
$ - $ -
$ - $ -
$ - $ -
$ - $ -
Subtotal, Other $ - $ - $ -
Totals
$ 98,167.00
$ 190,230.00
Total Project Budget $ 98,167.00 $ 190,230.00 $ 288,397.00 Budget Narrative:
Budget Narrative: Subcontractors costs are based off of historical and estimated costs.
Mural Creation: This budget line item will cover artist fees associated with designing and painting the mural. Over the course of four events, the artist will paint an outline and guide residents Translator - Mailers: This budget line item will cover the costs associated with translating mailers. All mailers will be translated into Spanish prior to printing. This will ensure our mailers can be sent out in both English and Spanish, increasing access for our community.
S.C.R.A.P. Gallery Art Classes: This budget line item will cover the costs associated with S.C.R.A.P. Gallery's event booth. This will allow the Non-Profit to provide instructors, art materials, and educational materials at all four events.
Mural Painting Event - DJ: This budget line item will cover the costs associated with setting up audiovisual equipment and act as Master of Ceremony for each event. Selected DJs will introduce local artists and performers, announce special activities, and will entertain during each event.
Cathedral City High School Ballet Folklórico: This budget line item will cover the costs associated with inviting Cathedral City High School Ballet Folklórico. They will be invited to perform during the Echoes of the Past event. The funds will help ensure the club can continue well into the future, sharing thier cultural roots and teaching future generations the classical dance.
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Bird Singers: This budget line item will cover the costs associated with inviting Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Bird Singers. They will be invited to perform during the Echoes of the Past event. The funds will help ensure the Bird Singers can continue performing well into the future, perserving the historical tradition.
Loacl Musician Fees: This budget line item will cover the costs associated with hiring additional, local musicians. The Hope Rising Committee will reach out to local schools' Fine Arts departments and local artists. Selections will be made during the event planning period.
Photograph |Video Release and Waiver Form 04.05.17 1 | P a g e
PHOTOGRAPH/VIDEO RELEASE AND WAIVER FORM
Date: ____/________/__________ Location: _____________________________________ _____________________________________
I hereby agree and grant irrevocable permission to the City of Cathedral City, its officials, employees, volunteers and affiliates, including their respective assignees, agents and licenses, to reproduce, encode, store, copy, transmit, publish, post, broadcast, display, publicly perform, adapt, edit, exhibit, create derivative works and/or otherwise use and reuse the photographs/video and/or images taken of me, in any media, including, without limitation, the internet, for any and all purposes.
I hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the final photographs/video and/or images, including any printed or electronic matter that may be used in conjunction with them, now and at all later times, whether that use is known or unknown to me and hereby waive any right to royalties or any other compensation arising from or related to the use of the photographs/video and/or images. I further waive my right to pursue any and all claims, in law, equity or otherwise, arising from or related to use of the photograph/video and/or image.
Moreover, I hereby agree to defend, and hold harmless the City of Cathedral City for any and all publishing and/or distributing of the photographs/video and/or images, in whole or in part, whether on paper, via electronic media, or on the internet, from and against any and all claims, damages, or liability arising from or related to the use of the photographs/video and/or images, including, but not limited to, any misuse, distortion, blurring, alteration, optical illusion or use in composite form, either intentionally or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in taking, processing, reduction or production of the photographs/video and/or images, its publication or distribution, by the City of Cathedral City or any other individuals and/or entities.
I have read and understand the foregoing release and waiver and agree to its terms:
Printed Name: ___________________________________________Date: ________________________ Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________ Signature of parent/guardian if under 18 years of age __________________________________________ Parks California | 901 H Street, Ste 120, #294 | Sacramento, CA 95814 September 15, 2025
Kevin Biersack
Financial Services Director
City of Cathedral City
68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Re: Grant Award Letter and Grant Agreement for Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural Celebration, Grant #2025-006-AX
Dear Mr. Biersack:
It is a pleasure to inform you that Parks California has approved a grant in the amount of $98,167.00 (Grant) payable to City of Cathedral City. This Grant is to support Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural Celebration.
Unless approved in writing by Parks California, City of Cathedral City must adhere to the terms and conditions of the attached Grant Agreement (Agreement) and the proposal submitted to Parks California on 06/13/2025 (Proposal). If the terms of the Agreement differ from your Proposal, the Agreement will control. By signing the attached Agreement, City of Cathedral City confirms that it agrees to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement.
If the payment or reporting schedules in the Agreement present any significant difficulties for you, please contact us as soon as possible. If the Agreement correctly sets forth your understanding of the terms and conditions of the grant, please have an authorized officer of City of Cathedral City sign and return the attached Agreement. Please retain a copy for your files. Funds will not be released prior to the receipt of the signed Agreement.
Please direct any communications regarding this grant to Sarah Scheideman, Arts in California Parks Program Manager, at [email protected], 760-409-6445. In all correspondence, please refer to the above-referenced grant number.
The Parks California Board of Directors and I are pleased to assist you with this project and wish you success.
Sincerely,
Heana Chung
Vice President, Operations & Finance
Organization: City of Cathedral City Program: Access
Project Name: Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural
Celebration
Grant Number: 2025-006-AX
Grant Amount: $98,167.00
1 GRANT AGREEMENT
This Grant Agreement (Agreement) is entered into as of the Effective Date (defined below) by and between Parks California (ParksCA) and City of Cathedral City (Grantee). ParksCA and Grantee hereby agree as follows:
1. Grant. ParksCA makes this grant of $98,167.00 (Grant) to Grantee to support Hope Rising:
Esperanza Park Cultural Celebration for purposes of the Arts in California Parks Program, as described in this Agreement.
2. Term. The term of the Grant is from the date Grantee signs this Agreement (Effective Date) to the due date of the Final Grant Report, as specified in Attachment 1.
3. Payment and Use of Funds. Upon receipt of this Agreement signed by Grantee, Grant funds will be disbursed according to the schedule in Attachment 1, subject to the provisions of this Agreement. Grantee acknowledges the grant funds are not a gift or donation. Grantee shall expend grant funds exclusively for the stated charitable or educational purpose consistent with its tax-exempt status and as outlined in the Proposal. Funds received may not be used to intervene in any election or to support/oppose political candidates for voter registration, or lobbying purposes as outlined by the applicable IRS code. Grantee shall return any grant funds that are not spent or committed for the purposes of the grant to ParksCA. While this grant is to be restricted/intended for use for the purposes described in Attachment 1, this grant award shall not be deemed to be contingent upon the accomplishment of any specific, measurable barriers. The Grantee shall assume the obligation to furnish any additional funds necessary to complete the scope of this Project.
4. Artwork, Project Materials, Data, Research, Knowledge, and Other Information. The parties agree that a material condition of this Agreement is that Grantee makes the artwork, project materials, data, research, knowledge, and other information developed with the Grant funds freely and promptly available and without condition to ParksCA, consistent with the charitable purposes of the Grant.
5. Tax Status. By entering into this Agreement, Grantee certifies that it is either (1) a tax-exempt entity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) but not a private foundation as defined by Internal Revenue Code Section 509; or (2) a government agency; Grantee shall advise ParksCA immediately, in writing, if its federal tax-exempt status or foundation classification has changed.
6. Grant for a Fiscally Sponsored Project. If Grantee is accepting the funds provided under this Agreement as the fiscal sponsor for the Project or organization, the Grantee shall maintain the Grant funds in a separate bank account, or a separate bookkeeping account within Grantee’s accounting system, and the use of those funds shall be limited to the charitable purposes of this Grant.
7. Reporting. Grantee will deliver written Grant report(s) to ParksCA according to the schedule in Attachment 1 and the format outlined in Attachment 2 (Grant Report Guidelines). Unless provided otherwise, the Grant Report(s) shall follow the reporting guidelines outlined in Attachment 2. Grantee must obtain pre-approval in writing for any reallocation of the budget of 10% or more in any line item, or for creation of a new line item, from ParksCA.
8. Acknowledgement and Publication.
a. Before Grantee makes any public announcement or publishes a written description of the Grant and the Project funded by the Grant, including in the media or on the internet, Grantee shall coordinate with, and seek prior written approval of, all messaging with ParksCA, which also will coordinate such public announcement and messaging with the California Department of Parks Organization: City of Cathedral City Program: Access
Project Name: Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural
Celebration
Grant Number: 2025-006-AX
Grant Amount: $98,167.00
2 and Recreation (Department), as applicable. Grantee understands that ParksCA may also require attribution and/or acknowledgment of ParksCA and/or the Department in any such public announcements and related media regarding the Grant and the Project funded by the Grant. Grantee shall also submit copies of all printed media coverage of or other printed public references to Grantee’s work funded by this Agreement, and shall promptly notify ParksCA, in writing, of all other, related media coverage or public references. If Grantee makes any public announcement or publishes a written description of the Grant, the Grant is to be described as having been “…funded in part by the Arts in California Parks local parks grant program, administered by Parks California.” Further communication and style guidance for referencing the Grant are outlined in Attachment 3.
b. Grantee agrees that ParksCA may include information related to the Grant, including, but not limited to, information and visual assets submitted to ParksCA through applications and reports, in periodic public reports and may refer to the Grant in a press release or other public communication without Grantee’s prior approval.
9. Ownership of Intellectual Property Rights. Copyrights associated with any original works developed in support of the Project activities described in Attachment 1, Exhibit A pursuant to this Agreement, shall belong to the original artist of the Project (Artist) upon creation, and shall continue in Artist’s ownership upon termination of this Agreement. If Artist and Grantee are not one and the same, Grantee will enter into a separate agreement with Artist, and such agreement will contain provisions requiring Artist to register and maintain the copyright for the Project works created, with the United States Copyright Office. Further, Artist and/or Grantee shall grant to ParksCA and the Department a nonexclusive, royalty-free, paid-up, irrevocable, perpetual, world-wide license, to use, reproduce, sell, modify, publicly and privately display and distribute, for any purpose whatsoever, the original works developed pursuant to this Agreement. Grantee’s agreement with Artist will also contain a covenant that Artist will not incorporate into or make the works developed, dependent upon any original works of authorship or Intellectual Property Rights of third parties without first (a) obtaining ParksCA and the Department’s prior written permission, and (b) granting to or obtaining for ParksCA and the Department a nonexclusive, royalty-free, paid-up, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license, to use, reproduce, sell, modify, publicly and privately display and distribute, for any purpose whatsoever, any such prior works. If Grantee is the Artist, Grantee also hereby agrees to all of the foregoing provisions on Grantee’s own behalf.
10. Records. Grantee will maintain financial books and records as required by the Internal Revenue Code and U.S. Department of Treasury Regulations and, if requested by ParksCA or its agent, will promptly make such books and records available to ParksCA or its agent at a reasonable time and location for review and audit. Grantee will keep copies of all books and records for at least four years after the date that all of Grantee’s obligations under this Agreement have been fulfilled.
11. Compliance. Grantee shall ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in the performance of activities under this Agreement, including, without limitation, those laws or requirements regarding authority to conduct business, permits, licenses, tax, employment, reporting, data protection, lobbying and contacts with government officials (including the provision of gifts) as well as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, as amended, and any and all other laws, of any applicable jurisdiction, governing the work performed. Grantee further agrees that no funds received under this Agreement will be used to engage in civil disobedience.
12. Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California, and the parties agree that this Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California, and the parties agree that enforcement of the Agreement, and resolution of any disputes arising out of or related to the subject matter of the Agreement, shall first be submitted to mediation and then, if unsuccessful, venue shall be proper in Sacramento County and the prevailing party shall be entitled to their Organization: City of Cathedral City Program: Access
Project Name: Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural
Celebration
Grant Number: 2025-006-AX
Grant Amount: $98,167.00
3 attorney’s fees and costs incurred except that any party who fails to participate in pre-litigation mediation shall not be entitled to attorney’s fees and costs incurred.
13. Indemnification. Grantee shall indemnify, hold harmless, and defend ParksCA and the Department, their officers, agents, and employees against any and all claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses, or liability costs (including but not limited to attorney fees, expert fees, and cost of suit), arising indirectly or directly or in any way related to the performance of this Agreement by Grantee and/or Artist, by reason of its acts or omissions and/or its obligation pursuant to this Agreement and/or by reason of injury, death, property damage, or any claim arising from the alleged violations of any state or federal law, statute, or regulation, including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Titles I, II and III (ADA), however caused or alleged to have been caused, provided, however, in no event shall Grantee be obligated to defend or indemnify ParksCA or the Department with respect to the willful misconduct, or to the extent of the sole negligence, of ParksCA or the Department, its employees, or agents.
14. Personnel Changes. Grantee shall notify ParksCA immediately and in writing, of any anticipated or actual changes in Artist and/or Grantee’s head of organization, regardless of title, and/or key personnel identified either in the Proposal or this Agreement. Grantee acknowledges and agrees that changes in Grantee’s head of organization, regardless of title, and/or key personnel may trigger ParksCA’s review and reassessment of Grantee’s ability to meet the purposes of the Grant, and that, following such review, ParksCA may decide to impose additional terms, conditions, or other limitations on any unexpended Grant funds, including return of those funds.
15. Acknowledgement of Funding from the Department. Grantee understands and acknowledges that ParksCA has obtained funding from the Department that has enabled ParksCA to provide the Grant funds to Grantee under this Agreement, in accordance with Project(s) outlined under the Work Order Process Agreement, by and among the Department and ParksCA (Process Agreement). While Grantee is not considered to be a vendor or sub-contractor under the Process Agreement, Grantee hereby agrees to comply with Section L “Hold Harmless Agreement,” and Section R “NonDiscrimination Clause” of the Process Agreement, to the extent applicable to Grantee’s obligations under this Agreement and as those terms and conditions are included in Attachment 4 of this Agreement.
16. Agreement with Local Park. For all Projects proposed that include performance, display or installation in a local park or real property not owned by Grantee, Grantee shall enter into an agreement, approved by ParksCA, with the landowner impacted by the Project. Such agreement shall address and resolve all liability, permitting, insurance, ownership, ongoing maintenance obligations, project site control and operations, intellectual property licensing, installation and end of useful life removal issues as between the landowner and Grantee within 90 days of executing this agreement. This may include waivers under the Visual Artist Rights Act (17 UCS Section 106A) with respect to any physical art installations.
17. Transfer. The Project developed with grant funds may be transferred to another eligible entity only if the successor entity assumes the obligations imposed under this Agreement and with prior written approval of ParksCA.
18. Prohibited Uses.
a. Grantee shall not use any portion of the Grant funds for reportable or disclosable activities under applicable state or local campaign finance disclosure or election laws, such as ballot measure contributions.
b. Grantee shall not use any portion of the Grant funds in any attempt to influence legislation within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code sections 501(h), 4911, 4945(d)(1) or (e). Grant Organization: City of Cathedral City Program: Access
Project Name: Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural
Celebration
Grant Number: 2025-006-AX
Grant Amount: $98,167.00
4 funds shall not be used to support any activities requiring lobbying reporting and/or registration under the laws of any jurisdiction.
c. Grantee shall not use any of the Grant funds for any of the following purposes: to influence the outcome of any specific public election, or to conduct, directly or indirectly, any voter registration drive, within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 4945(d)(2); to induce or encourage violations of law or public policy; to cause any private inurement or improper private benefit to occur; to take any action that would, or reasonably could, jeopardize its taxexempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3); to provide a grant to an individual or organization which does not comply with the requirements of Internal Revenue Code sections 4945(d)(3) and (4); or, for any other purpose that is not charitable, scientific, or educational, within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 170(c)(2)(B).
19. Termination. Failure by Grantee to comply with the provisions of this Agreement may be cause for suspension of all obligations of ParksCA under this Agreement unless ParksCA determines that such failure was due to no fault of Grantee. In such case, Grantee may retain eligible costs properly incurred in performance of this Agreement despite nonperformance of Grantee. Grantee agrees to mitigate its losses to the best of its ability.
20. Noncompletion. In the event of noncompletion of the Project, Grantee shall return all unused funds to ParksCA.
21. Apportionment. In the event judgment is entered against Grantee and ParksCA because of the concurrent negligence of Grantee and ParksCA, their officers, agents, or employees, an apportionment of the liability to pay such judgment shall be made by a court of competent jurisdiction. Neither Party shall request a jury apportionment.
22. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the Grant and supersedes any prior oral or written understanding or communication between the parties. This Agreement shall only be amended or modified in a writing signed by both parties, except that a no-cost extension, adjustment to payment schedule, or minor change to the project budget or scope of activities may be approved unilaterally by ParksCA through a written or email communication to Grantee.
23. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or Proposal is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions of this Agreement or Proposal, which can be given effect without the invalid provision and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are severable.
24. Assignability. Grantee’s interest in and responsibilities under this Agreement shall not be assignable by Grantee in whole or in part without prior written consent of ParksCA.
25. Due Authority.
a. By signing this Agreement, Grantee agrees to its terms and conditions, and warrants and represents that its signatory whose signature appears below has been, and is on the date of this Agreement, duly authorized by all necessary and appropriate action to execute this Agreement on its behalf.
b. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Signed signature pages may be transmitted by facsimile or other electronic means, and/or an electronic “e-signature” may be used by an authorized representative of Grantee to bind it to this Agreement, and any such signature shall have the same legal effect as an original.
Organization: City of Cathedral City Program: Access
Project Name: Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural
Celebration
Grant Number: 2025-006-AX
Grant Amount: $98,167.00
5 ParksCA:
By: Date:
Heana Chung
Vice President of Operations & Finance
City of Cathedral City:
By: Date:
(Signature)
Printed name: Kevin Biersack
Title: Financial Services Director
EIN: 95-3674780
Parks California is able to make grant payments either via a mailed check or via ACH (direct deposit).
If an ACH payment has been selected and not utilized for a prior Parks California grant award, a completed version of this form must be sent to Meredith Wade, Finance Manager, [email protected] for funds to be released.
Grantee has selected the following:
ACH - I agree to submit a Vendor Authorization Form in
order for my payment to be processed.
Organization
Mailing Address:
Organization: City of Cathedral City
Address: 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
City/State/Zip Code: Cathedral City, CA 92234
Organization: City of Cathedral City Program: Access
Project Name: Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural
Celebration
Grant Number: 2025-006-AX
Grant Amount: $98,167.00
6 Attachment 1: ParksCA Reporting and Payment Schedule
PAYMENT
AMOUNT
DUE DATE PAYMENT DESCRIPTION OTHER SCHEDULED
ACTIVITIES OR
DELIVERABLES
$98,167.00 October 31, 2025 Grant funds shall be paid within the normal course of business,
within 30 days of receipt of a
signed grant agreement that
sets forth the roles and Project
components, activities, timeline,
metrics, and funding needs and
commitments as described in
Exhibit A attached hereto
(“Scope of Grant & Budget”)
N/A
N/A December 31, 2025 N/A If applicable, Agreement with landowner as described in
Section 16 of the Agreement.
N/A February - March
2025
N/A Interim Project Check-in Call
N/A October 30, 2025 N/A Final Report
Reporting Period:
October 2025 - September
2026
Organization: City of Cathedral City Program: Access
Project Name: Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural
Celebration
Grant Number: 2025-006-AX
Grant Amount: $98,167.00
7 Attachment 1 – Exhibit A
Scope of Grant & Budget
Project Summary: Hope Rising will continue community engagement to activate Esperanza Park, Cathedral City’s newest park, providing community-led art projects and cultural celebrations to honor the generational histories of the neighborhood’s and Cathedral City’s Tribal and Hispanic residents.
Cathedral City will develop and implement a nearly 300 sq ft mural which will be installed and centered around four city hosted, themed community events.
Park Location(s): Esperanza Park, 30600 San Diego Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234 Key Partner(s): The below will partner on the project and plan the events. • Desert Recreation District, Kevin Kallman, General Manager - Community engagement, planning and hosting events
• City of Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission, Erin Hyland, Chair - Hope Rising Committee
• City of Cathedral City Public Arts Commission, Craig Liebelt, Chair - Hope Rising Committee The below will not partner on the project but will participate in the events. • Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Margaret Park, Chief Planning Officer • Agua Caliente Elementary School, Eric Antuna, Principal • Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, Scott Robinson, Chief Executive Officer • Cathedral City Senior Center, Geoff Corbin, Chief Executive Officer and Vic Ide, Chief Operations Officer
• S.C.R.A.P. Gallery, Karen Riley, Executive Director
Number of Community Members Involved: 8000
Organization: City of Cathedral City Program: Access
Project Name: Hope Rising: Esperanza Park Cultural
Celebration
Grant Number: 2025-006-AX
Grant Amount: $98,167.00
8 Budget:
Grantee must obtain pre-approval in writing for any reallocation of the budget of 10% or more in any line item, or for creation of a new line item, from ParksCA. i
Attachment 2: Grant Reporting Guidelines
Reports give the Grantee an opportunity to convey information which best captures the work done during the reporting period. The information provided may also be used to highlight progress, capture impact and notable stories to various internal and external audiences. In addition, the information will be used in evaluating this program’s grantmaking process. Lastly, Parks California may provide feedback to Grantees regarding their Project.
Final Reports will include a narrative and financial report and should reflect the entire grant period. All reports are required to be submitted through Parks California’s Grant Management System.
The Arts in California Parks impact program evaluation is a collaborative process designed to assess the program's goals, effectiveness and impact. There will be two (2) evaluation approach workshops where Grantees can participate and help inform the reporting tools.
The following are high-level areas that will be included in the impact evaluation and that should be considered as you start your projects. A more detailed description of the evaluation templates will be shared at least 30 days prior to the due dates outlined in Attachment 1.
The evaluation will consider the following areas:
• Program engagement, outreach, and promotion: This area focuses on how effectively the Grantee engages with its intended audience and promotes its program to potential participants. It may involve assessing the reach of promotional efforts, the level of community involvement, and the effectiveness of communication strategies.
• Communities served: This area focuses on understanding the demographics and characteristics of the communities that the program serves. It may involve collecting data on participant demographics, geographic reach, and the diversity of communities engaged. • Community needs served: This area assesses how well the program addresses the specific needs of the communities it serves. It may involve gathering feedback from community members and evaluating the program's responsiveness to community priorities. • Park accessibility: This area refers to how your project helps the park become a more welcoming, inclusive, and empowering space in which creativity can be welcomed and explored. • Partnerships: This area examines the collaborative relationships and networks that the program has built. It may involve evaluating the strength of partnerships, the level of collaboration, and the impact of these partnerships on program outcomes.
• Evaluation metrics: This area involves specific metrics and indicators to measure the program's success in achieving its goals. It may include quantitative measures such as participation rates, demographic data, as well as qualitative measures such as participant feedback and community impact.
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Attachment 3: Arts in California Parks & ParksCA Communication and Style Guide How to acknowledge the receipt of your Arts in California Parks grant award To support your communications, ParksCA has prepared pre-approved language, logos, and templates for grantees to use when sharing news about their grant. These materials are housed in Social Press Kit, which includes tools for newsletters, websites, social media, and more.
The link to the Social Press Kit will be shared by your grant manager in the initial congratulatory email following the legal award notification. Please use these materials after the announcement embargo is lifted when referencing your grant publicly and reach out to your grant manager with any questions about how to use them.
Media Releases and Organizational Quotes
There are many ways to share news about your Arts in California Parks local parks grant award, including news stories. If you are interested in a quote for your newsletter, press release or other communication, please email, [email protected], with your request and deadline. Please allow at least 48 business hours for response.
Use of the Arts in California Parks & ParksCA logos
Arts in California Parks is a federally and State-registered trademark belonging to the California Department of Parks and Recreation and licensed to Parks California with authority to sublicense to Grantees under the Arts in California Parks local grant program. Parks California requests the Arts in California Parks logo be used in any advertising, signage, events materials and marketing collateral that promotes the art program to the general public. When applicable, the logo should link to the website www.ArtsinCaliforniaParks.org.
The Arts in California Parks and ParksCA name and logos should appear in accordance with the guidance provided within this Attachment (3). Grantees are authorized to use the logos as part of this Agreement for the duration of their grant award, without requiring a separate sub-license agreement. If you would like to use the Arts in California Parks logo, logo files will be available through Social Press Kit.
The Arts in California Parks logo cannot be used on any materials that imply endorsement of legislation or a candidate.
The website, www.ArtsinCaliforniaParks.org, must be included in all posts, materials, or communications that reference the Arts in California Parks® program across any platform.
Social Media
ParksCA encourages Grantees to share posts about their program through their social media platforms.
ParksCA will provide editable assets (images and copy) for social media announcements through ParksCA Social PressKit.
Follow and tag the Arts in California Parks partners; California State Parks, ParksCA, and California Arts Council on your social media posts. Requests for collaborative social media posts can be made in platform.
Not all requests can be accepted, so it is suggested that Grantees tag the program partners to increase your post reach.
Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) LinkedIn
Parks
California
@ParksCalifornia @parkscalifornia @ParksCalifornia
iii
California
State Parks
@CaliforniaStateParks @castateparks @CAStateParks @california-stateparks California
Arts Council
@CaliforniaArtsCouncil @CalArtsCouncil @CalArtsCouncil @California-ArtsCouncil Hashtags: #ArtsinCAParks
Arts in California Parks Logo Images
Please find an appropriate graphic below to pair with your link to Arts in California Parks.
The website, www.ArtsinCaliforniaParks.org, must be included in all posts, materials, or communications that reference the Arts in California Parks program across any platform.
ParksCA Logo Images
Grantees are requested to include the ParksCA logo in your program materials. When linking to ParksCA, please use the following website: https://ParksCalifornia.org/arts. To receive a copy of the logo, please contact your grant manager.
Responsibilities for Using the Arts in California Parks® and ParksCA Logos By displaying the Arts in California Parks and ParksCA logo, Grantee agrees to be bound by the following policies:
iv
• These logos may be used in digital channels that make accurate references to Arts in California Parks and ParksCA or its programs or services and must be displayed adjacent to the reference or at the bottom of the same page. Other trademarks and logos must appear at least as prominent as the Arts in California Parks logo.
• The logo must appear by itself, with minimum spacing (the height of the Logo) between each side of the logo and other graphic or textual elements on your page. The logo may not be used as a feature or design element of any other logo.
• You may not alter any element of the logo in any manner, including size, proportions, colors, elements, etc., or animate, morph or otherwise distort its perspective or two-dimensional appearance.
• Logo use is restricted to inclusion in marketing materials related to the Arts in California Parks grant and cannot in any other manner. In digital uses, the logo must include a back link to the www.artsincaliforniaparks.org or page of that site.
• You may not use the logo on any site that disparages Arts in California Parks or ParksCA or its programs, or violates any state, federal or international law. • ParksCA reserves the right in its sole discretion to terminate or modify permission to use either logo at any time. These policies do not grant a license or any other right to Arts in California Parks and ParksCA 's logos or trademarks.
• Arts in California Parks and ParksCA reserves the right to take action against any use that does not conform to these policies, infringes any other Arts in California Parks, and ParksCA right, or violates other applicable law.
• Arts in California Parks and ParksCA’s logos cannot be used on any materials that imply endorsement of legislation or a candidate.
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Attachment 4: Additional Obligations of Grantee
1. For the term of this Agreement, Grantee shall furnish to ParksCA a Certificate(s) of Insurance and endorsements in compliance with any requirements imposed by landowners impacted by the implementation and/or installation of the Project.
a. Endorsements. (The following must appear on the Endorsement Page of any insurance required by the impacted landowner.)
Additional Insured: That ParksCA and the State of California, its officers, agents, employees, and servants are included as additional insured, but only insofar as the operations under this Agreement are concerned.
b. Grantee’s Additional Responsibilities.
Grantee is responsible for any deductible or self-insured retention contained within the insurance program. Grantee shall notify ParksCA within ten (10) days of Grantee receiving a notice of cancellation or non-renewal of insurance policies required in this Agreement.
Grantee shall ensure that all subcontractors procure insurance meeting the requirements of these provisions.
Concurrent with the execution of this Agreement, Grantee shall provide to ParksCA evidence that the insurance required to be carried by these provisions, including any endorsement affecting the additional insured status, is in full force and effect and that premiums therefore have been paid. At ParksCA’s discretion, such evidence shall be the appropriate ACORD Form (Certificate of Insurance) or a certified copy of the original policy, including all endorsements.
2. Grantee hereby warrants that it will perform all work under any this agreement in accordance with generally accepted professional practices and standards, as well as the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws and policies. It is understood that acceptance of Grantee’s work by ParksCA shall not operate as a waiver or release.
3. Grantee waives all claims and recourse against ParksCA and the Department, its officers, employees and/or agents, including the right to contribution, for any and all loss, injury, death or damage to persons or property, caused by, arising out of, or in any way connected with or incident to this Agreement, or the rights or obligations herein granted or imposed, except those arising out of the sole active negligence or willful misconduct of the Department.
4. Grantee agrees to indemnify, defend, and save harmless ParksCA and the Department, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all claims and losses accruing or resulting to any and all contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, laborers, and any other person, firm or corporation furnishing or supplying work services, materials, or supplies in connection with the performance of this Agreement, and from any and all claims and losses accruing or resulting to any person, firm or corporation who may be injured or damaged by Grantee in the performance of this Agreement.
5. In the event ParksCA or the Department is named as a co-defendant in any legal action related to this Agreement and served with process of such legal action, Parks CA shall immediately notify Grantee of such fact and Grantee shall represent ParksCA and the Department in such legal action as provided herein, unless ParksCA and the Department undertakes to represent itself as co-defendant in such legal action, in which event the Department shall bear its own litigation costs, expenses and attorney fees.
6. Grantee shall not use, circulate, or publish, without the express advance approval of ParksCA and the Department, any names, logos, trademarks, brands, or copyrighted materials belonging to and/or associated with the Department (collectively, “Department IP Rights”). Further, no such use, even if approved by ParksCA and the Department, shall be deemed to instill in Grantee any rights of vi
ownership on such names, logos, trademarks, copyrights or other materials, and any rights to such use shall not, under any circumstances, continue beyond the term of this Agreement.
7. Any trademarks and/or copyrights belonging to Grantee, prior to the commencement of this Agreement, shall remain in Grantee’s sole ownership upon termination of this Agreement.
8. Any new names, logos, brands, and/or trademarks developed during and/or pursuant to this Agreement by Grantee that in any way associate with, identify or implicate an affiliation with the Department and/or are funded by the Department through the Process Agreement shall be approved in writing by the Department, shall belong to the Department upon creation, subject to express written agreement otherwise, and shall continue in the Department’s exclusive ownership upon termination of this Agreement. Further, all good will and other rights in said marks shall inure to the benefit of the State of California as the mark owner.
9. Any copyrighted materials and/or trademarks developed and created by Grantee, separate and apart from this Agreement, shall belong to Grantee and shall continue in Grantee’s exclusive ownership upon termination of this Agreement. In the event that any trademarks and/or copyrights are created by Grantee during the Term of this Agreement and same are proposed for use in connection with Grantee’s performance under this Agreement, Grantee shall promptly notify ParksCA and the Department in writing of its intention to retain ownership in the specific trademarks and/or copyrights.
10. Grantee shall not use any of the Department IP Rights on its social media pages without the express advance approval of ParksCA and the Department.
11. If ParksCA and the Department approve the use by Grantee of any Department IP Rights, Grantee shall: (a) maintain and provide to ParksCA a written record of each use by Grantee of any Department IP Rights that has been approved by ParksCA and the Department; and (b) use such approved Department IP Rights in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Attachment 4 and the Project Agreement.
12. Grantee hereby represents and warrants to ParksCA and the Department that it is the sole exclusive owner and has the full right, power, and authority over all tangible and intangible property deliverable to ParksCA and the Department in connection with this Agreement, and that any license to use such materials conveyed to the Department and ParksCA shall be delivered free and clear of all claims, liens, charges, judgments, settlements, encumbrances, or security interests.
13. Grantee agrees not to incorporate into or make any deliverables dependent upon any original works of authorship or intellectual property rights of third parties without (a) obtaining the Department’s prior written permission, and (b) granting to or obtaining for the Department and ParksCA a nonexclusive, royalty-free, paid-up, irrevocable, perpetual, world-wide license to use, reproduce, sell, modify, publicly and privately perform, publicly and privately display, and distribute, for any purpose whatsoever, any such prior works.
14. During the performance of this Agreement, Grantee, and its subcontractors shall not unlawfully discriminate, harass, or allow harassment against any employee or applicant for employment because of sex, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (e.g. cancer), age (over 40), marital status, and denial of family care leave. Grantee and subcontractors shall insure that the evaluation and treatment of their employees and applicants for employment are free from such discrimination and harassment.
ParksCA and subcontractors shall comply with the provisions of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (Gov. Code §12990 (a-f) et seq.) and the applicable regulations promulgated thereunder (California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 7285 et seq.). The applicable regulations of the Fair Employment and Housing Commission implementing Government Code Section 12990 (af), set forth vii
in Chapter 5 of Division 4 of Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations, are incorporated into this Agreement by reference and made a part hereof as if set forth in full. ParksCA and its subcontractors shall give written notice of their obligations under this clause to labor organizations with which they have a collective bargaining or other agreement.
15. Grantee shall include nondiscrimination and compliance provisions of this clause in all subcontracts to perform work under this Agreement.
16. In connection with the performance of work under this Agreement, Grantee agrees not to employ, enter into any contract with, or provide any benefit arising from this Agreement to, employees and/or members of the Board of Directors of Parks California or the Department of Parks and Recreation, its officers or employees that has not been approved by the Parks California board of directors in full compliance with: (a) Parks California’s conflict of interest policy (a copy of which has been provided to Grantee), and (b) the Non-Profit Corporation Law of the State of California.
17. Grantee will cooperate with ParksCA and the Department to execute any document reasonably necessary to give the foregoing provisions full force and effect.
18. Any dispute or claim in law or equity between Grantee, Parks California, and Department arising out of this Agreement, if not resolved by informal negotiation between the Parties, shall be mediated by the Parties. The Parties shall mutually select a mediator. The mediation process shall continue until the case is resolved or until such time as the mediator makes a finding that there is no possibility of resolution. If there is no possibility of resolution through the mediation process that has been undertaken expeditiously and in good faith by the Parties during a six-month period, either Party may avail itself of all available remedies.
19. The Parties agree that time is considered of the essence in this Agreement for all purposes.
20. Failure by any Party at any time to require performance by another Party of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the right to require full performance any time thereafter, nor shall the waiver by any Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement constitute a waiver of any succeeding breach of same or any other provision, nor constitute a waiver of the provision itself.