Staff Report
Parks and Community Events Commission
Item No. 3.C
Meeting Date: January 6, 2026
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Sponsors: Commissioner Mario Jimenez
Title: Esperanza Park Health Fair
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend that the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) support the proposed Esperanza Park Health Fair scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, and provide direction regarding use of the PACE Small Events budget, logistical support needs, and whether a recommendation to the City Council is required for event-related costs or a Special Use Permit (SUP), if applicable.
BACKGROUND:
The Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) is committed to fostering community engagement and supporting events that enhance quality of life, health, and access to resources for Cathedral City residents.
As part of the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget process, PACE was allocated $10,000 annually to support small-scale events in city parks. These funds may be used to cover services, materials, or a combination of both. Events seeking financial or logistical support are reviewed by PACE and, when appropriate, forwarded to the City Council for final approval.
The Desert Healthcare District (DHD), through its Chief of Community Engagement, has expressed interest in partnering with the city and PACE to host a community health fair at Esperanza Park. The event is intended to provide free health services, education, and community resources to residents, particularly underserved populations.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed Esperanza Park Health Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Desert Healthcare District will coordinate the event and manage participation by approximately 12–15 community-based organizations.
Planned services and activities include:
Deployment of two mobile medical clinics providing medical services A vision mobile clinic offering eye exams and glasses to approximately 65 community members
Participation by community-based organizations offering health and social service resources
Coordination with the Desert Recreation District for park-based activities Potential partnership with FIND Food Bank for food distribution (pending confirmation) The Desert Healthcare District will also develop and distribute a bilingual promotional flyer, which will be shared with city staff for review and approval prior to release.
City Support Considerations:
The event organizer has requested city support in the form of tables, chairs, and EZ-ups for participating organizations. Currently, the following considerations are noted for PACE’s review:
The City’s Public Works Department does not currently have tables and chairs available in storage, which may result in equipment rental costs if city participation is requested.
Clarification is needed regarding whether the City is expected to provide labor for delivery, setup, and breakdown of tables, chairs, and EZ-ups. Final quantities of requested equipment have not yet been determined and will be provided closer to the event date.
Next Steps (Time-Sensitive):
Due to scheduling constraints, there is insufficient time to return this item to the Parks and Community Events Commission for additional review or approval prior to the event date. As such, any necessary coordination regarding equipment needs, potential rental costs, labor expectations, and permit requirements that will incur costs and/or require funding will need to be vetted at this PACE meeting. (Please note that any funding requests from the PACE Small Events Budget will require prior approval from the City Council).
Staff will work directly with the event organizer to:
Confirm final equipment quantities and logistical requirements. Determine whether a Special Use Permit (SUP) or City Council approval is required. Prior to this meeting, identify any budgetary or operational impacts, including potential rental costs and staffing needs, and address them through, either approved PACE Small Events Budget requests and/or, existing administrative processes, as feasible.
PACE BUDGET FY 2025-2026
PACE Budget $10,000
Halloween Dog Contest Panorama Park October 2025 $100 Approved Feliz Navi Dog Esperanza Park December 2025 $300 Approved Yoga in the Park Amphitheater Jan-March 2026 $3,000 Approved Available PACE Budget $6,600
Staff is recommending that PACE support the proposed Esperanza Park Health Fair scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, and provide direction regarding use of the PACE Small Events budget, logistical support needs, and whether a recommendation to the City Council is required for event-related costs or a Special Use Permit (SUP), if applicable.
FUNDING SOURCE:
DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2025-2026
Esperanza
Park Health
Fair
100-500-510-
511-8600-8601 MO3511 One Time
2025-2026 Total $X,XXX,XXX