Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.E
Meeting Date: April 8, 2026
From: Christina Burton, City Clerk
Title: Ratify the nomination of Luis Rubalcava by Councilmember Christina Gordon to fill the unexpired vacant seat on the Historic Preservation Committee continuing through June 30, 2027.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council ratify Councilmember Christina Gordon’s nomination and appoint Luis Rubalcava to fill the vacant seat on the Historic Preservation Committee for the remainder of the unexpired term ending June 30, 2027.
BACKGROUND:
The Historic Preservation Committee was established pursuant to Cathedral City Ordinance No. 821, which provides for the composition, appointment, and duties of the Committee, and specifies that members are appointed by the City Council, with nominations made by individual Councilmembers and subject to full Council ratification.
A vacancy was created on the Historic Preservation Committee following the departure of former member Charlotte Copper-Hunter. In accordance with California Government Code Section 54974, the City duly posted notice of the unscheduled vacancy.
DISCUSSION:
Due to the passing of Mark Carnevale, the District 3 Council seat was temporarily vacant, delaying the nomination process for this Committee position. Subsequently, Christina Gordon was appointed to represent District 3 and is now responsible for making a nomination to fill the vacancy.
Staff received three applications for the position. Councilmember Gordon reviewed all submitted applications and conducted interviews with each of the applicants. All applications are attached for the City Council’s review.
After consideration, Councilmember Gordon has selected Luis Rubalcava as her nominee to serve on the Historic Preservation Committee. Mr. Rubalcava is a long-time Cathedral City resident and Senior Planner with the City of Indian Wells, with hands-on historic preservation experience. He holds degrees in architecture and urban planning and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration. His combined professional and academic background equips him to effectively serve on the Cathedral City Historic Preservation Committee.
Pursuant to Cathedral City Resolution 2022-47, appointments to City boards and commissions require ratification by the City Council. The Resolution outlines the process for filling vacancies, including nomination by the respective Councilmember and formal approval by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact with this action.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Application- Luis Rubalcava
2. Application- Colby Gregory
3. Application- Craig Bugbee
4. Ordinance 821
5. Resolution 2022-47