Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.C
Meeting Date: May 27, 2026
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Installation of Sign Topper Honoring Former City Councilmember Sarah DiGrandi
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the installation of one (1) sign topper honoring former City Councilmember Sarah DiGrandi at the intersection of Buddy Rogers Avenue and Pickfair Street, at a total cost of $758.00. The request is being submitted by Cathedral City business owner Richard Altman and former Cathedral City Councilmember Shelley Kaplan. Mr. Altman has agreed to cover the full cost associated with production and installation of the sign topper.
BACKGROUND:
On March 11, 2020, the City Council approved the Street Neighborhood and/or District Identification Street Sign Blade “Topper” Policy (Policy). The Policy establishes procedures for the installation of street sign blade toppers, which are additional sign panels mounted above existing street name signs to provide supplemental information. Toppers may designate a special place, street, neighborhood, district, subdivision, or commemorate a person or achievement of significance to the community.
Street sign toppers serve to build community identity and pride, promote awareness of designated areas, and recognize individuals whose contributions have meaningfully enhanced the city.
The city has previously approved toppers recognizing significant individuals and areas, including:
Sign Topper Name Location
Candy Cane Lane Minerva Street between Tachevah Dr and Avenida La Vista Agnes Pelton Way F Street near Chuparosa Lane
Val Samuelson Way Grandview Avenue at Dorn and Vista
Ocotillo Square Area bounded by Cathedral Canyon Drive, Date Palm Drive, Ramon Road, and Dinah Shore Drive
Bill Anson Way San Jacinto Road and Van Fleet Avenue
Tim Townsley Way San Jacinto Road at Cathedral Canyon Drive and Glenn Avenue
Joe Novak Way Grandview Avenue at Bel Air Drive and Vista Drive Diane Gill & Jane Rasco
Way
Channel Drive at Valley Vista Drive and Carroll Drive
DISCUSSION:
An application submitted by Darla DiGrandi, in coordination with Cathedral City business owner Richard Altman and former City Councilmember Shelley Kaplan, requests installation of a sign topper honoring former City Councilmember Sarah DiGrandi at the intersection of Buddy Rogers Avenue and Pickfair Street.
Ms. DiGrandi is one of Cathedral City’s foundational civic leaders. After relocating to Cathedral City in 1957, she became deeply involved in the community and was elected to the City Council in 1986, just five years after incorporation. She served four terms from 1986 to 1998, including service as Mayor Pro Tem, totaling sixteen (16) years of public service.
During her tenure, Ms. DiGrandi played an integral role in advancing key civic institutions, including establishment of the Cathedral City Senior Center, opening of the Cathedral City Library, development of the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club, and strengthening of local police and fire services. Beyond elected office, she served in leadership roles with numerous community organizations, including Rotary International, Soroptimist, House of Hope, the Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, and United Way.
Her decades of leadership and civic engagement significantly shaped Cathedral City during its formative years and contributed to the development of institutions that continue to serve residents today.
Consistent with the Street Neighborhood and/or District Identification Street Sign Blade “Topper” Policy, the proposed location at Buddy Rogers Avenue and Pickfair Street was evaluated for surrounding property impacts. This intersection is located within the City’s Townsquare area and is surrounded by civic and commercial uses, including City Hall, the Mary Pickford Theatre, and the adjacent commercial complex. Ms. DiGrandi was instrumental in the development of Cathedral City’s downtown core, and the proposed location is symbolically appropriate given her leadership role in advancing this civic center.
Because the location is situated within the City’s Townsquare and adjacent to City facilities, it is appropriate for the City Council to determine whether this placement best reflects the intent of the Policy and the significance of Ms. DiGrandi’s contributions.
Staff has reviewed the application and determined it is consistent with the procedural requirements of the adopted Policy.
Production of Sign Toppers
The total cost to manufacture and install the sign topper is $758.00. Cathedral City business owner Richard Altman has confirmed that he will personally cover the full cost associated with production and installation of the sign topper. The request is being supported in coordination with former City Councilmember Shelley Kaplan and Darla DiGrandi.
Approval of this item would formally recognize the long-standing civic contributions of former City Councilmember Sarah DiGrandi.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Although the work will be processed through the city's standard sign production procedures, all costs associated with the sign topper will be funded through a private contribution.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
This item supports community identity, civic pride, historic recognition, and acknowledgement of individuals who have contributed to Cathedral City's development.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Street Topper Application DiGrandi