Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.D
Meeting Date: May 27, 2026
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Installation of Sign Topper Honoring Richard Altman RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the installation of one (1) sign topper honoring Richard Altman at the intersection of Gay Resort Drive and Melrose Drive, at a total cost of $758.00. The application was submitted by former Cathedral City Councilmember Shelley Kaplan, who has agreed to cover the full cost 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 former Cathedral City Councilmember Shelley Kaplan requests installation of a sign topper honoring Richard Altman at the intersection of Gay Resort Drive and Melrose Drive.
Mr. Altman has been a prominent business leader and civic advocate in Cathedral City for many years. As proprietor of the CCBC Resort, he helped establish Cathedral City as a recognized destination within the LGBTQ+ community, contributing significantly to tourism, economic development, and the City’s reputation as an inclusive community.
Mr. Altman was instrumental in the development and continued success of Cathedral City’s annual Pride event, which celebrates diversity while generating substantial economic activity. He previously served as President of the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club Board, where he led meaningful facility improvements and organizational growth. In recognition of his philanthropy, the Cathedral City Senior Center named the “Richard G. and Anne K.
Altman Craft Corner” in his honor. He has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce.
Letters of support have been submitted from community leaders and residents citing his longstanding contributions, generosity, and leadership. The proposed topper location on Gay Resort Drive is symbolically appropriate given Mr. Altman’s significant role in advancing Cathedral City’s inclusive identity.
Consistent with the Street Neighborhood and/or District Identification Street Sign Blade “Topper” Policy, efforts were made to ensure compliance with neighborhood notification and support requirements. The existing street sign to which the topper would be affixed is located on CCBC Resort property, and no other residential or business addresses are located on Gay Resort Drive. As such, the application satisfies the Policy’s intent regarding adjacent property owner awareness and support.
Staff has reviewed the application and determined it meets the requirements of the adopted Policy.
Production of Sign Toppers
The total cost to manufacture and install the sign topper is $758.00. Shelley Kaplan has confirmed that he will personally cover the full cost associated with this sign topper on behalf of Richard Altman.
Approval of this item would formally recognize the lasting civic, traffic, and community contributions of Richard Altman.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Although the work will be processed through the city standard sign production procedures, all costs associated with the signed topper will be funded through a private contribution.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
This item supports community identity, civic pride, inclusivity, and recognition of individuals who have contributed to Cathedral City's development.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Street Topper Application Altman