Agenda packet — Coachella City Council, September 10, 2025 (part 7 of 7)

Item 18.

Mobile Immigration Clinics
COFEM will host six (6) in-person and/or hybrid clinics in the city of Coachella to assist eligible residents with:
 Citizenship applications (N-400)
 DACA renewal applications
 Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card) Renewals (I-90)  Referral for outside of scope services to other reputable immigration nonprofits or attorney  Services will include eligibility, document review, form preparation, and referrals to legal partners when needed (attorney).
*Attendance goal per event: assist 25 people (12 w/appointments; 13 walk-in) Timeline
 September, 2025 – begin outreach in line with existing media campaign  October, 2025 – Host first mobile immigration clinic and continued outreach  November, 2025 - Host 2nd mobile immigration clinic and continued outreach  January, 2026 - Host 3rd mobile immigration clinic and continued outreach  February, 2026 - Host 4th mobile immigration clinic and continued outreach  March, 2026 - Host 5th mobile immigration clinic and continued outreach  April, 2026 - Host final mobile immigration clinic and close out reporting Immigration Fees $30,000
Personnel for Six (6) Pre- and Post-Event Mobile Clinics $8,976 Immigration Integration Manager, General Manager, Immigration Program Assistant, Coachella Programs Manager
Five (5) Volunteers
Printing $1,500
Mileage $1,000
Catering $1,200
Communications $0
Venue Space $0
Postage $200
Office Supplies $300
Administrative Costs $6,824
TOTAL COST $50,000

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Item 18.

Expected Outcomes

1. Provide 60+ appointments for completion of Citizenship, DACA, and Residency Renewals

2. Assist 150+ residents with application reviews, referrals, or application support

3. Conduct 6 Mobile Immigration Clinics

4. Provide at least 50 individuals with full immigration service fee support FISCAL IMPACT:

The fiscal impact will be to the General Fund Reserves (account 101-11-160-10-545-000) will be reduced in the amount of $50,000.

ATTACHMENT(S):

None.

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Item 18.

STAFF REPORT
9/10/2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Celina Jimenez, Director of Economic Development
SUBJECT: Approve a Sponsorship Request for KUNA Telemundo in the Amount of $20,000 to Support its Hispanic Heritage Campaign Beginning in September 2025 through March 2026
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council considers approving a sponsorship request for KUNA Telemundo in the amount of $20,000 to support its Hispanic Heritage Campaign which will launch in September 2025 and run through March 2026.

BACKGROUND:

The Fiestas Patrias / El Grito event was cancelled by KUNA Telemundo out of regard and caution for the Coachella Valley's immigrant community. KUNA Telemundo then approached the city with an alternative way to celebrate community heritage by creating a reimagined campaign spearheaded by KUNA Telemundo beginning in September 2025 to commemorate Hispanic Heritage. The campaign kicks off with Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 through October 15), but their proposed campaign would run from September, 2025 through March, 2026 with a series of key events including:
 Hispanic Heritage Month Campaign Promotion 9/1/2025 – 10/26/2025  El Grito Ceremony at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino 9/14/2025 at 6:00 PM  Community Town Hall Meeting at Annenberg Center (Rancho Mirage), 10/2/25, 4PM-7PM  Coachella Connect Resident Forum 11/2025
 A 5-Week Stories that Inspire Series, 9/15 – 10/16
 A Shop Coachella Campaign 10/6/2025 – 03/29/2026
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:

The proposed campaign prioritizes community safety, cultural pride, and powerful storytelling.

Due to recent activity in the area and out of an abundance of caution, KUNA Telemundo and its partners have elected not to host a large in-person event this year. Instead, KUNA Telemundo and its partners are prioritizing the safety of the community by avoiding large gatherings that could draw unintended attention, and instead are focusing on a series of smaller, more personal events

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Item 19.
with robust celebrations that highlight inspirational stories of individuals in the community and that also promotes shopping with local businesses. This will run on-air and online across KUNA Telemundo’s Gulf California Broadcast media properties—including KUNA Telemundo 15, La Poderosa 96.7 FM, KESQ-ABC, KPSP-CBS, KDFX-FOX, and KCWQ-CW.

Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15, 2025 – October 15, 2025
Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15 through October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. September 15th marks the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence during this time. This year’s focus will be a series of smaller, more personal events and a robust celebration that highlights inspiring stories of individuals in the community and also promotes shopping with local businesses. This will run onair and online across our Gulf California Broadcast media properties—including KUNA Telemundo 15, La Poderosa 96.7 FM, KESQ-ABC, KPSP-CBS, KDFX-FOX, and KCWQ-CW.

The El Grito Ceremony at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Sunday September 14th, 2025
Televised Live on Telemundo 15 from 6:00pm-6:30pm
This year, the beloved El Grito Ceremony will be brought directly to the community through a live television and online broadcast. While the format is slightly different, the spirit remains the same:
honoring the Hispanice heritage and celebrating together. Residents can still be a part of this powerful tradition by attending the “Noches de Fuego” celebration at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino or by tuning in to Telemundo 15 at 6pm to experience El Grito from wherever they are.

The purpose is to keep this important cultural event alive, local and accessible to everyone.

Community Town Hall: Valley Together
Pre-recorded and then Televised on Telemundo 15 before 10/15/25 10/2/25 from 4pm - 7pm
Moderated by Hernan Quintas (Telemundo 15’s Anchor)
The Community Town Hall: Valley Together is a regional forum designed to share critical information, resources, and perspectives that affect all who live and work in the Coachella Valley.

This televised and widely promoted event goes beyond city lines — inviting leadership from across the Valley to participate in a conversation that highlights both the challenges we face and the opportunities we share as one community. What to Expect: Regional Updates – Hear from civic, business, and community leaders across the Valley on projects, safety, and economic priorities.

Valley Resources – Connect with programs and services available to residents and business owners throughout the region. Amplified Voices – A platform where diverse perspectives can be shared, questions addressed, and solutions explored. Who Should Attend: Residents from every city in the Coachella Valley Local business owners and entrepreneurs Community organizations and advocates Anyone who wants to stay connected, informed, and engaged. Media Partner Support - Leading up to the event, TV, radio, and digital platforms will

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Item 19.
actively promote the Community Town Hall: Valley Together, ensuring residents know when, where, and how to participate. In addition, the Town Hall will be broadcast on Telemundo 15 before October 15, 2025, expanding access to viewers across the region. Together, these efforts will amplify voices, drive awareness, and encourage active participation across the Coachella Valley.

Coachella Connect – Resident Forum
Hosted by the City of Coachella
November, 2025
The City of Coachella invites all residents and local business owners to join us for an intimate Community Town Hall designed to share important updates, resources, and information that directly impact our community. This city-led event (approx. 75–100 attendees) will provide:

What to Expect | City Updates – Hear directly from City leadership about projects, safety, and community priorities. Resident Resources – Learn about programs and services available to support families, neighborhoods, and small businesses. Open Dialogue – A Q&A opportunity for residents to ask questions and receive clear, direct answers. Who Should Attend | City of Coachella residents and families Local small-business owners and entrepreneurs Community members who want to stay informed and connected. Media Partner Support | While the City of Coachella is hosting this forum, local media partners across TV, radio, and digital platforms (La Poderosa 96.7 FM and Telemundo 15) will help drive awareness and encourage attendance. The promotion will focus on ensuring residents know when and where to attend and that the city is providing this valuable resource for their residents. This effort is about connection, access, and transparency—so every Coachella resident leaves informed and empowered with the resources they need.

Stories that Inspire
Stories that Inspire to broadcast on:

Noticias Telemundo 15 at 6pm and 11pm
La Poderosa 96.7 FM Morning Show
News Channel 3 Simulcast on ABC and CBS at 4pm and 6pm
News Channel 3 on FOX at 10pm
News Channel 3 Simulcast on ABC and CBS from 5am-7am
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month campaign, Stories that Inspire / Historias que Inspiran shines a light on the people who are quietly shaping our communities. These are the neighbors, educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates whose actions uplift others and preserve culture. Each Thursday, beginning September 18th, we’ll feature one inspiring local story – broadcast in both English and Spanish- across our station group. These five powerful segments celebrate resilience, identity, and impact, reminding us that the heart of Hispanic Heritage Month lives in the everyday heroes among us.

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Item 19.

Shop Coachella: Support Local, Strengthen Community
Our station group is proud to introduce a discounted advertising campaign with savings of up to 50% designed to help small, local business owners in the city of Coachella impacted by recent economic pressures and immigration-related uncertainty.

Through this initiative, participating businesses will receive:

Access to affordable advertising packages across TV, radio, and/or digital platforms Amplified visibility within the community to help recover and grow A message of unity that encourages residents to shop local and support their neighbors This campaign is about more than advertising — it’s about lifting up small businesses, strengthening community ties, and helping small businesses move forward together.

Each Shop Coachella message will run as a co-branded “donut” spot, offering the credibility of both Gulf California Broadcast Company and the City of Coachella through an implied endorsement format.

Spot Breakdown:
:05 – Branded “Shop Coachella” intro with city + station logo :20 – Client spotlight or offer (flexible messaging)
:05 – Branded closing tag with Shop Coachella + City of Coachella message Sponsorship Investment: $20,000
This investment includes:
 Full campaign co-branding across all media platforms (TV, Radio, Digital).  “Brought to you by..” sponsorship in both the El Grito Ceremony and Town Hall specials televised on KUNA Telemundo 15.
 Event partnership branding on-site and in all digital/social promotions.  Custom on-air mentions and logos in 200+ Hispanic Heritage Month promotional spots.  Open and Close recognition within the newscasts for the Stories That Inspire Series.  Open and Close recognition on all Shop Coachella promotional spots purchased by participating businesses.
 One Shop Coachella package insert valued at $2,000.

Your support ensures that even in a cautious year, our celebration stays local, authentic, and powerful!
FISCAL IMPACT:

The fiscal impact will be to the General Fund Reserves (account 101-11-160-10-545-000) in the amount of $20,000.

ATTACHMENT(S):

None.

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Item 19.

STAFF REPORT
9/10/2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Celina Jimenez, Director of Economic Development
SUBJECT: Appoint Ten (10) Commissioners to the Coachella Youth Advisory Commission STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council appoint ten Commissioners to the Coachella Youth Advisory Commission (YAC).

BACKGROUND:

In July 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-25, which established compensation for members of the Youth Advisory Commission. Under this resolution, Commissioners receive $50.00 per scheduled meeting, provided a quorum is present. Following Council’s action, the City conducted outreach through schools, community organizations, and social media platforms to promote the opportunity to local youth.

The YAC was created to provide young residents with a voice in civic matters. Commissioners serve in an advisory role to the City Council, helping to identify the educational, recreational, and cultural needs of Coachella’s youth and ensuring coordination of community resources that improve quality of life for young people.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:

The Commission is designed to consist of ten youth members enrolled in high school who reside in Coachella. To date, the City has received a sufficient number of applications to fill all ten seats. Appointing the full membership will allow the Commission to begin its work with balanced representation and greater capacity to address issues affecting youth. With all positions filled, the Commission will be better positioned to carry out its duties effectively and ensure broad input from across the community.

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Item 20.

The following thirteen (13) applicants submitted an application for consideration: (the council must select and appoint 10)

1. Amanda Flores-Rojas

2. Dalia Juarez-Andrade

3. Isabel Martinez

4. Jada Meza

5. Joshua Pulido

6. Kayla Castillo-Cabrera

7. Kenia Avalos

8. Meraly Rodriguez

9. Sehwa Meza

10. Valeria Romera

11. Xmelia Pasillas

12. Yamileth Cabrera-Gutierrez

13. Yarely Morales-Hinojosa
FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no additional fiscal impact beyond the stipends already authorized under Resolution No. 2024-25.

ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Youth Advisory Commission Applications

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Item 20.

CITY OF COACHELLA

COMMISSION APPLICATION
NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE: ______________________________ E-MAIL: _________________________________ COMMISSION:

Planning
Cultural and Arts
Parks and Recreation
Utilities User Tax Citizen Oversight (UUT)
Youth Advisory (To be eligible for appointment to the Commission you must be enrolled in high school.

Please state your age and high school you currently attend in the “other comments” in section 5.) Social Justice & Public Safety
To be eligible for appointment to any Commission you must be a resident of the City of Coachella.

Members may only serve on one commission/committee.

Note: In the event a member of the commission has three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from meetings of the Commission, the City Council may declare the office of such member vacant.

PLEASE FURNISH BRIEF RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:

1. Why do you think you should be appointed? What is there specifically in your background, training, education and interests that qualifies you as a candidate? __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

2. What do you see as the goals and objectives of the Commission? How would you help achieve these objectives and goals?
__________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ X
Yamileth Cabrera-Gutierrez
85731 Avenue 50, Coachella CA, 92236
760-717-4654 [email protected]
I think I should be appointed as a youth advisor because of my background in advocacy and involvement in my school and community. I am in the Young Women Empowerment Club at my school as well as a Planned Parenthood Peer Youth Advocate and have been for 2 years, going on three this school year, and I believe my role in seeing the issues and works of my community will help both the city with what they can work on to improve it as well as being a voice for the clubs I previously mentioned in getting their goals seen by high positions where light can be shed and work can be done.

The goals and objectives of the Commission I see are trying to improve the city by seeing the issues that they get from the feedback of their community and finding ways to resolve them. I would help achieve these goals by being an eye in places like schools and peers from the community. The clubs I am in regularly partner with similar organizations that work to make a change and bringing those topics to the Commision can help them be seen and being able to tell the Commision what need to be worked on can help improve things that people want.

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Item 20.

CITY OF COACHELLA

COMMISSION APPLICATION
PAGE 2
(Revised 10-30-2023)

3. What special qualities can you bring to the Commission? _________________________________________________________________________________

4. Do you have any questions or comments about the Commission’s structure or functions? __________________________________________________________________________________

5. Other comments and/or ideas as to how you as a member of the selected Commission could benefit the City of Coachella.
__________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Date

Note: Members of commissions shall be appointed for four-year terms or less. The term of each commission member shall continue for the term of the nominating council member and automatically terminate when the council member’s term ends. If a council member is reelected, that council member is entitled to make all new nominations or may choose to re-nominate the council member’s previous nominee.

Youth Advisory Commission Note: The term of a Commissioner is one year from August to June; mirroring the local school district’s school year.

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Deputy City Clerk
City of Coachella
53-462 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
[email protected]
YamilethCabrera 8 7 2025
Some of my special qualities I believe can be used to serve the Commision is my engagement in school and my level of responsibility. I am surrounded by events that my clubs provide which make me familiar and educate me with the struggles that our community faces, be it peers or adults, and I am very responsible in keeping my compromises organized.

Some questions I have about the Commision’s functions are when and where the meeting would take place and how some of the goals the Commision’s plans to achieve will be executed in terms of engagement and time.

I am seventeen years old and rising senior at Coachella Valley High School.

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Item 20.

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Item 20.

CITY OF COACHELLA

Planning
Cultural and Arts
Parks and Recreation
Utilities User Tax Citizen Oversight (UUT)
Youth Advisory (To be eligible for appointment to the Commission you must be enrolled in high school.

Members may only serve on one commission/committee.

Note: In the event a member of the commission has three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from meetings of the Commission, the City Council may declare the office of such member vacant.

PLEASE FURNISH BRIEF RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:

CITY OF COACHELLA

COMMISSION APPLICATION
PAGE 2
(Revised 10-30-2023)

3. What special qualities can you bring to the Commission? _________________________________________________________________________________

4. Do you have any questions or comments about the Commission’s structure or functions? __________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Date

Youth Advisory Commission Note: The term of a Commissioner is one year from August to June; mirroring the local school district’s school year.

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Deputy City Clerk
City of Coachella
53-462 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
[email protected]

Page 818 ends

Item 20.

CITY OF COACHELLA

Planning
Cultural and Arts
Parks and Recreation
Utilities User Tax Citizen Oversight (UUT)
Youth Advisory (To be eligible for appointment to the Commission you must be enrolled in high school.

Members may only serve on one commission/committee.

Note: In the event a member of the commission has three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from meetings of the Commission, the City Council may declare the office of such member vacant.

PLEASE FURNISH BRIEF RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:

CITY OF COACHELLA

COMMISSION APPLICATION
PAGE 2
(Revised 10-30-2023)

3. What special qualities can you bring to the Commission? _________________________________________________________________________________

4. Do you have any questions or comments about the Commission’s structure or functions? __________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Date

Youth Advisory Commission Note: The term of a Commissioner is one year from August to June; mirroring the local school district’s school year.

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Deputy City Clerk
City of Coachella
53-462 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
[email protected]

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Item 20.

CITY OF COACHELLA

Planning
Cultural and Arts
Parks and Recreation
Utilities User Tax Citizen Oversight (UUT)
Youth Advisory (To be eligible for appointment to the Commission you must be enrolled in high school.

Members may only serve on one commission/committee.

Note: In the event a member of the commission has three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from meetings of the Commission, the City Council may declare the office of such member vacant.

PLEASE FURNISH BRIEF RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:

CITY OF COACHELLA

COMMISSION APPLICATION
PAGE 2
(Revised 10-30-2023)

3. What special qualities can you bring to the Commission? _________________________________________________________________________________

4. Do you have any questions or comments about the Commission’s structure or functions? __________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Date

Youth Advisory Commission Note: The term of a Commissioner is one year from August to June; mirroring the local school district’s school year.

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Deputy City Clerk
City of Coachella
53-462 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
[email protected]

Page 822 ends

Item 20.

CITY OF COACHELLA

Planning
Cultural and Arts
Parks and Recreation
Utilities User Tax Citizen Oversight (UUT)
Youth Advisory (To be eligible for appointment to the Commission you must be enrolled in high school.

Members may only serve on one commission/committee.

Note: In the event a member of the commission has three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from meetings of the Commission, the City Council may declare the office of such member vacant.

PLEASE FURNISH BRIEF RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:

CITY OF COACHELLA

COMMISSION APPLICATION
PAGE 2
(Revised 10-30-2023)

3. What special qualities can you bring to the Commission? _________________________________________________________________________________

4. Do you have any questions or comments about the Commission’s structure or functions? __________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Date

Youth Advisory Commission Note: The term of a Commissioner is one year from August to June; mirroring the local school district’s school year.

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Deputy City Clerk
City of Coachella
53-462 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
[email protected]

Page 824 ends

Item 20.

CITY OF COACHELLA

Planning
Cultural and Arts
Parks and Recreation
Utilities User Tax Citizen Oversight (UUT)
Youth Advisory (To be eligible for appointment to the Commission you must be enrolled in high school.

Members may only serve on one commission/committee.

Note: In the event a member of the commission has three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from meetings of the Commission, the City Council may declare the office of such member vacant.

PLEASE FURNISH BRIEF RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:

2. What do you see as the goals and objectives of the Commission? How would you help achieve these objectives and goals?
__________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Amelia Pasillas
52 815 Van Buren St Coachella CA92236
760 423 3693 xmeliapas26 gmail.com
MyexperienceofleadershipintheHealthAcademyHOSA AVIDAPClubCheerand Swim aswellashavingyoungersiblingshaveshapedmetoalwaysputserviceaboveself AsaMexicanAmericanfromalowincomehousehold Irelatetomanypeopleinmycommunityandunderstand whatsupporttheyneed
Thegoalsofthecommission istobuildastrongercommunitybycreatingevents thatsupportthefamiliesofCoachellabyresourcesandawareness Ihavemany experienceswithcreatingeventslikeEisenhowerTownHallsandBloodDrives Iwillusemy connectionsatCVtoreachouttomoreyouthcreatingmoreinvolvement

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Item 20.

CITY OF COACHELLA

COMMISSION APPLICATION
PAGE 2
(Revised 10-30-2023)

3. What special qualities can you bring to the Commission? _________________________________________________________________________________

4. Do you have any questions or comments about the Commission’s structure or functions? __________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Date

Youth Advisory Commission Note: The term of a Commissioner is one year from August to June; mirroring the local school district’s school year.

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Deputy City Clerk
City of Coachella
53-462 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
[email protected]
strengthening
I amanadvocateformyhighschoolandhaveapassionforhealthcareMyexperiences havemademeresourcefulambitiouscommittedcommunicativeandwillingtolearnItruly valueeveryonesopinionsandItakepridein mycommunity Ihavepublicspeaking skillsusingthemtopushforopportunitiestogivetomyschoolandyoungersibling'sfutures DoyoupartnerwithorganizationslikeFlyingDoctors
I ama 17yearoldstudent at CoachellaValleyHighSchoolMyprideinmy schoolandmycareforthefamiliesofthevalleystrengthensmydrivetogive backtomycommunitybyhealthcareorsocialwork IwouldbenefittheCityof Coachellabecauseofmyconstantengagementincommunityservicehavingover400 hours
Japan 07 16 2025

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Item 20.

CITY OF COACHELLA

COMMISSION APPLICATION
NAME: Joshua Pulido
ADDRESS: 50903 Suncrest St Apt H, Coachella, CA 92236
TELEPHONE: (760) 262-7459
E-MAIL: [email protected]
COMMISSION:

Planning
Cultural and Arts
Parks and Recreation
Utilities User Tax Citizen Oversight (UUT)
Youth Advisory (To be eligible for appointment to the Commission you must be enrolled in high school. Please state your age and high school you currently attend in the “other comments” in section 5.)
Social Justice & Public Safety
To be eligible for appointment to any Commission you must be a resident of the City of Coachella. Members may only serve on one commission/committee.

Note: In the event a member of the commission has three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from meetings of the Commission, the City Council may declare the office of such member vacant.

PLEASE FURNISH BRIEF RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:

1. Why do you think you should be appointed? What is there specifically in your background, training, education and interests that qualifies you as a candidate? As a high school student and Coachella resident, I believe I should be appointed to the Coachella Youth Advisory Council because I am eager to participate in important and valuable conversations that will lead the city to a healthier place. My background includes; being school president for Bobby Duke in my 8th grade year (23-24), as well as being the current school secretary for NOVA Academy Early College High School student leadership group. I have invaluable experience in planning events for school such as Prom, Back to School Night, Senior College Fairs, and much more. Additionally, I am also a founding member of the RivCo Friday Night Live chapter on campus. I thrive working in a team environment that encourages collaboration and innovation,and look forward to making a positive change in our community.

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Item 20.

CITY OF COACHELLA

COMMISSION
APPLICATION PAGE 2

2. What do you see as the goals and objectives of the Commission? How would you help achieve these objectives and goals?
I believe a goal of the commission is the improvement of recreational areas and programs, because they are essential to the development of Coachella’s younger population. As a younger Coachella citizen, I believe in striving for better programs that encourage personal growth of oneself and that teach important values throughout the City of Coachella and its schools. In order to help achieve these objectives and goals, I would personally keep open communication with the advisors of this Youth Commission and ensure that I am knowledgeable about my role as a Youth Commission member. I will make sure to make my voice be heard and I will bring great developmental ideas to the table which I am confident will better the state of Coachella’s youth.

3. What special qualities can you bring to the Commission? I will be a responsible Commission member and will take any responsibility given to me seriously, and I will also prioritize the Coachella Youth Commission. I am an active communicator, I can actively listen and communicate and make sure we are all heard. Additionally, I will , of course, be respectful to all communities and citizens no matter what, and I will show empathy and sympathy whenever needed. I am a great team player and know how to work together as one with a group of other people no matter the age. In addition, I have integrity and strive to always do the right thing and be honest. Finally, I will be an attentive member who will be active and present, and as a Coachella citizen, will be an active citizen who works to create change.

4. Do you have any questions or comments about the Commission’s structure or functions? Yes, I have many questions regarding the Commission’s structure and its functions. What is the purpose of the youth commission? What are its goals? What is the youth commission's role in the city? What does it advise the city council on? What activities will the youth commission undertake or engage in? How does the youth commission encourage youth involvement in municipal government? What community programs does the youth commission recommend? How is the youth commission made up? Who serves on it? What opportunities for professional development are available to youth commission members? What scholarships and internship opportunities open up or become available for Youth Commission members?

5. Other comments and/or ideas as to how you as a member of the selected Commission could benefit the City of Coachella.

My passion for youth empowerment and community engagement is the driving force behind my dedication to making a positive change for Coachella. I plan to commit to the Commission by involving young citizens in community projects and initiatives, providing them with tools and the resources they need in order for them to thrive. By fostering a sense of community and belonging among the youth, I aim to create a city where every single individual has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. To add, I have done volunteering work at the Coachella Library and at NOVA Academy ECHS. As for specific ideas, I believe implementing a mentorship program that pairs professionals with high school students would provide valuable guidance and would fulfill the needs of young citizens. Additionally, I am willing to collaborate with local leaders, organizations, and fellow commission members.

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Item 20.

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: 06/27/25 Note: Members of commissions shall be appointed for four-year terms or less. The term of each commission member shall continue for the term of the nominating council member and automatically terminate when the council member’s term ends. If a council member is reelected, that council member is entitled to make all new nominations or may choose to re-nominate the council member’s previous nominee.

Youth Advisory Commission Note: The term of a Commissioner is one year from August to June; mirroring the local school district’s school year.

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Deputy City Clerk
City of Coachella
53-462 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
[email protected]
(Revised 10-30-2023)

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Item 20.

CITY OF COACHELLA

Planning
Cultural and Arts
Parks and Recreation
Utilities User Tax Citizen Oversight (UUT)
Youth Advisory (To be eligible for appointment to the Commission you must be enrolled in high school.

Members may only serve on one commission/committee.

Note: In the event a member of the commission has three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from meetings of the Commission, the City Council may declare the office of such member vacant.

PLEASE FURNISH BRIEF RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:

CITY OF COACHELLA

COMMISSION APPLICATION
PAGE 2
(Revised 10-30-2023)

3. What special qualities can you bring to the Commission? _________________________________________________________________________________

4. Do you have any questions or comments about the Commission’s structure or functions? __________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Date

Youth Advisory Commission Note: The term of a Commissioner is one year from August to June; mirroring the local school district’s school year.

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Deputy City Clerk
City of Coachella
53-462 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
[email protected]

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Item 20.

CITY OF COACHELLA

Planning
Cultural and Arts
Parks and Recreation
Utilities User Tax Citizen Oversight (UUT)
Youth Advisory (To be eligible for appointment to the Commission you must be enrolled in high school.

Members may only serve on one commission/committee.

Note: In the event a member of the commission has three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from meetings of the Commission, the City Council may declare the office of such member vacant.

PLEASE FURNISH BRIEF RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:

CITY OF COACHELLA

COMMISSION APPLICATION
PAGE 2
(Revised 10-30-2023)

3. What special qualities can you bring to the Commission? _________________________________________________________________________________

4. Do you have any questions or comments about the Commission’s structure or functions? __________________________________________________________________________________

Signature Date

Youth Advisory Commission Note: The term of a Commissioner is one year from August to June; mirroring the local school district’s school year.

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Deputy City Clerk
City of Coachella
53-462 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
[email protected]

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Item 20.

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Item 20.

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Item 20.

STAFF REPORT
September 10, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Yolanda Lopez, Human Resources Department
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution 2025-48 to Grant Another Designated Period for Two Years Additional Service Credit; Certification of Governing Body’s Action ______________________________________________________________________________

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council consider taking the following actions in the order listed:

1. Adopt Resolution 2025-48 to Grant a Designated Period for Two Years Additional Service Credit under Government Code section 20903, beginning September 11, 2025, and ending December 30, 2025, for eligible miscellaneous employees.

2. Approve Certification of Governing Body’s Action and direct the City Clerk to sign the document.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
Government Code section 20903 authorizes public agencies contracting with CalPERS to offer what is commonly known as the "Two Years Additional Service Credit" or “Golden Handshake.” This provision allows eligible employees who retire during a specifically designated window to receive an additional two (2) years of service credit toward their retirement benefit calculation.

This program is typically used to:
• Encourage voluntary retirements during times of organizational change or budget constraints;
• Avoid layoffs by reducing staffing levels through retirement incentives; and • Facilitate succession planning and workforce transition.

The City must certify that the retirements will result in overall savings and must notify CalPERS in advance of the designated period. This is the second step required to offer eligible miscellaneous employees the Golden Handshake. This second step is to designate and open a window during which eligible miscellaneous employees may retire and receive the Golden Handshake. The first step was performed on August 6, 2025, whereby the City Council provided notice of its intention to open the window and to notify the public about the approximate cost of implementing such a program. As of this report, sixteen (16) miscellaneous employees are eligible for the Golden Handshake.

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Item 21.

By offering the Golden Handshake to eligible miscellaneous employees, the City will experience a net savings through voluntary retirements. Section 20903 requires that a window period be open no less than 90 days but no more than 180 days prior to retirement. The proposed designated period will begin on September 11, 2025, and conclude on December 30, 2025 (“Designated Period”).

Only those employees who retire within this window and meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the additional service credit. However, employees must be employed on the first day of the Designated Period to qualify for the Golden Handshake. As a result, the earliest retirement can be no earlier than September 12, 2025, and no later than December 30, 2025.

To be eligible to elect the Golden Handshake, an eligible employee must satisfy the following requirements:
 Be a miscellaneous member for CalPERS purposes;
 Have at least five (5) years of CalPERS credited service;  Be eligible to retire as of the effective date of retirement;  Be an employee of the City on the first day of the designated window (i.e., September 11, 2025); and
 Retire no earlier than September 12, 2025, but no later than December 30, 2025.

Pursuant to Government Code section 20903, the City Council must certify that it is electing to offer a Golden Handshake because of impending mandatory transfers, demotions, and layoffs that constitute at least one percent (1%) of the designated job classifications, department or organization unit, as designated by the City Council, resulting from the curtailment, or change in the manner of performing, its services. Further, the City Council must certify that it is its intention at the time that Government Code section 20903 is made operative that at least one vacancy in any position, in any department, or other organization unit, shall remain permanently unfilled, thereby resulting in an overall reduction in the workforce of the department or organization unit.

In addition, an employee that takes the Golden Handshake is not eligible to be hired as a retired annuitant by any CalPERS employer within 180 days of their effective date of retirement unless they forfeit the Golden Handshake.

The next steps, assuming that the City Council approves the recommendations, will entail the following:
 Submit the original or a certified copy of the Resolution 2025-48 of Intent, Certification of Governing Body’s Action, Certification of Compliance with Government Code Section 7507, and Certification of Compliance with Government Code Section 20903 to CalPERS immediately after the adoption of the Resolution 2025-48 of Intent.  Notify eligible employees and provide informational resources.  Coordinate with Human Resources and CalPERS to ensure timely processing of retirements and benefits.

The Certification of Compliance with Government Code Section 7507 and Certification of Compliance with Government Code Section 20903 were approved by the City Council, with authority granted to designated officials to sign such forms at the August 6, 2025, meeting.

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Item 21.

The action requested by the City Council at this meeting is to adopt Resolution 2025-48 to grant a designated period for two years additional service credit, to approve the Certification of Governing Body’s Action, and authorize the City Clerk to sign said form.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Although the granting of additional service credit may result in increased short-term retirement costs (CalPERS policy requires that the cost of a Golden Handshake be funded within five (5) years), these are expected to be offset by savings in salary, benefits, and associated costs due to the vacated positions. The anticipated costs of the Golden Handshake program were disclosed at the August 6, 2025, meeting in accordance with Government Code section 7507.

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED ACTION
Should the City Council not take the action recommended, the City will not be able to open an additional designated period during which two years additional service credit would be offered to eligible miscellaneous employees meeting the age and service credit requirements if they elect to retire during such period.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Resolution 2025-48 of Intent

2. Certification of Governing Body’s Action

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Item 21.

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-48

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

COACHELLA TO GRANT ANOTHER DESIGNATED PERIOD FOR TWO

YEARS ADDITIONAL SERVICE CREDIT
WHEREAS, the City of Coachella is a contracting agency of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to provide another designated period for Two Years Additional Service Credit, Section 20903, based on the contract amendment included in said contract, which provided for Section 20903, Two Years Additional Service Credit, for eligible members.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Coachella does seek to add another designated period, and does hereby authorize this Resolution indicating a desire to add a designated period from September 11, 2025, through December 30, 2025, for all eligible Miscellaneous employees of the City of Coachella.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 10th day of September 2025. ___________________________________
Steven A. Hernandez
Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Angela M. Zepeda
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

BEST, BEST & KRIEGER
___________________________________
City Attorney

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Item 21.

Resolution No. 2025-48

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.

CITY OF COACHELLA )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution No. 2025-48 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Coachella at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 10th day of September 2025, by the following vote of the City Council:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_________________________
Delia Granados,
Deputy City Clerk

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Item 21.

CalPERS-CON-12 Page 1 of 1
California Public Employees’ Retirement System www.calpers.ca.gov Financial Office | Pension Contracts & Prefunding Programs Division 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377) P.O. Box 942715, Sacramento, CA 94229-2715 TTY: (877) 249-7442 Certification of Governing Body’s Action
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by the ____________________________________________________________________ of the (governing body)
_________________________________________________________________________ (public agency)
on ________________________.
(date)
_______________________________________
Clerk/Secretary
_______________________________________
Title

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Item 21.

Coachella City CouncilSeptember 10, 2025

Coachella City Council
September 10, 2025