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Two Important Regional Roadway Project Updates
(And a Request for Your Support)
Date Palm Drive
Date Palm Drive is the City’s main north-south regional Arterial Highway that runs north/south from Varner Road to East Palm Canyon Drive crossing other regional roadways, such as Interstate 10, Vista Chino, Ramon Road, Dinah Shore Drive, Gerald Ford Drive, and East Palm Canyon Drive. Date Palm Drive carries more than 29,000 vehicles per day along its route between Interstate 10 and the downtown corridor and over 9,000 vehicles per day between Interstate 10 and Varner Road.
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Date Palm Drive from Interstate 10 to Varner Road is considered Segment 1 of the Varner Road Interstate 10 Bypass Route shown below. Along this section of roadway, the city and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) are working to complete the last phase (Phase 3) for the full build-out of Date Palm Drive from Varner Road to Interstate 10. Phases 1 and 2 had already been completed with the design and construction of the 2-lane roadway that is out there today.
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VARNER ROAD INTERSTATE 10 BYPASS ROUTE
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Phase 3 will complete this important regional roadway project with 6 lanes for vehicle travel (3 in each direction), median, curb and gutter, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and a traffic signal at the intersection of Date Palm Drive and Varner Road. Phase 3 is currently in the design, environmental, and right-of-way phases. Included in the design of the roadway is an improved culvert crossing over the Long Canyon Wash Channel near the intersection of Date Palm Drive and Varner Road. Riverside County Flood Control District (RCFCD) has stepped in and committed to participating in funding the construction improvements needed for the Long Canyon Wash crossing under the proposed expanded roadway. Both the City and CVAG have agreed to fund the construction of Phase 3 of this roadway when the design and clearances are completed. Construction should begin in mid-2025.
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Varner Road
Varner Road is the city’s northernmost regional Arterial Highway that runs west to east (city limit to city limit) connecting Date Palm Drive to Bob Hope Drive, respectively. In the middle it connects to the northern terminus of Date Palm Drive and in the future will connect to the northern terminus of DaVall Drive. Varner Road carries up to 16,000 vehicles per day along its long meandering route connecting Cathedral City to Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Thousand Palms, and other down valley cities. Varner Road is also the backbone of the Varner Road Interstate 10 Bypass Route.
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Varner Road is divided into specific Segments in conjunction with the Varner Road Interstate 10 Bypass Route plan. The aforementioned Segment 1 is designated as Date Palm Drive from Interstate 10 to Varner Road, the remaining segments are:
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- Segment 2a: Varner Road from Date Palm Drive to Edom Hill Road.
- Segment 2b: Varner Road from Date Palm Drive to Mountain View Drive.
- Segment 3: Varner Road from Mountain View Drive to Palm Drive.
- Segment 4: Varner Road from Date Palm Drive to Bob Hope Drive.
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The map below shows the Segments of the Varner Road Interstate 10 Bypass Route.
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VARNER ROAD INTERSTATE 10 BYPASS ROUTE
Segments 1, 2a, 2b, 3 and 4
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This past November 2023, the City and CVAG entered a cooperative agreement to engage a consulting engineering firm to complete the full roadway design for the Varner Road Segments 2a, 2b, and 3 at a cost of just under $2.4 million as shown below. This full design effort will be completed in late 2025 and will include plans for a 4-lane roadway from Palm Drive to Mountain View Drive and a 6-lane roadway from Mountain View Drive to Date Palm Drive. The design will include traffic signal modifications at the intersection of Palm Drive and Varner Road and new traffic signal plans for the Varner Road intersections at Mountain View Drive and Edom Hill Road. Plans will also include medians, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, and muti-use paths (pedestrian and bicycle paths). Lastly, plans will include phasing options to construct the project in phases as funding is secured.
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VARNER ROAD INTERSTATE 10 BYPASS ROUTE
Segments 2a, 2b and 3
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Currently, the project is in the data collection phase with right of way, utilities, hydrology, and environmental components being identified and assessed. A project of this size will take time to completely design, acquire right of way, and receive the necessary environmental clearances. The preliminary construction cost estimate for Segments 2a, 2b, and 3 combined is currently estimated at over $30 million. RCFCD is again participating in the construction of the project in the amount of just under $2.0 million for improving under-roadway wash crossings along the roadway route.
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The goal for completing the design of this project is to have, when completed, a “shovel-ready project,” that will avail the more favorable reviews and scoring as we apply for federal or state grants for construction funding. (This method has proven successful in past city grant efforts).
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City staff continues to lobby our representatives to secure funding for the construction of all or portions of the Varner Road Segments cited above. We have regular meetings with State Assemblymember Wallis and Congressmember Ruiz’s offices on this project. Both have provided positive support and have assigned staff members to actively participate in the Varner Road Task Force that was formed to get this roadway constructed, from end to end.
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We have spoken to Congressmember Calvert’s office regarding this vital roadway section and received additional positive support.
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Finally, we have also met with Senator Butler’s staff regarding the regional significance of this roadway section. As a result of those meetings, the Senator, in June, forwarded our request for construction funding to the Senate Appropriations Committee for review in this upcoming fiscal year 2025 Congressional Directed Spending budget cycle. This is the most advanced support for the project funding we have received to date.
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You also can help. We need your continued support to get the construction of this regionally significant roadway project funded. Your voice to your legislative representatives regarding Varner Road and its utilization as the Varner Road Interstate 10 Bypass Route and the need for its all-weather reconstruction is important. Your communication, whether emails, letters, and/or even phone calls to your representatives makes the difference. For your convenience, I have included the names and contact information of our local representatives who need to hear from you below. They already know about the Varner Road Project; you just need to reassure them that you do too.
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Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this Community Update and the Roadway Projects discussed.
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LeAnn Rimes Concert Tickets Now On Sale, Agua Caliente Casinos Announced as Title Sponsor of the Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival’s 10th Anniversary Event
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TICKETS NOW ON SALE: Concert tickets to see international multi-platinum-selling acclaimed singer/songwriter LeAnn Rimes at this year’s Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival are on sale here …Read more
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Snow White Back by Popular Demand! One Day Only: Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Noon & 4 PM
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This past June, critics and public, children and adults loved the COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY YOUTH PROGRAMS enchanted production of SNOW WHITE: “… A MONUMENTAL SUCCESS IN EPIC PROPORTIONS” wrote Broadway World. “IT IS A PRODUCTION THAT HITS JUST THE RIGHT NOTES,” said CV Independent. Responding to …Read more
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CONE ZONE ALERT: Panorama Neighborhood Pavement Reconstruction
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Starting June 17, 2024, through July 2024, Hardy & Harper Inc. will be constructing roadway improvements at the Panorama Neighborhood area. Streets under reconstruction include Panorama Rd, Los Gatos Rd, Horizon Rd, an alleyway connected to Adelina Rd, and an alleyway connected to Horizon Rd and Date Palm Dr. The Project will also …Read more
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Tips to Help Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses From the County of Riverside Emergency Management Department
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The City of Cathedral City and the Coachella Valley continue to experience a prolonged period of extremely hot temperatures. Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S. However, heat-related illnesses and deaths are largely preventable with proper planning, education and action. The County of Riverside Emergency … Read more
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CONE ZONE ALERT: Landau Boulevard/McCallum Way Intersection Improvements Project
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Starting June 10, 2024, through August 2024, DBX Inc. will be constructing roadway improvements and installing a new traffic signal at Landau Boulevard and McCallum Way. The project will also include the construction of new ADA compliant curb ramps at the intersection. The construction hours will be from 7:00AM to 4:00PM, Monday through …Read more
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Cathedral City Library Is the “Coolest” Place to Be in Summer 2024
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Are you looking for a cool place this summer to beat the heat? The Cathedral City Library, located at 33520 Date Palm Drive, will serve as the official Riverside County Community Action Partnership (CAP) cooling center in Cathedral City. The cooling center at the library will be open June 1 – Oct. 15, 2024, and will have the following hours … Read more
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“Free Summer Kids Movie Series” Returns to Mary Pickford Theatre June 14 – Aug. 2, 2024
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The Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE), in partnership with the Mary Pickford Theatre, presents the return of the “Free Summer Kids Movie Series” happening every Friday at 11:00 a.m. starting Friday, June 14, 2024, thru Friday, August 2, 2024. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. The film series offers free admission to see a different movie geared towards kids … Read more
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Active Transportation Program Cycle 5 Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail - Date Palm Drive Expansion
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The City Council of Cathedral City awarded a construction contract to Riverside Construction Company in the amount of $3,884,603 for the construction of the Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail and Date Palm Drive Expansion Projects.
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2024 Summer Cabaret Series - Brent Barrett & Bernie Blanks
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JULY 18, 2024
Islands in the Stream Brent Barrett is an American actor and tenor who is mostly known for his work within American theatre. Barrett has performed in musicals and in concerts with theatres, symphony orchestras, opera houses, and concert halls internationally. Grand performances, great music, and personality plus make the COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY 2024 SUMMER CABARET …Read more
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Summer Movie Series 2024
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The Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE), in partnership with the Mary Pickford Theatre, presents the return of the “Free Summer Kids Movie Series” happening every Friday at 11:00 a.m. starting Friday, June 14, 2024, thru Friday, August 2, 2024. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. The film series offers free admission to see a different movie geared towards kids … Read more
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Turn Trash into Treasure: Join the 2024 Plastic Fish Zero Waste Art Contest!
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Deadline July 31, 2024
🐠 Turn Trash into Treasure: Join the 2024 Plastic Fish Zero Waste Art Contest! 🎨 Get creative for a cause! Transform non-recyclable plastic into fish-shaped art and help raise awareness about ocean pollution. Open to all ages and skill levels. Key details: Deadline: July 31, 2024 Submit: Photo, title, and artist name(s) to info@scrapgallery.org Or …Read more
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AARP Smart Driver Course
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August 7 & 14, 2024
Calling all drivers! Boost your safety skills and potentially save on insurance with the AARP Smart Driver Course at Cathedral City Senior Center. 🚗 When: Wed, August 7 & 14, 9AM-1PM 💰 Cost: $20 AARP members / $25 non-members 🎓 Benefits: Learn to keep yourself and others safe on the road, plus claim a possible multi-year auto insurance discount! …Read more
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Blood Drive
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August 8, 2024
🩸 Be a Hero, Save Lives in Cathedral City! 🦸♂️ Mark your calendars for our upcoming Blood Drive on Thursday, Aug. 8, from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Civic Center (68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero). As our way of saying thanks, every donor gets to spin our special prize wheel—you could walk away with an awesome gift! 🎁🎰 In …
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Quarterly Art Exhibit
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August 24, 2024
The Quarterly Art Exhibit in Cathedral City showcases a variety of artworks by talented local artists. This free community event takes place every three months, with each exhibit featuring new pieces to discover. Come out and support the arts while exploring the unique culture of Cathedral City. Read more
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Employment
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AMBULANCE OPERATOR - EMT (24 hour shifts)
ASSISTANT CIVIL ENGINEER
CITIZENS ON PATROL (COP)
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DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF NEW
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
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LAND DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER
POLICE CADET
POLICE OFFICER - LATERAL/ACADEMY GRADUATE
POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT
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PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER - PART-TIME
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER II
RESERVE POLICE OFFICER
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