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Departing with Gratitude
As you are probably aware, I will be retiring next week from my position as City Manager of Cathedral City. I spent a total of almost 47 years working in local government in Lexington, Kentucky, Glendale and Avondale, Arizona and for the last 11 and a half years as City Manager here in Cathedral City. I am leaving with a feeling of immense gratitude for all the people who have contributed to my success as City Manager.
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First of all, I am thankful for the City Councilmembers I have worked for. In the Council-Manager form of government the City Council makes the policy decisions, and the City Manager and staff implement those decisions. I am thankful for the leadership provided by Mayor Nancy Ross, Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory and Councilmembers Ernesto Gutierrez, Rita Lamb and Mark Carnevale. They have provided steady, caring leadership and an environment where policy differences can be handled without getting personal. This is critical to having a successful local government.
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I am also thankful for the previous Councilmembers I had the privilege of working for: Shelley Kaplan, Stan Henry, John Aguilar, Greg Pettis, Kathy De Rosa, Sam Toles and Chuck Vasquez.
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A City Manager cannot achieve anything without faithful and competent staff who facilitate the implementation of Council decisions with the constant goal of providing excellent service to the people of our city. I am thankful for the staff in the City Manager's office who supported me daily:
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- Human Resources Manager Suzie Soren and former manager Eugenia Torres along with Annemarie Quintanilla, Lidia Buelna and Mitzi Mares who work diligently to recruit and retain city staff and ensure employees are treated fairly so Cathedral City is an employer of choice. No services can be provided without an excellent city workforce.
- Communications and Events Manager Ryan Hunt and Adam Chastain who work to keep our community informed and provide an array of events that help build a sense of belonging and community for those who live here and our visitors from elsewhere.
- City Clerk Tracey Hermosillo and Deputy City Clerk Christina Burton make sure the materials for Council meetings are accurate and complete and available to the public and document all the decisions made by the City Council and manage our elections ensuring they are free and fair.
I am thankful for Assistant City Manager Anne Ambrose who supported me in every aspect of managing the city and was named Interim City Manager by the Council last night. She will do a great job in that role.
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I am thankful for our department head team of Police Chief George Crum, Fire Chief Mike Contreras, Finance Director Kevin Biersack, Public Works Director John Corella and Community and Economic Development Director Andy Firestine. They are all dedicated public servants who work tirelessly leading employees in their departments to serve our community every day.
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I am thankful for our city staff across all the departments who provide services to our people each day. Our police officers, firefighters, street maintenance workers, code officers, building inspectors, planners, engineers, accountants and others too numerous to mention always keep service at the forefront of everything they do.
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I am thankful for my husband Brian Talarsky who is my rock and support for everything I do. He is always there for me through the evening meetings, weekend events and through the joys and disappointments that come with this job.
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Finally, I am so thankful for the people of Cathedral City. You have demonstrated in many ways that you want excellence from your city government and that you care about each other. Your support for Measure W has allowed the city to begin providing parks and recreation services, improved emergency medical care and improvement of neighborhood streets. You will see the benefits for years to come.
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You also made me feel welcome when I arrived here and supported me throughout my time as City Manager. My wish for each of you is a life of success in your endeavors, happiness and always excellent city services.
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Charlie McClendon
City Manager
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City of Cathedral City Staff Honor Charlie McClendon with Heartfelt Video Tribute
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https://youtu.be/DQuiFWvlt8A As City Manager Charlie McClendon prepares for retirement after 11 transformative years of leadership, the Cathedral City team has come together to create something truly special – a heartfelt video tribute that captures the profound impact he has had on both the organization and the community he has served with such dedication. The video features…Read more
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Anne Ambrose Appointed as City of Cathedral City's Interim City Manager
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The City Council of Cathedral City has approved the appointment of Anne Ambrose as Interim City Manager, effective September 20, 2025. Ambrose, who has served as the City's Assistant City Manager since January 2023, will lead the organization during the recruitment process for a permanent City Manager following the retirement of Charles McClendon. "Anne has demonstrated exceptional…Read more
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City of Cathedral City Wins Two Prestigious Public Works Awards
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The City of Cathedral City's Public Works Department and Engineering team have been recognized with two Project of Merit Awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Coachella Valley chapter, highlighting the city's commitment to excellence in infrastructure and community development. The awards were presented at the APWA Coachella Valley Public Works Expo, recognizing outstanding public works …Read more
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California Earthquake Brace + Bolt Program Expands to Include Rental Properties in Second 2025 Registration Period
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The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) has announced a groundbreaking expansion of its Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) grant program, opening a second registration period for 2025 that for the first time includes rental and other non-owner-occupied residential properties. The registration period runs …Read more
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U.S. District Court Orders Settlement Talks As Fantasy Balloon Flights Commits To Refrain From Promoting And Advertising The Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival
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Fantasy Balloon Flights Confirms in Court That It Will Cease All Use of the City's Balloon Festival Trademarks and Logos Cathedral City, CA – The U.S. District Court has determined that the City of Cathedral City's requested preliminary …Read more
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The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa and City of Rancho Mirage Partner with 11th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival
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Premium Resort to Host Exclusive "Brunch & Balloons" Experience and Morning Balloon Launches CATHEDRAL CITY/RANCHO MIRAGE, CA (September 3, 2025) – The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is proud to announce its partnership as official hotel and venue sponsor for the …Read more
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"Cathedral City: A City Built on Grit and Grace" Premieres at Historic Celebration
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Staff-Produced Documentary Chronicles Community's Century-Long Journey Cathedral City's talented city staff unveiled their exclusive short film "Cathedral City: A City Built on Grit and Grace" during Saturday's commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the city's first designated land marker and map. The documentary takes viewers on a compelling journey through time, chronicling …Read more
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Celebrate Cathedral City's Latino Culture and History at Hispanic Heritage Month Block Party on Sept. 20, 2025
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The City of Cathedral City and the Cathedral City Senior Center invite the community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant block party and special documentary screening honoring one of the city's most beloved cultural icons. On Saturday, September 20, 2025, residents can enjoy a day filled with music, culture, and community …Read more
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Cathedral City Police Officers Transform Lives Through Compassionate Homeless Outreach
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The Cathedral City Police Department's Homeless Liaison Program is making headlines for all the right reasons, demonstrating that effective law enforcement goes far beyond traditional policing. At the heart of this innovative program are two dedicated officers whose compassionate approach is changing lives and strengthening the …Read more
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City of Cathedral City Celebrates Major Infrastructure Improvements
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The City of Cathedral City continues to invest in essential infrastructure projects that enhance safety, connectivity, and quality of life for residents and visitors. These infrastructure improvements are managed by the City's Public Works Department and our Engineering team, which oversee the planning, execution, and completion of essential community projects. Here's an update …Read more
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Cathedral City Peace Initiative Hosts International Day of Peace Observance & Art Exhibition on Sept. 21, 2025
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Cathedral City Peace Initiative invites the community to commemorate the International Day of Peace with a special observance and art exhibition on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. at the Cathedral City Library, located at 33520 Date Palm Drive. The event will feature two powerful exhibitions designed to promote peace education and …Read more
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Vector Control District Announces Summer Mosquito Treatment Program Through September
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To help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne viruses, the Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District will carry out weekly mosquito control treatments using truck-mounted equipment in your neighborhood. Treatments will take place on Saturdays from 1am to 7am beginning July 19th and continuing through September 13th. For more …Read more
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Cathedral City Library Continues as Official Cooling Center for Summer 2025
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Are you looking for relief from the summer heat? The Cathedral City Library, located at 33520 Date Palm Drive, will once again serve as the official Riverside County Community Action Partnership (CAP) cooling center in Cathedral City. The cooling center will be open June 1 – October 15, 2025. Hours of Operation: Normal Library Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday …Read more
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Device Advice
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Need some tech help for your smartphone, tablet or laptop? 40-minute appointments available on Wednesdays at 1:45pm, 2:25pm, and 3:05pm. Get help with the Bilhartz Team! Call for an appointment 760-321-1548 ... Read more
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Shine & Sparkle
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Monday, September 15, 2025
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Pamper yourself at the Cathedral City Senior Center on Monday, September 15th starting at 9:30am! Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of nail care with friends and leave with nails you'll love! Walk-ins OK. Donations accepted ...Read more
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Ice Cream Social
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Wednesday September 17, 2025
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Grab your friends and join in a scooptacular time filled with tasty ice cream, fun activities, and lots of laughs with great company.
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Hispanic Heritage Month Block Party
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The City of Cathedral City and the Cathedral City Senior Center invite you to a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in the heart of our community. This special event brings together music, dance, food, and valuable resources in a festive and family-friendly atmosphere. The celebration kicks off at 11:00 AM with remarks from the Mayor …Read more
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Documentary Screening of Lalo Guerrero: The Original Chicano
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Lalo Guerrero: The Original Chicano is an hour long documentary that celebrates the life and career of Lalo Guerrero, while documenting the contemporary history of Mexican Americans through his music. Taped interviews with Linda Ronstadt, Paul Rodriguez, Edward James Olmos, Ry Cooder, UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta, Cheech Marin …Read more
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Andy Cahan Book Signing
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In his new book, The Most Famous Musician You've Never Heard Of, Andy Cahan gathers up six decades of his life in music, making for an entertaining read. If you are a rock music fan, you are undoubtedly familiar with major artists Andy has performed with... including Harry Nilsson, Little Richard, The Turtles, Ringo Starr, Jimmy Webb …Read more
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International Day of Peace
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Cathedral City Peace Initiative invites you to the INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE observance and art exhibition. The event will take place on Sunday September 21, 2025 from 2-4pm. There will be two special exhibitions - Mayors For Peace Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition - A Message from 1945 to the Future; and an exhibition of children's art from Gaza, incorporating artwork …Read more
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Psychic Pet Pawraiser
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Get a psychic reading, have your tarot cards read, talk with an animal communicator, sip on a delicious cup of coffee... all proceeds benefit the Desert Paws Sanctuary. Readings $20 ...Read more
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Spooktacular Movie Nights
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Come join in the fun at Spooktacular Movie Nights in the amphitheater. The fun starts at DUSK each Tuesday night during October with be seasonal family friendly films ...Read more
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HOWL-O-WEEN 2025
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Saturday, October 25, 2025
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Join us for the annual HOWL-O-WEEN dog costume contest at Panorama Park Dog Park on Saturday October 25th. Registration begins at 9am and the contest begins at 9:30am! There will be prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each of two categories - small and large breed. PLUS there will be a prize for the BEST COMBO COSTUME …Read more
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9th Annual Cathedral City Halloween SPOOKTACULAR
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Join us for the 9th Annual Cathedral City Halloween SPOOKTACULAR on Sunday, October 26th from 12-3pm located in downtown Cathedral City in front of City Hall. FREE ADMISSION, Kids Treat or Treat and Costume Contest, Win Bicycles, visit vendors for CANDY, and ...Read more
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Healthy Living Expo
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The Living Healthy Expo is the premier health and wellness resource in the Coachella Valley. Through a partnership with Desert Oasis Health Care and The Gulf California Broadcast Company’s group of stations, The Living Healthy Expo unites business and community partners to educate and serve as a health resource for attendees. Attendees will have …Read more
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Community Emergency Response Team
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Classes now filling for November 2025 to become a member of the City's CERT team. November 1st & 8th from 8 am - 5 pm, November 15th from 8 am to noon ARE YOU PREPARED FOR: Earthquakes, Fires, Power Outages, Terrorism, Public Health Crisis, Adverse Weather? CERT training promotes a partnership between professional …Read more
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Tastes & Sounds PALM SPRINGS PRIDE kickoff
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Tuesday, November 4, 2025
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Be a part of kicking off PALM SPRINGS PRIDE at TASTE & SOUNDS of Cathedral City on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 5 PM to 7PM. Cathedral City LGBT+ Days in association with GED Magazine will be bringing you a Drag Spectacular to get the PRIDE flowing! PLUS learn about the new and exciting events planned for the 2026 Cathedral City LGBT+ Days …Read more
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Tastes & Sounds THE DREAMBOATS
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Tuesday, November 18, 2025
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Join us for the continuing FALL EDITION of TASTES & SOUNDS of CATHEDRAL CITY and the KICKOFF to the CATHEDRAL CITY INTERNATIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL with the DREAMBOATS! Their last concert in the Amphitheater brough in record attendance, so be sure to arrive early to get a spot for the show ...Read more
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Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival CONCERT
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Friday, November 21, 2025
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Join us for the Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival CONCERT in the Community Amphitheater! Featuring RADIO READY at 5pm and QUEEN NATION at 6:30pm. Listed among the Top 14 Hot Air Balloon Festivals by US News & World Report and winner of the prestigious Palm Award for Visitor Experience from Visit Greater Palm Springs …Read more
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11th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival
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11th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival November 21-23, 2025 Join us for three days of spectacular hot air balloon displays, family entertainment, and live music at Cathedral City's internationally acclaimed signature event. Listed among the Top 14 Hot Air Balloon Festivals by …Read more
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SNOWFEST 2025
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Saturday, December 1, 2025
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Join us for SNOWFEST 2025 at the Cathedral City Civic Center for an afternoon and evening of FUN with 10 tons of real snow! Activities include: Santa's arrival and photo op, tree lighting ceremony, snowfest train, elf workshop, and ugly sweater contest for the kids! Snowfest is presented by Comfort Air ...Read more
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Employment
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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT I/II
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PART-TIME BACKGROUND INVESTIGATOR
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POLICE OFFICER - LATERAL/ACADEMY GRADUATE
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PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER - PART-TIME
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PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER I
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PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER II
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