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Community Update
By Katherine Fuentes, Assistant City Manager
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CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION-CITYWIDE FIBER OPTIC PROGRAM
On April 13th, the City Council held a Study Session regarding discussions Cathedral City has been having with SiFi Networks, an international fiber-optic network developer. The purpose of these discussions was to explore the investment of private sector dollars to construct a citywide fiber-optic network. The 100% privately funded network would be constructed past every home and every business and would significantly improve the connectivity, speed, and accessibility to the internet for citizens, business, and government.
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Fiber optic cable is the fastest and most reliable method of delivering high-quality internet services. It is about 10 - 20 times faster than broadband cable internet services, which is what most of us use today. This technology uses fiber optic cables which are placed underground in city streets. Since these cables are underground, they are not susceptible to weather or other conditions which minimizes service interferences and outages. Data is transmitted through cables using high-quality beams of light which significantly increases the speed and reliability of service, rather than copper metal cables.
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For the end-user, faster and more reliable internet service means:
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- Downloading and uploading work/school files and movies faster
- Higher quality computer/television reception with no interruptions
- Smooth and constant data streaming which provides higher quality video gameplay
- Improved connection of household devices such as multiple laptops, telephones, televisions, home security systems, home thermostats, etc.
Providing a faster, more reliable, and sustainable city-wide broadband digital network supports the City’s goal of eliminating barriers to affordable and reliable internet for Cathedral City residents and businesses. Once viewed as an enhancement to our quality of life, access to the internet and all of its services and capabilities are now an essential service to reduce the gaps of disparity and socioeconomic differences which exist among cities in California and across the nation.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and placed a laser focus on the importance of affordable, reliable, and high-capacity internet services to provide for basic human services such as educating our youth, access to jobs and the ability to work at home, ordering groceries, maintaining our prescriptions, and access to health care. And although there have been many debates regarding the growing socioeconomic gaps caused by the Digital Divide (access to modern technology and ability to utilize available technology), there is little doubt that the global pandemic has intensified the disparity between those with and those without reliable and affordable internet access.
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Accordingly, increasing the availability, improving the reliability, and increasing the speed and affordability of internet service has become a priority and goal of the City Council. The current model of providing internet services relies on individual Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) and their ability to invest and expand services in communities such as Cathedral City. And in many cases, subscriber numbers may not warrant and support capital investments required to increase and expand services. Partnering with the private sector to finance and build an “open access” network provides a new and different model which could benefit Cathedral City now and many years into the future.
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The significance of building an “open access” network is it enables ISP’s of all sizes (Frontier, Spectrum, AT&T, Verizon Fios, Xfinity, etc.) to compete in the Cathedral City market by removing the cost-prohibitive barriers of constructing the required broadband network. In other words, this broadband network will provide a single conduit with unlimited capacity which all ISP’s can tap into, access, and share.
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Currently, Cathedral City has 2 primary players in the fiber market, Spectrum, and Frontier. Construction of unlimited capacity broadband infrastructure which can be shared means more internet providers and more internet choices for the Cathedral City residents and businesses. Potential benefits to our community include improved internet services, improved customer support, and competitive pricing.
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Who Is SiFi and What Do They Provide
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SiFi is an international fiber-optic network developer who privately funds, builds, and operates citywide open access 100% fiber networks for cities in California and across the nation. They are in the business of building high-capacity broadband networks to deliver ultra-fast internet as well as connectivity for next-generation services. These next-generation services include the emerging uses of information and communication technologies to improve operational efficiencies and sharing of information to the public to improve city services for our citizens. Where available, these technologies have enabled cities to optimize city functions and promote economic growth by:
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- Improving public safety by utilizing crime data to identify and target high crime areas
- Improving remote access to City Hall services
- Improving access and functionality to vital health care services
- Improving the City’s communication and public engagement capabilities
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City Council Honors a Hero and 40th Anniversary Planning Committee
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With the coronavirus pandemic subsided, the City Council held its first, in-person council meeting in the Council Chambers since last August. The Council took this opportunity to honor Francisco Enriquez and the Cathedral City 40th Anniversary Planning Committee. Fire Chief John Muhr gave a presentation about the heroic act that Mr. Francisco Enriquez performed on January 11, 2022 when … Read more
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City Council Raises Ukrainian Flag at City Hall
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In a show of solidarity for the democratic people of Ukraine, the City Council between its Study Session and Regular Session raised in unison the Ukrainian flag in front of City Hall on Wednesday. They also passed a proclamation in support of Ukraine during the council meeting, and finally, ordered the exterior lights City Hall to glow in… Read more
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City Council Bans New Billboards and Phases Out Existing Billboards in Cathedral City
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At its April 13th meeting, the City Council revised its billboard ordinance to ban all new billboards and to phase out existing billboards located on non-tribal land as they deteriorate over time. The council determined that billboards are aesthetically unpleasing. The new ordinance prohibits any new billboards in the City including along Interstate 10 that are located on non-tribal … Read more
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Police Chief Crum Gives Update on Crime Statistics
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Police Chief George Crum gave an update to the city council on Wednesday regarding 2021 Part 1 Crime Statistics. Although Cathedral City had an uptick in crime, it is still in the Top 50 Safest Cities in California. Police Chief Crum reported that homicides had been reduced 40 percent over the year before as 2020 reported 5 homicides … Read more
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Ocotillo Park Neighborhood Meet-Up
on April 21st and May 7th
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Join Councilmember Nancy Ross and representatives from the police, fire, and city administration for a Neighborhood Meet-Up at Ocotillo Park (33300 Moreno Road) to discuss the following topics: Installation of Sewer Service Desert Recreation District Expansion Naming Cathedral City Neighborhoods Any Issue of Importance to You There are two meetings that you can choose to attend: Thursday, April … Read more
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RUHS Offering COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
in Cathedral City on May 5
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With the new subvariant of the coronavirus, called BA.2, spreading in other parts of the United States, it is only a matter of time before it reaches Southern California, if it has not arrived already. Riverside University Health System, in collaboration with the City of Cathedral City, is offering a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 10:00 … Read more
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“Spring Fest” Happening on April 30th at Century Park
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S.C.R.A.P. Gallery, Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission, and the Cathedral City Public Library invite you to “Spring Fest” which celebrates Earth Day and Global Youth Day on Saturday, April 30, 2022, 8:30 am to 12 (noon) at Century Park located at 69908 Century Park Drive in Cathedral City. This free event offers family fun activities and pop-up exhibits … Read more
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2022 State of the City Happening In-Person
on Thursday, May 19th
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The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Cathedral City, invites you to attend the 2022 Annual State of the City Event and Business Expo. This year’s event features a three-part moderated discussion between Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez and select local leaders, in discussion over business and community development within the City of Cathedral City. Thursday, … Read more
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CONE ZONE ALERT:
Cathedral Canyon Drive at the Whitewater Wash Will Experience a Complete Road Closure on Friday, April 15
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CATHEDRAL CITY – (April 11, 2022) The City of Cathedral City has been notified that crews working on the new Ofelia Bringas Memorial Bridge that crosses the Whitewater River Basin on Cathedral Canyon Drive will need to close the road completely on Friday, April 15, 2022, from 3:00 am to 8:00 p.m. The Cathedral Canyon Drive closure … Read more
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CONE ZONE ALERT: Ramon Road Resurfacing Project to Cause Traffic Delays.
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Road crews will resurface Ramon Road from Date Palm Drive to Da Vall Drive with a Rubberized Emulsion Aggregate Slurry (REAS) as part of its road maintenance plan starting on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 through Tuesday, April 19, 2022 with exception of the weekend dates. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction at various times during the … Read more
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Pictures from the Softball, Baseball, & Fitness Event at Panorama Park
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Professional Yoga Instructor Patti Wexler The Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission proudly brings Free Yoga Classes to the new Cathedral City Community Amphitheater in Downtown Cathedral City every Tuesday morning at 10 am starting on February 1, 2022 through April 26, 2022. The free classes will be taught by professional Yoga instructor Patti Wexler. No need to RSVP, … Read more
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Dinner with Patsi Fundraiser for
Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City
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Patsi is looking to raise some “green” this spring for the Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City during the monthly “Dinner with Patsi” charity benefit. Prior to Wednesday, April 20, call Sammy's Place at (760) 770-4030 and reserve one of two table seatings (5 pm or 7 pm), then on April 20th go to Sammy's Place to dine-in or … Read more
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Ocotillo Park Neighborhood Meet-Up
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Join Councilmember Nancy Ross and representatives from the police, fire, and city administration for a Neighborhood Meet-Up at Ocotillo Park (33300 Moreno Road) to discuss the following topics: Installation of Sewer Service Desert Recreation District Expansion Naming Cathedral City Neighborhoods Any Issue of Importance to You There are two meetings that you can choose to attend: Thursday, April … Read more
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First Fridays Art Walk on Perez Road
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Looking for an opportunity to walk and view some amazing art at the same time? Then come to First Fridays Art Walk on Perez Road from 5 pm to 8 pm. The row of art galleries are located at 68845 & 68895 Perez Road in the “H” and “I” ... Read more
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Ocotillo Park Neighborhood Meet-Up
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Join Councilmember Nancy Ross and representatives from the police, fire, and city administration for a Neighborhood Meet-Up at Ocotillo Park (33300 Moreno Road) to discuss the following topics: Installation of Sewer Service Desert Recreation District Expansion Naming Cathedral City Neighborhoods Any Issue of Importance to You The meeting will take place: Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 9:00 am, … Read more
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The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Cathedral City, invites you to attend the 2022 Annual State of the City Event and Business Expo. This year’s event features a three-part moderated discussion between Mayor Ernesto M. Gutierrez and select local leaders, in discussion over business and community development within the City of … Read more
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Tejano PowerHouse Entertainment, City of Cathedral City and Diaz Enterprises invites you to the rescheduled 4th annual Tejano Music Fest in Cathedral City featuring the best Tejano music, fiesta food and spirits on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 5 pm to 10 pm at our new location, the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, 68526 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, in Cathedral City, California. … Read more
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Cathedral City’s Halloween Spooktacular features trick or treating with over 40,000 pieces of candy! Join friends, neighbors, and family for a Spooktacular time including activities such as Halloween costume contests (two bikes given away each hour), police and fire exhibitions, music, and family games. Halloween Spooktacular provides you with information about the police and fire departments, to view special … Read more
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- FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE - $27.42 - $35.89 Hourly
- Department: Fire Department
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To view current job opportunities, apply for a position, or submit an interest card, please visit joincathedralcity.org
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