Newsletter-Header-cincodemayo
May 5, 2022
Cinco de Mayo

Community Update
By George Crum, Chief of Police

pexels-lukas-590022
In order to prevent crime, it is important to consistently review and discuss crime statistics on a monthly and annual basis and examine the historical crime data regularly to measure our existing policing model. Based on that review, we can adapt prudently to crime trends as they develop. The Cathedral City Police Department utilizes current and historical crime data to deploy personnel more effectively and efficiently to assist in reducing crime in the community.

The past few years, 2020 and 2021, were like none that Public Safety has seen or experienced. Many cities experienced a significant increase in violent crimes and decreases in property crimes. On the other hand, many cities experienced significant reductions in violent crimes and property crimes. Across the nation in 2021, the crime of murder increased by 5% in major American cities and homicide increased a staggering 44% over 2019 according to the Council on Criminal Justice. In my research, several factors have contributed to increases in crime across the nation which include calls to "Defund the Police", the number of guns in circulation in our country, police officer recruitment, and retention issues as well as unintended consequences of propositions and laws passed.

In evaluating Cathedral City’s Part 1 crimes from calendar year 2017 through calendar year 2021, I looked at total number of Part 1 crimes committed each year. Our totals for each respective year are as follows: 2017 (906 crimes), 2018 (889 crimes), 2019 (746 crimes), 2020 (793 crimes) and 2021 (912 crimes). As you can see, our number of Part 1 crimes has decreased in some years and increased in others.

Our two-year Part 1 crimes saw a 40% decrease in Homicide, a 26.6 % decrease in Rape, and a 3.1% decrease in Robbery. We experienced a 30.1% increase in Aggravated Assaults, a 13.2% increase in Burglary, a 0.3% increase in Larceny, and a 41.6% increase in Motor vehicle Theft. It should be noted felony domestic violence assaults are included in the overall number of Aggravated Assaults and 54 of the 108 reported aggravated assaults were domestic violence.

Overall, Cathedral City experienced a 15% increase in Part 1 crimes from 2020 through the end of 2021. In 2021, the pandemic restrictions were easing, and more people were going back into the workforce and not spending as much time at home as we saw in 2020. Less people working from home presented more opportunities for home burglaries and auto thefts to take place.

Over the past two years, Cathedral City has not experienced the significant increases in homicides as some cities in our surrounding jurisdictions. Cathedral City’s decrease in most violent crime is attributed to several factors which include a responsive and proactive police department, having a trusting relationship with our community we serve, and having a good working relationship with our allied agencies in the Coachella Valley. Despite an uptick in Part 1 crimes in 2021, Cathedral City ranked in the top 50 safest cities for the second consecutive year. According to online safety resource website SafeWise, Cathedral City was #41 on the list of safest cities in California. We are the only Coachella Valley city to rank among the 50 safest spots in the Golden State.

https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-california/#list

COVID 19 Information

covidbanner21
ccedd-covid1

News

Ocotillo Park Neighborhood Meet-Up
Happens this Saturday

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, Shelter Area … Read more
Ocotillo Park Neighborhood Meet-Up Happens this Saturday

Notice of Vacancies for City Commissions/Committees

Notice of Vacancies for City Commissions/Committees
The City of Cathedral City announces vacancies on several Commissions/Committees. These terms will begin on July 1, 2022. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022, to the Office of the City Clerk, 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City, CA 92234, or by email to thermosillo@cathedralcity.gov. Applications can be downloaded from the City’s website at www.cathedralcity.gov or … Read more

Photos of the Week

Photos from Spring Fest at Century Park on Saturday, April 30, 2022
vlcsnap-2022-05-04-15h52m12s170
vlcsnap-2022-05-04-15h43m28s625
vlcsnap-2022-05-04-15h45m03s497

Events

First Fridays Art Walk on Perez Road

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
artwalkend

Ocotillo Park Neighborhood Meet-Up

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
Ocotillo Park Neighborhood Meet-Up

Grand Opening of the Panorama Dog Park

Join the City Council and the Parks and Community Events Commission as they conduct a ribbon-cutting for the Grand Opening of the Panorama Dog Park on Friday, May 13th starting at 9 am. The dog park is located on the east side of Panorama Park located at 28905 Avenida Maravilla in Cathedral City. The new dog park will … Read more
Grand Opening of the Panorama Dog Park

2022 State of the City

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
2022 State of the City Happens Thursday, May 19th

Tejano Music Festival

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
Tejano Music Festival

Halloween Spooktacular

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
Halloween Spooktacular

Job Openings

ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PLANNER New

  • FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE - $36.64 - $47.96 Hourly
  • Department: PLANNING
Now Hiring
To view current job opportunities, apply for a position, or submit an interest card, please visit joincathedralcity.org
For Questions or Comments, Contact Chris Parman, Communications and Events Manager
cparman@cathedralcity.gov
facebook twitter youtube linkedin