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May 19, 2022

Community Update
By John Corella, P. E., Director of Engineering / Public Works

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The Pandemic, Changes to Processes and
Speeding Vehicles from the Engineering Department’s Perspective


During these past two years, as we endured the COVID-19 pandemic, many changes occurred in how we work, live, and commute. Now that we are getting to the end of the mandatory pandemic requirements, there are several items the City is dealing with that linger from the core pandemic days, some are considered benefits, and some are challenges.

Examples of benefits would be, in a matter of days from the pandemic outbreak, the City’s Departments adjusted and began working from home and doing everything electronically. For the Engineering Department, this could have been a major challenge as we were receiving paper plan sets for project from developers and/or internally on a daily basis. The work-at-home order was a huge challenge to continue smooth operations, but the pandemic caused the Engineering Department to accelerate into the digital future. As a result, the Engineering Department has incorporated an all-electronic plan and study submittal policy, not only reducing paper, but increasing customer service and reducing vehicle miles traveled for our customers and developers. Zoom and Microsoft Team meetings now occur as part of the Department’s daily routine. It has reduced driving trips for constituents and developers doing business with the City.

As cited above, these were several good things that came out of the pandemic. On the flip side, the reduction in vehicles on the City’s streets during the pandemic, created an increase in phone calls to the City’s Engineering and Police Departments regarding speeding vehicles. The wide-open streets provided some motorists an opportunity to take advantage of these empty roads and increase their driving speeds above the posted speed limits. Others saw this as an opportunity to even race and do “donuts” within the empty intersections. The Police Department and I have actually seen this as many of you have provided us with camera footage of these events.

As a result of the speeding, many residents called or emailed us regarding speeding on their streets and suggested that the City should add speed humps, stop signs, traffic signals, signage (both passive and interactive), and even change the posted speed limits on their roadways. We do appreciate our residents making us aware of the issues in their neighborhoods. However, most situations are not as simple as say just go out and place speed humps or stop signs on their roadways. In most cases, as public officials, and myself as the Director of Public Works that also wears the City Engineer’s hat, I cannot dutifully act on many of these suggestions as they would be in violation of our Municipal, State, and Federal Codes. There are certain processes and procedures that we must go through to provide warrants (factual verifications based on criteria) to implement many of our residents’ suggestions. Unfortunately, most of the recommendations do not meet one of the many the warrants needed to implement changes, such as, adding a stop sign, speed hump, traffic signal or even reducing a speed limit. Please note, that the Engineering Department receives requests for speed humps, stop signs and reducing speed limits from well-intentioned residents every week. If we acted on each request, just think of how traveling around the City would change. On the induvial basis it may help, but collectively, it would prohibit the smooth flow of traffic around the City, all because a few individuals are not complying with the posted speed limits.

The best and most effective method to deter speeders on our City streets is the enforcement of the posted speed limits by our Police Department. If someone is indeed speeding and is caught by one of our finest, and thus cited (ticketed), this deters not only that motorist from speeding, but also deters the motorists that are on that same roadway at that same time. Traffic citations are a big deterrent that can cause a behavioral change in the motorist and/or at least awareness that someone may be watching. So, when you see an officer on the side of the road, slow down and note that the streets are being patrolled. We are listening to you.

Most importantly, your calls and emails are taken seriously. They actually cause the Engineering Department to look at the roadway in question and make sure that the existing signage and physical specifics about the street are as they should be. We also look at accident data that has occurred on that stretch of road. Everything is viewed from an engineering and code perspective. If all is in order, we then pass on a request that the Traffic Enforcement Division of our Police Department to step up patrolling in that area. Our Police Department will add the roadway section and area onto their list to patrol and issue citations if needed.

If you want to report consistent speeding on your street, you can help us by sending the Engineering Department an email (Engineering@cathedralcity.gov) with your name, address, phone number, and the typical times that you witness the speeding occurring. We will then go through our engineering evaluations and pass it on to the Police Department for enforcement.

We strive to make the roads better for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. It takes the cooperation of many departments at the City to make this happen. Whether driving, riding, walking, or running, be safe, and be aware of your surroundings. Most of all, follow the posted speed limits.

If you have any questions regarding this Community Update, please call
John A. Corella, P.E. at 760-770-0327 (JCorella@cathedralcity.gov).

COVID 19 Information

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News

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Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez and the entire City Council were on hand to celebrate with neighbors, dog owners, and more than 20 dogs for the grand opening of the Panorama Dog Park this past Friday morning. The new $610,000 dog park has all the elements to be a wonderful amenity to Panorama Park including a beautiful lawn, fencing, lighting, lush landscaping, … Read more
Panorama Dog Park Now Open

Photos of the Week

The Completed Panorama Dog Park
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Events

First Fridays Art Walk on Perez Road

Final Art Walk for the season. 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” buildings. Read more
First Fridays Art Walk on Perez Road

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
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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
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