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Community Update
by John A. Corella, PE - Director of Engineering and Public Works
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Keeping the Roads Open During the Rains
The rain is here, at least that is what the weather forecast is telling us. In these recent days you have probably see our Public Works vehicles and crews stopped and working at either drain inlets or flood water retention basins. What are they doing? They are making sure that these drainage facilities are free and clear of debris accumulation so that when the rain does come, the drains and basins operate as they should, and drain water from the roadways.
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The measures that we take to assure roadways are clear of flood waters in not reactive but proactive. Each morning before many of you are awake, the Public Works Department Manager reviews the seven-day weather forecast. If rain is in the forecast, collaborating with the Crew Chiefs, the Public Works Manager assigns tasks to be completed that day. These preparations start at least seven days of a forecasted rain event.
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The above preparations include knowing where our trouble spots are when it rains. These are locations that you also may be aware of; and if you do, you know that when a big storm hits you avoid these road sections. These locations are not a secret and are as follows:
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- Varner Road at the Willow Hole water crossing: Located just 500 feet north of the intersection of Varner Road and Edom Hill Road, this roadway section has no underdrain and water crosses over the top of the road. If the water gets too high, the City will close this section of Varner Road. The road is reopened when the water flows recede.
The City is working to eliminate this challenge in the long term as the City, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and Riverside County Flood Control District (RCFCD) have agreed to partner on constructing an all-weather crossing at this location. The City is currently working on securing an engineer to complete the designs for this work. We will keep you updated on the progress.
- Vista Chino Whitewater River low water crossing: Starting one mile west of Landau Blvd. and continuing west for another half mile, this City of Palm Springs stretch of road can be submerged when it rains. The water depth over the roadway depends on how much rain makes its way into the Whitewater River Channel upstream of this crossing. When the City of Palm Springs deems the roadway water depth is too high for vehicles to cross, they notify Cathedral City Public Works Crews to physically shut the gates located at the east bank of the Channel. Palm Springs in turn, does the same and shuts its gates, thus closing off the road crossing.
The challenges at this crossing have long been recognized and the City of Palm Springs secured a Federal Highway Bridge Program Grant back in 2011. This new four-lane Vista Chino Bridge Project has gone through the required environmental review process and the design is in the final stages. This Project may be authorized for construction within the next two years. Cathedral City and Palm Springs have an agreement in place to cooperatively pay the apportioned Project costs as located within each’s City Limits. Palm Springs is the lead agency for this mutually beneficial Project.
- Date Palm Drive and Los Gatos intersection: This intersection tends to flood when the rainfall gets heavy in this immediate area and areas up to a mile northwest of this location. This regional low spot has drains that get inundated quickly and water pools up within the intersection making it difficult for vehicles to cross. Typically, the Public Works Department will close the lane closest to the west side of the road (southbound traffic) from Adelina Road to Tachevah Drive. In worst-case situations, such as the storm of February 14, 2019, this section of road was shut down completely. The southbound lane is reopened when the water recedes on the roadway and the drains are handling normalized flows.
The good news is that the City Council had recognized this flooding challenge at this intersection and budgeted funds toward reconstructing the drains to handle the regional flows. City Staff is working on the initial design and regional partnering options to increase the funding to complete the project.
Again, preparations are key to the Public Works Department managing a significant rain event. Many of you may notice that if rain is in the forecast, the City’s Roadway Maintenance Crews will drop off barricades, warning signs, and delineators on the side of the road at the above locations ahead of time. In addition, a truck and/or trailer is loaded up in the City Public Works Yard with additional barricades, warning signs, and delineators if needed as a backup. All these efforts are to provide a quick and professional response to rainy days.
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Project success! At one time the low water crossing at Cathedral Canyon Drive and the Whitewater River was one of the locations that the Public Works Crews would shut down regularly during the rains. No more. The award-winning Ofelia Bringas Memorial Bridge has already proven to be the 100% solution to rainy days of all magnitudes and remains open 24-7 365 days a year. And yes, the Public Works Team likes the bridge too!
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If you have any questions regarding this Community Update, please contact John A. Corella, P.E. at 760-770-0327 (JCorella@cathedralcity.gov).
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Palm Springs International Film Festival Returns to Cathedral City, Coachella Valley Jan. 5-16, 2023
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The 34th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) announced that the festival’s opening night will be the World Premiere of 80 For Brady directed by Kyle Marvin, on Friday, January 6. The festival will close with The Lost King, directed by Stephen Frears on Sunday, January 15. The festival will screen 134 films from 64 countries, including 27 premieres … Read more
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Free Yoga Classes Begin Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater
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The Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission proudly brings free yoga classes to the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, 68526 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City. Gentle Yoga will take place at 8:30-9:30 a.m. and Power Yoga at 10:00-11:00 a.m. every Tuesday morning starting Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. Classes will run through March 28, 2023. The free classes …Read more
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The Perez Art District hosts a free art walk on the First-Friday of EVERY month, October-June from 5-8 pm. Visitors can meander down the street, visiting artists in their studios to not only see where the art is created but to also buy art directly from the artists. Unlike other gallery districts, The Perez Art District is a collection of working artists’ studios where the artists enjoy sharing their work and the ideas behind them… Read more
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Join yoga teachers Patti Wexler and Nicole Cuhney every Tuesday morning, January 10th through March 28th for 2 Free Yoga Classes; Gentle Yoga at 8:30-9:30 and Power Yoga at 10:00-11:00 at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, 68526 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City.
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A Limited number of mats and blocks on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your own yoga mat, bottled water, and hand towel. No need to RSVP, just show up ... Read more
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7th Annual Taste of Jalisco
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Music, Tequila Tasting, Carnival, Artisan Vendors & Authentic Cuisine The 7th Annual Taste of Jalisco, produced by Soundskilz Inc, celebrates the sister city relationship between the cities of Cathedral City, California (USA) and Tequila, Jalisco (Mexico) through music, fashion, spirits, culture, and cuisine in Downtown Cathedral City. Live musical performances throughout the weekend and a performance…Read more
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7th Annual Cathedral City LGBT Days
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Cathedral City Proudly Announces the 7th Annual LGBT Days Taking Place March 3 – 5, 2023 California’s First Pride Celebration of the Year As California’s first Pride event of the year, the 7th annual Cathedral City LGBT Days brings together numerous LGBT celebrities, artists, media, community leaders, Coachella Valley residents and visitors for an unforgettable weekend of live … Read more
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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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