Cathedral City officials celebrate Snowfest and support Palm Springs Film Festival

Cathedral City is poised for a productive 2025 following a lively City Council meeting on January 8, where officials reflected on recent community events and outlined upcoming initiatives. Mayor John Brown opened the meeting by welcoming attendees to the new year and highlighting the success of the recent Snowfest event, which he noted was well-received and benefited from its afternoon scheduling.

The meeting also acknowledged the ongoing Palm Springs International Film Festival, with Cathedral City serving as a proud sponsor. The Mayor encouraged residents to participate in the festival, emphasizing its significance as a globally recognized event taking place right in their backyard.

Councilmember Carnavalley reported on positive developments in local business, mentioning new projects from popular chains like Starbucks and Chipotle, which are expected to enhance the city’s commercial landscape. He also addressed community concerns regarding marijuana odors and compliance issues, indicating that these matters are being taken seriously by the council.

Councilmember Gutierrez echoed concerns about the strong smell of cannabis in certain areas, noting that it has affected local residents significantly. He urged the council to take action to mitigate these issues, especially as property values in affected neighborhoods have reportedly dropped.

The council is gearing up for a busy year ahead, with goal-setting sessions and budget meetings on the horizon. Mayor Brown emphasized the importance of community involvement in these discussions, inviting residents to engage with the council as they plan for the future.

As Cathedral City moves forward, the council remains focused on addressing community concerns while fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.