Palm Desert names new community park after first city attorney Dave Erwin

The Palm Desert City Council convened on April 24, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including cultural resource preservation, community workforce agreements, and the naming of a new city park.

The meeting began with a discussion about the Cultural Resource Preservation Committee (CRPC). A council member inquired about the timing for discussing the committee's work plan, confirming that it would be addressed later in the agenda.

Public comments included a suggestion from Mike Marsh regarding the need to update the "State of the City" video, which features past council members and may be outdated. The council acknowledged the importance of this video and agreed to consider updating it.

John Cicely then spoke about the potential implementation of Community Workforce Agreements (CWA) in Palm Desert, similar to those in Palm Springs. He emphasized the benefits of such agreements, including fair wages for local workers and enforcement mechanisms to prevent contractor violations. Cicely expressed his intention to bring further discussions on this topic to the council in the future.

Following public comments, the council moved to the consent calendar, where items F and G were pulled for further discussion. Item F pertained to the CRPC's 2025-2026 work plan, while Item G involved the acceptance of a historic context statement and citywide historic resources survey. Carlos Flores, representing the city, highlighted the thoroughness of the survey conducted by ARG consultant and noted the CRPC's recommendation for council approval. David Tolzman, president of the historical society, also expressed gratitude for the city’s funding of the survey, underscoring its significance for recognizing important properties.

Both items F and G were subsequently approved unanimously by the council.

The meeting then transitioned to the action calendar, where the council considered the final concept plan and naming of the North Palm Desert Community Park. Community Services Manager Sean Muir presented the proposal to name the park after Dave Erwin, the city’s first attorney, who served for 40 years. The Parks and Recreation Committee had recommended this name, and Muir noted that Erwin's family supported the decision. The council voted to approve the naming and concept plan, further solidifying the park's significance in the community.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed important cultural and community initiatives, with the council demonstrating a commitment to preserving the city’s history and enhancing local workforce opportunities. The next steps include further discussions on workforce agreements and the implementation of the CRPC's work plan.