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Historic preservation committee prioritizes website, oral histories and walking tours; archives and survey also on work plan
Summary
Staff presented a prioritized, dynamic work plan and the committee agreed to add three suggested items (items 7–9) to the work plan; top operational priorities include a public landing page/website, an oral-histories program and pilot walking tours tied to recognition of local assets.
At its Aug. 19 meeting the Cathedral City Historic Preservation Committee reviewed a staff presentation on the committee’s work plan and agreed to add three proposed items (items 7, 8 and 9) to the adopted plan. Staff presented a prioritized list that placed public outreach and communications (a public landing page) first, followed by oral histories, walking tours and a recognition process; longer-term items include a formal designation program and updating the city’s context/resource report.
Cynthia, the committee’s staff liaison, told members the landing page could host the committee’s work plan, FAQ material for nominations, oral histories and materials from the upcoming city centennial celebration on Aug. 30. She said the landing page and modest outreach were “low hanging fruit” and could be used to publicize events and attract nominations for recognition.
Members emphasized archiving and the historical society’s readiness to partner on digitization. Committee member Knox and others described the archives as already in temporary safe storage and urged moving quickly while volunteers and interest remain; staff estimated the archive holdings at roughly 10–20 boxes. The committee noted the city council’s strategic plan includes funding for a survey; a committee member clarified that the historic-resources survey is budgeted in the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and staff said the survey is likely to proceed next year.
The presentation distinguished between a broad survey (a database-style inventory) and a focused resource-and-context report, noting that both can become quickly outdated if identified resources are demolished. Staff encouraged doing some outreach and small projects now rather than waiting for a full survey.
Members also supported planning for May 2026’s National Historic Preservation Month and encouraged using the Aug. 30 centennial event at the Mary Pickford Theatre to capture public interest and sign-ups. At least one member proposed collecting emails or sign-in information at the centennial screening to build a contact list for future events.
The committee instructed staff to add the suggested items (7–9) to the work plan and to return with more information at the next meeting, including options for prioritizing “A/B/C” priorities and substeps for top projects.
