New Member Joins Parks, Community Events Panel

Mario Jimenez to be named to Parks and Community Events Commission

CATHEDRAL CITY — For the third time this year, the City Council is scheduled to appoint a new member to the Parks and Community Events Commission.

The City Council is expected on Wednesday to ratify the nomination of Mario Jimenez by Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez to serve on the Commission.

Jimenez, who is retired, worked for the Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department.

He also said in his application that he worked alongside Ofelia Bringas at the Boys and Girls Club.

Jimenez will fulfill the unexpired term of Stephen Vericker who resigned in March due to health issues.

The term of this seat is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2023, which will only provide the opportunity for Jimenez to attend two meetings with the Commission. Councilmember Gutierrez recommends Jimenez be appointed to serve a full three-year term expiring June 30, 2026.

Staff recommends the City Council act on Gutierrez’s recommendation.

In January, the City Council accepted the resignations of two commissioners. Chip Yarborough resigned for health reasons, Robert Puentes was disgruntled, claimed nothing had gotten done in 18 months and walked off the dais.

Those positions were filled by Antonio Baciu and Angel Herrera.

The five-member Parks and Community Events Commission assesses the recreational services and facilities of the community. It makes recommendations to the City Council on such matters as implementation of the Parks Master Plan, parks facilities and usage, funding and sponsorship solicitation, recreational programming, special events and cooperative partnerships with other agencies, businesses and organizations to leverage resources.