Proposed Town Hall Series Disintegrates

Three-part Town Hall Series Blows Up in Spectacular Fashion

CATHEDRAL CITY — A three-part Town Hall series proposed in this community has unraveled faster than a cheap knitted blanket.

One of the key reason behind the canceled event was the threat of a boycott against the popular local restaurant that graciously offered to host the event, the owner withdrew use of the eatery, which left organizers scrambling for a new location.  As of now they have none but are not giving up hope.

Other reasons for the postponement included:

• At least two candidates reportedly had scheduling conflicts. Candidates were not privy to the moderator’s identity.
• Some said candidates, as a group, did not want a debate, a forum or any other type of public event “in the community”” which negs the question why? What  are candidates scared of?

Participants were asked to sign a conduct pledge 

Organizers were Angell Herrera, a U.S. Navy veteran, and Richard Altman, the long‑time proprietor of CCBC (Cathedral City Boys Club), a pioneering LGBTQ+ hospitality destination in Cathedral City, and a celebrated community leader recognized for decades of advocacy, cultural contributions, and civic service.

Altman declined to speak on the record with Uken Report.

Herrera declined to reveal the moderator’s identity.

“I will say that none of the candidates were notified of the moderator,” Herrera said. “None of the candidates were given questions ahead of time.”

“Thank you for shedding light on this issue,” Herrera said. “It could help ensure this event take place.”

The first in the series was scheduled to focus on business. Candidates were accusing other candidates of being afraid to appear at a focused on business doe to their lack of business acumen.

The remaining two forums are focused on community and solutions. They also are now in doubt,

Some suggested using the City Council Chambers, but apparently those are off limits.

“Public agencies have to stay neutral in elections and can’t use public funds or resources for campaign activity — impartial voter information is fine (things like polling place locations, registration deadlines, and what’s on the ballot), but subsidizing an election event isn’t,” Ryan Hunt, Communication and Events Director, told Uken Report. ” That principle is grounded in state law and California court decisions and reflected in FPPC guidance. ”

In Palm Springs, ONE-PS organizes the Palm Springs City Council Candidate Forum. ONE-PS selects the location. This year the forum will be held at the Plaza Theatre, which can seat up to 800 people and is a city-owned building.

 

 

Can Cathedral City do better for its residents?