Rick Saldivar Challenges Guiterrez for Third Time

Will Third Time Be Proverbial Charm for Rick Saldivar?

CATHEDRAL CITY — Three people are seeking the lone seat in District 3 on Nov. 3 to represent the District on the City Council. The three people running for the seat are Incumbent Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez, who is seeking a third term on the City Council; Rick Saldivar, who is running a third time for the seat; and Daid Koslow, who is known for a recent appellate case against the City of Cathedral City. For the most part, he has been absent during the campaign.

Uken Report sent all three candidates identical questionnaires. Gutierrez and Koslow did not return them. Only Saldivar took the time to complete it. His unedited answers follow:

Uken Report (UR): Why are you a better candidate than your opponent?

Rick Saldivar: I bring a proven track record of grassroots public service and community results. Over the years, my civic engagement has delivered tangible outcomes for District 4. For example, I successfully advocated for the repaving of Corta Road after it had been neglected for over 20 years, and I organized hundreds of volunteers to assist residents in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary. I have done this work as a dedicated community member, earning recognition from local, state, and federal officials.

Over the past eight years, our district has stalled. We still face some of the worst road conditions in Cathedral City, vacant storefronts, and a lack of multigenerational community spaces. Eight years is more than enough time to evaluate representation. We need genuine innovation and proactive leadership, not just taking credit for pre-existing projects. I am seeking office to give our community the energetic, hands-on leadership it deserves

UR: Would you ever approve a data center in Cathedral City? Why or why not?

Rick Saldivar: No. Not all municipal revenue is good revenue. Data centers bring substantial environmental, power, and noise burdens that can negatively impact our surrounding neighborhoods and quality of life. Cathedral City should pursue sustainable economic development that enhances our community rather than placing heavy burdens on our resources and residents.

UR: There was recent discussion in Cathedral City about its Pride Festival and the city funding the annual event. Do you support the City funding the Pride Festival? Do you support the raising of the Rainbow Flag at City Hall for Pride Month? Do you support the painting of the Rainbow Crosswalk in Downtown Cathedral City?

Rick Saldivar: Yes, absolutely. I support all three initiatives. I’m committed to serving every member of our community, I firmly believe in inclusion, diversity, and equality. Funding the Pride Festival, raising the Rainbow Flag, and installing the Rainbow Crosswalk demonstrate our city’s dedication to celebrating all residents and welcoming visitors to a safe, inclusive Cathedral City.

UR: What is your vision for the city?

Rick Saldivar: My vision is a vibrant, thriving Cathedral City with economic and social opportunities accessible to everyone. District 4 has felt stagnant and overlooked for too long. I will bring active leadership and investment to our neighborhood so that residents feel connected, represented, and proud of where they live.

UR: How much do you plan to spend on your campaign? Keep in mind your spending and contributions are public record.

Rick Saldivar: I plan to spend approximately $10,000. Given the rising cost of living, families are feeling financially squeezed and local businesses are facing tighter margins. I am intentionally running a lean, grassroots campaign out of respect for my supporters and neighbors who are managing their own household budgets during challenging economic times due to the current administration.

UR: Who or what prompted you to run?

Rick Saldivar:

• What prompted me: My deep investment in our neighborhood and seeing local concerns continually unaddressed. In recent community surveys, infrastructure ranks as the top concern among residents, and some streets in District 4 have gone unmaintained for two decades.
• Who prompted me: The residents of Cathedral City, who deserve accessible leadership that listens, acts, and prioritizes neighborhood improvements.

UR: Is there a project unique to your district? What will you do about it?

Rick Saldivar: The urgent need for targeted neighborhood infrastructure repaving such as completing long-overdue road repairs across District 4 and the development of a multigenerational community center are key priorities unique to our district and city as a whole. As a council member, I will prioritize infrastructure funding for our local streets and actively work with regional partners to secure resources for accessible community spaces for youth and seniors. Local businesses need support and we need new business interest in our district and some businesses have felt abandoned by city leadership. I plan to start the conversation on how to rebuild trust in local government.

UR:  What is the best quality about your opponent(s)?

Rick Saldivar: He is steadfast and open about his Republican political principles and views. Staying true to one’s convictions is a quality people respect. In the same way he is committed to his beliefs, I am unwavering in my dedication to serving our community and standing up for our most vulnerable residents and making our community better and safer.

UR: Would you have attended the Town Hall Series that got postponed after there were alleged threats to boycott a local eatery and other theatrics?

Saldivar: Yes, absolutely. I was genuinely looking forward to it because it would have provided a much-needed platform to highlight critical community issues that have gone unaddressed for nearly a decade. Open public dialogue is essential, and I strongly encourage and support community efforts to organize one.