Free Pet Spay Clinic Wins Approval as Commission Sets Busy Fall Slate

Parks and Community Events Commission • Cathedral CityOctober 6, 2026

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Cathedral City's Parks and Community Events Commission approved a free, sponsor-funded spay and neuter clinic for Oct. 21. The clinic covers 30 residents' pets at no cost to the city. Commissioners also filled their five subcommittees for the new fiscal year, previewed a crowded fall and winter events calendar and canceled their Nov. 3 Election Day meeting.

Third mobile spay and neuter clinic approved for Oct. 21, funded by a $3,000 C4 USA sponsorship
30 free pet surgeries for residents only, which presenters said would otherwise cost $700 to $900 each
Five FY 2026-27 subcommittees filled, capped at two members each under the Brown Act
Chair Erin Hyland steps off the Desert Recreation District liaison role, citing her run for a DRD position
Events staff preview a packed calendar, including the first flyover at Fields of Valor on Nov. 7

Zero-Cost Clinic Targets Shelter Overcrowding

Why it matters: The clinic gives 30 pet owners free surgery and aims to reduce shelter overcrowding and euthanasia. Neither the city nor the commission pays anything.

Where things stand: Vice Chair Antonio Baciu and Chair Erin Hyland presented the plan. The clinic runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Cathedral City Public Library. It will serve 30 dogs and cats, split evenly between 15 males and 15 females. Each animal gets surgery, medications, a microchip and a collar. The clinic is open to residents only, and owners must sign up in advance using a barcode promoted on the city's social media.

The funding is simple. C4 USA writes a $3,000 check directly to Riverside County, which runs the procedures.

"Cost is going to be $3,000. C4USA will be picking up all of the cost. Zero cost to PACE, zero cost to the city," said Vice Chair Antonio Baciu.

Presenters said about 200 surgeries have been performed through the program so far. Baciu framed the stakes bluntly: "We have one of the highest euthanasia rates in the country."

The other side: There was no opposition, but commissioners pressed on the details. "Is anything required from them for the sponsorship?" asked Commissioner McCollum. Baciu answered that C4 USA requires nothing in return.

Commissioner Castillo asked whether the sponsorship could become quarterly. Castillo also caught an inconsistency in the weight limit for eligible animals. "We've said 20 pounds, but on here it says 30 pounds," Castillo said, comparing the presentation to the staff report. Presenters agreed to clarify the limit before the event.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: Castillo moved approval and Hyland seconded. The motion passed with all ayes, according to the clerk. No numerical tally was announced; all five commissioners had answered roll call.

Pet owners: Pet owners who sign up in time get services that presenters valued at $700 to $900 per animal.
County shelter system: The county could see fewer intakes over time.
C4 USA: The sponsor gains visibility without any strings attached.

What's next: Residents should watch the city's social media for the sign-up barcode, since only 30 slots are available. Presenters also floated a future clinic for large dogs, and commissioners signaled interest in making the clinic quarterly.

Fall and Winter Calendar Fills Up

Why it matters: The event lineup is the most visible thing this commission touches. It brings new sponsors, larger crowds and a first-ever airplane flyover, and several events need commissioner volunteers.

Where things stand: Adam Chastain of the city's events team walked commissioners through the season. He tied the lineup to a city strategic goal: "This is to promote additional community events and celebrations."

The calendar includes:

Oct. 10: the Esperanza Rising mural unveiling.
Oct. 24: the Great Scott sculpture dedication and a dog costume contest.
Oct. 25: the Halloween Spooktacular, with Grocery Outlet as presenting sponsor, 70,000 pieces of candy and more than 5,000 attendees.
Nov. 3: the Taste and Sounds kickoff.
Nov. 7: Fields of Valor with the Cathedral City Evening Rotary, featuring the first flyover, by the Condor Squadron.
Nov. 8: the Palm Springs Pride Parade.
Later in the season: the Hot Air Balloon Festival, with Agua Caliente Casinos presenting, and Feliz Navidad and Snowfest in December.
January 2027: Palm Springs International Film Festival screenings and a Family Day. Chastain noted "the city is a platinum sponsor of this."

For Fields of Valor, an events team member said, "we're hoping to try to get all 3,000 flags."

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: The item was informational, and the commission took no action. Corporate partners such as Grocery Outlet and Agua Caliente Casinos are carrying presenting roles. Civic groups, including the Rotary, are supplying labor and identity for signature events. Hyland asked about volunteer needs.

What's next: Commissioners interested in volunteering should coordinate through staff. In a later discussion, staff said volunteer outreach should go through the commission's liaison and the clerk.

Subcommittee Seats Filled, Under Brown Act Rules

Why it matters: Subcommittees do the commission's work between meetings. These seats had been vacant since September, when appointments were deferred because members were absent.

The basics: The Brown Act is California's open-meeting law. Keeping each subcommittee to two members on a five-member body keeps those groups below a quorum. Hyland set that cap explicitly to avoid violating the law.

Where things stand: Commissioners considered five standing assignments: Community Events, Communications, Hiking Trails, Arts Commission liaison and Desert Recreation District liaison. Two moves reshaped the slate:

Arts: Baciu gave up his public arts seat, and the two newest commissioners took it.
DRD liaison: Hyland left the DRD liaison role to avoid a conflict of interest, because she is running for a DRD position.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: The final assignments, as read back:

Community Events: Hyland
Communications: Hyland and Baciu
Hiking Trails: McCollum
Arts: Castillo and McCollum
DRD liaison: Castillo and Commissioner Jimenez

Baciu moved approval and Castillo seconded. The motion passed with all ayes; no tally was stated.

Hyland's step back from the DRD liaison role is the notable governance detail. It separates her commission role from the outside agency she hopes to join. Castillo and McCollum now each hold two assignments, which concentrates arts and recreation-district liaison work with the newer members.

Minor Items

Election Day cancellation: The Nov. 3 meeting was canceled. Public Works Director John A. Corella said, "City staff is compromised in being able to support having a meeting this night." Staff reports remain due on the usual schedule. Baciu moved and McCollum seconded; the motion passed with all ayes.
Minutes approved: The Sept. 1 minutes passed with all ayes on a motion by Baciu, seconded by McCollum.
New staff: Corella introduced Lori Vasquez Diaz, who will train to clerk meetings solo, and new engineering analyst Brenda Morales.
Commissioner reports: Commissioners reported volunteering at the senior center and the Boys and Girls Club. Hyland mentioned Read With Me book giveaways and little free libraries along CV Link.
Housing theme: Hyland relayed the All-Valley Mayors panel's message: "we need affordable housing and it doesn't need to be rental."

Looking Ahead

The commission next meets in December, its first session after a two-month gap. Baciu plans to agendize the Feliz Navidad dog event, and McCollum will bring an arts-classes partnership with the Arts Commission.

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