Cathedral City Historical Society
Two Major Firsts for Cathedral City
Cathedral City Becomes the First to Welcome Gay Establishments in the Coachella Valley
Prior to incorporation in 1981, Cathedral City was subject to and under the control of Riverside County. The other cities of the Coachella Valley tolerated their gay establishments as long as they stayed under the public radar.
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Much like Cathedral City became the Gambling Center of the Valley in the 1930s, when surrounding communities prohibited gambling, it took the lead once more in the 1970s.
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Cathedral City
Becomes a City in 1981
Cathedral City grew from a subdivision in 1925 into a community seeking self-determination and essential municipal services like fire and police. The photo on the right is of the original 26 members of the Cathedral City Police Department.
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Initially incorporated under California's General Laws, it became a Charter City in 2017, giving voters more control over its government through a local charter.​.The incorporation marked a significant step towards establishing its own identity and central amenities, leading to growth and development.
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