Within the past few weeks, a memorial that dedicated the ballpark at Panorama Park to Cathedral City Police Officer David Vasquez was completely restored thanks to funds contributed by the Cathedral City Police Officers Association and discretionary funds by Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory and Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez. Officer David Vasquez was killed in the line of duty on October 28, 1988.
The memorial pedestal, located in the grassy area near the ballpark, became eroded over time and was in need of repair. In response, the City developed and installed a new memorial pedestal with the original bronze plaque. The new pedestal is similar to those used in our downtown area, such as the one naming the “Rainbow Crossing” after former Mayor Gregory Pettis.
A future rededication of the plaque will be scheduled post COVID-19 restrictions and possibly in conjunction with the dedication of the council-approved Public Arts Commission’s Public Safety Sculpture entitled, “Passages,” created by Artist Steve “Shig” Shigley, which honors the sacrifices of law enforcement and first responders. This new sculpture will be installed on the northeast corner of Panorama Park.
