Parks maintenance short-staffed as crews contend with frequent water breaks

Charles Fernandez, Parks and Facilities Superintendent, briefed the commission on operations, saying the division remains understaffed and is managing ongoing maintenance challenges. "Right now, we are down 6 people, which is a lot," Fernandez said, noting weed-control efforts and constrained ability to spray when windy.

Fernandez also reported frequent water breaks across different zones and occasional main-water-line issues affecting park irrigation; those breaks, combined with staffing shortages, are delaying some maintenance tasks. He outlined Memorial Day preparations for Veterans Park, including a staged clean-cut and on-site support for Recreation staff setting up ceremony chairs and equipment.

Fernandez described midyear projects and outside-contractor installs that are adding new site furnishings citywide, saying benches and trash cans have been installed at Cabazon and other parks and that ongoing installations will continue as contractor schedules permit.

No formal actions were taken; commissioners thanked Fernandez for the update.