State, local leaders remember Cathedral City Mayor Pettis

Following the sudden passing of Cathedral City Mayor Gregory Pettis, state and local leaders are speaking out in remembrance of the longtime public servant.

Cathedral City Mayor Gregory Pettis dies – KESQ

“I knew he was sick and he wasn’t feeling well, but you never expect something like this to happen,” said newly-appointed mayor Mark Carnevale, paying tribute to Pettis’ 24-year career with Cathedral City.

“24 years — now what does that tell you,” Carnevale said. “That tells you the man was loved in the community, it tells you the man does a great job. They don’t re-elect people who do bad jobs, obviously.”

He called Pettis a fighter.

“Greg fights on everything, whether it was sanctuary city, whether it was plastic straws, whether it was a naked bike ride — whatever he did, he put his heart and soul into it,” Carnevale said.

Cathedral City put up a billboard in memorial of Pettis and are flying flags at half staff. City officials said they’re in the process of planning a celebration of life ceremony with various speakers to remember his legacy.

Other leaders throughout the valley and the state are speaking out as well.

Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez said in a statement “Greg’s loss will be felt across the Coachella Valley.”

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono wrote on Twitter, “[Pettis] was a skilled politician who could disagree politically with someone yet remain affable and dedicated to his cause with a smile on his face and gladness in his heart.”

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And reporter Jake Ingrassia spoke with Senator Jeff Stone as well.

“He was a first class guy – first class,” Stone said. “And if there’s a government body in heaven, I’ll guarantee you, he’s gonna be the mayor.”

At Sunshine Cafe in Cathedral City, Pettis’ favorite spot to eat and hold meetings, owners have high hopes for a new councilmember in their district.

“I really hope that whomever is going to be the leader of our town is going to continue the legacy and ideas and dreams and values that Greg had,” said Jay Sherman, owner of Sunshine Cafe. “He was our sunshine. We loved him. He would eat here every day — he was part of our family.”

You can reach Jake on Twitter, Facebook or via email at jake.ingrassia@kesq.com.