A
great lady leaves Desert Hot Springs. Patricia Corky Larson
was first hired by the City of Desert Hot Springs on May 4,
2004.She has served as interim city manager since August, when City Manager Jerry Hanson retired under less than amiable circumstances.
Before being appointed Interim City Manager, she served as Desert Hot Springs' city attorney.
Corky served eight years as executive director of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, and in January of 2003, she retired from that position.
She has 12 years under her belt serving as a member of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.
Patricia "Corky" Larson took over as interim city manager in August after Jerry Hanson retired amid public outcry over his high salary and possible conflicts of interest.
Corky announced her resignation, effective January, 6, at a past City Council meeting.
Her leaving was emotional for some as she was honored with certificates, accolades and best wishes from not only the City Council, but the people of Desert Hot Springs, for her service.
She helped to organize a search for a permanent replacement for city manager.
A mother, wife and farmer, in the 1980s, Corky’s career was heating up.
After serving as an arbitrator, she was elected to the Palm Springs Unified School District Board and served two successful terms. She was subsequently elected District Supervisor of Riverside County in 1982.
The tragic loss of her husband Keene, in 1986 did not slow down Corky's desire to serve and live.
Not only did she serve out her Supervisor's term but she enrolled in Citrus Belt Law School in 1987 and graduated three years later, passing the Bar. Rather than feel sad for the loss of her spouse she decided to spend the evening hours, when she missed him most, attending school and getting her law degree.
It has been this level of commitment to serve that led the Riverside County Board of Supervisors to name the new Justice Center in Indio, Larson Justice Center in her honor, an honor normally awarded posthumously. It seems fitting that this matriarch of the Coachella Valley should have, of all buildings a justice center named in her honor, as she has exemplified a career of justice personally and professionally.
Thank you Corky for your service and humanity to Desert Hot Springs and to all.