The GEM December 2024 by Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce

THE GEM

THANK YOU FOR THE MAJOR SPONSORSHIP PROVIDED BY CG V LAQUINTA CHAM B RE EST 1950

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) was created in 2016 in cooperation with the former Coachella, La Quinta, Cathedral City and Indio Chambers, along with the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians and Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. It enhances and significantly improves the way businesses interact with each other and the community in the entire Coachella Valley. As a Regional Chamber, the GCVCC delivers services and benefits to its members on a scope not seen before in the area.

GCVCC LA QUINTA

83040 AVENUE 42 LA QUINTA, CA 92253

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JEFF FISHBEIN, CHAIR l FISHBEIN REAL ESTATE GROUP / COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

ALISON HENDRIX l NBC PALM SPRINGS - UNIVISION

ANGELIQUE ONTIVEROS l DESERT ARC

CHRIS LITTLE l DESERT JET

EILEEN DIAZ l CAMEO PALMS

MIKE WILLIAMS l CAPITIS REAL ESTATE

STEVE WEINER

ROSHAN PATEL l JNS NEXT

GINA REYES l POSTAL CONNECTION

The Gem is produced by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The Gem is an official publication of the GCVCC. Circulation: Approximately 20,000. Distributed free to all residents, Chamber members and businesses in La Quinta.

To advertise please call (760) 347-0676. Please Note: The opinions and views expressed in all editorial material are those of the writer or person interviewed and are not necessarily those of the GCVCC, its Board of Directors, or the advertisers in The Gem. The GCVCC endorses no person, political candidate or opinion unless specifically stated. The Gem reserves the right to reject certain advertising submissions. For a list of advertising standards, please contact staff. The Gem reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, length, and questionable content. Advertisers please note that colors may look slightly darker, or slightly lighter due to variables in the printing process. Questions or comments? Email us at info@GCVCC.org or call (760) 347-0676.

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

By: Jeff Fishbein Chairman of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce

Dear La Quinta Community,

As we close out another remarkable year in La Quinta, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the successes of our community and the joy this season brings. December in La Quinta is truly magical, with our city coming alive with festive lights, holiday markets, and the warm spirit of togetherness. Whether you’re hosting family gatherings, shopping for unique gifts at our local businesses, or simply enjoying the crisp desert evenings, there’s something special about celebrating the holidays in our beautiful city.

I encourage you to explore La Quinta’s vibrant local scene during this holiday season. Supporting our small businesses not only helps strengthen our local economy but also fosters the community connections that make La Quinta so unique. From cozy coffee shops to one-of-a-kind boutiques, fabulous array of restaurants, our city offers countless treasures to make your season bright.

This month, we’re also thrilled to welcome the PGA TOUR Superstore to La Quinta! This exciting addition to our community reflects our city’s deep ties to golf and active lifestyles. The store is more than just a shopping destination—it’s a hub for enthusiasts of all levels, offering equipment, apparel, and expert advice that will undoubtedly enhance our city’s status as a premier golf destination. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, the PGA TOUR Superstore is a must-visit.

As your Chamber of Commerce, we remain committed to promoting growth and prosperity for our members and the community. Let’s continue to work together to make La Quinta an exceptional place to live, work, and play.

On behalf of the Chamber, I wish you a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and success. May your new year be as bright as the lights shining throughout our city this December.

Jeff Fishbein, a REALTOR affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty, the desert’s premier real estate firm, boasts an impressive track record of assisting both home sellers and buyers. Garnering a 5 Star rating on Zillow. com, Jeff has earned widespread acclaim for his exceptional service. Embracing the motto, Not the BIGGEST Realtor, but the BEST, Jeff consistently demonstrates his unwavering commitment to excellence in the real estate market.

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Shop Local, Gift Unique: Discover La Quinta’s Hidden Gems This Holiday Season

Story by: Sherry Barkas/City of La Quinta

This holiday season when shopping special gifts for family and friends, before surfing the Internet maybe spend some time exploring the hundreds of locallyowned specialty shops in La Quinta.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of La Quinta, making up about 70% of the City’s estimated 580 shops and restaurants, many of which are unique and can’t be found anywhere else in or out of the Coachella Valley.

They offer wide selections of everything from wine and spirits to clothing, jewelry, shoes, toys, incomparable dining experiences, entertainment and more. They fuel local economy. Sales tax, for example, is the number one revenue source for the City and estimated at

$27.5 million this fiscal year. Many owners and employees are residents of La Quinta and in-turn support other local businesses through shopping and dining, as well, so much of their earnings stay in the community.

“We are part of the fabric of this community and so when you support the business, it’s also going back into the community. We live here. We shop here. It’s all part of becoming a more cohesive community when we all recognize and acknowledge one another,” said Katie Finn, owner of Desert Wine Shop.

Owners are quick to point out that they also offer personalized customer service that isn’t found online.

“People like touching and feeling product before they buy it. They want to try it on

before they buy it. They want to come in. They like the leisureness of shopping, especially women,” said Michelle Cicalese, owner of Michelle’s Swim & Denim. “People like the idea of going into a store and finding something that maybe they wouldn’t have seen somewhere else.”

From Online to Bricks and Mortar

Cicalese started her shop as an online business about 10 years ago and opened a storefront about two-and-a-half years ago in the Washington Square shopping center, near Apricot Lane Boutique, Trader Joe’s, Marvyn’s Magic Theater, Aspen Mills and Cinemark.

“You can get anything online these days,” she said, except the in-person shopping experience met with personal customer

service where someone takes the time to get to know shoppers, what they are looking for and their likes and dislikes.

As an example, she said, one of the hardest things for women to buy is swimwear, and “to have someone help pick out the right swimsuit is a big deal for a lot of ladies.”

Michelle’s also carries dresses, premium denim including Joe’s Jeans and AG Adriano Goldschmied, pajamas and loungewear, flip-flops, active wear, sweaters, makeup, jewelry and more for women, men and children.

She has two employees, both of whom live in La Quinta. So, they are invested in the community and contribute to the local economy, as well.

“It’s nice to support the other local businesses, and I’m becoming more aware of that just being a small business myself how important that is,” she said, adding it is a way of giving back to the community for the support she’s given. Cicalese also has gift cards and provides free shipping “all over the world.”

Michelle’s Swim & Denim, at 46600 Washington St., Suite 3, is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 760-625-0702 or visit www.michellesswimwear.com.

“We’re starting to increase our perfumes from companies that are not using synthetic fragrances.”

Gift items include bath and tea towels, purses and totes, necklaces and bracelets.

Products come from around the world, including Australia, Sweden, Spain, Japan, the UK, France, Canada and the United States.

Many think that shopping at small businesses means paying higher prices, but Kouchi said that isn’t true. What is true is that customers will find items unique to each store that may not be found online.

Natural Skin Products and More

Steve Kouchi and Ken Zaikowski recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of their store, H2O Closet, a “modern apothecary” in Old Town La Quinta where they sell items not commonly found in department stores.

Skin and oral care products, candles, soaps, shampoos and conditioners, oral care, cleaning products, bath linens and perfumes are among the items customers will find at H2O Closet.

“A lot of our products have some organic ingredients but the majority of them are all using natural ingredients,” Kouchi said.

“We take great pride that we continue to hear, ‘I’ve never seen these brands … in stores.’ For us, it’s a great compliment,” Kouchi said.

With the new season, Kouchi said H2O will have some new items and brands on the shelves.

If shopping for a friend or loved one who lives outside the area, H2O will ship purchases anywhere within the continental United States, Kouchi said. H2O Closet, at 78010 Main St., Old Town, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 760-564-7399 or visit www.h2ocloset.com.

Desert Wine Shop

At Desert Wine Shop off of Highway 111, Finn said she has tasted and everything on her shelves and can help customers choose the perfect wine for dinner, to wow clients or create a memorable special occasion.

“If you come in and there’s a wine you had somewhere and fell in love with it, you want to know if and where you can get it, I’ll do some research, see where it is, where I can get it, and get back to you with the availability, what the price would be and how soon I can get it here,” Finn said.

“If I can’t get that particular wine for you, then I’m always happy to make another recommendation or suggestion and say, ‘Gosh, I can’t get that particular wine but I have something that I think is going to be perfect along those same lines and that same price point,’” she said.

Finn relocated her business from Palm Desert in March 2023, bringing her 25 years of experience in the wine industry to La Quinta in the Plaza at Point Happy, between the Broken Yolk and Okura Robata Grill & Sushi Bar.

She and her four employees work to create an inviting atmosphere where people walk in and feel welcome and want to come back.

“Part of my criteria when I hire someone is if they’re not good with names, they better get good with names because I

want customers, especially when they start coming in often, to be acknowledged by name when they walk in,” Finn said. Customers can also find wine accessories, gift cards, custom gift orders, gift packs, beer and a large non-alcoholic wine section, said Finn, adding that she can ship anywhere in the country.

Wines range from $10 up to $1,000 per bottle.

Desert Wine Shop, at 78446 Highway 111, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Weekly wine tastings are held Tuesdays and Fridays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the website www.desertwineshop.com or call 760-674-0305.

Lighting Up Tradition: The Story of La Quinta’s Casita Lighting

Story by: GCVCC Staff

As the sun dips behind the Santa Rosa Mountains, shadows stretch across the La Quinta Cove. Twinkling lights illuminate the La Quinta Museum and its neighboring Casita, signaling the start of the annual Casita Lighting. This cherished

event welcomes the holiday season and celebrates the community’s history.

On Thursday, December 5th, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, the La Quinta Historical Society will host the annual casita lighting. Attendees will gather in the picturesque courtyard of the La Quinta Museum, where the crisp desert air will fill with the air with sounds of Mariachi Flor de Dahlia. Their music brings a touch of Mexican flair to the evening. Warm, comforting hot chocolate will be served, a delightful treat as the crowd anticipates the magical lighting ceremony.

The Casita Lighting holds a special place in the hearts of the community. It began ten years ago as a way to highlight the historical significance of the Casita,

a structure built in 1934 that had originally served as the sales office for the casitas that define La Quinta Cove’s unique charm. Over the years, the event blossomed into a symbol of community spirit, becoming a treasured tradition for residents and visitors alike.

This year, the honor of flipping the switch to illuminate the night falls to Maggie

Gordon, author of Historic Casitas of La Quinta Cove. Maggie’s book beautifully captures the essence of these distinctive dwellings and their stories. The evening will also feature the unveiling of the newly redesigned edition of her book, offering a fresh perspective on this treasured piece of La Quinta history.

The Casita Lighting ceremony is more than just a dazzling display of lights. It’s an opportunity to connect with the past, appreciate the visionaries who shaped the city, and celebrate the warmth of community. A particularly poignant memory from the previous year involved Julie Hirsch, whose father managed the Lumberyard building adjacent to the museum in the 1930s. Julie, who had lived in the upstairs apartment as a baby, shared her cherished memories with attendees, reminding everyone of the personal stories woven into the fabric of La Quinta’s history.

Even during the challenges of 2020, the spirit of the Casita Lighting endured. Although gathering in person was impossible due to the pandemic, the tradition continued with a virtual countdown video, ensuring the community could still share in the moment.

The Casita Lighting serves as a testament to the enduring power of tradition. It reminds everyone that amidst change, constants like community, history, and the joy of the holiday season remains steadfast. As the lights twinkle on, casting a warm glow over the Casita, the Museum, and the historic Lumberyard, the event invites all to celebrate the occasion, create new memories, reconnect with old friends, and embrace the magic that brings La Quinta to life.

For more information about the Casita Lighting, visitors at encouraged to check the event’s Facebook page, contact the La Quinta Museum directly at 760-777-7170, email laquintameuseum@gmail.com or visit them at 77885 Avenida Montezuma.

Photo Coutesy of La Quinta Historical Society

PGA TOUR Superstore Tees-up La Quinta for December 14 Grand Opening

Story by: PGA TOUR Superstore Staff

PGA TOUR Superstore, the country’s leading destination for golf equipment, accessories and apparel, will usher in a new shopping experience for residents of the ‘Gem of the Desert’ with the opening of its store on December 14. Located at 79110 Hwy. 111 in the heart of La Quinta, the store will open on Dec. 14 at 9:00 a.m. PT with $30,000 in giveaways including drivers, iron sets, putters and much more.

“La Quinta is one of the world’s premiere destinations for golf with its unique blend of natural beauty and exceptional course offerings,” said La Quinta general manager Robert Arnold-Kraft “We look forward to welcoming residents and tourists through our doors and being a part of this rich, golf-culture each and every day.”

PGA TOUR Superstore provides guests with the largest variety of golf equipment and accessories in addition to the widest selection of apparel for men, women and juniors – for both on the course and off. The 30,000-square-foot facility will feature four simulators where friends and families can practice and play

together. Guests can also test putters and their skills on the 1,000-square-foot putting green. The experiential retailer also offers club fittings at the Fitting STUDIO™, lessons from certified teaching professionals, and on-site club regripping, repairs and shaft adjustments.

“La Quinta is a vibrant golf mecca with nearly 125 courses in the region and a community that we have eagerly sought to be a part of for a number of years,” said Jill Spiegel, president, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We will complement the area’s strong golf ethos by offering our pro expertise, interactive environment and everything needed to play, have fun and enjoy the game.”

In addition to golf necessities, the store will have everything you need for a day on the court. Whether you’re a pickleball fanatic or a seasoned tennis pro, shoppers can find the right racquets and apparel for every occasion.

About PGA TOUR Superstore

PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop Inc., a subsidiary of AMB Sports + Entertainment and is headquartered in metro Atlanta. As PGA TOUR’s exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner in North America, PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise as card-carrying PGA TOUR pros. All stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple stateof-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men’s, women’s and juniors’ apparel and footwear for golf and tennis. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com.

Happy holidays, everyone. We hope you will join the City Council and staff for a couple of our annual events to celebrate the season.

The first is our holiday Open House on Tuesday, December 3, in the lobby of City Hall. The City Council meets at 4 p.m. and will recess for the Open House from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Casita Lighting

Thursday, December 5, 5-6 p.m.

Location: La Quinta Museum, 77885 Avenida Montezuma

Don’t miss the lighting of the historic Casita for the holidays with musical entertainment and more in the courtyard of the La Quinta Museum.

IRONMAN Half-Marathon

Sunday, December 8, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Trainual 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells – La Quinta will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event starts with a 1.2-mile swim at Lake Cahuilla, a bike route out to the Thermal Club racetrack and back through La Quinta to Indian Wells Tennis Garden where athletes finish the competition with a 13.1-mile run through the neighboring golf resort. Motorists should be prepared for some delays, as several streets in La Quinta will be impacted, with some metered intersections where police will direct traffic and other intersections where traffic will not be allowed to cross Jefferson Street. Businesses along the route will remain open and there will be vehicle access. Visit www.laquintaca. gov/residents/ironman-indian-wells-laquinta-70-3 for more information and to download traffic guides specific to your community.

CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager

We look forward to this event, which will allow staff and City Council members the opportunity to meet with residents in a holiday atmosphere that includes refreshments and music.

On Friday, December 6, we hope you will join us again for our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. We will flip on the lights on our new bigger tree on the Civic Center Campus, and Santa promises to bring snow with him from the North Pole.

Gingerbread Lane

Saturdays, December 7, 14 & 21, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: Old Town Artisan Studios, 78046 Calle Barcelona

The campus has once again been transformed into a magical lane to celebrate the holidays. The familyoriented event is free and open to the public. Santa and Mrs. Claus plan to attend every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. For more details, check https:// oldtownartisanstudios.org. For more information, call 760-777-1444.

Burrtec Shredding Event

Saturday, December 14, 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Location: City Hall, South Parking Lot Bring your documents for shredding and electronics waste, including TVs, computers, laptops, printers, monitors, batteries and lightbulbs, to this free event for La Quinta residents, hosted by the City in partnership with Desert Arc. Up to four boxes of documents per car, anyone with more can get back in line and do a second drop-off.

Art on Main Street

Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location: Main Street, Old Town La Quinta

Art on Main Street returns just in time for the holidays with about 100 artists showing and selling their paintings, jewelry, mixed media, photography,

This event is fun for the whole family and includes train rides, goody bags, two inflatable jumpers, small desserts, hot cocoa, holiday characters roaming the campus, including a toy soldier, Rudolph the red-nose reindeer, a snowman, and more. It’s all free.

ceramics, glass, woodwork, textiles, sculptures and more. Premiere Sponsor is The City of La Quinta. Admission, parking and entertainment are free. For more information and future dates, visit www. oldtownlaquinta.com.

Certified Farmers Market

Sundays through May, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: Main Street, Old Town La Quinta

Come load up on fresh locally grown and produced fruits, vegetables, eggs, flowers, honey, gourmet chef-prepared foods, one-of-a-kind Artisan goods and more, every Sunday through May, except Easter. For more information, call Christiana Green at 951-551-6233.

CITY UPDATES

Street improvement projects: Slurry and pavement repair are planned at the following areas from now through December: Seeley Drive and Forbes Circle, Fred Waring Drive, Cactus Flower and Sunflower Neighborhood, Calle Cadiz and Calle Fortuna, Seasons Neighborhood, Sagebrush Avenue, Date Palm Drive, Bottle Brush Drive, Saguaro Road, and Seasons Way.

Eisenhower Retention Basin Slope Repair: Construction continues to repair the slopes at the retention basin on the west side of Eisenhower Drive, between Avenida Fernando and Coachella Drive.

CV Link

Construction of the CV Link is expected to be substantially complete by the end of this year, including the near two miles that runs through La Quinta on the south side of the stormwater channel levee, from the east side of Washington Street to the promontory just east of Jefferson Street, where the 40-mile pathway connects to Indio. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) is overseeing construction of the CV Link, a multi-modal pathway for cycling, walking, jogging and low-speed electric vehicles such as golf carts, that will run through much of the Coachella Valley. The cost for the CV Link construction and maintenance is paid for by CVAG and various grants with zero dollars from the participating cities. The Cities of Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells opted out of CV Link. CV Link will provide a connection to the Arts and Music Line, which will come down Avenue 48 and connect La Quinta to the cities of Indio and Coachella. The project has received $36.5 million in state funding for its construction, which is planned to start in 2025.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Online registration available at LaQuintaCA.gov

For more information, please call (760) 564-0096.

WELLNESS CENTER

Creative Wellness Indoors Ballroom, Latin, Swing 6 – 7 p.m. T

Physical Wellness

Gentle Yoga (Brenda) 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. T/TH

Mat Pilates 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. T/TH

Personal Trainer (by appt.) 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. M/TH

Yoga Flow (with Billee) 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. M

Niddra Meditation & Sound 6 p.m. –7 p.m. TH

Social Wellness

La Quinta Ukulele Strummers 2 – 4 p.m. F

Movie Matinee 1 p.m. M (call center for movie)

Social Bridge, 12 – 4 p.m. M

$4 fee– call Pat (760) 771-2261

Mah Jongg “American” $2 fee 12:30 – 3:30p.m. T

Mexican Train Dominoes; 1 – 4 p.m. W $2 fee

Quilting for Good Times 1 – 4 p.m. TH (volunteers)

Look Who’s in the Lobby

HICAP One-on-One Consultations

Monday, December 9, 10 a.m. – noon

A HICAP counselor one-on-one appointment to help you understand your Medicare health insurance benefits Appointments to meet at the Wellness Center can be made by calling HICAP at 800-434-0222 or 909256-8369.

FIND Food Bank

Monday, December 9, 10 a.m. – noon

Information on FIND Food Bank mobile markets, CalFresh, and low-income utility assistance.

Read with Me Volunteer Programs Information

Wednesday, December 11, 10 a.m. – noon

Read With Me is recruiting volunteers for Truman Elementary and 21 other Coachella Valley Elementary Schools. Information table.

Holiday Luncheon

Wednesday, December 11; 11:30 a.m.

Enjoy a traditional catered holiday meal, meet new friends, and visit with familiar friends.

Fee: $4. Register online or in person before December 6.

Open Court Time at La Quinta Boys and Girls Club

Thanks to a partnership between Desert Recreation District, the Boys and Girls Club and the City of La Quinta, volleyball is offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and basketball on Wednesday evenings. Enrollment: Drop-in. Time: Doors open at 6:45 p.m.; play is 7 – 9 p.m.; Ages: All Ages (13 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult). Fees: $5 Daily Dropin

Workshop “Act 2:”

Wednesdays, January 8 – January 29; 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

A workshop series designed for women navigating life’s second half, offering guidance through self-reflection, dreaming, and planning. Led by Susan Magrino, the sessions empower participants to evolve and thrive. Registration required by January 4, 2025.

Ryan Ryan Fine Jewelry & Gift Bar

this holiday season

FEATURED EXHIBIT:

LA QUINTA MUSEUM

Salton Sea: Brilliant Expanses, Fading Vision

Experience the artwork of Andrew Dickson, expressing the profound beauty he finds at the Salton Sea with its expansive spaces, rich textures and brilliant sun-bleached landscapes. This exhibit invites reflection on the unique beauty, character and complex issues surrounding the Sea at this most critical time in its recent history.

Spotlight exhibit in our Local History gallery: Hearing the Ancestors Explore the rich history of our area through the work and findings of archaeologist Bruce Love.

EVENTS:

Thursday, December 5, 5 – 6 p.m.

Annual Historic Casita Lighting Kick off the festive season with this favorite tradition, as we flip the switch to light up the Historic Casita. Enjoy hot chocolate and music from Mariachi Flor de Dahlia.

77885 Avenida Montezuma

La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-7170

The La Quinta Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Admission and programs are FREE.

Please note: La Quinta Museum will be CLOSED on Wednesday, December 25, for Christmas

PROGRAMS:

As programs are subject to change, please find the latest information on our free programs at facebook.com/ LaQuintaMuseum/events

Friday, December 6 & 20, 1 – 3 p.m.

Sketchbook Journaling

Get in touch with your inner artist with sketchbook journaling. Basic supplies provided.

Tuesday, December 10 & 24, 1 – 3 p.m.

STITCH Fiber Arts Group

Bring your fiber project, meet with friends old and new, share what you’ve been working on, and get inspired for your next project.

Wednesday, December 11, 1 p.m.

TED Talk Hangout

Let’s enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss. This month: “How Architecture Helped Music Evolve,” by David Byrne.

Saturday, December 14, 1 – 3 p.m.

Genealogy Meet-Up

This month is about Holidays and Family Traditions. Join us for a potluck, and please bring your favorite family recipe to share with the group.

Tuesday, December 17, 11 a.m.

Take a Break with Huell

Join us for an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold on the big screen. This month, Huell spends an afternoon in downtown L.A. at Bottega Louie’s and La Cita, a true downtown fixture with its authentic ranchera music and dance.

Thursday, December 19, 3 p.m.

Good Books in the Gallery: Book Exchange

Join us for our annual book exchange. Bring a good book wrapped up to give away and take home a new favorite.

Saturday, December 28, 1 – 3 p.m.

Workshop: Dabbling in Water Media

Explore painting with water-soluble paints, such as watercolors, gouache and acrylics. This free workshop is for adults. Space is limited, and registration is required. Sign up at tinyurl.com/ LQMWaterMedia

IT’S YOUR LIBRARY

La Quinta Public Library is located at 78-275 Calle Tampico.

Enjoy FREE programs for all ages! Questions? Call 760-564-4767 | Rivlib.net

Full list of events & activities:

Please Note: The La Quinta Library will be closing at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, December 24 and December 31. The Library will be closed on Wednesdays, December 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day.

SPECIAL EVENTS & NEW PROGRAMS

Family Movie

Friday, December 27 @ 11 a.m. | All Ages

Join us for an interactive movie singalong experience. Chill out with a magical tale where love conquers all – it’s time to “Let It Go!” Costumes encouraged!

Minecraft Escape Room

Thursday, January 2 - Saturday, January 4 @ 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | All Ages

Can you find all the pieces of a diamond sword before the clock runs out?! Test your skills in our Minecraft-themed escape room. Register for your time slot at the information desk.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Sensory Hour

Mondays, December 2, 16, & 30 @ 10:15 a.m. | Ages 0 - 12

Friday, December 13 & 27 @ 3 p.m. | Ages 0 - 12

Sensory hour includes activities that promote the development of motor skills as well as socialization.

Anime Cafe

Saturday, December 7 @ 12 – 2 p.m. | Ages 13-17

Let’s watch “Laid-Back Camp: The Movie” to get in the winter spirit. Then try the Japanese snack of the month (while supplies last).

Level Up LQ

Saturdays, December 14 & 28 @ 12 – 2 p.m. | Ages 13-17

Play a variety of games on a variety of consoles, including the PS4, Nintendo Switch, and more.

Page Turners Book Club

Thursday, December 12 @ 10:30 a.m. | Ages 18+

In December, we’ll discuss “The Fox Wife” by Yangsze Choo. Registration required.

Morning Movie Showing

Saturday, December 21 @ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | All Ages

It’s the movie of the month! Limited seating and floor space. Popcorn available for a limited time.

Threadheads Fiber Arts Club

Saturday, December 21 @ 1:30 p.m. | All Ages

Come & share your fiber art projects, ideas, skills & inspiration with other fiber artists. All skill levels welcomed.

Coloring Book Night for Adults

Monday, December 30 @ 5 p.m. | Ages 18+

Join us and discover the benefits of coloring while listening to relaxing Lo-Fi music. Bring your own coloring book or enjoy one of ours.

Hydro Harvest LQ

Fridays, December 6 & 27 @ 4:30 p.m. | 8 years old & up

Learn how to grow veggies with your family using the library‘s Flex Farm. Sign up to see what dish we will create at the end of the month. The CLA Lunch at the Library Partner Project is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

LA QUINTA CREATION STATION PROGRAMS

Questions about Creation Station programs? Call 760-777-7088

MakerSpace AGE Restriction

Patrons must be at least 7 years of age to enter MakerSpace Room. Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Winter Maker Craft Carnival

Saturday, December 7 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Try your hand at our Winter Carnival! Patrons can win winter-themed prizes by playing our Reindeer Races, Pinguin PLINKO, Mini Alpine Cornhole, Snowball Bowling, and Shoot the Moon ball drop.

FREE | Special Event for Ages 5+

Maker Craft:

Paper Circuit Holiday Cards

Thursday, December 19

Light up your holidays by making your loved ones a paper circuit holidaythemed card.

(Cards use conductive tape, coin cell batteries and LED lights)

FREE | Ages 7+

Fiber Arts Bootcamp (FAB): Graphic Embroidered Art Sunday, December 29, 2024 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

It’s our last Fiber Arts Bootcamp! Create a work of art using yarn and plastic canvas.

FREE | Ages 7+ | First Come

OTAS Gingerbread Lane: La Quinta’s Whimsical Winter Wonderland

Story by: City of La Quinta Staff

A winter wonderland with decorated 17-foot tree, a Holiday Cottage where Santa can be found, gingerbread cookies to eat and decorate and more await at Gingerbread Lane in La Quinta.

Old Town Artisan Studios’ (OTAS) annual Gingerbread Lane, a City-sponsored event, is taking place Saturdays, December 7, 14 and 21, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and activities are free, though donations are appreciated and help the nonprofit OTAS continue to provide free and affordable art classes on its 3-acre campus.

Among the activities at Gingerbread is rock painting, a bubble fountain for children, storytime and sing-along with Mrs. Claus, and plenty of photo opportunities with Santa from noon to 4 each Saturday.

“Delicious gingerbread cookies are made by La Quinta High School’s Culinary students, led by (culinary instructor) David Wood,” said Ivanna Diaz Hansen, director of marketing and volunteers at Old Town Artisan Studios.

“This has been a longstanding partnership with the high school and visitors continuously ask us for the recipe

because of how great they taste,” Diaz Hansen said. “Visitors will be able to decorate their own cookies with frosting made by our volunteer team.”

There will be hot cider and other holiday treats available as well.

There will be ceramic gingerbread ornaments to paint as well that were made by Artisan Studios volunteers.

Each Saturday will include performances by music and dance groups from throughout the Coachella Valley, including the Academy of Musical Performance, Desert Recreation District Dancers, Palm Desert Strummers, High Hopes Dance Troupe and more.

Old Town Artisan Studios want to make the joy of the holiday season accessible to everyone, Diaz Hansen said.

“To spread holiday cheer, OTAS buses in underserved groups to enjoy Gingerbread Lane. This year, we are working to bring in a few outreach groups to enjoy the festivities,” Diaz Hansen said. “This is all possible with the support of event sponsors and OTAS fundraisers.”

The only fee-based activity during Gingerbread Lane is the Paint Your Own Pottery studio, which will be open as well. The studio is also open during

normal business hours, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is the sixth year for Gingerbread Lane, born from a dream of OTAS founder Victory Grund.

“The mission for this family event is to bring back the joy of giving through the holidays by creating handmade gifts for family and friends,” says Grund in a statement posted to the OTAS website. “When a person of any age creates a gift by hand for loved ones, it becomes a treasure that grows more valuable with each passing year.”

Old Town Artisan Studios is a nonprofit organization that invites people of all ages to come and be creative. In addition to its free outreach programs for students at schools throughout the valley, the campus offers instruction and classes in clay, fused glass, painting, drawing, and other art mediums. The fee-based classes for children, adults, and seniors, along with private workshops and events help to support the free and reduced-fee instruction offered to local residents in need.

Old Town Artisan Studios is at 78046 Calle Barcelona. For more information, visit https://oldtownartisanstudios.org or call 760-777-1444.

because your legacy matters

Imagine a future where health care is a right, not a privilege. Through planned giving, you can help secure a future where health equity becomes reality, leaving a legacy of hope. To learn more or schedule a conversation, contact us today and start building your lasting impact.

Visit PlannedGiving.DAPHealth.org to learn more.