THANK
YOU FOR THE MAJOR SPONSORSHIP
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.
ON THE COVER
Special Thanks to all of our Partners and Sponsors!
CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JEFF FISHBEIN, CHAIR | COLDWELL BANKER / FISHBEIN REAL ESTATE GROUP
MIKE CHAPA, SECRETARY | FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE
The Gem Production Team Editor: Andrea Carter
Graphic Designer: Jeff Day
The Gem is produced by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The Gem is an official publication of the GCVCC. Circulation: Approximately 23,000. Distributed free to all residents, Chamber members and businesses in La Quinta.
| ENTRAVISION ANGELIQUE ONTIVEROS | DESERT ARC CHRIS LITTLE | DESERT JET DOUG MOTZ | MOTZ-RUSIN INSURANCE AGENCY ERIC MOSSER | CHARLES SCHWAB MIKE WILLIAMS | CAPITIS REAL ESTATE STEVE WEINER | COLDWELL BANKER MICKEY JUMAPAO | ISERVE LENDING Chairman’s Message 4 Noteworthy Nuggets ......................................... 5 Legendary Winemaker & La Quinta Resident Turns 100 ..... 6 City Pages .................................................... 8 Point Happy Spotlight: Desert Wine Shop Moves to La Quinta .................... 10 Art Spotlight: Meyave – Natural Art for A Modern Age ................... 14 Resident Input Received at the City’s Community Workshop ..................................... 18 Breathwork: One of the Fastest Growing Wellness Trends ............................................ 20 Spring Break Activities in La Quinta ........................ 22 La Quinta’s Real Estate Market Experiences Growth & Demand ......................................... 26 3
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the spring season. As the Chairman of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce, I would like to share with you some updates and important information for the month of April.
Firstly, I would like to invite all our prospective, new and current members to attend the upcoming “Chamber 101” event, which will take place on April 7th at BBSI–La Quinta. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know the benefits of membership in the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Whether you’re considering joining or you’re a seasoned member who wants a refresher, learn how membership in the Chamber can benefit and support your business, hear more about resources and services available, and network with other businesses. We encourage all our members to attend and make the most of this opportunity to expand their business connections.
Secondly, I would like to remind our members about the various resources and services that the Chamber offers to help businesses succeed. We offer a range of educational workshops, business development programs, and marketing opportunities that can help you grow your business and stay ahead of the competition. Please visit our website at GCVCC.org or contact our office by calling (760) 347-0676 for more information.
Finally, I would like to thank all our members for their continued support and involvement in the Chamber. Together, we are building a strong and vibrant business community in La Quinta, and I am excited to see what the future holds for our members.
Jeff Fishbein is a REALTOR with the desert’s leading Coldwell Banker Realty, and also serves as the Chairman of the Greater Coachella Valley La Quinta Chamber of Commerce.
For families who want to bring their little ones to see the Easter Bunny and enjoy the excitement of an Easter egg hunt, register now for the Easter Eggstravaganza, happening Saturday, April 8, 9 - 11 a.m. at La Quinta Park, located at Adams Street and Blackhawk Way.
The City’s annual Easter egg hunt will include candy-filled eggs, a chalk drawing contest, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. This popular annual event is free, and it’s a great place for kids to dress up in their favorite spring and Easter outfits so parents can take plenty of pictures.
Kids are encouraged to bring their Easter baskets to collect eggs while they take part in the adventure of an egg hunt!
More info: PlayInLaQuinta.com
American Friends of Our Armed Forces (AFAF) – an all-volunteer nonprofit supporting men and women serving in the Armed Forces and their immediate families remaining at home – will host its 18th Annual Salute to Our Troops on April 4, featuring a dinner and live entertainment by The Righteous Brothers. The event will feature a presentation to Gold Star Parents, Herman and Alicia Lopez, parents of fallen marine corporal and local hero who graduated from La Quinta High School, Hunter Lopez. The Lopezes have created scholarships for La Quinta High School seniors seeking a career path in public service, and the application window is open through April 16, 2023. AFAF has donated $20,000, with plans for an additional commitment towards the Lopezes efforts to help others in Hunter’s memory.
To Purchase Tickets for Salute to Our Troops: AFAFUSA.com
To Apply for the Hunter Lopez Memorial Scholarship: DesertScholarship.org
The City of La Quinta will be hosting its annual Community Picnic on Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Civic Center Campus. The City traditionally celebrates the anniversary of La Quinta’s inception in the month of April. Its actual incorporation was May 1, 1982.
This year’s event will feature hot dogs, snow cones, cake, activities including rock climbing, and more. There will be a variety of vendor booths with giveaways, and Too Tall Tomm will be there, as well.
Entertainment will showcase local dance groups, singers and the La Quinta High School’s theater and choir students. The event is free. Come out for La Qunta’s 41st birthday party and enjoy a morning filled with fun and goodies.
More info: PlayInLaQuinta.com
“Every day do your best, learn something new, and make a friend.”
A century later, world-renowned winemaker Miljenko “Mike” Grgich still lives by the words of advice given to him by his father when growing up in Croatia. Sitting at a patio table at Twenty6 at the La Quinta Resort & Club on a sunny day in February, wearing his signature French beret, often flashing his infectious smile, world-renowned winemaker Grgich reflected on his life, coming to America to escape Communism, and living his dream of starting his own winery.
With his caregiver, Maria Reyes, he softly sang the words to “You Are My Sunshine,” the first song Grgich learned when he arrived in the United States and one that he still enjoys singing.
Grgich, a Vintners Hall of Fame inductee, will celebrate his 100th birthday on April 1 with an invitation-only celebration at the La Quinta Resort & Club.
Grgich has called La Quinta his second paradise for many years. The other paradise is Napa Valley, home to Grgich Hills Estate winery which he started in the small community of Rutherford 1977 with co-founder Austin Hills of the Hills Bros. Coffee family.
Drawn to the Desert
Grgich first came to the desert in 1962 while on his honeymoon. Over the years, he would visit periodically, his stays growing longer and longer. He fell in love with La Quinta’s scenic Santa Rosa Mountains, the colorful landscape, the
friendly people, and the weather which is better for his allergies than Napa Valley. When he decided to buy a house in La Quinta, where he lives about six months out of the year, it was next door to the Resort where he has become a treasured friend of staff and guests.
Over the years he worked with local chefs at restaurants and country clubs throughout the Coachella Valley to present winemaker dinners. He is a frequent diner at Morgan’s in the Desert and Twenty6, which offer many varietals of Grghich Hills Estate wines on their lists. He loves to chat with guests and sign his wine bottles, when asked.
A private dining room for Morgan’s in the Desert has been named for him and a bench just outside the entrance to the lobby has a plaque, dedicated to Grgich on his 93rd birthday in 2016.
“Mr. Grgich is absolutely a valued friend of La Quinta Resort. We have had the privilege of partnering on many culinary activations in partnership with Mr. Grgich and Grgich Hills Estate,” said Chris George, resort marketing director.
“His contribution to the California wine industry is invaluable – as vintner for the Chateau Montelena chardonnay that bested the top French white wines in ‘The Judgment of Paris’ he is one of the few that put this winemaking region on the map,” George said.
Croatian Winemaker Living His Dream
Grgich was born April 1, 1923, in Desne, a small village in Croatia, to Ivka and Nikola Grgic – the youngest of their 11 children. His father was a farmer and owned a small winery and vineyard. At 3 years old, Grgich was helping his father by stomping grapes for the wine.
He ultimately went on to business college, then the University of Zagreb, where he studied chemistry, enology, microbiology, soil biology, meteorology, irrigation, plants, fruit, and grapes to one day realize his dream of becoming a winemaker.
Just before graduating, however, he fled his homeland which had come under Communist control of Yugoslavia. Grgich didn’t want to live that way and on August 8, 1954, at 30 years old, he obtained a passport and left for West Germany with America as his intended destination.
Four years later, with $32 in American money sewn in his shoe, wearing a French
Sherry Barkas, City of La QuintaThe secret to longevity is, of course, wine.
- Miljenko Grgich
beret that would become his signature hat, and carrying a cardboard suitcase filled with 15 textbooks on winemaking, he arrived in California’s Napa Valley – what one of his university professors described as “paradise.”
Over the next several years, he worked for a variety of wineries, though he is perhaps best known for his term as winemaker at Chateau Montelena. In 1976 he made history and turned the global spotlight on himself and Napa Valley when a 1973 Chateau Montelena chardonnay he crafted won the tasting referred to as “The Judgment of Paris.”
It was the first time a Napa Valley wine had won against the French estate chardonnays in a blind tasting judged by the wine experts of France. The victory brought the start of Grgich Hills Estate wines. He and Austin Hills broke ground for the new winery on July 4, 1977, in the small Napa Valley community of Rutherford. Grgich was 56 at the time.
Starting with about 18 acres, Grgich Hills Estate today encompasses 366 planted acres of vineyards in Calistoga, American Canyon, Carneros, Yountville and Rutherford. Mike Grgich has created a legacy as one of the great historical figures of the wine industry.
A bottle of the 1973 Chateau Montelena chardonnay, the suitcase he was carrying when he left the former Yugoslavia in 1954, the beret he wore at that time, some of his textbooks as well as his notes on winemaking are part of an exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute’s Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Grgich Hills Estate will have an online “birthday book” anyone can sign and leave a special message for Mike and include a photo or video of themselves if they wish. The site will go live just before April 1 at Grgich.com.
His father taught him about winemaking and growing grapes naturally, which is a practice that Grgich has always sought to implement in his vineyards.“They have always been organically grown,” he said. There is no artificial fertilizer or pesticide application done in any of his five vineyards, and they were all certified organic by California Certified Organic Famers in 2006. His wines are “dry and food friendly,” Grgich said. “I want the food and wine to blend. I don’t want the wine to overpower the food.” He has kept the winery small and maintained the family-owned-and-operated model.
In October 2019, Grgich, 94, retired as president and turned the reins over to his daughter, Violet Grgich. His grandnephew Ivo Jeramaz is winemaker and vice president of vineyards and production.
Grgich remains involved as adviser and winemaker emeritus. “Who runs it? Me,” Grgich said with a smile. His grandson, Noel, is also involved with the winery giving Grgich comfort in knowing his winery will remain family-run and owned for many more years.
‘Roots of Peace’
Though Grgich left his native country nearly 70 years ago, his homeland was never far from his thoughts.
In May 1990, after Croatia broke away from Yugoslavia and Communism fell, he returned to his native country for the first time since he left. He learned that one
thing he could do for the country was teach its citizens how to make better wines.
In 1996, he and Violet started a winery in Croatia – Grgic Vino – to produce fine wines from native Dalmatian grapes using the technology and expertise Grgich had gained over the past 40-plus years. He was instrumental in helping discover that the native Dalmatian varietal “Crljenak Kastelanski,” or “Tribidrag,” was the origin of Zinfandel.
In 2001, the Rotary Club of San Rafael presented him with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his leadership role in raising landmine awareness and money to remove the explosives in Croatia through a partnership with the nonprofit organization, Roots of Peace, dedicated to turning “mines into vines.” The area he helped demine was turned into a vineyard and apple orchard and in 2010 Grgich was presented with the first vintage of wine produced in the region. Since then, Grgich and Grgich Hills Estate have continued to support the work done by Roots of Peace, and their efforts to remove minefields worldwide. He has helped many students “learn something new” by providing educational scholarships. Of all his many accomplishments, Grgich said he is most proud of providing employment for nearly 50 people.
By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager
Happy April – we welcome one of the busiest months of the year in the Coachella Valley, bringing more business for our local restaurants, shops, and hotels.
It is also the month we celebrate the anniversary of our city’s birth, on May 1, 1982. This year’s Community Picnic will take place Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to noon at Civic Center Campus.
There will be hot dogs, snow cones, cake, giveaways, activities including rock climbing, and more. There will be a variety of vendor booths with giveaways, and Too Tall Tomm will be there as well. Entertainment will be by local dance groups, singers, and the La Quinta High School Theater and Choir.
It’s all free. Come out and help us celebrate our city’s 41st birthday.
As in the past, the City of Indio will have a Festival Resident Hotline, (760) 3914112, operating 24/7 during the three festival weekends. The number can be called for non-public safety questions, concerns, comments or complaints regarding the festivals, including noise and traffic as well as issues accessing or exiting nearby communities.
The cities of La Quinta and Indio encourage residents to utilize this hotline to allow staff and law enforcement to address any concern or complaint right away.
If there are any issues in La Quinta, the City’s staff or law enforcement will be called to promptly handle the problems.
Fly Over LQ: A Kite Experience
Saturday, April 1, 8 - 10 a.m. Location: SilverRock Park
Spring Break Skate Camp
Wednesday, April 12, 9 a.m. - noon Location: X Park
All wheels and skill levels are welcome for the Spring Break Skate Camp at X Park. Held by Action Park Alliance, the program offers instruction by experienced wheel sports athletes. Cost is $60 and preregistration is required at LaQuintaCA.gov/xpark
Jefferson Street Slurry Seal Project
April also brings the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals to the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio on back-to-back weekends.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will be held April 14-16 and 2123, and Stagecoach on April 28-30.
The festivals bring thousands to La Quinta, which is great for our businesses. They also bring more traffic those weekends, as well as noise from the concerts and visitors.
If you experience any issues with short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) in your neighborhood, please call and report them to our 24/7 hotline at (760) 777-7157. A call to the hotline will alert a STVR code compliance team member or police to respond to observe and resolve the violation. You can also email your complaint to CodeComplianceMail@laquintaca. gov, however this email address is not monitored 24/7 and should be used to report past incidents/violations or any other issue which is not actively happening.
All ages are invited to join the fun at Fly Over LQ, offering numerous experiences to enjoy along with learning about various kites. Stop by the craft table to create your own kite, or if you already have one bring it along. Instructors will be on hand to help you create, decorate and fly your kites.
Contact Erika at (760) 777-7093 or the Wellness Center front desk at (760) 564-0096 for additional information.
Easter Eggstravaganza
Saturday, April 8, 9 - 11 a.m. Location: La Quinta Park
Grab your little bunnies and baskets and head over to La Quinta Park for the City’s annual Easter egg hunt. There will be candy-filled eggs, a chalk drawing contest, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The event is free.
The City of La Quinta, in coordination with the City of Indio, has begun work on the Jefferson Street Slurry Seal Project with anticipated completion in early April. There will be intermittent lane closures and possible traffic signals placed in red flash mode along Jefferson Street. Please allow for extra travel time and consider using alternate routes while the slurry seal improvements are completed.
Dune Palms Bridge
Construction on the all-weather bridge at Dune Palms Road, over the stormwater channel, has begun with expected completion in early 2025. At completion, the 480-foot-long allweather access bridge will include two vehicle travel lanes in each direction; 8-foot-wide bike/golf cart paths in each direction; 6-foot-wide sidewalk in each direction; and a near 10-foot-long raised center median. Check LaQuintaCA.gov/ dunepalms for project updates and to register to receive updates by email or text. Email info@DunePalms.com with any questions or concerns.
Landscape Renovation Improvement
The landscape renovation contractor at the Desert Club, Sierra Del Rey and Marbella developments started in December and is scheduled to continue through the beginning of April. The improvements entail converting turf to desert landscape and will include wall cleaning and painting.
Online registration available at https://laqwebtrac.laquintaca.gov
For more information, please call (760) 564-0096.
WELLNESS CENTER
We want to continue featuring relevant, local content in The Gem – so we want to hear from you!
If you have:
• News about an upcoming event in La Quinta...
• A report about something exciting that happened in our community...
• Job postings in La Quinta or a nearby community and are an active business member of the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce...
PLEASE LET US KNOW!
Email your press release, story idea or job posting for consideration to info@gcvcc.org.
Medicare
presentation: make reservation by calling (760) 564-0096
OPEN COURT TIME AT LA QUINTA BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
Desert Recreation District (DRD), the Boys & Girls Club, and the City of La Quinta have partnered to offer the following activities: Volleyball on Tuesdays & Thursday and Basketball on Wednesdays. Enrollment: Through April 27. Time: 7 - 9 p.m. (Doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
All ages (13 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult). Fee: $5 daily drop-in, or $30 for an 8-visit Express Pass. For more information, please call DRD (760) 564-9921.
The desert’s favorite little wine shop on 111 has moved east from Palm Desert to its new location in La Quinta at the Point Happy center, which is at the northwest corner of one of the busiest Coachella Valley intersections – Highway 111 and Washington Street.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be here,” said Katie Finn, a well-known local sommelier and owner of Desert Wine Shop. “The new space offers a more expansive Tasting Bar, quaint outdoor seating and plenty of room for our unique selection of wines from around the world.”
Beyond the more popular regions in California, France, and Italy, Desert Wine Shop carries wines from South America, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Slovenia, Greece, Morocco and Lebanon. Finn adds that she also offers dynamic, hard-to-find, “cultstatus” wines.
“ If you really know your wines, we’re talking Bordeaux first-growths, Italian super Tuscans and legendary Napa estates,” explained Finn. “And if you’re a wine novice who just wants to learn, come taste with us! We offer a fun setting to ‘sip and share’ and help you discover new wines and learn the fascinating stories behind them.”
Desert Wine Shop hosts two tastings weekly: A Taste for Tuesdays every Tuesday, and the Finally Friday tasting on Fridays. Both tastings begin at 4:30 p.m. For $10, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a few different wines while being guided through the tasting in order to receive insights into the regions and historical backgrounds of those wines. In addition to the Tuesday and Friday tasting events, Desert Wine Shop also selects a few featured wines by the glass each day.
As you enter Desert Wine Shop, you’ll immediately see the conversation piece that first draws the eyes of customers. Spend some time exploring the shop’s large mural behind the Tasting Bar, showcasing notable Coachella Valley landmarks and cities. The mural was created by local artist, Brittney Nespoli. The Wine Warriors wine club is another way to get more involved with Desert Wine Shop. With the option of a quarterly or annual membership, members receive a sommelier-selected 6-pack of wine along with detailed tasting notes and the occasional recipe or two. Those who belong to Wine Warriors also enjoy complimentary weekly tastings, members-only pick-up parties, and 10% off purchases (some exceptions apply) along with priority for allocated wines.
“We focus on selecting the very best wines for the price, from wellknown brands to hidden gems,” added Finn. “We taste every wine that is on the shelf (I know, it’s a tough job!) and can help customers select the perfect wine whether it be to accompany a pasta dinner, to ‘wow’ clients, or to serve that stunner at a special occasion that will have everyone talking.”
Customer Donna Wyatt is very pleased with Desert Wine Shop’s new location. “This is such a feather in La Quinta’s hat to have Desert Wine Shop here,” she added. “We absolutely love it, and there is no place else like it in the desert.”
Desert Wine Shop is located at 78446 Highway 111 in La Quinta, and is open MondaySaturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information, go to DesertWineShop.com, email info@desertwineshop.com or call (760) 674-0305.
The Point Happy Shopping Center offers a variety of dining options, services and wellness facilities and for La Quinta residents and visitors alike.
From getting a pedicure and taking a yoga class to making a stop for ice cream and enjoying a wine tasting, this commercial complex has a great mix of businesses worth exploring.
selections of
La Quinta Public Library is located at 78-275 Calle Tampico. Enjoy FREE programs for all ages! Questions? Call 760-564-4767
Please Note: The Library will be closed Monday, February 13, for Lincoln’s Birthday and Monday, February 20, for Washington’s Birthday.
Anime Zone | Ages 13 - 17
Saturday, April 1 @ 11:30 a.m. (NEW TIME!)
In-Person
Enjoy random anime with friends. Commentary encouraged!
Writer’s Block | Ages 18+
Sunday, April 2 @ 1 p.m. | In-Person
Meet monthly with other local writers to explore the various aspects of creative writing. Participants will be able to share and critique their work with the group.
Love Story Book Club | Ages 18+
Sunday, April 2 @ 2:15 p.m. | In-Person
Happily Ever Afters not guaranteed in this traditional book club featuring romantic titles. April’s pick: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. See the Adult Reference Desk to register and to ask about available copies. Registration required.
Sensory Hour | Ages 0 - 12 years
Monday, April 3 & 17 @ 10:15 a.m.
In-Person
Sensory activities to promote the development of motor skills as well as socialization amongst peers. Sponsored by Friends of the La Quinta Library.
Planting For Hummingbirds | Ages 18+
Wednesday, April 5 @ 2 p.m. | In-Person
Master Gardener Barbara Kay Levin will discuss plants that can attract hummingbirds to your backyard. Plant giveaway to follow the presentation.
Thursday, April 6, 13, 20 & 27 @ 4 p.m.
In-Person
Players of all levels welcome! Hosted by the Coachella Chess Club.
Read the States | Ages 13 - 17
Saturday, April 8 @ 11:30 a.m. (NEW TIME!)
In-Person or Zoom
Travel to a different state every month through YA Fiction. Then, enjoy snacks and goodies during discussion of the book. In April, the featured book will be Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen McManus. Visit the Library to check out a copy. Registration required.
Ages 8 - 17
Tuesday, April 11 @ 2:30 p.m. | In-Person Join in to create art using thumbtacks.
Ages 18+
Thursday, April 13 @ 10:15 a.m. | In-Person
Parents and caregivers, no need to find childcare! Bring your baby/toddler to morning book club to meet, discuss and socialize with other adults. A volunteer will be present with activities for toddlers while adults discuss April’s book Caraval by Stephanie Garber. Registration required.
Readers’ Club | Ages 18+
Thursday, April 13 @ 5:30 p.m.
In-Person or Zoom
Readers will meet to share and discuss fantasy novels! See the Reference Desk to check out a suggested title or feel free to pick your own.
(Anti) Bored Games | Ages 13 - 17
Saturday, April 15 @ 11:30 a.m.
(NEW TIME!) | In-Person
Previously Teen Game Night! Jumanji has trapped your team within its borders! Only those who can find the Eye of the Jungle and restore it to its proper home can escape. Compete in challenges against other teams to gain clues to the whereabouts of the Eye of the Jungle. Will you escape?
Green Room Theatre Presents Novio Boy by Gary Soto | Suggested age: 11+
Saturday, April 15 @ noon and 2 p.m.
In-Person
Saturday, April 22 @ 2 p.m. | In-Person
Join the opening performance of Gary Soto’s Novio Boy! Performed by Green Room Theatre Company, “Bringing Professional Theatre to Your Neighborhood!”
Page Turners Book Club | Ages 18+
Thursday, April 20 @ 10:30 a.m.
In-Person or Zoom
In April, discussion be on Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach. See the Adult Reference Desk to register. Copies are limited.
It’s a Library Birthday! | All ages
Saturday, April 22 @ noon | In-Person Register your April birthday and let the library throw the birthday party! The Library’s once-a-month library birthday party will include games, crafts and stories geared to create a safe, fun, allinclusive birthday experience. Members of the community are encouraged to come and celebrate April birthdays. Sponsored by Friends of the La Quinta Library. Registration required.
Impulse Affirmation | Ages 13 - 17
Tuesday, April 25 @ 5:30 p.m. (NEW TIME!)
In-Person
New time! Reader’s choice. Discuss in person or online at bit.ly/LAQTeensDiscord.
Dia del Niño | All ages
Saturday, April 29 @ 11:30 a.m.
In-Person
A special super-sized storytime event highlighting three different cultural backgrounds, with storytelling in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. A limited number of goody bags, with a craft, reading list, and a bilingual book will be available for children to take home.
Maker Craft: Mario Bros. Mini Pillows
All-Ages
Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In-Person
To celebrate the new Mario movie this month, the Creation Station is bringing back the popular mini pillow craft. Select your player level to make a Super Mario Bros themed felt pillow: EASY - Super Star (1 hour), MEDIUM - Mushroom (1.5 hours), HARD - Fire Flower (1.75 hours), EXPERT - Mario Mario (2 hours). This program is FREE. (While supplies last)
Maker Craft: Mario Paper Crafts
All-Ages
Thursday, April 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In-Person
Continuing to celebrate the new Mario Brothers’ movie, the Creation Station will be making paper Mario Puppets or you can color in some Mario themed coloring pages. This program is FREE.
MakerSpace Camp: EARTH DAY
Recycled Crafts | Ages 7 -13
Saturday, April 23 from 10:30 a.m. - noon & 1:30 - 3 p.m. | In-Person
In honor of Earth Day, makers, ages 7-13, will have the opportunity to work on different recycled craft projects such as Water Bottle Fishes, Pebble Art and Cork Planters. This program is FREE. Call or email to RSVP.
Please Note: The La Quinta Library will be closed Sunday, April 9, for Easter.
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
FINAL WEEKS: In the Fields of the North/En los Campos del Norte
In the Fields of the North is a series of evocative photographs by photographer and journalist David Bacon, accompanied by moving oral narratives – fully translated into both English and Spanish – that take visitors into the contemporary world of migrant farmworkers. This exhibit is produced in partnership with the California Rural Legal Assistance and the Binational Front of Indigenous Organizations and is traveled by Exhibit Envoy.
La Quinta Legend: Dorothy Arzner
Explore the life of this Hollywood trailblazer, Dorothy Arzner. She was the only woman director during the “Golden Age” of Hollywood, with the largest body of work of any woman director to this day. A groundbreaker in the film industry, she also “broke ground” here in La Quinta, building a home that she shared with her partner, Marion Morgan.
EVENTS
Thursday, April 6, 5-6 p.m. Music at the Museum: Courtney Chambers
Come to the courtyard for the soulful sounds of Courtney Chambers.
As programs are subject to change, please find the latest information on our FREE programs at Facebook.com/ LaQuintaMuseum/events.
Friday, April 7 & 21, 1-3 p.m.
Sketchbook Journaling
Get in touch with your inner artist with sketchbook journaling. Basic supplies provided.
Saturday, April 8, 1-3 p.m.
Genealogy Meet-Up
Are you interested in your family tree? Are you a beginner or an expert in all things Genealogy? Come join this discussion and collaboration.
Tuesday, April 11 & 25, 1-3 p.m.
STITCH Fiber Arts Group
Bring your fiber project to work on while you meet with friends old and new, share what you’ve been working on, and get inspired for your next project.
Wednesday, April 12, 1 p.m.
TED Talk Hangout
Enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss! This month the feature will be The Voice of the Natural World by Bernie Krause.
Tuesday, April 18, 11a.m.
Take a Break with Huell
Join in to watch an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold on the big screen. This month, Huell takes viewers to the private home of Frank Sinatra in Rancho Mirage.
Thursday, April 27, 3 p.m.
Good Books in the Gallery
This month’s reading is Women Trailblazers of California by Gloria Harris and Hannah Cohen. A limited number of free copies are available for book club participants – call (760) 777-7170 to request one.
sculptors who have been supporting their families for generations with their remarkable skills.
The sculptures portray both realistic wildlife and modern abstracts. They are all sculpted by hand, and therefore each piece is one-of-a-kind. They’re carved from various types of mostly serpentine stones, which, once polished, expose beautiful colors, textures, and patterns.
Among the pieces that stand in stunning relief to the gallery’s Spartan white backdrop, you’ll also find fine woven baskets from Columbia. Indigenous Wounaan women weave these intricate and vibrant works of art using the fibers from palm fronds that have been colored with natural dyes. One basket can take up to four months to create!
Equally important to the beauty of each piece is the fact that they are all created by individual artists earning a living through their hard work, vision, skill and talent. “There are so many factory-made products in our lives,” Hazan explained. “I want that to change. We all feel more comfortable when surrounded by art that was created from raw, earthy, natural elements, and by actual people.”
La Quinta Art District has a new treasure. Meyave Gallery, located in the Essence Arts building—a stunning, white stucco building, in itself a work of art—is home to a striking array of hand-crafted, allnatural stone sculptures and beautifully woven baskets carefully chosen, imported, and in some cases, created by curator, founder, and artist Itai Hazan.
Hazan was born in Israel and grew up mostly in Southern California. Like many artists, he has been drawing, designing, and creating as far back as he can remember. His strong affinity for nature, especially stone and water, heavily influences his work. “I’m mesmerized by nature’s rock formations and cliff faces,” said Hazan. “Even more so when water flows through or over them.”
His love for the combination of raw, natural stone and clean shapes, has led him to design and create sculptures reminiscent of rock faces, juxtaposing them with the lines and angles of modern architecture. You’ll see some of Hazan’s own distinctive work in Meyave Gallery.
The gallery features stunning stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. In 1998, while volunteering with an anti-poaching unit on a private black rhino conservancy in Zimbabwe, Hazan encountered stone sculptures with which he felt an immediate connection. He sought out the artists and found a thriving art community with world-class
Both Africa and Colombia are experiencing widespread poverty and unemployment. Hazan is gratified to know that by providing beautiful, handmade, natural artwork, their people can earn an honest living without relying on foreign aid. He hastens to point out that supporting their artistry isn’t charity; it’s empowerment.
In collaboration with Essence Arts Gallery, Meyave is located in the Essence Arts Building in the La Quinta Art District at 51370 Avenida Bermudas in La Quinta. There you can experience stunning paintings by artist Tom Boatright, blown glass by Jason McQuaid, and much more. Head out there for an afternoon immersed in art and culture. Learn more at Meyave.com.
Beginning March 16th
Hundreds of ceramic eggs have been transformed into works of art and will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Outreach Program of Old Town Artisan Studios. This year’s EGGStra-spectacular collection features artists from our local community, as well as artists from across the nation.
The best part of Eggstravaganza? It is ALL for a good cause! These talented artists have partnered with us to help spread art enrichment throughout the Coachella Valley. 100% of the proceeds will be used to fund our extensive outreach art programs. By participating in this auction, your donations will go directly to serving afterschool programs, special needs classes, activities for people with disabilities, and more. Join us for the eggs-illerating Eggstravaganza Art Show and Auction of 2023!
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The Sandwich Shop, located next to Nitroinfusions, is officially open for business! Enjoy sandwiches, paninis, wraps, and more. Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Located at 78010 Main Street
In the mood for a pick-me-up, an icy drink, or something sweet? Visit Main Street Coffee, right in the center of Old Town La Quinta. Open daily at 6:30am serving hot and cold beverages, freshly baked goods, and delicious breakfast items! Have a refreshing break from your day on their relaxing patio while you watch the world stroll by.
Located at 78100 Main Street
SUNDAYS 8AM-1PM
@oldtownlaquintacfm
Fritz Burns Park improvements; a road diet to reduce speeding in the Cove; improvements to the historic casita on Calle Tampico and Eisenhower Drive recently purchased by the City; road improvements throughout the City; and Village parking enhancements.
These are the five priority capital improvement projects listed as priorities by the 55 residents attending the City’s 2023 Community Workshop “Reconnect, Reimagine and Recalibrate,” held February 15 at the Wellness Center.
A software was introduced by the City during the interactive portion of the workshop, allowing
The write-in projects below are ranked based on participants’ votes:
1. Better roads
2. Road diet to reduce speeding in the cove.
3. Community gardens.
4. Improving Historic Casita at Calle Tampico and Eisenhower Drive.
5. Traffic barriers; more bike lanes.
6. Bus stop shades.
7. Additional crosswalk lights.
8. Water conservation / turf removal for golf courses.
9. Establish an Art Commission.
10. North La Quinta Community Center.
The following five projects are what staff presented to be voted on by residents using the cloud-based software:
• Fritz Burns Park and Maintenance and Operations Yard upgrades.
• Highway 111 repaving and new art entry monuments at city entrance points at Jefferson Street and just before the Vons shopping center on Highway 111.
• Village parking enhancements.
• Arts and Music Line connector.
• Drainage improvements.
residents to vote on proposed projects using their cell phones with results tallied in real-time.
The near three-hour workshop started with staff updates on projects residents listed as priorities at the 2022 workshop, as well as other capital improvement projects underway in the City.
During the interactive portion of the workshop, staff outlined five projects they viewed as priorities. Then, residents worked with others at their tables in compiling their own list of write-in projects they would like the City to undertake.
The residents’ top five write-in projects were added to the five projects presented by the City.
Using the cloud-based software, participants were asked to vote on the three they considered highest priority. The results are listed below and ranked according to residents’ votes:
1. Fritz Burns Park and Maintenance and Operations Yard upgrades.
2. Road diet to reduce speeding in the cove.
3. Improving Historic Casita at Calle Tampico and Eisenhower Drive.
4. Better roads.
5. Village parking enhancements.
6. Traffic barriers / more bike lanes.
7. Arts and Music Line connector.
8. Community gardens.
9. Highway 111 repaving and new art entry monuments at city entrance points at Jefferson Street and just before the Vons shopping center on Highway 111.
10. Drainage improvements
Staff from every department gave detailed reports of projects underway and those planned.
Among the highlights, Finance Director Claudia Martinez gave a report on the City’s finances and fiscal year 202223 General Fund budget summary by Finance Director
Claudia Martinez:
Revenues: $68.32 million
Expenditures: $68 million, including $3.35 million in Measure G Reserves.
Total surplus: $316,826
Making up 69% of the total operating revenues:
Sales taxes: $24.5 million
Hotel & Short-Term Vacation Rental taxes: $12.8 million
Property taxes: $9.9 million
The three biggest General Fund expenditures:
Police & Fire: $27 million or 40% of expenditures
Capital Improvement Projects: $10.1 million, 15% of expenditures
Facilities/Park Maintenance: $7.5 million, 11% of expenditures
City Manager Jon McMillen presented the City’s initiatives and “Big Rocks” projects for fiscal year 2023-24:
• Strategic Plan: This is a document that outlines the direction of the organization, maps out the vision for the City’s growth and lists a plan on how to get there, is being developed and will include community input.
• Undergrounding utilities: Voted the No. 1 priority by the residents at the 2022 Community Workshop, a feasibility study is underway.
• Imperial Irrigation District (IID): La Quinta and the East Coachella Valley are facing electrical service challenges due to the current capacity of a strained grid and the need to improve the existing infrastructure, which is at the end of its useful life. The City and its neighbors that receive energy service from IID are also collaborating on options for future governance of electrical service to the Eastern Coachella Valley when the current 99-year agreement between IID and the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) expires in 2033, is underway.
• Sphere of Influence: A feasibility study is underway to determine areas where the City could expand its boundaries into in the future.
Additional updates were given on the City’s plans for meeting affordable housing needs, and additional shade structures and other upgrades to the City’s parks including more pickleball courts and other improvements at Fritz Burns.
City Clerk Monika Radeva provided an overview of the Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) program.
Recent data show that the City’s ban on STVR permits has resulted in a 27.2% decrease in residential areas where new permits are banned, from 1,037 in January 2021 to 755 in December 2022.
The ban on new permits has been in place since August 2020 and excludes areas zoned Village Commercial or Tourist Commercial, which includes Embassy Suites, Legacy Villas, Signature, La Quinta Resort tennis and spa areas, Homewood Suites, Puerta Azul and Polo Villas.
The number of complaints has also dropped significantly from a high of 348 in 2021 to a high of 192 in 2022. Those high points occurred during the second quarter, when the music festivals are held.
If you were not able to participate in the Community Workshop voting, you can still do so by scanning the QR code above. Voting will remain open through April 30, 2023.
Most people don’t give breathing a second thought, it typically comes naturally and is as instinctual as your heartbeat. What many do not realize is that healthy breathing habits are the key to one’s overall well-being, and specialized breathwork can transform one’s life.
Susan Dunn, a breathwork facilitator who leads Gather La Quinta Elements Breathwork twice per month, explains why breathwork is a powerful tool that can provide relief from a wide range of health conditions.
“When people experience emotional energy through significant life events that induce trauma or stress, ideally, they can usually process that emotion and move through it,” said Dunn. “But when these feelings are not completely processed, that negative energy can become trapped in our bodies and cause physical discomfort, emotional distress, illness and more.”
While not a new form of therapy, breathwork is seeing a resurgence to assist in dealing with these issues, as it does not require a prescription and is safe and natural. In fact, in 2021 the Global Wellness Institute named breathwork one of the top trends to influence wellness, and the interest among a variety of demographics continues to trend upward.
There are many types of breathwork techniques and methods, however, one of the most sought after is called “circular breathwork” or “conscious connected breathwork” (CCB).
CCB therapy assists in releasing traumas stored in the body’s cellular memory through deep and intentional breathing, allowing the individual to heal on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Noted benefits of CCB include improved mental clarity and focus, enhanced immunity, increased energy levels, improved quality of sleep, ease of anxiety and depression and improved overall well-being.
“Conscious connected breathwork is becoming increasingly popular because people are more open now to seeking other modalities that will help them shift out of old patterns and get more connected within themselves,” added Dunn. “I believe once people experience
April 16 & 30 • 4 p.m.
Old Town La Quinta
Online Registration: ElementsInTheDesert.com
this method, they get in touch with situations that may be holding them back, and by facing those, it creates space within for positive thoughts and feelings.”
What can one expect during a session? The practice involves lying down in a comfortable position and breathing continuously and deeply for an extended time, approximately 45 minutes. Silent headphones are provided, giving an immersive healing experience as Dunn guides and prompts participants on the technique: Two inhale breaths with a surrendering exhale breath. This continuous circular pattern of deep breathing helps to release trapped emotions and open blocked energy channels in the body.
It’s common for participants to laugh, cry or have an emotional experience during a session,” explained Dunn. “Everyone is in full control for the entire session and at any time it becomes too intense, they are free to return to a normal breathing pattern. One thing is undeniable, and that is people leave feeling lighter and more grounded than ever before.”
Dunn offers private, one-onone breathwork sessions, Zoom classes, and group programs, such as Gather La Quinta in Old Town La Quinta (April 16th & 30th this month). For more information, visit ElementsInTheDesert.com.
Schools within Desert Sands Unified School District are scheduled for Spring Break April 10-14, 2023. Here are some activities to entertain students while they are on break.
Dates: Every Monday through Saturday
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last seating at 3:30 p.m.)
Location: Old Town Artisan Studios
Students of all ages are welcome to stop by the Old Town Artisan Studios campus enjoy the PaintYour-Own-Pottery studio. All materials are supplied, with a wide range of ceramic items to selection from and paint. Simply choose an item, paint a unique design using underglazes, and pick it has been fired in the kilns. Pottery pieces start at $5, with most items being in the $15-$20 range. Learn more: OldTownArtisanStudios.org
Spring Break Skate Camp
Date: April 12, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location La Quinta X Park
Cost: $60
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, this Spring Break Skate Camp is the perfect place to take your skills to the next level. Learn from experienced and knowledgeable instructors at top-ofthe-line facilities in a supportive and inclusive community of fellow action sports enthusiasts. The X Park features a concrete pump track, a modern street course with stairs, rails and ledges, and three distinct bowls that cover the full spectrum of skill levels.
Register at: LaQuintaCA.gov/xpark (Preregistration is required)
The La Quinta real estate market continues to show strong signs of growth and stability as we head into the second quarter of the year. According to recent data, both the median home price and the number of homes sold have increased over the past few months, indicating a healthy and competitive market for buyers and sellers alike.
The La Quinta housing market showed continued strength in February, as demand remained strong and inventory was tight. According to recent data, with the average home size in La Quinta being 2,550 sq. ft., the median home price of an average sized home in La Quinta increased to $988,372, up 8.4% from the same time last year.
In PGA West, for instance, prices continue be holding strong. The average PGA West detached home, which is 3,150 sq. ft., ended February at $1,485,044, which is up $48,979 for the month and 11.8% year over year. The average size attached home, which is 1,950 sq. ft., was up $6,327 to $681,560 but up 1.7% year over year.
One of the key factors driving this growth is the increasing demand for homes in La Quinta. As more people are looking to move to the area, either as fulltime residents or second-home owners, the demand for housing has risen accordingly. This has led to a shortage of available inventory in some areas, which has in turn driven up prices and created a highly competitive market for buyers.
However, despite the challenges of the current market, there are still plenty of opportunities for buyers to find their dream home in La Quinta. With the help of a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent, buyers can navigate the market and find properties that meet their needs and budget.
For sellers, the current market conditions offer a great opportunity to capitalize on the high demand for homes in La Quinta. With the right marketing strategy and pricing strategy, sellers can attract multiple offers and sell their homes quickly and at a favorable price.
In addition to the traditional singlefamily home market, the La Quinta real estate market also offers a range of options for buyers and investors, including condos, townhomes, and luxury properties. These properties can provide buyers with a range of amenities and lifestyle options, from golf course views to resort-style living.
Overall, the La Quinta real estate market remains a strong and attractive option for buyers and sellers alike. With its desirable location, beautiful weather, and growing economy, La Quinta is a great place to call home or to invest in real estate for the future.
Jeff Fishbein is a realtor with the desert’s leading Coldwell Banker Realty with a 5-star rating on Zillow.com. Jeff is also very active in La Quinta, serving as the Chairman of the Greater Coachella Valley/La Quinta Chamber of Commerce.
Riverside County Child Support provides services to parents and guardians of minor children. Every child needs financial and emotional support. Every child has the right to support from both parents. Our services are available regardless of marital status or income.
• Obtain a new child support/medical support order if you don’t have one from the court.
• Keeping case records
• Processing and tracking child support payments
• Enforce spousal support orders (if part of existing child support order)
If you already have a child support court order and need help enforcing that order, we can help!
• Establish parentage
• Locate absent parents
• Other county and community resources referrals available
• Convenient 24/7 access to your case/account information via Customer Connect
To apply, scan the QR code or visit us online.
