The GEM August 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

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.

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

As we enjoy the warm (HOT) embrace of August, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on our accomplishments and the exciting opportunities ahead for our cherished La Quinta. Our city is thriving, thanks to the dedication and collaboration of our vibrant business community, and I am honored to continue to serve as the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce during this dynamic period of growth and innovation.

Over the past year, La Quinta has experienced remarkable developments across various sectors. From the launch of new businesses to the expansion of existing enterprises, our local economy is flourishing. This success is a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of our members. The Chamber has played a pivotal role in providing support through networking events, business development workshops, and advocacy initiatives, ensuring our members have the resources they need to succeed.

Innovation and sustainability are central to our strategic vision for La Quinta. We are committed to creating an environment where businesses can thrive while contributing to the well-being of our community and the preservation of our natural resources. The Chamber actively promotes green initiatives and encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices. By working together, we can build a prosperous future that benefits both our economy and our environment.

The Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting our members through every stage of their business journey. Whether you are a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, we offer a range of resources and services tailored to your needs. Our mentorship programs, business advisory services, and educational workshops are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing business landscape.

Looking to the future, we remain committed to fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation, sustainability and community engagement. The Chamber will continue to advocate for policies that support economic growth, provide valuable resources to our members, and promote La Quinta as a premier destination for business and leisure.

I encourage all our members to take full advantage of the opportunities available through the Chamber. Attend our events, participate in our programs, and connect with fellow business leaders. Your involvement is crucial to our collective success. Together, we can build a vibrant and resilient community that we are all proud to call home.

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.

This Month’s

Noteworthy Nuggets

Honoring Hunter Lopez

Join the City of La Quinta for a lightsaber vigil to honor and remember Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez.

The 2017 La Quinta High School graduate was one of 13 U.S. servicemembers killed in an attack at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan.

murals and other works on exhibit throughout the City.

Dive-in Movie

Have you had a splashing good time at La Quinta’s dive-in movies?

There is one more opportunity this summer to stay cool in the pool while enjoying a good flick.

The vigil is being held in partnership with the Hunter Lopez family and Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation. Through this Foundation, the Lopezes have created scholarships for La Quinta High School seniors seeking a career path in public service.

Hunter loved Star Wars, so a lightsaber vigil is an ideal way to honor his life.

The lightsaber vigil will be held Monday, August 26, 7 p.m. at the Civic Center Campus, located at 78-495 Calle Tampico in La Quinta.

More info: PlayInLaQuinta.com

Pieces donated to the City or acquired using developer fees earmarked for Art in Public Places are displayed at City Hall, the library, the museum, the Wellness Center, parks and roundabouts.

The app highlights more details about the monuments honoring our veterans, law enforcement, artists and 9/11 at Civic Center Campus, and the unique murals throughout the City.

This resource is great if you’re strolling a park, out-and-about in La Quinta, or visiting a City facility and a piece of art sparks your curiosity.

More info: PlayinLaQuinta.com/art-fifth

Desert Recreation District operates the Community Pool at Fritz Burns Pool in La Quinta, and the District has teamed up with the City of La Quinta to co-host dive-in movies in June and July, and now, once again in August.

This month’s feature is Super Mario Bros, and will be held Friday, August 9 at the Community Pool, located at 78-107 Avenue 52 in La Quinta.

Swim and watch a movie with family and friends for FREE! The event will be held from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. You can watch in or out of the water.

More info: MyRecreationDistrict.com/movies

On the Cover La Quinta Schools: Celebrating Success and Embracing the Future

As the Desert Sands Unified School District gears up for the 2024-2025 school year, La Quinta schools are excited to continue building a vibrant, inclusive learning environment that enhances student achievement, wellbeing, and community engagement. La Quinta has one early childhood learning center, two elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and one alternative high school.

Here’s a look at recent accomplishments and goals for the upcoming year for La Quinta schools.

Adams Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC)

2023-2024 Highlights: Adams ECLC expanded its classes to accommodate a growing student population and introduced full-day programs for kindergarten transition. A specialized curriculum for students with autism was adopted, with staff receiving professional development and on-thejob coaching.

2024-2025 Goals: Adams ECLC aims to improve student achievement by increasing parent and community engagement through training and resources. The center will develop inclusive practices in collaboration with early childhood education and enhance collaborative learning sessions to ensure high levels of learning across all classrooms.

Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

2023-2024 Highlights: Franklin Elementary started a new literacy group for kindergarten to third-grade students, helping them with daily reading and phonics exercises. The school’s robust support system provided extra help to students who needed it, and they were recognized for their effective use of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports* (MTSS).

2024-2025 Goals: Franklin Elementary is working to improve how students stay engaged and take responsibility

for their learning as part of renewing its International Baccalaureate (IB) Program* certification. The school will focus on strengthening teamwork and providing ongoing training for teachers at all grade levels.

Harry S. Truman Elementary School

2023-2024 Highlights: Truman Elementary fosters high expectations, equipping students to think deeply and critically. Renowned for its STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) education, Truman continued to provide hands-on, relevant experiences for students from transitional kindergarten (TK) to fifth grade.

2024-2025 Goals: Truman Elementary plans to continue enhancing its support systems to help all students succeed and prioritize the best teaching practices to ensure a high-quality education for every child. Additionally, the school welcomes a new principal, Kristin Harper, who brings a strong commitment to student success and educational excellence.

La Quinta Middle School

2023-2024 Highlights: La Quinta Middle nurtures a vibrant academic and positive behavioral atmosphere with a centrally located Wellness Wing for mental health support. Recognized as a platinumlevel Jostens Renaissance School, it offers an extensive Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) with diverse STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) and Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways.

2024-2025 Goals: La Quinta Middle will further expand its Wellness Wing, enhance its AVID program, and promote literacy through the Read With Me program. Strengthening home-school connections and establishing a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) are also planned.

Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School

2023-2024 Highlights: Paige Middle partnered with Riverside County›s CAREspace program to help students develop social and emotional skills through special programs and assemblies, creating a healthier and more supportive school environment.

2024-2025 Goals: Paige Middle will introduce project-based learning and new electives such as automation

and robotics. It also plans to enhance academic intervention in math and English with small-group instruction.

La Quinta High School

2023-2024 Highlights: La Quinta High’s Associated Student Body (ASB) organized events and fostered student unity. Clubs, sports teams, and theater productions saw significant success. State testing showed a 17% increase in English language proficiency rates and improved attendance.

2024-2025 Goals: La Quinta High will continue to focus on academic excellence, student well-being, equity, family engagement, professional development, college and career readiness, positive school culture, and continuous improvement.

Summit High School

2023-2024 Highlights: Summit High offers credit recovery opportunities and new Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in welding and cosmetology. Dual enrollment courses allow students to earn college units and elective credits.

2024-2025 Goals: Summit High aims to offer more CTE courses and provide more access to college courses.

Horizon School

2023-2024 Highlights: Horizon School offers alternative educational options, including TK-12 Independent Studies Virtual Academy, K-5 Homeschool, and various intervention programs. A career guidance specialist helps students access community resources and explore careers.

2024-2025 Goals: Horizon School plans to expand A-G course* offerings, boost dual enrollment with College of the Desert, organize in-person events for K-12 students, and address socialemotional learning (SEL) needs through individual and small group activities.

La Quinta schools are committed to fostering academic excellence, student well-being, and community engagement. Focusing on continuous improvement and innovative educational practices, the schools aim to provide all students with the tools and opportunities to succeed. The first day of school for all Desert Sands schools is August 20. Please visit each school’s website to learn more by going to DSUSD.us and click on the “Select a School” tab at the top of the page.

*Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is a comprehensive framework designed to provide varying levels of instructional and behavioral support to students based on their needs.

*The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program is a globally recognized education framework that aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people through a rigorous curriculum and assessment.

*A-G refers to the courses required for California high school students to be eligible for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems.

La Quinta High School students getting excited for their senior year are, as follows, from left to right: Sierra Reyes, Brock Hanes, Ashlee Wilson and Katelyn Garrison. Photo Credit: Mollie Kimberling

Dune Palms Bridge to Improve Back-to-School Traffic

School starts August 20 for Desert Sands Unified students, and getting to La Quinta High, John Glenn Middle and Amelia Earhart Elementary will be easier than it was the first day of school in 2023 when flooding from a major storm closed Dune Palms Road over the wash for nearly eight months until half of an allweather bridge was completed.

When Hilary pounded Southern California and the Coachella Valley on August 20, 2023, delivering more than 3 inches of rain to La Quinta, it wiped out the bypass road built to keep Dune Palms open during bridge construction.

Hilary was followed by another major storm on September 1, and for the public’s safety, rather than reconstruct the bypass road delaying construction and adding to the cost of the $25 million bridge, the City opted to keep Dune

Palms Road closed at the wash until the east side of the bridge was finished.

On April 29, 2024, the east side was completed and opened to two-way traffic while construction continues on the west side. The west side is currently scheduled to be finished in February and the contractor is working diligently to meet or exceed that date.

At completion, the west side will move northbound traffic and the east side will handle southbound motorists.

The Dune Palms Road bridge is the last north-south bridge needed over the stormwater channel for La Quinta, and will prevent road closures in the future due to flooding or other weather conditions.

Construction began in January 2023.

At completion, the bridge will be 480 feet long and about 86 feet wide and will include:

• Four vehicle lanes, two in each direction.

• Two 8-foot-wide bike/cart paths, one in each direction.

• Two 6-foot-wide sidewalks, one in each direction.

• A 9-foot-8-inch raised center median.

Check LaQuintaCA.gov/dunepalms for project updates and to register to receive updates by email or text.

LOOP

Beat the Summer Heat at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in La Quinta

La Quinta is the latest city to land a Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream – a unique take on the old-fashioned ice cream shop because it is one of very few to make a multitude of ice cream flavors inhouse every day.

While there are Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream shops in over 100 destinations throughout the country, the Handel’s in La Quinta was opened recently by the Fox family – Kim and Chris, along with their kids Colin, Fiona and Reilly – who live in the desert and have been operating businesses here since the 1980s.

“My wife Kim and I owned a transportation company in California, Washinton and Oregon with over 1,000 employees for 20 years, as well as other businesses,” shared Chris Fox. “Our son Colin has worked in hospitality and food for the last 10 years, so we decided to bring Handel’s to the desert after having it numerous times in Redondo Beach. The Coachella Valley seemed like a great fit for ice cream treats so we thought it would be a home run in the desert. Colin now manages the operational side of our business.”

Handel’s has franchisees that own one or two stores or a territory. The Fox family owns the area from Morongo Casino area to Lake Havasu. After opening stores in Palm Desert and Indio in the past couple years, the family set its sights on La Quinta – which has one of only two traditional drivethru stores in the Handel’s chain.

“La Quinta is a great city that has a good mix of full-time residents and people who come out for the season, and it’s also advantageous to be right next to the high school,” Fox said, of his family’s decision to open a La Quinta store. “Everyone in La Quinta has been excited and welcoming to us as we opened the store. People are intrigued by the drive-thru aspect of the business too. It’s been getting good reviews from the locals.”

Part of the Handel’s team in La Quinta, from left to right: Manager Juan Gonzalez, Ashley Winbourn and July’s Employee of the Month, April Villalobos.

Fox explained that they have over 175 recipes – some dating back to the 1940s developed by Alice Handel in Youngstown, Ohio – so there are a lot of opportunities to try new flavors. “We are very old fashioned in our flavors, and we use the best ingredients from local California dairy farms. The ice cream maker is the most important position in our stores. These people ensure that our ice cream is made exactly as the recipe dictates and we rigorously taste test everything daily. In fact, Colin is an expert ice cream maker who was trained for weeks in Youngstown. Our brand promise is that you get the best quality ice cream anywhere, with a great experience, at a fair price,” he added.

With over 48 flavors made fresh every day, there is something for everyone. If you’re having a hard time choosing just one, try the popular four scoop sampler that serves up a healthy portion of any four flavors.

“Ice cream is about family, friends and great memories,” said Fox. “Once you try Handel’s ice cream you will realize why National Geographic called it the best ice cream on the planet.”

Jeff & Linda Brandt

Jonathan & Andrea Brandt

EXPERIENCE THE TASTE OF SUMMER

Enjoy special summer-inspired prix ﬁxe menus at Twenty6, Adobe Grill, and Morgan’s in the desert through August 31, 2024.

$38 PER PERSON

$55 PER PERSON

$46 PER PERSON

Visit laquintaresort.com/taste-of-summer for menus and to make reservations.

9 9 / / 11 11 WE WILL NEVER FORGET

CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager

If you have ever strolled through our parks, stopped by the library, City Hall or museum, or driven through our roundabouts, it’s possible that a piece of artwork caught your attention and you wanted to know about its creator and inspiration.

A new Virtual Art Tour on the PlayInLaQuinta.com website makes it easy to learn about the more than 100 pieces exhibited throughout the City. It offers an immersive experience about La Quinta’s signature art installations with information about the artists, unique mediums, and the inspiration behind some of our noteworthy pieces.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dive-In Movie

Friday, August 9, 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Location: Community pool at Fritz Burns Park

Family and friends of all ages are invited to a free showing of “Super Mario Bros” at the pool, cosponsored by Desert Recreation District and the City of La Quinta. No tickets needed, just come for a free fun-filled night and movie that you can watch in or out of the water. The movie begins at dusk. More information is available at MyRecreationDistrict. com/movies.

Hunter Lopez Lightsaber Vigil

Monday, August 26, 7 p.m.

Location: Civic Center Campus

Join us for a lightsaber vigil to honor and remember Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez and his fellow service members who died in the August 2021 attack at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan. The vigil is being held in partnership with the Hunter Lopez family and Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation.

The site, a blend of creativity and technology that is easy to use, is designed for everyone, from the curious explorer to the art aficionado.

Among the pieces included is the landmark roadrunner sculpture in the roundabout at Jefferson Street and Avenue 52 which is on loan to the City from Goldenvoice, operator of the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals.

Other pieces in the collection were donated or purchased by the City using developer fees earmarked for Art in Public Places.

Save the Date

9/11 Candlelight Vigil

Wednesday, September 11, 7 p.m.

Location: 9/11 Monument, Civic Center Campus

Come together as a community to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed on September 11, 2001, when alQaida terrorists hijacked airplanes and flew them into the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked airplane was headed toward a federal building in Washington, D.C., when passengers realized what was happening, rushed the front of the plane, and caused the hijackers to lose control and crash into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing all onboard.

CITY UPDATES

Citywide Slurry Seal Project

The next phase of the citywide slurry seal program has begun and consists of applying slurry seal on select streets, mainly within the Cove. The work includes weed removal, application of crack sealant, removal of existing striping, application of slurry seal, and restriping slurried streets

The City has acquired and commissioned unique art pieces through the Art in Public Places program in a variety of mediums including paintings, murals, sculptures, photography and mixed media. These distinct pieces can be found in public places throughout the City including City Hall, the Wellness Center, library, road roundabouts and parks.

Each piece in the City’s collection contributes to La Quinta’s rich culture while emphasizing the intellectual, creative and positive lifestyle of our residents.

It is easily accessed at PlayInLaQuinta.com/art-fifth.

Other Capital Improvement Program Projects

City Hall Roof Repair: Construction continues and consists of repairing the main section of the pitched roof on the east side of City Hall and the pitched roof above the Council Chamber. The work includes removal of the existing tile, replacing the roof paper, replacing plywood and broken tile as needed, and reinstalling the existing tile.

Dune Palms Pavement Rehabilitation: Construction has begun, and work includes removal of existing pavement, asphalt overlay, signing and striping on Dune Palms Road from Miles Avenue to Fred Waring Drive.

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

Mat Pilates

Personal Trainer (by appt.)

Yoga Flow (with Billee) 11

Social Wellness

Social Bridge

(call Pat 760-771-2261; fee $4

Mah Jongg; fee $2 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. T

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

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

Corn Hole Toss

Look

Who’s

in the Lobby

FIND Food Bank, Monday, August 5, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Information on FIND Food Bank mobile market locations and low-income energy assistance resources, Cal-Fresh.

HICAP One-on-One Consultations, Monday, August 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

A HICAP counselor one-on-one appointment to help you understand your Medicare health insurance benefits (prescription drug comparisons, information on lowcost medical insurance, advocate medical bill concerns). Appointments to meet at the Wellness Center can be made by calling HICAP at (800) 434-0222 or (909) 256-8369.

DAP Health, Thursday, August 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

A representative will provide information about the wide range of health services DAP Health offers to individuals of all income levels.

Now Open!

Extending the Coco Rose vision of a home and lifestyle store in the old bank building next to Stuft Pizza in Old Town La Quinta!

78010 Main Street #100 • La Quinta 92263

Store Hours: Monday - Sunday 10am-7:30pm

JW Marriot

Shopping Colonnade

74855 Country Club Dr

Palm Desert 92260

Ph: 760 846 8757

Desert Springs Marketplace

74924 Country Club Dr Suite G-130

Palm Desert 92260

Ph: 760 895 4132

El Paseo

73255 El Paseo, Suite 21

Palm Desert 92260

Ph: 760 219 7165

New OUTLET on El Paseo: “Last Chance”

Coco Rose Outlet

73896 El Paseo, Suite R-13

Palm Desert 92260

Ph: 760 492 0635

Winner of the

east valley Small Business of the year award

POM POM CAVALIER

STEPHEN WILSON

EIFFEL TOWER

BURBERRY PARADE

lOVE BUTTERFLIES

HERMES BUTTERFLIES

chanel heart pom pom

HERMES CAVALIER

EXHIBITS

LA QUINTA MUSEUM

NEW! Abandoned Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Opening: August 6

Experience the award-winning photography of Ken Lee in “Abandoned Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” a nocturnal journey through the hidden landscapes of California’s deserts. Explore California’s abandoned transportation relics, reflecting its storied history in aviation and aerospace innovation, the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, and vibrant car culture. Photographer Ken Lee guides museum visitors through these rarely-seen locations using light to unveil forgotten scenes in haunting, dreamlike exposures.

Spotlight Exhibit in the Local History Gallery:

LQ Fact or Fiction: The Fisherman Steps

Have you heard that the rock stairs in the La Quinta Cove have a Hollywood connection? They do, but it might not be the one that you think! Find out what’s fact and what’s fiction in this spotlight exhibit.

PROGRAMS

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

Friday, August 2 & 16, 1– 3 p.m.

Sketchbook Journaling

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

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.

Saturday, August 10, 1– 3 p.m.

Genealogy Meet-Up

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in genealogy, join this discussion and collaboration.

Tuesday, August 13 & 27, 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, August 14, 1 p.m.

TED Talk Hangout

Enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss. This month: “Choices That Can Change Your Life” by Caroline Myss.

Saturday, August 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Family Fun: End of Summer Art Party

End summer on a creative note! The whole family will enjoy creating art inspired by summertime fun.

Tuesday, August 20, 11 a.m.

Take a Break with Huell

Watch an episode of Huell Howser’s “California’s Gold” on the big screen. This month, Huell takes viewers on a wild ride rafting down the Kern River.

Saturday, August 24, 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.

Thursday, August 29, 3 p.m.

Good Books in the Gallery

Read a great book, and then get together to discuss! This month, the featured book is “My California: Journeys by Great Writers” edited by Donna Wares. A limited number of free copies are available for book club participants; call (760) 777-7170 to request one.

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

Baby and A.B.C storytimes are on a temporary summer break and will be back Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

SPECIAL EVENTS & NEW PROGRAMS

Hydro Harvest LQ

Fridays, August 2 & 30 @ 4:30 p.m.

8 years old & up

Learn how to grow veggies with your family using the library‘s very own Flex Farm! Plant the veggies at the first meeting and harvest them at the last meeting. Sign up to see what dish will be created at the end of the month. Registration Required.

Morning Movie Showing

Saturday, August 17 @ 11 a.m. | All Ages

Come and watch the movie of the month! Limited seating and floor space. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks –all drinks must have lids. Popcorn is available for a limited time.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Sensory Hour

Mondays, August 12 & 26 @ 10:15 a.m.

Ages 0 - 12

Fridays, August 9 & 23 @ 3 p.m.

Ages 0 - 12

Sensory hour includes activities that promote the development of motor skills as well as socialization among peers. Sponsored by Friends of the La Quinta Library.

Anime Cafe

Saturday, August 3 @ 1 p.m. | Ages 13-17

A fun space to hang out, watch anime, read manga and try the Japanese snack of the month. Color and chill while you watch “Suzume.” All supplies provided.

Level Up LQ

Saturdays, August 10 & 24 @ 12 – 2 p.m.

Ages 13-17

Calling all teen gamers! Join in to play different games on a variety of consoles including the PS4, Nintendo Switch and more.

Scrabble Club

Tuesdays, August 6 & 13

@ 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Ages 18+

Be part of this club that plays some friendly games of Scrabble.

Writer’s Block

Sunday, August 4 @ 1 p.m. | Ages 18+

Writers of all levels can join in monthly prompts, exercises and group critiques.

Page Turners Book Club

Thursday, August 15 @ 10:30 a.m.

Ages 18+

In August, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang will be discussed. Register at the Information Desk, as copies are limited.

Threadheads Fiber Arts Club

Saturday, August 17 @ 1:30 p.m.

Ages 18+

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

Chess Club | All Ages

Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29

@ 4 – 6 p.m. | In-Person

Players of all levels welcome. Hosted by the Coachella Chess Club.

Full list of events & activities:

Coloring Book Night for Adults

Tuesday, August 27 @ 5 p.m. | Ages 18+

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Join Coloring Book Night for adults and discover the benefits of coloring while listening to relaxing Lo-Fi music. Bring your own coloring book or enjoy one provided.

LA QUINTA CREATION STATION PROGRAMS

Questions about Creation Station programs? Call (760) 777-7088.

Maker Craft: Viking Wire Weaving Saturday, August 3 @ 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Viking Wire Weaving Maker Craft is back by popular demand! Learn how to weave strands of wire into decorative keychains or bracelets. Recommended for ages 7+ due to wire and cutting tools. This event is free.

Fiber Arts Bootcamp (FAB): ’80s Cassette Tape Cross Stitch Sunday, August 25 @ 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Feel the nostalgia of the ’80s and ’90s creating a mixtape of your own by cross stitching a simple Fiber Art pattern. It will be totally RAD! Free, while supplies last. Open to ages 6+.

Delay in Federal Funds Pushes Highway

In the Meantime, City to Make Needed Repairs

By: Sherry Barkas, City of La Quinta

A delay in receiving federal funds to pay for half of the $8 million Highway 111 rehabilitation project has pushed construction to May 2025. In the interim, the City will fix potholes and do some temporary repaving in badly needed areas.

The $4 million for La Quinta’s two-mile portion of Highway 111 are in the 202324 federal budget adopted by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in March – five months into the fiscal year, which started October 1 and ends September 30.

Construction Timing is Critical

The earliest the City will receive the money, which can only be used for Highway 111, is October – pushing the extensive three-month project into the

time when traffic and holiday shopping are at peak season.

The City will use the additional time to get the project shovel ready, going out to bid in January or February so construction can start in May, right after the music festivals.

“It makes more sense to get everything ready to start construction right after the music festivals,” Public Works Director/ City Engineer Bryan McKinney said.

The funds don’t come directly to the City immediately following budget adoption. They go to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which distributes the money to Caltrans to manage, where there is another process the City must follow, including an environmental study that was submitted to Caltrans for review in July.

Roughly 38,000 motorists drive Highway 111 daily, and the City is acutely aware of the road’s condition and how badly the repairs are needed, but timing is critical. In addition to traffic volume, the City must consider the impacts on the businesses, City Manager Jon McMillen said.

The shops and restaurants that line La Quinta’s corridor make up about 75% of the City’s annual sales tax revenue, projected to be $27.5 million in fiscal year 2024-25.

Some improvements that will be done this summer:

• Potholes will be repaired and roadway repaved where needed to get through until the major road rehabilitation next spring.

• Median repairs and landscaping improvements will begin.

• Curb, gutter and sidewalk will be added on the south side of Highway 111 between the Best Buy and Home Depot shopping centers.

The City is also weighing replacement of the Highway 111 La Quinta entrance signs at Washington and Jefferson streets this year.

Millions Freed for Other Projects

The Highway 111 Repavement Project will include pulverization and removal of the existing roadway before laying down new asphalt.

Throughout construction the City will ensure there is always access in and out of shopping centers to minimize the impact on the shops and restaurants as much as possible.

The City had initially planned to do the Highway 111 Repavement Project last summer footing 100% of the estimated $8 million cost out of general fund and Measure G revenues. In March 2023 staff learned of federal funds the City might qualify for that would cover up to 50% of the cost.

Highway 111 was included among millions of dollars in infrastructure project funds Congressman Ken Calvert, representative of the 41st Congressional District which includes La Quinta, included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.

The funds can only be used for the Highway 111 resurfacing project and had Congress passed a budget on time, the City would have been able to get Highway 111 repaved this year.

“The City is grateful for the

$4 million” in federal funds, and to La Quinta voters who passed the Measure G sales tax increase in 2016, McKinney said.

Had the voters not passed Measure G in 2016, it is likely that even with the federal funds the City would not be able to afford the full reconstruction of Highway 111, let alone do all two miles at one time, McKinney said.

“The City understands the frustrations of motorists who use Highway 111 and appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding,” McMillen said.

way 111 Rehabilitation to May 2025

Register Now for the La Quinta State

of the City on September 19

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of La Quinta, is thrilled to announce the La Quinta State of the City, Business Awards, and Expo. This highly anticipated event promises an exceptional experience on Thursday, September 19, at the renowned La Quinta Resort & Club, located at 49-499 Eisenhower Drive in La Quinta. The business expo will be held from 5 – 6 p.m., with the State of the City presentation beginning at 6 p.m.

The La Quinta Resort & Club, a historic desert hideaway, offers an idyllic setting for this prestigious event. Nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the resort boasts lush gardens, charming courtyards, and world-class amenities, making it a perfect venue to celebrate the vibrant community and its accomplishments.

The annual State of the City event serves as a comprehensive overview of La Quinta’s achievements over the past year, highlights future developments, and outlines significant plans that will impact the local business community. It provides an invaluable opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the City’s progress and vision directly from city leaders.

This year’s evening speakers will present detailed updates on various projects, economic developments and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents and businesses alike.

The event will also recognize outstanding achievements and notable contributions made by local business professionals. Various awards will be presented, including the distinguished La Quinta Business of the Year award, celebrating excellence and dedication within the community.

The business expo will feature an array of local businesses showcasing their products and services. It offers a unique networking opportunity for attendees to connect with business leaders, innovators and community stakeholders.

Given the event’s popularity and tendency to reach full capacity, interested attendees are strongly encouraged to secure their tickets in advance. This gathering is not only a chance to celebrate La Quinta’s successes but also to engage with the community and support local businesses.

For further details and ticket reservations, go to GCVCC.org or call (760) 347-0676.