The Gem Dec 2021 by Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce

The La Quinta Gem Shop and Dine Local in LQ Holiday Traditions Photo by Bridget Miller Photography

HAPPY HOLIDAYS IN LA QUINTA

Greater Coachella Valley Chamber 78-015 Main Street, #206 La Quinta, 92253

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Office conveniently located at78010 Main St, suite 208

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The La Quinta Gem

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Holiday Traditions in La Quinta

DECEMBER 2021

12 - 13

What’s Happening in Old Town

Message from the Chairperson

Letter to Residents and Business Owners

14-19 City Pages • City Manager’s Message

Grocery Outlet: The Best New Spot in La Quinta for Stocking Up on Holiday Goods

09 Shop and Eat Local for the Holidays

Tree Lighting Ceremony

IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells-La Quinta

Open House Meet & Greet

Hike LQ

Gingerbread Lane

The American Express PGA TOUR Event

SilverRock Retention Basin Soil Stabilization Project

La Quinta X-Park

Monroe Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project

• It’s Your Library • La Quinta Museum • Community Services

PDUDC: Helping the Underrepresented in the Eastern Coachella Valley

PPP Forgiveness: Urgent News About Nonconformity in California

THANK YOU FOR THE MAJOR SPONSORSHIP PROVIDED BY

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) was created in 2016 Q 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 ES Band of Mission Indians. It enhances and 0 T. 1 9 5 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.

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GCV LA QUINTA CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eric Mosser , Chairperson | Charles Schwab Mike Chapa, Secretary | Fairway Independent Mortgage Carrie Babij, Treasurer | Desert Insurance Solutions, Inc. Doug Motz | Motz-Rusin Insurance Agency Steve Weiner | Coldwell Banker Ray Dominguez | Lamar Outdoor Advertising Karen Lambrose | Caliber Home Loans Steve Wilson | Optavia/Next Level Coaching - Steve Wilson Janice Isbell | La Quinta Chevrolet-Cadillac Ricardo Loretta | Dr. Carreon Foundation Kimberly Anken | Robert Half Staffing Agency Heidi McArthur | Jadabug’s Kids Boutique Ralph Piscitelli | Alzheimers Association Mike Williams | Capitis Real Estate Jeff Fishbein | Coldwell Banker / Fishbein Real Estate Group Mickey Jumapao | iServe Lending

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THE GEM PRODUCTION TEAM THE LA QUINTA 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.

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON Submitted by: Eric Mosser, La Quinta Chamber of Commerce Chair

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But, could it be better? Absolutely. By consciously keeping as many of the dollars you spend within our city limits, you are improving our city’s economy and infrastructure. Up to $68 of every $100 you spend in La Quinta is channeled into improving the economic health and physical conditions of our city. If we each do our part to keep the benefits of spending local in mind, La Quinta will continue to be a fantastic place to live and visit.

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How fortunate are we to live in La Quinta, The Gem of the Desert? I’ve lived throughout the Coachella Valley on and off for over 30 years, and I’ve been proud to call La Quinta home for the past five. I’m grateful to live in a city where my family feels safe and has a range of local options for dining, shopping, and recreating. Virtually everything we need can be found right here in our gem of a city.

Season’s Greetings Neighbors,

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In addition to being mindful of where you spend your dollars, I’d also like to encourage our community to get involved. Reach out to the City and/or the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce and share your experiences and ideas on making La Quinta and our surrounding areas even better. Our city and valley economic partners are working diligently on improving our current workforce, transit and affordable housing opportunities. The more who get involved, the quicker we will find some viable solutions. In closing, as an Advisory Council Member of the Alzheimer’s Association, I’d like to personally thank the City of La Quinta for being the only city in the Coachella Valley to sponsor the Coachella Valley’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s this year. The November 13th Walk helped raise over $155,000 to help further the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Thank you, La Quinta, for being a great place to live and visit. Eric Mosser is an Associate Financial Consultant with Charles Schwab. You can contact him at 760-836-3079.

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To Our Residents and Business Owners, December 5, 2021 will mark the third year an IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon will take place in our community. We are looking forward to hosting over 2,000+ athletes from all over the world for this exciting event! While this event serves as an economic driver, pulling off a race of this magnitude brings challenges. We are reaching out to our communities and businesses near the course to keep them updated on race day impacts. The race starts early Sunday morning, December 5, with a swim in Lake Cahuilla beginning at 7 a.m. The athletes will then ride bicycles through Riverside County, returning to La Quinta and finishing at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens. The bicycle course will remain the same as re-designed in 2019 to avoid Washington Street, except where the course crosses Washington St. at Miles Avenue. The full course and current information about the race is available at www.laquintaca.gov/IRONMAN. Still have questions? Here are a few things we recommend: Contact Ironman or the City with questions you may have or schedule a meeting so we can discuss how the race may affect your neighborhood Share this information with your neighbors, members of your community and other businesses within your reach so they may plan accordingly Join in on the fun! Ironman has volunteer opportunities or become part of the action at Ironman Village on race day. Remember, businesses will remain open, so shop local and support our La Quinta businesses on race day. We appreciate you welcoming all visitors to La Quinta, and for making it the true Gem of the Desert!

Sincerely, Zander Johnston City of La Quinta, Ironman Liaison 760.777.7044 zjohnston@laquintaca.gov

Ironman Community Relations 760-239-9226 im70.3iwlq@ironmanvolunteers.com

GROCERY OUTLET: THE BEST NEW SPOT IN LA QUINTA FOR STOCKING UP ON HOLIDAY GOODS Submitted by: GCVCC Staff The holiday season is upon us, and shopping for groceries at an affordable price is key – especially as costs rise. Fortunately, a new grocery store has opened in La Quinta. Grocery Outlet opened on November 4th on Washington Street right across from City Hall. We talked with new owners – Mayra Ornelas and Ruby Ramirez – about why this will not only be a great place to shop for the holidays, but a great new addition to La Quinta.

Heinz gravy for $2.99 (while supplies last), Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider, a variety of veggies, College Inn Infusions varieties, chicken, beef and vegetable broth, a 5-pack of Stella Rosa at $19.99 and much more. We also recently received a shipment of Christmas decor and lighting.

Can you tell us a bit about Grocery Outlet? What makes it different from other grocery stores?

We are partnering with Project Santa 2 the Rescue, which works with SafeHouse of the Desert to provide for youth in need within the desert communities. Now through Dec. 11th, we are taking $5 donations to be entered into a raffle of a variety of prizes such as a TV, two separate children’s bicycles and a few other goodies. All proceeds will be donated to the SafeHouse of the Desert.

Grocery Outlet offers a wide selection of fresh produce, fresh meat, deli, dairy, packaged groceries, beer and wine, frozen foods, health and beauty care and general merchandise products. We also offer more than 500 Natural Organic Specialty and Healthy (NOSH) items. We typically offer 50 different varieties of wines for under $5. We are able to do all of this thanks to our expert buyers who purchase opportunistically. This means products outside of the normal retail channel as a result of packaging changes, product overruns and other varied inventory circumstances. For 75 years, our buying model has offered a dynamic, ever-changing assortment of products. What made you want to open in La Quinta? We would visit the location and nearby businesses before we had decided to apply for it, and in doing so, we noticed how positive the community was and how in need they were for a grocery store. What are some good reasons to do your holiday shopping at Grocery Outlet? We have a variety of items every home needs for the holidays such as Mrs. Cubbison’s stuffing, a 3-pack of

Is there anything else you would like to add?

How can someone find you? You can visit us in person at 50929 Washington Street, Suite 2, or call 760-771-8489. You can also check us out on social media at facebook.com/LaQuintaGroceryOutlet or Instagram @laquinta_groceryoutlet or visit the website at groceryoutlet.com.

SHOP AND EAT LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS Submitted by: GCVCC Staff The holiday season brings us new memories with friends and family, but it also takes us shopping and dining around town. It’s important to remember during this holiday season to shop local. Remember that for every $100 you spend at locally owned business, $68 will stay in the community. Here are a few local shops where you can get your holiday fix. For a list of additional Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce members where you can shop local, visit gcvcc.org and visit our Business Directory. Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant 50855 Washington Street, Suite 2I 760-992-5133 losarcoslq.com Los Arcos is a newly opened Mexican Restaurant to La Quinta. They are owned by the Almaraz Family. The entire Almaraz Family hails from Cadereyta, Queretaro, Mexico. You can enjoy delicious dishes like the quesedilla grande, the sizzling fajita trio, the fajita burrito and much more. They have indoor & patio seating, as well as pickups available. Come and discover why their customers call Los Arcos the happiest place in the valley! Apricot Lane Boutique 46600 Washington St., Suite 4 760-771-3614 apricotlaneboutique.com This locally-owned women’s boutique carries a selection of clothing, accessories, and gifts unique to any other location. Our clothing is on-trend, affordable, and everchanging to ensure you walk away with something one

of a kind! We carry a curated collection of well-known brands mixed with new, up-and-coming brands; all of which are high-quality, stylish and affordable. We provide forward trends with a classic style. With limited quantities and new items arriving weekly you are sure to walk away with something unique! Chúla Eatery 47150 Washington Street, Suite B 760-227-6616 chulaeatery.com Chef and Owner Katherine Gonzalez was raised in Southern Arizona. Her mother’s family migrated from Chihuahua, Mexico and her father’s family from Spain. Growing up there was always a pot of beans cooking, fresh made flour tortillas, salsa and sopas fideo. Born out of the demand of Salsa Momma, Chúla is a seasonally inspired artisan eatery, recreating family recipes with a fresh and healthy twist. From homemade salsa to madefrom-scratch tamales and gluten-free sweets, we have something delicious for everyone. Our food is seasonal, organic and oh so Bueno! Cali Rosina Tea & Chocolate 78120 Calle Estado, Suite 104 760-619-2279 Cali Rosina Tea & Chocolate is all about Tea Life! Their intention is to focus on quality ingredients to bring you good, tasty drinks. They serve a variety of teas and craft bean to bar chocolates from around the world. They also carry a variety of gift baskets with different tea’s, chocolates, and treats which are perfect for the holidays.

Photo by Bridget Miller Photography

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS IN LA QUINTA Submitted by: GCVCC Staff The holidays bring on all sorts of fun and unique traditions for people. Some are just dinner with family or perhaps a friendly annual get together. We spoke with a few board members from the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce to learn about some holiday traditions they have. We hope you enjoy your holiday traditions and maybe make some new ones here in the Gem of the Desert. Ralph Piscitelli Alzheimer’s Association The holidays for us have always been about the celebration of family and friends. We gather on Christmas eve for a big dinner, then attend Midnight Mass and then home to exchange gifts in the early am hours of Christmas Day. For Italian Americans, the feast of the Seven Fishes is the highlight of holiday traditions. It’s a nostalgiafueled, hours long dinner, consisting of at least seven different types of seafood -it is the defining Christmas Eve tradition. It is firmly rooted in Italy’s Roman Catholic background, the Festa dei Sette Pesci, is a delectable blend of sacred and secular blending the old world with the new. Heidi McArthur Jadabug’s Kids Boutique One of our family traditions is to first pop popcorn. We then bring out the needle and threads and begin stringing the popcorn up and use that as the garland for our christmas tree. We always love the personal touch this gives rather than just putting up regular store-bought garland.

Doug Motz Motz-Rusin Insurance Agency The holiday highlight and tradition for us is that all the granddaughters come over the Sunday before Christmas where our neighborhood has a Snow Day & we all go sledding in the retention basin. We come back home & the girls decorate a gingerbread house & get to eat it all up. After that they open a gift which is their annual “matching” pajamas that they put on, take a group picture and then get to jump on Grandma & Grandpas’ bed (which is normally perfectly made) and have pillow fights. Even our adult kids get in on that action!

This year the festival will be accepting 250 of the most accomplished artists from around the world to show. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Events in North America by Travel Magazine, the festival includes traditional, contemporary, and abstract ﬁne works of art and quality crafts.

December 11 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live Music • Free Admission • Free Parking

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CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE

Gingerbread Lane Old Town Artisan Studio is having their annual holiday event on Saturday December 4, 11 & 18 from 12 – 5 PM. Bring the family to this free event and experience a winter wonderland in La Quinta. Learn more at oldtownartisanstudios.org.

By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager

Season’s Greetings from the City of La Quinta! We hope you will enjoy time with family and friends right here in our festive community – supporting local shops and restaurants with your holiday plans. There are a number of great events coming up to be sure to add to your calendar: Tree Lighting Ceremony Join us for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 3 at 6:00 p.m. Bring the family to Civic Center Park for a visit with Santa and to ring in the holiday season with the lighting of the tree. Learn more about this free event at PlayInLaQuinta.com. IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells-La Quinta The third annual IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon is almost here. Athletes from across the globe will be traveling to La Quinta and will fall in love with our amazing weather and scenic views. The race begins at 7:00 a.m. on December 5 with a lap around Lake Cahuilla, then participants will move on to a 56-mile bike ride from La Quinta to Thermal before heading back to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for a two-loop run over to the Indian Wells Golf Resort. RESIDENTS: Be sure to review the road detour maps at LaQuintaCA.gov/IRONMAN so you are aware of how to best get around town on race day. Open House Meet & Greet The Mayor & City Council invite you to attend the City of La Quinta Open House on Tuesday, December 7 at 5:30 PM. This annual event is an opportunity to meet and chat with city staff and council while enjoying light refreshments. Hike LQ Hiking season is in full swing now that our perfect temperatures have arrived! Here are some hikes you can join to experience the stunning La Quinta vistas: • •

Full Moon Hike – December 17 from 7:00-10:00 p.m.; co-hosted by Friends of the Desert Mountains Hayfield Springs Petroglyphs Hike – December 18 at 8:00 a.m. This hike explores Cahuilla Indian petroglyphs, a rock shelter and old mines in the desert off Interstate 10.

The American Express PGA TOUR Event La Quinta’s premier golf tournament returns January 19-23, 2022! The courses featured this year include PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club. All of the net proceeds generated from The American Express are donated to local Coachella Valley Charities. In case you didn’t hear, Maroon 5 & Brad Paisley will perform on the driving range at PGA West on Friday and Saturday night. Learn more at TheAmexGolf.com. CITY UPDATES SilverRock Retention Basin Soil Stabilization Project With this project, shrubs will be added to the upper half of the slope on Avenue 52 and along the parking area. The east slope will remain in its current natural state, utilizing a hydroseed mix with rotor irrigation on the balance of the slopes which prepares for future tree installation during Arbor Day. It will begin construction in January, and is anticipated to be complete by May 2022. La Quinta X-Park The new X-Park – which is currently 85% complete – is anticipated to be complete in early 2022, and will include: • 31,000 square feet of skate area • A 1,400 square foot pro-shop with restrooms and an observation deck • Energy efficient/programmable lighting • A pump track • 20 parking spaces Monroe Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project This completed project enhanced two separate areas on Monroe Street from Avenue 52 to Avenue 53. Improvements such as pulverization of existing pavement, crack fill and slurry seal were made to these roadways Be sure to save the date to join us for the 2022 Community/Council Workshop happening on Saturday, January 29. It’s an opportunity to get involved, give input, and see what projects are coming up in the city. All of us at the City of La Quinta wish you happy and safe holidays with your family and friends, and we thank you for shopping and dining local whenever you can to support your community. Stay updated on news and events at LaQuintaCA.gov or follow us on Facebook at @CityofLaQuinta.com.

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

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

SAVE THE DATE! La Quinta Book Fest 2022 (Teens & Adults) – Registration Now Open! Monday, February 14 - Friday, February 18, 2022 Enrich your reading experience by discovering diverse literary topics and meeting authors at Book Fest 2022! Designed for all book lovers, Book Fest 2022 will feature a Zoom author panel discussion, a special book club, and more! Registration is FREE, but required. For updates and more information on registration, guest authors, and the book club, visit bit.ly/LQBookFest. SPECIAL PROGRAMS Collab Corner - Sketchtogether (Ages 13-17, Discord bit.ly/LAQTeensDiscord) Tuesday, December 21 @ 4:30pm Hang out with other teens and create a masterpiece of art together using Sketchtogether virtual whiteboard on the LAQLibraryTeens Discord server.

“In the Stacks” Storytime with Miss Sara (All ages, Facebook Live) Wednesdays @ 11:15am, Enjoy songs, stories, and lots of fun with Miss Sara during a live storytime on our Facebook Page! VIRTUAL PROGRAMS NEW! Explorando el Mundo de la Biblioteca/Exploring the World of the Library (YouTube) Posted once per month on our Youtube Channel, this series of Spanish language videos introduces our patrons to the library’s Spanish collection and resources. Tell Me What to Read (Ages 13-17, Teen YouTube Channel) Available Friday, December 17 @ 5pm You voted in November, now see what the teen librarian thought about the book you told her to read. Join the Impulse Affirmation book club on December 28 to discuss bit.ly/LAQTeensDiscord! La Quinta Public Library | 78275 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 | 760-564-4767

VIRTUAL BOOK CLUBS Coming January 2022: Readers’ Club (Ages 18+, Zoom) First meeting: Thursday, January 13, 2022 @ 5:30PM This group will read and share about a variety of books based on a different theme or genre each month! Visit our Book Club Page at bit.ly/LQLibraryBlog to register and for more information. The Book Reporters Book Club (Ages 8-12, in-person or Zoom) Wednesday, December 15 @ 3:30pm In December, we’ll discuss Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein. You’ll have a chance to record your own personal review of the book too! Space and copies limited; Please register at https://bit.ly/ LQBookReporters Impulse Affirmation Teen Book Club (Ages 13-17, Discord: bit.ly/LAQTeensDiscord) Tuesday, December 28 @ 4:30 Read what interests you, then join us on LAQLibraryTeens Discord server to talk about your passion (or disappointment)! For more info about Teen Programs visit bit.ly/LQLibraryBlog. VIRTUAL STORYTIMES NEW! La Hora del Cuento/Spanish Storytime (Facebook & YouTube) Tuesday, December 14 @ 11:15am ¡Únete a la Sra. Minerva mientras lee algunos de sus libros favoritos en español! Join Miss Minerva as she reads from some of her favorite storybooks in this Spanish language storytime!

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

LA QUINTA MUSEUM 77885 Avenida Montezuma La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-7170

THE LA QUINTA MUSEUM IS OPEN TUESDAYSATURDAY, 10AM-4PM. PLEASE NOTE: THE MUSEUM WILL BE CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS, DECEMBER 24-25, AND FOR NEW YEAR’S, DECEMBER 31-JAN 1 ADMISSION AND PROGRAMS ARE FREE CURRENT EXHIBITS Creative Space: La Quinta Artists in their Studios Through portraits and artwork, this exhibit explores the minds, methods, and workspaces of 22 artists who live and create in La Quinta. On exhibit through January 29, 2022. La Quinta History Galleries Dive in to the stories of your city, from the original stewards of the land, the Cahuilla, to the homesteaders, ranchers, and dreamers looking for a desert oasis. PROGRAMS For the latest information and to register for our FREE programs, please visit facebook.com/LaQuintaMuseum/events Historic Casita Lighting Wednesday, December 1, 5-6 pm Come celebrate the holiday season with this festive annual tradition, as Manny the Movie Guy flips the switch to light up the historic Casita! Creative Space Artist Reception Thursday, December 9, 5-7pm Drop in and mingle with our local artists as you experience our new exhibit, Creative Space, where we get a glimpse into the minds and methods of 22 creatives who live and work in La Quinta. Sketchbook Journaling Friday, December 10, 1-3 pm Get in touch with your inner artist with sketchbook journaling—the no-rules, playful approach to creativity. Join us each month to create bite-sized bits of drawing, painting, lettering, collage, and mixed media. Basic supplies provided. Seating is limited, please reserve your spot at https://tinyurl.com/sketchDec10 STITCH Fiber Arts Group Tuesday, December 14 & 28, 1-3pm: Bring your fiber project to work on while you meet in our Courtyard with friends old and new, share what you’ve been working on, and get inspired for your next project! Register here: https://tinyurl.com/StitchDec

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

TED Talk Hangout Wednesday, December 15, 1pm: Let’s enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss! This month, we’ll watch “Stories cut from paper” by artist Béatrice Coron. Striding onstage in a glorious cape cut from Tyvek, she describes her creative process and the way her stories develop from snips and slices Register here: https://tinyurl.com/TEDDec15 Take a Break with Huell Tuesday, December 21, 11am: Join us for an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold on the big screen! This month, we’ll watch “Roadtrip Riverside” as Huell takes us to the Mission Inn, California Cirrus Park and UC Riverside. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/HuellDec Good Books in the Gallery Thursday, December 30 4pm: It’s time for our annual Good Books Exchange! Bring a wrapped copy of one of your favorite books to give, and take home a new favorite. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/GoodBooksDec

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Online registration available at https://laqwebtrac.laquintaca.gov For more information, please call (760) 564-0096. (Creative Wellness) Indoors Line Dancing

5:30 - 6:30pm

11am - 12pm

T/TH

4 – 5pm

T/TH

6:30 - 7am

M/W

Tai Chi Yang

3 - 4pm

T/TH

Yoga

4 - 5pm

M/W

8:30 - 9:15am

T/TH

Pickleball 101 Beginners

6-7pm

Pickleball Drills for Skills

7 - 8pm

Pickleball Conditioning

6:30 - 7:15am

M/TH

Mat Pilates

11am - 12pm

M/TH

Tennis Ball Red (5-7 yrs)

4 - 5pm

T/TH

Tennis Ball Orange (7-10 yrs)

5 - 6pm

T/TH

Tennis Ball Green (8-12 yrs) (Instructor Yuliya 760.501.4594)

5 - 6pm

M/W

12:30 - 4pm

12:30 - 3:30pm

9-10am

(Physical Wellness) Gentle Yoga Sculp Fit Core (Fitness Members) Stretch & Restore (Fitness Members)

(Physical Wellness) Outdoors Essential Fitness

(Social Wellness) Social Bridge (Call Julie 760.342.8580 (Fee: $4) Mah Jongg (Fee: $2) Family Hospice Care Support Group (Call TR Barto 760.674.3344)

PDUDC: HELPING THE UNDERREPRESENTED IN THE EASTERN COACHELLA VALLEY Submitted by: PDUDC Staff In the Eastern Coachella Valley, there are primarily farmworkers living in mobile home parks, called Polanco Parks. Due to the lack of essential infrastructure, most of these mobile homes are not connected to municipal water and sanitation systems – thus exposed to arseniccontaminated water. Along with infrastructural scarcity, Polanco parks lack financial assistance to improve the substandard conditions. Additionally, many lacked adequate engineering or permitting – putting them in violation of housing codes. Furthermore, a substantial number of the mobile homes are half a century old with inadequate ventilation, aluminum electrical wiring and poor insulation, making them the most vulnerable population to the extreme weather conditions and climate change. But there is an organization to offer assistance. Pueblo Unido Community Development Corporation’s (PUCDC) mission is to collaborate with foundations, other nonprofit organizations, community groups, and government institutions to find resources, change public policy and boost financial investments for the underrepresented rural communities of the Eastern Coachella Valley. Farm-worker communities are the largest disfranchised population in Riverside County; yet they are the backbone and essential labor force that sustains our food system and our regional economy. The area is plagued by water contamination, including naturally occurring

arsenic in the underground aquifer. Additionally, poor percolation and a high-water table make the use of onsite septic systems inadequate to handle wastewater. Lack of critical infrastructure is the foremost barrier that has plagued these communities for decades. The second most complex issue is the lack of affordable housing opportunities. It is with great concern and need for immediate action that PUCDC has continued its mission in offering professional and technical assistance for these essential communities to building an equitable and sustainable future. Pueblo Unido CDC is currently leading five community infrastructure projects which include three municipal drinking water and two sanitary sewer systems. These projects have been identified by community leaders and are coordinated with the support of the local government and water district. They lie at the core of the mission – driving PUCDC forward – and are the necessary steps to bring equitable change to the Eastern Coachella Valley. Pueblo Unido CDC seeks active community engagement – and invites all Coachella Valley residents to support and invest in our infrastructure, affordable housing, and community-development programs to bring new opportunities to our rural communities. PUCDC is located in La Quinta and you can learn more about them by visiting pucdc.org.

YOUR REGIONAL VOICE OF BUSINESS CATALYSTS FOR BUSINESS GROWTH CONVENERS OF LEADERS & INFLUENCERS CHAMPIONS FOR A STRONGER COMMUNITY

760-347-0676 info@gcvcc.org

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FINANCIAL GEMS PPP FORGIVENESS: URGENT NEWS ABOUT NONCONFORMITY IN CALIFORNIA Submitted by: Pedro T. Rincon, Osborne Rincon CPAs Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans have been a lifeline to businesses since the onset of COVID-19. There have been a few different rounds of applications, and of course, the program is complex as businesses must be fully clear about inclusion/exclusions and how forgiveness and/or repayment terms work. Spidell Publishing – one of California’s leading continuing education organizations – is reporting that the PPP loan forgiveness exclusion enacted by AB 80 (Ch. 21-17) does not apply to either first- or second-draw loans received after March 31, 2021. This is important new information that needs to be shared with businesses immediately – and it will likely come as a surprise to many. According to the Franchise Tax Board, because AB 80 only conforms to the federal PPP loan forgiveness provisions as they were last amended by the

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, California does not conform to the extension of the PPP loan program by the PPP Extension Act of 2021 (P.L. 1176). Because these loans are not considered “covered loans” as that term was defined when AB 80 was enacted, forgiveness of these loans do not qualify for the California exclusion. Although businesses who do not qualify for an exclusion may fully deduct expenses paid with forgiven PPP loan amounts on their California return, the taxability of the PPP forgiveness will come as a big surprise for many California businesses. Ultimately, this will make tax planning for 2021 essential if a business received loan forgiveness during the year, as this nonconformity was not anticipated. Tax laws are ever-changing, which is why you need proficient tax professionals working with you and your business to ensure you are in compliance with the current tax laws. If you’d like to discuss tax implications that may be facing your business, contact Osborne Rincon at (760) 7779805. Pedro T. Rincon is a certified public accountant and certified valuation analyst with Osborne Rincon, CPAs. He can be reached at (760)777-9805 or princon@osbornerincon.com. Osborne Rincon is one of the oldest and most respected full-service accounting firms in the Coachella Valley. To learn more, go to www.OsborneRincon.com

Discover La Quinta Medical Center At Desert Care Network’s La Quinta Medical Center Campus you’ll discover an intimate setting for hospital outpatient services. Our services include: • Desert Regional Medical Center’s Comprehensive Cancer Center satellite facility offers consultations, infusion services, and screening mammography • Desert Care Network’s Advanced Wound Healing Center offers care for chronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers. We are a member of the Amputation Prevention Centers of America. • La Quinta Imaging provides a wide array of medical imaging, including X-ray, CT and MRI scans • Our Neurology Specialty Clinic treats movement disorders, epilepsy and a host of neurological conditions • Desert Care Network Primary & Specialty Care, where patients can schedule appointments with physicians in a variety of primary and specialty services

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