In recent months, the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber and City of La Quinta team has been working to upgrade this magazine for the enjoyment of La Quinta residents and businesses. Perhaps when receiving this issue you’ve noticed that we have a new cover design that is more modern and in line with trends showcased by other professional publications. We hope you love it as much as we do!
Now that the holidays have been unwrapped, I’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year!
2023 brings a lot of exciting events to our gorgeous city. On January 16, The American Express beckons athletes and spectators from around the world for an exhilarating weekend of golf and musical entertainment.
The tournament is a tradition that has spanned over 60 years. The Desert Classic debuted in 1960 and evolved from the Palm Springs Thunderbird Invitational. It previously had five rounds of competition (90 holes) rather than the standard of four rounds, and was known for its celebrity pro-am. For many years, the event was named for and hosted by entertainer Bob Hope and featured many celebrity participants.
This year there will be performances by Gwen Stefani and Darius Rucker at the PGA West course on Friday and Saturday nights after the day’s course play. Tickets to the tournament include entry into the evening concerts. The American Express also gives back to the Coachella Valley via Impact Through Golf. It provides funding to organizations that support health and wellness, youth sports, family support, education and homelessness. Since the tournament’s inception, the event has generated more than $63 million for nonprofit organizations locally.
January is also the month of resolutions – many of which include getting into shape. If you need a little motivation you may want to join a hike or nature walk with the Friends of the Desert Mountains. Their mission is to preserve land, to support education, conservation and research in the Coachella Valley. Other happenings during the month of January that you can read more about in this issue include the always-popular Art on Main Street, sponsored by the City of La Quinta.
You may have noticed a different “look” to The Gem this month. This magazine continues to be upgraded, and we felt January was the perfect month to launch a new cover design. Many of us at the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce – along with City officials – have been hearing positive feedback about the new direction of The Gem and we’re proud to be providing an elevated publication that’s worthy of La Quinta coffee tables and lobbies.
La Quinta has a plethora of activities to offer residents and visitors of every age. Let’s get out and explore.
I hope to see you out and about.
A new art studio called Art Major has opened in La Quinta. The studio is a hands-on art enrichment center with materials for art explorers to paint, collage, tinker and design. It is located near Vons in the center that is at the southwest corner of Washington Street and Highway 111.
Founder Allie Baker says the mission is to encourage artistic confidence and inspire colorful minds in a positive, feel-good environment. Art Major provides classes, open crafting, birthday parties, events for teens and adults along with gifts. Summer camps will be offered, as well.
Art Major has already become a popular spot for birthday parties, which include a birthday card-making station, a featured craft for each artist, and a designated party area with tables and chairs.
More info: ArtMajorStudio.com
A franchise of the fast-growing cookie company known as Crumbl is now open in La Quinta, thanks to franchise owners and La Quinta residents, the McFarland Family. Crumbl’s concept of a rotating menu introduces different flavors weekly inspired by popular flavors, foods and desserts such as pies, cakes and candies. Their award-winning milk chocolate chip cookie is always on the menu, and there is a “mystery cookie” flavor each week that varies by location.
The cookies are presented to customers in pink packaging by a team member who opens the box to show each customer their order. The first store opened in Logan, Utah, in 2017 by cousins Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley. In just 5 years, Crumbl has expanded to over 600+ bakeries in 47 states nationwide.
Crumbl is located at 46480 Washington Street, Suite 2, in La Quinta.
More info: CrumblCookies.com
The cooler temps in the winter months mean it’s tea time, and Cali Rosina Tea & Chocolate in the La Quinta Village offers options that can be brewed for you in the shop or loose leaf teas that you can take home to make your own.
Selections include Guayusa Lime, Royal Orange, Chai, Jasmine Orange, Matcha, Cherry Cinnamon, Misty Grey and more. Cali Rosina also serves hot chocolate, sipping chocolate (a blend of Belize, Madagascar and spicy chocolate, topped with macadamia cold foam) and coffee plus a variety of toasts, bagels and bowls.
Cali Rosina Tea & Chocolate was created by brother and sister duo, Josh and Jodie Smith, who wanted to bring loose leaf tea, herbs and chocolate to their community. They carry gifts and tea accessories, as well.
More info: CaliRosina.com
The 64th edition of The American Express™, featuring a record $8 million purse in 2023, will showcase 156 professional golfers and 156 amateurs playing at PGA WEST’s Stadium Course and Nicklaus Tournament Course and La Quinta Country Club from Jan. 16-22.
The American Express is the first PGA TOUR regular season event in the continental U.S. each year and kicks off the TOUR’s West Coast swing.
The player field for The American Express began to take shape in early December when the tournament announced playing commitments from a fantastic foursome in reigning Masters champion Scottie Scheffler,
Southern California natives Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, and Tony Finau. Together, the four American teammates from September’s victorious Presidents Cup squad are ranked among the top 15 golfers in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Scheffler and Cantlay are the PGA TOUR’s past two Players of the Year. Scheffler, the PGA TOUR’s 2021-22 Player of the Year, won his first four PGA TOUR titles in a six-tournament stretch from February to April that led to his ascent to the world’s No. 1 ranking. Scheffler will make his fourth consecutive start in The American Express, since graduating from the Korn Ferry Tour as its 2019 Player of the Year.
The American Express has become a leading entertainment staple, combining golf and music, in the Coachella Valley. The tournament’s Concert Series returns for its sixth year (after debuting in 2017) and will feature a pair of three-time GRAMMY® Award winners with iconic Southern California native Gwen Stefani and singer/songwriter Darius Rucker on the PGA WEST Stadium Course driving range.
Stefani, born and raised in Anaheim; a singer songwriter and charismatic frontwoman of No Doubt, will open The American Express’ Concert Series after the conclusion of second-round play on Friday, Jan. 20. Rucker, the former lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish who has re-invented himself into a successful Country artist, will take the stage after the tournament’s third round on Saturday, January 21.
Stefani has achieved global success as a songwriter, performer, charismatic frontwoman of No Doubt and as a multi-platinum solo artist. Rucker, a golf fanatic from Charleston, S.C., first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY® Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide.
Three daily ticket options for The American Express – Champions Club, the new Premium Pass and grounds admission – are on sale at the tournament’s website, TheAMEXgolf.com. American Express Card Members receive a 20% discount on any online ticket order.
The daily Champions Club ticket allows spectators to experience The American Express in the grandest fashion. Ticket holders receive a preferred parking pass and access to the Champions Club – a private, climatecontrolled venue on the 18th green of PGA WEST’s Stadium Course which offers a hosted breakfast and lunch, snacks and a full bar all day. Champions Club ticket holders are welcomed to access an upgraded VIP viewing area with a complimentary full bar during each concert.
Daily Premium Pass tickets are a new tournament offering and provide access to the grounds, public fan venues at PGA WEST and the brand new, exclusive Club 18 venue, situated behind the 18th green of the Stadium Course and including lunch, beer and wine.
The American Express also continues to be one of the desert region’s most charitable sporting events, giving back to its community. In November, The American Express announced a $1 million charitable donation from the proceeds of the 2022 PGA TOUR tournament to 37 local Coachella Valley organizations, bringing the event’s all-time donation to more than $64 million since its inception in 1960 as the Palm Springs Golf Classic.
By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager
Tuesday, January 10 / 7:30-10 p.m.
Location: La Quinta Cove Trails parking lot
We kick off 2023 with the return of the American Express PGA Tournament, which brings some of the best in golf to La Quinta for a week of challenging play at La Quinta Country Club and PGA West.
The tournament will be played January 16-22, and include concerts by Gwen Stefani on Friday, January 20, and Darius Rucker on Saturday, January 21. Their performances follow the completion of golf on those days, at PGA West. Daily passes are as low as $50 and weekly passes start at $179. Tickets include the concerts.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.theamexgolf.com.
Art on Main Street
Saturdays, January 7 & 21, February 4 & 18, March 11 & 25 / 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Main Street, Old Town La Quinta
More than 100 artists – many of them local – show and sell their work in all mediums.
Tuesday, January 10 / 7-10 p.m.
Location: La Quinta Cove Trails parking lot
Friends of the Desert Mountains is hosting a family friendly, easy 3-mile full moon hike. Space is limited so tickets and reservations are required along with a suggested $5 per person tax-deductible donation. For tickets and more details, visit www.desertmountains.org/calendar.
Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer astronomers will set up their telescopes for a “star party.” Registration begins 14 days prior to the event. A suggested $5 per person tax-deductible donation is appreciated and encouraged to support the nonprofit organization’s volunteer programs.
For more information, visit www.desertmountains.org or call (760) 862-9984.
Concerts in the Park Returns
Saturday, February 11 / 5:30-8 p.m. Location: SilverRock Park
Free Concerts in the Park, sponsored by the City of La Quinta, returns with a scheduled performance by the Michael Haggins Band. Bring your chairs or blankets, food and non-alcoholic beverages. There will also be food truck vendors on site. Find more information at www.playinlaquinta.com.
Sundays / 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Main Street in Old Town La Quinta
Come load up on the freshest locally grown and produced fruits, vegetables, eggs, flowers, honey, gourmet chefprepared foods, one-of-a-kind Artisan goods and more.
The landscape renovation contractor will be starting the Desert Club, Sierra Del Rey and Marbella developments started in December and is scheduled to continue through the beginning of April.
Construction is scheduled to start in January on the all-weather bridge at Dune Palms Road, over the stormwater channel, with expected completion in November 2024. Dune Palms will remain open during construction and a bypass lane will be constructed so the bridge can be built one half at a time.
The citywide striping refresh and bike lane buffer construction is scheduled to start in February with expected completion in March. In addition to refreshing the striping citywide, the project will add additional bike lanes and buffer stripes to bike lanes at various locations throughout the City.
If you haven’t already signed up for the new and improved Quail Mail, I urge you to visit LaQuintaCA.gov/quailmail today to keep up on all things La Quinta either through email or text notifications.
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 Sunday and Monday, January 1 & 2, for New Years and Monday, January 16, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Anime Zone | Ages 13 - 17 Saturday, January 7 @ 4 p.m. In-Person Join us in the La Quinta Library Program Room as we watch and critique three random anime episodes with friends.
Impulse Affirmation | Ages 13 - 17 Tuesday, January 24 @ 4:30 p.m. In-Person
Reader’s choice! Discuss in person or online at bit.ly/LAQTeensDiscord
Altered Book Club (ABC) l Teens/Adults Wednesday, January 4 & 18 @ 4 p.m. In-Person
Join us for a creative, mixed media art exploration using different techniques and materials to transform old, hardcover books headed to the shredder into works of art. *Registration required*
Film Club | Ages 18+ Sunday, January 8 @ 1 p.m. | In-Person Cinema lovers will meet to discuss the animated film, Louise by the Shore: Louise en hiver. Stream it using your library card and Kanopy!
Read the States | Ages 13 - 17 Saturday, January 14 @ 4 p.m. | InPerson or Zoom
NEW YA BOOK CLUB! Travel to a different State every month through YA Fiction. Then, join us on the second Saturday of the month to talk about what you loved, hated, and related to. Visit the Library to check out a copy of January’s Book - I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston.
Storytimes | Ages 0 - 5 years Tuesdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 @ 10:15 a.m. In-Person
Toddler Time for ages 18 months - 3 yrs. Wednesdays, January 4, 11, 18 and 25 @ 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. In-Person Baby Time for ages 0 - 18 months at 10:15am and Preschool Time for ages 3-5 years at 11:15am.
Sensory Hour | Ages 0 - 12 years Monday, January 9 & 23 @ 10:15 a.m. In-Person
Sensory activities to promote the development of motor skills as well as socialization amongst peers.
Tween Doggy Tales | Ages 8 - 12 Wednesday, January 11 @ 4 p.m. In-Person
Children can sign up to practice reading out loud to a trained therapy dog provided by our local Animal Samaritans. Dog handler present at all times. Contact the library to register.
Readers’ Club | Ages 18+ Thursday, January 12 @ 5:30 p.m. In-Person or Zoom
Readers will meet to share and discuss books that are less than 200 pages! See the Reference Desk to check out a suggested title or feel free to pick your own!
Page Turners Book Club | Ages 18+ Thursday, January 19 @ 10:30 a.m. In-Person or Zoom
In January, we’ll discuss Joan by Katherine Chen. See the Adult Reference Desk to register. Copies are limited.
Something On Saturday (S.O.S.) | All ages Saturday, January 21 @ 3 p.m. | In-Person Join us for some family friendly fun at the Library!
Teen Game Night | Ages 13 - 17 Saturday, January 21 @ 4 p.m. In-Person Can you build a MONOPOLY? Join us as we play the classic board game. Which version is up to you!
Book Fest | Ages 13+
Monday-Saturday, February 6-11
In-Person
This week-long event starts on February 6th with a goody bag pickup and ends on February 11th with a discussion panel and book signing with the invited authors. There will also be a presentation on preservation of personal documents, a book club and giveaways! The author reading, panel and book club will be centered on historical fiction. *Registration required*
Maker Craft: End-Zone Crafts | All ages
Saturday, January 7 @ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | In-Person
As the big game on the gridiron approaches, you can get ready by crafting popsicle stick goal posts and an origami football to have your own big game on a smaller scale.
Maker Craft: Tassels and Pom-Pom
Garlands | All ages
Thursday, January 12 @ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Using cardboard, our technicians will demonstrate how to construct decorative garlands using tassels and pom-poms made out of yarn.
As the sun sets and many towns’ sidewalks “roll up” – things are just starting to get interesting when you hang out with Friends of the Desert Mountains (Friends) in the La Quinta Cove trails complex. Home to Friends’ original “Full Moon Hike,” it turns out nighttime is the right time to hike La Quinta Cove.
Preserved thanks to the foresight of La Quinta locals, this trail complex of wide, well-maintained paths gently sloping up means a variety of people with different abilities have relatively easy access to nature and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.
Friends’ volunteer “Trailheads” and “Weed Warrior” groups play a significant part in
maintaining the trails, removing invasive plant species, and fighting unwelcome graffiti with specialized “reverse artwork” rock cleaning and repair.
While temperatures soar in the summer, and dip only mildly during our “winter” months, evening experiences along these great La Quinta paths can be surprisingly rewarding. Friends’ guided hike offerings vary throughout the year, and we love to help others connect to the land.
Sign up in advance for popular nighttime events via Friends’ website: DesertMountains.org/calendar.
See the beauty of the shadows and wash of moonlight over the desert mountains. Search for all types of night creatures along the trail utilizing UV flashlights to see scorpions (they glow!) and a sonar detector for “hearing” the abundant species of bats that inhabit the Coachella Valley. This hike is a family-friendly 3-mile loop with 150 feet elevation gain. The trail is 6 feet wide at the beginning and narrows to 2 feet wide with cobbled, uneven desert terrain. Register at DesertMountains.org/calendar.
Friends’ volunteer astronomers set up their telescopes and invite you to their “star party” in the parking lot. A clear night sky offers an ever-changing display of stars, constellations, bright planets, a full moon, and sometimes meteor showers or an eclipse. You might even see the international Space Station moving over the Coachella Valley. Register at DesertMountains.org/calendar.
77885 Avenida Montezuma
La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-7170
La Quinta Museum December 2022
The La Quinta Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm.
Admission and programs are FREE
In the Fields of the North/En los Campos del Norte, opening January 10, 2023
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. On exhibit through April 15, 2023. 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, opening January 17, 2023
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.
Thursday, Jan 5, 5-6 p.m.
Music at the Museum: Vinny Berry
Join us in the Courtyard for the rock ‘n’ roll blues sounds of Vinny Berry.
Thursday, Jan 12, 3 p.m.
Lecture: “Discovering Treasures in our Valley”
Kerry Berman of Desert Eco Tours will present attractions from Whitewater Preserve in the West Valley to the Salton Sea in the East and everything in between.
Thursday, Jan 19, 3 p.m.
Lecture: “When Archaeology Is More Than Archaeology: Connecting with La Quinta’s Ancestral Origins”
Dr. Bruce Love will retrace his journey from a data-oriented academic to an ally of the tribes, trying to understand the spiritual underpinnings of exposing ancestral remains in the ancient sands where Cahuilla culture dominated for thousands of years. This lecture is a program of the La Quinta Historical Society.
Friday, Jan 27, 3 p.m.
Author Talk: Maria Victoria Castillo
Author Maria Victoria Castillo will discuss her experiences of harvesting crops from the Coachella Valley fields of California with her family during the 1960s and 1970s, from her book, “Field Work Through the Eyes of a Child” / “Trabajo del campo en los ojos de una niña.”
As programs are subject to change, please find the latest information on our FREE programs at facebook.com/ LaQuintaMuseum/events
Friday, Jan 6 & 20, 1-3 p.m.
Sketchbook Journaling
Get in touch with your inner artist with sketchbook journaling. Basic supplies provided.
Saturday, Jan 14, 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 us for discussion and collaboration.
Tuesday, Jan 10 & 24, 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, Jan 11, 1 p.m.
TED Talk Hangout
Let’s enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss! This month, we’ll watch “The benefits of not being a jerk to yourself” by Dan Harris.
Tuesday, Jan 17, 11 a.m.
Take a Break with Huell
Join us for an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold on the big screen. This month, Huell takes a tour of the iconic Frey house in Palm Springs.
The opportunity to live and work in this beautiful community is a treat no matter what business you’re in, but it’s especially sweet for these home-based bakers. The State of California’s Cottage Food Business License allows for preparation and packaging of certain foods in a private home-kitchen, which helped these women make their dream of opening a baked goods business at home a reality.
Dot Jones has been creative and crafty all her life. She was an interior designer before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She began watching a lot of cake shows, which inspired her to jump back into that creative world – starting with her daughter’s first birthday cake. Dot is a 100% self-taught cake designer and baker who has never taken any classes.
“I felt opening my business at home was the only way I could continue being a full-
time mom,” explained Jones. “Currently, I’m going into my ninth year, and I must say it has been successful.”
Jones has made cakes for a Toyota dealership, Coachella festival-goers, and even pop singer, Billie Eilish. She has created over 4,000 custom cakes since she began.
“While I’ve had to turn down Food Network competition opportunities because I am so busy with orders and traveling to cheer competitions with my girls, I am extremely grateful and blessed to have ongoing clients and new clients who order year-round,” Jones added.
New customers often find Dot on Yelp or Google, although she does have Instagram and Facebook pages to showcase her work. “I love what I do and making my clients tremendously happy with my creations. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and pleasure knowing I was a part of their celebration,” said Jones.
More info: Go to Google and Search Dot’s Cakes
Armida Harmon – who started SweetPops by Armida in 2011 – was born and raised in the Coachella Valley, and currently resides in the La Quinta Cove.
“It all began through a phone call with my bestie,” said Harmon. “After brainstorming ideas for our daughters’ birthdays, she suggested I watch a 10-minute video on how to make ‘cake pops.’ Cake pops are hand-rolled sculpted cake in various shapes that are then dipped in chocolate and most often served on a stick.”
While the video provided the basic instruction that she needed to learn about cake pops, she made some tweaks when creating a batch for her daughter’s birthday and they were a big hit. Then, Harmon’s husband thought it would be great to make some for his clients and the business took off from there.
“Word of mouth and social media has made my business what it is today,” added Harmon. “The best part was being able to stay home with my daughter as she grew into adulthood, and now I get to spend this time with my two grandkids – who are my
Harmon feels fortunate for all the success she’s experienced, making cake pops for celebrities, musical artists and even one of the biggest tech companies in the world. She also credits the business for connecting her with some of her closest friends after first being introduced to them as clients.
More info: Search for the SweetPops By Armida page
Former fashion designer Gracie von Kriegenbergh decided to start a cookie company in late 2019 after moving to La Quinta from Los Angeles. To keep an income stream while she started learning about the baking industry, she took on freelance design jobs.
“I thought, ‘if I can build a clothing brand, I can build a cookie brand,’” said Kriegenbergh. “And The Kookee Batch was born.”
Now she’s baking fresh, gourmet craft cookies that are sold in a few retail locations like Cali Rosina Tea & Chocolate in La Quinta, and she also does pop-up events.
Browsing her Instagram page is a cookie lover’s dream. Her menu is filled with creative cookie flavors like La La Lemon (based on a lemon tart), Birthday Cake, Papi Churro, Double Dutch Buttah Cup (based on a Reese’s peanut butter cup) and Ooey Gooey Chocolate Chip with Nutella Filling. Kriegenbergh has a selection of Vegan cookies, as well, and can also accept orders to do “gender reveal” cookies.
“I love desserts, so I started to create cookies based off of my favorite desserts and ice cream,” explained Kriegenbergh, when asked about how she comes up with the inspiration for her flavors. “I like to blend flavors that work well together. I also get nostalgic by recreating cookies I had in my younger years that remind me of family. This has been an unexpected cookie ride that I’ve been on, and I’m grateful for all the support I’ve been getting from my community.”
More info: TheKookeeBatch.GetMinimart.com
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar serves up a fusion of Japanese and California cuisine in a chic contemporary restaurant space that has an L.A./Hollywood vibe. Custom décor includes gold Kriskadecor chains hanging from the ceiling, a lifesize, petrified Japanese cherry blossom tree at the center of the restaurant and a 4-foot high bronze Buddha. A Geisha Angel mural adorns a wall in the bar.
Year after year, Okura has been honored to receive the most votes for ‘Best Sushi’ and ‘Best Japanese Food’ in the Desert Sun’s “Best of the Desert” contest and Palm Springs Life’s “Best of the Best.”
Okura is the only sushi restaurant in the region to receive daily deliveries of Grade A fish and seafood coming in from Japan. Beyond an expansive sushi
menu, there is something for everyone including skewers from the robata grill, salads, tempura, and chicken, beef and fish entrees.
All sauces are made in-house using the finest and freshest ingredients. Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include the Tuna Fire Cracker, Shrimp Stuffed Jalapenos, Serrano Hamachi Carpaccio, Scallop Bacon Skewers, Seafood Gratin, Crispy Soft Shell Crab with Mushroom Sauce, Saikyo Sea Bass and Atlantic Salmon. Okura also has a large selection of sushi, sashimi and specialty rolls.
For those who aren’t fish lovers, there are a number of other delicious options such as the Asian Marinated Hangar Steak, Robata Grilled Spare Ribs, Panko
Roasted Herb Chicken, Vegetable Tempura or Skewers, Gyoza (Potstickers) and Beef Ishiyaki (sliced American New York Steak cooked and served table side on a hot stone) just to name a few.
The full bar features signature cocktails such as the Geisha Girl and Lychee Martini, as well as premium sakes, wine and beer. Beginning this month, Happy Hour returns to the bar area of the restaurant Sunday-Thursday from 3:305:00 p.m.
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar is located on the northwest corner of Highway 111 and Washington Street in La Quinta. To learn more, visit OkuraSushi.com or for reservations, call (760) 564-5820.
To travel the world on a Saturday afternoon, just take a stroll through Old Town La Quinta during an Art on Main Street show.
Meet Dominique Vialar from France to talk fashion and textiles. Discover the dramatically different styles of jewelry by designers Lucia Pasquinelli from Italy and Victor and Yaneth Yurivilca from Peru. Experience Lungala Rubidiri’s master storytelling as he joyfully brings alive the universal life themes depicted in Paul Nzalamba’s vivid African art prints. Meet Gil Hererra, who curates the vivid designs of Mexican artisans featuring handmade earrings, leather hats, and other authentic fashion and home accessories.
While many local artists are originally from foreign countries expressing an international aesthetic through their work, other local artists like Leslee Adams capture Southwest and desert style in bold and bright watercolor paintings. Art on Main Street shows are
unique for their dedication to local and Southern California artists with only a few coming from neighboring states.
At Art on Main Street, you’ll explore paintings, jewelry, mixed media, photography, ceramics, glass, woodwork, textiles and sculpture. Enjoy brunch, lunch, mimosas and delicious desserts at Main Street’s unique cafes, the tasting room at La Quinta Olive Oil Company and check-out new arrivals at Old Town’s boutiques. Art on Main Street will feature over 80 new and returning artists for the 2023 season along with music by Barry Minniefield from The Voice.
Art on Main Street appreciates the volunteer support of the La Quinta Historical Society and the Premier Sponsorship of the City of La Quinta. In 2022, Art on Main Street and Old Town La Quinta made donations to the La Quinta Historical Society,
UNICEF for the children of Ukraine, and Benjamin Franklin Elementary School’s extra-curricular art projects.
Admission, parking and entertainment at Art on Main Street are free. For more information, visit OldTownLaQuinta.com.
Online registration available at https://laqwebtrac.laquintaca.gov For more information, please call (760) 564-0096.
Creative
Physical
Physical
AARP Tax Assistance – Free FREE AARP Tax Assistance on Tuesdays. More information to follow in January 2023.
Desert Recreation District (DRD), the Boys & Girls Club, and the City of La Quinta have partnered to offer the following activities:
Volleyball on Tuesdays & Thursdays, Basketball on Wednesdays
Enrollment: January 4 – April 27
Time: 7 – 9 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.), Ages: 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.
Autumn In The Desert by Carrie Graber
Please check our web site for gallery hours or call 760 835 1866 for an appointment.
Artize Palm Springs 2600 South Cherokee Way Palm Springs, CA 92264
Artize La Quinta 51351 Avenida Bermudas La Quinta, CA 92253
Growing up, Jacqueline Delgado enjoyed spending time in the kitchen with her dad, who has worked in the restaurant business, so much so she began at an early age thinking about culinary school.
“I grew up with my dad, just kind of mixing things up … and learning from it,” she said.
In elementary school, the Indio native learned of La Quinta High School’s stateof-the-art Culinary Academy and put the program in her sights. Then, the first day of her freshman year finally arrived and with it, enrollment in the program.
Now a senior, Jacqueline says the program exceeded her expectations and
deepened her passion for culinary arts.
“After we learn the basics, we start to learn how to apply the basics to more of our cooking … and it sets us up for what we really want to do,” Jacqueline said.
Students move through the program together as a class, which creates a camaraderie and teaches students the value of working together as a team.
“I love the rush of cooking up our meals … to all work together instead of just individually,” Jacqueline said. “If you’re learning how to do something it is so much more fun learning with so many people who are in the same boat as you, with the same questions, same concerns,
same everything to just work together and succeed in a teamwork environment.”
She has been accepted at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, which she plans to attend for at least two years, starting in the fall.
La Quinta High School’s Culinary Academy is a four-year program where students have the opportunity to develop and grow their cooking skills in a large industrial kitchen.
The program has won a record seven California ProStart Cup championships, where students fix a three-course meal
for judges or pitch a new restaurant concept to a panel of restaurateurs.
What the students make in the academy is often shared with the high school community and beyond through catering events.
Students also use their skills to give back to the community.
On November 10, students spent hours cooking and preparing a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings they then served to about 150 veterans and first responders at their annual “Feed the Heroes” luncheon.
The students also baked 5,000 cookies for the Old Town Artisan Studios’ Gingerbread Lane.
The program takes students from the basics including kitchen safety and sanitation, food handler certification through Riverside County and simple baking recipes to making sausage from scratch, curing and smoking meats and creating complicated dishes.
In 10th and 11th grades, students are enrolled in dual culinary classes with College of the Desert. In their senior year, students focus on the business aspect of owning and operating a restaurant.
A popular event among students is the Blackhawk Showdown, in which two teams of students led by local chefs face off with the audience deciding the winning team by voting for their favorite dish.
Another is creating a pop-up restaurant with faculty as their customers. The students decide on a concept for their restaurant, do the market research, calculate food costs, create the menu and take on the various roles of restaurant staff, including chef, kitchen crew, servers, hosts and hostesses.
“The students get very creative” in building their pop-up, Culinary Academy instructor David Wood said.
Students say the program is extensive in its teachings, but the learning environment is fun and positive.
Wood, who has been in the restaurant business since he was 16, brings his
experience and passion for cooking to the program, but said he is often learning and preparing new dishes along with the students.
Bernardino Palm Desert Campus, both of which have hospitality programs, and has a vision of one day opening her own business.
“I don’t know exactly what yet. But I do want it to be baking – pastries, breads –with my cousin,” she said.
Marcelo Muto came to La Quinta High School uncertain of a career path. He tried the drama program, but soon found that wasn’t a good fit. So, after speaking with his guidance counselor he decided to try the Culinary Academy, which awakened a passion he didn’t know he had.
“Now, four years later, I actually have a job as a chef … at La Quinta Resort” while going to school, he said.
He moves around among each of the resort’s five restaurants, which gives him hands-on experience working with different people and preparing a variety of cuisines.
“I’m not just doing one restaurant, they move us around to different restaurants and also banquets, which is serving huge amounts of people,” Marcelo said.
“By the time the students are graduating, they have done a lot,” Wood said.
Senior Jordan Torres knew she had a passion for culinary arts after spending a summer with her aunt, who enrolled her in cooking classes.
“Honestly, it’s been a really great experience being able to be here all my four years of high school,” she said.
“It was nice because we were able to really connect with our teachers a little bit more than we would with other teachers, and the hands-on experience of being able to work in the kitchen, and especially the events we get to do – they’re very amazing,” Jordan said. “It’s fun.”
After high school, Jordan plans to attend College of the Desert or CSU San
He hopes to attend Culinary Institute of America California Campus in the Napa Valley after high school graduation or continue his education at College of the Desert.
Students leave the academy with knowledge and experience that puts them well ahead of others entering their first year of culinary arts colleges.
I feel like a kid again, he said.
Red Angel Salon & Blowdry Bar opened in the Washington Park shopping center in March of 2019. Owner Angelica Rojo has been doing business for 20 years, and she is proud that her salon is environmentally-friendly with products that are naturally derived along with ammonia-free hair color.
This full-service beauty salon offers a blowdry bar, hair stylists, make-up artists and hair extensions. Other services include wedding “trial hair” services for brides who do not want any surprises on their big day.
The salon carries a variety of highend retail products like Kevin Murphy Oribe and Eleben Australia. The salon specializes in blowdry blowouts, special event styling, makeup, Keratin treatments, color, balayage and haircuts.
Clients appreciate the spotless and safe environment as well as the friendly service-oriented staff. What’s more, the salon features top-of-the-line massaging shampoo chairs – adding to the spalike experience. The team at Red Angel believes in holistic beauty, which is why they use the highest performance,
healthiest, most natural, and gentle products available.
One customer review sums up the benefits of the salon well:
“Red Angel Salon is a great salon for color, cut and blowdry bar services. It is a convenient location in La Quinta off Washington Street in a desirable shopping area. It is so wonderful to have these services nearby. The inside is trendy, with light and soft colors. They have add-on custom conditioners, frizz control and repairs serums. The owner Angelica is friendly and professional in handling your concerns,” wrote Annie Nathenson.
Red Angel Salon & Blowdry Bar is located at 46-600 Washington Street, Suite 2, in La Quinta. Learn more at RedAngelSalon. com or by calling (760) 771-3555.
Washington Park Shopping Center
The BMW Performance Driving School, located at the Thermal Club, is the perfect spot for your next adventure. We’ve got multiple tracks, pro driving instructors and a fleet of powerful BMWs just waiting for you to press the start button.
The School features a variety of class offerings for every level: Teen School for beginners, Driver’s School, even Advanced M School for true M Power. Whichever class you select, you’ll be behind the wheel of an Ultimate Driving Machine®, pushing it (and yourself) to limits you never thought were possible while learning total car control. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a 617 horsepower BMW M5 unleashed, this is your chance.
Friends and collegues want to join in on the fun? Our Group Events have all the speed you need, customized to your specific day. We have meeting rooms and catering options to ensure you and your team will have a day to remember.
All of this is available right around the corner from La Quinta in Thermal, California. Our classes and events are already booking for 2023, so call today to ensure you’ll be in the driver’s seat.
For more information, visit BMWPerformanceCenter.com or call 888-345-4269. We’re located at 86-050 Jasper Lane, Thermal, CA 92274
