City Pages

CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager La Quinta continues moving in the right direction. Earlier last month, Riverside County entered the Orange Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy – allowing increased capacity for our local businesses. We are experiencing a lot more activity with the increased number of vaccinations being provided and people are feeling more comfortable getting out and about.

If you were not aware, vaccination eligibility has expanded to individuals ages 16 and up. Vaccine supplies have increased throughout Riverside County, and appointments are no longer required at several COVID-19 mass vaccination sites including the Indio Fairgrounds nearby. Citywide Safety Camera System Project – Installation of the citywide safety camera system is in full swing. This project will place 105 high-definition safety cameras in all major intersections in La Quinta, as well as in several La Quinta parks and at city-owned facilities. Once this project is completed in July of 2021, the City will work with the La Quinta Police Department to operate and maintain the system together to create a safer environment for all those who live, work and visit La Quinta.

La Quinta X-Park – Excitement is growing over the new skate park currently in development at the corner of Dune Palms and Westward Ho. This project will feature a concrete pump track, a modern street course with stairs, rails and ledges, and three distinct bowls that cover the full spectrum of skill levels. The skatepark terrain will be supported by a variety of modern amenities including a state-of-the-art lighting system, restrooms, a drinking fountain, a 2-story pro shop and a parking lot. La Quinta X-Park is on track for completion in December 2021.

Are you looking to get more involved in our City? We are currently seeking interested La Quinta residents to fill vacancies on the following City commissions/board: • Community Services Commission • Housing Commission • Financial Advisory Commission • Planning Commission • Palm Springs Airport Commission • Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District

Board Apply your skillset and help plan the future of La Quinta! Applications are now open through May 31, 2021 at laquintaca.gov/COMMISSIONS.

Here are some additional community updates:

Wellness Center – The Wellness Center continues to serve as the La Quinta location for COVID-19 drive-up testing. Available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. with test results provided within 24-48 hours. You can schedule an appointment online at curative.com.

La Quinta Summer Golf Tour – It’s that time of year again to sign up for the La Quinta Summer Golf Tour. Tee off at 13 beautiful Coachella Valley courses each Saturday beginning June 5th. Plaques will be given for the men’s and women’s divisions’ top finalists at the banquet on August 28th. This event is a favorite among our residents and fills up fast. Go to lqgolftour. laquintaca.gov for details. Fire Station 70 Revitalization Project – This project is in the early stages of construction, with pre-construction meetings taking place and work expected to begin this month. The improvements will renovate the station’s interior including the dormitories, restrooms, office, reception area and exterior patio. Station 70 was placed into service in 1985, and is located at the corner of Madison and Avenue 54. Completion is anticipated for October 2021.

Here are some projects that have been completed in the past year:

Citywide Miscellaneous Americans with Disabilities

Act Improvements Project – The construction of a sidewalk on the east side of Jefferson Street, south of Avenue 50, along with a new curb ramp at Avenue 47 and Washington Street which now provides ADA accessibility to services and public transportation.

SilverRock Event Site – Stop by and check out the new SilverRock Event Site, which sits on approximately 14 acres and includes eight acres of walking paths, turf, landscaping, a meandering stream with a lake, a stage area, pads for future art installations, a restroom building and parking lot.

SilverRock Way Street Improvement Project – Provides access to the proposed SilverRock Resort with a through street from Avenue 52 to Jefferson Street.

Fritz Burns Pool – The weather is changing which means it’s time to cool off at the pool. Fritz Burns Pool is open to the public with aquatic programs provided in partnership

Washington Street at Fred Waring Drive Triple Left

Turn Project – Drivers now have three left-turn lanes on all four approaches to the Washington Street and

Fred Waring Drive intersection. The project also included modifying the median curb locations as well as reconstructing the curb, gutter and sidewalks at the intersection corners. This project was a cooperative agreement with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and the Cities of Palm Desert and Indian Wells.

To stay up-to-date on all capital improvements in process in La Quinta, please follow us on Facebook @ CityofLaQuinta or visit www.laquintaca.gov/CIPMap.

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

The library currently has limited services available. Please call 760-564-4767 for up to date information.

VIRTUAL BOOK CLUBS

Book Club of the Desert (Ages 18+, Zoom) Thursday, May 13 @ 10:30am This month’s book club will discuss The Wangs vs the World by Jade Chang AND will feature a virtual visit from the author herself! You won’t want to miss it! Registration required, copies of the book are limited. Visit our Book Club Page at laquintapl.blogspot.com to register and get info.

Complete your worksheet to reveal a secret code word then call us with your secret code word and schedule a time to pick up a prize. Bonus: Decode a new secret code word each month and receive a Grand Prize at the end of the year!

Bounce & Rhyme Baby Storytime (0-18 months, YouTube Channel)

Posted 2 times per month on our YouTube Channel, parents and caregivers will learn a new baby bounce, rhyme or tickle, as well as a new baby sign to practice at home. We will also review a board book that’s available for check out!

“In the Stacks” Storytime with Miss Sara (All ages, Facebook Live, YouTube) Wednesdays @ 11:15am, Facebook Live on La Quinta Public Library’s Facebook Page

Get ready for songs, stories and lots of fun with Miss Sara during a live storytime on our Facebook Page!

The New Shelf (All ages, YouTube Channel)

Posted 2 times per month on our YouTube Channel, Miss Sara will showcase some of the new books that have come into the library, from picture books to early readers and chapter books to graphic novels.

Tell Me What to Read (Ages 13-17, laquintapl.blogspot.com)

Vote for the book you want the teen librarian to read this month. Polls are live on the library’s blog from the 1st to the 15th of each month. A video review of the winning book will be posted to the Library’s Teen YouTube Channel on the 30th.

Read the World Book Club (Ages 18+, Zoom) Tuesday, May 18 @ 5:30pm

Visit 11 countries in one year as we read translated books from around the world. In May, we’ll visit Korea by reading If You Leave Me by Crystal Hana Kim. Registration required, copies are limited. Visit our Book Club Page at laquintapl.blogspot.com to register and get info.

Impulse Affirmation Teen Book Club (Ages 13-17, Discord: discord.gg/SktcBce) Tuesday, May 25 @ 4:30-5:30pm

Read what interests you, then join us on LAQLibraryTeens Discord server to talk LIVE about your passion (or disappointment)! “Live from the Library” will be open 15 minutes prior to the program’s start time. Feel free to join us early to talk! For more information about this and any of our other Teen Programs visit laquintapl.blogspot.com.

ONGOING VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

Super Sleuths Virtual Seek & Find (Ages 2-12, YouTube Channel) Available Wednesday, May 5 @ 6pm

Search the library (virtually, on La Quinta Library YouTube Channel) each month for objects hidden among the stacks. Select a level, download the corresponding worksheet, and fill it in as you find the hidden objects.

LIBRARY SERVICES

Express Service

La Quinta Library is now offering Express Service for holds pickup. Here’s how it works: 1. Call the library at 760-564-4767 or go online to www.rivlib.net to place a hold request. 2. When you receive a notification that your hold is available, call the library to schedule a pick-up time. 3. Arrive during your designated pick-up time and call the Library for further instructions. 4. Make sure to have a face covering with you as you must wear one while picking up your items. 5. Return materials to outside book drops only. La Quinta Library Express Service hours: Monday – Thursday, 10am – 7pm, Friday and Saturday, 10am – 6pm, and Sunday, 12pm – 4pm

Book Bundles - Personalized Recommendations

Not sure what to read next? Let your La Quinta librarians help! Fill out the form, tell us about your reading preferences, and we’ll pick a handful of books for you. Visit https://laquintapl.blogspot.com/p/express-services. html to fill out the form. You can also fill out the form if you need AR books for your kids! Once notified that your items are ready, you can schedule a time to pick them up through our Express Service.

La Quinta Public Library | 78275 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 | 760-564-4767

LA QUINTA MUSEUM

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

CURRENT ONLINE EXHIBIT

Stitching California: Fiber Artists Interpret the State’s People, Life, and Land

Please visit tinyurl.com/StitchingCalifornia to experience this online exhibit Stitching California showcases an exciting collection of art quilts that interpret the complexities of the Golden State. Sid Burks will cover the life and military career of General George S. Patton and the Desert Training Center he launched just 30 miles east of Indio.

Tuesday, May 18, 1pm: STITCH Zoom Show and Tell

This Zoom get together is a great time to meet with friends old and new, share what you’ve been working on, and get inspired for your next project!

Thursday, May 27, 4pm: Good Books Zoom Discussion

This month, we’re reading The Overstory by Richard Powers. A limited number of free copies are available at the Museum, call 760-777-7170 to request one.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Online registration available at https://laqwebtrac.laquintaca.gov For more information, please call (760) 564-0096. (Creative Wellness) Outdoors Line Dancing (limited attendance) 5:30 - 6:30pm (Physical Wellness) Virtual Sculp Fit Core (Fitness Members) 4 – 5pm T/TH

Stretch & Restore (Fitness Members) 6:30 - 7am M/W

(Physical Wellness) Outdoors Essential Fitness 8:30 – 9:15am T/TH

Mat Pilates Tai Chi Chuan

11am - 12pm M/TH 9:45 - 10:30am T/TH

Yoga 4 - 5pm M/W

PROGRAMS For information and registration links for our FREE programs, please visit facebook.com/LaQuintaMuseum/events

Wednesday, May 12, 12 noon: Brown Bag TED Talk Zoom Hangout

Let’s enjoy a TED talk together, and then discuss! This month, we’ll watch “How to make stress your friend” by Kelly McGonigal

Thursday, May 13, 1pm: Zoom Lecture: General Patton and the Desert Training Center

Each month, the Desert Lecture Collaborative brings engaging content to you at home! This month, Lecturer

Coachella Valley Community Tax Services – Curbside - Friday

FREE Federal and California State Tax services will be offered by Volunteers. Simple tax forms based on gross income of 66K or less. All necessary documents are required at the time of registering for your appointment. Tax appointments can be made on Fridays at 8:00am by calling the La Quinta Wellness Center at 760-564-0096. Last appointment date is May 7. First Come First Service.