The GEM Septemberr 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 GCVCC LA QUINTA

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.

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 step into September, the rhythm of activity in La Quinta is in full swing with a variety of events and exhibitions that showcase the vibrancy of our community.

One of the highlights this month is the La Quinta Museum’s current exhibit, “Abandoned Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” which has captured the imaginations of many. This intriguing collection explores the forgotten relics of transportation history, offering a unique lens through which to view the past.

If you haven’t yet had the chance to experience this exhibit, I encourage you to visit. It’s on display through November 16, 2024, providing ample time to explore the stories these abandoned machines have to tell.

In addition to cultural offerings, we are also gearing up for a pivotal event in our city’s calendar – the La Quinta State of the City. On September 19, our community will gather to hear from City leaders about the progress we’ve made and the exciting developments on the horizon. This annual event is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow community members, gain insights into our city’s future, and reaffirm our collective commitment to making La Quinta an exceptional place to live, work and thrive.

As we navigate the final months of the year, I encourage all of us to continue supporting our local businesses, participating in community events, and engaging with the resources available through the Chamber. Together, we can ensure that La Quinta remains a vibrant, prosperous, and connected community. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and commitment to our local businesses in our beautiful city. I look forward to seeing you out and about and at the State of the City and at the museum!

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

SEPTEMBER IS HUNGER ACTION MONTH

HIGHWAY 111 CONSTRUCTION

State of the City Hunger Action Month Highway 111 Signs

Each September, the Feeding America nationwide network of food banks joins together for Hunger Action Month® — the annual national campaign designed to inspire people to take action and raise awareness of hunger in the United States.

The Coachella Valley’s local food bank –FIND Food Bank – helps feed 150,000 people each month. In honor of Hunger Action Month, the City of La Quinta is lighting up City Hall and many of the City’s round-abouts in orange.

Additionally, the City will be placing street pole banners along Highway 111 to remind people about this important issue and to encourage the community to get involved.

More info: LaQuintaCA.gov

An $8 million Highway 111 rehabilitation project will include pulverization and removal of the existing roadway before laying down new asphalt in the coming year.

Throughout construction during the Highway 111 Repavement Project, 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.

To help communicate updates on the project, watch for signs the City will be posting along Hwy 111 from Jefferson Street to Washington Street.

The signs will feature a QR code that people can scan that will take them to a web page where they can learn about the different phases of the project. LaQuintaCA.gov/hwy111pavement

On Thursday, September 19, the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce will host the annual La Quinta State of the City, Business Awards and Expo at the La Quinta Resort & Club.

The business expo will be held from 5 – 6 p.m., with the State of the City presentation beginning at 6 p.m.

This 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. Various awards will be presented, including the distinguished La Quinta Business of the Year award. Given the event’s popularity, interested attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance.

More info & register: GCVCC.org

Abandoned Planes, Trains and Automobiles Exhibit at La Quinta Museum

The “Abandoned Planes, Trains and Automobiles” exhibit is now on display at the La Quinta Museum, and the photo featured on the cover of The Gem this month is one of the spectacular shots that is part of this exhibit – which is a nocturnal journey through the hidden landscapes of California’s deserts.

The exhibit is 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.

Lee explains the inspiration behind his work in this exhibit, adding that photographing in abandoned areas fills him with adventure, wonder and curiosity. “It’s often interesting to find automobiles, and certainly, planes and trains, languishing in the desert,” said

thousands and thousands of miles on his dusty car. He would explore the locations during the day whenever that was possible, then return at night.

“From the first time I began night photography, I was hooked,” said Lee. “It felt natural, it felt like me. And this sort of feeling is something that is precious and not always common, and something that I feel we should explore. I began creating night photos around 2013.”

Photographer Ken Lee guides museum guests through rarely seen locations, using light to unveil forgotten scenes in haunting, dreamlike exposures.

“Visitors are going to love these amazing photos, but they’ll also enjoy that Ken Lee gives us the insider experience,” said Sharla Fox, Museum Director. “It feels like he’s taking us along on a nighttime desert photo shoot. We’re all intrigued by the mystery of abandoned objects, and in this exhibit, Ken ups the ante with his creative and clever perspective.”

Lee. “Exploring these decaying dreams during the day can be strange. But at night, it is otherworldly. Moonlight, starlight and shadows intermingle with silence, dust and rust. You enter a dark, creaky room, and a sudden rustling of bats brushes past you. Corrugated metal screeches, breaking the desert silence. The echo of coyotes reverberates in the rocky canyons. Mysterious flashlights wobble in the distance. I love the whole process of creating photos at night.”

He created all the photos for this exhibit through incessant driving, putting

Lee shares that no special equipment is needed to do this type of photography. “There are many different kinds of lenses that you can use to create night photos. Coupled with these, a sturdy tripod, a small LED flashlight, and your imagination, you can create fantastic night photos with handheld light painting,” said Lee.

While he grew up in the Midwest, Lee has lived in Southern California for most of his life. He is in the process of moving to the Joshua Tree area.

Aside from this exhibit, Lee’s photos have been featured in National Geographic books, Omni magazine, the LA Times, Westways magazine, and more. To see more of Lee’s photography, go to KenLeePhotography. com or follow him on social media.

Experience the “Abandoned Planes, Trains and Automobiles” exhibit at the La Quinta Museum, located at 77885 Avenida Montezuma in La Quinta. Admission is free, and the museum’s hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. –4 p.m. This traveling exhibit will be on display through November 16, 2024.

Photos by: Ken Lee

La Quinta Library Launches Hydro Harvest LQ & Flex Farm

New Program Teaches Families How to Grow Fresh Produce & Herbs

By: Sherry Barkas, City of La Quinta

A new Hydro Harvest LQ program has been launched by the La Quinta Library that offers families of all ages an opportunity to learn how to grow fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and other produce indoors using less water than a traditional garden.

The program was launched as part of the Summer Reading Program for area students ages 8 to 12 years old who spent six weeks learning to be indoor farmers with the library’s new vertical

hydroponic Flex Farm where they grew lettuce and other fresh produce.

The program has since been expanded, and on Tuesdays, September 6 and 27, anyone 8 years and older can also learn to be indoor farmers.

At the first meeting on September 6, participants will plant the seeds and on the 27th see what healthy dish they can create with their fresh produce.

Learning Sustainability, Farming

In addition to teaching people about indoor farming, Hydro Harvest LQ program coordinator Siarah Smith hopes to donate some of the produce to FIND Food Bank, which holds distribution events for La Quinta residents twice a month in the library parking lot.

The Flex Farm is comprised of eight vertical panels or “root chambers” with 288 grow spaces. The self-contained water system is at the base of the unit and includes two large tanks with a submersible pump that delivers the filtered water up the root chambers to the grow spaces.

An energy-efficient LED light tower that operates on a timer is in the center of the Flex Farm.

Seeds are planted in a nursery tray first where they germinate and then placed in the grow spaces when they sprout.

Up to 25 pounds of produce can be grown per month at a cost of about $1 per pound, using about 35 gallons of water – 98% less than traditional agriculture, Smith said.

The Library’s Summer Reading Program, themed “Read, Renew, Repeat,” focused on ideas of sustainability, conservation, and reading as a restorative method.

The goal for Smith was to make it fun for the students to learn how to plant and cultivate seeds and work together to create innovative ways to protect and save the environment and earn badges along the way.

“It’s fun to get to know the kids. There are a lot of bright ideas, and they are very open to learning,” Smith said.

Students also learned to maintain the Flex Farm which included regularly testing the water and measuring the minerals using a meter to determine if nutrients needed to be added and how much.

Because the students did everything, including planting the seeds, they needed to commit to attending every Tuesday of the six-week program, which ran from June 11 through July 16.

Pre-registration Need for September Program

Hydro Harvest LQ is one of more than 90 free programs offered by the La Quinta Library, including book clubs, monthly birthday parties for all ages, a Chess Club for all levels, a writing club, and more.

The library serves about 8,000 patrons per month and collectively hosted nearly 45,000 participants in its programs in the first three months of 2024.

The library is one of just three nationwide to introduce a Flex Farm program, with the other two in Texas and Alaska.

Preregistration for the free September program is required and can be done by visiting the library or calling (760) 5644767.

Find a full calendar of events and more on the library’s various programs at PlayInLaQuinta.com.

Pillar of the Community

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond to make a difference in La Quinta? Check out the City’s updated Community Awards Program and find out how you can help us recognize our “Gems of the desert.” Visit the link below for more information on the new award categories and how to nominate a dedicated community member. The new Community Awards Program includes the Pillar of the Community, Distinguished Citizen, Junior Inspiration and Youth Achievement, and Community Service Award. Contact the Community Services Department for more information. For more information scan the QR code provided.

We are delighted to announce that the La Quinta City Council has unanimously approved Travertine Master Plan! This market rate project will come to La Quinta soon.

www.TRGLand.com

VETERANS RECOGNITION Nominations

Nominations are now open for the Veterans Recognition Ceremony. The ceremony will be held on Monday, November 11 at 9:00 A.M. in the City Hall Courtyard.

For more information about the nomination criteria and to submit an online application you can click this link:

www.laquintaca.gov/Veterans

To be considered for the 2024 Veterans Recognition Ceremony, applications must be submitted by Sunday, September 15 at 5:00 P.M.

CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager

Please join the City when we remember the nearly 3,000 people killed 23 years ago on September 11, 2001, when alQaida terrorists hijacked airplanes and flew them into the World Trade Center towers in New York and the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C.

A third hijacked plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was headed toward a federal building in Washington, D.C. When passengers realized what was happening, they rushed the front of the plane, causing the hijackers to crash into a vacant field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing all on board.

UPCOMING EVENTS

State of the City, Business Awards & Expo

Thursday, September 19, 5-8 p.m.

Location: La Quinta Resort & Club

Jointly presented by the City of La Quinta and the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC), the annual event is highlighted by a presentation by the mayor and City Council members and various awards presented to La Quinta businesses. Tickets start at $99 and should be purchased in advance as this event tends to sell out. For tickets and more information, call (760) 347-0676 or visit GCVCC.org.

Neighborhood Watch

Thursday, September 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: City Hall, Study Session Room Neighborhood Watch returns from summer break with a presentation by the Sheriff’s Department on the latest traffic trends in La Quinta, traffic safety tips to keep everyone safe, and review new traffic laws. In addition, deputies will provide an overview of California

At the World Trade Center, the first plane hit the north tower at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Time and the second less than 20 minutes later at 9:03 a.m.

Among those killed were 411 first responders, including 343 New York City Fire Department (NYFD) firefighters and one New York Fire patrolman, who were attempting to rescue people trapped on the upper floors when the 110-story buildings collapsed in huge clouds of dust.

The attacks killed 2,977 people from 93 nations: 2,753 people in New York; 184 at the Pentagon; and 40 on Flight 93.

On September 11, 2013, the City held its first candlelight vigil in front of our 9/11 Memorial on the Civic Center Campus, just near the library.

Proposition 36, Drug and Theft Crime Penalties and Treatment-Mandated Felonies Initiative (2024). For more information about the meeting, contact: Sally Shelton at sally_shelton@aol.com

Shred & E-Waste Collection Event

Saturday, September 28, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Location: City Hall, South Parking Lot Bring your documents for shredding and electronics waste, including TVs, computers, laptops, printers, monitors, batteries and lightbulbs, to this free event for La Quinta residents, hosted by the City in partnership with Desert Arc. Up to four boxes of documents per car, anyone with more can get back in line and do a second drop-off.

CITY UPDATES

Capital Improvement Program Projects

Highway 111

Work has begun on the Highway 111 median landscaping renovation, which is a coordinated effort between City staff and the City’s landscape maintenance contractor. The extensive landscape improvement project started on August 5. Existing Pheonix Dactylifera palm trees, Mexican Blue Palms, and

At the center of the 9/11 Memorial is a section of steel I-beam from the World Trade Center towers obtained by Andrew Davis of La Quinta for his Eagle Scout project, which he started in 2011. Over three years Davis, who was 15 at the time, raised $12,000 of the $46,750 needed for the project. The City Council approved the use of $35,750 from Art in Public Places funds to help bring his project to fruition.

The shipping cost was covered by Robert Radi, who served on the City Council from 2014 to 2022.

All are welcome to attend the candlelight vigil on Wednesday, September 11, beginning at 7 p.m.

Mediterranean palms will remain in the medians, while landscapers are replacing aged plants with a new pallet, including various agave plants, bougainvillea and other varieties. The irrigation system in the medians are being repaired and/ or modified to accommodate plant placement. Existing boulders are being rearranged into groupings with plants placed around them for a new look. Seven Pheonix Dactylifera palm trees and five Mexican blue palms have also been installed so far. Each section of median restoration takes about three weeks and began with the medians just west of the Washington Street intersection to the first median east of the intersection.

The landscape renovation project is phase one of planned Highway 111 improvements that will culminate next year with the grinding and removal of the existing two-mile stretch of roadway before laying down new asphalt. Construction is scheduled to start in May and take about three months. The $8 million project includes $4 million in Federal funds included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.

Dune Palms Pavement Rehabilitation

Construction has begun and includes removal of existing pavement, asphalt overlay, signing and striping on Dune Palms Road. Initially planned for the stretch of roadway between Miles Avenue to Fred Waring Drive, staff is taking the opportunity to expand the project out to Westward Ho Drive and restripe it to provide a bike lane. On August 6, 2024, council members approved an additional $2.5 million in road improvement projects on streets throughout the City, with construction expected to start October 7 and be completed in early December. The City is working to get more streets repaved or slurried and striped ahead of the extensive Highway 111 pavement rehabilitation project set to begin next spring.

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.

CV Link

Construction of the CV Link is expected to be substantially complete by the end of this year, including the near two miles that runs through La Quinta on the south side of the stormwater channel levee, from the east side of Washington Street to the promontory just east of Jefferson Street, where the 40-mile pathway connects to Indio. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) is overseeing and paying for construction of the CV Link, a multi-modal pathway for cycling, walking, jogging and low-speed electric vehicles such as golf carts, that will run through much of the Coachella Valley. The Cities of Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells opted out of CV Link. CV Link will provide a connection to the Arts and Music Line, which will come down Avenue 48 and connect La Quinta to the cities of Indio and Coachella. The project has received $36.5 million in state funding for its construction, which is planned to start in 2025.

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)

Wellness

Social Bridge,

$4 fee– call Pat (760) 771-2261

Mah Jongg “American;” $2 fee 12:30 – 3:30p.m. T

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

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

Look Who’s in the Lobby

FIND Food Bank, Monday, September 9, 10 a.m. – noon

Learn about FIND food bank food mobile market locations and low-income energy assistance resources, as well as CalFresh information.

HICAP One-on-One Consultations, Monday, September 9, 10 a.m. – noon

A HICAP counselor will be available for a one-on-one appointment to help you understand your Medicare health insurance benefits (prescription drug comparisons, information on low-cost medical insurance, advocate medical bill concerns. Appointments meet at the Wellness Center and can be made by calling HICAP at (800) 4340222 or (909) 256-8369.

DAP Health, Wednesday, September 11, 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

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

WelbeHealth – Person Centered All-Inclusive Care, September 16 & 25, 10 a.m. – noon

Information will be available on customized care plans to meet seniors’ health and social needs.

pioneering the future of luxury with an eco

EXHIBITS

LA QUINTA MUSEUM

Abandoned Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Experience the award-wining 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 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 La Quinta Museum’s free programs at Facebook. com/LaQuintaMuseum/events.

Friday, September 6 & 20, 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.

Tuesday, September 10 & 24, 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, September 11, 1 p.m.

TED Talk Hangout

Enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss. This month: “How to Make Learning as Addictive as Social Media” by Luis Von Ahn.

Saturday, September 14, 1-3 p.m.

Genealogy Meet-Up

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

Tuesday, September 17, 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 investigates a hidden gem: the City of Orange.

Saturday, September 21, 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, September 26, 3 p.m.

Good Books in the Gallery

Read a great book, and then get together to discuss! This month, the featured book is “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac. 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

The library will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of Labor Day.

SPECIAL EVENTS & NEW PROGRAMS

Hydro Harvest LQ

Fridays, September 6 & 27 @ 4:30 p.m.

8 years old & up

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

Morning Movie Showing

Saturday, September 21 @ 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.

Taller de Salud Mental (Spanish- Speakers)

Lunes, Septiembre 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 4:30 PM | 18+

¿Le interesan las formas de promover su salud y bienestar? Acompáñenos en una conversación sobre salud mental que incluye temas como la ansiedad, la depresión y el trastorno bipolar, y aprenda cómo puede ayudarse a sí mismo y a los demás.

Green Cleaning Presentation

Friday, September 20 @ 2 p.m. Ages 18+

Want to go green but not sure how? RivCo will be presenting tips and tricks for environmentally-conscious cleaning.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Scrabble Club

Tuesdays, September 3 & 10

@ 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Ages 18+

Join in for some friendly games of Scrabble.

Writer’s Block

Sunday, September 8 @ 1 p.m. | Ages 18+

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

Love Story Book Club

Sunday, September 8 @ 2:15 p.m.

Ages 18+

A book club featuring romantic titles that may or may not have “happily everafters.” September’s pick: “The Serpent and the Wings of Night” by Carissa Broadbent.

Level Up LQ

Saturdays, September 14 & 28

@ 12 – 2 p.m. | Ages 13-17

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

Page Turners Book Club

Thursday, September 19

@ 10:30 a.m. | Ages 18+

In September, this book club will discuss “From Here to Eternity” by Caitlin Doughty. Register at the Information Desk, as copies are limited.

Threadheads Fiber Arts Club

Saturday, September 21

@ 1:30 p.m. | Ages 18+

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

Coloring Book Night for Adults

Tuesday, September 24

@ 5 p.m. | Ages 18+

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed?

Full list of events & activities:

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: PRESSED DOG TAGS

Saturday, September 7

@ 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Join the Creation Station in smashing some metal! Learn how to stamp metal dog tags with debossed letters and take home a tag of your own.

Free| Ages 7 & Up | First Come

MAKER CRAFT: HOBBIT TERRARIUMS

Thursday, September 12

@ 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

In this crafting session, you’ll create your own Hobbit-themed terrarium! Design a miniature world inspired by the Shire, complete with charming Hobbit holes and whimsical details. Perfect for Tolkien fans and craft enthusiasts alike, this workshop offers a creative and fun experience for ages 7 and up.

Free | Ages 7 & Up | First Come

Fiber Arts Bootcamp (FAB): Crochet 101

Sunday, September 29

@ 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Back by popular demand, it’s Crochet 101. Learn the basics of crochet or get some help for projects you are working on. You can bring your own yarn and crochet hook or use the supplies available in the MakerSpace room.

Free | All Ages | First Come

OPEN A CASE

Riverside County Child Support provides services to parents and guardians of minor children. Every child needs financial and emotional support. Every child has the right to support from both parents. Our services are available regardless of marital status or income.

If you already have a child support court order and need help enforcing that order, we can help!

• Obtain a new child support/medical support order if you don’t have one from the court.

• Keeping case records

• Processing and tracking child support payments

• Enforce spousal support orders (if part of existing child support order)

• Establish parentage

• Locate absent parents

• Other county and community resources referrals available

• Convenient 24/7

via Customer Connect

HEAT

Ways to Stay Safe for Those Working in the Heat

During hot days when triple digits are the norm and sometimes hit 120 degrees, outdoor maintenance jobs still must get done. With less traffic and fewer visitors, the hotter months provide the best opportunity for roadwork, parks and landscaping improvements and other projects.

The work gets done in all kinds of weather. But extra steps need to be taken in the heat to ensure worker health and safety, including an earlier start to the day for most.

Start Early & Take Breaks

Maintenance crews start at 5:30 a.m. and finish by 3 p.m. during the summer, said Maintenance & Operations Deputy Director Tony Ulloa who supervises a team of 17 who work to maintain the City’s parks, landscaping and lighting, storm drains and traffic signals.

“We encourage them to take as many breaks as needed to avoid overheating,” he said.

For contractors, the City adjusts work hours to allow crews to start earlier, except in residential areas, or work at night.

“A lot of it is common sense,” Public Works Director/City Engineer Bryan McKinney said.

Hydrating & PPE is Essential Hats, sunscreen and cooling bandanas are among the personal protective equipment (PPE) the City provides workers, along with shade canopies for jobs that keep them outdoors for long periods.

Hard hats have cooling fans and shirts are long-sleeved to avoid sun exposure and other safety issues. They are made

of a cotton and polyester blend, and some have ventilated mesh backs.

Water and drinks to replenish electrolytes like Gatorade are always onhand at work sites, and frozen pops are available to everyone at City Hall and the Maintenance and Operations Yard.

When possible, training sessions are scheduled in the afternoon to get teams out of the heat.

Inspection teams, which oversee contractors hired by the City for major roadwork and other projects including construction of the Dune Palms Road bridge, don’t do physical labor but are outside a lot as well.

“We walk the sites to survey and inspect the work and try to do everything early,” said Ubaldo Ayon, assistant construction manager for Public Works.

Friday, September 13, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the prestigious Ninth Annual All Valley Mayors, County and Tribal Chairpersons Luncheon. This highly anticipated gathering will convene the influential leaders of the Coachella Valley, including all nine Valley Mayors, County Supervisor, and Tribal Chairs. Through this exclusive event, these distinguished individuals will address a comprehensive range of topics crucial to our thriving business community. Engaging discussions will encompass vital subjects such as tax policy, emerging industries, and business regulations, among others. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the current state of our valley’s prosperity, potential challenges on the horizon, and the outlook for the future, directly from those who are at the forefront of shaping these conversations.