THANK
YOU FOR THE MAJOR SPONSORSHIP
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.
Special Thanks to all of our Partners and Sponsors!
CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JEFF FISHBEIN, CHAIR | COLDWELL BANKER / FISHBEIN REAL ESTATE GROUP
MIKE CHAPA, SECRETARY | FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE
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.
| ENTRAVISION ANGELIQUE ONTIVEROS | DESERT ARC CHRIS LITTLE | DESERT JET DOUG MOTZ | MOTZ-RUSIN INSURANCE AGENCY ERIC MOSSER | CHARLES SCHWAB MIKE WILLIAMS | CAPITIS REAL ESTATE STEVE WEINER | COLDWELL BANKER MICKEY JUMAPAO | ISERVE LENDING Chairman’s Message ......................................... 4 Noteworthy Nuggets ......................................... 5 The History of La Quinta: Part 2 .............................. 6 DSRT CLUB Restaurant Opens This Month 9 City Manager’s Message ................................... 10 It’s Your Library ............................................ 12 Community Services Update ............................... 13 La Quinta Museum Exhibits & Events ...................... 14 Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) Update ............................... 15 3
Welcome to the scorching month of August, where the desert sun dances above our heads, and the spirit of La Quinta shimmers like a mirage.
August is a unique time in our desert oasis, where the sun is relentless, and businesses strive to rise above the heat. Together, let’s conquer the challenges while visiting our local businesses often and frequently.
In the vast desert of opportunities, our chamber stands tall as a guiding cactus, ready to support the thriving businesses of La Quinta. With our collective strength, we can turn the arid landscape into a lush paradise of prosperity. This past month we welcomed the new location of RD RNNR in the old Hog’s Breath location in Old Town La Quinta with a fabulous ribbon cutting and mixer. Additionally, the newest location of The Cookie Co. has made La Quinta its home with a very well-attended ribbon cutting.
August presents a chance for us to embrace our surroundings and give back to the place we call home. Join us in initiatives that nurture our desert ecosystem and enhance the quality of life for all.
Our chamber offers workshops, seminars, and training sessions planned to equip you with the tools needed to conquer business in the desert during these slower, hotter months. From marketing strategies that can outshine the blazing sun to customer service techniques that keep clients cool, our programs offer refreshing alternatives to doing business.
Networking events, mixers, and business showcases are also on the horizon. These gatherings offer connections where you can share stories, exchange ideas and cultivate relationships that will stand strong.
As we traverse the scorching sands of August, let’s remember that even in the desert, beauty and growth can flourish.
I hope to see you out and about, or inside at a well air-conditioned business.
As the summer temps continue to heat up the desert, the City of La Quinta will soon have a new way to keep cool.
The renovated ‘splash pad’ at La Quinta Park is nearing completion, and should open sometime this month. It will include toddler and teen splash areas, as well as adaptive and interactive components, water cannons and other features.
The old splash pad was closed in October 2022 when a portion of it was toppled by a wind storm. Since the splash pad had aged beyond its useful life and was enjoyed by residents often, the City Council approved up to $850,000 for a new water feature with a variety of amenities.
Watch for water flowing and spraying from the splash pad soon to indicate it has opened!
August 15 marks the first day of school for students in the Desert Sands Unified School District, which oversees all La Quinta schools. Please drive carefully and watch for students in school zones.
SunLine Transit Agency hosted its 9th Annual Pack the Bus School Supply Drive last month, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert will be distributing the hundreds of backpacks and school supplies that were collected.
If you know a student who is in need of a backpack or school supplies this year, call Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert. Distribution will be happening from Saturday, August 5 to Friday, August 11 –while supplies last. Additional dates may be scheduled based on supply.
For exact distribution dates and times, call (760) 568-3977.
LifeStream Blood Bank’s 11th annual ‘9 Cities Challenge’ began July 1 and runs until Thursday, August 31.
La Quinta is one of the Coachella Valley’s nine cities participating in this friendly competition to see which city can generate the most blood donations. The overall winner of the competition will be the city with the most pints collected.
Summer is always one of the hardest seasons for blood collection, so Lifestream hopes to hit its 1,500-pint collection goal this year. Every donor will receive an exclusive 9 Cities Challenge bucket hat, while supplies last.
As a La Quinta resident, you may participate by donating at LifeStream’s fixed-site donor center in La Quinta at 46-660 Washington Street, Suite 4, and be sure to mention you are representing the City of La Quinta!
Before country clubs and golf courses dotted the landscape of La Quinta, the City was home to sprawling ranches and farms where dates, melons, flowers, cotton, livestock and more were raised.
While incorporation may have paved the way for more, gated communities were being built decades before, starting with La Quinta Country Club Estates.
The country club was built in the mid-1950s on land that had been part of the original La Quinta Hotel property until Leonard Ettleson and a group of investors purchased the resort and subdivided the land.
Then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony in 1959, and the country club’s golf course soon became one of his favorites, according to the La Quinta Historical Society.
Many saw the option to sell their land as an opportunity to make more money than they were getting through ranching and farming, La Quinta Historical Society President Linda Williams said.
While most of the farms and ranches are gone, many of the City’s first homes – the adobe casitas in the Cove –and commercial buildings bult in the 1930s have been preserved by generations of new owners.
The original La Quinta Hotel, built in 1926 and today the La Quinta Resort and Spa, has also preserved the architecture of the original 20 cottages and lobby area.
The resort is among 103 commercial and residential structures from the City’s early days eligible for national, state, and local historic registers. Urbana Preservation and Planning LLC listed the properties in the 2022 Historic Resources Inventory Survey done for the City and presented to the Council in April.
The survey also includes “thematic historic districts,” such as the Cove with 79 properties collectively eligible for the historic registers.
The former Rancho Tecolote (Owl Ranch) which originally occupied 5 acres at 81773 Avenue 58 is also on the list. Today, the land is split with two different owners and the addresses are on Almonte Drive.
About 10 years ago, John K. Miller and James Blanton bought the south 2.4 acres of the property with what was the main house for the ranch, now known as J&J Ranch. They bought it with the intention of preserving the architecture and history of a property that almost became part of neighboring Andalusia Country Club.
The land was farmed for dates and cotton, starting around 1918, and the main house was built around 1926.
The ranch has a storied history, as it provided a haven for the rich and famous and was at one time owned by Brian Aherne and his wife, actress Joan Fontaine, who built a guest casita on the property for visiting friend Prince Rainier of Monaco.
There are large cacti on the property that are more than 100 years old.
The property is one of nine the Historical Society has recognized as significant to the City’s past with the placement of a Historic Plaque.
“People who’ve lived here only 20 years think La Quinta is the land of country clubs and resorts,” Miller said, “and they don’t know the history of the land they occupy.”
Lake La Quinta, for example, was built on what was the Pederson Ranch where Ray Pederson grew truck crops including tomatoes, beans, squash, peas, dates and gladiolus flowers.
PGA West is built on what was the 2,200-acre Kennedy Ranch from 1947 to 1976. Brothers Leon and Mark Kennedy founded the ranch when they moved to the area from Yuma, Arizona. They raised cattle, cotton, alfalfa, cantaloupe and watermelon.
The SilverRock/Talus golf resort is being developed on the what was the Ahmanson Ranch, built in 1961 by Home Savings and Loan Association founder and president Howard Ahmanson.
Ahmanson raised Hereford cattle, alfalfa and grapefruit on the 525-acre ranch that he called Rancho Xochimilco (si-chee-meelkah). Ahmanson built a hacienda style adobe ranch house to display his collection of Toltec art and statuary, which has been preserved and is today home to the SilverRock Grill.
La Quinta ranches were primarily located along Washington Street – formerly Marshall Road – Eisenhower Drive and down Avenue 52.
“We have recently discovered a ranch that was located on the Costco site, but we don’t have much information about it,” Williams said.
The history was a key draw to the Rancho Tecolote property for Miller and Blanton, realtors who have lived in La Quinta for about 24 years. Both serve on the Historical Society board.
Through the Historical Society, they have learned a lot about La Quinta’s past from some of its oldest residents who are now gone.
“Thankfully, we got to hear some things from Tom Kennedy (whose family owned the Kennedy Ranch) before he passed away … and what it was like,” Blanton said. They also were able to spend time with Louise Rodarte Neeley before she died. Neeley was born and raised at Point Happy Ranch when it was owned by Chauncey and Marie Clarke. Neeley spent most of her life in the valley and was 93 when she died at her La Quinta home in 2019.
Knowing the history of Rancho Tecolote and the surrounding properties makes preservation of the ranch important to Miller and Blanton.
“All we’ve done is paint, put some varnish on the floor, and added some appliances but everything else is pretty much the way it was when we bought it,” Miller said. Every Halloween they use their home to raise funds for the Historical Society and other local nonprofits.
La Quinta incorporated on May 1, 1982, and was named for the landmark hotel that helped put La Quinta on the map. Today, the City is 32 square miles and has a full-time population of nearly 38,000. Incorporation was not just for economic development and an eye for the commercial development Highway 111 could bring, but for infrastructure needs.
“One of the reasons we incorporated was we had a very old, antiquated water system,” said Kay Wolff who along with her husband, Fred Wolff, helped lead the effort for incorporation. With incorporation, Fred Wolff was elected the City’s first mayor.
The old system was laid out when the Cove was laid out in the 1930s, Kay Wolff
says in an audio tour of how cityhood was achieved which is available for listening at City Hall.
“When they put in the (water) system, they took old pipes from World War I naval ships and repurposed them to be our water pipes,” Wolff said.
With incorporation, Coachella Valley Water District became the service provider and replaced the pipes and created an improved system. During the incorporation process, the Wolffs opened their home for meetings, and their home is among the properties eligible for a local historic register. View the Historic Resource Survey online at LaQuintaCA.gov/historicsurvey.
The La Quinta Museum, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, also has the City’s history on exhibit on the second floor.
Longtime residents of the cove – Chris and Anita Chmielak – brought their RD RNNR restaurant concept to La Quinta in 2019, recently expanding it in the old Hog’s Breath Inn location overlooking picturesque Old Town La Quinta. Now they’re opening another dining option in their previous RD RNNR space in Old Town, and it’s set to open this month. Introducing: DSRT CLUB.
The inspiration for the DSRT CLUB is the former Desert Club that existed in La Quinta decades ago – when practically nothing else was here other than the original casitas at the La Quinta Hotel. As shared in “The History of La Quinta: Part 1” last month in the July issue of The
Gem, the Desert Club opened in 1937 featuring a swimming pool, dining room, lounge and more.
The Desert Club was a draw for Hollywood celebrities including Rita Hayworth, Kirk Douglas and Greta Garbo. It was nicknamed “the ship of the desert” for its design with a rounded front and portholes for windows.
The Chmielaks said DSRT CLUB will have a retro feel to it, similar to the traditional supper club. Supper clubs were extremely popular in the 1930s and 1940s, and considered a “destination” where patrons would spend the whole evening – from cocktail hour to nightclubstyle entertainment after dinner.
So why is the restaurant spelled DSRT CLUB instead of Desert Club? To tie into their original restaurant concept, Chris said. “We wanted to name our original restaurant after something indigenous to the area, so one day when Anita saw a roadrunner crossing the road, she said, ‘That’s it! But let’s spell it RD RNNR, like a license plate, to make it more hip.’” So of course, it makes sense for DSRT CLUB to have that same vibe.
The executive chef, James Nellis, has developed a more upscale menu for DSRT CLUB – explaining that it will “keep people’s tastebuds dancing.” Nellis said the menu will have a vintage feel yet incorporate elements you won’t find anywhere else in the Coachella Valley. The chef was trained at the San Diego Culinary Institute, and has cultivated dishes in places like the Palazzo in Las Vegas.
Some of the unique dishes that will be featured on the menu include DSRT CLUB’s version of ‘surf and turf’ called the Land & Sea, with lobster and veal tenderloin in a pinot brown butter sauce and cauliflower puree; Twice Baked Octo, which is octopus prepared very tender with house-made toasted coconut vinegar, coconut crème and passion fruit; and Hibiscus & Seared Scallops, served with fried leeks, polenta and a hibiscus puree.
DSRT CLUB is scheduled to open this month, so go to DesertClubLQ.com for updates on the grand opening as well as operating days and hours.
By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager
Are you an outdoor enthusiast? A hiker? Someone who loves our trails, surrounding mountains and wildlife and wants to be involved with their preservation?
If so, the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) Trails Management Subcommittee may be the perfect fit for you.
The CVMSHCP is a shared regional vision for balanced growth to conserve Coachella Valley’s natural resources while also building a strong economy. The plan protects 240,000 acres of open space and 27 species and ensures the survival of those that are endangered.
The Coachella Valley cities, Riverside County, Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and the Tram Winter Park Authority are among the entities with representatives on the Trails Management Subcommittee.
Summer Skate Camp
Wednesday, August 2, 8-11 a.m.
Location: X Park
Skate camp is designed for kids and teens who want to improve their skateboarding skills, make new friends, and have fun outdoors. Experienced instructors will teach campers the basics of skateboarding and more advanced techniques including park and street skating. Reservations required at www. laquintaca.gov/xpark.Cost: $65.
Dive-In Movie Night
Friday, August 4, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Location: Fritz Burns Pool
Family and friends of all ages are invited to join us for a free showing of “Puss In Boots: The Last Wish” at the pool, cosponsored by Desert Recreation District and the City of La Quinta. No tickets needed, just come for a funfilled movie that you can watch in or
The Trails Management Subcommittee also includes representatives at-large appointed by each of the participating cities. Established in 2008 to provide input on trails issues related to the CVMSHCP,
The subcommittee also assists the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission and other agencies with trails planning and management within the CVMSHCP reserve system throughout the valley.
The Trails Management Subcommittee currently meets every other month on the third Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the CVAG offices in Palm Desert.
If interested in serving on the Trails Management Subcommittee, download your application online at LaQuintaCA. gov/commissions. Contact the City Clerk’s office at (760) 777-7123 or email CityClerkMail@laquintaca.gov with any questions.
the subcommittee focuses on implementation of the Trails Plan for the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area.
Applicants must be La Quinta residents and registered voters.
The City Council will interview applicants and make the appointment at a date to be announced.
out of the water. The movie begins at dusk. More information is available at MyRecreationDistrict.com/movies.
Gold Star Family Vigil and Monument Dedication
Saturday, August 26, 7 p.m.
Location: Civic Center Campus
Join the Lopez Family and the Hunter Lopez Foundation as they come together to remember U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez on the anniversary of his death with a candlelight vigil. Family, friends, and the community are invited to attend to honor Hunter and the 12 service members killed on August 26, 2021, during a bombing attack at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan. Immediately following the vigil is the Gold Star Family Monument dedication. The monument was completed in May and honors the families of military members who gave their lives while serving their country and will include the names of the Lopez family and the family of U.S. Army Staff
Sgt. James Perez. Perez died August 5, 2017, in Texas. Perez was a lifelong La Quinta resident and decorated soldier who had completed six combat missions and was serving as a U.S. Army Ranger weapons squad leader when he died.
9/11 Candlelight Vigil
Monday, September 11, 7-8 p.m.
Location: 9/11 Memorial at Civic Center park next to City Hall
This will be an evening of remembrance in commemoration of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11, 2001, terror attacks at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and aboard United Flight 93. The public ceremony will include various speakers. All are invited to attend.
Neighborhood Watch Meeting
Thursday, September 21, 6 p.m.
Location: City Hall, Study Session room Find out what is happening in
your community by attending the Neighborhood Watch meeting with presentations from the Sheriff’s Department and City staff. While Neighborhood Watch is on summer hiatus, organizer Sally Shelton is happy to accept topic ideas for future meetings and share additional information about Neighborhood Watch via email at sally_ shelton@aol.com.
Concerts in the Park Saturday, September 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: SilverRock Park
Bring your chairs or blankets and join the City of La Quinta for the return of Concerts in the Park. This is a fun event that promises an unforgettable musical performance for free. Food truck vendors will be on site, but feel free to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. The musical guest for this month will be announced later.
Pavement Project Updates
Avenue 50 and Avenue 52 – The Council awarded a contract with Granite Construction for $2.47 million for these pavement rehabilitation projects which will occur at various locations between August and October. Work will include both demolition and replacement of existing pavement, and in less extensive areas it will include grinding existing street surface and applying a new layer of asphalt. .
Fred Waring Drive – The Fred Waring Drive rehabilitation project which includes demolition and repaving of Fred Waring Drive between Washington and Adams streets. Construction is anticipated to begin this month and be completed in the fall. The project is estimated to cost $2.1 million.
Citywide
Construction is underway on a citywide slurry seal project that is part of the fiveyear Pavement Management Program. Work areas include a portion of the Cove, Desert Pride neighborhood, Desert Club Drive, Seasons neighborhood, and Dune Palms Road south of Highway 111. The estimated cost is $1.04 million. Find more information and updates at LaQuintaCA.gov/roads.
Fritz Burns Park – Master planning efforts are wrapping up for the 6-acre Fritz Burns Park improvements project. The proposed improvements for the master plan are scheduled to be presented to the City Council on August 1.
Landscape Renovation – Construction is expected to begin in September for the final phase of the La Quinta landscape renovation project refreshing the perimeter landscape in the Cactus Flower development with a desert oasis plant palette featuring various drought tolerant plants, boulders, multicolored crushed rock, and drought friendly irrigation system.
Dune Palms Bridge
Construction on the all-weather bridge at Dune Palms Road, over the stormwater channel, continues with expected completion in early 2025. Construction crews are working on the east side of the bridge. A bypass road has been constructed with one lane available in each direction. Barriers separate a dedicated pedestrian and cyclist lane from vehicles. Check LaQuintaCA.gov/ dunepalms for project updates and to register to receive updates by email or text.
The main pathway through La Quinta is near completion, and work has started on various connectors, including at Washington Street. The lights and the decomposed granite for walkers and
joggers also need to be installed. CV Link is a planned 40-mile, 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. La Quinta’s portion of
CV Link is about 2 miles and runs along the south side of the Coachella Valley stormwater channel (also known as the Whitewater River) from Washington Street to Jefferson Street. This includes a signature promontory access point and bridge over the La Quinta stormwater channel, linking the City with Indio’s portion of CV Link. The work in La Quinta is part of a larger construction schedule that stretches from Palm Springs to Coachella, except Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage which opted out.
The project is led by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG). The cities are at various stages of completion and CVAG is working to get additional miles under construction. Because Promontory Point is also used as a construction staging area, it will likely be one of the last areas finished. When completed, it will not only provide a vital connection to CV Link, but it will provide a connection to the newlyfunded Arts and Music Line, which will come down the channel to Avenue 48 and connect La Quinta to the cities of Indio and Coachella. For more about CV Link, visit LaQuintaCA.gov/residents/cvlink or CVAG.org.
La Quinta Public Library is located at 78-275 Calle Tampico. Enjoy FREE programs for all ages! Questions? Call 760-564-4767
Chess Club | All Ages
Thursday, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 @ 4 p.m. | In-Person
Players of all levels welcome. Hosted by the Coachella Chess Club.
Anime Zone | Ages 13-17
Saturday, August 5 @ 11:30 a.m.
In-Person
Enjoy random anime with friends. Commentary encouraged!
Writer’s Block | Ages 18+
Sunday, August 6 @ 1 p.m. | In-Person
Meet monthly with other local writers to explore the various aspects of creative writing. Participants will be able to share and critique their work with the group.
Love Story Book Club | Ages 18+
Sunday, August 6 @ 2:15 p.m. | In-Person
Happily Ever Afters not guaranteed in this traditional book club featuring romantic titles. August’s pick: “Red, White and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston. See the Adult Reference Desk to register and to ask about available copies. *Registration required.
Graphic Bites | Ages 13-17
Tuesday, August 8 @ 5:30 p.m. | In-person
Sample three comics or manga then share what’s interesting, what’s meh, and what’s irredeemable.
Short Stack | Ages 8-12
Wednesday, August 9 @ 5:30 p.m.
In-person
Read a short story with friends, then create something new based on what you read.
The Pagemasters’ Book Club | Ages 18+
Thursday, August 10 @ 5:30 p.m.
In-Person or Zoom
Join the newest traditional book club and read a wide variety of SciFi and Fantasy titles throughout the year. In August, discussion will surround “Book of Night” by Holly Black. See the Reference Desk to register, copies are limited.
Read the States - Dark Futures
Ages 13-17
Saturday, August 12 @ 11:30 a.m.
In-Person or Zoom
Visit a darkly possible future for Washington in “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld. Sponsored by Friends of the La Quinta Library
Page Turners Book Club | Ages 18+
Thursday, August 17 @ 10:30 a.m.
In-Person or Zoom
In August, discussion will surround “The Kaiju Preservation Society” by John Scalzi. See the Adult Reference Desk to register. Copies are limited.
(Anti) Bored Games | Ages 13-17
Saturday, August 19 @ 11:30 a.m.
In-Person
Switch it up! Make new friends and challenge old ones (or vice versa) to Mario Kart or Smash Bros on a brand new Nintendo Switch. Sponsored by Friends of the La Quinta Library.
Bad Book Club | Ages 13-17
Saturday, August 26 @ 11:30 a.m. | In-person
Teens, have you read a book you’ve absolutely HATED? Come and share why - spill the tea!
It’s a Library Birthday! | All ages
Saturday, August 26 @ 12 p.m. | In-Person
Register your July birthday and let the library throw the birthday party! This once-a-month library birthday party will include games, crafts and stories geared to create a safe, fun, allinclusive birthday experience. Members of the community are encouraged to come and celebrate August birthdays. Sponsored by Friends of the La Quinta Library. *Registration required
Impulse Affirmation | Ages 13 - 17
Tuesday, August 29 @ 5:30 p.m. | In-Person
Reader’s choice. Discuss in-person or online at bit.ly/ LAQTeensDiscord
Maker Craft: Ninja Turtle Mini Pillows
Saturday, August 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-Person Free | All Ages | 125 Kits available
In celebration of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is being released to movie theaters in August, so join the Creation Station for the extremely popular Maker Craft project of Mini Felt Pillows. You can make your favorite Ninja Turtle, or if you want a challenge, make the Turtles’ favorite food – a pepperoni pizza. Cowabunga, dude! Free (125 kits available).
FAB: Here Come the Granny Squares!
Sunday, August 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. | In-Person Free | All Ages | Limited supplies or bring your own FAB (Fiber Arts Bootcamp) makers will learn how to create a traditional crochet granny square using multiple colors of yarn to create a fun pattern. Granny squares can be attached together to make blankets, hats, tops and much more. Yarn and 5.0 mm crochet hooks will be provided while supplies last, or you can bring in your own supplies (three to five skeins of yarn recommended for project).
Interested in supporting and making a change in your community? Friends of the La Quinta Library is recruiting new board members. As a member of the Library Board, you get to make a difference in your community by ensuring that everyone has free access to information, resources, educational opportunities and programs. Support your community by becoming a Friends of the La Quinta Library board member! Call the Reference Desk for more information, (760) 564-4767.
FIND Food Bank
Thursday, August 17, 10 - 11a.m. Need Assistance with CalFresh or Medi-Cal?
A representative from the Food Bank will be here to assist with filling out applications. Please bring identification. No appointment required. Check in with the front desk.
HICAP One-on-One Consultations
Monday, August 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
HICAP counselors will meet with you one-on-one to help you understand your Medicare health insurance benefits and options (prescription drug comparisons, information on low-cost medical insurance, advocate medical bill concerns.) Please call HICAP at (800) 434-0222 or (909) 256-8369 to make an appointment. Meet at the Wellness for your established appointment time.
Look Who’s in the Lobby
Bilhartz Desert Insurance will have an informational table in the lobby of the Wellness Center on Wednesday, August 16, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and is available to go over Medicare Advantage Plans.
The Riverside County Community Action Partnership program and the La Quinta Wellness Center have partnered as a Cool Center Monday through Friday, June 1 through October 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide drop-in sites for vulnerable individuals, seniors, the disabled, and others in need of temporary relief from the heat.
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
Scorpions! Opening August 8, 2023
The word “scorpion” often evokes fear. Although scorpions are abundant around the world and encounters with humans are common, most people know little about these remarkable creatures. This exhibit will present information about scorpions – their evolution, anatomy, family life, diet, and the truth about their venomous reputation – and address scorpions in history and popular culture.
Curated by Hi-Desert Nature Museum biologist, Stefanie Ritter.
New Mini Exhibit in the Local History Gallery:
La Quinta Legends – Frank Capra
Opening August 15, 2023
Legendary director Frank Capra’s films made the American dream come alive on the silver screen during the 1930s and ’40s – and La Quinta may have played a part in his success! This exhibit shines the spotlight on the life of one of the community’s most celebrated residents.
Tony shares his knowledge to ensure that Native American pottery-making is never lost. Tony’s pottery is in art galleries, museums, and personal collections around the country, and he has taught at many venues including the Agua Caliente Band of the Desert Cahuilla of Palm Springs and the Yuman tribes of the Colorado River in Arizona.
Saturday August 26, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. S.C.R.A.P. on Saturday
The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery is coming to the Museum! Bring the whole family and make your own masterpiece with upcycled materials.
Future” by Mesmin Destin.
Saturday, August 12, 1-3 p.m. Genealogy Meet-Up
Are you interested in your family tree? Are you a beginner or an expert in genealogy? Come join this discussion and collaboration.
Tuesday, August 15, 11 a.m.
Take a Break with Huell
Join an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold on the big screen. This month, Huell takes viewers for a fun day in downtown L.A., with visits to La Brea Tar Pits, the Encounter Restaurant at LAX, the Buried Bridge at UCLA and Grand Central Market.
As programs are subject to change, please find the latest information on our FREE programs at facebook.com/ LaQuintaMuseum/events.
Friday, August 4 & 18, 1-3 p.m. Sketchbook Journaling
Get in touch with your inner artist with sketchbook journaling. Basic supplies provided.
Friday August 25, 3 p.m.
La Sobremesa Cultural
La Sobremesa un programa en español para el disfrute cultural. ¡Acompáñanos el día Viernes 25 de agosto a las 3 pm y hablemos sobre la Diversidad Cultural de Latinoamerica!
Thursday, August 31, 3 p.m.
Good Books in the Gallery
Saturday, August 19, 1-4 p.m.
The whole family can enjoy learning to make a pinch pot with acclaimed potter, Tony Soares. Tony learned the fundamentals of pottery from his grandmother at age 7, starting a more than 30-year journey to revive the fading art of olla making through his experimentation with local clays and indigenous hand-building techniques.
Tuesday, August 8 & 22, 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 getting inspired for your next project.
Wednesday, August 9, 1 p.m. TED Talk Hangout
Enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss. This month, the feature is “How Everyday Interactions Shape Your
This month, the featured reading is “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. A limited number of free copies are available for book club participants: call (760) 777-7170 to request one.
I am thrilled to be part of the vibrant business community in the beautiful community of La Quinta. With numerous ribbon cuttings and grand openings, such as RD RNNR on July 13 and Cookie Co. on July 22, La Quinta is experiencing a flurry of exciting developments. Let’s take a look at some of the upcoming events and opportunities that will further enhance La Quinta’s thriving business landscape.
August presents an excellent opportunity to kickstart the season, and what better place to do so than the Beer Hunter? Mark your calendars for August 23 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. and join us for an unforgettable evening. Not only will you have the chance to indulge in delectable food and beverage options, but the event will also provide ample networking opportunities, raffle prizes, sports, and much more. Remember to don your favorite team’s gear and visit GCVCC.org for additional details.
One of the most highly-anticipated events on the horizon is the La Quinta State of the City, scheduled for September 28 at Embassy Suites in La Quinta. This event promises to be a comprehensive showcase of the City’s progress and accomplishments. Alongside an exciting expo, the dinner event will also include business awards. Visit GCVCC.org for more information.
Amidst all the bustling events and celebrations, it is crucial not to overlook the importance of shopping locally. La Quinta, known as the Gem of the Desert, is home to a plethora of unique businesses that contribute to the local economy’s vitality. By supporting these local establishments, we can make a substantial impact on the community’s prosperity. By choosing to shop local, we foster economic resilience and preserve the unique character of La Quinta.
Whether it’s enjoying a meal at a neighborhood restaurant, purchasing goods from independent retailers, or utilizing the services of local professionals, every act of support strengthens the fabric of our community. You can check out local businesses right here in La Quinta by visiting our business directory at GCVCC.org.
Stressless® furniture is strongly associated with comfort. This is also the case for the majority of brands within the product categories where Stressless® is present. To stand out from the crowd, we will strengthen the target group’s understanding of how Stressless® comfort adds value to their lives. This way, Stressless® is more than product features. It is a brand fulfilling emotional needs.
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.
• 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)
If you already have a child support court order and need help enforcing that order, we can help!
• Establish parentage
• Locate absent parents
• Other county and community resources referrals available
• Convenient 24/7 access to your case/account information via Customer Connect
To apply, scan the QR code or visit us online.
