CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager

It’s June and hot summer days are here. If you’re looking for things you and your family can do indoors, our library and museum just may be the ticket.

The La Quinta Library has something for everyone, including a variety of book clubs, writing programs, a Chess Club and special events.

Every month, the library throws an allinclusive birthday party for all ages with games, crafts, stories, snacks and more. Just register your birthday at the library. A full calendar of events can be found on the library’s Facebook page or at Linktr.ee/LaQuintapl.

The library is also home to the La Quinta Creation Station with top-of-the-line 3D printers, plus sewing, mold-making and Cricut machines, as well as themed

Upcoming Events

Concerts in the Park

Saturday, June 3, 7:30-10 p.m.

Location: SilverRock Park programs and classes for all ages. There are MakerSpace classes, Maker Craft events for all ages and MakerSpace camps for children 7 to 13.

Enjoy an evening of time travel with Soulshine performing music from Carole King to Carly Simon, Bonnie Raitt and Sarah Bareilles to Paul Simon, the Doobie Brothers and Boz Scaggs. The Acoustic Connection, an Inland Empire-based trio of longtime musicians, takes the stage from 8:30 to 9 p.m. while Soulshine takes a short break. Bring your chairs or blankets, food, and non-alcoholic beverages to this free concert. There will also be food truck vendors on site. Find more information at www.playinlaquinta.com.

The After School Printers program also provides children in kindergarten through eighth grade the opportunity to create 3D prints.

Fees and reservations may be required for some programs. Annual memberships are also available. Check PlayInLaQuinta.com under Arts & Culture for more information.

The La Quinta Library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Another great place to escape the heat is the La Quinta Museum, which has a

Deadline to Apply for Commission Seats

Monday, June 5, 5 p.m.

Location: City Hall

The City of La Quinta has vacancies on its Planning, Affordable Housing, Financial Advisory, Community Services and Housing commissions and the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission’s Trails Management Subcommittee. For more information about each of the openings and applications, visit LaQuintaCA.gov/ commissions.

City 2023-24 Budget Sessions

Tuesdays, June 6 & 20, 5 p.m.

Council Chamber, City Hall

If you are interested in seeing how the City’s budget is planned and adopted, I invite you to attend one of the upcoming City Council budget sessions. This is an opportunity to understand how City dollars are allocated and prioritized. For more information, visit LaQuintaCA.gov/finance.

Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Thursday, June 15, 6 p.m.

Location: City Hall, Study Session Room

Find out what is happening in your community by attending the new exhibit which is featured on this month’s cover of The Gem, “The Newest Americans: New Citizens Reflect on What America Means to Them.”

The City’s history fills the second floor and includes a featured exhibit about La Quinta resident Dorothy Arzner, the only woman director during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

The museum also offers a variety of programs and events, including Sketchbook Journaling, Stitch Fiber Arts Club and more. Visit the museum’s Facebook page and PlayInLaQuinta.com for more information.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.

Neighborhood Watch meeting which will include presentations by sheriff’s Lt. Andy Martinez and Sgt. Kyle LaFond, and City Staff. For more information, contact Sally Shelton at sally_shelton@aol.com.

City Updates

Pavement Project Updates

Avenue 50 and Avenue 52

Design has been completed for the Avenues 50 and 52 project, and staff is preparing for City Council approval to post for bids. Construction will begin this summer.

Fred Waring Drive

Design is wrapping up for a pavement rehabilitation project that includes pulverization and paving of Fred Waring Drive between Washington Street and Adams Street. Construction is anticipated to start this summer.

Other Capital Improvement Program Projects

Fritz Burns Park

Master planning efforts are underway for the Fritz Burns Park improvements project. The City is seeking public input on the proposed master plan and amenities. Please find more information and the online survey at: LaQuintaCA.gov/FBpark

Landscape Renovation

Design is wrapping up for the final phase of the La Quinta landscape renovation project. Construction is expected to begin this summer 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, has begun with expected completion in early 2025. Construction crews are continuing work 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.

Citywide ADA Improvements

Construction is underway to reconstruct curb ramps, sidewalks and driveways on various intersections along Avenida Montezuma to bring them up to the current code.

Civic Center Activities Promenade

Construction is beginning on the Civic Center Activities Promenade within Civic Center Campus. Improvements will include table tennis and corn-hole.

Citywide Slurry Seal Project

Construction is beginning on a citywide slurry seal project that is part of the five-year 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. Find more information and updates at LaQuintaCA.gov/roads.

CV Link

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 Whitewater channel levee from Washington Street to Jefferson Street, where a promontory point and bridge over the La Quinta storm water channel, linking the City with Indio’s portion of CV Link. For more about CV Link, visit CVAG.org.

HICAP One-on-One Consultations

Tuesday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

HICAP will meet with you one-on-one to help you understand your Medicare health insurance benefits and options. Please call HICAP 1-800-434-0222 or 909-256-8369 to make an appointment. Meet for your appointment at the Wellness Center.

La Quinta Wellness Center Designated as a Cool Center

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.