The Gem Nov 2022

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.

Congratulations, LQHS, for Taking Back the Flag!

When La Quinta High School (LQHS) was in its second year of existence, the Blackhawks lost their football game against Palm Desert. After the game, an Aztec student ran around the field with a Palm Desert flag. This was the beginning of the La Quinta/Palm Desert rivalry.

THE GEM PRODUCTION TEAM

THE LA QUINTA 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.

The La Quinta Victory Flag Game has been as intense as can be for 27 years. It’s the highlight football game of the season for both teams, with the winner storming the field with the Victory Flag, and ultimately, displaying it in their gym for the following year until the next challenge.

This fall, LQHS won back the coveted flag for the first time in 6 years. The game-winning touchdown was a 55-yard reception with 32 seconds left made by Diego Amaya, a senior.

Coach Juan Ruiz told the Desert Sun, “Of course, you want to win football games and beating your rival is great, but really I just wanted to see these kids have success – have something to celebrate. This is big.”

On the Cover

Colonel Howard Thompson

Colonel Howard Thompson served a distinguished 32-year military career in the United States Army, beginning at West Point in 1949 and ultimately earning an MBA. He served at Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam from 1970-71.

One of his most memorable assignments was serving as Defense Attaché in Jordan for 3 years. “The people in Jordan were absolutely wonderful,” Col. Thompson shared. “I also met King Hussein several times, which was quite fascinating.”

Another notable time in his career was when he tracked Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) on Ascension Island in the Atlantic Ocean. The missiles would take off from Cape Canaveral traveling to Cape Town in South Africa, and Colonel Thompson was instrumental in their development stage before the missiles received the green light for deployment.

Colonel Thompson lived in La Quinta for 25 years, and is proud to have his name memorialized on La Quinta’s Veterans Acknowledgement Monument. At age 92, he married again last year to former actress and professional harpist, Tracy Moss, adding that “it’s never too late for love.”

La Quinta High School’s JROTC Program

La Quinta High School offers an Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program. With 122 students participating, the program honors core values and instills them into each cadet.

Students learn self-responsibility, selfworth and manners. The program educates cadets about JROTC fundamentals as well as leadership and aerospace knowledge.

The JROTC program includes a branch-off program known as Honor Guard. Honor Guard cadets participate in drill movements, professional discipline and flag detail. They also learn how to handle positions of responsibility.

More information can be found on the La Quinta High School website, which is LQHS. dsusd.us; or by contacting Dean Temple, MSgt, USAF (ret), LQHS Aerospace Science Instructor, at 760.772.4150 ext. 25259.

Cover Photo: Colonel Howard Thompson shows La Quinta High School (LQHS) JROTC cadets, Senior Master Sergeant Christyan Torres and First Lieutenant Amilia Esparza, his name on the Veterans Acknowledgement Monument at the Civic Center Campus. Senior Master Sergeant Torres is a senior at LQHS with plans to enter the army, and sophomore First Lieutenant Esparza aspires to become a marine upon graduation.

Photo Credit: Ethan Kaminsky

Honor Veterans with the City of La Quinta this Veterans Day

The City of La Quinta will honor local service members on Veterans Day at its annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony.

During this special event, La Quinta heroes are recognized by dignitaries and have their names, ranks, and dates of service engraved on the Veterans Acknowledgement Monuments in Civic Center Park.

This year’s ceremony will be held in the La Quinta City Hall Courtyard on Friday, November 11, 2022, starting at 9:00 a.m. Parking is available in the City Hall South Parking Lot only.

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

By: Jeff Fishbein Chairman of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce

As the heat dissipates in our gorgeous valley, and summer fades into fall, it is time to focus our attention on the impending holiday season. The next few months are the reason many of us have chosen to live in La Quinta – sunny days filled with golf, pickle ball, tennis and hiking followed by dazzling evenings with rosy sunsets and tepid temperatures perfect for patio dwelling, moon gazing, and al fresco dining under the stars. Tis quite a season to celebrate, and a perfect time to create some new memories that will last a lifetime.

It’s time to get back out there, La Quinta! Let’s enjoy all of the activities, shops and restaurants that our ‘Gem of the Desert’ has to offer. Also, keep in mind, many of our local businesses took quite a financial hit over the last few years. With much sadness, we’ve seen some businesses struggle, and even a few forced to close their doors. Those that continue to persevere could really use our support now.

Our local coffee shops, boutiques, salons, and restaurants are mostly family-, minority-, and veteran-owned small businesses. While they may be small, they play a major role in our community. Even while they were struggling, many of our neighbors and friends who own these small businesses were committed to feeding first responders, and providing a glimmer of hope to their patrons in a time of despair. It’s time we repay their kind deeds by shopping and dining local.

We all have our favorite spots – places where our favorite server or bartender makes us feel welcome. Whether it is your favorite pizzeria, bakery or taco shop, these are the places we recommend to people in hopes that they can continue to thrive.

During this wonderful holiday season, I ask you to remember that when you buy from a small local business, you are not helping a corporate CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy score his team jersey, and parents put food on the table. Behind the success of every small business, there is a family with a dream.

One final note: With unrest that continues in the world, we recognize that November is historically the month we pay our respects to those who, through service and great courage, gave their all for our country’s beloved freedom. The City of La Quinta will hold a Veterans Recognition Ceremony on November 11, to honor those that have served. We most graciously thank you for your service, and for the service of your loved ones.

Jeff Fishbein serves as the Chairman of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce, and is also a member of the Board of the Regional Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce as well as Leadership Coachella Valley. Fishbein is a realtor with the desert’s leading Coldwell Banker Realty, with a 5-star rating on Zillow.com.

CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE

By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager

Hard as it may be to believe, we are in the final two months of 2022, and they are shaping up to be busy months in La Quinta with events and activities for all interests and age groups.

Our shops and restaurants are beginning to welcome back our seasonal residents and visitors along with our full-time La Quinta residents. They look forward to helping all with holiday dining and shopping.

The City has much to be grateful for heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, with the return of the La Quinta Art Celebration Encore, our Veterans Day celebration honoring our past and present service members, and more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 8 is Election Day

In addition to Mayor and Council candidates, La Quinta residents are voting on whether to phase out and permanently ban non-hosted short-term vacation rentals in

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the City by December 31, 2024, except in exempted areas. Measure A is a ballot initiative submitted by a group of residents affiliated with an organization called “Neighbors for Neighborhoods,” or N4N. In accordance with state elections law, the City Council took official action to oppose the ballot initiative, which, if passed, would mean a loss of general fund revenues estimated to be at least $6 million annually. This loss of revenue would impact the funding of services paid by the City from general fund revenues, including law enforcement, roadwork, landscaping and other capital improvements. More information about Measure A can be found in this edition of The Gem, and on the City’s website, www.laquintaca.gov/measurea.

La Quinta Art Celebration Encore

Thursday-Sunday, November 10-13 / 9am-4pm

Location: Civic Center Campus

The award-winning La Quinta Art Celebration returns for its fall “encore” event, featuring 10 categories and 185 artists from 31 states and six countries. The event now occurs twice a year, in November and March.

Veterans Day Ceremony

Friday, November 11 / 9am-10am

Location: City Hall Courtyard

Join the City of La Quinta in honoring local service members at the annual ceremony, where heroes are recognized by dignitaries. Seventeen residents who have served will have their names, ranks and dates of service engraved on the Veterans Acknowledgement Monuments in Civic Center Park.

El Gato Classic – X Park

Friday-Saturday, November 11 & 12

Location: X Park

The El Gato Classic, a series of skateboard contests and events created by skateboard legend and twotime World Champion skateboarder Eddie “El Gato” Elguera, makes its X Park debut. Registration and ticket information are available at www.laquintaxpark.com

Concert in the Park

Saturday, November 19 / 5:30-8pm

Location: SilverRock Park

Bring your chairs or blankets and join the City of La Quinta for a night of music under the stars, against the spectacular views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. There will be food truck vendors on site or bring your own food and nonalcoholic beverages.

Art on Main Street

Saturday, November 26 / 10am-4pm

Location: Old Town La Quinta

More than 100 artists – many of them local – will kick off the sixt h season of events, showing and selling their work in all mediums.

CITY UPDATES

Jefferson Street Slurry Seal and Highway 111 intersection

This slurry seal project spans the length of Jefferson Street but will not be done until the Highway 111 intersection improvements are completed, hopefully by the end of the year but possibly next spring. Both are in partnership with the City of Indio.

Dune Palms Bridge

Work is about to get underway on construction of an allweather bridge at Dune Palms Road over the stormwater channel. 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.

Landscape Renovation Improvement

The landscape improvements in the area of Topaz development are now complete, and the contractor will be starting the Desert Club, Sierra Del Rey and Marbella developments around the first of December.

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

FEATURED PROGRAMS

Something On Saturday (S.O.S.) | All ages

Saturday, November 19 @ 3pm | In-Person

Join us for some family friendly fun in the Library Program Room

Dean Apple Magic | All ages

Monday, November 21 @ 3pm | In-Person

Prepare to be wowed with comedy magic for the whole family.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Storytimes

Tuesdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29 and Dec. 6 | In-Person Toddler Time for ages 18 months - 3 years at 10:15am.

Wednesdays, Nov. 2, 9, 30 and Dec. 7 | In-Person Baby Time for ages 0-18 months at 10:15am and Preschool Time for ages 3-5 years at 11:15am.

Tween Doggy Tales | Ages 8 - 12

Wednesday, November 9 @ 4pm | 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.

Teen Game Night | Ages 13-17 Saturday, November 19 @ 4pm | In-Person Explorer Edition - Race to build the most successful railroad in Ticket to Ride (2-5 players) or explore the universe in Astronomy Fluxx (2-6 players).

Anime Zone | Ages 13-17 Saturday, November 5 @ 4pm | In-Person

Join us in the La Quinta Library Program Room as we watch and critique three random anime episodes with friends.

Readers’ Club | Ages 18+ Thursday, November 10 @ 5:30pm | In-Person or Zoom

Participants will meet to share and discuss biographies. Zoom link provided upon request. See the Reference Desk to check out a suggested title or feel free to pick your own.

Page Turners Book Club | Ages 18+ Thursday, November 17 @ 10:30am | In-Person or Zoom Join our traditional, AM book club! In November, we’ll discuss There There by Tommy Orange. See the Adult Reference Desk to register. Copies are limited.

LA QUINTA CREATION STATION PROGRAM

3rd Annual Gingerbread Contest | All Ages November 1 - December 16 | Online Submission Form

Starting November 1st, Makers of all ages can submit their entries for the Creation Station’s 3rd Annual Gingerbread Contest. There are four categories to choose from this year: Fictional Inspired, Famous Landmarks, Famous Works of Art and Traditional House. Submissions will be judged in December and winners will be announced on December 16th. Visit the contest website for more information and the entry form: https://bit.ly/3Us5Ydo.

Please Note: The Library will be closed Thursday, November 11 for Veterans Day and Thursday & Friday, November 24 & 25 for Thanksgiving.

The

Please Note:

CURRENT EXHIBITS

Lincoln’s Scout: Diary of Horatio Cooke, Soldier, Spy, Escape Artist

The year was 1981, and author M. R. Cannon was performing a magic show, when things took an unexpected and fascinating turn. An 85-year-old audience member, Clara Louise Wasem, took over his show and captivated the audience with tales of her father, Professor Horatio G. Cooke, the American Wizard, who had been a Special Scout for Abraham Lincoln, an escape artist and Spiritualism debunker, and a mentor and friend to Harry Houdini. Clara Louise gave the author Cooke’s diary and meticulously kept scrapbook with a charge to share her father’s amazing story. Experience Cooke’s extraordinary life in this exhibit!

La Quinta History Galleries, featuring Making A City Learn about of the grassroots movement that turned a small corner of the desert into the official City of La Quinta in our new exhibit, Making a City.  This 40th Anniversary exhibit recounts the events of 1982 in the words of the City’s first mayor, Fred Wolff.  Visitors will experience the Incorporation of the City through photos, memorabilia, newspapers, and video featuring Kay Wolff reminiscing on the movement that started in her living room.

EVENTS

Music at the Museum: The Mudbugs

Thursday, Nov 3, 5-6pm

Join us in the Courtyard as acoustic duo, The Mudbugs, serves up a musical gumbo of Blues, Cajun, Zydeco, Country, Americana.

Lecture: Indigenous Land Management, Cahuilla People and Lifeways

Thursday, November 10, 3pm

Presenter: Elizabeth Paige, Education and Stewardship Program Manager for the Native American Land Conservancy. This lecture is a program of the La Quinta Historical Society.

Lecture: The Journey of Water in our Valley

Thursday, Nov 17, 3pm

Presenter: Kerry Berman of Desert Eco Tours

PROGRAMS

As programs are subject to change, please find the latest information on our FREE programs at facebook.com/ LaQuintaMuseum/events.

Sketchbook Journaling

Friday, November 4 & 18, 1-3 pm

Get in touch with your inner artist with sketchbook journaling—the no-rules, playful approach to creativity. Join us each month to create bite-sized bits of drawing, painting, lettering, collage, and mixed media. Basic supplies provided.

STITCH Fiber Arts Group

Tuesday, November 8 & 22, 1-3pm

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.

TED Talk Hangout

Wednesday, Nov 9, 1pm

Let’s enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss! This month, we’ll watch “The intergenerational wisdom woven into indigenous stories” by Tai Simpson.

Genealogy Meet-Up

Saturday, Nov 12, 1-3 pm

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.

Take a Break with Huell Tuesday, Nov 15, 11am

Join us for an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold on the big screen. This month, we’ll see Huell and Desert Jeep Tours go north of Indio to learn about Palm Oases and fault lines.

Good Books in the Gallery

Dec 1, 3pm (Please note: Due to the holiday, our Good Books discussion will take place Thursday)

This month, we’re reading Assassination Vacation, by Sarah Vowell. A limited number of free copies are available for book club participants, call 760.777.7170 to request one.

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Small Businesses: The LifeBlood of La Quinta

By: Sherry Barkas, City of La Quinta

La Quinta is home to businesses large and small, and the City’s largest source of general fund revenue comes from the sales tax they generate.

The City is anticipating $24.5 million in general fund sales tax revenue this fiscal year, 2022-23.

What many may not know is that about 70% of the roughly 580 brick-and-mortar businesses in the City are small businesses that are locally owned and unique not only to La Quinta but the Coachella Valley.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of La Quinta. And the reason why is because we know that we want to attract quality businesses,” said Douglas Kinley III, management analyst with the City Manager’s office.

Keeping the small businesses afloat during the pandemic was a priority for the City Council members, who responded swiftly when Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered most businesses closed on March 20, 2020.

On March 25, 2020, the City Council unanimously approved the appropriation of $1.5 million to help La Quinta’s small businesses with interest-free loans and grants, creating the “Small Business Emergency Relief” program.

A few months later, the Council added another $500,000 to that pot for a total of $2 million.

The money came from the City’s Emergency Disaster reserve fund.

Nearly all the appropriated funds were distributed: about $500,000 in loans of $5,000 to $20,000 each, and $1.5 million in grants awarded to business owner to help pay rent and utilities and meet state health and safety requirements.

The City also relaxed its codes on al fresco dining, which allowed restaurants to add temporary outdoor dining or expand the patios they had when indoor dining was not being allowed.

‘A lifeline’ to the businesses

The City Council’s quick response to assist the small businesses in La Quinta was critical to the survival of H2o Closet in Old Town, said Steve Kouchi.

Kouchi and Ken Zaikowski co-own the shop, which sells organic skin care, bath, body and wellness products, bath linens, pet items and more.

The partners opened H2o Closet in Old Town about eight years ago, and a few years later opened a second store in Palm Springs. In August 2020, they decided to close the Palm Springs location and focus solely on La Quinta.

The choice to keep the La Quinta store was largely due to the connection and importance they feel small businesses receive from the City.

It was evident before and especially during COVID that the City wants to help small businesses succeed, Kouchi said.

“I believe that they really cared about keeping small businesses in business as much as they possibly could,” Kouchi said.

Setting the bar for small business assistance

The pandemic led a lot of stores and restaurants in the Coachella Valley and nationwide to permanent closure.

In La Quinta, however, the loss was minimal and included Steinmart and Souplantation – both owned by corporate chains that closed businesses nationwide or filed bankruptcy – while the City continued to see new businesses open.

The Souplantation and Steinmart spots have new tenants. Longhorn Steakhouse is going into the Souplantation spot, and the City anticipates that Amazon Fresh will occupy the former Steinmart building.

La Quinta’s Small Business Emergency Economic Relief program became a model for other cities to follow, said Gil Villalpando, economic development director for the City.

Many of Old Town’s tenants received assistance from the City’s Small Business Emergency Economic Relief program, said Katy Abel, property manager for Old Town.

“While we saw many businesses in the valley close for good as they were unable to recover, all our tenants were able to stay in business and most had the ‘best season ever’ last year,” Abel said. “The relief from this program was a major contributor to this.”

Additionally, the city program for al fresco dining “greatly assisted Old Town’s restaurants to stay open” for business when COVID restrictions forced everyone outdoors, she said.

“Keeping these businesses open to serve our community allowed these businesses to keep their staff employed, which as we know was one of the industries that was affected the most with unemployment,” Abel said.

‘Soup to nuts’ approach

The City often mentions or posts photos of the small businesses on social media, which helps bring in business, as well, H2o owner Kouchi said.

It feels like small businesses are important to the City of La Quinta, and it’s important for the merchants to feel they are a part of the community.

“You see the mayor out in stores in Old Town La Quinta. You see the city manager in Old Town. You see workers of City Hall

out in Old Town,” he said. “It means a lot when you know that they’re showing their support for the businesses.”

The City has long had a “soup to nuts” approach to helping small business owners get started, starting with a check for availability of space. The City will help by connecting interested tenants with a property manager and brokers.

Even after a tenant is placed and storefronts are filled, the City routinely checks in with property managers to see how everyone is doing, Kinley said.

“Obviously, sales revenue and tax revenue are important,” he said.

Equally important is asking how the businesses are doing, he said.

La Quinta staff will walk small businesses through the permitting and licensing steps to help them complete the process as quickly as possible and without frustration.

For many, it is their first time maneuvering the road to business ownership, a process the big box stores and chains and large franchises have traveled many times over.

The City does not offer financial incentives, but instead makes it as easy as possible to open a new small business in La Quinta by walking the applicant through each step of the process.

“What you get in La Quinta … that makes us especially unique for small businesses, is we put forward the best effort to introduce you and get you settled in,” he said. “We go above and beyond.”

The 2022 La Quinta State of the City

An Evening to Remember

Anyone who was in attendance at the 2022 State of the City and 40th anniversary event will tell you it was one for the record books.

As the sun was making its way behind the mountain tucked behind the La Quinta Resort in the late afternoon of October 6, 2022, guests were enjoying the business expo – and the stage was set for a beautiful outdoor event with presentations by the Mayor and City Council as well as business awards by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC), which hosted the evening.

Just as the program was about to begin at 6pm, a dusty shadow moved overhead, winds started whipping trees around and sand was flying through the air. The storm –known as a haboob – was the result of a strong thunderstorm in the area of Yuma, Arizona. According to National Weather Service Meteorologist, Mark Moede, this haboob was notable because of its strength. He said most haboobs originating in western Arizona dissipate before they reach the Coachella Valley.

The La Quinta Resort staff did an incredible job of moving the event to indoor space and setting up a small stage along with audio-visual equipment in a very short period of time.

GCVCC Board Chair, Rich Ramhoff, opened the program and soon introduced the awards ceremony portion of the evening. Those recognized were as follows:

Best La Quinta Local Volunteer: Jeff Fishbein Best Nonprofit Member in La Quinta: Pueblo Unido Best New Business: Beautiful Day Restaurant Mayor’s Award: Cali Rosina Tea & Chocolate

Next up, Mayor Linda Evans shared highlights about the status of the City and budgetary information. The Operating Budget forecasts $68,321,100 in revenues and proposes $64,651,274 of expenditures. Another $3,353,000 is allocated to Measure G Reserves, leaving a projected budget surplus of $316,826.

She added that sales tax, transient occupancy tax and property tax continue to be the top three revenue sources. These revenues combined account for about 69% or $47,190,000 of the projected General Fund revenue of $68,321,100.

In regard to new businesses in La Quinta, Mayor Evans announced that the former Souplantation and Steinmart spots have new tenants. Longhorn Steakhouse is going into the Souplantation spot, and the City anticipates that Amazon Fresh will occupy the former Steinmart building.

Councilmember, John Pena, continued with more business updates, mentioning that businesses which have opened include Kids Clubhouse, Cosmoprof Beauty Store, Jamba Juice and Rapport To Go Furniture Warehouse Location.

Councilmember Pena said future businesses coming to La Quinta are Crumbl Cookies, WDC Kitchen & Bath Center, a Panera Drive Thru, Welbehealth Pace Center, Cookie Co., Hampton Inn and El Patio La Quinta.

Next, Council Member, Robert Radi, gave an update on Short Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs). He stated there is a ban on new STVR permits in all but exempted areas plus permits are non-transferable when properties are sold. Tougher rules –with stiffer fines and penalties – have brought a decrease in the number of STVRs in La Quinta and reduced the number of complaints.

Then, Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Fitzpatrick took the stage to provide some planning updates. The City of La Quinta is in the process of incorporating its Highway 111 Corridor Vision Plan into a revised Specific Plan zoning tool.

The new Specific Plan will reduce land-use restrictions for growth, prepare market-based examples of viable, marketbased building types, and update the environmental assessment to streamline future development.  The Specific Plan will guide development to make the Highway 111 Corridor into an attractive, walkable and diverse mixeduse district.

Mayor Pro Tem Fitzpatrick said construction of the CV Link that will run through the City, along the north side of the Highway 111 Corridor. The Specific Plan will include connection points to the CV Link to enhance the experience for those visiting, shopping and dining along the Highway 111 Corridor.

Finally, Councilmember Steve Sanchez shared some additional development updates. He noted that anyone who’s driven out to SilverRock has seen construction of the much-anticipated Talus La Quinta at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains – which is well underway.

Talus will include a 134-room Montage Luxury hotel, expected to open in late 2023; a 200-room Pendry lifestyle luxury hotel, slated for completion in July 2024; a shared events and conference center, spa, fitness centers and pools; a lazy river and a new golf clubhouse.

STVR complaints citywide have dropped 70% from 672 in the first half of 2021, to 200, in the first half of 2022. Of the 200 complaints, 137 occurred during the festival season (MarchMay 2022), and complaints from STVRs operating illegally without permits were the majority at 66%.

Councilmember Radi added that should Measure A pass, there will be 445 fewer jobs driven by STVRs in the City and $100 million less in local business sales.

Further reports from councilmembers covered bridge and road improvements, park and landscaping enhancements, the addition of the X Park in North La Quinta and a new communications vehicle called QuailMail 2.0 that enables the City to create personalized notifications that can be sent via email and text, as well as posted to the City’s social media platforms.

Thankfully, the haboob moved through during the State of the City program so that the evening could wrap up with a spectacular fireworks show celebrating the City of La Quinta’s 40th Anniversary.

Washington Park Spotlight:

Slice Italia

Washington Park Shopping Center, located slightly southeast of Highway 111 on Washington Street, has welcomed an exciting new place to dine: Slice Italia. Longtime restaurateurs, Jack Srebnik and Kevin Steele, have brought this charming Italian ristorante to La Quinta.

The restaurant is nestled between the Century Theatres and Marvyn’s Magic Theater, making it a great spot for dining before or after the show. They have combined a New York pizzeria with a full-service Italian restaurant – plus a neighborhood sports bar.

As open atmosphere inside the restaurant makes it a comfortable, casual place to hang out, and the service is on par with what diners hope for when they go out to eat. There is a fun bar area with TVs in every corner for customers looking to watch the big game, as well.

Pizzas are served up with traditional New York crust, but gluten free and cauliflower options are available too. Whether you like famous Italian flavors or prefer to try some gourmet creations such as the white pizza or stuffed slice, there are pizza combinations that offer something for everyone.

You can also build your own pasta dishes with countless choices including zucchini noodles for those looking for low-carb or vegetarian options and a variety of sauces from marinara, pesto and tomato cream to alfredo, tomato basil and bolognese. The ristorante’s menu also features salads with protein options, hot or cold hero sandwiches, soups and bowls. Sophisticated appetizers like crispy brussels sprouts, bruschetta and spicy calamari fritti make tasty starters.

Their motto at Slice Italia is, “Eat Well, Live Well” – and they practice what they preach. Slice Italia is a place to come for a quick slice, salad or sandwich during your lunch break; drinks and bar bites; or dinner with the whole family.

Slice Italia is located at 46-660 Washington Street #8 in La Quinta, and opens at 11am daily. To learn more, go to TheSlicePizza.com.

Shopping CenterWashington Park

Restaurants & Services

The Washington Park Shopping Center offers a variety of shops, restaurants and services for La Quinta residents and visitors alike.

From theaters and boutiques to salon services and good eats, browse this commercial complex to discover a great mix of businesses worth exploring.

Located just southeast of Highway 111 on Washington Street – just north of Avenue

Support Small Businesses in La Quinta on Small Business Saturday: November 26th

In the age of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it could be easy to skip over the mom-and-pop shop for the big box store or online retailer. But forget about our smaller neighborhood shops here in La Quinta.

Saturday, November 26, 2022, is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for our community. This year, we know that small businesses need local shoppers now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

There are a number of small businesses in La Quinta to support, offering a variety of unique and one-of-a-kind items. What’s more, when you pay sales tax in the City of La Quinta, you help generate tax revenue that provides for community services.

Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by U.S. Small Business Administration, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season.

Historically, reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $23.3 billion according to the  2021 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express.

Make your way through La Quinta this November 26th – there are many small business from the Highway 111 corridor to the La Quinta Village. Some will even feature Small Business Saturday specials. To review a directory of businesses in La Quinta, go to PlayInLaQuinta.com.

Veterans Program Honors Heroes at Old Town Artisan Studios

Old Town Artisan Studios (OTAS), located in the La Quinta Village, has developed a Veterans Program to honor America’s heroes. The program includes:

Ceramic Clay Poppies

Handcrafted clay poppies created at Old Town Artisan Studios can be purchase for $15 to always remember the sacrifices veterans made for our freedom. These poppies are a perfect gift for a veteran or can also be left on the OTAS campus to be planted permanently as an art installation in the Veteran Garden.

Clay is a material that is made of the earth we walk on, which symbolizes the land that was fought for our freedom.

Never-to-be-Forgotten Fountain

What would you wish for veterans who have put themselves in harm’s way as they serve and protect our country? That’s what Old Town Artisan Studios asked local children all throughout the Coachella Valley. Their messages were

painted on over 600 ceramic tiles that have been installed around the base of OTAS’s Never-to-be-Forgotten fountain. Remaining tiles that were made by local youth were sent directly to a veteran. Veterans are invited to enjoy the Veterans Plaza at OTAS to enjoy the fountain and garden that have been dedicated to them.

Art Classes for Veterans

With nearly 7,000 veterans residing in the Coachella Valley and very little resources for them, Old Town Artisan Studios proudly serves the nation’s heroes by providing healing and expression through art. OTAS offers art classes in ceramics, fused glass, painting, and more. This program offers artistic exploration and community connections to help improve health, wellness and overall quality of life. Veterans and active duty personnel can receive a 50% discounts on classes and workshops by showing their Military ID or VA Medical Card.

Old Town Artisan Studios is located at 78-046 Calle Barcelona in La Quinta. Business hours are Monday-Saturday: 10am–5pm. For more information, visit OldTownArtisanStudios. org or call 760.777.1444.

Tax Benefits Covered in the New Inflation Reduction Act

By: Jeffrey J. Becker, Osborne Rincon CPAs

Perhaps you’ve been hearing in the news about The Inflation Reduction Act – wondering what that means for you. We’re breaking down this Act and what it covers so businesses and individuals can determine how they may benefit from it.

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law August 16, 2022. The Act contains tax benefits for health care, residential energy-efficient home improvements, residential clean energy, alternative fuel property and clean vehicle credits.

Essentially, it extends the Affordable Care Act subsidies for the premium tax credit to taxpayers whose household income exceeds 400% of the poverty line through 2025. Additionally, Medicare out-of-pocket drug costs are capped at $2,000 per year.

The Nonbusiness Energy Credit is extended through 2032, and now equals 30% of the amount paid for certain residential energy-efficient home improvements and appliance purchases. It has increased from a $500 maximum lifetime credit to a credit up to $1,200 annually. Some examples and annual limits for the Nonbusiness Energy Credit include:

• $250 for an exterior door or $500 total for all exterior doors.

• $600 for exterior windows, skylights, central air conditioners and electric panels.

• $600 for natural gas, propane or oil water heaters.

• $2,000 for electric or natural gas heat pump water heaters, electric or natural gas heat pumps, and biomass stoves and boilers.

The Residential Clean Energy Credit increases the credit amount to 30% from 2022 through 2032 for the cost to install qualifying systems that use solar, wind, geothermal, biomass or fuel cell power to produce electricity, heat, water, or to regulate the temperature in your home.

The Alternative Fuel Refueling Property Credit is equal to 30% of the costs installed in the home up to $1,000. This would apply to most homeowners for the purchase of equipment used to recharge an electric vehicle.

Additionally, the Clean Vehicle Credit includes a $7,500 credit for new vehicles and $4,000 for used vehicles. It contains requirements that the final assembly of the vehicle occurred in North America and removes the limitation on the number of vehicles eligible for the credit per manufacturer. There are also requirements regarding critical minerals used in in the car, must have been extracted or processed in the United States or in a country that the United States has a free trade agreement in place. The credit for new or used vehicle may not be allowed for taxpayers with an annual income that exceeds annual limits.

The Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions reducing the total cost of residential or business property upgrades, appliances, battery energy storage and electric vehicles that increase energy efficiency. A tax provider can share more regarding qualifying purchases, credit amounts, income limits, or additional qualifying provisions. If you are seeking a trusted tax advisor, contact Osborne Rincon CPAs at (760) 777-9805.

Jeffrey J. Becker, CPA, serves as Tax Manager for Osborne Rincon CPAs. Becker joined the firm in early 2022, and has 15 years of experience in accounting which includes taxation, forensic accounting and financial reporting. He holds a Master of Business Administration – Finance & Management from Tulane University. Osborne Rincon is one of the oldest and most respected fullservice accounting firms in the Coachella Valley. To learn more, go to OsborneRincon.com.