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Dune Palms Road Update

Dune Palms Road is severely washed out from storm damage and unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians to use. The road remains closed until further notice. Please use Jefferson St and Adams St for access. Please stay out of the channel for your safety.

For more information, please visit www.laquintaca.gov/DunePalms or call (760) 422-3370.

City Website Links:

Waste & Recycling

Calendar

Wellness Center

The GEM Magazine - September 2023

The September 2023 GEM Magazine is out now! In this issue:

• New Gold Star Family Monument Honors Those Who Served & Sacrificed
• 9/11 Candlelight Vigil to be Held
• State of the City, Business Awards and Expo Coming Up September 28
• Plus Much More!

The GEM is a local publication about all the great things happening in La Quinta, California. It is produced by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) and distributed for free to all residents, Chamber members, and businesses in La Quinta. For previous issues of the GEM, please visit www.playinlaquinta.com/the-gem/.

To advertise in the GEM, please call the GCVCC at (760) 347-0676 or email: info@GCVCC.org.

U.S. Flag Drop-Off Box

Residents and businesses that have worn and tattered U.S. Flags, or recently bought a new one, can drop-off their old flags at City Hall. There is a flag drop-off box located near the City Hall main entrance in the South Parking Lot. The drop box was designed by our local Scouts BSA Troop 451. Since its start in November 2022, the City has collected 314 U.S. Flags so far! For more information about the drop box and U.S. Flag etiquette, please visit https://www.laquintaca.gov/Flag.

Recycling Used Batteries

Business Assistance Links:

• La Quinta Business Licenses
• La Quinta Economic Development
• Small Business Thrive Programs
• Free Zero-to-Entrepreneur Educational Programs
• Riverside County Business Assistance NOW
• Riverside County Financial Assistance and Relief Funds

The Finance Department provides financial management and oversight in support of all city functions while adhering to the principles of leadership, customer service, quality, integrity, and collaboration.

It is our goal to ensure that the City’s priorities and goals remain aligned with citizen input. This input is greatly appreciated and necessary to ensure citizen satisfaction. Most Finance Department information can be found on our City website at: www.laquintaca.gov; however, we continue to encourage phone calls, correspondence, or in-person visits to the Finance Department for any questions or feedback.

Upcoming City Meetings:

City Council Meeting

• Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 4:00 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers

Neighborhood Watch Meeting

• Thursday, September 21, 2023, 6:00 p.m., City Hall Study Session Room

Special Joint City Council / Planning Commission Meeting

• Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 4:00 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers

*Meetings are subject to change. Verify the City Calendar links above for agendas or cancellation messages prior to meeting start time.

Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) information and the weekly STVR Active & Suspended Permit List is available on the City’s website at: https://www.laquintaca.gov/STVR.

Active STVR permit holders can access their account 24/7 to complete their monthly TOT reporting online, submit and pay for STVR permit renewals, as well as easily manage their account by using the City’s online STVR portal at: http://laquinta.munirevs.com.

City staff is available to answer any STVR questions by email at vacationlq@laquintaca.gov or by phone at (760) 777-7162.

Voter Registration

The November 5, 2024, General Election is a ways away; however, the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election will sneak up on us in no time. City Hall will be a ballot drop-off location for this election starting Monday, February 5, 2024.

You can register to vote online through the California Secretary of State website or at any of the following locations:

• Post Office
• Library
• City and County Offices
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Online at voteinfo.net or www.sos.ca.gov/elections

For additional voter registration information, please contact the Riverside County Registrar of Voters at (951) 486-7200 or (800) 773-8683. The City's website also has more information.

Upcoming Events:

Concerts in the Park are Back!

Meet your family and friends for Concerts in the Park at SilverRock Park to enjoy FREE live music on Saturday, September 30, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The musical guests this month are The Desert Crows and HighRoad Band.

This event guarantees a fun, unforgettable musical performance you won't want to miss! There will be food truck vendors on site, however attendees are welcome to bring low back chairs, food, and non-alcoholic beverages.

For more information, please call (760) 777-7093 or visit the City website.

X Park 1-Year Anniversary

Celebrate the one-year anniversary of the X Park on Saturday, October 21, from 5:00 to 10:00 P.M. The event is free for all ages and will feature a best trick contest, pro demos, and more!

Art in Public Places:

Roadrunner

Art Piece: Roadrunner (2015)

Artist: DKLA Design

Location: Jefferson & Avenue 52 Roundabout

The 12-feet tall, 18-feet long bird was originally an art installation at the 2014 Coachella Music Festival. The City of La Quinta acquired the art piece from Goldenvoice (the concert promoter behind Coachella) in 2015 to be featured in the Art in Public Places collection. 

DKLA Design, led by Don Kennell and Lisa Adler, oversaw the team responsible for building the Roadrunner in addition to several other wildlife and abstract sculptures that have been installed around the country. DKLA designs draw people in, developing relationships that connect the viewer to the artwork’s location, and become a part of the viewer’s experience. This synergy between the location, the artwork, and viewer is significant to DKLA, and they believe the goal of public art is to bring meaningful artwork into peoples’ lives. The Roadrunner is currently on display at the Jefferson St. and Avenue 52 roundabout.

Recreation:

Fritz Burns Pool

La Quinta's Fritz Burns Pool has plenty to offer visitors of all ages. Activities include Arthritis Water Therapy, Aqua Fit, Adult Water Aerobic, and Open/Lap Swim just to name a few. The pool is located on the corner of Avenida Bermudas and Avenue 52 in La Quinta, CA. Please contact (760) 771-4347 for more information or visit www.laquintaca.gov/FBpool.

Click the images below to view the new Fall 2023 schedule!

Wellness Center

The La Quinta Wellness Center's hours of operation are:

• Monday - Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

The Wellness Center is offering a variety of fitness classes including Yoga, Gentle Yoga, and Mat Pilates. Register online at https://laqwebtrac.laquintaca.gov/. For more details or questions, please call (760) 564-0096.

Click the image below to view the weekly classes for September 2023.

Cool Center at the Wellness Center

The Riverside County Community Action Partnership program and the La Quinta Wellness Center have partnered as a Cool Center Monday through Friday through October 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cool Centers provide drop-in sites for vulnerable individuals, seniors, the disabled, and others in need of temporary relief from the heat. For more information, please visit www.laquintaca.gov/coolcenters.

Monday Movie Matinee

All movie Mondays begin at 1 p.m. Movies are FREE and seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. Movies are subject to change without notice. For information about movie titles, please call the Wellness Center at (760) 564-0096.

Food Programs

The Wellness Center is a resource for food distribution and general information. In partnership with FIND Food Bank, the City participates in bi-weekly food distribution (food bag/box for each household) to many of our affordable housing properties including:

• Coral Mountain Apartments
• Hadley Villas
• Vista Dunes
• Washington Street Apartments
• Wolff Waters Place Apartments

Interested parties are encouraged to call (760) 564-0096 for more details.

In collaboration with the City, FIND Food Bank continues to distribute food at the following locations and days:

La Quinta Community Park, 77865 Avenida Montezuma, La Quinta, CA 92253

• 1^st Friday of the month, from 8 - 9 a.m. Seniors age 65+ only (proof of age required).

• 4^th Saturday of the month, from 8 - 9 a.m. All ages welcome.

John Glenn Middle School, 79655 Miles Ave, Indio, CA 92201

• 1^st Wednesday of every month, from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. All ages welcome.

Contact FIND Food Bank at (760) 775-3663 or visit www.laquintaca.gov/foodresources for more information.

X Park

The X Park hours of operation are Wednesday - Friday, 12 to 9 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Resident fees are $2 for a daily use pass and $25 for an annual pass. Non-resident fees are $5 for a daily use pass and $50 for an annual pass. Skateboards, bikes, scooters, and rollerblades are welcome! For more information, please call 760-777-7004 or visit www.laquintaxpark.com.

La Quinta Public Library:

The La Quinta Library is committed to encouraging lifelong learning by providing the people of our community with safe, no-cost activities for educational growth and recreational fulfillment. For the full complement of programs and events, check out our Facebook events page.

Library: National Library Card Sign Up Month

September is National Library Card Sign Up Month! Unlock a world of knowledge, adventure, and inspiration with a Riverside County Library card. Whether you're a book lover, tech enthusiast, or lifelong learner, your library card is your gateway to endless possibilities.

Library: Page Turners Book Club

Page Turners Book Club for ages 18+ on Thursday, September 21, at 10:30 A.M. In September, we’ll discuss The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. See the Adult Reference Desk to register. Copies are limited.

Creation Station: MakerSpace Camp

MakerSpace Camp: Tool Room Book / Tablet Stand. Join us on Saturday, September 16, at 10:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Ages 7-13. Join the Creation Station staff for our MakerSpace Camp on using tools to build and decorate a Book Stand or iPad/Tablet holder.

Our technicians will laser cut pieces of MDF wood to get the basic shape of the stand. Makers then will learn how to sand wood, use drills and screws to attach small hinges and finally how to stain and paint wood to give it a finished appearance.

This program is for makers 7-13 years of age. $5 Camp Fee. RSVP Required.

Creation Station: Fiber Arts Bootcamp

Fiber Arts Bootcamp: Feelin’ Groovy Macrame Join us Sunday, September 24, at 1:00 P.M to 3:00 P.M. All ages (6+). This month members of FAB we will travel back in time to the late 60's and 70's and learn to make a simple GROOVY Macramé design. You’ll learn how to make a Larks Head Knot, a Square Knot and a diagonal Double Half Hitch Knot together small wall hanging work of art. This program is recommended for ages 6 and older.   All materials for the project will be provided while supplies last.

La Quinta Museum:

The La Quinta Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please check our Facebook page or call (760) 777-7170 for current program information and registration links for FREE programs. Please visit www.facebook.com/LaQuintaMuseum/.

New Exhibit: Scorpions!

Scorpions! The word “scorpion” often evokes fear. Although scorpions are abundant around the world, and encounters with humans are common, most people know very 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 – in addition to addressing scorpions in history and popular culture. Curated by Hi-Desert Nature Museum biologist Stefanie Ritter.

New Mini Exhibit: Frank Capra

New mini exhibit in our Local History gallery: La Quinta Legends: Frank Capra. Legendary director Frank Capra’s films made the American dream come alive on the silver screen during the 1930s and 40s—and our own La Quinta may have played a part in his success! This exhibit shines the spotlight on the life of one of our city’s most celebrated residents.

Program: La Sobremesa Cultural

Good Books in the Gallery / La Sobremesa Cultural Author Talk: It’s All in the Frijoles. Friday, September 29, at 2:00 P.M. Join us for a presentation of It’s All in the Frijoles by local author, Yolanda Nava. A limited number of free copies are available for book club participants. Call 760.777.7170 to request one. ¡Acompáñanos el día Viernes 29 de septiembre a las 2 pm a la presentación de libro "It's All in the Frijoles" de la autora local, Yolanda Nava.

The City of La Quinta is excited to announce we have partnered with Tyler Technologies to provide an improved and more efficient customer service experience with an advance online software system. The HUB Online Portal provides the City with tools that increases the public’s access to information and online services, reduces staff and customer time with permitting and licensing, reduces redundant data input, and allows map (GIS) integration.

The HUB Online Portal launched on August 21, 2023, and replaced the Trakit system. Please contact the HUB if you need immediate assistance at 760-777-7000 or visit The HUB Online Portal at www.laquintaca.gov/HUBOnlinePortal for more information.

Business Licenses:

As of August 21^st, you can apply for or renew your business license by accessing online services at http://www.laquintaca.gov/HUBOnlinePortal.

Staff issued 36 business licenses and collected $2,249.82 in license fees this past week.

Permit Center:

The Hub/Permit Services is open to the public Monday thru Friday from 8:00am - 4:00pm. To make an appointment or for any questions call (760) 777-7125 or via email at customercenter@laquintaca.gov.

Staff received 64 permit applications and issued 50 permits for matters that include building construction, planning use and special events, garage sales, public works encroachment, fire system installations and code compliance inspections.

Building:

Completed 46 Plan Reviews and Performed 300 Inspections.

New Development Updates:

The City Council and Planning Commission will hold a special joint study session regarding an update of the Highway 111 Corridor Specific Plan on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, beginning at 4:00 P.M.

Code Compliance:

• Code Compliance has inspected 92 properties, opened 22 cases, closed 48 cases, issued 7 courtesy notices, 9 notices of violation, 1 final notice of violation, 3 administrative citations, and 183 other actions and handled 43 phone calls.
• Code Compliance has a full-service voicemail system. The mailbox will be monitored regularly. Callers can leave their messages/requests as follows for:
• Report a Code Compliance Issue - leave a detailed message including the property address or, the specific location, the nature of the complaint, and any pertinent details relating to the reported violation. Code Compliance will investigate the concern and address any observed violations. The reporting party may contact Code Compliance at 760-777-7050 and request an update. 
• Inspection requests for a pool drain, home-occupation, or short-term special inspection, please leave a message with the permit number, address, type of inspection, and requested inspection date and time along with a name and call back number.
• For general code compliance related questions or to report a code issue, please email codecompliancemail@laquintaca.gov
• Complaints at permitted Short-Term Vacation Rentals - for an actively occurring report, please contact the STVR hotline at 760-777-7157. A resident may confirm that a specific address has a STVR permit by visiting the City’s website. 
• For animal control services, please contact Riverside County Department of Animal Services at 760-343-3644.
• For questions or to pay an administrative or parking citation, please call the Citation Processing Center at 1-800-989-2058 or visit citationprocessingcenter.com.
• For non-emergency police services, please contact Riverside County Sheriff at 760-836-3215, option 5.
• Code Compliance welcomes walk-ins but encourages to schedule an appointment. Please call 760-777-7050 to schedule.

Dune Palms Bridge Improvement Project

The Dune Palms Road Bridge Improvement Project will construct an all-weather access bridge across the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel in La Quinta (see map for project area). The new, 480-foot-long bridge will address flooding and excess debris on the existing roadway during storms. The project began on January 30, 2023. For more information or to receive updates, please visit www.laquintaca.gov/DunePalms.

Dune Palms Bridge Update:

** The Dune Palms Road closure will continue until further notice. **

Dune Palms Road is severely washed out from storm damage and unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians to use. The road closure is expected to continue until further notice.

For more information, please visit www.laquintaca.gov/DunePalms or call (760) 422-3370.

Road Work Projects in Progress

The City of La Quinta continues the Slurry Seal project that will include intermediate lane closures. Visit www.laquintaca.gov/slurryseal for detailed maps. Please allow extra time and/or use alternate routes if possible. We appreciate your patience as we continue to enhance our Gem of the Desert.

Other Projects:

Slurry Seal – Slurry seal is complete. Pavement repairs are completed. Striping in progress.

City Parks – Overseeding at City Parks is scheduled as follows:

• Civic Center Campus, Eisenhower, Velasco, and the X-Park scalping the week of September 25, overseeding the week of October 2.
• Adams, Desert Pride, Fritz Burns, La Quinta, Monticello, Pioneer Park, and the Bear Creek Trail between Eisenhower and Carranza scalping the week of October 9, overseeding the week of October 16.
• SilverRock Event Park scalping the week of October 16, overseeding October 23.

Attention Dog Owners: The Fritz Burns, Pioneer, and Seasons Dog Parks will be closed for overseeding from October 2 – 31.

Please Note: These dates are subject to change by a day or two based on the contractor’s schedule.

SoCalGas is working on four (4) projects in the Cove to replace their gas distribution lines. Affected households have been, or will be, contacted by SoCalGas.

Most houses will not experience any gas loss due to the use of bypass lines prior to gas shutoff. Houses with older gas meters may experience periods of no gas for 3-4 hours max. There will also be a 1 ½ foot cutout of the driveway approach to facilitate line replacement. Residents can still enter and exit their driveways despite the cutout.

The projects are as follows and may last another month:

• Avenida Cortez & Calle Sonora
• In progress, estimated completion 9/30/23
• Avenida Obregon & Calle Hidalgo
• In progress, estimated completion 9/30/23
• Avenida Ramirez
• In progress, estimated completion 9/30/23
• Avenida Madero & Calle Durango
• In progress, estimated completion 9/30/23