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Coffee With a Cop

Come enjoy a hot cup of coffee with your local Riverside County Sheriff's Deputies on Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 9 to 11 a.m. The location is the new Panera Bread at 78902 Highway 111 in La Quinta.

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.

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:

Report a Maintenance Issue

Community Services Grant Program

Council Meeting Videos

The GEM Magazine - September 2023

The September 2023 GEM Magazine is available online! 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.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program

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 334 U.S. Flags so far! For more information about the drop box and U.S. Flag etiquette, please visit https://www.laquintaca.gov/Flag.

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:

Special Joint City Council / Planning Commission Meeting

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

State of the City 2023

• Thursday, September 28, 2023, 5:00 p.m., Embassy Suites by Hilton La Quinta Hotel & Spa

City Council Meeting

• Tuesday, October 3, 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:

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!

Certified Farmers Market is Back!

The Certified Farmers Market is back and their grand opening is on Sunday, October 1, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Old Town La Quinta. The Certified Farmers Market will be open every Sunday from October 2023 – May 2024, except for Christmas and Easter.

This family fun and friendly experience has something for everyone to enjoy, from the freshest locally grown flowers, fruits, eggs, honey, and vegetables to gourmet chef-prepared foods and one-of-a-kind Artisan goods. You will get to know your local producers and farmers in a way that will compel you to be there weekly, just to see their smiling faces and stock up on food that will keep you and your family fed with the healthiest and tastiest options available, all grown within about 100 miles of the Coachella Valley. For more information, please visit www.playinlaquinta.com/eat-shop/certified-farmers-market.

Art in Public Places:

Andalusian Horse and Rider

Art Piece: Andalusian Horse and Rider (2007)

Artist: Patricia Borum

Location: Andalusia Country Club

The sculpture stands 14 feet tall and weighs more than 3,000 pounds. It is the largest bronze sculpture in the City of La Quinta. Tall, strong, elegant, and noble are qualities that describe an excellent Andalusian stallion. They are also qualities that describe the artistic bronze work of sculptor Patricia Borum who was commissioned by the luxury golf community of Andalusia at Coral Mountain to create a bronze likeness of its logo, the Andalusian stallion and rider. The sculpture is part of Andalusia at Coral Mountain's contribution to the City of La Quinta's Art in Public Places program and the total cost of the piece was approximately $180,000.

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: It's a Library Birthday

It’s a Library Birthday! All ages welcome on Saturday, September 23, at 12:00 P.M. Register your September birthday and let the library throw the birthday party! Our once-a-month library birthday party will include games, crafts and stories geared to create a safe, fun, all-inclusive birthday experience. Members of the community are encouraged to come and celebrate September birthdays with us! Sponsored by Friends of the La Quinta Library. *Registration required*

Library: Impulse Affirmation Book Club

Impulse Affirmation for ages 13 – 17 on Monday, September 25, at 5:30 P.M. Reader’s choice. Discuss in person or online at bit.ly/LAQTeensDiscord.

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 to reduce the need for redundant data input, reduce staff and customer time when assisting the public with permitting and licensing, allow Geographic Information System (GIS) integration. Here is a link to The HUB Online Portal:  http://www.laquintaca.gov/HUBOnlinePortal

Please contact the HUB at 760-777-7000 if you would like to schedule an in-person appointment with a permit tech or need assistance with the Hub Online Portal.

Business Licenses:

Apply or renew your business license by accessing online services at http://www.laquintaca.gov/HUBOnlinePortal

Staff issued 25 business licenses and collected $2,755.24 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 97 permit applications and issued 60 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 87 Plan Reviews and Performed 468 Inspections.

New Development Updates:

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, City Council considered a Planned Unit Development consisting of 80 units, La Villetta at Avenue 58, located on Avenue 58 between Monroe and Madison Streets. The item was continued to December 19, 2023, to allow time for the developer to coordinate electrical services for the project.

On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, beginning at 4:00 p.m., the City of La Quinta will hold a Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission to discuss the Highway 111 Corridor Specific Plan. This meeting will include a study session with a presentation and update of the development of the Specific Plan. The Highway 111 Corridor is an important two-mile long commercial hub that serves residents and visitors, generating over 3/4th of the City’s sales tax revenue. Ensuring the Corridor’s economic resilience is essential to the City’s future. The Highway 111 Corridor Specific Plan will set the framework for future development that improves quality of life and reimagines Highway 111 as an iconic place offering a range of memorable experiences. The public is welcome to attend so please mark your calendars!

Code Compliance:

• Code Compliance has inspected 130 properties, opened 40 cases, closed 38 cases, issued 33 courtesy notices, 8 notice of violation, 7 final notice of violation, 2 notice of public nuisance, 11 administrative citations, and 177 other actions and handled 55 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.

Other Projects:

SilverRock Event Park – Staff are working on the bocce ball courts, installing the perimeter fence, curb and bringing in the benches.

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