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Veterans Recognition Ceremony

Please visit www.laquintaca.gov/VETERANS for more information.

City Hall Closed for Veterans Day

Fireworks Display Alert

Please be aware of two private event fireworks displays occurring on Friday, November 10, at Andalusia Country Club and Rancho La Quinta Country Club.

Fireworks displays can disturb pets and be stressful to individuals with noise sensitivity. The City of La Quinta encourages residents in the affected areas to please be aware of the upcoming fireworks displays and secure their pets if possible. As always, the events will have a Riverside County Fire Department Office of the Fire Marshal - Fire Safety Officer present.

For more information on the City's fireworks policy and scheduled events, please visit www.laquintaca.gov/fireworks.

City Website Links:

Waste & Recycling

Calendar

Wellness Center

Shop La Quinta Local

The GEM Magazine - November 2023

The November 2023 GEM Magazine is available online! In this issue:

• Old Town La Quinta Celebrates 20th Anniversary
• City of La Quinta to Host Veterans Day Recognition Event November 11
• KIKI'S: The Latest New Restaurant to Expand La Quinta's Vibrant Dining Scene
• 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 403 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

Upcoming City Meetings:

Planning Commission Meeting

• Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 5:00 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers

City Council Meeting

• Tuesday, November 21, 2023, 4:00 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers

City Council Meeting

• Tuesday, December 5, 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:

The Missing Man Table

Visit the La Quinta Museum starting November 1 through November 30 and view a beautiful display. The Missing Man Table, also known as the fallen comrade table, is steeped in symbolism and is featured in solemn ceremonies for fallen, missing, or imprisoned U.S. Military Service Members. Each item on the Missing Man Table represents the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not come home.

Blood Drive on November 11

The City of La Quinta is hosting a blood drive on Saturday, November 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bloodmobile outside the Wellness Center (78450 Avenida La Fonda). Donate blood and receive a special edition Veterans Day T-shirt while supplies last!

For more information and to schedule an appointment, please visit www.lstream.org/laquinta.

La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE

The La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE returns to Civic Center Park November 16-19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Art enthusiasts can browse a unique selection of world class art from over 200 artists. Enjoy food, live music, and plenty of art at the #1 fine art and fine craft art event in the nation! For more information, please visit www.laquintaartcelebration.org.

Certified Farmers Market

The Certified Farmers Market will be held on Sunday, November 12, from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in Old Town La Quinta. Bring your reusable grocery bags and your appetite because the Certified Farmers Markets are back, bigger, and better than ever before. You will find fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, fresh farm-raised meats, line-caught seafood, freshly baked bread, pastries, cookies, handmade hummus, chips and dips, salsa, handcrafted teas, gourmet sauces, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. We also have honey, fresh-squeezed juices, handcrafted leather goods, jewelry, natural health products, handmade clothing, cards, skincare, soaps, candles, handcrafted wood bowls, and cutting boards, all brought to you by local vendors. Admission and parking are free!

For more information, please visit www.playinlaquinta.com.

Love & Love Tennis Foundation Tennis Clinics

Love & Love Tennis Foundation will be offering FREE Tennis Clinics at Fritz Burns Park every Saturday through November 25, from 8:00 – 9:15 A.M. Ages 6 – 15 years old only. This is a great way to introduce your child to this great sport. Register by calling (760) 772-9411 or email sportswomn@aol.com.

Health and Wellness Events

The Wellness Center is hosting a Vaccine Clinic on Wednesday, November 29, from 8 to 11 a.m. Click the image above for more details. The Wellness Center is located at 78450 Avenida La Fonda.

LQ Hikes

In collaboration with our pals at Friends of the Desert Mountains, please find the following hikes for November 2023. Meeting point is at the Top of the Cove Parking Lot at Avenida Bermudas & Calle Tecate.

November 27, from 7 - 10 p.m. - La Quinta Full Moon Hike 

November 27, from 7:30 - 10 p.m. - La Quinta Cove Night Sky Star Observations

**Hikers must register for a FREE ticket to attend each hike. Registration begins 7 days prior to the event. This way they can keep the group sizes under 20 people. For more information, please call (760) 568-9918 or visit www.PlayInLaQuinta.com.

Art in Public Places:

Portal on Landscape

Art Piece: Portal on Landscape (2014)

Artist: Ben Kinne

Location: Wellness Center

The contemporary nature of Ben Kinne’s painted bronze etched panels are realized through a refined use of materials and techniques. Use of specific shapes and colors define his panel series, which is further embellished by bronze applique, providing contrasts in materials as well as textural detail. A carefully selected mix of sand, gravel, and cement is hand cast into thin panels, then cured for a month. Each panel is carefully engineered, while mix, reinforcement, and form design contribute to the medium on which the art will be installed. Acid etching is done individually on each piece by hand, without the use of templates. The metal work is fabricated from raw materials using cutting, grinding, and welding methods. The Portal on Landscape panels are altered in color using chemical patina processes and finished with protective coatings.

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

For more information, please call 760-564-0096.

Wellness Center Closed November 13-20

The La Quinta Art Celebration will be using the Wellness Center facility beginning Monday, November 13 through Monday November 20. The facility will be closed to the public during this time and will re-open on Tuesday, November 21 at 6:00 A.M. Wellness Center Fitness Members are welcome to use the Desert Recreation District La Quinta Fitness Center located at 77-865 Avenida Montezuma. You will need to show your membership card to the front desk staff. 

The La Quinta Wellness Center is offering fitness classes in November. Yoga Flow, Gentle Yoga, Mat Pilates, Tai Chi Yang, Essential Fitness, Mental Muscle Relaxation, Deep Stretch, Beginning Ballroom Dance, and Pickleball 101 are available for online registration now! Please call the Wellness Center for more details (760) 564-0096.

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

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.  Call (760) 564-0096 Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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).

Horizon High School, 43330 Palm Royale Dr., La Quinta, CA 92253

• 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 - New Hours!

The X Park is now open seven days a week! The new hours of operation are Monday - 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.

X Park to Host 2023 World WCMX Championships

The La Quinta X Park is proud to host the 2023 World WCMX Championships on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The event will host the top adaptive skateboarding & WCMX (Wheelchair MotoCross) athletes from around the world along with able-bodied skateboarders seeking to display their talents. Championship divisions include WCMX Pro/Open, WCMX Womens, WCMX Am (Youth & Beginners), Adaptive Skateboarding, Adaptive Skateboarding Womens, and Able-bodied skateboarding. FREE for registrants and spectators!

For more information and to register, please call the X Park at (760) 777-7004 or visit actionparkalliance.com/events/world-wcmx-championships-2023.

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.

**Please note: The Library and Creation Station will be closed on Friday, November 10, in observance of Veterans Day.

Library: Read the States

Read the States. Ages 13-17. Saturday, November 11, at 11:30 A.M. Discussing Legendborn by Tracy Deonn. Enjoy snacks and goodies from North Carolina while we discuss the book. *Registration recommended*

Library: Piece It Together

Piece It Together. Ages 5-12. Monday, November 13, at 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 PM. NEW PROGRAM! Improve motor skills and strengthen creativity by piecing together puzzles or legos (alternating weekly). Sponsored by Friends of the La Quinta Library.

Library: Express Services Only November 16-19

The La Quinta Library will be open for Express Service Pick-Up only, November 16 - 19, during the La Quinta Art Celebration.

Creation Station: Closed November 16-19

The Creation Station: La Quinta's MakerSpace will be closed to the public during the La Quinta Arts Celebration from November 16 to November 19. Express Services for 3D printing can be submitted by email.

Creation Station: MakerSpace Camp

MakerSpace Camp: Pokémon Mini Pillows on Saturday, November 25, ages 7-13. $5 fee. Session A: 10:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Session B: 1:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. Our November MakerSpace Camp will focus on hand sewing techniques to create custom Pokémon mini felt pillows. Makers will learn about Blanket Stitch, Backstitch and more! Participants can choose (2) designs from our limited-edition collection: *Snorlax (aka Kabigon) *Jigglypuff (aka Purin) *Pikachu *Poké Ball *Charmander (aka Hitokage) *Rowlet (aka Mokuroh) Gotta Catch Them All!! These designs are only available with this MakerSpace camp. Limited Spots, so RSVP before it's too late! When you RSVP, please include your (2) design choices so the kits are ready for the camp.

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.

**Please note: The Museum will be closed on Friday, November 10, in observance of Veterans Day.

New Exhibit: Desert Views

Desert Views. Enjoy work from local artists interpreting the theme “Desert Views”. Experience this collection of over 40 artworks, celebrating both views of the valley and diverse points of view.

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.

The City of La Quinta is excited to announce we have partnered with Tyler Technologies to provide an improved and efficient customer service experience with an advanced online permit 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 need assistance with the Hub Online Portal or would like to schedule an in-person appointment.

Business Licenses:

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

Staff issued 53 business licenses and collected $3,034.50 for the week of October 29^th through November 4^th.

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 76 permit applications and issued 73 permits for the week of October 29^th through November 4^th.

Permits include building construction, land use and special events, garage sales, public works encroachment, fire system installations and code compliance inspections.

Building:

Completed 46 Plan Reviews and performed 442 Inspections for the week of October 29^th through November 4^th.

New Development Updates:

Building permits were issued for a single family dwelling within the Hideaway community and a 6,641 square foot tenant improvement for the Kid’s Clubhouse at 79390 Highway 111 located within the La Quinta Valley Plaza.

The Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, beginning at 5:00 p.m., where staff will provide an update on the La Quinta Cultural Campus project and the Commission will consider the following items:

Finding a property exchange between the City and a private party for certain real property on Avenida La Fonda and another property on Desert Club Drive consistent with the City’s 2035 General Plan.

Additions to the City’s inventory of affordable housing sites to meet the state-mandated “no net loss” requirements in connection with the La Quinta Village Apartments project on the corner of Washington Street and Avenue 50.

A Conditional Use Permit for a monopalm wireless telecommunication tower at the Fire Station at 54001 Madison Street.

Code Compliance:

• Code Compliance has inspected 128 properties, opened 40 cases, closed 44 cases, issued 32 courtesy notices, 5 notice of violation, 8 final notices of violation, 4 administrative citations, and 166 other actions and handled 40 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 Crews continue work on the northbound eastern bridge span support system foundations and storm water channel flow runoff management and will begin work on a cut-off wall that will mitigate water running through the construction zone.

Dune Palms Bridge Update:

** Dune Palms Road remains closed until further notice. **

The Dune Palms Road closure will continue until further notice. Please use Westward Ho Dr. and Jefferson St., or take alternate routes.

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

Other Projects:

Fred Waring Pavement Rehab (Washington Street) – Two lanes are closed today. One lane will be left closed until Friday. Repairs will be paved on Friday morning and all three lanes will be available Friday evening.

Cove Trails Parking Lot Improvements – Contractor is installing base at the existing parking lot on the West Side of Calle Tecate. It will be open for the weekend and the expansion will be finished by next week.

Fred Waring Pavement Rehab – Contractor is pulverizing outer lanes (lanes 2 and 3) of Fred Waring, from Washington to Adams for Westbound and Eastbound traffic. They will be working on Friday doing light grading. They will also be paving these areas next week (Wednesday-Friday).

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.