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La Quinta Art Celebration

The La Quinta Art Celebration is ongoing at La Quinta's Civic Center Campus February 29 - March 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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 event in the nation!

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, please visit www.laquintaartcelebration.org.

Desert Smash Celebrity Pickleball Challenge

The first ever Desert Smash Celebrity Pickleball Challenge will take place at the “La Casa” event space at the La Quinta Resort and Club on Monday, March 4, 2024, from 3 - 5 p.m. For its’ inaugural event, presented by founding and presenting partner Smirnoff Smash, Desert Smash has partnered with some of the best in the sport, THE KITCHEN, and the MIAMI PICKLEBALL CLUB, who will be programming a fun afternoon of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

This year’s event will benefit Charlize Theron’s eponymous foundation, the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project. Tickets include admission as well as product samplings, giveaways, and knowing that you’re supporting a great cause!

HOST: Colton Underwood

For more information please visit: https://www.playinlaquinta.com.

Desert Smash Celebrity Tennis Event

Desert Smash, the world famous event that brings together Hollywood and Pro Tennis for charity, has announced award-winning actress, producer and philanthropist, Charlize Theron, as the host for its 20th annual event, taking place at the La Quinta Resort and Club on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. In a natural complement to Charlize hosting, this year’s Desert Smash will benefit her eponymous charity, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) – a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to investing in the health and safety of young people living in Southern Africa to create a more equitable future for all.

For 19 Years, Desert Smash has been the most preeminent and globally recognized celebrity charity tennis event in the world, bringing the biggest names in Hollywood, Music & Pro Tennis together to battle on-court for a good cause.

HOST: Charlize Theron

For more information please visit: https://www.playinlaquinta.com.

City Website Links:

Short Term Vacation Rentals

Housing

Parks

Upcoming Events:

Certified Farmers Market

The Certified Farmers Market will be held on Sunday, March 3, 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.

Mission LQ: Rocket Launch

Come out to Monticello Park on Saturday, March 9, from 8 to 10 a.m. for Mission LQ: Rocket Launch! Mission LQ is a launchpad for beginners to seasoned rocketeers to learn, model, and launch small power rockets. There will be instruction from La Quinta Rocketry Club leaders to provide a safe and controlled environment. Get ready to launch your rocket into the La Quinta skies!

For more information, please contact Erika at (760) 777-7093 or the Wellness Center front desk at (760) 564-0096.

Art in Public Places:

La Quinta's Harmony

Art Piece: La Quinta’s Harmony (2023)

Artist: Charles Sherman

Location: Civic Center Campus

La Quinta’s Harmony is one of Charles Sherman’s Miracle Towers, sculptures inspired by the pyramids of Ancient Egypt and based on interpretations of the tetrahedron geometric form. The 10-foot tall sculpture was fabricated from hand-welded stainless steel and features a chemically activated patina that creates the turquoise-blue color. The convergence of the triangles at the apex of La Quinta’s Harmony is counter-pointed by the stability of the perfectly balanced triangles that meet at the sculpture's base. Wherever a Miracle Tower is placed, the magic of its strength, balance, and the wisdom of the ages is evoked by the sculpture’s pyramid energy. La Quinta’s Harmony is meant to activate the environment in which it is placed and serves as a visual totem to manifest personal miracles. La Quinta’s Harmony was purchased during the 2023 La Quinta Art Celebration.

Recreation:

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 any questions, please call the Wellness Center at (760) 564-0096.

Upcoming Wellness Center Closures

The Wellness Center will fully close to the public due to the La Quinta Art Celebration on Monday, February 26 through Monday, March 4, 2024. During these closures, Wellness Center fitness members will have access to Desert Recreation District’s La Quinta Community Fitness Center located at: 77865 Avenida Montezuma; (760) 564-9921. Please remember to bring your fitness card with you to access their facility. *Please note: Peak times at this facility are mornings between 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. The hours of operation at this site are Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The Wellness Center gym will re-open for regular business hours beginning Tuesday, March 5, 2024; 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact the Wellness Center at: (760) 564-0096.

The La Quinta Wellness Center offers a variety of fitness and leisure classes. Yoga Flow, Gentle Yoga, Mat Pilates, Tai Chi Yang, Essential Fitness, Mental Muscle Relaxation, Deep Stretch, and Beginning Ballroom Dance 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 March 2024.

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.

Fritz Burns Pool

Fritz Burns Pool in La Quinta has plenty to offer visitors of all ages. Available programs include Arthritis Water Therapy, Aqua Fit, Adult Water Aerobic, and open/lap swim. The pool is located on the corner of Avenida Bermudas and Avenue 52 in La Quinta. For more information please call (760) 771-4347.

Click the images below to view the January - April 2024 schedule!

X Park

The X Park is open seven days a week! The 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.

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: Community Cookbook

Library: Express Services Only

Please note that the La Quinta Library will be open for EXPRESS SERVICES ONLY due to the La Quinta Art Celebration on February 29 through March 3, 2024. Please call us at (760) 564-4767 for any questions regarding Express Service procedures.

Library: Sensory Hour

Sensory Hour for children ages 0 – 12 months takes place on Monday, March 4 & 18, at 10:15 A.M. and Friday, March 15 & 29, at 3:00 P.M. Sensory hour includes activities that promote the development of motor skills as well as socialization amongst peers. Sponsored by Friends of the La Quinta Library.

Library: Scrabble Club

Scrabble Club meets on Tuesday, March 5 & 12 from 11:00 A.M. -12:30 P.M. Join us for some friendly games of Scrabble.

Creation Station: Makerspace Closed

The Creation Station: La Quinta's MakerSpace will be closed to the public Thursday, February 29 through Sunday March 3, due to the La Quinta Art Celebration. Regular hours will resume on Wednesday, March 6 at 10:00 A.M.

Creation Station: Maker Craft

Maker Craft: Kung Fu Panda Mini Pillows on Saturday, March 9, from 10:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Join us for an easy, FREE hand-sewing craft and make some felt pillows based on Kung Fu Panda characters! No RSVP required, first come craft. All ages welcome, while supplies last. Patrons will choose from the following characters: Master Po Ping (Giant Panda), Grand Master Oogway (Galápagos Tortoise), Master Monkey (Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey) Master Tigress (South China Tiger), Master Crane (Black-Necked Crane) While this is a program for all ages, we do recommend parental help with the use of sewing needles.

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.

Program: Music at the Museum

Join us in the Courtyard for the sounds of Daveed Macias on Thursday, March 7, at 5:00 P.M.!

Exhibit: From the Archives

From the Archives: Enjoy seldom-seen artwork from the archives of the La Quinta Historical Society from February 6 through March 30.

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.

Art on Main Street

Old Town La Quinta’s Art on Main Street features over 100 artists each season. Meet local artists selling their paintings, jewelry, mixed media, photography, textiles, glass, and more. Celebrate the arts amidst Main Street’s charming cafes and boutiques. The perfect way to spend the day in Old Town!

There are only two Saturdays left this season! From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• March 9
• March 23

Premier Sponsor – City of La Quinta

Location: Old Town La Quinta, 78100 Main Street, La Quinta, CA

For more information, please visit: www.oldtownlaquinta.com.

The GEM Magazine - February 2024

The February 2024 GEM Magazine is available online! In this issue:

• Falling in Love with La Quinta: How One Family Left L.A. for the Gem of the Desert
• Two La Quinta Women Share Important Insights About Black History Month
• City Hosts 'Mapping Our Tomorrow' Community Workshop on February 22
• 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.

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

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:

City Council Meeting

• Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 4:00 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers

Planning Commission Meeting

• Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 5:00 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers

Housing Commission Meeting

• Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 5:00 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 March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election is almost upon us. Residents can drop off their vote-by-mail ballots or cast their vote in-person at any of the locations listed below.

Vote-By-Mail locations – February 5 – March 2, 2024

• La Quinta City Hall – 78495 Calle Tampico
• Trilogy at La Quinta – 60750 Trilogy Parkway

Vote Center locations – March 2-5, 2024

• La Quinta City Hall – 78495 Calle Tampico
• The Palms at La Quinta Assisted Living and Memory Care – 45160 Seeley Drive
• Trilogy at La Quinta – 60750 Trilogy Parkway

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.

For your convenience, The HUB Online Portal is available 24/7 for permits, request inspections, search plans, and licenses, as well as pay fees. To access the City of La Quinta Online Portal, please visit: 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:

Staff issued 67 business licenses and collected $6,484.80 for the week of February 19^th  through February 25^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 103 permit applications and issued 55 permits for the week of February 19^th through February 25^th.

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

Building:

Completed 63 Plan Reviews and performed 349 Inspections for the week of February 19^th through February 25^th.

New Development Updates:

The City Council will hear the Club at Coral Mountain project at its regular meeting on March 5, 2024. The Club at Coral Mountain project proposes up to 750 homes with an 18-hole golf course and 60,000 square feet of commercial development at the northeast corner of Madison Street and Avenue 58.

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.

Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair – Calling all business owners! Learn how to do business with government agencies: cities, CVAG, and more in the Coachella Valley. This FREE in-person event will feature some education on how to get started doing business with these agencies and then allow the vendors an opportunity to meet the various decision makers from the departments that determine what is needed to run their operations. For more information, please call (760) 777-7059 or email Darmendariz@laquintaca.gov.

When: Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Where: Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros

Participating agencies include:

• City of Cathedral City 
• City of Desert Hot Springs
• City of Indio
• City of La Quinta
• City of Palm Desert
• City of Palm Springs
• City of Rancho Mirage
• Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG)    

Please RSVP for this FREE event via Eventbrite using this link so we can keep a headcount for food and other goodies! Or you can follow the QR code below to Eventbrite:

Dune Palms Bridge Update:

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

Construction continues on the southbound bridge support system with crews placing large steel cages into drilled holes in the storm drainage channel. The 50-foot-long cages are 60 inches in diameter and will ultimately be filled with concrete.

Crews placing concrete for the southbound bridge abutment, part of the bridge support system at the north end of the project.

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:

PMP Slurry Seal Project – Slurry is complete on Avenida La Fonda, Washington Street and Calle Madrid. Contractor is currently placing slurry seal on Avenida Martinez and Avenida Mendoza. Pavement for the new bike lanes is complete on Monroe Street. Contractor is placing crack fill from Avenue 52 to Avenue 62. Resurfacing for the Fritz Burns overflow parking is complete. Striping on all completed areas is in progress and will be ongoing.

Cactus Flower Project – Demolition is complete at the parkway of Dune Palms and on Fred Waring. Contractor is grading the slopes and installing keystone block.

Code Compliance:

• Code Compliance has inspected 64 properties, opened 38 cases, closed 39 cases, issued 9 courtesy notices, 5 notice of violation, 4 final notice of violation, and 176 other actions, and handled 14 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.