The Phantom of The Opera May 2-5
Features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe, and book by Lloyd Webber and Stilgoe. There will be fog, lighting, masks, a crashing chandelier and more, but many visual aspects will be left to the imagination.
Time/ Place: McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert
Contact: 760-340-2787 / www.mccallumtheatre.com

Palm Desert Concert in the Park May 2-30
Every Thursday evening, concertgoers are encouraged to bring picnic baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs. The Family YMCA of the Desert will conduct children activities prior to each concert and food trucks will be on site with tasty food options, beverages, and snacks for purchase. Dogs are welcomed.
Time/ Place: 7: 30pm / Civic Center Park Amphitheater
Contact: 760-568-1441 / www.discoverpalmdesert.com

Films on the Great Lawn May 3, 10 & 17
Film-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnic items for the outdoor screening. Large coolers, alcohol, smoking, and pets are not permitted. With limited parking, carpooling is strongly advised. May 3: A Bugs Life. May 10: Monsters, Inc. May 17: Ratatouille.
Time/ Place: 8pm / Sunnylands Center & Gardens, Rancho Mirage
Contact: 760-202-2234 / www.sunnylands.org

Train Day May 4
Enjoy train chats, train adopts, a scavenger hunt and more! Train Day features fun events centered around The Living Deserts 3,300 feet of track at the Garden Railroad. Train Day includes a train-themed treasure hunt, special trackless train rides, and of course a Choo-Choo-Churro special. Model train enthusiasts will enjoy informative train chats being offered.
Time/ Place: 9am-12pm / The Living Desert, Palm Desert
Contact: 760-346-5694 / www.livingdesert.org

Fiesta on El Paseo May 4
Visit our Gourmet Food Trucks serving everything from Tacos to Churros. Enjoy the sounds of the Mariachi Serenata Mexicana band, while Latin Ballroom Dancers Meagen Mendoza and Dzianis Marasin perform the Bachata and more.
Time/ Place: 11am-4pm / The Shops on El Paseo
Contact: 760-341-4058 / www.theshopsonelpaseo.com

Tequila & Taco Fiesta May 4
Enjoy tequila and taco tastings for only $5 each at Solanos West Coast Bistro, The Grill on Main, Old Town Tavern Barbecue & More, and Stuft Pizza. Each restaurant will offer a different brand of tequila and a distinctive food tasting, so visit more than one! Special features include Mariachi music on Main Street and an outdoor beer garden and family fun and games.
Time/ Place: 6-9pm / Old Town La Quinta
Contact: www.oldtownlaquinta.com

Evening Under the Stars May 4
Food Samaritans (Aids Assistance Program) proudly announces that the gala will feature the Music of ABBA performed by ARRIVAL from Sweden. Cocktails, community awards, dinner, and dancing. The largest annual fundraiser for AAP Food Samaritans, a non-profit organization that provides nutritional support for low-income people living with HIV/ AIDS and other chronic illnesses.
Time/ Place: 5: 30-10pm / ODonnell Golf Course, Palm Springs
Contact: 760-325-8481 / www.aidsassistance.org

Cinema Under the Stars May 4 & 11
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, food and beverages to this extraordinary outdoor cinematic experience. This event is free to the public and includes complimentary popcorn and water. May 4: Space Cowboys. May 11: Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Time/ Place: 6: 30pm / Rancho Mirage Amphitheater
Contact: 760-324-4511 / www.ranchomirageca.gov

Cinco De Mayo Fiesta May 5
Featuring Live entertainment, Margaritas, tacos, and much more Mexican Food & Drink. Proceeds of the event will benefit Visionaries of Tools For Tomorrow.
Time/ Place: 4-7pm / Old Town Artisan Studio, La Quinta
Contact: 760-601-3954 / www.toolsfortomorrow.org

Palm Springs Photo Festival May 5-10
Guests can take workshops that allow them to work intimately with world-renowned photographers and learn new skills. They can also attend seminars, symposiums & presentations, and can sit down with industry professionals and have their own portfolios reviewed. There are dinners, parties, and networking events in the evenings
Time/ Place: Hyatt Palm Springs
Contact: 479-544-7985 / 2019.palmspringsphotofestival.com

Suavecito Sunday May 5-26
Enjoy free music in the park in the Suavecito theme.
Time/ Place: 6-9pm / Veterans Park, Coachella
Contact: www.gcvcc.org

The Chocolate Soiree Benefit Event May 7
Enjoy the decadent desserts, and the recipes, of elite chefs from around the Coachella Valley while benefitting the Childrens Discovery Museum of the Desert. It will be a night of food, friends and fun, and remember, it is brown tie optional!
Time/ Place: 6-9pm / PIRCH, Rancho Mirage
Contact: 760-321-0602 / www.cdmod.org

California Preservation Conference May 8-11
Preservation Springs Eternal will showcase the rich historic preservation movement present throughout the state, with a special focus on the architecture of Palm Springs, and the impact of preservation action in the region. The 2019 conference focuses on a range of topics exploring ways of building on Californias preservation legacy and shaping its future of heritage conservation throughout the state.
Time/ Place: Hilton Hotel Palm Springs
Contact: www.californiapreservation.org

Coyote Classic Golf Tournament May 9
Cost is $200 a player, which includes cart, unlimited bottled water, Classic Club logoed towel, range balls, dinner and drinks, and evening awards presentation. Raises thousands of dollars annually for the SoCal Coyotes non-profit leadership organization and its numerous youth outreach programs.
Time/ Place: 11am-5pm / Classic Club, Palm Desert
Contact: 760-601-3600 / www.thesocalcoyotes.com

Shen Yun 2019 World Tour May 9-11
Featuring one of the worlds oldest art formsclassical Chinese dancealong with patented scenographical effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom.
Time/ Place: McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert
Contact: www.shenyun.com

Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival May 9-12
This unique festival features an eclectic mixture of landmark and obscure vintage movies from the classic film noir era.
Time/ Place: Camelot Theatres, Palm Springs
Contact: arthurlyonsfilmnoir.ning.com

Shakti Fest May 9-13
A 5 day Yoga, Music & Personal Transformational Festival dedicated to the divine feminine that blossoms within all of us. Workshops will cover a plethora of wellness and conscious topics including Ayurveda, spiritual nutrition, tantric energy, breathwork, Sanskrit, conscious relationships, womens sexuality, bhakti art, and hoop dance, with internationally known speakers.
Time/ Place: Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground
Contact: 408-460-0504 / bhaktifest.com/ shaktifest/

Star Party at The Monument May 11
The Astronomical Society of the Desert will conduct sky tours and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and giant binoculars.
Time/ Place: 8-10pm / Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, Palm Desert
Contact: 760-862-9984 / www.desertmountains.org

Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival May 16-19
An intimate setting, where the distinction between artist and audience is blurred, and a passionate performance can be truly relished in close proximity to the stage. Free water to patrons, no service charges on reasonably priced tickets. A family-friendly global music experience.
Time/ Place: Joshua Tree Lake Campground
Contact: www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com

Movies in the Park: The Sound of Music May 25
You are welcome to bring snacks or non-alcoholic drinks, but you can also purchase them from the movie organizers at the concession stand.
Time/ Place: 8: 30pm / Cathedral City Downtown Festival Lawn
Contact: 760-770-0340 / www.discovercathedralcity.com

Street Food Cinema: Selene May 25
Outdoor movie screening of Selena, the true story of Selena Quintanilla-Perez, a Texas-born Tejano singer who rose from cult status to performing at the Astrodome, as well as having chart topping albums on the Latin music charts. There will also be a meet and greet opportunity with Chris Perez, Grammy Award-winning artist. Prez was the lead guitarist for his wife Selenas band, Selena y Los Dinos.
Time/ Place: 5: 30-11pm / La Quinta Park
Contact: www.streetfoodcinema.com/ selena-lq

Memorial Day Flower Drop & Air Fair May 27
A brief Memorial service is dedicated to all fallen comrades, who paid the ultimate price for freedom. In their honor, the service will be highlighted with a fly-by and flower drop of over 3,000 red and white carnations from B-25 Mitchell bomber. Visitors are welcome to pick up a flower to take home.
Time/ Place: 8am-2: 30pm / Palm Springs Air Museum
Contact: 760-778-6262 / www.palmspringsairmuseum.org

VillageFest Every Thursday
Downtown Palm Springs transforms into a diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, and purveyors of fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, jewelry, snacks and sweets. Add all that to the great shops, restaurants, clubs, and entertainment venues located along World Famous Palm Canyon Drive and the result is one of Southern Californias most popular weekly events: VillageFest!
Time/ Place: 6-10pm / Palm Canyon Drive
Contact: www.villagefest.org

College of the Desert Street Fair Every Sat. & Sun.
With merchandise and services for all ages and any budget, the Street Fair offers more than 300 merchants, artists, a farmers market, live entertainment, gourmet food and more.
Time/ Place: 7am-2pm / 43500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert
Contact: 760-636-7957 / codaastreetfair.com

City Working to Reopen Roadway Within Approximately 90-120 Days

INDIO, CA (April 22, 2019) – In mid-February, heavy storms swept through the Coachella Valley and washed out a portion of the road on Avenue 44 along the Whitewater Storm Channel in Indio. The road was damaged to a point where it was unsafe to be opened to through traffic.

City staff has met with Federal, State and other local agencies (Federal FEMA, State Office of Emergency Services and California Department of Transportation) to come up with a quick way to repair the damage, and ultimately reimburse the City for those costs.

Concurrent to temporarily repairing Avenue 44, the City is also pursuing approvals to construct a permanent bridge over the storm channel. The construction of the permanent bridge will begin in two years and take 18 months to complete. Avenue 44 will be closed to traffic during the construction of the permanent bridge.

The City is working diligently to find the quickest and most effective option to reopen the road and understands the inconvenience of not having a through traffic along Avenue 44. It is anticipated that it will take approximately 90-120 days for Avenue 44 to reopen. In the meantime, residents are urged to use alternate routes.

You’re Invited!

Interim Final Draft General Plan Open House #1
Thursday, April 25, 2019
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
City of Indio Emergency Operations Center
45222 Towne Street, Indio, CA 92201

Interim Final Draft General Plan Open House #2
Thursday, May 9, 2019
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
City of Indio Emergency Operations Center
45222 Towne Street, Indio, CA 92201

For the last several years, the City of Indio has been working on an update to its General Plan that was last significantly updated in 1993. The General Plan is a state-mandated document that outlines goals, policies, and programs that provide a 2-20-year framework for future growth and development in the city. The General Plan will address land use, all modes of transportation, housing, safety, conservation, open space, noise, public health, sustainability, and economic development.

The Indio Planning Commission and City Council are expected to review and consider the Draft Interim General Plan during summer 2019, but before they do, the City wants to hear from its residents and businesses regarding the draft Plan. Please plan to attend the City’s upcoming public workshops to share your ideas for the future of Indio. Your input will help shape the final version of the General Plan. This is a free, family friendly event.

For more information please contact Leila Namvar, Senior Planner at 760-541-4258 or lnamvar@indio.org.

For additional information, please visit www.indio2040.org.

Feedback Will Help Shape the Future of the Coachella Valley’s Largest & Fastest Growing City

INDIO, CA (April 12, 2019) – The City of Indio announced its Draft General Plan will be available for public review beginning today, Friday, April 12, 2019, to Monday, May 13, 2019. The document can be viewed at www.indio2040.org or at Indio City Hall located at 100 Civic Center Mall, Indio, California 92201. The public is encouraged to attend open house workshops on Thursday, April 25, 2019, from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Thursday, May 9, 2019, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Both workshops will be held at Indio’s Emergency Operations Center located at 45222 North Towne Street, Indio, California 92201.

Indio’s General Plan is a state-mandated document that presents the City’s vision for its future physical development – goals, policies, and programs. The General Plan is organized into elements addressing land use, transportation, housing, safety, conservation, open space, noise, public health, sustainability, and economic development. Indio’s General Plan was last adopted in 1993 and the current update will plan for Indio’s future development to 2040.  

Please submit your comments no later than May 13, 2019, at 5:00 pm to Leila Namvar, Senior Planner, at lnamvar@indio.org with “Indio Draft General Plan” as the subject. Comments will not be accepted after the deadline.

As you may know, the City of Indio is currently in the process of updating its General Plan. The General Plan is a state mandated document that represents goals, policies, and programs that provide the framework for the City’s future physical development thru 2040. The Indio General Plan will address land use, transportation, housing, safety, conservation, open space, noise, public health, sustainability, and economic development.

The Interim Draft General Plan is available for review and comments at www.indio2040.org. The City has scheduled a Joint meeting (study session) between the City Council, Planning Commission, and General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) to discuss strategies, key issues, and implementation of the City’s 2040 General Plan Update. The study session meeting is open to the public and will occur this Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Please also note the Interim Draft General Plan is out for public review. The public review period starts on April 12, 2019 and ends on May 13, 2019. The comments are due by May 13, 2019, by 5:00 pm. Please note we do not accept any comments after the noted date/time.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will be held at the Empire Polo Club on April 12, 13 and 14 and April 19, 20 and 21, and Stagecoach California’s Country Music Festival on April 26, 27, and 28, 2019 at 81-800 Avenue 51.

On Thursday April 11 Through Sunday April 14, Thursday April 18 Through Sunday April 21, and Thursday April 25 Through Sunday April 28, the Following Roadways Will Be Primary Access Routes for the Festivals and Will Be Impacted:

• Jefferson Street, southbound, from I-10 to Avenue 52
• Washington Street, southbound, from I-10 to Avenue 52
• Monroe Street, southbound, from I-10 to Avenue 52
• Avenue 48 between Jefferson and Jackson
• Highway 111 at Jefferson Street
• Highway 111 at Monroe Street
• I-10 exit eastbound at Jefferson
• I-10 exit eastbound at Monroe
• I-10 exit eastbound at Washington

On Each Friday of the Festivals Through Each Monday, the Following Roads Will Be Closed:

• Avenue 49 between Hjorth Street and Monroe Street
• Avenue 50 between Madison Street and Jackson Street
• Hjorth Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 50
• Madison Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52

Delays:

Avenue 50 between Madison and Monroe Street will experience intermittent closures and delays starting April 1st. Additionally, full closures will occur Friday through Sunday, April 12th – 14th, 19th – 21st and April 26th – 28th. The street will reopen to normal traffic patterns on May 4th.

On each Monday following the festivals, streets surrounding the Festival site and Interstate 10 WILL be busy with over 40,000 campers leaving the area.

Alternate Routes:

North and South travel, use Washington Street, Jackson Street, Calhoun Street and Golf Center Parkway

East and West travel, use Highway 111, Fred Waring Drive, Miles Avenue, Dr. Carreon Blvd. and Avenue 54.

Uber Location:

Avenue 49 and Monroe Street on the southwest corner.

Friends & Family / Taxi Drop off and Pick Up:

Avenue 52 and Madison Street on the northeast corner.

Continued for 2019:

Absolutely no pedestrians or pedestrian festival access will be allowed on Monroe Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52 and Madison Street between Avenue 50 and Avenue 52. Pedestrian Access IS available at the corner of Avenue 49 & Monroe Street and at the corner of Avenue 52 & Madison Street.

Please note that golf carts are not permitted on any of the above-listed streets.

There will be approximately 40,000 guests shuttled into and out of the concert venue from various locations throughout the Coachella Valley to help ease traffic conditions.

Please note that noise from the Festival site, could begin on each Thursday of the festivals, due to sound checks and on-site camping guests.

For concert questions or problems, please call 760-391-4112 or email to concertinfo@indio.org.

Courtesy of indio.org.

Work To Take Place March 11-15, 2019 on Regional, Residential and Industrial Streets

INDIO, CA (March 11, 2019) – The City of Indio will be laying new asphalt on various regional, residential and industrial streets throughout the community from Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15, 2019. Work will occur between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm Residents and motorists are urged to use alternate routes due to localized delays. Access for emergency vehicles will be unaffected.

The road improvement schedule is as follows:

Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15:

• Martha’s Village Neighborhood (Southwest corner of Indio Blvd. and Date Ave. Includes all streets in this area.)
• Colony Park Neighborhood (Northwest corner of Jackson St. and Dr. Carreon Blvd. Includes all streets in this area.)
• Jackson Park Neighborhood (Southwest corner of Jackson St. and Dr. Carreon Blvd. Includes all streets in this area.)

Monday, March 11 to Tuesday, March 12:

• Calhoun St. between Highway 111 and Dr. Carreon Blvd.

Tuesday, March 12:

• Avenue 50 between Jackson St. and Calhoun St.

Thursday, March 14 to Friday, March 15:

• Oasis St. between the Courthouse Parking Structure and Avenue 48

The road improvement work involves grinding the top surface of the street and overlaying it with new asphalt. The project is funded by Measure X, which was a voter-approved 1% sales tax increase measure passed by Indio voters in 2016 for infrastructure improvements and public safety.

For further information, contact Kelly Koleszar of Matich Corporation at 909-228-1659. The schedule may be adjusted due to weather impacts so please read posted signs and any message boards.

• Indio has three ambulances with two paramedics per ambulance active at all times.
• There is not a policy in place stating patients will only be taken to JFK. In theory, patients can request any hospital they want (i.e. Eisenhower, Desert Regional, Orange County).
• The ambulance will take patients to the hospital they request as long as the following two scenarios are not taking place:
  • The ambulance services are not in a “draw down” situation meaning that two of the three ambulances are already on active calls. It would not be advisable to send the third ambulance a great distance and put the system in risky situation with the community’s needs.
  • The patient is deemed in a critical state and they need to get to the nearest hospital ASAP.
• Indio ambulances receive on average 10-12 calls per day with up to 20 calls on busy days. The average time an ambulance run is 1 hour.
• If all three ambulances are active and a call comes in, Plan B is to contact American Medical Response (AMR) and ask: 1. Can they take the call? 2. How long will it take? If AMR is not available, they will reach out to the cover communities (Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage) for their ambulance services.

Customer service is important to the Indio Fire Department. They will grant a patient’s request when possible.

To learn more about the Indio Fire Deparment, visit www.indio.org/your_government/fire/.

Work To Take Place January 14-18, 2019

INDIO, CA (January 10, 2019) – The City of Indio will be laying new asphalt on Jackson Street between Avenue 44 and Civic Center Drive from Tuesday, January 15 to Wednesday, January 16, 2019; and the West Jewel neighborhood from Monday, January 14 to Friday, January 18, 2019.  During the project, traffic will be impacted on Jackson Street and surrounding neighborhoods between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm Residents and other motorists are urged to use alternate routes due to localized delays. Access for emergency vehicles will be unaffected.

The streets affected in the West Jewel neighborhood, which is located south of Avenue 44 and east of Jackson Street, include the following: Dillon Avenue, Ruby Avenue, Emerald Avenue, Tourmaline Avenue, Palo Verde Street, and Serrano Lane. Parking will be limited during the period of work. 

The road improvement work on Jackson Street and the West Jewel neighborhood involves grinding the top surface of the street and overlaying it with new asphalt. The project is funded by Measure X, which was a voter-approved 1% sales tax increase measure passed by Indio voters in 2016 for infrastructure improvements and public safety.

For further information, contact Kelly Koleszar of Matich Corporation at 909-228-1659 or City of Indio Street Maintenance at 760-625-1802.

 

Date: January 24, 25, 26 & 27, 2019
Location: Empire Polo Club • 81800 Avenue 51 • Corner of Monroe Street & Avenue 51 • Indio CA 92201
Contact: Arianne Harmon • (760) 347-0676 Ext. 132 • arianne.harmon@gcvcc.org

 

Read More at discoverpalmdesert.com

Portions of the Intersection Closed December 26-28, 2018

INDIO, CA (December 21, 2018) – As part of the Highway 111 Street Improvement Project, pavement construction work at the intersection of Highway 111 and Madison Street will occur from Wednesday, December 26^th to Friday, December 28^th between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm each day. The work includes asphalt replacement and pavement striping. Access for emergency vehicles will be unaffected and one lane of traffic in each direction on Highway 111 will be open at all times to provide access to businesses, which will remain open during the period of construction. The City of Indio urges residents and visitors to continue supporting local Indio businesses during this Holiday Season and throughout the year.

During construction, portions of Madison Street will be closed to traffic as follows:

• Wednesday, December 26:    Madison Street closed on the north side of Highway 111
• Thursday, December 27:        Madison Street closed on the south side of Highway 111
• Friday, December 28:             No through traffic on Madison Street at Highway 111

This work is part of the final stages of the Highway 111 Street Improvement Project in Indio, which has been taking place over the past year to increase safety for drivers and pedestrians, improve access to local businesses, prepare for future economic development projects, and accommodate the growing number of people visiting and moving to Indio every year. This $10.3 million project is funded by: the City of Indio through Measure X sales tax; Coachella Valley Association of Governments through Measure A and the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee; Riverside County through Measure A; State of California through SB 1 (Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017) and the Transportation Development Act (Article 3 - SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program); and the Federal government through the Federal Surface Transportation Program.

For further information on the Highway 111 Street Improvement Project, please contact Martin Phillips, Construction Manager of TY Lin, at (760) 533-8119 or martin.phillips@tylin.com.

WHO:	CITY OF INDIO
WHAT:	CITY OF INDIO TO CELEBRATE 12TH ANNUAL ARBOR DAY
	The City of Indio will celebrate its 12th Annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, December 8, 2018, from 9 am to 11 am at Miles Avenue Park located at 82540 Miles Avenue, Indio, California 92201. Indio is the only Tree City USA Community in the Coachella Valley as recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation. Trees not only provide shade, cut cooling/heating costs, and cleanse the air, but they also increase property values and help beautify neighborhoods. Indio Councilmember Glenn Miller will issue the Arbor Day Proclamation at 9 am and kick off the tree planting event. Arbor Day was founded nearly 150 years ago and is now observed across the nation and the world. The Arbor Day Foundation is the largest non-profit conservation and education organization dedicated to tree planting. Its Tree City USA program was founded in 1976 and cities can only achieve such status by meeting its core standards of sound urban forestry management. The community is invited to serve as volunteers as well as donate and plant trees during the celebration to help improve the environment and beautify the community. To donate trees or participate at the event, please contact Paul Stalma at (760) 625- 1806 or pstalma@indio.org, or Isaac Garza at (442) 391-6437 or igarza@indio.org.
WHEN:	Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 9 am
WHERE:	Miles Avenue Park, 82540 Miles Avenue, Indio, CA 92201
CONTACT:	Paul Stalma, Park and Landscape Supervisor (760) 625-1806 or pstalma@indio.org

What is CERT?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

CERT training incorporates a practical approach to handling emergency and disaster situations.  CERT promotes readiness, self-sufficiency, teamwork, rescuer safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people.  Students learn how to organize themselves during a disaster, manage utilities, extinguish small fires, search for and rescue survivors and provide basic disaster medical care.

CERT training consists of 20 hours delivered over the course of three days.  Those who complete all training hours, including practical skills practice, will receive a certificate of completion and a CERT kit.

Coming Classes 

• January 11-13, 2019 – Indio:   Free.  Register at  www.tinyurl.com/ybx8pcx3

• February 1-3, 2019 – Palm Springs:   Sold out, but they are keeping a waiting list.

Work To Take Place November 19 - 23 between Monroe and Jackson Street

INDIO, CA (November 16, 2018) – The City of Indio Public Works Department has contracted with PMI, Inc. to perform Measure X funded road improvements throughout the City. This will result in lane closures between the hours of 6am and 6pm. Avenue 42 between Monroe Street and Jackson Street will be heavily impacted and access to Avenue 42 from Gore Street and Spectrum Street will be restricted. This week was chosen for the work to avoid the additional traffic that is present when the Oliphant Elementary school is in session. All work will be completed before the Thanksgiving holiday and businesses will not be affected for those days.

The road maintenance schedule is as follows:

Monday, November 19: Number 2 and 3 lanes (those closest to the curb) will be closed on Avenue 42 eastbound from Monroe Street to Jackson Street and on Avenue 42 westbound from Jackson Street through the intersection with Gore Street. Gore Street to the north and Spectrum Street to the south will be CLOSED at the intersection with Avenue 42. Access to business driveways will be maintained at key areas but some secondary accesses will be closed. All businesses will remain open and can be accessed by some Avenue 42 driveways, Jackson Street, Showcase Street, or Monroe Street.

Tuesday, November 20: Number 1 lane (closest to the median) and left turn pockets will be closed on Avenue 42 eastbound from Monroe Street to Jackson Street and on Avenue 42 westbound from Jackson Street through the Gore intersection. Turns from southbound Gore Street to eastbound Avenue 42 will be closed and turns from northbound Spectrum Street to westbound Avenue 42 will be closed. Left turn access into businesses will be closed, but all driveways and businesses will be open.

Wednesday, November 21: Minor delays may be encountered for residual cleanup or small items. There will be no closures.

Thursday, November 22

& Friday, November 23: There will be no work due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The slurry work will be complete except for new striping.

Any questions or concerns should be directed to Charlie Hoffman with PMI, Inc. at 619-778-1921 or City of Indio Street Maintenance at 760-625-1802.

   

Unique Art Pieces in Downtown Indio Display Various Concepts of “House”

INDIO, CA (November 14, 2018) – The City of Indio's Public Art and Historic Preservation Commission invites the public to the official opening of the House That Art Built exhibit on November 17, 2018, at 10:30 am at the vacant lot located at 45-190 Oasis Street adjacent to Casillas Bakeries. The temporary art installations are located throughout downtown Indio and features each artist’s concept of a “house.” The selected artists are Cathy Allen and Delos Van Earl from Joshua Tree, Marnie Navarro from the Coachella Valley, Chris Sanchez from Indio, and Tim Shockley from Palm Desert. The artwork can be viewed through April 29, 2019, at the following locations:

• Delos Van Earl – Site 1: Near the southeast corner of Jackson Street and Requa Avenue
• Marnie Navarro – Site 2: Near the southeast corner of Miles Avenue and Smurr Street
• Tim Shockley – Site 3: East side of Oasis Street approximately 330 feet north of Bliss Avenue
• Cathy Allen – Site 4: East side of Oasis Street approximately 250 feet north of Bliss Avenue
• Chris Sanchez – Site 5: East side of Oasis Street approximately 330 feet north of Bliss Avenue

Following the art exhibit opening, the Coachella Valley Art Center will host an open house featuring additional works by the featured artists. The Coachella Valley Art Center is located at 45140 Towne St, Indio. For more information and map locations, go to Indio.org.

Work To Take Place November 12-16 Between Avenue 42 and Avenue 44

INDIO, CA (November 9, 2018) – The City of Indio’s Public Works Department will slurry seal the streets on Golf Center Parkway between Avenue 42 and Avenue 44 the week of November 12, 2018. During the project, traffic lanes will be closed between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm Residents and other motorists are urged to use alternate routes due to localized delays. Access for emergency vehicles will be unaffected. Slurry seals are a mixture of asphalt and fine aggregate to repair cracks and surface defects on roads. The project is funded by Measure X, which was a voter-approved 1% sales tax increase measure passed by Indio voters in 2016 for infrastructure improvements and public safety.

The road maintenance schedule is as follows:

Monday, November 12: No work due to Veterans Day Holiday

Tuesday, November 13: Golf Center Parkway from Avenue 42 to Avenue 43
Northbound and southbound curb lanes will be closed. Access at intersections may be delayed up to 15 minutes. Alternate routes are strongly advised. Station 87 Dog Park will be CLOSED on this day.

Wednesday, November 14: Golf Center Parkway from Avenue 43 to Avenue 44
Northbound and southbound curb lanes will be closed. Access at intersections may be delayed up to 15 minutes. Alternate routes are strongly advised.

Thursday, November 15: Golf Center Parkway from Avenue 42 to Avenue 43
Northbound and southbound inside lanes and turn pockets will be closed. Alternate routes are strongly advised.

Friday, November 16: Golf Center Parkway from Avenue 43 to Avenue 44
Northbound and southbound inside lanes and turn pockets will be closed. Alternate routes are strongly advised.

Any questions or concerns should be directed to Charlie Hoffman with PMI, Inc. at 619-778-1921 or City of Indio Street Maintenance at 760-625-1802.

INDIO, CA – November 6, 2018 - The City of Indio is continuing its commitment towards a better connected and more sustainable roadway system by developing a Complete Streets Plan. This plan is funded through Caltrans’ Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program to develop an Indio Complete Streets & Drainage Master Plan.

“A complete streets approach integrates people and place in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of our transportation networks which helps to ensure streets are safer for people of all ages and abilities, balance the needs of different modes, and support local land uses, economies, cultures, and natural environments.”

–National Complete Streets Coalition

The “Indio Complete Streets” project, will look to provide a comprehensive framework to enhance connectivity for all roadway users, improve the City’s drainage system, implement the “green streets” concept and provide more sustainable storm water management practices.

The project is an effort led by the City, along with input from partners such as the Indio Police Department, Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), Sunline Transit Agency (STA), Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC), bicycle advocacy groups, and other key stakeholders to facilitate strategic plan development and collaboration.

The City needs your participation. As part of the project, the City is seeking input from the community through a short survey to better understand needs and overall walking, biking, and transit experiences within Indio. An interactive webmap is also available to help document more location-specific feedback by allowing individuals to pinpoint concerns, record comments, and upload photos for the Indio Complete Streets team to evaluate for recommendations.

By developing this Complete Streets & Drainage Master Plan, the City will be positioned to apply for grants in the future, to design and construct the recommended citywide improvements.

Questions? Please contact Toyen Blake, Assistant Engineer, at (760) 391-4068, or email IndioCompleteStreets@gmail.com. For more information, visit the project’s webpage. To receive project updates, like us on Facebook! @IndioCompleteStreets

 

WHO:	CITY OF INDIO
WHAT:	INDIO HOUSING RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES WORKSHOP
	The City of Indio and Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board presents a FREE Housing Rights & Responsibilities Workshop. Topics include fair housing and discrimination laws, protections for people with disabilities and families, HUD guidelines, and evictions and deposits. RSVP at 909-984-2254 ext. 150, mmontes@ifhmb.com or at http://ifhmb.eventbrite.com/
WHEN:	Wednesday, October 24, 2018, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
WHERE:	Indio Teen Center, 81678 Ave 46, Indio, CA 92201
CONTACT:	PJ Gagajena, Indio Public Information Officer (760) 541-4444 or pgagajena@indio.org

WHO:	THE CITY OF INDIO
WHAT:	HAMPTON INN & SUITES GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
	The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton will be holding a Groundbreaking Ceremony in Indio. The event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the future hotel site location at the eastern end of The Palms shopping center on Spectrum Street just south of Showcase Parkway in north Indio. Mayor Pro Tem Troy Strange will be speaking on behalf of the City of Indio.
WHEN:	Friday, October 19, 2018, 12:00 pm
WHERE:	Spectrum Street (South of Showcase Parkway), Indio, CA 92203
CONTACT:	PJ Gagajena, Indio Public Information Officer (760) 541-4444 or pgagajena@indio.org

Rising Growth in Population, New Businesses, and Building Permit Activity Earns Indio Top Ranking

INDIO, CA (October 15, 2018) – Personal finance website WalletHub has just released its 2018 rankings for the Fastest Growing Cities in America and the City of Indio makes the Top 30 list. Indio is also the 8th Fastest Growing City in California, and 3rd Fastest Growing City in Southern California behind only Irvine and Santa Clarita. WalletHub applies 15 relevant metrics to evaluate cities across the nation including growth in population, jobs, income, business startups, and building permit activity. Indio is also ranked the No. 1 City in the U.S. for Live Music by Matador Network, No. 2 Top Emerging Travel Destination in the U.S. by Trivago, and has the unique distinction of being home to the No. 1 Best Places to Eat in the U.S. by Yelp, TKB Bakery & Deli.

“I’m thrilled to see Indio ranked in WalletHub’s Top 30 Fastest Growing Cities in America, but I am not surprised. We have been seeing families moving to Indio and businesses starting here since the Great Recession. I expect to see us move up that list in the future,” said Indio Mayor Michael Wilson. “The real estate and building industries all know Indio is booming and they have the data supporting this. It’s the reason why we have so many housing starts and filled up empty big box stores so quickly. Those attending Indio’s State of the City Address on October 26th at Fantasy Springs will see the full scope of Indio’s exciting plans for the future.”

The Desert Valley Building Association’s most recent 2018 data continue to show Indio with the most residential building permits issued in the Coachella Valley with more than 3,500 housing units planned or under construction. The number of households in Indio has increased by 90% since 2000. Indio remains one of the most popular cities for Canadian homebuyers. Indio is the only city in the Coachella Valley with two high schools. A new elementary school in north Indio opened this year to accommodate the city’s growing number of families. Nearly a third of Indio’s residents are under 17 years old.

Approximately, 6,057 business licenses and 20,437 business license renewals have been issued since 2014. Indio has the 3rd largest retail sales volume in the Coachella Valley according to Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, and Indio retail sales have increased by 33% since 2009. New retail, restaurant and hotel developments are also underway at Indio’s major centers – Indio Grand Marketplace (formerly Indio Fashion Mall), The Palms, Showcase at Indio, and Indio Towne Center. The Downtown is transforming with College of the Desert’s expansion; opening of the Loma Linda University Children’s Health; and new shows and attractions at the Coachella Valley Art Center, Coachella Valley History Museum, and Indio Performing Arts Center. A Request for Qualifications for a master developer for downtown Indio was issued in August and proposals are currently being reviewed.

To purchase tickets to Indio’s State of the City Address on October 26, 2018, at Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino, go to the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.gcvcc.org. To see WalletHub’s fastest growing cities rankings, go to www.wallethub.com/edu/fastest-growing-cities/7010/.

About the City of Indio

The City of Indio is the 30th fastest growing city in America with 88,000 residents. Nearly 1.4 million people visit Indio every year to attend its world famous arts, food, and music festivals. With nationally recognized public safety services, exceptional school, great parks, and senior and teen centers, no wonder more than 3,500 new housing units are in construction or being planned throughout the city in addition to new hotels, restaurants and retailers. Indio was the first city incorporated in the Coachella Valley on May 16, 1930, and is governed by an elected City council that employs a City Manager. The City of Indio embraces its diversity and provides outstanding municipal services to enhance the quality of life for its residents, visitors and the business community.

What is CERT?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

CERT training incorporates a practical approach to handling emergency and disaster situations. CERT promotes readiness, self-sufficiency, teamwork, rescuer safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Students learn how to organize themselves during a disaster, manage utilities, extinguish small fires, search for and rescue survivors and provide basic disaster medical care.

CERT training consists of 20 hours delivered over the course of three days. Those who complete all training hours, including practical skills practice, will receive a certificate of completion and CERT kit.

 Upcoming Classes

• October 19-21
  La Quinta
  Free
  Information and registration, click here.
• November 2-4
  Indio
  Free.
  Information and registration, click here.
• November 6-8
  Roy Wilson Training Center, Thousand Palms.
  Free.
  Sponsored by the City Rancho Mirage, 760-324-4511.
• February 1-3, 2019
  Palm Springs Palm Springs residents preferred.
  $50.
  Information and registration, click here.