The Kitchen Table Talk rounded out with thoughts on the future of politics in the Coachella Valley: Kathleen’s thoughts are: “I don’t view myself as being in politics, but rather a public servant. Our City Council takes politics out of the equation, and I would hope we could continue to do that as a community without becoming politically charged. Some of the things we do well is because we are small individually but still big collectively. Our 9 cities work together pretty well and exemplify the fact that we try to do everything we can by promoting CVAG and coming up with regional resources for the homeless. I’d like to really see us focused on solutions rather than politics while recognizing we must be part of the region’s politics which push the progress of the collective goal.” In Jan’s eyes: “I see us in Desert Hot Springs as the city on the hill. I hope that we stay together collectively. That’s important. When we were facing bankruptcy, the City of Rancho Mirage came to rescue us. To me, we have to be together. We should all have our own economy, but we have to want to work together rather than just being forced together. Kathy DeRosa – former Mayor of Cathedral City – mentored me a lot. As women, that’s what we need to do to support each other.” Elaine weighs in by adding: “Our cities and our region are going to continue to grow into a major metro area – and to the extent that we can – the regional approach can work. In any situation, we have to be careful that we are moving forward in lockstep and not try to derail each other. The festivals are a microcosm of what we need more of – using these concerts as a catalyst for every one of the cities to continue to grow and stay focused on that forward trajectory, encompassing businesses and education. Politics have been around since the beginning of time, but our ability to work with the political machine for the greater good is the goal. For those who are afraid to step up and be community leaders, it’s important to keep fostering and empowering them to use their voices to lead. Those who have strength and conviction, and involvement and engagement – we need to get them to the next level. We need to cast the net and raise up others who are involved in our community. Josie closes with her insights: “Our city is less built out so we want to have room to grow with the proper infrastructure in order to remain a healthy community. We are more interconnected with other cities than sometimes we even want to believe. Each city should be celebrated – we should all wish for strong budgets. And we are all in a similar position in terms of what COVID has presented in our communities – but we’re still afloat! If the labor force is coming out of Coachella to work in our tourist communities, we must uplift each other. Being emotional can also mean being passionate about what we do or believe – we are all students of human behavior.” 14 | GCVCC.ORG
“ALL ABOARD!” Hop On The Next Adventure That CVHM Is About To Embark On!
In partnership with the CITY OF INDIO, INDIO WATER AUTHORITY, LOWE'S, and HOT PURPLE ENERGY we are excited to begin a new adventure on our campus. The 2020-2021 GARDENS & RAILWAY projects will encompass a 15,000 square foot lot on the northeast corner of the campus that will feature an array of drought tolerant desert gardens along with an immersive and interactive railway exhibit that will prominently feature a Southern Pacific Train Car.
LET’S GET YOU ON BOARD...
We are inviting YOU and your friends to join this epic adventure for the Coachella Valley History Museum. To be part of this monumental opportunity for CVHM and the Coachella Valley, we need YOU. Contact us for naming rights and limited sponsorship opportunities and be part of this spectacular endeavor! “ALL ABOARD!”
For MUSEUM HOURS Please Visit Our Website Plan on holding your next event at CVHM!
Grounds available for use include Water Tower Promenade•Gazebo Lawn•Medjool Auditorium 1909 Schoolhouse•Date Garden•Pioneer Hall
Contact info@cvhm.org or 760.342.6651 82.616 Miles Ave. | Indio | CA 92201 www.CVHM.org