La Quinta Gem November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020 | THE SHOP LOCAL ISSUE

SHOP LOCAL IN LA QUINTA

Discover La Quinta Medical Center At Desert Care Network’s La Quinta Medical Center Campus you’ll discover an intimate setting for hospital outpatient services.

Our services include: • The Institute of Clinical Orthopedics and Neurosciences for joint replacement, sports medicine and an array of orthopedic and neuros services

• La Quinta Imaging provides a wide array of medical imaging, including X-ray, CT and MRI scans • Desert Regional Medical Center’s Comprehensive Cancer

Center satellite facility offers consultations, infusion services, and screening mammography

• Desert Care Network Primary & Specialty Care, where patients can schedule appointments with physicians in a variety of primary and specialty services

La Quinta Medical Center | 47647 Caleo Bay Drive | La Quinta, CA 92253 | (760) 323-6511

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TABLE OF CONTENTS November 2020

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City Pages

Message from the Chairman

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H2o Closet, a Modern Apothocary

Jadabug’s Artisan Boutique

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21 Updates from DSUSD

Contour Dermatology, A Unique Experience

12 - 13 What’s Happening at Old Town

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OPEN M-F 9-5 CLOSED SAT-SUN

22 Protecting Your Home

THANK YOU FOR THE MAJOR SPONSORSHIP PROVIDED BY

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The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) was created in 2016 NTA C QU I in cooperation with the former Coachella, La Quinta, Cathedral City and Indio Chambers, along with the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians and Twenty-Nine Palms ES Band of Mission Indians. It enhances and T. 1 9 5 0 significantly improves the way businesses interact with each other and the community in the entire Coachella Valley. As a Regional Chamber, the GCVCC delivers services and benefits to its members on a scope not seen before in the area.

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GCV LA QUINTA CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elisa Guerrero, Chairperson| Old Town Peddler Bike Rental & Repair Doug Motz | Motz Insuarnace Agency Steve Weiner | National CineMedia Ray Dominguez | Lamar Outdoor Advertising Mike Chapa | Fairway Independent Mortgage Karen Lambrose | Caliber Home Loans Eric Mosser | Edward Jones Financial Advisor - Eric Mosser Steve Wilson | Optavia/Next Level Coaching - Steve Wilson Carrie Babij | Desert Insurance Solutions, Inc. Janice Isbell | La Quinta Chevrolet-Cadillac Ricardo Loretta | Dr. Carreon Foundation Kimberly Anken | Robert Half Staffing Agency Heidi McArthur | Jadabug’s Kids Boutique Ralph Piscitelli | Alzheimers Association Mike Williams | Capitis Real Estate Andy Sywak | AvantStay Jeff Fishbein | Brad Schmett Real Estate Group - Jeff Fishbein Lee Osborne | Osborne Rincon CPA’s Mickey Jumapao | Loan Depot THE GEM PRODUCTION TEAM THE LA QUINTA GEM IS PRODUCED BY THE GREATER COACHELLA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Experience Top-Rated Veterinary Care with Personalized, Stress-Free Service for You & Your Pets

Dr. Jeffrey, BSc, BVMS

Dr. Smith, DVM

Dr. Rioux-Forker, DVM

UPCOMING EVENTS CAT-TOBER RETURNS!

Have we seen your cat lately?

Welcome to Cat-tober, our 7th Annual Celebration of Felines. Join us through November 15 as we enjoy our remote version of Cat-tober!

Visit our website for more details!

The Gem is an official publication of the GCVCC. Circulation: Approximately 23,000.

Distributed free to all residents, Chamber members and businesses in La Quinta.

To advertise please call (760) 347-0676.

Please Note: The opinions and views expressed in all editorial material are those of the writer or person interviewed and are not necessarily those of the GCVCC, its Board of Directors, or the advertisers in The Gem. The GCVCC endorses no person, political candidate or opinion unless specifically stated. The Gem reserves the right to reject certain advertising submissions. For a list of advertising standards, please contact staff.

The Gem reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, length, and questionable content. Advertisers please note that colors may look slightly darker, or slightly lighter due to variables in the printing process. Questions or comments? Email us at info@ GCVCC.org or call (760) 347-0676.

Dr. Carlson, DVM

Dr. Jeffrey, BSc, BVMS

760-564-3833 51-230 Eisenhower Drive La Quinta

HOSPITAL HOURS M-F: 8am-8pm Sat: 8am-5pm

NEW CLIENT WELCOME OFFER $25 off Your Pet’s First Wellness Exam Please mention coupon when booking appointment.

Limit one coupon per client. Offer expires December 31, 2020.

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VillageParkAnimalHospital.com 51-230 Eisenhower Drive • La Quinta

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Message from the Chairperson Submitted by: Elisa Guerrero, La Quinta Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Hello, neighbors!

Covid, Elections, and shutdowns, oh my! Where are our ruby slippers when we need them? If you’re like me, you’re wondering when are we ever going to feel like life is normal again.

Entering November and our holiday season in another round of “purple tier” closures is tough and disappointing for many of us. The focus of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce is to support our business community, and we are here to provide resources, information, and anything else we can to local businesses needing help. That mission seems more important now than ever.

Have you compared your Medicare coverage lately?

2021 plans are now available

By Phone, Zoom or Email, our expert advice costs you nothing.

You, our readers and patrons of our local businesses, are making it possible for many of us to keep our doors open and food on our tables. On behalf of all of our businesses, we want to say THANK YOU! for being such a great community. I see so many of you encouraging others to “shop small” and “support local” and it means more than I can adequately put into words.

As always in November, it’s customary to reflect on our lives and consider our blessings. I know that might feel difficult right now, but please know that your community is grateful for you, and I hope you feel encouraged when you step outside to enjoy the gorgeous city we are lucky to call our home.

I hope you all continue to stay healthy and safe, and look forward to the start of yet another wonderful holiday season in the desert!

Elisa Guerrero is a lifelong Coachella Valley resident and alumnus of La Quinta High School class of 2000. She and her husband are the owners of Old Town Peddler Bike Rental in the La Quinta Village, and take great pride in showcasing the area to the thousands of tourists they meet each year. She lives in La Quinta with her husband and two small children.

760-346-6565

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Some restrictions may apply. See Casino Services for details. Valid Photo ID Required.

Problem Gaming? Call 1-800-Gambler.

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H2o Closet, a Modern Apothocary Submitted by: GCVCC Staff H2o Closet is a “modern apothecary “ store located in Old Town La Quinta. Given that description, many ask: “What is H2o Closet and what is a modern apothecary?”

We spoke with Steve Kouchi, the owner of H2o Closet, to find out what they are and what exactly a modern apothecary is.

What is a modern apothecary?

Let’s get the modern apothecary part out of the away. Many, many years ago, an apothecary was your pharmacist, while also offering personal care and items for the home. So modern apothecary is just our take on who we are without the pharmacist.

What is H2o Closet?

H2o Closet is a nod to apothecaries and h2o closet is defined literally as a bathroom. We carry wonderful items for yourself, your loved ones, friends, your h2o closet. We sell skin care, bath products, personal and home fragrance, and wellness in a neighborhood setting. We have an emphasis on quality - natural, clean, and healthy.

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What makes you different from other apothecaries?

There has been a great movement across the country, say the last 10-12 years, on handcrafted and small batch items, and small businesses. That is truly who we are.

We hear often that we have brands that people have never seen before, and that they know we do the work trying to find the cleanest and healthiest product at a fair price. When we say “cleanest”, to us that means no harmful ingredients that have been shown to not be good for you: parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.

Is there anything you would like to add?

With the legalization of marijuana and the ongoing discovery of the different aspect of the plant, many dispensaries use the term apothecary. We offer wellness items without being a dispensary.

How can someone contact or find you?

We are located in Old Town La Quinta, which lends itself to the small town community feel. We are the only shop on the event lawn. Those who are interested can give us a call at 760-564-7399, shoot us an email at h2ocloset@verizon.net or shop online at www. h2ocloset.com

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Dr. Sonja Fung Dr. Sonja Fung

Palm Springs Life 40 under 40Dr. Palm Springs Life 40 under 40

Brian Myers Dr. Brian Myers

78900 47, Ste 102 / 760.771.5970 / www.livewellclinic.org 78900 Avenue 47, Ste 102Avenue / 760.771.5970 / www.livewellclinic.org

SPECIALIZING IN: Medical Agriculture Professional Services Construction Country Clubs Restaurant

79-245 Corporate Ctr. Dr., La Quinta, CA 92253 · www.OsborneRincon.com · 760.777.9805

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Contour Dermatology, A Unique Experience Submitted by: GCVCC Staff Self-care has never been more important than now. So, we went right to the experts and spoke with Timothy Jochen, M.D., with Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center to see more of what they offer to our community.

Can you tell us about yourself?

My name is Timothy Jochen, M.D. I am a boardcertified dermatologist and the founder and medical director of Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center. I also teach dermatology at the University of Southern California as an Associate Professor of Dermatology.

What is Contour Dermatology?

Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center is a medical and cosmetic dermatology practice. Our mission is to cure skin disease and make people look and feel beautiful. On the medical side, we treat all sorts of rashes and skin conditions, and a big part of our practice is treating people with skin cancer and precancerous skin lesions. This past year, we diagnosed more than 2,000 cases of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma. One method that has a nearly 99% cure rate for basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma is Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery is such a great procedure because this technique involves removing one layer of skin at a time so that the least amount of tissue is removed, but the cancer is cleared.

On the cosmetic side, it’s both face and body. We have the largest selection of cosmetic lasers - perhaps of any practice in Southern California - to treat everything from facial redness to tattoo removal and even a laser for intimate female wellness. One of my favorite cosmetic treatments is rejuvenation with dermal fillers, which can really give a person a refreshed look without looking done. I also have a passion for hair restoration.

While we have plenty of non-invasive options, there comes a point where surgery is what will produce the best result. Two “wow” procedures that really help turn the clock back are the mini-facelift and eyelid surgery. For the body, we are one of the top performers of CoolSculpting in the nation, and we also offer liposculpture and the VelaShape III laser.

What makes you different from other companies?

Our approach to patient care is what we call “The Best of Both Worlds.” Medical patients are seen with an eye for what will provide the best cosmetic result, and cosmetic patients receive a focus on improving their appearance based on a solid medical foundation and proven technology. For example, we treat acne, and we can also reduce the appearance of acne scars.

The overarching theme of our practice is the blend of medical and cosmetic dermatology. It’s the marriage of the two that makes Contour Dermatology so special.“ What do you like most about having a business in La Quinta?

Having been in the desert for nearly 20 years and seeing the growth of the valley, I wanted to have an office at each end of the valley, and it took a little while

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to find the right location. We opened our La Quinta office in 2018 to better serve the East Valley, and it’s been really well-received. The building is a replica of our headquarter office in Rancho Mirage, and it’s conveniently located right off of Jefferson Street for La Quinta and Indio residents. We hold special events exclusively at our La Quinta office, and we’ve recently established Friday as a day where people can try a new laser at the La Quinta office at a 50% discount.

We’ve also gotten involved with the community and the chamber and with local events and non-profits. It’s a great city and we’re proud to be part of the La Quinta community.

Is there anything you would like to add?

We have an amazing team of nurse practitioners, laser nurses, estheticians, and a medical and patient care support team. We want people to know there’s nothing too small. If it bothers you, it’s a big deal, and we most likely have a treatment that can make a big difference.”

How can someone contact or find you?

People can call (760) 423-4000, or they can visit our website at www.contourderm.com, or they can find us on social media including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. And each week, we post a new edition of “The Best of Both Worlds” video segment on Facebook.

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What’s Happening at

OLD TOWN

TQLAS Agave Bar & Grill

Alexandrite Active & Golf Wear

Thanksgiving ay RD RNNR

Old Town Optix & Optometry

h2o Closet

SHOPPING SMALL & GIVING THANKS! While coping with constant change, our annual traditions mean even more to us. We wish you a happy, healthy Thanksgiving and welcome the chance to give back to you with our Small Business Saturday promotion.

started to support and recognize small businesses between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Receive a $20 Gift Certificate!

Small Business Saturday, November 28th

Old Town is dedicated to local entrepreneurs. We hope you’ll enjoy shopping and al fresco dining on November 28th. Gift certificates are limited to 1 per customer. They are given for purchases at shops. The gift certificates can be used in shops, for services and at restaurants!

Shop local on Small Business Saturday and receive one $20 Gift Certificate for spending $100 or more at Old Town La Quinta stores. Buy unique holiday gifts, support local entrepreneurs and save money at the same time!

Small Business Saturday is a national event in partnership with American Express. American Express has been running a small business campaign throughout the current COVID crisis to recognize and help those business owners who are considered most vulnerable. Small Business Saturday was

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“Shopping Small” is considered so important that it’s acknowledged by U.S. Presidents annually. It’s never been more important than it is now!

Thanksgiving at RD RNNR’S RD RNNR’s Libations, Pints & Plates is serving up a great Thanksgiving Dinner! Enjoy gathering with family and friends and experience warm and friendly service in addition to great CraftAmerican cooking. Reservations are recommended at roadrunnerlq.com

Sign-up for our monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on events, deals and lifestyle news at oldtownlaquinta.com

—Submitted by Old Town Staff

Sunday Certified Farmers’ Market

2020-21 Gallery & Shows

8 am to 12:30 pm

Gallery Opens November 5th Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm Sun 9 am-1pm

We hope you enjoy monthly features that introduce our local farmers!

JF Organic Farms Brings the Exotic to Your Table!

JF Organic Farms started in 1997 and is familyowned and operated. Their dedication is to the exotic and gourmet while providing an all-organic line of fruits and vegetables that is 100% locally grown.

Yurivilca

Leslee Adams

While working with chefs and new restaurants, the Jaime family became familiar with many specialty varieties of vegetables and other ingredients. JF Organic Farms brings the exotic to your table so that you may experience a gourmet meal at home. They grow over 10 varieties of radishes, over 15 varieties of carrots, various colored beets, turnips, lettuce, tomatoes and more so ask questions when you shop!

Jose Luis Jaime Sr. was an immigrant worker who came to the United States looking for the “American Dream”. He worked for Taguchi Farms where he learned his trade well and became the right hand of Mr. Joe Taguchi. Once Taguchi decided to retire, Jaime saw the opportunity to make his dream come true. After doing business as Jaime Farms for 16 years the family changed the business name to JF Organic Farms, Inc. in 2014 and welcomed a new direction in organic, specialty farming under Jose Luis Jaime Jr. JF Organic Farms are certified organic under CCOF and are located in Chino, Yucca and Lucerne Valleys.

The Farms are open to visitors with advance notice.

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5 Saturdays, 10am to 4pm: Jan 9, Feb 6 & 20, March 13 & 27 Pending COVID-19 conditions

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78100 Main Street, La Quinta, CA 92253

78100 Main Street, La Quinta, CA

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City Manager’s Message By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager

Hello to everyone from the Gem of the Desert. This month we celebrate Shop Local and for us that means shopping at local and small businesses. I wanted to start by thanking our small businesses here in La Quinta. The Majority of La Quinta businesses are small businesses with well over 1,000 residents that both live and work in the City of La Quinta. Small Businesses do all they can to give back to their community regarding charitable work such as the blood donation drives, meals for seniors (Great Plates Program), and general positivity for residents and a giving nature during COVID times. Now let’s take a look at some upcoming events and work being done throughout La Quinta.

The next general municipal election for the City of La Quinta will be held on November 3, 2020. Election Vote Centers as well as additional voting information can be found at www.laquintaca.gov/2020Election.

The Virtual Veterans Day Event will be held Wednesday, Nov 11th at 9AM. This experience will be available on the City’s Facebook and YouTube page @ CityofLaQuinta. Visit www.laquintaca.gov for more info. We will be hosting a free Hazardous Household Waste Collection event happening on November 21st, from 9am – 2pm at City hall South Side Parking Lot. For more info on this event, visit our calendar at www.laquintaca.gov.

As we plan for one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, we want to encourage residents to consider new ways of celebrating Thanksgiving and make adjustments to lower the risks involved with the coronavirus pandemic. This year, keep gatherings small and in an outdoor space, wear face coverings and social distance whenever possible and practice good hygiene during the celebration. For more information on how to stay safe during the holidays this year, visit us at www.laquintaca.gov/COVID19.

Construction is now finished for the Complete Streets project. For more information on how to navigate a roundabout please visit www.laquintaca. gov/completestreets. Construction is also wrapping

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up for the SilverRock Venue Site project. The park site sits on approximately 14 acres and will include a parking lot, approximately eight acres of walking paths, turf, and landscaping. The site will also include a meandering stream with lake, a stage area, pads for future art installations, and a restroom building.

Construction is anticipated to be completed later this fall. Construction is underway on the construction of SilverRock Way Street Improvement Project. This project will provide access to the proposed SilverRock Resort by constructing a through street from Avenue 52 to Jefferson Street. Construction is anticipated to be complete in Spring 2021.

Construction of the Rancho Ocotillo Landscape Project is also underway. This fifth phase of the Measure G funded La Quinta Landscape Renovation project is located at the La Quinta Rancho Ocotillo Development on the south side of Fred Waring Drive, the entrance on La Palma Drive at Adams Street, the east side of Adams Street, and the two retention basins within Rancho Ocotillo. The project converts approximately 80,000 square feet of parkway, median, and retention basin including the replacement of 28,000 square feet of turf with the Desert Oasis plant palette. Anticipated completion is expected by the end of 2020. The Washington Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project has also begun construction.

Improvements will include over 310,000 square feet of pavement rehabilitation on Washington Street between Calle Tampico to 500 feet north of Sagebrush Avenue. Grinding the existing pavement and installing a new layer of pavement is the pavement rehabilitation method. Also non-compliant Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb ramps within the project vicinity will be reconstructed. Completion is expected by the end of November 2020.

Another project underway is the Washington Street at Fred Waring Drive Triple Left Turn Project. The project will construct triple left turn lanes on all four approaches to the Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive intersection through a cooperative agreement with Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and the Cities of Palm Desert and Indian Wells. The work will include modifying the median curb locations and reconstructing the curb, gutter and sidewalks at the intersection corners. Construction is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2020. Finally, construction is underway on the Fritz Burns Sidewalk and Parking Improvements project. This project is located on the north side of Francis Hack Lane adjacent to the skate park. The project includes the removal of the existing temporary island, construction of sidewalk

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to the park, and striping of diagonal parking in front of the skate park. This project is anticipated to be completed by the end of November 2020.

We want to ask everyone to mask up, vote and shop local. Thank you for being part of La Quinta.

Storytime Music Mix (Available on our YouTube Channel) Want to be part of the storytime fun? Send a video of you and your little one, or just your little one, singing our storytime songs. Miss Sara will sing along with you and turn them into a very special Storytime Music Video. *Sending a video implies a consent to publish videos or other media on the RCLS website and library social media accounts. Be sure you have permission to share videos with multiple people.

Tweens Check Out a New Series (Available on our YouTube Channel) A new video series, about series books! Each week we will showcase the first book in a series. Listen as Miss Sara reads the first couple chapters and decide for yourself if it’s your next great read.

It’s Your Library

Teens

La Quinta Public Library is located at 78-275 Calle Tampico.

Enjoy FREE programs for all ages!

Questions? Call 760-564-4767

La Quinta Library is now open to the public with limitations. Face coverings and social distancing mandates are in place. Occupancy is limited to 10 patrons at any time, with 1 hour visits, 1 visit per day.

We are continuing with our Express Services and all materials should be returned to the outside book drops only.

NEW SERVICE Book Bundles - Personalized Recommendations Not sure what to read next? Let your La Quinta librarians help! Fill out the form, tell us about your reading preferences, and we’ll pick a handful of books for you. Visit https://laquintapl.blogspot.com/p/expressservices.html to fill out the form. You can also fill out the form if you need AR books for your kids! Once notified that your items are ready, you can schedule a time to pick them up through our Express Service.

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS Children & Family “In the Stacks” Storytime with Miss Sara (Available on our Facebook Page) Wednesdays @ 11:15am, Facebook Live on La Quinta Public Library’s Facebook Page Get ready for songs, stories and lots of fun with Miss Sara during a live storytime on our Facebook Page!

Would you like Miss Sara to say hello to your little one during the next storytime? Send a message to our Facebook Page with the little one’s FIRST NAME ONLY. Miss Sara will be sure to say hello during storytime!

Read. Write. Return. (Get started at laquintapl.blogspot.com) READ one of our specially picked books, WRITE your comments IN the book as you read, and RETURN it for someone else to check out and continue the conversation. Make sure you select a “Read. Write.

Return.” book in our catalog when you place your request.

Tell Me What to Read Vote for the book you want the teen librarian to read this month. Polls are live on the library’s blog (laquintapl. blogspot.com) from the 1st to the 15th of each month.

A video review of the winning book will be posted to the Library’s Teen YouTube Channel on the 30th.

LIBRARY SERVICES Express Service La Quinta Library is now offering Express Service for holds pickup.

Here’s how it works: 1. Call the library at 760-564-4767 or go online to www.rivlib.net to place a hold request.

2. When you receive a notification that your hold is available, call the library to schedule a pick-up time.

3. Arrive during your designated pick-up time and call the Library for further instructions.

4. Make sure to have a face covering with you as you must wear one while picking up your items.

5. Return materials to outside book drops only.

La Quinta Library Express Service hours: Monday – Friday, 11:00am – 5:00pm and Saturday, 2:00pm – 5:00pm La Quinta Public Library 78275 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 760-564-4767

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Jadabug’s Artisan Boutique Submitted by: GCVCC Staff Jadabug’s Kids Boutique is a stylish and hip one-stop shop for moms and babies. They offer unique baby shower gifts, lactation and post-partum support, and much more. You can shop conveniently online or visit their local showroom. During the pandemic, Jadabug’s has found creative ways to provide more services to support our business community.

Business owner, Heidi McArthur, noted that the business has been open for 18 years and loves being in La Quinta. “I have always thoroughly enjoyed having a business here,” says McArthur. “The past 7 months have solidified that there is no city I would rather operate in than La Quinta. The support we receive as business owners is above and beyond what any other city in the Coachella Valley has done for its business owners.”

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McArthur went on to say that she likes to think of Jadabug’s as more of a community “hub”. During the pandemic, she found a new way to be just that. With vendor events like street fairs canceled, McArthur has opened her doors and brought in a Weekend Artisan Boutique. Each weekend, she sells 10-13 different artisan products in the store. They keep the number of featured artisans to a minimum, and her staff handles the sales to keep the total number of people inside the

store within the allowable limits. Some of the artist featured include Nessa Scrubs, who is selling soaps, scrubs, and lip balm, Creative Soul Studio, which sells soy candles and lotion, Wood Creations By Dan, who sells wooden vases, and Weld Creations selling metal art created by Derek Husen. They have also sold crochet hats, sweaters, and blankets. The event runs each Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM – 2 PM. You can visit Jadabug’s Kids Boutique at 78377 Highway 111, or call them at 760-347-7406.

Updates from DSUSD Submitted by: Desert Sands Unified School District Staff On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, in a 4-1 vote, the Desert Sands Unified School District Board of Education voted on three next steps for students during this challenging pandemic year: 1) a start date for athletic conditioning can begin immediately on a voluntary basis; 2) a start date for small group services, on a voluntary basis, for students with acute needs can begin on November 9 and; 3) an anticipated start date of January 19, 2021 of the hybrid model for elementary, middle, and high schools will be based on prevailing public health guidance. The board requested a planning update from staff in December.

Athletic conditioning is planned to begin on Monday, October 26. This is a completely voluntary program for both the athletes and the coaches. Maximum number of students in a group is 10 with no sharing of equipment, no contact, and limited to conditioning activities. All participants will be screened prior to the session. Athletes should contact their coaches for additional information.

Small groups of students with acute needs may begin on November 9. This will allow for students to receive in person instruction beginning with our programs serving students with moderate to severe disabilities The board also voted to include the hybrid model of education beginning on January 19 if it is safe to do so.

Although the first day of a return to school after the holidays is indicated as January 4 on the original 20202021 district schedule, the additional two weeks will serve as a grace period following the holidays should any spike occur in Covid cases.

Additional information on the hybrid system will be available soon. Parents will soon have the opportunity to commit to hybrid or distance learning model.

For additional information, please email workingtogether@desertsands.us.

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Protecting Your Home Submitted by: Desert Insurance Solutions Nobody should drive like a maniac because they have auto insurance. Why? Insurance doesn’t prevent dangerous accidents; it offsets their related financial losses.

Likewise, no one should live in an unsafe house because they have homeowner’s insurance. Why? Insurance doesn’t prevent things like fires and water damage, it offsets their related financial losses.

Consider: • Excess water (like leaks when your home is unoccupied) is the biggest source of homeowner insurance claims • New building trends have caused the time for a room to be fully consumed by fire to go from 30 minutes to 5 minutes • Winter homeowner’s losses are 4 times greater when a home is unoccupied • Untreated wood roofs are 21 times more likely to be destroyed in wildfire than fire-resistant roofs • In the 1994 Northridge earthquake, 60,000 masonry chimneys were destroyed

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So even with good insurance, it makes sense for homeowners to take steps to protect their homes because some risks are dangerous, and claims can be a hassle. Certain steps may lead to insurance discounts and others will just be a layer of valuable protection for your family and property.

Pure Insurance has prepared useful free document called “A Guide to Building A More Resilient Home”.

You can get it by visiting the Advice section of desertinsurancesolutions.com. It contains real-life examples of large claims and good suggestions on how they could have been prevented. Some ideas are easier to implement with new construction, but many others are steps you can take to protect your existing home now. Or you can use it as a reference for a “safety audit” when buying a different new or existing home. I hope you’ll give it a read.

Carrie Babij is President of Desert Insurance Solutions in La Quinta, and has more than 25 years’ experience with high net worth personal and commercial lines of insurance. For more information, contact Carrie at carrie@ desertinsurancesolutions.com.

(760) 777-1307

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