The Gem April 2021

APRIL 2021 | THE NEW ISSUE

WHAT’S NEW

IN LQ SilverRock Event Site New Businesses in La Quinta School’s Begin Reopening

Medicare Made Easy

Randy Foulds

Lisa Foulds

Slightly new name, same great service.

760-346-6565 CA License #0G69218 2

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Photo by Laura Green

TABLE OF CONTENTS April 2021

06 Message from the Chairman

Soon SilverRock to be Source of Entertainment in Addition to Golf

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Return to In-Person Learning at DSUSD

What’s Happening at Old Town

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12 - 13 City Pages

Is Your Business Missing Out on the Employee Retention Credit?

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Now Open in La Quinta

THANK YOU FOR THE MAJOR SPONSORSHIP PROVIDED BY

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) was created in Q 2016 in cooperation with the former Coachella, La Quinta, Cathedral City and Indio Chambers, along with the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians and ES Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission 0 T. 1 9 5 Indians. It enhances and 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

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GCV LA QUINTA CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elisa Guerrero, Chairperson | Vilage Peddler Bike Rental & Repair Mike Chapa, Secretary | Fairway Independent Mortgage Carrie Babij, Treasurer | Desert Insurance Solutions, Inc. Doug Motz | Motz-Rusin Insurance Agency Steve Weiner | National CineMedia Ray Dominguez | Lamar Outdoor Advertising Karen Lambrose | Caliber Home Loans Eric Mosser | Edward Jones Financial Advisor - Eric Mosser Steve Wilson | Optavia/Next Level Coaching - Steve Wilson 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. 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.

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON Submitted by: Elisa Guerrero, La Quinta Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Hello neighbors!

A few weeks ago, we marked the first day of Spring as we look to brighter days ahead. We have begun to carefully move forward with reopening our economy more fully. As vaccination rates increase, we are seeing a return to school for our students and light at the end of the proverbial tunnel that is COVID-19. We could not have foreseen, a year ago when we first locked down, the impact this was going to have on everyone and everything around us.

Our issue this month focuses on the reopening effort and celebrates the businesses that have worked tirelessly to support their staff and community through what we may consider one of the most trying years in our collective memory. Many businesses have hung on by their teeth but are still here and thrilled to finally be able to serve you again. Some have made major shifts in their business models, even downsizing, or constructing outdoor service areas to make it through. We celebrate them and the resiliency it takes to weather this challenge.

On behalf of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce and our business community at large, I’d like to offer my gratitude to you all for continuing to support us, working to stay healthy and stop the spread, and the resolve you have shown to keep our community thriving.

Plan your next dream

We are grateful to be here. Happy April!

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 Village Peddler Bike Rental in La Quinta 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.

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SOON SILVERROCK TO BE SOURCE OF ENTERTAINMENT IN ADDITION TO GOLF Submitted by: GCVCC Staff SilverRock Resort has been known for its championship golf course nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, which has attracted golf enthusiasts for the past 17 years. Now, a new recreational facility as part of an extensive development plan for the 525-scre site will bring in others to enjoy the stunning surroundings and activities at SilverRock Resort.

Projected to open in late April 2021, a new park and entertainment will feature approximately 14 acres of walking paths, turf areas, a sloped event lawn, water features and a modular recreation building. The site will also include a meandering stream with a lake, a stage area, pads for future art installations, a restroom building which will feature an art mural and ample parking.

The meeting space (which will be named at a later time) – which incorporates a modern design – will be used to house small conference groups or events with 60 attendees or less. This project will also provide access to the proposed SilverRock Resort by constructing a through street from Avenue 52 to Jefferson Street.

“The SilverRock event site is a wonderful new asset for the community where residents and visitors can enjoy open space, community activities, and a tranquil park setting while taking in the views of the Santa Rosa Mountains,” said Chris Escobedo, Community Resources Director at the City of La Quinta.

Future events expected to be hosted in this spectacular new space at SilverRock include a veterans’ recognition ceremony, a health & wellness exhibition, concerts in the park, community and corporate events, as well as art and automobile shows.

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The La Quinta City Council approved the SilverRock Specific Plan in July 2006, which included this event site. In February of 2018, Council established an Ad Hoc SilverRock Event Site Committee consisting of a council member, a community services commissioner, a finance commissioner, and a planning commissioner. The Ad Hoc Committee held meetings to identify programming options and translate them into design concepts for consideration. In August of 2019, Council approved the SilverRock Venue Site Master Plan and Site Development Permit.

The project’s costs are approximately $6 million to be funded with $3.5 million in Quimby Funds, $100,000 in Art in Public Places Funds and $2.4 million from Measure G Reserves.

Other plans for the site include a 135-room luxury Montage hotel and spa, a 200-room Pendry lifestyle hotel, a 71,000 square-foot conference center, resortstyle homes and condominiums, and a new golf clubhouse.

SilverRock Resort is located at the southeast corner of Avenue 52 and SilverRock Way. For more information on development plans for SilverRock, go to SilverRock.org/ Development-Overview.

RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING AT DSUSD Submitted by: Mary Perry, DSUSD Public Information Officer A little over a year ago, on March 13, 2020, our school buildings closed and we began what became known as “distance learning”. Our teachers and students had been working together in a virtual world for over 12 months.

While learning continued, both adults and children were anxious to return to in-person learning. Desert Sands Unified School District did just that on Monday, March 15 via the hybrid model for students in our preschools through 5th grades. On March 29, our middle and high school students returned to the classroom.

Approximately 60% of our students have physically returned to their schools. The remaining 40% have opted to remain in distance learning for the remainder of the school year. Decisions on student participation via distance learning or in-classroom instruction was made by parents several months ago. The students participating in hybrid in-classroom learning are divided into two groups called Cohort A and Cohort B. In the hybrid-learning model for elementary schools, Cohort A students are on campus on Mondays and Tuesdays and Cohort B on Thursdays and Fridays.

Teachers provide virtual instruction on Wednesdays to all students. On the days when they are not part of the in-classroom cohort, students have morning meetings with their teachers and then do their work via asynchronous instruction (independent of their teacher).

For our secondary schools, teachers provide synchronous instruction to all students. Secondary students are also divided into two cohorts with Cohort A on Monday and Tuesday and Cohort B on Thursday and Friday. Wednesdays provide additional opportunity for students via distance learning.

All schools have been equipped with safety measures including high efficiency air filters/ionizers, classroom HEPA filters, outdoor hand washing stations, desks are six feet apart, each desk has a plexiglass shield, hand sanitizer stations, and thorough cleaning procedures. There are signs and posters throughout the schools to remind students of all safety practices. Masks for students who forget them are provided.

To learn more about our safety measures, parents and guardians are urged to take a look at the district’s COVID-19 Safety Plan, one of the

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first in Riverside County to be approved. The plan can be found at: https://www.dsusd.us/UserFiles/Servers/ Server_24405182/File/News/DSUSD_COVID_Safety_ Plan_021921.pdf In addition, a video has been produced by DSUSD on a return to the elementary school in-person learning model. Available in both English and Spanish, the video speaks directly to children and is available on our website, www.dsusd.us. The video is based on the “Four Ws” as students prepare to be at their schools.

The four Ws are WELCOME, WEAR your mask, WASH your hands, and WATCH your distance. The word WELCOME is a reminder of how happy everyone is to be back at school but to keep in mind that we share that happiness with smiles that go all the way to our eyes.

Students are reminded to not share supplies and to not hug or touch their friends. Students and staff WEAR their masks, over both mouth and nose, during the school day. Hand WASH stations or sinks are in each classroom and throughout the schools. WATCH your distance is a measure shared throughout the day, at the bus stop, on the bus, in the classroom, and on the playground. The video takes a look at a school day for our students in grades PreK-5 and includes information on riding the bus, entering the school’s campus, meals on campus, health checks, and more. A middle/high school video was in production as this article was written but can also be found on the district’s website.

Families are also encouraged to frequently check www. dsusd.us for updates. Brief pandemic related updates from Superintendent Scott Bailey are posted on the homepage under Super Seconds.

Photos provided by Desert Sands Unified School District.

Images are of Benjamin Franklin Elementary School.

What’s Happening at

Rosé All Day

OLD TOWN

Admin Professional Day

TQLAS Agave Bar & Grill

La Petite Creperie

Earth Day - Alankara

ART, ROSÉ & SPECIAL DAYS! Rosé All Day Chill with the perfect rosé at The Grill on Main.

Pair it with a baked brie appetizer served with date chutney, candied walnuts, sliced green apple, local honeycomb and artisan toast, a refreshing jumbo scallop and spinach salad or a light but satisfying angel hair and prawns entree.

Say Thank you on April 21rst Celebrate Administrative Professional Day by remembering your staff for their work during this extraordinary time. A gift of French macarons or pastries from La Petite, lunch at TQLAS or The Grill on Main, Libations at RD RNNR or Happy Hour at Stuft Pizza or LQ Brewing Company are just a few ways to say thank you!

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

Essence Arts Gallery Opens on Main Street!

An elegant, new gallery has opened on Main Street next door to The Grill on Main. It features paintings by Tom Boatright and other artists, fine jewelry and home furnishings and accessories.

Anna Boatright says “At Essence Arts we elevate lifestyles with art and design. We believe that our intrinsic nature or essence is what determines our legacy. We believe in legends.”

Contribute to Earth Day Alankara Aveda Salon products are made with sustainability and environmental protection in mind. Earth Day is on April 22nd. Every April, Alankara offers a special promotional product or gift and contributes the proceeds from sales to a cause that benefits our planet and, therefore, ourselves.

—Submitted by Old Town Staff

Certified Farmers’ Market Sundays 8:00 am to 12:30 pm

2021 Gallery & Shows Weekly Gallery Hours: Closed Easter Sunday Thursday-Saturday 10am-5pm • Sundays 9am-1pm

Closed Easter Sunday

O LD T OWN G ALLERY

Yurivilca

CREATE YOUR OWN SUNDAY BRUNCH!

Leslee Adams

The best results for any recipe come from using fresh ingredients that are in-season. Consider a Sunday brunch favorite like quiche. Whether you select a recipe for vegetable quiche or the classic Quiche Loraine, you’ll find farm-to-table ingredients at the Farmers’ Market.

Start with fresh, organic eggs from Perris Farm, cheeses and butter from Spring Hill Farm, asparagus or green onions from Raul Family Farm and bacon from Da Le Ranch. Add some fresh oranges or freshly-squeezed orange juice to your shopping list to splash in champagne or Prosecco for a delightful Mimosa.

Enjoy a selection of picture-perfect berries, baked goods, organic coffee beans and gourmet teas and tisanes from local vendors to create a beautiful brunch menu at home.

April is the last month this season to enjoy the Certified Farmers’ Market at Old Town La Quinta!

78100 Main Street, La Quinta, CA

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Thank you for supporting local artists at our retail gallery across from RD RNNR!

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Show: April 10 10am to 4pm Last show this season!

OldTownLaQuinta.com

78100 Main Street, La Quinta, CA 92253

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installed utility crossing sleeves and is ready for paving.

This project will provide access to the proposed SilverRock Resort by constructing a through street from Avenue 52 to Jefferson Street. SilverRock way will be completed in time for the event site opening at the end of this month.

CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager

Spring has sprung in our beautiful La Quinta Community and thanks to our collective efforts to end the pandemic, Riverside County has moved into the red tier of the state’s color-coded reopening map. All of us at the City of La Quinta are excited to see businesses and schools welcoming people back inside with specific capacity limitations. We encourage residents and visitors to remain diligent in washing hands, wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and getting vaccinated, when eligible.

Here are some updates on City facilities and Public Works projects: Fritz Burns Pool - is now open, with swimming and various water activities being provided by our friends at Desert Recreation District. For a full list of programs, visit www.laquintaca.gov/FBPOOL. La Quinta Wellness Center – The Wellness Center has reopened and is now taking appointments for gym-time, Monday thru Friday. They continue to offer outdoor and virtual classes to fitness members and non-members alike. Classes range from creative to physical wellness offerings and are available Monday thru Thursday. To reserve a workout time slot or to register for classes, visit us online at www.laquintaca. gov/WELLNESSCENTER. Curative COVID-19 Testing – drive-up COVID-19 testing is available at the La Quinta Wellness Center.

It’s quick, easy and takes 24 – 48 hours to receive results. To make an appointment, visit curative.com.

SilverRock Event Site – Construction is wrapping up on this project. The park sits on approximately 14 acres and will include approximately eight acres of walking paths, turf and landscaping. The site will also include a meandering stream with a lake, a stage area, pads for future art installations, a restroom building and ample parking. The final items to complete are landscaping around the Alongi building, and lastly starting up the pumps for the water features. We will have the event site open later this month to welcome our community to enjoy.

SilverRock Way Street Improvement Project – Construction is nearing completion. The contractor has completed the water line and sewer line testing,

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Citywide Miscellaneous Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvements Project - Construction is underway on this project which entails infilling missing sidewalk links to provide more access to services and public transportation. The improvements include constructing a sidewalk on the east side of Jefferson Street south of Avenue 50 and a new ADA compliant curb ramp at Avenue 47 and Washington Street.

Completion is expected at the end of the month.

Washington Street at Fred Waring Drive Triple Left Turn Project - this month, you will see the finishing touches with the installation of new signal poles, paved and slurried roads, and updated controller cabinets to complete the project. The addition of triple left turn lanes on all four approaches to the Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive intersection will improve the traffic for commuters and visitors to the City.

Through a cooperative agreement with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and the Cities of Palm Desert and Indian Wells, the project included modifying the median curb locations and reconstructing the curb, gutter and sidewalks at the intersection corners.

La Quinta X-Park - If you’ve driven past Dune Palms Road and Westward Ho Drive lately, you may have noticed the construction of the La Quinta X-Park Project.

The contractor has installed the 2-story pro shop building, graded for the larger bowls and is now grading for the retention basins. This month they will finish shaping the concrete on the north bowl, and start installing railing for the other skate features just east of the north bowl. Great progress has been made on this project, and construction is on schedule to be completed by December 2021.

As always, you can find more information on all city projects in progress by visiting www.laquintaca.gov/ CIPMap Thank you for supporting La Quinta businesses and being mindful of others by wearing masks and following the CDC’s safety guidelines. We’re turning a corner and look forward to seeing more people out-and-about enjoying the Gem of the Desert as COVID-19 numbers continue to decline and more restrictions are lifted.

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

IT’S YOUR LIBRARY

VIRTUAL BOOK CLUBS

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

Enjoy FREE programs for all ages!

Questions? Call 760-564-4767

The library currently has limited services available.

Please call 760-564-4767 for up to date information.

SPECIAL VIRTUAL EVENTS Día de los Niños Virtual Festival Friday April 30 @ 10am - Saturday, May 1 @ 6pm Virtually celebrate Día de los Niños and the importance of literacy for children from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Visit our special Día page to explore storytimes and songs in different languages, and more!

Pick up a goody bag with a free book, craft materials, and the link to the event starting Friday, April 30 @ 10am.

Bags available while supplies last or until Saturday, May 1 @ 6pm.

Among Us: A Game On! Special Event (Ages 13-17, Discord: discord.gg/SktcBce) Friday, April 16 @ 4:305:30pm Discover the Imposter or be eliminated in this special LIVE EVENT on the LAQLibraryTeens Discord server.

Earth Day Plant Giveaway Thursday, April 22 while supplies last For Earth Day, we’re partnering with the Riverside County Master Gardeners to make your life a little greener! Starting on April 22nd, check out any gardening/conservation book and receive a special vegetable seedling pre-planted by our Master Gardener friends. Then go online to access the growing guide for your veggie and watch the Master Gardeners repotting/ transplanting video. First come, first served, while supplies last.

In-N-Out Cover to Cover Reading Program (Ages 4-12) Runs Saturday, March 6 through Saturday, April 17 Starting Saturday, March 6, the Library is offering the In-N-Out Cover-to-Cover Reading Program to children ages 4-12. Here’s how it works: • Sign up at the Library to receive a reading log.

• Read five (5) books at reading level and record it on the reading log.

• A parent must sign the reading log after each five (5) books are read.

• 5 books read = 1 In-N-Out certificate for one free burger • Maximum 15 books & 3 certificates per child.

• Express Service is available for certificate redemption. Call to schedule a certificate pick-up time once reading logs are completed. 760-5644767

Book Club of the Desert (Ages 18+, Zoom) Thursday, April 8 @ 10:30am This month’s book club will discuss The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. Registration required, copies of the book are limited. Visit our Book Club Page at laquintapl.blogspot.com to register and get info.

Read the World Book Club (Ages 18+, Zoom) Tuesday, April 20 @ 5:30pm Visit 11 countries in one year as we read translated books from around the world. In April, we’ll visit Brazil by reading Two Brothers by Fabio Moon & Gabriel Ba. Registration required, copies are limited. Visit our Book Club Page at laquintapl.blogspot.com to register and get info.

Impulse Affirmation Teen Book Club (Ages 13-17, Discord: discord.gg/SktcBce) Tuesday, April 27 @ 4:30-5:30pm Read what interests you, then join us on LAQLibraryTeens Discord server to talk LIVE about your passion (or disappointment)! “Live from the Library” will be open 15 minutes prior to the program’s start time.

Feel free to join us early to talk! For more information about this and any of our other Teen Programs visit laquintapl.blogspot.com.

ONGOING VIRTUAL PROGRAMS Super Sleuths Virtual Seek & Find (Ages 2-12, YouTube Channel) Available Wednesday, April 7 @ 6pm Search the library (virtually, on La Quinta Library YouTube Channel) each month for objects hidden among the stacks. Select a level, download the corresponding worksheet, and fill it in as you find the hidden objects.

Complete your worksheet to reveal a secret code word then call us with your secret code word and schedule a time to pick up a prize. Bonus: Decode a new secret code word each month and receive a Grand Prize at the end of the year!

Bounce & Rhyme Baby Storytime (0-18 months, YouTube Channel) Posted 2 times per month on our YouTube Channel, parents and caregivers will learn a new baby bounce, rhyme or tickle, as well as a new baby sign to practice at home. We will also review a board book that’s available for check out!

“In the Stacks” Storytime with Miss Sara (All ages, Facebook Live, YouTube) 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!

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

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Tell Me What to Read (Ages 13-17, laquintapl.blogspot.com) Vote for the book you want the teen librarian to read this month. Polls are live on the library’s blog 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 – Thursday, 10am – 7pm, Friday and Saturday, 10am – 6pm, and Sunday, 12pm – 4pm 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.

PROGRAMS For information and registration links for our FREE programs, please visit facebook.com/LaQuintaMuseum/events Wednesday, April 14, 12 noon: Brown Bag TED Talk Zoom Hangout Let’s enjoy a TED talk together, and then discuss! This month, we’ll watch “the history of human emotions” by Tiffany Watt Smith.

Thursday, April 15, 1pm: Zoom Lecture: Women Behaving Badly…for Good Don’t miss this presentation and Q&A with Dr. Priscilla Porter, as she honors women who braved the heat and dust of the desert in pursuit of a better life for all who live here. This lecture is part of the Desert Lecture Collaborative series, where your favorite desert museums bring engaging content to you at home!

Tuesday, April 20, 1pm: STITCH Zoom Show and Tell This Zoom get together is a great time to meet with friends old and new, share what you’ve been working on, and get inspired for your next project!

Thursday, April 29, 4pm: Good Books Zoom Discussion This month, we’re reading Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. A limited number of free copies are

COMMUNITY SERVICES Online registration available at https://laqwebtrac.laquintaca.gov For more information, please call (760) 564-0096.

La Quinta Public Library | 78275 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 | 760-564-4767

(Creative Wellness) Outdoors

LA QUINTA MUSEUM

(Physical Wellness) Virtual

available at the Museum, call 760-777-7170 to request

Line Dancing (limited attendance) one.

5:30 - 6:30pm

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Sculp Fit Core (Fitness Members)

4 – 5pm

T/TH

6:30 - 7am

M/W

8:30 – 9:15am

T/TH

11am - 12pm

M/TH

9 - 9:45am

T/TH

4 - 5pm

M/W

Stretch & Restore (Fitness Members)

77885 Avenida Montezuma La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-7170

(Physical Wellness) Outdoors Essential Fitness

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Mat Pilates

CURRENT ONLINE EXHIBIT

Tai Chi Chuan

Stitching California: Fiber Artists Interpret the State’s People, Life, and Land Please visit facebook.com/LaQuintaMuseum for a link to this exciting online exhibit!

Stitching California showcases an exciting collection of art quilts that interpret the complexities of the Golden State.

Yoga

AARP Tax Services – Drop-off / Pick-up - Wednesday

FREE Federal and California State Tax assistance offered by appointment.

Must have all documents. Please call 760-564-0096. First call first serve.

Coachella Valley Community Tax Services – Curbside - Friday

FREE Federal and California State Tax services will be offered by Volunteers. Simple tax forms based on gross income of 66K or less. All necessary documents are required at the time of registering for your appointment. Tax appointments can be made on Fridays at 8:00am by calling the La Quinta Wellness Center at 760-564-0096.

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

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FINANCIAL GEMS IS YOUR BUSINESS MISSING OUT ON THE EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT? Submitted by: Bruce J Legawiec, CPA/Partner, Osborne Rincon CPAs Most businesses are aware of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), which included a first draw in 2020 and a second draw in 2021. The PPP provided much needed assistance to many businesses suffering because of the COVID pandemic.

There is another government assistance program that can be of great value to a business impacted by COVID business restraints – the Employee Retention Credit (ERC).

Initially passed in 2020, a business receiving a PPP loan was not eligible to apply for ERC and this program was overlooked and infrequently used. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, a business may now take advantage of ERC for 2020 – even if it received PPP funds and the program is expanded to include 2021.

For 2020, the credit is 50% of qualified employee wages paid between March 13, 2020 to December 31, 2020 up to $10,000 per employee (a potential credit of $5,000 per employee).

A business must demonstrate a decline in quarterly gross receipts in 2020 of 50% or more when compared to the same quarter of 2019; or it must have experienced a full or partial shutdown of its operations due to a government COVID restriction.

While the 50% gross receipts decline may be hard to meet, in California, many businesses were forced to close their doors or reduce capacity due to government regulation. For example, many restaurants were forced to restrict their operations to less than full capacity or only operate outdoor dining.

There is a catch: any wages used to apply for PPP loan forgiveness cannot be used to apply for ERC. This caveat makes accurate filing of PPP loan forgiveness application very important. Proper planning and allocation of wages for PPP loan forgiveness is critical to maximizing PPP forgiveness and ERC.

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The 2021 ERC is easier to qualify for. Like 2020, a business will qualify if it meets the government restriction test. The business shutdown can be full or partial.

If a business did not claim the ERC for 2020 it can amend payroll returns for 2020 and receive refunds – assuming it meets qualifications. In addition, there may even be an opportunity to revise a PPP forgiveness application claiming excessive wages that otherwise qualifies for ERC. When a business has a full understanding of the interplay between PPP loan forgiveness and the Employee Retention Credit, it can properly allocate wages to result in 100% loan forgiveness and a substantial Employee Retention Credit.

Bruce Legawiec, CPA, is a partner with Osborne Rincon.

Bruce has over 30 years of diverse public accounting experience, and is a graduate of Albright College. He has been a resident in the desert since 1979. Osborne Rincon is one of the oldest and most respected full-service accounting firms in the Coachella Valley. To learn more, go to www.

OsborneRincon.com or call 760-777-9805.

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

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NOW OPEN IN LA QUINTA Submitted by: GCVCC Staff COVID-19 has put a lot of things on hold in the past year, yet we have fortunately seen some businesses open and move to new spots here in the Gem of the Desert with more coming soon. We welcome these services, and encourage you to support local La Quinta businesses whenever possible.

Dutch Bros at Jefferson Square Founded in Southern Oregon in 1992 by dairy farmer brothers Dane and Travis Boersma, Dutch Bros Coffee is the country’s largest privately held, drive-thru coffee company. Having started from humble beginnings as a single espresso pushcart in the small town of Grants Pass, the company now has 400+ locations in Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. Dutch Bros Coffee serves specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, freezes, teas and its Dutch Bros Blue Rebel energy drink that customers can infuse with their favorite flavors.

44-175 Jefferson St, La Quinta, CA 92253 (541) 955-4700 DutchBros.com Garage Living on Highway 111 Garage Living is a premium, full-service company specializing in all aspects of garage improvements. The company transforms dirty, cluttered garages into clean, functional and organized spaces. Whether it’s in their showroom or in the comfort of your home, Garage Living’s team of design experts will provide you with a free consultation to evaluate your space and discuss a plan for your project.

78595 CA-111, Suite 100, La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 989-4320 GarageLiving.com/PalmSprings/

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La Quinta Pet Hospital at Washington Park La Quinta Pet Hospital is a full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care within the central most intersection of the entire Coachella Valley. They believe the best bond between you and your pets starts with good health. At La Quinta Pet Hospital, every pet care plan is different, but all are focused on the same healthy outcome. They take a modern approach to pet wellness for long, healthy lives and offer the utmost in a calm, stress-free environment.

78555 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 760-7000 LQPetHospital.com Starbucks (across from City Hall) The newest Starbucks to open in La Quinta is across from City Hall on Washington Street and includes a drive-thru. This larger location will replace the Starbucks at the corner of Washington Street and Calle Tampico. Starbucks is a Seattle-based coffeehouse chain known for its signature roasts, light bites and WiFi availability.

50951 Washington St, La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-1554 Starbucks.com Village Peddler (new location) Previously Old Town Peddler, Village Peddler has moved just down the road in La Quinta and is now located near City Hall. Their goal is to help you experience some good old-fashioned fun whether it be renting bikes while on vacation or getting your own ride tuned up and road-ready.

50855 Washington St. #2D, La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-7433 VillagePeddlerLQ.com All information was gathered from the website and social media pages for each business. For more information about local businesses in La Quinta and how you can help support local, visit GCVCC.org or LaQuintaCA.gov.

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: • Desert Regional Medical Center’s Comprehensive Cancer Center satellite facility offers consultations, infusion services, and screening mammography • Desert Care Network’s Advanced Wound Healing Center offers care for chronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers. We are a member of the Amputation Prevention Centers of America.

• La Quinta Imaging provides a wide array of medical imaging, including X-ray, CT and MRI scans • Our Neurology Specialty Clinic treats movement disorders, epilepsy and a host of neurological conditions • 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

DesertCareNetwork.com/LaQuinta

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