The Gem April 2022

The La Quinta Gem

X Park: From Creation to Community Impact Local Skater Speaks on Excitement for X Park

X PARK OPENS

Cover Photo Credit: Chris Casas

Greater Coachella Valley Chamber 78-015 Main Street, #206 La Quinta, 92253

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PALM DESERT PERMIT NO. 1099

********ECRWSSEDDM*** POSTAL CUSTOMER

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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The La Quinta Gem

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Key Tax Credits Have Expired: What This Could Mean for You

APRIL 2022

Three Questions to Ask Friends Regarding Medicare

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Message from the Chairperson

La Quinta Spring Business Update

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Action Park Alliance: The Future of the X Park

09 Spohn Ranch: Creating the X Park

10 El Gato: A Local Skate Legend

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What’s Happening in Old Town

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City Picnic & Birthday Celebration

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La Quinta X-Park

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SilverRock Retention Basin Soil Stabilization Project

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Citywide Miscellaneous ADA Improvements Project

It’s Your Library La Quinta Museum Community Services

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Easter Egg-stravaganza

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Spring Business Update

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City Pages • City Manager’s Message

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THANK YOU FOR THE MAJOR SPONSORSHIP PROVIDED BY The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) was created in 2016 Q 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 0 T. 1 9 5 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 Eric Mosser , Chairperson | Charles Schwab Mike Chapa, Secretary | Fairway Independent Mortgage Carrie Babij, Treasurer | Desert Insurance Solutions, Inc. Doug Motz | Motz-Rusin Insurance Agency Steve Weiner | Coldwell Banker Ray Dominguez | Lamar Outdoor Advertising Karen Lambrose | Caliber Home Loans 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 Jeff Fishbein | Coldwell Banker / Fishbein Real Estate Group Mickey Jumapao | iServe Lending

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: Eric Mosser, La Quinta Chamber of Commerce Chair I’d like to thank the Chamber of Commerce for allowing me to place an article in The Gem every month. In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.

Gratitude helps people feel more positive. I searched the internet for tips on how to embrace and implement more gratitude to compose the following list.

1. Keep a Gratitude Journal. Establish a daily practice in which you remind yourself of the gifts, grace, benefits, and good things you enjoy. Setting aside time to recall moments of gratitude associated with ordinary events, your personal attributes, or valued people in your life gives you the potential to interweave a sustainable life theme of gratefulness.

2. Remember the Bad. To be grateful in your current state, it is helpful to remember the hard times that you once experienced. When you remember how difficult life used to be and how far you have come, you set up an explicit contrast in your mind, and this contrast is fertile ground for gratefulness.

3. Come to Your Senses. Through our senses—the ability to touch, see, smell, taste, and hear—we gain an appreciation of what it means to be human and of what an incredible miracle it is to be alive. Seen through the lens of gratitude, the human body is not only a miraculous construction, but also a gift.

4. Use Visual Reminders. Because the two primary obstacles to gratefulness are forgetfulness and a lack of mindful awareness, visual reminders can serve as cues to trigger thoughts of gratitude. Frequently, the best visual reminders are other people.

5. Make a Vow to Practice Gratitude. Research shows that making an oath to perform a behavior increases the likelihood that the action will be executed.

Therefore, write your own gratitude vow, which could be as simple as “I vow to count my blessings each day,” and post it somewhere where you will be reminded of it every day.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this article.

I hope you find something that you may use to insert a little extra happiness into your situation. In closing, I’d also like to express my appreciation for the Chamber of Commerce employees, volunteers, car owners, and car lovers who made possible the largest La Quinta car show ever this year.

Eric Mosser Investment Consultant Charles Schwab 760-836-3079

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JOIN US AT OUR NEXT GCVCC EVENT! VISIT OUR ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR

GCVCC.ORG/EVENTS

CALL RON AT 760-625-6506 AND START PACKING DRE # 02033152

12 HOMES Expired or Cancelled

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UNDER CONTRACT

HOWS THE MARKET?

LA QUINTA February 2022

133 NEW LISTINGS

129 CLOSINGS

M MAIN STREET COFFEE La Quinta, California

ACTION PARK ALLIANCE: THE FUTURE OF THE X PARK Submitted by: Action Park Alliance Staff It’s official – the La Quinta X Park opens March 23rd 2022 for public use. The highly anticipated destination facility not only boasts over 40,000 sqft of skatepark but will also be one of the few programmed skateparks in the nation. The world’s leading skatepark management organization, Action Park Alliance, was selected by the city as the designated operator of the facility. As a pioneer in skatepark management, APA produces over 100+ live events each year along with 50+ skate camps, over 1000+ hours of private lessons and more. With the explosion of popularity in action sports thanks to the main stream media, the Olympics and pop culture – it was critical to the city of La Quinta to provide the community a space that was not only safe, but also structured for the positive development of the city’s youth demographic.

“Through 25+ years of success, we have crafted a unique operation style that aligns with municipal standards while staying true to the culture that action sports enthusiasts enjoy.” As quoted by APA’s Executive Director, Mark Laue, who’s skatepark management portfolio stretches far beyond the history of the APA. Outside of the day-to-day operation, the APA will provide year-round programming that will include but not limited to – youth focused action sports camps, private lessons, beginner clinics, youth & girl specific sessions, action sports contests, professional demo events, adaptive skateboarding and wheelchair focused programming, etc. Specific to X Park, the APA plans to produce events around features at the facility – “The Pump Track amenity alone will be a sought-after feature that brings participants from around the globe. We plan to introduce a monthly racing league this summer that will be inclusive of all skill levels and ages.” Says APA’s Director of Operations, Victor Nelson “Every area of this

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facility was well thought out and expertly crafted by the team at Spohn Ranch. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time at a skatepark or if you’ve been ripping for years – X Park has something for everyone.”

The APA team intends to bring the highest level of professionalism to La Quinta, along with some big names. Notable legends such as Tony Hawk and local legend Eddie Elguerra have already had a chance to give their stamp of approval on the park, along with 11 Olympic Skateboarding Athletes at a private Red Bull training session a few weeks ago. “It’s clear that just about everyone is itching to get their laps in at X Park.

We have agreements in place to bring large-scale events to the valley, and some potential televised productions.

However, our priority is to give the residents the opportunity to get in and enjoy the facility first and foremost.” Says APA Coachella Valley Manager Victor Delgado.

X Park guests will finally be able to drop in for the first time at noon March 23rd, 2022. The city expects to finish landscaping and gain the proper permits to the building onsite sometime within the next 30 days after opening.

A Grand Opening is anticipated to be shortly after the completion of the retail store, Rhythm Skateshop, to coincide with a pro demo, contest and giveaways to participants. Hours of operation are CLOSED: Monday & Tuesday OPEN: Wednesday – Friday: Noon – 9pm & Saturday/Sunday: 9am – 9pm with entry as follows: Residents $2/day or $25/year and Non-Residents $5/ day or $50/year. For more information, please visit www.

LaQuintaXpark.com or follow @LaQuintaXPark on Instagram

Cover Photo Credit: Chris Casas

SPOHN RANCH: CREATING THE X PARK Submitted by: Aaron Spohn, Spohn Ranch This past Wednesday, shredders from near and far rolled through La Quinta for the much anticipated opening of the La Quinta X-Park. The X-Park is one of the largest and most diverse skateparks on the west coast and was designed to provide for all wheeled sports and riders from beginner to professional.

The park boasts 31,000 square feet of advanced and intermediate bowls, a large street plaza and two undulating, intersecting ribbons of concrete that create an additional 20,000 square feet of pump track. The park also includes an air-conditioned pro shop where the riders can get refreshments, replacement wheels and bearings for their boards and bikes, or just take a break.

While Wednesday’s “soft” opening was held during a school day (directly across the street from the high school) and only advertised two days in advance, there was a large number of riders in attendance and many had driven up to 3 hours or more for the privilege of using the park. Judging by all the smiles, it was worth the effort.

Since its inception, the X-Park was not only intended to be a destination, but also to provide for the needs of the local riders. The designers and builders of the park, Spohn Ranch, held design meetings with the community and gathered a wish list of features directly from La Quinta’s kids and young adults and then crafted them into a complex concrete landscape.

In 2020 Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 1003 into law. That bill expanded on previous legislation limiting the liability of local governments that build and operate skateboard parks. Part of the expansion was the inclusion of language to cover users of all non-motorized wheeled devices, and specifically names skateboards, in-line and roller skates, BMX bikes, scooters and wheelchairs.

Because of their foresight and due to the comprehensive

nature of California’s skatepark legislation the City of La Quinta was intentional about creating a park for all users. And as an example when the city was approached by a group of stunt wheelchairs riders to ensure their inclusion, the city requested that the park designer consider modifications to expand access and ease their ability to traverse some of the more challenging terrain.

One of the other distinct features of the park is the advanced bowl. Skateboarding legend and bowl aficionado Lance Mountain was consulted to create a new take on the historic Pipeline/Combi bowls. The La Quinta version is slightly shallower and includes a roll-in.

This makes it more family friendly while still challenging enough to keep professional skaters happy. Evidence of that was the smile worn by OG skateboarding legend Christian Hosoi when he came out for a pre-opening test session.

“This could be the best outdoor bowl in the county.” Christian Hosoi Another modification in the bowl design was the use of hyperbolic curves for all the walls and the elimination of all flat surfaces. This unique application enhances the ability to generate and maintain speed and has already caused legends Tony Hawk and Andy McDonald to request a private pre-opening session to see what the hype was all about. And of course make a few laps around the pump track.

While Tony, Christian, Lance and Andy weren’t able to make the inaugural day, skateboard legend and Valley Resident, Eddie Elguera and all around legend and OG Steve Caballero were in attendance.

One thing about the LA Quinta X-Park is becoming clear: the park is just getting started in providing great things to the local community, and that includes a steady stream of pro skaters, making their way to the valley to shred with the kids.

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Cover Photo Credit: Chris Casas

EL GATO: A LOCAL SKATE LEGEND Submitted by: GCVCC Staff The X Park is bringing a whole new level of excitement to North La Quinta. And that excitement is apparent from the skateboarding community, specifically Eddie “El Gato” Elguera. Eddie is a Coachella Valley resident who has been skateboarding professionally for over 43 years. He started skateboarding when he was only 8 years old and will be turning 60 this year. We talked with Eddie about why he’s excited about X Park and what he’s looking forward to for the skate community.

Can you let us know a bit about your skating history?

In 1979, I entered the professional circuit of skateboarding and became Skateboarder of the Year. I also received the “Most Spectacular New Maneuver” award for inventing the Elguerial, a skateboard maneuver named after Me. This all happened within the first year of becoming a professional.

The following year, in 1980, I went on to win the 1980 Gold Cup Series of skateboarding and became World Champion for the second year in a row. Along with two world titles, I introduced some of the most innovative skateboard maneuvers ever conceived or attempted at that time. A few of the tricks, which enabled me to play a major part in skateboarding history, include the Elguerial, the frontside rock-n-roll, the fakie ollie, and the frontside invert, which I perfected. In 2016, I was inducted into the Skateboard Hall of Fame.

In what ways were you involved with the conception of the X Park?

During the design process, Charlie and Vince from Sphon Ranch reached out to me, since I’m a resident here in the Coachella Valley, and asked me what type of bowl I would like to see at the park. I suggested that we make a scaled-down version of the legendary Combi bowl. The original was built in Upland at the Pipeline skate park in 1979, which has been closed since the late 80s. It is an

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iconic bowl that was originally designed by skateboarder Steve Alba. The design combined multiple aspects of pool skating: a round pool, a square pool, a shallow end, and a roll-in.

What makes you excited about the X Park here in La Quinta?

First, the fact that it’s 10 minutes from my house. So, now I don’t have to drive two hours to enjoy a quality skateboard session. I feel that they built something for everyone to enjoy, from beginners to experts. All my friends in the skateboard industry have been calling me wanting to come to skate out here now!

How do you think the X Park will affect the city of La Quinta?

I appreciate that the city of La Quinta is investing in the younger generations. There are a lot of families living in our city. The kids and teens need things to do. This is something that the entire family can enjoy together.

I believe it’s going to bring added revenue to the city because people will be coming from out of town to enjoy this park. Like my friend, Tony Hawk said, this is a destination skate park. Where people will come from all over the world to skate.

What hopes do you have for the future of X Park?

I hope to see many special events happening here. Both community-based events as well as contests and demos.

I also hope that the X Park becomes a shining example for other cities when it comes to how to build parks that meet the needs of the young people in their communities.

I’m looking forward to bringing the El Gato Classic to the new XPark. This is an event that My wife and I host, that gathers legends from around the world. To learn more about the El Gato Classic, go to the elgatoclassic.com

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CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE

Celebrate La Quinta’s 40th birthday with family, friends, and neighbors. Come out to this popular annual event to enjoy food, games, activities, performances, and giveaways.

• April 30 | 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

• Civic Center Campus; 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta • Free event for all ages Learn more at PlayinLaQuinta.com.

By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager

Spring is in full bloom! We hope you have been able to get outdoors to enjoy the stunning scenery in La Quinta and immerse yourself in the activities available throughout the community.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Spring Business Update The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce and the City of La Quinta invite you to a one-of-a-kind evening of eating, entertainment, and an economic outlook for our city. Engage with the City Council and staff as we present a hopeful look at doing business in La Quinta.

• April 6 | 4:30-8:00 p.m.

• Dinner tickets are available for purchase • Lawn seating is free (dinner not included) • SilverRock Park; 51900 SilverRock Way, La Quinta Event details at gcvcc.org/events.

Easter Egg-stravaganza Take part in La Quinta’s annual egg hunt. Play games, look for toy- and candy-filled eggs, join the chalk drawing contest, and meet the Easter Bunny.

• April 16 | 9:00-11:00 a.m.

• La Quinta Park • Free event for all ages • Space is limited – participants must pre-register Sign up at PlayinLaQuinta.com.

City Picnic & Birthday Celebration

CITY UPDATES La Quinta X-Park The La Quinta X-Park had a soft opening on March 23! At the new X-Park, residents can enjoy 31,000 square feet of skate area, a 1,400 square foot pro-shop with restrooms and an observation deck, energy-efficient/programmable lighting, and a 962-foot long by 6-8-foot wide pump track.

For more information on this incredible new park, including hours of operation, visit www.LaQuintaca.gov/XPark.

SilverRock Retention Basin Soil Stabilization Project At the SilverRock retention basin, 65 new trees were installed by La Quinta resident volunteers last month in partnership with AMPlify the Urban Forest as part of an effort to plant 2,000 trees across California. The SilverRock Retention Basin Soil Stabilization Project also includes adding shrubs to the upper half of the slope on Avenue 52 and along the parking area. The east slope will remain in its current natural state – utilizing a hydroseed mix with rotor irrigation on the balance of the slopes and installing guardrails at the headwall structure and ramp.

This project will stabilize deteriorating slopes in the basin and reduce the risk of erosion during large storms. We anticipate the completion of this project to be in May 2022.

Citywide Miscellaneous ADA Improvements Project The citywide ADA miscellaneous improvements consist of reconstructing curb ramps, sidewalks, and driveways to bring them to the current code. The scope of work also includes adding an additive alternate to construct raised crosswalks across Avenida La Fonda and Calle Estado on the east side of Avenida Bermudas. Raised crosswalks are proposed due to the right-of-way constraints when placing curb ramps. You can find recent snapshots and updates of this project on the City’s Facebook page @CityofLaQuinta.

Future projects include a roundabout at Jefferson Street and Avenue 53, landscape renovation projects at the Topaz and the Desert Pride communities, X Park landscaping, and citywide striping. All projects are anticipated to start within the next 3 months.

To stay updated on news and events in La Quinta, sign up for “Quail Mail” by going to LaQuintaCA.gov.

Photo by: Chris Casas

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CITY SPONSORED SECTION

IT’S YOUR LIBRARY La Quinta Public Library is located at 78-275 Calle Tampico.

Enjoy FREE programs for all ages!

Questions? Call 760-564-4767

FEATURED PROGRAMS Día! with the Bearspring Singers and Dancers | All ages Saturday, April 30 @ 11:15am | Civic Center Amphitheater (behind the library) Celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) and the importance of literacy for children from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds at this super-sized storytime event.

This event will feature a special performance by the Bearspring Singers and Dancers of the Navajo Nation. Kids will receive a goody bag with a free book, bookmark, craft materials, and more! Goody bags available while supplies last.

Read the World | Ages 18+ Tuesday, April 19, 2022 @ 5:30PM | Zoom Travel the world with this immersive* book club! In April, we’ll visit France by discussing The Dark Library

by Cyrille Martinez. Visit our Book Club Page at bit.ly/ LQLibraryBlog to register and for more info. *Immersive goodies available for the first 18 registrants.

La Quinta Public Library 78275 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253

Spring Plant Giveaway | All ages Friday, April 8 @ 3:30 - 5:30pm | Library Courtyard We’re partnering with the Riverside County Master Gardeners to make your life a little greener!

Our Master Gardener friends will be here with a variety of spring starter plants. Pick up your plant and take the opportunity to get expert advice from the Master Gardeners. One plant per patron.

First come, first served and while supplies last.

Poetry Reading with Katie Xin: Riverside County Poet Laureate | Middle/High School Thursday, April 14 @ 5 - 6pm | Library Program Room Did you know that Riverside County has its very own Teen Poet Laureate? Her name is Katie Xin and she’s from the Coachella Valley! Please join us for a very special reading of a selection of Katie’s poems. There will be an opportunity for Open Mic readings for middle and high school poets- Interested poets please pre-register by emailing lhiggins@rcoe.us. Seating is limited and available first come, first served.

Jumanji Games | Ages 13-17 Thursday, April 21 @ 4:30-5:30pm | Civic Center Campus Lawn Jumanji, that treacherous jungle game, has trapped your team within its borders! Only those who can find the Eye of the Jungle and restore it to its proper home can escape. Compete in challenges against other teams to gain clues to the whereabouts of the Eye of the Jungle.

Will you escape?

ONGOING PROGRAMS La Hora del Cuento/Spanish Storytime Tuesday, April 12 @ 11:15am | Facebook & YouTube ¡Únete a la Sra. Minerva mientras lee algunos de sus libros favoritos en español con titeres! Join Miss Minerva as she reads from some of her favorite storybooks in this Spanish language storytime with puppets!

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

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

LA QUINTA MUSEUM APRIL 2022 THE LA QUINTA MUSEUM IS OPEN TUESDAYSATURDAY, 10AM-4PM. ADMISSION AND PROGRAMS ARE FREE CURRENT EXHIBITS The Ranges Between On exhibit February 8 – May 21, 2022. Experience the wonder of the desert through 35 works in this series of paintings from Eric Merrell’s artist residency at the Mojave National Preserve.

Take a Break with Huell Tuesday, April 19, 11am Join us for an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold on the big screen! This month, we’ll watch “Palm Desert (2001)”, as Huell visits with Dan Callahan of the Palm Desert Historical Society and Mayor Buford Crites.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/HuellApril Good Books in the Gallery Thursday, April 28, 4pm This month, we’re reading Airman’s Odyssey by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. A limited number of free copies are available for book club participants, call 760.777.7170 to request one. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/GoodBooksApril

La Quinta History Galleries Dive in to the stories of your city, from the original stewards of the land, the Cahuilla, to the homesteaders, ranchers, and dreamers looking for a desert oasis.

PROGRAMS As programs are subject to change, please find the latest information and register for our FREE programs at facebook.com/LaQuintaMuseum/events Sketchbook Journaling Friday, April 1 & 15, 1-3 pm Get in touch with your inner artist with sketchbook journaling—the no-rules, playful approach to creativity.

Join us each month to create bite-sized bits of drawing, painting, lettering, collage, and mixed media. Basic supplies provided. Seating is limited, please reserve your spot at https://tinyurl.com/SketchApril Music at the Museum Thursday April 7, 5-6 pm By popular demand, Music at the Museum is back on the first Thursday of each month! Join us in the Courtyard as acoustic duo, The Mudbugs, serves up a musical gumbo of Blues, Cajun, Zydeco, Country, Americana.

STITCH Fiber Arts Group Tuesday, April 12 & 26, 1-3pm Bring your fiber project to work on while you meet in our Courtyard with friends old and new, share what you’ve been working on, and get inspired for your next project!

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/StitchApril TED Talk Hangout Wednesday, April 13, 1pm Let’s enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss! This month, we’ll watch “Why We Need Darkness” by Paul Bogard. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/TedApril

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

(Creative Wellness) Indoors Line Dancing

5:30 - 6:30pm

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Chair Yoga

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Gentle Yoga

11am - 12pm

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Tai Chi Yang

3 - 4pm

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11am - 12pm

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(Physical Wellness)

(Physical Wellness) Outdoors Essential Fitness Pickleball 101 Beginners Pilates (Social Wellness) Social Bridge (Call Julie 760.342.8580 (Fee: $4) Mah Jongg (Fee: $2)

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CITY SPONSORED SECTION

LA QUINTA X PARK IS OPEN

PARK HOURS: WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY: NOON - 9 PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 9 AM - 9 PM MONDAY & TUESDAY: CLOSED

LEARN MORE AT LAQUINTACA.GOV/XPARK

KEY TAX CREDITS HAVE EXPIRED: WHAT THIS COULD MEAN FOR YOU Submitted by: Lee Osborne, Osborne Rincon CPAs While there have been a number of challenges this tax season, the end of several beneficial tax credits has caused anxiety and confusion for many taxpayers.

Perhaps the one that is particularly exasperating is the end of the enhanced Child Tax Credit. Of the 40 tax provisions affecting individuals or businesses that expired in 2021, this is the one where we are seeing a larger impact with taxpayers.

As reported in Fortune, over 36 million families got their sixth—and final—monthly Child Tax Credit advance back in December. Those checks were a temporary measure that was provided by the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. For one year, this economic aid package increased the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $3,000 per dependent ages 6 to 17, and from $2,000 to $3,600 for children age 5 or younger.

We don’t yet know what will be replacing the lapsing benefit, but as of right now, the 2022 Child Tax Credit is set to go back to $2,000 for each dependent age 17 or younger.

The enhanced Child Tax Credit is probably the highest profile tax break that either ended or went back to its pre-pandemic status, but there were plenty of others. Credits for energy-efficient investments and purchases expired at the end of 2021, as did charitable contributions for nonitemizers. This means you now need to itemize your charitable contribution deductions in order to take advantage of that benefit.

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The money from these tax credits was intended to offer aid during the pandemic, but of course, taxpayers are disappointed to not be receiving as large of a tax refund as they were expecting. There has also been an abrupt end to the monthly advance payments, and parents have been distressed about that, as well.

Although you’ve been focused on filing your 2021 tax return, it’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s return. Proper tax planning requires an awareness of what’s new and different from the previous year — and there are more tax law updates taking effect in 2022 that you’ll need to know about.

As tax professionals, we continually keep up with the changing provisions in order to ensure our clients are able to take advantage of all applicable write-offs – which is why it is important to have a good CPA handling your taxes. A trusted CPA is always looking for strategies when preparing your tax return that will allow you to keep as much of the money you’ve earned as possible.

Lee M. Osborne, CPA, CFE, is the President of Osborne Rincon CPAs. During his 30+ years in public accounting, Lee has done extensive work in many areas, including agriculture, retail sales, the service industry and manufacturing. Osborne Rincon is one of the oldest and most respected full-service accounting firms in the Coachella Valley. To learn more, call (760) 777-9805 or go to www.OsborneRincon.com.

Gem half page ad April 2022 copy.pdf

THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK FRIENDS REGARDING MEDICARE

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If you are over 65 your birthday is a very important day You have 60 days to change your Medicare Supplement

Submitted by: Randy Foulds, Foulds & Feldmann Insurance Agency I hear it often. “My neighbor has Brand X for his Medicare, and he loves it.” I am glad they like it. But, what does he like about it? Here are three questions you should ask:

Call us to learn how!

1. Is it a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage Plan? Many are more familiar with the brand name of their plan than the plan type. Plan type is what distinguishes your provider network.

2. When was the last time you had it reviewed?

Medicare plans should not be considered, “set it and forget it.” Plans frequently have changes in coverage and what may have been best for you at one time, may no longer serve your needs.

3. Why did you choose that plan? Whether it was low cost, or access to a large provider network, their reasoning should give you an insight into whether that would have been your choice too.

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Sometimes, there is just no way around the fact that you have heard from all your friends and neighbors that their Medicare supplement or Advantage plan, is the best Medicare plan. It’s hard to resist the temptation to just take that advice and be done with it. But your healthcare needs may be entirely different than the people you are speaking to. You might need specialists they have never heard of. You might need more choice in doctors, while your friend is happy with the same doctor he had for years.

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The decision you make at age 65, when you first get your Medicare, is very important. Know the different plan types. Understand the major differences between traditional Medicare, and Medicare Advantage plans.

And don’t worry about brand names until you review the facts.

This is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional advice. Randy Foulds of Foulds & Feldmann Insurance Agency is an independent broker and Medicare specialist in La Quinta. license #0G69218. You can reach him at 760-346-6565.

Medicare Made Easy

760-346-6565

CA License #0G69218 Learn more at FHI65.com 21

LA QUINTA SPRING BUSINESS UPDATE Submitted by: GCVCC Staff The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of La Quinta, invite you to a one-of-a-kind evening of eating, entertainment, and an economic outlook for the City of La Quinta. Join Mayor Linda Evans and fellow City Council Members and City Staff at the 2022 La Quinta Spring Business Outlook.

This special event will take place on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 from 4:30pm – 8:00pm at the new SilverRock Park (51-900 Silverrock Way, La Quinta). This outdoor evening event offers food from acclaimed, local La Quinta eateries – RdRnnr and Los Arcos – as well as desserts, live entertainment, and no-host bar service. Tickets are limited to the first 250 guests. Purchase an individual ticket, or a table.

“We have created a new event that will set the stage for our upcoming 40th Anniversary of Incorporation. We wanted to reach beyond our business community and include our residents in this public venue. Highlights will include an update on La Quinta’s overall status, news about our businesses, recognition of a pioneer for our city, and enjoyment of a concert in the park - under the stars - in a spectacular setting.” – Mayor Linda Evans

“This is a very unique opportunity for the business community in La Quinta. This convening of City leaders, business owners, and professionals around the economic interests of the City is being hosted in way that gathers community leaders around community matters. The City’s initiative to nurture dialogue and vision about the future of La Quinta casts a lot of hope and excitement for the future. The Chamber is appreciative of our partnership with the City of La Quinta and look forward to continuing to work with City Council and City Staff to enhance and grow the business community in La Quinta.”

- Emily Falappino, Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CE. For additional information contact the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber at 760-347-0676 or purchase tickets at gcvcc.org/events.

4-6-22 | 4:30 PM SilverRock Park

GCVCC.ORG/EVENTS 22

Café California