The Gem Aug 2022

The La Quinta Gem BACK TO SCHOOL

A Guide to La Quinta Schools Horizon Virtual Academy Brings Accredited Teachers

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The La Quinta Gem TABLE OF CONTENTS

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La Quinta Recycling

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A Guide to La Quinta Schools

10 Horizon Virtual Academy Brings Accredited Teachers to La Quinta Students

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What’s Happening in Old Town

14-19 City Pages • City Manager’s Message

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Bear Creek Trail Landscape Renovation

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SB 1383

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LifeStream’s 9 Cities Challenge

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Avenue 53 & Jefferson Roundabout

It’s Your Library La Quinta Museum Community Services

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New Spots to Dine and Play in LQ

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The Humble Beginnings of Point Happy, La Quinta

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Desert Insurance Solutions Celebrates Ten Years, Presents Appreciation Award to First Client, Footloose Reflexology 4

GCV LA

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THANK YOU FOR THE MAJOR SPONSORSHIP PROVIDED BY

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The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) was created in 2016 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 Band of Mission 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.

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. COVER PHOTO BY GARY LOPEZ. 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.

CALL RON AT 760-625-6506 AND START PACKING 46 HOMES Expired or Cancelled

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La Quinta Recycling SB 1383: Short Lived Climate Pollutants W HAT RESI D EN TS NE ED TO KNO W SB 1383 is the most aggressive waste reduction law to be adopted in California in the past 30 years. This new law establishes statewide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions like methane. By directing food scraps, soiled paper, yard trimmings and other organic materials to compost sites. The City of La Quinta is working closely with Burrtec to ensure our implementation is welcoming and informative to our community.

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SB 1383 requires that clean streams of organic material be collected, recovered, and recycled into new end-products like compost.

Landfill Diversion by 2025

Residential

How can I be an active steward of SB 1383?

At work and at home, we will need to keep all our recycling and compost materials separate from our trash in the appropriate colored carts (coming soon!). Burrtec will provide residents with three carts and a kitchen pail. Multi-family communities will have a centralized organics program.

Events Corner

Are you a gated or multifamily community?

November 19, 2022 (9 am - 2 pm)

Call Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services. They are happy to hear from you and learn more about your community and how we can all work together to implement SB 1383 programs and educate La Quinta residents. Please call Burrtec's customer service center at (760) 340-2113 or email MunicipalServices@burrtecdesert.com – Ask for a waste assessment for Organics in your community.

For more information on the above events please visit: www.laquintaca.gov/aboutus/going-green/waste-recycling

To learn more about Organics Recycling for residents, open up your camera app

SB 1383 Webinar & Workshop October 22, 2022 (10 am)

Shred Day & Compost Give-a-way November 5, 2022 (7 am -11 am)

Household Hazardous Waste

When will the Organics Program begin?

The City of La Quinta is expecting to launch its organics recycling program for residents in October 2022. At this time please do not place food waste in your green barrel.

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SCAN

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What Businesses Need To Know ST A T E L A W R E Q U I R E S E DI B LE F OOD D O NA TI O N

Is My Business a Tier 1?

Edible Food Generators SB 1383 sets a statewide goal to recover 20% of edible food waste by 2025 to address food insecurity in California and reduce food waste. TIER 1 Commercial and Edible Food Generators must contract with a food recovery organization or service for the collection or drop-off of edible food starting January 1, 2022.

Tier 1 Commercial Edible Food Generators Include: 11.2 Billion Pounds of Food Sent to Landfills Californians send 11.2 billion pounds of food to landfills each year, some of which is still fresh enough to be recovered to feed people in need (CalRecycle. ca.gov)

Supermarkets with an annual revenue of $2 million or greater

Grocery stores with a total facility size of 10,000 square feet or more.

Commercial

State Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requires commercial edible food generators to donate all leftover or unsold food that would otherwise be disposed of, by donating the food to a food recovery organization or service such as a food bank or local soup kitchen. Luckily, La Quinta businesses can benefit from our local partner, FIND food bank! To learn more visit www.findfoodbank.org

Food service providers

W H A T D O E S M Y BU SI NESS N EE D T O D O TO CO MPLY ?

Recover Edible Food: Save edible food so it can be used to feed people instead of sending it to a landfill.

Contract: Have a contract or written agreement with food recovery organizations that picks up or receives edible food from your business.

Track and Report: Maintain records of food recovered each month.

L A Q U I N TA E CO B U S I N E S S SP OT LI G HT

Help is Available Burrtec's District Environmental Coordinators will assist your food establishment in participating with local food agencies to begin a food rescue program. Contact us at (760) 340-2113 to schedule a free assessment.

Visit one of our local environmentally friendly businesses Chula Artisan Eatery - Locally sourced and made from scratch H2O Closet - Go see what they have discovered

www.laquintaca.gov

A GUIDE TO LA QUINTA SCHOOLS Submitted by: Mary E. B. Perry, DSUSD Public Information Officer There are eight Desert Sands Unified School District schools in the city of La Quinta and each offers something unique and special to the students served.

Please visit each school’s website to learn more. Simply go to www.dsusd.us and click on the “Select a School” tab at the top of the page.

Adams Early Childhood Learning Center is a unique combination of special needs and traditional preschool classrooms. The logo says it all as this bright and cheery environment shouts that it is a special place for children.

Benjamin Franklin Elementary School is an International Baccalaureate school where students from TK (transitional kindergarten) through fifth grade learn from a global perspective and use their knowledge to create projects of worldwide interest.

Harry S. Truman Elementary School is a STEM school focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with some arts added to the mix. The school is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar infrastructure upgrade.

La Quinta High School provides the highest in academic standards and is proud to be an International Baccalaureate School as well as the home of a number of unique and rigorous CTE programs (career and technical education). They include culinary arts, medical health, military science, information & communications technology, and public service.

Paige Middle School is a traditional 6th-8th grade campus but with a twist. Located directly adjacent to La Quinta City parks, the partnership with the city finds athletic events of all types taking place as part of our students’ education.

Summit High School brings students in grades 10-12 who need a bit of a boost as they complete their high school education. Known as an alternative school, students come here when they are credit deficient to catch up and succeed in high school.

Horizon School offers a variety of independent academic programs including a virtual academy. More on their programs can be found in the article on page 10.

La Quinta Middle School is the district’s STEM academy.

Students take their elementary school education in the sciences to the next level as they focus on 21st century learning.

Adams Early Childhood Learning Center

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Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

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HORIZON VIRTUAL ACADEMY BRINGS ACCREDITED TEACHERS TO LA QUINTA STUDENTS Submitted by: Mary E. B. Perry, DSUSD Public Information Officer The beginnings of virtual education at Desert Sands Unified School District began in 2001 with the founding of Horizon School. The school was originally housed in the district offices in La Quinta before joining the alternative education complex. Originally intended for students requiring non-traditional classroom settings, the school has graduated professional motocross riders, successful actors, students involved in auxiliary/pioneering (ministry work), etc. During the COVID pandemic, enrollment grew as families sought alternatives to having their children in a physical classroom.

Horizon School offers a variety of programs, notably the Horizon TK-12 Virtual Academy, Horizon Opportunity, TK-5 HomeSchool, CWOP, Graduation Alliance, and Vista. Horizon School offers a fully credentialed team of teachers, counselors, and administrators for students in grades TK (transitional kindergarten) through 12th grade. Each of these programs and their unique role in DSUSD can be found on the school’s website.

Horizon’s staff continues to build a 21st century instructional environment that promotes rigor, infuses technology (blended learning), enhances time management skills, and remains a conduit for students

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who want and/or require a non-traditional educational experience. At the heart of Horizon’s program is the parent engagement.

As with all DSUSD students, Horizon pupils receive a device such as a tablet or Chromebook. Teachers are trained at each grade level to provide the newest technologies in virtual learning.

As education needs shifted during the COVID pandemic, Horizon Virtual Academy expanded its program.

Students in the virtual school program continue to realize growth on the annual California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. During the 2018-2019 school year (before COVID changes to the testing schedule) 7th grade ELA and math scores increased 43 and 39 points respectively, and 8th grade ELA and math scores increased 79 and 81 points respectively.

At the core of both programs are parental support and teacher efforts to extend the level of school-to-home communication that engages and, at times, reengages parents to the educational process.

The trend continued among 11th grade students all of whom produced a 51-point increase in ELA during the

2018-2019 school year with 72% of our 11th graders either meeting or exceeding standard, outpacing the district average by 20%. Horizon’s math program achieved a growth of 35 points on the CAASPP test, just one percent below the district’s high school average.

Horizon’s 7th, 8th and 11th grade students ended the school year with the greatest gains in both math and ELA. Horizon Virtual Academy are fully credentialed California teachers, many with advanced degrees.

High school students complete all A-G Cal State and UC requirements. Graduates have and are attending a variety of university programs including University of California Riverside, Humboldt State University, Northern Arizona University, and Grand Canyon University. Horizon Virtual Academy students attend college and career fairs and participate in the Regional College Fair (this year’s event will be held October 9.)

Visits to colleges and universities in southern California are also available to the high school students. Students participate in community events such as the La Quinta’s Desert Town Hall forum and a representative from the senior class serves as the school’s student board member participating not only in DSUSD board meetings but in planning sessions with the superintendent and senior staff.

For more information on Horizon Virtual Academy, other Horizon School programs, or any of the DSUSD schools, please visit www.DSUSD.us.

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

GCVCC.ORG/EVENTS Please share with family and friends interested in virtual education.

SUCCESS IS ON THE Horizon Virtual Academy Founded in 2001 as the DSUSD independent study school

Horizon Virtual Academy offers: • • • • • •

fully accredited school rigorous instructional environment technology infused - blended learning non-traditional educational experience parent engagement home school program

www.dsusd.us

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LifeStream location in La Quinta at 46-660 Washington Street, Suite 4. Be sure to mention that you are part of Team La Quinta!

CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE

Avenue 53 & Jefferson Roundabout

By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager

It’s hard to believe we are at the tail end of summer, and that Desert Sands Unified School District schools will back in session in our neighborhoods soon.

We hope you’ve enjoyed pool time, early morning La Quinta hikes, or rounds of golf, and have had the opportunity to support La Quinta shops and restaurants during these slower months of the year.

Here are some La Quinta updates to share:

Perhaps you have seen the construction happening on Jefferson Street and the entrance to The Hideaway.

This project involves building a roundabout which will also create a new Avenue 53 leading into the entrance of the Talus development. The project will also include a buffered bicycle and golf cart lane in each direction, as well as drainage, landscape, striping, lighting enhancements and slurry seal. Construction is expected to be completed in late Fall 2022. We ask for your patience while driving through this construction zone.

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

Bear Creek Trail Landscape Renovation The City will continue landscape renovation along the Bear Creek Trail from Avenida Carranza to Avenida Obregon – which involves removal of non-native plant material and installation of desert native plants. Trees include but are not limited to Blue Palo Verde, Desert Willow, Desert Ironwood and Honey Mesquite trees; as well as plants such as Desert Lavender, Desert Mallow, Chuparosa, Brittle Bush, Desert Agave and Ocotillo.

SB 1383 You may have noticed some additional information in The Gem regarding SB 1383, which is a new law that’s been adopted in the State of California. This is important because SB 1383 is going to require not only businesses – but also residents of California – to start composting food materials separate from trash.

The City will be working closely with Burrtec to assist residents with answers to questions. We just hosted an SB 1383 Webinar in July and an in-person one will be held in October for residents. Watch for updated announcements to stay informed and let’s all continue working together to keep our community in compliance.

LifeStream’s 9 Cities Challenge Now through August 31, 2022, the City is participating in LifeStream’s 9 Cities Challenge Blood Drive – encouraging the community to donate blood. This year, the competition takes place at a critical time of need as summer is one of the most challenging times for blood collection. In addition to having the honor of donating on behalf of your community, while supplies last, you will receive a special edition T-shirt, beach towel and coupon for a free scoop at Ben & Jerry’s at The River in Rancho Mirage. Learn when the next La Quinta blood drive is occurring at lstream.org/la-quinta, or you can visit the

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CITY SPONSORED SECTION

COMMUNITY SERVICES

IT’S YOUR LIBRARY

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

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

Enjoy FREE programs for all ages!

Questions? Call 760-564-4767

(Creative Wellness) Indoors

FEATURED PROGRAMS

Ballroom Dancing Beginning

Comic Celebration | Ages 8-17 Friday, August 12, All Day | In-Person Join us for an all-day comic extravaganza! Learn how to draw comics with local artist Droo Yeager, play Pop Culture Jeopardy, and attend comic readings. Not interested in a scheduled activity? Wander through our History of American Comics timeline and challenge yourself to answer all 50 Teen Trivia questions or visit the La Quinta Creation Station to customize a superhero keychain, design a mask, and create buttons!

Read the World | Ages 18+ Tuesday, August 16 @ 5:30pm | In-Person or Zoom Travel the world with this immersive* book club! In August, we’ll visit Haiti by discussing Moonbath by Yanick Lahens. See the Adult Reference Desk to register and for more info. *Immersive goodies available while supplies last.

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11am - 12pm

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(Physical Wellness) Gentle Yoga (Physical Wellness) Outdoors Pickleball 101 Beginners Pilates

6 - 7pm

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11am - 12pm

M/TH

12:30 - 4pm

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12:30 - 3:30pm

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2 - 4pm

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(Social Wellness) Social Bridge (Call Julie 760.342.8580 (Fee: $4) Mah Jongg (Fee: $2)

ONGOING PROGRAMS

5:30 - 6:30pm

Quilting for Good Times (Volunteers)

Page Turners Book Club | Ages 18+ Save the Date! Thursday, September 15 @ 10:30am | In-Person or Zoom Join our newest traditional book club where we’ll read a wide variety of titles throughout the year. In September, we’ll discuss The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang.

See the Adult Reference Desk to register. Copies are limited and will be available Tuesday, August 16th.

LA QUINTA CREATION STATION PROGRAM Maker Craft: Back-to-School Bookmark | All Ages Saturday, August 6 @ 10am - 5pm | In-Person Make a back-to-school themed bookmark using book tape, lined paper and other school related items.

More program info can be found on the Events Page at www.rivlib.net, La Quinta Library’s Facebook Page, or by visiting the Library.

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

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

La Quinta Museum August 2022 The La Quinta Museum is open Tuesday- Saturday, 10am-4pm.

Admission and programs are FREE NEW EXHIBITS Lincoln’s Scout: Diary of Horatio Cooke, Soldier, Spy, Escape Artist Opening August 9. The year was 1981, and author M. R. Cannon was performing a magic show in nearby Yucaipa, California, when things took an unexpected and fascinating turn. An 85-year-old audience member, Clara Louise Wasem, took over his show and captivated the audience with tales of her father, Professor Horatio G. Cooke, the American Wizard, who had been a Special Scout for Abraham Lincoln, an escape artist and Spiritualism debunker, and a mentor and friend to Harry Houdini. Clara Louise gave the author Cooke’s diary and meticulously kept scrapbook with a charge to share her father’s amazing story. Experience Cooke’s extraordinary life in this new exhibit!

La Quinta History Galleries, featuring Making A City Learn about of the grassroots movement that turned a small corner of the desert into the official City of La Quinta in our new exhibit, Making a City. This 40th Anniversary exhibit recounts the events of 1982 in the words of the City’s first mayor, Fred Wolff. Visitors will experience the Incorporation of the City through photos, memorabilia, newspapers, and video featuring Kay Wolff reminiscing on the movement that started in her living room.

PROGRAMS As programs are subject to change, please find the latest information on our FREE programs at facebook.com/LaQuintaMuseum/events Sketchbook Journaling Friday, Aug 5 & 19, 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.

STITCH Fiber Arts Group Tuesday, Aug 9 & 23, 1-3 pm Avian Behavior International is coming to the Museum to introduce us to some feathered friends. Don’t miss this close-up encounter!

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CITY SPONSORED SECTION

TED Talk Hangout Wednesday, Aug 10, 1 pm Let’s enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss! This month, we’ll watch “Live drawings of the human experience” by Jarrett J. Krosockza.

Genealogy Meet-Up Saturday, Aug 13, 1-3 pm Are you interested in your family tree? Are you a beginner or an expert in all things Genealogy? Come join us for discussion and collaboration.

Take a Break with Huell Tuesday, Aug 16, 11 am Join us for an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold on the big screen. This month we’ll watch “Magician” as Huell meets John Gaughan who designs and builds spectacular illusions for big-name magic acts and stage effects for rock musicians. He has also devoted many years to collecting and restoring vintage magic devices dating back to the 18th Century.

Summer Family Fun: Magic at the Museum!

Thursday Aug 18, 5-6 pm Prepare to be delighted and amazed by Magician Dean Apple!

Good Books in the Gallery Thursday, Aug 25, 3 pm This month, we’re reading Carter Beats the Devil, by Glen David. A limited number of free copies are available for book club participants, call 760.777.7170 to request one.

Club de Lectura: Spanish Book Club Friday, Aug 26, 3 pm Únete a nuestro club de lectura y conversemos sobre diferentes historias y títulos de interés cultural. Este mes hablaremos sobre el título “Poet X” de Elizabeth Acevedo. Este programa es para jóvenes y adultos! Cada último viernes de mes en el Museo de La Quinta. Copias del libro disponibles en el museo, llama al (760) 777-7170 para apartar uno.

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NEW SPOTS TO DINE AND PLAY IN LQ Submitted by: GCVCC Staff August is upon us, and many may be looking for some new spots to dine and play in LQ. We have two great options of some great new businesses right here in La Quinta.

Slice Italia is located at 46-660 Washington St. #8 and can be found online at theslicepizza.com.

Slice Italia

The Kids Clubhouse indoor playground and part center is proud to be a local, family-owned small business. They wholeheartedly support their neighboring local small businesses in La Quinta and the entire Coachella Valley.

The Kids Clubhouse is pleased to offer a wide variety of activities and entertainment for kids of all ages (and parents too!). They’re confident that you will have an endless amount of fun...whether its pretend play in the TKC mini town, the multiple play structures, singing Karaoke on the town center stage, arts & crafts or in the awesome Gamers Lounge.

Slice Italia strives to deliver the best N.Y. Style Pizza and Italian dishes in a casual and fun atmosphere in the Coachella Valley. Slice Italia is the best of both worlds!

They combine a New York pizzeria with a full-service, full-menu Italian restaurant. Slice Italia is the place to come for a quick slice, salad, or sandwich during your lunch break or to bring the family for dinner to order off of our “Build Your Own” pasta menu where the possibilities are endless. Diners on the pizzeria side are surrounded by brick walls and black and white checkered tiles to give that classic New York ambiance. The Ristorante side gives diners a comfortable feeling and the best service everyone wants when they go out to eat.

With flat-screen TVs throughout the restaurant and is located right next to Century La Quinta & XD – Cinemark movie theater. Slice Italia is the place to come for a bite before the movies or to watch your favorite sports teams play. You can enjoy their full bar and Happy Hour every day from 4 – 6 pm.

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The Kids Clubhouse

The mission of The Kids Clubhouse is to be the premier indoor play place for the residents of the Coachella Valley. Their goal is to promote cognitive, physical and social development through fun, interactive activities and stimulate each child’s imagination and creativity.

You can find more information online by visiting thekidsclubhousecv.com and they’re located at 79-390 Highway 111 in La Quinta.

THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS OF POINT HAPPY, LA QUINTA Submitted by: Jeff Fishbein, Coldwell Banker Realty During the 1800’s the Cahuilla people were the only permanent dwellers in the Coachella Valley. One of their villages was located near what is now the intersection of HWY 111 and Washington Street. This was long before the railroad and agriculture brought commerce and settlers to this great desert region.

The mountain ridge that they inhabited was chosen because of its proximity to water. The ancient Cahuilla’s dug a well into the wash and built pathways and steps down to the water level just a short walk from Point Happy. For many years the Cahuilla and later travelers through the area relied on the wells as their primary water supply. The ancient wells were also the influence for the future “Indian Wells” moniker.

By the early 20th century, Point Happy was the site of a homestead claimed by Norman “Happy” Lundbeck. He and his wife farmed and ran a stable and store which was located along a primitive road that later became HWY 111. In 1922 after the death of her husband, Mrs. Lundbeck sold the property to a wealthy oil baron and socialite, Chauncey Clarke, and his wife Marie Rankin Clarke. The area would not officially be known as La Quinta until 1926 when the La Quinta Hotel was built.

The Clark’s created Point Happy Date Gardens and the ranch eventually grew to 135 acres where the Clark’s bred and raised Arabian horses and grew many different crops. The ranch continued to operate with a large staff until the widow Clark passed in 1948 and the property was bequeathed to Claremont College.

The property was then purchased by William DuPont Jr. of the Delaware DuPont Chemical family. The family made a fortune as a gunpowder manufacturer in the 1800’s and they also obtained several patents for inventions including Rayon, Nylon, and Kevlar. He

enjoyed socializing with entrepreneurs and entertaining celebrities at Point Happy during their visits to the nearby La Quinta Resort In the 1950’s he constructed a new home on the property on a rocky peak between La Quinta and Indian Walls overlooking the valley. In 1965, upon Mr. DuPont’s death, the property changed hands yet again. The new home and immediate grounds were purchased by a new occupant and the remaining grounds were sold to two developers. Eventually even the ranch house was demolished and the land sold to build homes at Point Happy Estates.

The 1950’s La Quinta home is on the market once again.

Located on over 5 acres, with 3 bedrooms and 2,450 square feet. The asking price is $4 Million. I wonder who will be moving to this beautiful La Quinta neighborhood.

Jeff Fishbein is a REALTOR with the desert’s leading Coldwell Banker Realty. Jeff has tremendous success in helping home sellers and buyers with a 5 Star rating on Zillow.com. Jeff’s motto is “NOT the BIGGEST Realtor, but the BEST!” Jeff is also very active in La Quinta, serving as the Incoming Chairman of the GCV La Quinta Chamber of Commerce and currently sits on the Board of the Regional GCVCC Board of Directors and Leadership Coachella Valley.

DESERT INSURANCE SOLUTIONS CELEBRATES TEN YEARS, PRESENTS APPRECIATION AWARD TO FIRST CLIENT, FOOTLOOSE REFLEXOLOGY Submitted by: Desert Insurance Solutions Staff Desert Insurance Solutions, an award-winning boutique multiline property and casualty insurance broker celebrates ten years in business and recently presented an appreciation award to their first client, Footloose Reflexology, with locations in La Quinta and Rancho MirageCelebrates. The broker offers all types of insurance to commercial, professional and personal clients, but specializes in serving high-value homeowners with multiple properties. They also provide health insurance and Medicare supplements. They have physical offices in the desert resort areas of Scottsdale, AZ and Palm Springs, CA. “I’m excited that we’re celebrating ten years in business,” said Carrie Babij, Co-owner and CEO of Desert Insurance Solutions. “We wanted to personally thank our very first client, Footloose Reflexology in La Quinta, for believing in us, and recognizing that at Desert Insurance Solutions, we really are local experts and trusted friends.

We provide a local presence with real experts on site. For people with something to lose, insurance is too important for a remote 1-800 service center. Our staff live and work here, and love the desert.”

single quality broker and carrier. On the business side, they have years of experience with access to multiple commercial carriers.

About Desert Insurance Solutions Desert Insurance Solutions is an independent and multiline insurance agency offering all types of personal and commercial insurance to individuals and small-to-medium sized businesses. Co-founder, Carrie Babij, has more than 30 years of senior management experience in the insurance industry. Before starting Desert Insurance Solutions, Carrie was Senior Vice President-Wells Fargo Insurance in Seattle.

Carrie’s firm was awarded 2019 Agency of the Year by National Underwriter Magazine and 2020 Top Producer by Insurance Business America. Contact Carrie at 480-4778043 or visit DesertInsuranceSolutions.com

Carrie explains her firm’s positioning: “Large brokers are fine for large companies, but they don’t want to bother with smaller companies or personal insurance. Many insurance companies limit choice and aren’t designed for high-end homes or more complicated businesses. Desert Insurance Solutions fills the gap with quality carrier choice and expert service.”

Desert Insurance Solutions is licensed to operate in all states so is ideal for people with homes in multiple states looking to consolidate and simplify insurance with a

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Carrie Babij, President, Desert Insurance Solutions and Ling Ng, Owner, Footloose Reflexology

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