The Gem June 2021

GRADUATES OF LQ HIGH SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT ON ALYSSA TORRES HUMANS OF LQHS PHOTO BY LAURA GREEN

JUNE 2021 | THE GRADUATION ISSUE

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021

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TABLE OF CONTENTS June 2021

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City Pages

Graduates of LQ High Schools

08 Spotlight on Alyssa Torres: LQHS Student & Community Servant

10 ‘Humans of LQHS’ Project Showcases Student Journalists & Stories of the School Community

What’s Happening at Old Town

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12 - 13

The Great Migration

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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 | Village 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 Jeff Fishbein | Coldwell Banker / Fishbein Real Estate GroupLee 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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GRADUATES OF LQ HIGH SCHOOLS Submitted by: Mary Perry, Desert Sands Unified School District Congratulations to the Graduates of the La Quinta High Schools.

The sounds of Pomp and Circumstance bring back memories of our own graduations and a sense of pride as we reflect on the days when our own children received their high school diplomas.

The world situation during our 2020 graduations brought a new kind of celebration to high school seniors as they received their diplomas in a drive-through ceremony with a car full of loved ones. This year we return to our more traditional graduation settings. La Quinta High School students will graduate on May 27 (just prior to the release of this publication). Our other two high schools located in the city of La Quinta, Horizon School and Summit High School, both graduate on June 2. LQHS is one of four traditional high schools within Desert Sands Unified School District. Horizon and Summit are two of three non-traditional schools. Horizon School is based on the concept of independent learning. Summit provides credit recovery programs to students throughout the district.

The return to tradition brought the Blackhawks to their football stadium. Face masks are required at all public events. Graduates, dignitaries, and family members can show their school spirit in their selected masks. In addition, social distancing is the prescribed practice at all Desert Sands Unified School District graduations.

All events will be livestreamed so that family members and friends can take part in the celebration. A limited number of tickets per student have been distributed to families. Horizon and Summit will also hold a traditional graduation in the gym at Shadow Hills High School.

Just prior to publication of this magazine, there were 566 La Quinta High School; 45 Horizon School; and 22 Summit High School graduates. Final completion of graduation requirements may lead to a higher number of diploma recipients.

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Senior year began in what is referred to as “distance learning”. All students within the school district participated in the learning process via their Chromebooks and other devices. Teachers found new ways to teach and students found new ways to learn.

In March, the DSUSD school board voted to offer a hybrid-learning model to our students. In a survey of families, approximately 40% of students, district wide, noted their preference to remain in distance learning throughout the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.

In response to a growing desire for more time inside the classroom, and in keeping with all current public health guidelines, the remaining students were divided into Cohort A and Cohort B, each joining their teacher for in-classroom learning two days each week. Cohort A at all schools including the high schools in La Quinta, were in their classrooms on Monday and Tuesday; Cohort B on Thursday and Friday. As national and local COVID conditions changed and guidance was modified, the two cohorts were able to combine on Monday, May 3, thanks to the vision and foresight of the DSUSD school board.

Campuses were alive with the sounds of students both learning and socializing.

Seniors had the opportunity to create times to remember. Activities planned just for them took place on campus and at safe and selected venues. They participated in “Senior Sunset” and held “Senior Night”, all under the safest of conditions. It was a time to build memories and solidify friendships before graduation.

The Blackhawks, Coyotes, and Mountain Lions had a senior year unlike any other but they found ways to share school life and celebratory activities. They are heading off to a myriad of new life experiences including continuing education and careers.

The seniors of the La Quinta high schools have shared over twelve years of experiences and they will return over time for reunions where they will reminisce about the year where they created a new way of learning and a new way of sharing.

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SPOTLIGHT ON ALYSSA TORRES: LQHS STUDENT & COMMUNITY SERVANT Submitted by: GCVCC Staff Alyssa Torres is a senior at La Quinta High School (LQHS) and a member of the Public Service Academy (PSA).

She has been recognized for countless efforts that have been of service to our community, so we wanted to do a spotlight on Alyssa in this month’s issue of The Gem as she wraps up her high school career at LQHS. Alyssa’s passion for community service and desire to be a forensic technician is what led her to join the PSA. She has organized a number of donation drives with the help and support of the LQHS staff and members of the Desert Sands Unified School District administrative

team. Alyssa’s donations have helped a number of organizations in the Valley, including: FIND Food Bank, Martha’s Village & Kitchen, Saul Martinez Elementary School in Mecca, Well in the Desert, Amelia Earhart Elementary School and United Way of the Desert.

As the oldest of 4 siblings – sister Mikayla, and 3 brothers, Michael, Mason, and Nathan – she has always wanted to set the best example for them. “They have been my pride and joy as well as ‘my push’ to inspire youth to become go-getters and make a change for the better,” Alyssa shared.

According to the Mayor of the City of La Quinta, Linda Evans, “Alyssa’s efforts have demonstrated what it means to be an engaging and contributing citizen in her community and beyond. Her devotion to organize numerous donation drives for school supplies and food to help those in need is commendable. We are extremely proud to have Alyssa as one of our graduating seniors from La Quinta High School and know she will leave a legacy behind that others will follow.”

Alyssa received a City Proclamation on May 4, 2021, from the City of La Quinta for all the donation drives and extracurriculars that she has been involved in for the last couple years. Her senior year alone, she organized 5 donation drives: one for school supplies for her old elementary school, Saul Martinez Elementary, which generated $6,000 worth of donations; as well as drives for Coachella Valley C.A.R.E for CVRM (blankets), Martha’s Village (warm clothes), and FIND Food Bank

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(canned food).

with the potential for more one day.

“I was honored to receive the City Proclamation for my donation drives and also school involvement where I was an emcee at the Blackhawk Showdowns, a sports medicine trainer for LQHS’s football team, the team manager for LQHS Baseball, an ASB student for 1 year and Public Service Academy president for 3 years,” Alyssa said.

Alyssa further explains how the Public Service Academy at LQHS helped aid in teaching her how to serve her community. “Growing up, I always wanted to be involved in things and interact with people from a young age. I remember being in elementary school and seeing how not everyone had all the school supplies they needed, and watching teachers paying out of pocket for supplies.

Through my donation drives, I’ve been able to give back to a community that is as tightknit, hardworking and strong as ours.”

She explains that, like all young people, she has had to push through her share of struggles. “I had back surgery at age 13, and I have an ongoing battle with depression.

But these challenges have led me to the path that I am on and have not stopped me from completing all I have achieved in life thus far. If anything, they have fueled my passion to give back to my community.”

Alyssa has done all this while maintaining a 3.0 GPA and is looking forward to attending California State University – San Marcos and majoring in Forensic Science with a minor in Psychology. Alyssa’s goal of becoming a forensic technician will hopefully bring her back to the Coachella Valley to continue her passion for helping those in her community. Her ambition doesn’t stop there – she would also like to run for local office

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‘HUMANS OF LQHS’ PROJECT SHOWCASES STUDENT JOURNALISTS & STORIES OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY Submitted by: GCVCC Staff After experiencing a school year thrown off course due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hawkview journalism staff at La Quinta High School decided to act by relaunching the Humans of LQHS project from years past.

This time, the idea was to bring the stories of their school community to a physical space as an antidote to the virtual environment.

Capturing the stories of the high school and bringing awareness to the community of the diversity of La Quinta High felt essential, especially at a time when the building itself was closed yet school was still in session.

These are stories that others wouldn’t hear otherwise – ranging from students of all grades and the cafeteria to custodial staff, counselors and teachers.

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“With all of the isolation that has come along with this pandemic, it’s the perfect time to bring back a project that connects us as a community,” said Layla Freiberg, a junior and co-managing editor of the Hawkview.

“Reading stories about how others in your situation have handled the pandemic makes you feel so much less alone.”

Inspired by the Humans of New York and Photoville projects, Humans of LQHS aims to cultivate empathy and an understanding among the Blackhawk community.

Instead of producing a physical school newspaper this year, excerpts from reporting will be published on vinyl banners designed by the students themselves. Many of their stories from this school year can also be read at LQHawkview.com and on social media.

“We disconnected as a community when the pandemic hit,” said Samm Robledo, a senior and co-editor-in-chief, “so there was no better time to resume a project as personal as this one.”

In December 2020, it was announced that Desert Sands Unified School District’s Goldfish Bowl selected the students’ project as one of the top five finalists. The Goldfish Bowl funds grants to students and staff to support their innovative ideas for education.

The judges, however, took the students’ project one step further: rather than only display the students’ reporting around the school site, they encouraged the students to work with the City of La Quinta to display their work around the larger community.

Miranda Muir, a junior and one of the co-managing editors, said “I want others to recognize that we are not as alone as we may think we are. As isolating as times may seem, everyone has their own story and path, and we’re all doing it together. You should be able to take a step back and look at the world outside of your own.”

the power of student-journalism.

For more information, go to LQHawkview.com, Instagram.com/humansoflqhs or Twitter.com/ lqhawkview.

“After all, it’s not every day that one gets to sit down with someone you may not know and learn the nitty gritty details of their life,” Muir added.

The students also recognize the power and privilege they have in amplifying the many stories of their school, and it’s not an opportunity they take for granted.

“It takes a step like this to bond us together as a unit, while acknowledging our individuality,” said Robledo.

For the students – as journalists – the lesson and reward has been to productively contribute to their community.

“Working with amazing peers, and being able to grow closer with them through something this important is also another huge bonus,” Freiberg said.

It has become a moment to show the larger community that what happens within a school building “is not a separate sphere from the rest of the world,” explains Muir. Rather, it becomes a moment to show a community about the diversity of stories from a new perspective and

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What’s Happening at

OLD TOWN

The Grill on Main

Meyavé Stone Sculptures

TQLAS Agave Bar & Grill

Nitroinfusions

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Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill

THE NEWEST, THE BEST & THE ALWAYS GREAT! Welcome Meyavé Stone Sculptures Explore all natural, stone sculptures created from imagination and nature each made by the hands of empowered artists, earning a living through hard work and talent. Meet artist and entrepreneur, Itai, and learn about his work and the other Zimbabwe artists’ sculptures now available on Main Street!

The Best Place to Dine in La Quinta Congratulations to The Grill on Main for making Palm Spring’s Life Best of the Best Top 50 list in The Guide. Always a local favorite, Chef Brett Maddock’s fresh and hearty fare, infamous Happy Hour specials and great patio dining are hard to beat!

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It’s the Season - for Ice Cream!

Nitroinfusions made the Palm Spring’s Life List of 8 Reasons to Visit Palm Springs!

Is it because of the rich, creamy texture, the fresh organic ingredients and great flavors—think Salted Caramel, Banana Lavender, or Chocolate Espresso, or thrill of seeing your ice cream prepared in front of you in a cloud of dry ice?

Try the pops too!

It’s 3:00 Somewhere Why wait ‘til 5 p.m. when RD RNNR, TQLAS, Stuft Pizza, The Grill on Main and La Quinta Brewing Company are serving up their always great, chill specials all afternoon?

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

Summer is almost here as we dive into a new season in La Quinta. We are excited to see our businesses thriving once again with more visitors coming back to our Gem of the Desert. The city is still currently in the orange tier of the State of California’s reopening plan; however, we anticipate advancing to the next stage of reopening as early as this month. Be sure to visit our website and social media channels to stay informed on the latest city news.

We are so grateful to all our La Quinta residents and businesses for your continued efforts in keeping our community safe. Keep it up, La Quinta!

For COVID-19 Vaccine locations and to make an appointment, visit rivcoph.org/covid-19-vaccine City Hall Re-Opening - As La Quinta works through the State’s reopening process, we are pleased to announce our increased hours of operations for in-person services.

You can drop by City Hall on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8 am – 12 pm or schedule an appointment to meet with a staff member from 12 pm – 5 pm. Please call the HUB at 760-777-7000 to make an appointment.

Public Safety Camera System – You may have noticed the installation of public safety cameras going up throughout the City. The contractor is making great progress on this project and construction is on track to be completed by Summer 2021. Before the Public Safety Cameras System becomes operational, citywide signage will be installed in high traffic locations, blackout masking technology will be implemented, and a viewing location will be installed at City Hall for the public. This project will place 105 high-definition safety cameras in all major intersections in La Quinta, as well as in many La Quinta parks and at city-owned facilities. The City will be working with the La Quinta Police Department to operate and maintain the system to create a safer environment for all. To stay updated on this project, visit laquintaca.gov/CITYWIDECAMERAS Fire Station 70 Revitalization Project – This project, located at the corner of Madison and Avenue 54, is well underway. This month construction crews will prepare for plumbing and electric, start framing walls and doors, and set up for concrete. The fire station is getting an updated interior including the reception area, control room, dormitory, and bathrooms. Other improvements include replacing single-pane windows, an upgraded generator, and lighting fixtures with LED. Work is anticipated for completion by October 2021.

Stay cool out there La Quinta and please continue to shop local and support our business community.

If you want to save yourself a trip to the office, we invite you to use the city’s online departmental services where you can conduct business remotely, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit us at laquintaca.gov to learn more.

SilverRock Event Site – Grab the kids and pets to come check out the new SilverRock Event site, now open to the public. This beautiful new addition to our city is a 14 acre park with walking paths and a meandering stream with a lake that sits at the base of the Santa Rosa mountains.

It’s the perfect location to catch those golden summer sunsets. Look for some new events coming this Fall to the SilverRock Event Site.

The Wellness Center – If you need a place to escape the summer heat, you can cool off at the La Quinta Wellness Center, opening mid-June as a cooling center through the summer months. Fitness members can sign up for gymtime and fitness classes Monday thru Friday. COVID-19 safety protocols have been implemented to keep staff and in-person visitors safe. For more information on Wellness Center services, visit laquintaca.gov/WELLNESSCENTER. CITY SPONSORED SECTION

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ONGOING VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

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

The library currently has limited services available.

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

SPECIAL VIRTUAL EVENTS 2021 Online Summer Reading Program - “Reading Colors Your World” Monday, June 14 to Friday, August 6, 2021 Get ready for 8 weeks of an activity-packed, fun and vibrant “Reading Colors Your World” online Summer Reading Program. For all ages, Summer Reading Program participants can complete activities, watch performers, and take part in a reading challenge to earn points and drawing tickets for a grand prize drawing. Get all the info and sign up at srp.rivlib.net or call your local Riverside County library System branch.

Discord Discourses - Author Visits (Ages 13-17, Discord: discord.gg/SktcBce) Select Weekday Afternoons, June 14 to July 23 Guest authors will be joining our teens on the LAQLibraryTeens Discord server throughout the summer.

Visit our Teen Zone page at laquintapl.blogspot.com or join the Discord server for more info.

VIRTUAL BOOK CLUBS Book Club of the Desert (Ages 18+, Zoom) Thursday, June 10 @ 10:30am This month’s book club will discuss Memorial by Bryan Washington. 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, June 15 @ 5:30pm Visit 11 countries in one year as we read translated books from around the world. In June, we’ll visit Greece by reading Something Will Happen, You’ll See by Christos Ikonomou. 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, June 22 @ 4:30-5:30pm Read what interests you, then join us on LAQLibraryTeens Discord server to talk LIVE about your passion (or disappointment)! For more information about this and other Teen Programs visit laquintapl. blogspot.com.

Super Sleuths Virtual Seek & Find (Ages 2-12, YouTube Channel) Available Wednesday, June 2 @ 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.

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

Bounce & Rhyme Baby Storytime (0-18 months, YouTube Channel) Posted once per month on our YouTube Channel, parents and caregivers will learn a new baby bounce, rhyme or tickle, and a new baby sign to practice at home.

We will also review a board book available at the library!

The New Shelf (All ages, YouTube Channel) Posted 2 times per month on our YouTube Channel, The New Shelf will showcase some of the new books at the library, from picture books to early readers and chapter books to graphic novels.

New Books Now (All ages, Teen YouTube Channel) Posted 2 times per month on our Teen YouTube Channel, the Teen Librarian will highlight some of the new YA books at the library.

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 Book Bundles - Personalized Recommendations Please visit tinyurl.com/StitchingCalifornia to 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/express-services.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.

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

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

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LA QUINTA MUSEUM

COMMUNITY SERVICES

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

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

LQM is pleased to welcome the public to the Museum beginning June 8!

Please check our Facebook page or call 760.777.7170 for most current information.

(Creative Wellness) Indoors Line Dancing (limited attendance)

Metaphor, Myth, & Politics: Art by Native Printmakers Contemporary Native and Indigenous printmakers’ diverse points of view and styles of artwork are revealed through captivating and vibrant prints. On exhibit June 8- August 14, 2021.

4 – 5pm

T/TH

Stretch & Restore (Fitness Members)

6:30 - 7am

M/W

9:45 – 10:30am

T/TH

4 - 5pm

M/TH

(Physical Wellness) Outdoors Tai Chi Chuan Yoga (Physical Wellness) Outdoors

NEW ONLINE EXHIBIT

Essential Fitness

Feathered Relations: Works by Marwin Begaye Please visit our Facebook page for a link to experience this online exhibit. Artist Marwin Begaye creates a conceptual homage to birds through stunning prints, wood blocks, and multi-media works. June 8- August 14, 2021.

PROGRAMS For information and registration links for our FREE programs, please visit facebook.com/LaQuintaMuseum/events Desert Lecture Collaborative Zoom Lecture The Desert Lecture Collaborative brings engaging content to you at home! Check our Facebook events page for information on this month’s lecture.

7 - 7:45am

T/TH

11am - 12pm

M/TH

Pickleball 101 Beginners 18+

7 - 8pm

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Pickleball Drills for Skills

7 - 8pm

W

4:30 - 5:15pm

T/TH

Tennis Orange Ball Beg. (7-10yrs)

4 - 5pm

M/W

Tennis Orange Ball Beg. (7-10yrs)

5:30 - 6:30pm

T/TH

Tennis Green Ball Int. (8-12yrs)

6:30 - 7:30pm

T/TH

Green/Yellow Ball (10-15yrs)

7:30 - 8:30pm

M/W

5 - 6:30pm

M/W

Mat Pilates

Tennis Red Ball (5-7yrs)

Green/Yellow Adv Pre-requisite (10-15yrs)

Wednesday, June 9, 12 noon: Brown Bag TED Talk Zoom Hangout Let’s enjoy a TED talk together, and then discuss! This month, we’ll watch “Why You Should Make Useless Things” by Simone Giertz.

Tuesday, June 15, 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, June 24, 4pm: Good Books Zoom Discussion This month, we’re reading The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich. A limited number of free copies are available at the Museum, call 760.777.7170 to request one.

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

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(Physical Wellness) Hybrid Sculp Fit Core (Fitness Members)

NEW EXHIBIT

5:30 - 6:30pm

THE GREAT MIGRATION Submitted by: Desert Insurance Solutions Staff Covid has changed the way many of us live and work.

Some believe Covid simply accelerated long-term trends, and others believe things will soon get back to “normal.”

Either way, those of us in the insurance industry are seeing the most real estate activity we’ve seen in a decade. What’s going on?

• • • • • • • • • •

People are moving from higher tax states (CA, NY, IL, NJ) to lower tax states (FL, TX, NV, AZ).

Within states, some people are moving from big high cost urban areas (like NYC/SF/LA) to lower cost midsized towns.

Within metros people are moving from cities to suburbs.

More recently, others are looking for value in cities as rents move down.

Companies are looking for lower cost venues for operations.

Work from home is allowing for more location flexibility.

Second homes are being viewed as safety getaways, not just recreation.

Baby boomer retirement wave is peaking.

Low mortgage rates and high home prices are motivating action.

Home design features of 10-30 years ago are looking tired next to today’s trends.

Bottom line, people are on the move! If you’re thinking about moving, buying real estate or renovating, read on to learn about insurance implications.

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Buying Property Insurance is regulated by the state and most agents can operate in only one state. Finding an agency that is licensed in all states is ideal, so you can have a single point of contact for all your insurance wherever you are.

And an agency that represents multiple carriers is also an advantage, so they can offer options.

Even with those options, there can be issues. Wildfire risk is a big deal. If the CA, AZ or CO property you are considering is in or near a wooded area, especially if there was ever wildfire in that area, your insurance agent can do a location check to see if it can be insured. In CA there is a “FAIR Plan” that provides basic fire insurance to homes otherwise uninsurable (up to $3mm limit on the sum of all coverages). There is no FAIR Plan in AZ, CO and most other states. There may be some clients with properties no insurer will take, and others who are paying over $100k per year for homeowner’s insurance.

Moving and Interim Renting Remember that your personal liability coverage is attached to your homeowner’s policy. So if you move you don’t want to cancel your policy before establishing a new one. If you haven’t found a new home, your insurance agent can arrange a renter’s policy which includes personal liability. And you need contents coverage when you move. If your moving van flips over and destroys your possessions, the movers pay by the pound…pennies on the dollar of actual value!

Renovations Standard homeowner’s policies are priced to cover furnished homes where no construction is taking place. If you’re changing out a sink or carpet, your policy coverage is unaffected. But if you are doing renovations, you need a special course of construction policy. Further, if your property is vacant (no furniture) for over 60 days

it becomes what the industry considers an “attractive nuisance” for thieves, vandals and squatters, so you would need a special policy for that. Ignoring these occupancy classifications will leave you at risk of a claims denial.

Insurance Pricing The price you pay for homeowner’s insurance is affected by many factors. Here are some general observations about the various states: • • • • •

Premiums/$000 value are highest in tornado prone states (OK, KS, AR, SD).

Rates are also high in hurricane prone states (FL, LA, MS, TX).

Florida allows insurance benefits to be assigned to contractors which increases fraud and drives rates even higher.

California rates would likely be highest if you included earthquake, but earthquake is not covered by base homeowner’s policies.

Homes no insurer will cover are most likely to be in high fire risk regions of Western states outside CA like AZ and CO.

right. The state tries to keep rates down though their approval process. But if the state “admitted” carriers can’t make a profit, they’ll find reasons not to sell or pull out altogether. That leaves what is known as the “E&S Market” which are carriers like Lloyd’s of London outside state oversight. They can charge higher rates but aren’t part of the state guaranty fund that protects policyholders in the event of a carrier bankruptcy.

Conclusion There many reasons people are on the move, and an insurance agent’s job is to arrange your protection regardless of the reason. If you’re one of those people, don’t wait until the last minute and risk an insurance surprise. Let your agent know what you’re up to a little ahead of time and they’ll work out an insurance solution for you!

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

Now if you live in CA you might think premiums are pretty high even without earthquake and you would be

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