The Gem June 2022

The La Quinta Gem

Projects Around La Quinta Businesses Improving Opportunity in LQ

SUMMER OF IMPROVEMENTS

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

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

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The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 2022 Business Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting. This year’s event theme is “Look to the Future”, a look at the future of business in the Coachella Valley.

This year’s event welcomes a new format as we elevate the outlook of our future.

Tuesday, June 28, 2022 5:30pm – 7:30pm Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells The Evening’s Agenda Includes: 5:30pm Cocktail Reception Silent Auction Live Entertainment Photo Station 6:30pm Awards Show Recognizing: Small Business of the Year Enterprise Business of the Year Non-Profit of the Year The Leadership Award Patrick E. Swarthout Business Advocate Award Chairman John A. James Lifetime Achievement Award Board of Directors Installation Keynote Address We strongly encourage registration in advance. For additional information contact the Chamber at 760.347.0676. The Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa is located at 44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells.

For ticketing and sponsorship opportunities visit

GCVCC.ORG

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The La Quinta Gem TABLE OF CONTENTS JUNE 2022

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Message From the Chairperson

08 Watch for Community Upgrades in La Quinta This Summer

10 New Businesses in LQ

11 La Quinta High Schools Have it All

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What’s Happening in Old Town

14-19 Jefferson Street and Highway 111 Intersection Improvements

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Avenue 50 Widening Improvements

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Fritz Burns Park Improvements

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La Quinta Cultural Campus

It’s Your Library La Quinta Museum Community Services

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Agricultures Impact on the Region 4

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Local High School Student Finds Way to Help Those In Need

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Mark Your Calendar

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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 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.

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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

CALL RON AT 760-625-6506 AND START PACKING

Submitted by: Eric Mosser, La Quinta Chamber of Commerce Chair As you know, summer seems to arrive here before it does the rest of the country. It is already hot, the snow birds have returned to their summer homes, and traffic is extinct once more. We’re spending more time enjoying air conditioning indoors or perhaps a beverage in the shade while in a swimming pool. So, make sure you’ve performed your annual air conditioning maintenance, stock up on sunblock, and stay hydrated.

Also, let us not forget, our local businesses need us more than ever during the summer months. Although there are plenty of quality businesses throughout the Coachella Valley, keep in mind that a portion of your tax dollars spent in La Quinta stay in La Quinta. So, by spending in La Quinta, you are helping with the expenses associated with developing and maintaining our beautiful city. In other words, you are indirectly making our city better by spending here, and I thank you for doing just that.

Aside from the change of weather, June also bring the change of the Chair of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce. It has been a humbling experience serving our community and writing articles for The Gem. I’m looking forward to the new La Quinta Chamber chair stepping into the role. Take it away, GCVCC and La Quinta Chamber board members!

Eric Mosser Investment Consultant Charles Schwab 760-836-3079

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DRE # 02033152

21 HOMES Expired or Cancelled

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UNDER CONTRACT

HOWS THE MARKET?

LA QUINTA April 2022

106 NEW LISTINGS

149 CLOSINGS

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

GCVCC.ORG/EVENTS

WATCH FOR COMMUNITY UPGRADES IN LA QUINTA THIS SUMMER Submitted by: GCVCC & City of La Quinta Staff

The summer slow-down is the perfect time to take on special projects and make some upgrades, which is why the City of La Quinta has slated a number of improvement projects throughout the community – and many of them will be completed by the fall.

Dune Palms Road Bridge Project The facilitation of this project will construct a low-water crossing over the Whitewater River at Dune Palms Road.

Construction

Dune Palms Pavement Rehabilitation Pavement rehabilitation will be implemented on Dune Palms Road from Fred Waring Drive to Miles Avenue.

Jefferson Street Slurry Improvements Slurry seal will be applied on Jefferson Street between Avenue 50 and the northern city limits near Dunbar Drive, along with adding buffered bike lanes thanks to this joint project with the City of Indio: Anticipated Timeline: May-June 2022 Avenue 53 at Jefferson Street Roundabout Project A new, modern roundabout at this intersection will be the focus of this project, with buffered bicycle/golf cart lanes in each direction on Jefferson Street between Ave 52 and Ave 54.

Anticipated Timeline: May-November 2022 La Quinta Landscape Renovation Project Three La Quinta developments will be converting turf to low-maintenance desert landscape, and receiving wall cleaning and painting.

Topaz: May-July 2022 Desert Club: July-September 2022 Sierra Del Rey/Marbella: August-October 2022 X-Park Landscape Project The new X-Park in La Quinta across the street from La Quinta High School is now open, and this project will bring in trees for shade, turf and desert landscape.

Anticipated Timeline: June-August 2022

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Anticipated Timeline: August 2022-August 2024

Anticipated Timeline: August-October 2022 Planning/Design Jefferson Street and Highway 111 Intersection Improvements Preliminary Design is underway for this joint project with the City of Indio pavement. It will include improvements to grading and drivability.

Avenue 50 Widening Improvements The City of Indio is in the process of procuring a Design Consultant for another joint project which will include the following improvements: • Widening of the corridor • Two lanes in each direction • Bike lanes on each side • A sidewalk on north side of Avenue 50 • Decomposed granite trail on south side of Avenue 50 • Improved drainage system Fritz Burns Park Improvements A master planning process is underway to re-envision the park with additional amenities.

La Quinta Cultural Campus Master planning and preliminary design is underway to create a cultural campus on the existing site of the lumberyard building, including an archiving space for the La Quinta Museum.

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NEW BUSINESSES IN LQ Submitted by: GCVCC Staff The summer of improvements is upon us here in the Gem of the Desert. And one thing that can create improvement in a town is new business. We’ve highlighted below a few new businesses that you can check out this summer right here in La Quinta.

Beautiful Day It’s a Beautiful Day in the La Quinta neighborhood!

Beautiful Day is a Veteran/family owned restaurant, with a fresh and eclectic vibe, located on Washington St. & Calle Tampico, right across from City Hall. Regardless of your dietary preference - Vegan, Gluten-Free, or otherwise - the chefs at Beautiful Day are cooking up innovative, local, seasonal, and delicious farm to table cuisine. Visit itsabeautifulday.love for more information.

Some foods featured in images and online may not be available as all items are sourced locally and can change based on season and availability.

LG Graphix If you’re searching for a graphic design company, you’ll want to find a team of professionals who use the right

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equipment to create pristine prints. LG Graphix uses a high-tech UV printer to create products that won’t fade with exposure. This allows up to print items like: • • • • • • • •

Car wraps Vinyl lettering Apparel designs Restaurant menu boards Banner and pop-up tent printing Digital kiosk advertisement panels Yard signs and mailers for real estate agents Architecture prints

Their digital printing system works with any type of monitor and results in a superior final product.

In addition to their digital printing services, they offer website hosting through Wix, digital content work, drone videoing, direct mailing services, drone photography and more. If you’re a real estate agent who wants to advertise your new listing, reach out today to find out how you could benefit from these comprehensive services. Visit lg-graphix.com for more information.

LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOLS HAVE IT ALL Submitted by: DSUSD Staff For some the month of June means the beginning of summer vacation, for others it is the start of a new life as they graduate from high school and begin adulthood, and for some it is the opportunity to attend summer school and return to school in the fall with a fresh commitment to success.

The city of La Quinta is home to three Desert Sands Unified School District high schools. La Quinta High School is a traditional four-year high school. Summit High School is an alternative school that offers students in grades 10-12 the opportunity to catch up on the credits needed to graduate. Horizon School is a virtual program for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

As an open enrollment district, students from throughout DSUSD have the opportunity to attend any high school that fits their needs. For some, that might be a unique La Quinta High School CTE program (career technical education) in such areas as the culinary arts or public service or the medical field or 21st century technology.

Perhaps an LQHS student is looking for the high academic standards of the International Baccalaureate Programme. For other students it might be the small classroom setting needed to complete missing credits and either return to their home school or graduate as a Summit “Mountain Lion”. Others, especially during these pandemic years, may be looking for the accredited virtual school program offered at Horizon School. Each has programs to meet the needs of unique students, meeting the mission of DSUSD which is: to inspire and nurture every student…one opportunity at a time.

The first graduating class at La Quinta High School walked across the stage in 1998. Summit High School began offering credit recovery programs in 2007. In 2021 Horizon School doubled their number of students in the independent study program to over 1,000 in grades K-12. The school originally opened its virtual doors for students whose lifestyle did not accommodate a traditional school. They might be actors or athletes who needed the flexibility of independent learning or their home life or health issues required alternative methods of education. Families look to Horizon School at the high school level for both accreditation and the support of highly trained teachers. Whatever the need, the high schools in the city of La Quinta have solutions.

This year 589 students graduated from La Quinta High School with 105 summa cum laude honorees; 103 students walked the stage during the Summit High School graduation with 10 senior scholars; and 70 are now alumni from Horizon School with 17 senior scholars.

Summer school at Desert Sands Unified School District begins on Tuesday, June 7. Graduation for our summer school 12th graders will take place on Thursday, July 14. School for the 2022-2023 academic year begins on Tuesday, August 16. Information on these three schools and all of the DSUSD elementary, middle, and high schools can be found at www.dsusd.us.

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CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE

La Quinta Cultural Campus Master planning and preliminary design is now in process to create a cultural campus on the existing site of the lumberyard building, including space for archiving items from the La Quinta Museum. The Cultural Campus is envisioned to be a gathering spot for creativity, collaboration, and Community engagement that can infuse a celebration of arts into the very fabric of La Quinta.

By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager

It’s time for school break, pool time and summer fun to begin! While the pace may slow down in La Quinta over the next few months, the City keeps the momentum going throughout our community.

Please continue supporting La Quinta businesses in the summer months – we ask all our residents to shop local whenever possible! To stay updated on news and events in La Quinta, sign up for “Quail Mail” by going to LaQuintaCA. gov.

Mark Your Calendar Budget Study Session – June 7 & 21, 2022; 4:00 p.m.

If you’re interested in seeing how the City’s budget is planned and adopted, I invite you to attend one of the upcoming City Council Budget Sessions. This is an opportunity to understand how City dollars are allocated and prioritized. For more information visit www. laquintaca.gov/finance City Updates Jefferson Street and Highway 111 Intersection Improvements Preliminary design is underway for this joint project with the City of Indio which will improve drainage and surface conditions. This intersection was identified by both staff and residents as a priority project. Please make sure to follow on social media and our City website for updates on future traffic delays/updates due to the improvement project.

Avenue 50 Widening Improvements Another joint project with the City of Indio involves the widening of the Avenue 50 corridor to accomplish the following: • Two lanes in each direction • Bike lanes on each side • Sidewalk on the north side of Avenue 50 • Decomposed granite trail on southside of Avenue 50 • Improved drainage Indio is in the process of procuring a Design Consultant for this project.

Fritz Burns Park Improvements The site planning process is underway to re-envision Fritz Burns Park to include additional amenities. As part of this effort, community outreach will begin this month to encourage participation and feeback on design and types of amenities to be included in the park. Please make sure to follow on social media and our City website for ways to participate in the park planning process.

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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

SAVE THE DATE 2022 Beyond the Beaten Path Summer Reading Program | All Ages Monday, June 13 to Friday, July 22, 2021 | Online and in-person Get ready for 6 weeks of activities and adventure for all ages with our Read Beyond the Beaten Path Summer Reading Program. The online portion of the program will feature a reading challenge where you can earn drawing tickets towards our end-of-summer prize drawings, virtual performers, and activities. At La Quinta Library, there will be programs for teens, tweens, adults, and kids. More info will be posted on the Events calendar at www.rivlib.net closer to the start of the program.

ONGOING PROGRAMS Read the World | Ages 18+ Tuesday, June 21 @ 5:30pm | In-Person or Zoom Travel the world with this immersive* book club! In June, we’ll visit Palestine by discussing Sharon and My Mother-in-Law by Suad Amiry. Visit our Book Club Page at bit.ly/LQLibraryBlog to register and for more info. *Immersive goodies available while supplies last.

Impulse Affirmation | Ages 13 - 17 Tuesday, June 28 @ 4:30pm | In-Person or Discord Read what you love then join us to talk about it inperson or on the LAQLibraryTeens Discord server. Visit our Teen Zone Page at bit.ly/LQLibraryBlog for more information on Discord and a link to join our server.

ONGOING PROGRAMS Book Bundles - Personalized Recommendations Not sure what to read next? Let your La Quinta librarians help! Fill out the form, tell us about your reading preferences, and we’ll pick a handful of books for you.

Visit https://bit.ly/lqbookbundle to fill out the form and for more information.

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

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

LA QUINTA MUSEUM JUNE 2022 THE LA QUINTA MUSEUM IS OPEN TUESDAYSATURDAY, 10AM-4PM. ADMISSION AND PROGRAMS ARE FREE NEW EXHIBITS Yosemite People Offering a unique look at the complex and contradictory relationships between Yosemite National Park’s natural wonders and its visitors, new exhibition Yosemite People will appear at La Quinta Museum from May 31 to July 23, 2022. The exhibit brings a fresh view to the iconic landscape of Yosemite through the works of awardwinning photographer Jonas Kulikauskas. The exhibition begs the question: how we do enjoy our most beloved places while promoting the kind of development and use that may advance their demise? How to preserve Yosemite, and similar public wilderness spaces, is a continuous challenge. Yosemite People offers no easy answers, but an opportunity to reflect on this important and difficult question. Yosemite People is a traveling exhibition from Exhibit Envoy and photographer Jonas Kulikauskas.

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 and register for our FREE programs at facebook.com/LaQuintaMuseum/events Sketchbook Journaling Friday, June 3 & 17, 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.

TED Talk Hangout Wednesday, June 8, 1 pm Don’t miss Music at the Museum! This month, join us for the guitar stylings of Michael Anthony Gagliardi.

Lecture: Geology of the Coachella Valley Thursday June 9, 1 pm Join us for this informative hour as Certified Interpretive Guide Kerry Berman of Desert Eco Tours shares his insights on the plate tectonics, earthquake faults, mountain building, and land formations of our desert.

Genealogy Meet-Up Saturday, June 11, 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!

STITCH Fiber Arts Group Tuesday, June 14 & 28, 1-3 pm Bring your fiber project to work on while you meet with friends old and new, share what you’ve been working on, and get inspired for your next project!

Take a Break with Huell Tuesday, June 21, 11 am Join us for an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold on the big screen! This month, we’ll watch “Old Palm Springs Movies ” as Huell presents two old documentary films about Palm Springs, California. The first film is entitled “America’s Desert Oasis” from 1956, and the second film is entitled “Desert Circus” from the 1930s.

Good Books in the Gallery Thursday, June 30, 4 pm This month, we’re reading Campfire Stories: Tales from America’s National Parks, co-edited by Dave and Ilyssa Kyu . A limited number of free copies are available for book club participants, call 760.777.7170 to request one.

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

(Creative Wellness) Indoors Ballroom Dancing Beginning

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(Physical Wellness) Outdoors Pickleball 101 Beginners Pilates (Social Wellness) Social Bridge (Call Julie 760.342.8580 (Fee: $4) Mah Jongg (Fee: $2) Quilting for Good Times (Volunteers)

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CITY SPONSORED SECTION

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FINDS WAY TO HELP THOSE IN NEED Submitted by: GCVCC Staff A local La Quinta student decided to make a real impact on the La Quinta Community during her time at La Quinta High School. Ashley Wilkins, a senior this year, was able to help feed a hungry community. She brought together her girls scout troop and found a way, through FIND Food Bank to help the community. We spoke with her to find out more about what she has accomplished over the past few years.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Ashley Wilkins. I am an LQ resident who was born and raised in the Desert. I have been a Girl Scout in Troop 1649 for 10 years with my troop leader, Ellen Way. Throughout high school, I dedicated my time to athletics, schoolwork, family, and faith. I played tennis and basketball for 3 years of high school at the varsity level. Both my tennis and basketball teams were able to compete in the postseason which allowed me to see high levels of competition throughout SoCal. I love to travel and am going on an educational trip to Europe this summer. I have a passion for photography, the beach, and the Spanish language, so I believe that I will love this trip.

In high school, I was able to complete over 1,000 service hours which helped me to grow in my Catholic faith. My favorite organizations were FIND Food Bank and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. I am passionate about ending hunger in my community, country, and world.

I love to babysit, go swimming, and shop in my free time. My favorite local restaurant is Casa Mendoza’s in Old Town La Quinta. I have one younger sister named Ava Wilkins who is going to be in 8th grade. Through high school, I developed a love for the field of medicine through my internship at Palm Desert Urgent Care where I was exposed to nursing and immediately knew it was the field for me.

What made you decide to start the program?

During the pandemic, many local organizations shut their doors to volunteers. High school students were looking for ways to serve the community safely. As the philanthropy manager of my Girl Scout Troop, I reached out to many charities in the Coachella Valley asking how we could help. Not even a day later, I received an email back from Debbie Espinosa, CEO of FIND Food Bank. In summary, her message said, “of course, we would love your help.” I went and met with her and she took me on a walkthrough of the entire facility. I knew there was something special about this charity at that very minute.

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My troop went back out to the Food Bank that Saturday and packaged food bags (that had rice, pasta, tomato sauce, vegetables, etc.) that would be passed out to people in need the very next day. This became a tradition for our troop that we did numerous times a month for two years. FIND Food Bank set up tables outside and we worked with members of the National Guard to get these food bags prepared. During the pandemic, the number of food-insecure individuals in the Coachella Valley rapidly increased. This was one of the only outlets for local high school students who were in lockdown because of the pandemic. The food bank ensured that we were safe through social distancing and providing an outdoor setup. I started to develop a relationship with this charity and when it became time to start my Girl Scout Gold Award, I knew that I would be working with the food bank. A Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA, earned by Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts. It is an individual service project that makes a sustainable impact on the community.

This award pushes women to become connected with adults in their community and grow in communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Can you tell us about the program you have been working on and what has the program accomplished so far?

I met with Debbie and we brainstormed a project that would make a big impact on not only the food bank but the community. We decided to create the first-ever FYAC - FIND Food Bank Youth Advisory Council. Along with this, I worked with Kayleen Sullivan, the development and community relations manager at the food bank, to create a Youth Volunteer Page on their website. This would allow Youth a way to find out how to get involved in the project. The FIND Food Bank Youth Advisory Council consists of ten student leaders from across the Coachella Valley who were selected through an application process to help advise FIND on child hunger in our communities and apply new ideas to provide local solutions to child hunger. Council members meet every other month to uplift our community on issues surrounding hunger.

The purpose of this council is to educate the next generation on the realities and stigmas associated with systemic hunger while elevating the skills of youth community leaders. Council members were selected for their willingness to go above and beyond to speak out and serve their community. FYAC is leading the change of tomorrow by discussing solutions and taking action to

address issues facing our community today. This group takes the information that they receive at the meetings and brings it back to their high school. In addition, we have met for Youth food packing Saturdays. This council has gone above and beyond all my expectations.

My favorite event that I have done with this council is the annual telethon. This council participated in FIND Food Bank’s 12th annual telethon to end hunger today, tomorrow, and for a lifetime. This year, the telethon focused on advocating to end child hunger. The food bank with the help of the community was able to raise over $250,000 that evening. This was an incredible event to be involved in. The goal is that this council will

continue to prosper and grow throughout the next couple of years. Youth is the change that is needed for tomorrow.

How can someone find out more and how to get involved in your program?

The website link is findfoodbank.org/youthadvisorycouncil/ where they can find out information about the Youth Advisory Council, how to apply to the council for next year, and sign-ups for Youth Saturday Packing Events.

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AGRICULTURES IMPACT ON THE REGION Submitted by: Jeff Fishbein, Coldwell Banker Realty When I ask people what they think drives the Coachella Valley’s economic income, their general response is tourism. Well that is true, tourism supports nearly 53,000 local jobs and has more than a $7 Billion Dollar economic impact on our nine valley cities each year.

The truth is there are five primary sectors that drive the economic revenue in the Coachella Valley: Tourism, Healthcare, Housing, Retail – and the one answer I rarely hear from people? Agriculture.

1950’s. It utilizes water from the Colorado River by way of the 123 mile Coachella Canal (a branch of the AllAmerican Canal). This new waterway was considered an engineering marvel the world over because the water travels down the canal using no pumps or electricity, but solely by the assistance of gravity. The new canal then spills into a specially constructed 500 mile underground lateral system that distributes the water directly to local farms.

Surprisingly, Riverside County attains over $1.3 Billion Dollars a year in farming revenues, and over half of that income is derived here in the Coachella Valley. This vast Valley is one of the largest crop-growing regions in the entire state of California. Nearly 330 local farms utilize over 188,000 acres of land to grow world renowned produce year round. The local crops include: dates, citrus, grapes, bell peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, corn, carrots, artichokes, lettuce, and many other seasonal favorites.

Several other ingenious inventions also aided in the success of our local agricultural industry. In the fields, the use drip lines or micro-irrigation systems help reduce water usage. They also allow for pesticides and herbicides to be added directly into the irrigation lines, rather than being sprayed into the environment. The use of transplant seedlings versus individual seeds for some crops has greatly increased yields. Seedlings result in less seed loss due to birds, and less non-sprouting due to soil conditions or early plant stress from the sweltering desert heat. Finally, growers are using specialized software to track germination rates, monitor inventory, monitor soil conditions, track water usage, and verify plant counts.

I know what you are thinking. “But, we live in the desert”.

Well, that did not deter our entrepreneurial ancestors from determining what types of crops could not only withstand the desert heat, but also thrive in our arid climate. The first farms originated in the Coachella Valley in the late 1870’s, shortly after the railroad was completed. Our warm weather and long growing season were vital to the first farmers’ success. That coupled with the connectivity to other regions that the railroad provided. Local growers were able to get the bulk of their winter crops harvested, and to market, well before farmers in cold weather climates experiencing frost and snow even began planting seed.

The trifecta for the farmers came in the form of a plentiful water supply. Historically our valley’s farming water came from the underground water table which percolated to the surface via abundant artesian wells.

Although, truth be told, the early agricultural boom put a stress on the underground aquafer. So a second water source was built by CVWD between the 1930’s and the

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Agriculture in our great Valley has come a long way over the years and the advancements being made by our local growers will help ensure we continue to enjoy some of the freshest produce in the State. Many of our local restaurants are taking full advantage of the fruits of our farmer’s labor with their “Farm to Table” Menus. For you home cooks, make sure you try one of the local produce delivery services… After all, fresh is best.

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 past Chairman of the GCV La Quinta Chamber of Commerce and currently sits on the Board of the Regional GCVCC Board of Directors.

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