La Quinta Gem May 2019

MAY 2019 | HEALTH & WELLNESS

PICKLEBALL, A GROWING SPORT TEQUILA & TACOS FIESTA STREET FOOD CINEMA SELENA BUSINES PROFILE: OLD TOWN PEDDLER DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ACCEPTING KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONS

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS

MAY 2019

Health & 6 Chairman’s Message 7 Business Profile: Aspen Mills Wellness 8 Holiday Shopping in La Quinta

6 Chairman’s Message 7 Business Profile: Aspen Mills 8 Holiday Shopping in La Quinta 10 A City of Holiday Cheer

10 A City of Holiday Cheer

Business Profile: Old Town Peddler Page 11

Features Chairman’s Message

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10 Street Food Cinema Selena

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Pickleball, A Growing Sport

9 Tequila & Tacos Fiesta 4

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Busines Profile: Old Town Peddler

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What’s Happening at Old Town

City Pages

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Relational’ Branding: Key to Building Client Loyalty

Businesses & Rental Properties: A New 20% Deduction Should Be On Your Radar

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Underwritten Versus Guaranteed

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What to Learn Over Summer Vacation

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Desert Sands Unified School District Accepting Kindergarten Registrations

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New Member Spotlight

Desert Insurance Solutions Wins Two Top Awards

Don’t get scammed while you’re spring cleaning

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TACOS AND TEQUILA 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.

GCV LA QUINTA CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeff Fishbein, Chairman | Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Steven Weiner, Treasurer | National CineMedia Ray Dominguez, Secretary | Lamar Outdoor Advertising Doug Motz| Motz-Rusin Insurance Agency Mike Chapa | Fairway Independent Mortgage Karen Lambrose | Caliber Home Loans Lee Osborne | Osborne Rincon CPA’s Liz Bucio | Leap Marketing

JOIN US AT THE TEQUILA & TACOS FIESTA OLD TOWN LA QUINTA SATURDAY, MAY 4 • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM ENJOY SPECIALS ON FOOD AND DRINKS

THE GEM PRODUCTION TEAM THE LA QUINTA GEM IS PRODUCED BY THE GREATER COACHELLA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. ARTICLE EDITS BY O’BAYLEY COMMUNICATIONS. 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.

STUFTPIZZABARANDGRILL.COM OLD TOWN LA QUINTA | 760-777-9989 111 & PLAZA WAY PALM DESERT | 760-610-7990

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Chairman’s Message Submitted by: Jeff Fishbein, Chairman | Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage May finds us heading into summer and feeling the last cool air before the heat comes. It’s a chance to enjoy a stroll on the trails or a tour around the city enjoying the art and outdoor activities of La Quinta.

Event season ends as we quiet down, traffic thins and we have the chance to explore the city in a more intimate setting.

Living in such an active and vibrant city, health and wellness are always top of mind. Our city has much to offer when it comes to ensuring that we have active and healthy lifestyles. The La Quinta Wellness Center offers classes and fitness programs year-round. The city providing a place to stay fit and healthy in a well air-conditioned location is a gift. Be sure to stop by the La Quinta Fitness Court, located at La Quinta park, across from La Quinta High School. This newly installed outdoor fitness facility is part of the National Fitness Campaign. For more information visit www. playinlaquinta.com/laquinta-fitness-court/.

Newly opened and established gyms, such as Planet Fitness

on Hwy 111, offer an abundance of options for gyms and training. A free option for a healthy lifestyle is our worldrenowned hiking trails in the La Quinta Cove.

Whether testing your skills with a quick trek up to the Cove Oasis or doing the full Boo Hoff Loop from the Cove to Lake Cahuilla, you’re bound to enjoy the outdoor activity. A full map and trail listing is available at www. playinlaquinta.com/seedo/hiking/.

Is your home value at risk?

Is your HOA board educated?

Is your community professionally managed?

CAI-CV provides professional education to Valley HOA boards and managers.

CONTACT CAI: CAIONLINE.ORG CAI-CV.ORG | (760) 341- 0559

Be sure to get out this month and enjoy all there is to do in our Gem of the Desert. I look forward to seeing you on the trails and enjoying our local businesses.

Jeff Fishbein is a REALTOR with the desert’s leading Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Jeff has tremendous success in helping home sellers and buyers with a 5-Star rating on Zillow.com. Jeff’s motto is COMPETENCE, KNOWLEDGE, & RESULTS. Jeff is also very active in La Quinta, serving as the past and current Chairman of the GCV La Quinta Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Board of Directors of the CVRM.

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Did you know?

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber does legislative advocacy for local business?

Visit GCVCC.org 6

$25 off Your Pet’s First Wellness Exam Offer valid thru May 31, 2019.

Mention coupon when booking appointment.

Limit one coupon per client. 760-564-3833

HOSPITAL HOURS M-F: 8am-8pm Sat: 8am-5pm

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Mention coupon when booking appointment.

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Pickleball, A Growing Sport

Submitted by: GCVCC Staff

Pickleball is going mainstream, one of the fastest growing sports in the United States according to recent news reports. It’s also picking up traction in Canada and other European and Asian countries. With visitors and residents from across the globe, it’s no surprise the game has found its way to the Coachella Valley.

The sport has humble beginnings, invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island near Seattle, Washington. Three dads, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created the activity for kids who were bored with their regular summer activities. A simple and active game, it is the perfect fit for those looking to combine fun and exercise with a little competition.

The traditional game for all ages and skill levels is played on a badminton-sized court with paddles primarily made of wood or high-tech aerospace materials. The ball is slightly smaller than a Wiffle Ball and the net sits lower than a tennis court net. The ball is served diagonally, and points can only be scored by the service side. Players on each side must let the ball bounce once before any

volleys are allowed. The game is played to 11 points, a team must win by 2 points.

The City of La Quinta has 8 outdoor pickleball courts available at Fritz Burns Park in the La Quinta Cove. The courts are open to the public and free to use. The courts will often have 30-50 players active when the weather is cool, with mornings being the most popular time to play.

For those enthusiastic about the sport, it has grown its own local following called the La Quinta Pickleball Club. The group has its own board where members can communicate and set up events. Check them out at www.meetup.com/La-Quinta-Pickleball-Club/.

If you’re looking for a new way to expend some competitive energy, pick up a paddle and get ready to enjoy one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

Pickleball can be a fun part of a healthy and active lifestyle in La Quinta

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Need information or have questions about chamber events, advertising or membership?

Contact your La Quinta Chamber Account Executive today!

2019 Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa Tuesday, June 25, 2019 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Call the Chamber for ticketing and information.

760-347-0676

GCVCC.ORG

Tequila & Tacos Fiesta Submitted by: GCVCC Staff Tequila & Taco Fiesta is bringing an authentic fiesta to Old Town La Quinta! The celebration of these two great food and drink icons is on Saturday, May 4th. This upbeat event will be filled with mariachi music, authentic tacos and a wide selection of tequilas.

Solano’s Bistro, Stuft Pizza, Old Town Tavern, and The Grill on Main will all be offering tequila cocktails and taco specials. Each tasting is only $5, so visit more than one! If you love tacos but prefer to pair them with beer, visit La Quinta Brewing which will feature some signature craft beers in their beer garden. Their “Hot Blonde,” a blonde ale infused with locally grown jalapeno peppers, is sure to blend perfectly with the evening.

During the event Main Street will be closed so that guests may walk about freely without the worry of vehicle traffic. A beer garden

will also be located on the grass lawn, along with the stage for the mariachi performances. There will be a live musical performance by the 5-person Mariachi band, Mariachi Los Palmeros. They will perform from 6 pm to 9 pm with only a few short intermissions.

Complimentary pan dulce will be available along Main Street for guests interested in a sweet treat.

Kids are also welcome at this event. SCRAP Gallery will be hosting a free Latin-inspired craft for the kids in attendance.

Note that all alcoholic drinks must stay in the restaurants and beer garden and cannot be carried around Old Town.

Enjoy a fun evening out in Old Town with friends and family. Life is short — eat more tacos!

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Street Food Cinema - Selena Submitted by: GCVCC Staff

For those who remember the heyday of drive-in theater, we can recall a time when summer evenings were spent watching a movie under the stars with your favorite beverage and snack in hand. Street Food Cinema is helping to bring those memories back to life, combining pop culture films, gastronome street food, and music for a fun night out.

On Saturday, May 25th, at the La Quinta Civic Center Selena starring Jennifer Lopez, will be projected onto a 50-foot inflatable movie screen. A variety of food trucks will be available to satisfy taste buds and live music will get the whole family up and dancing.

This special event features a meet and greet with Grammy award-winner Chris Perez, who was lead guitarist and husband of the late Selena. They met in 1988 and married in 1992. Note, the meet and greet requires a ticket purchase of $30 (in addition to the entry prices listed below) and includes a t-shirt. The meet and greet will take place from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

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David Macias begins. David is a Mexican American independent musician from Southern California best known for energetic performances filled with intricate acoustic guitar rhythms and bilingual lyrics blending Ska, Reggae, and Rumba with Latin influenced grooves.

Bring picnic blankets or low-back chairs, find the perfect spot, and enjoy the true story of Selena Quintanilla-Perez, a girl who had the spirit to believe in a dream and the courage to make it come true. An evening filled with shining moments, great food, and music that is perfect for the whole family.

Perez continues to perform with Chris Perez Project. Deeply connected to their Hispanic heritage, but loving the vibe of American Rock, the Chris Perez Project delivers a sound infused with swaggering guitar riffs, stadium size hooks, and captivating lyrics. In 1999, the Chris Perez Band won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album for Resurrection.

At 6:30 pm, entertainment by

Doors open – 5:30 pm Movie begins – 8:30 pm Advance tickets – Adults $10, kids 6-12 $7, children 5 & under are free Family Pack 4-pack: $30 visit www.streetfoodcinema.com Limited tickets available at the door: Adults $13, kids 6-12 $10, children 5 & under are free Family Pack 4-pack: $30

Business Profile: Old Town Peddler Submitted by: GCVCC Staff

The phrase “Just like riding a bike” is commonly used to represent something you can’t forget. No matter how we were introduced to the bicycle, riding a bike is usually one of our most indelible memories. Old Town Peddler is La Quinta’s first bike repair and rentals shop and helps bring this experience to residents and visitors of La Quinta year-round.

Family owned and operated; Old Town Peddler is not a retail shop. They take pride in not trying to upsell their customers, and they take care of bikes as if they were their own. As a unique all-inclusive rental shop in the desert, they provide all the necessary accessories along with bike rental at no additional charge. They perform maintenance and deliver rentals to your door with no additional fees, giving each customer the full-service treatment. This high-touch, extra mile service creates a level of trust with their customers, resulting in loyal patrons that rent for weeks at a time, year after year.

Old Town Peddler is proud to be one of the few local small businesses to partner with DesertArc to provide employment opportunities to their clients with disabilities. They believe in finding ways to support the community in everything they do. “We believe in finding ways to support our community in truly

impactful ways,” says Co-owner Elisa Guerrero. “Gainful employment is often taken for granted and these special people in our community deserve every chance to thrive in life.”

Community and health are a cornerstone of this family business. “La Quinta is, in our opinion, the best vacation destination for visitors and also the most active and health conscious community in the valley” says Guerrero. “We were born and raised here, are alumni of La Quinta High School, and love that we have a unique opportunity to be great ambassadors for this community to all who visit and want to explore our beautiful city. Joining the Chamber of Commerce has offered us unique opportunities to connect with our community and advertise our business in ways we otherwise could not.”

So next time you need a new bike, some repairs or a rental for yourself and visitors, stop by Old Town Peddler located at 51351 Avenida Bermudas next to the post office. You can also check them out on the web at oldtownpeddler.com. It’s always a great day to take a ride!

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What’s Happening at

Tequila & Tacos May 4, 6 to 9 pm

Solano’s Bistro

OLD TOWN

Remember Mom on Mother’s Day, Shop Tarah Jade

Old Town Tavern

The Grill on Main

Mariachis at Tequila & Tacos - May 4

Stuft Pizza

C O L O R F U L M AY C E L E B R AT I O N S Fiesta with us at our 2nd annual Tequila & Tacos event – Saturday, May 4, 6 to 9 p.m. Solano’s Bistro, The Grill on Main, Old Town Tavern and Stuft Pizza will be serving special tequila & taco pairings on their patios for $5 each in addition to their regular menus.

Become a tequila connoisseur, stroll to the music of mariachis and enjoy family fun and games on Main Street! Produced by the City of La Quinta.

Remember Mom on Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 12 Whether you’re remembering your Mom, your grandmother, a daughter who has become a mother or a dear friend, the idea is always to make her feel special. One of the best ways to do that is to spend time together creating memories. Consider indulging in beauty make-overs or facials at Alankara Aveda Salon, relaxing at Old Town massage, dining together or shopping for unique gifts at local boutiques.

Explore Tarah Jade, Le Chateau, elizabeth & prince, Lulu’s and Old Town Optix & Optometry for fashion, Art 925 for jewelry and vintage collectibles including

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antique books, La Quinta Olive Oil Company for foodies or H2O Closet for aromatherapy candles, luxury CBD products and skin care essentials. Oh— don’t forget La Petite for a box of French macarons imported from Paris.

Wine & Dine Around Old Town for Restaurant Week May 31 to June 9 Expand your palate as our chefs show-off and offer special, 3-course dinners for only $29 at The Grill on Main, Solano’s Bistro, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill and Old Town Tavern. Old Town Tavern is also offering a 2-course lunch for $15. Regular menus are also available. Make reservations early for this special culinary event!

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

—Contributed by Old Town Staff 78100 Main Street, La Quinta, CA

BAR

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FOOD

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MUSIC

Landmark Lounge is Old Town La Quinta’s plush, new hotspot Open Tuesday - Sunday 4 - 11 p.m.

Happy Hour Specials: 4 - 6 p.m.

Live Music & Dancing on Weekends

LANDMARKLOUNGELQ.COM (760) 289-6736 | 78-100 Main Street, La Quinta, CA

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

City Manager’s Message By: Frank J. Spevacek, La Quinta City Manager We have some key updates on construction around our city to share with you.

Beginning in May of this year we will launch construction on the Eisenhower Retention Basin Project. The drainage improvements and storm water retention includes a 6.3 acres, 8-foot-deep retention basin located near the intersection of Eisenhower Drive and Avenida Fernando. The basin is designed to collect runoff from the intersections of Eisenhower Drive/Coachella Drive and Eisenhower Drive/ Avenida Fernando, and accept overflow from the Legacy Villas development. This project will provide flood protection for up to 150 years of storms.

The Pavement Management Plan Improvements will also start in May and will be completed by July. The improvements include more than 245,000 square feet of pavement rehabilitation on Avenue 52 between SilverRock Way and Jefferson Street. The project will grind the existing pavement, install a new layer of pavement, and include minor pothole hole repairs and striping improvements on Blackhawk Way.

In addition, construction will commence on the Dune Palms Road Widening Project. The plan will widen Dune Palms Road from Blackhawk Way to the northern approach of the future Dune Palms bridge from two to four lanes. It will also include construction of a new northbound travel lane, curb and gutter, and six-foot-wide, curb-adjacent sidewalks.

La Quinta has received federal grant funding for the Highway Safety Improvements Program (HSIP) Intersection Improvements Project currently underway. This project will upgrade the signal cabinets at eight intersections, cabinet controllers at fifteen intersections, and replace all intersection safety lighting and internally illuminated street name signs with LED lights. The project will also update all intersection street name sign panels and is completion is anticipated in August of this year.

SDC started mass grading by rating the SilverRock Event Site and the Montage residential parcel. The electrical utility relocation is underway which will facilitate grading of the Montage Hotel parcel and the temporary clubhouse construction at SilverRock will commence in late May/early June.

As always, the entire staff at the City of La Quinta is honored to serve you.

Finally, the Jefferson Street Sidewalk Gap Closure is scheduled to begin and should be completed in June. The project will construct 900 feet of new sidewalk, provide a new ADA accessible ramp, and reconstruct one curb ramp on the west side of Jefferson Street between Avenue 50 and Derek Alan Drive.

In June, construction is anticipated to begin along Calle Tampico in the first phase of the La Quinta Complete Streets project. The project is focused on making roadways safer and more accessible to pedestrians and received $7.3 million in funding through a grant program called the “Active Transportation Program.” The project will construct five roundabouts in the Village area located at Tampico/ Bermudas, Tampico/Desert Club, Tampico/Eisenhower, Eisenhower/Montezuma and Bermudas/52 Sinaloa. It will also reduce Calle Tampico, Calle Sinal oa/Avenue 52 and Eisenhower Drive from four lanes to two lanes to make room for pedestrian, bicycle, golf cart and neighborhood electric vehicle facilities, incorporating drainage and landscape improvements.

The Mayor & City Council invite you to a farewell open house for retiring City Manager

FRANK J. SPEVACEK MAY • 7 • 2019 | 6 - 8 PM CITY HALL, LA QUINTA

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Community Services

Wellness Center Happenings

Online registration available at www.laquinta.ca.gov For more information, please call (760) 564-0096

Creative Wellness Ballroom Dance (Beginning)

7- 8 pm

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Ballroom Dance (Intermediate)

6 – 7pm T

Friday Social Ballroom Dance

6 – 7pm (5/17)

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Physical Wellness Cardio & Strength (Silver Sneakers)

9:45 – 10:30am

M/W/F

Personal Trainer (Kristoffer Kepler)

11am – 8pm

M-F

Stretch & Restore (Fitness Members)

7:30am - 8am

M/W

6 - 7pm

M/W

Sunset Yoga

10:45 - 11:30am

M/W/F

Taekwondo (4 years & up)

5 - 8pm

M/W

Tai Chi Ch’uan Beginner

9:15 - 10am

T/TH

Tai Chi Ch’uan Intermediate

10:15 - 11am

T/TH

Zumba

8:30 - 9:30am

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Desert Oasis Strummers

2 – 4pm

F

Desert Oasis Strummers Concert

2 – 4pm (5/31)

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Sun Style Tai Chi (SilverSneakers)

Social Wellness

Social Bridge (Contact for details)

12:30 – 3:30pm

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Mah Jongg (Contact for details)

1 – 4pm

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Wii Bowling

1 – 3pm

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Woodcarvers

5 - 8pm

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May 16 Luncheon Registration is open 11:15am Meet new and familiar friends while enjoying a delicious meal Catered by a local La Quinta Restaurant Registration is open “now” Fee: $4 June 20 Luncheon Registration on 5/16 11:15am Meet new and familiar friends while enjoying a delicious meal Catered by a local La Quinta Restaurant Registration is open “now” Fee: $4 RENTALS Having an Event? We’ve got you covered!

The La Quinta Wellness Center is available for private rentals!

This facility is perfect for your wedding reception, birthday party, company gathering, banquet, neighborhood event, family reunion, or other social event. The multi-purpose room has a capacity of 200 and includes tables and chairs for up to 200 people. An elevated stage and dance floor are included; large kitchen is available for additional fee.

Call (760) 564-0096 for more information and pricing.

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Family Hospice Care, Adult group meets on Fridays from 9:00 - 10:00am Your local adult bereavement support group is open to all who have experienced the death of someone close. Support is free of charge in a non-religious, safe and caring environment. First time attendees please call Family Hospice Care office at 760.674.3344 to register.

Medications & Behavioral Interventions in Alzheimer’s Disease; May 9; 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

Topics of discussion will include: The role of “memory” medications, medication interventions for behavior problems, new approaches to managing neurocognitive disorders. Presentation by Dr. Anthony Bassanelli, Board Certified in Psychiatry. Please call Caleo Bay for reservations at 760-771-6100.

Look Who’s in the Lobby “Senior Planning Council of the Desert,” Tuesday, May 14; 10am – 12pm.

Help seniors, their caregivers, and their family with resources that provide clear solutions to difficult problems.

IID Energy Assistance Programs; Presentation; May 15; 9:30am – 11:30am.

Programs that are offered that may assist with your utilities. An IID staff will be on hand to see if you qualify, so please bring your income taxes or social security benefit statement and ID with you. Reservations appreciated.

Legal Consultation, Thursday; May 16; 1:30 - 3pm Family law, real estate, estate planning and civil matters can be discussed during a one on one free consultation offered

by Desert Legal Aid. Please call for appointment 760-5640096.

Look Who’s in the Lobby; Blue Shield Insurance; May 22; 9:30am – 11:00 am.

Medicare health insurance plan services information offered to Medicare and Medi-Cal beneficiaries and Personal Emergency Response Device.

Friendly Caller Program; Beginning June 2019, Wednesdays.

The La Quinta Wellness Center is now offering Friendly Callers providing peace of mind to isolated seniors and their families with personal telephone calls from our friendly volunteers. How do you sign up?

Please call 760-564-0096. Someone will contact you to complete the enrollment and determine if the program would suit your needs.

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own that you think fits the theme.

LQ Reads Monday, May 20 @ 11:30am A bookish “show and tell.” Choose from our list of books or discuss whatever you’ve been reading.

It’s Your Library

For a full list of programs & events, visit www.facebook.com/laquintapl/events Please note: The Library will be closed on Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day.

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

Enjoy FREE programs for all ages.

Call (760) 564-4767 for hours.

May the 4th Be with You (Ages 11-17) Saturday, May 4 @ 3:30pm Rebel spies are attempting to gain Top Secret information! Can the Imperial Forces stop them?

Celebrate one of your favorite fandoms at our event for ages 11 to 17. Bring your problem-solving skills!

Summer Reading Sneak Peek (All ages) Wednesday, May 15 @ 5pm Get a jumpstart on our 2019 Summer Reading Program, It’s Showtime at the Library! Kids, tweens, teens, AND adults can pick up their reading log and get a sneak peek at the variety of activities we will have from June 17- July 25. If that’s not enough music for your ears, we’ll also be teaching you how to craft a paper rose out of sheet music!

Breastfeeding Basics: Eisenhower Health Talk Sign up by calling 760-423-4855 Wednesday, May 8 @ 2:30pm Breastfeeding is natural but that doesn’t mean it’s easy...at least not at first. Join Dr. Jenna Grindle to learn about some of the most common breastfeeding challenges as well as some helpful tips for mom and baby to find their own rhythm.

Children are welcome to attend with parents.

ADULT BOOK CLUBS (Ages 18+) Wednesday, May 1 @ 10:30am Sign up for one of our 5 book clubs for adults! With so many to choose from, there is something for everyone!

LQ Chapter Saturday, May 11 @ 10:30am The Last Flight of Poxl West by Daniel Torday.

ARYA (Adults Read YA) Tuesday, May 14 @ 6:30pm A Thousand Beginnings and Endings - (Short Stories Collection) Mysteries Wednesday, May 15 @ 10:30am May theme: A book written by an Asian or Asian-American author.

Choose from our list of mystery or thriller novels or discuss one of your

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A Request From Your Friends at La Quinta Code Compliance: Due to the unusual amount of rain fall that the Coachella Valley experienced this winter, we are enjoying the benefit of colorful vegetation throughout La Quinta. Unfortunately, some of this vegetation is coming up in our landscaped yards and vacant parcels. We are asking that those of you that have not already acted to combat the weeds please do so as soon as possible. The vacant parcels will quickly become a fire hazard to the neighboring homes as our temperatures start to rise and the weeds dry out. The weeds in our landscaped yards can grow quite tall and numerous, and then detract from our prideful yards.

For vacant lots that are less than 5000 sq. ft, please consider leaving a couple of inches at the base of the weeds to avoid disturbing the soil and creating a dust problem for the neighboring properties. For vacant parcels exceeding 5000 sq. ft, please water down before and during the abatement process and then stabilize the soil once the work is complete.

Thank you from the City of La Quinta Code Compliance for doing your part to keep La Quinta a beautiful place to live and visit. Please call 760-777-7050 for additional information and questions.

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Explore Your Museum The La Quinta Museum is located at 77-885 Avenida Montezuma.

Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(Closed on Sundays and Mondays).

Admission is free! Call (760) 777-7170 for more information.

Exhibit:

watch “Palm Springs Plaza: The history and significance of this shopping center.”

Culture Fix Last Thursday Concert: Michael Anthony Gagliardi Thursday, May 30, 2019 5 pm Join us as Michael Anthony Gagliardi brings European flair, skill and execution to his guitar melodies.

The La Quinta Museum is active on social media. Please follow us on Facebook, twitter and Instagram for all of the latest happenings.

Postcards From Mecca The California Desert Photographs of Susie Keef Smith and Lula Mae Graves, 1916-1936.

On exhibit January 15 - May 11, 2019.

Opening May 28, 2019: Road Trip: Route 66 A nostalgic look at the Main Street of America.

Programs and Events: STITCH Every Tuesday 1– 3 pm Bring your own project. Be inspired and share with fellow quilters, knitters, needle pointers and weavers.

La Quinta Museum Coloring Club for Adults Every Friday 1-3 pm Basic supplies are provided.

Mah Jongg Every Saturday 10am-1pm Crak! Bam! Dot! Come and play at the Museum. This is not a class with an instructor, but all levels are welcome.

CONGRATULATIONS! To our 2019 Pillars of the Community

Preschool Storytime with Miss Beth Wednesday, May1, 2019 10am Fun for our younger friends with songs, stories, and a craft!

Good Reads in the Gallery Thursday, May 2, 2019 4-5 pm This month, we’ll discuss The Wild Muir: Twenty-two of John Muir’s Greatest Adventures.

Brown Bag TED* Talk Wednesday, May 14, 2019 12 noon Enjoy a TED Talk on the big screen and join the discussion following the showing. Bring your lunch and bring a friend. This month, we’ll watch “Embrace the Near Win” by Sarah Lewis.

SALLY SHELTON & MARK JOHNSON

Lunch Break with Huell Wednesday, May 28, 2019 12 noon Take an amazing break with Huell Howser! Bring your lunch and enjoy an episode California’s Gold on the big screen. This month, we’ll PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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CITY OF LA QUINTA PRESENTS

Saturday May 25 | 5:30 PM La Quinta Park Featuring

Meet & Greet

CHRIS PEREZ

For More Information Visit

www.PlayInLaQuinta.com

Saturday, May 4, 2019 Old Town La Quinta 6 - 9 pm $5 Taco Specials | $5 Tequila Drinks | Live Mariachis

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Relational’ Branding: Key to Building Client Loyalty

and communications delivery systems that meet your time constraints, and your clients’ expectations.

Bounce delivers on your strategy, consistently and reliably, raising the bar on quality, service and value to you, and

your customers.

For a free consultation, contact Donna Ambrose.

760-289-4276 (m) 206-755-9823 donna. bounceremarketing@ gmail.com

By: Donna Ambrose, Bounce Marketing Real Estate Agents seeking to gain the attention and loyalty of potential customers, must actively participate in their online lives and communities.

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, email etc. have facilitated easy communications—but what you say, and how you say it can make or break relationships, and businesses.

Social media and electronic communications – as part of a robust, welldefined branding and marketing plan – is a key strategy. It should include a personal brand that reflects the authentic-self and resonates with customers.

Acceptance into a community comes with “rules of engagement,” that include emotional aspects more in line with deeper friendships and relationships.

People are more apt to express their feelings and emotions with people accepted into their online communities.

Agents could blur the lines between the informality of friendships and that of professional relationships.

They could miss opportunities to build leads and convert potential leads into 20

customers, or harm existing relationships, risking reputations and future sales.

While networking is essential to generating leads. Finding and engaging with potential clients is more difficult than ever, and especially challenging locally, where almost one in four people travel frequently.

Clients interact daily with dozens of people via mobile phones and social media. Agents must find leads and engage with customers via the information channels most often used. That can mean socializing with clients and leads routinely, on multiple media platforms including, social media, email, web, or phone-based applications, and less frequently with traditional print media like direct mail.

A well-integrated marketing plan is key, and is largely dependent on the integration of mobile and social media strategies. Agent’s talents shine when interacting with new and interesting people face-to-face.

Bounce was created as a solution to this marketing dilemma.

Bounce can work with you to develop a marketing and social media plan,

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Businesses & Rental Properties: A New 20% Deduction Should Be On Your Radar By: Corry Hunter, CPA, Osborne Rincon CPAs Early this year, the IRS released Notice 2019-07 in regards to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 199A and the Trade or Business Safe Harbor for Rental Real Estate.

On the surface, the notice makes it look as though most rentals will not qualify for section 199 unless you meet the “safe harbor” criteria. However, it should be noted: “If an enterprise fails to satisfy these requirements, the rental real estate enterprise may still be treated as a trade or business.”

Here are the basic requirements of the safe harbor: A. Separate books and records are to be maintained.

B. 250 or more hours of rental services must be performed.

C. The taxpayer must maintain contemporaneous records – including time reports, logs, or similar documents. Such records are to be made available for inspection at the request of the IRS. The contemporaneous records requirement will not apply to taxable years beginning prior to January 1, 2019.

The largest hurdle for most will be the 250 hours. While the

WE’RE ALL ABOUT OUR CLIENTS

Lee Osborne, CPA, CFE, President

total hours need not be performed by you, it is a significant amount of time. It breaks down to about 5 hours per week or 20 hours per month.

The good news is that your gardener and pool cleaner’s time count toward your total (maybe 8 hours per month combined), but it would be hard for a landlord of a singlefamily residence to spend more than a few hours a month to get the required 20 hours for the safe harbor.

What makes a rental property otherwise qualify as a “trade or business” is not clearly defined in the IRC code. What you can do is solidify the position that your rental is a trade or business.

You should keep separate books and records that are maintained contemporaneously, which are available for the IRS upon request. In other words – if you want the deduction, do not show up to get your taxes done with a shoebox full of receipts. If you keep a separate bank account and list income and expenses of the rental by month, you are on the right path.

Furthermore, if you keep a calendar for your rental activities as well as what you were doing that day, you now have a time log. This will take more time for rental owners, but if it is the difference of a 20% tax deduction, the effort should pay off.

Corry Hunter, CPA, has been with Osborne Rincon CPAs since 2011. He is a graduate of La Quinta High School as well as the University of Southern California (USC), and also served in the U.S. Army. Osborne Rincon is one of the oldest and most respected full-service accounting firms in the Coachella Valley. To learn more, call (760) 777-7805 or go to www.OsborneRincon.com.

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What to Learn Over Summer Vacation

Summer is a time for learning; perhaps not the September to June kind, but important learning nonetheless.

Lisa Sohmer is an independent college counselor and a member of NACAC, HECA, NYSACAC and WACAC.Lisa@ SohmerCollegeCounseling. com

By: Lisa Sohmer, Sohmer College Counseling Most students and families focus on classroom learning since grades are the ones that end up on the transcript. From September to June, students toil away at note taking, homework, quizzes, tests and exams.

But what about July and August?

Academic Preparation: Summer reading is assigned for a reason.

If students return to school having completed the assignment, teachers can begin instruction on the first day rather than using a week in September to get students ready to discuss that part of the curriculum. Reading books for the upcoming school year keeps students in the habit of thinking analytically and managing their time.

Independence: When setting alarm clocks and getting where they need to be on time, students reap a significant benefit of summer jobs and programs. Managing schedules, planning routines, and making adjustments are all part of time management skills that will be important in college and life.

Experience: Summer is the time to try new

things and get hands-on experience in the real world outside home and school.

Exploration: Students who aspire to careers as lawyers can intern in a law office. For future hospitality executives, a hotel job, a catering company or restaurant are ways to gain more insights – and skills.

Responsibility: Most first jobs are summer jobs and entering into the working world requires students to develop new skill sets.

Being late to work is different from late to class, and students need to learn to be punctual.

Classes go on and others continue to learn if you are absent. But who will stuff the envelopes, make the copies or walk the dogs if you miss work?

Generosity: Students who can’t find jobs can commit to sustained volunteer positions and give of their time and talents. Generosity is one of life’s greatest lessons.

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For students preparing for the application process, the summer before senior year is a time to learn about colleges through campus visits.

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You can become a Chamber member online? Visit GCVCC.org

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Desert Sands Unified School District Accepting Kindergarten Registrations Submitted by: Desert Sands Unified School District Staff New dual immersion language program registration now open.

Desert Sands Unified School District, serving the communities of Indian Wells, Indio, Palm Desert, and La Quinta, is now accepting kindergarten registrations for students in the new dual immersion language program.

Children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2019 are eligible to be a part of this program. For the first time in Desert Sands Unified School District, dual language immersion kindergarten is being offered at both Andrew Jackson Elementary School in Indio and Ronald Reagan Elementary School in Palm Desert.

This English/Spanish program will take these students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

No prior familiarity with either language is required. For more information on the dual language immersion program visit www. dsusd.us/DLI-program. To register 24

your child at either of these schools call the school directly: Andrew Jackson Elementary 760-775-3830 or Ronald Reagan Elementary 760-772-0456.

Regular kindergarten registration opens on April 22 and is available for children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2019. Transitional kindergarten registration also opens on April 22 for children who will have their 5th birthday between September 2 and December 2 of that school year. Registration takes place at the school to be attended.

Parents and guardians of eligible kindergarteners should call the neighborhood school for times of registration. A list of school phone numbers is provided at the end of this article or can be found at www.dsusd.us. Kindergarten in Desert Sands Unified School District is a full day program at most of these schools.

The following documents are required for a completed registration for transitional kindergarten, regular kindergarten, and dual language immersion kindergarten: 1. Proof of residency, one of the following is required: • current utility bill with physical address • or, lease or rental agreement on letterhead, listing name of the parent/guardian • or, escrow papers listing the name of the parent/guardian; closing date must be within four (4) weeks of the start of the school term • or, affidavit of residency from person with whom the guardian and student are residing with, and a current utility bill (gas or electric) of that resident, and a copy of both parties’ driver licenses.

2. Proof of birth, one of the following is required

(PHOTOCOPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED): • Birth certificate or hospital certificate or notarized affidavit or immigration document or baptismal record/church certificate or physician’s certificate or other (adoption papers, court decree, passport) 3. Proof of guardianship, if student does not live with parents, one of the following is required: • Legal guardianship, court ordered (i.e. foster care) • Affidavit of parental responsibility (signature must be witnessed by school district official) Definition: Any person with whom the minor is residing, and with whom the parent/guardian is in agreement, and who is willing to complete the form.

• Caregiver’s authorization affidavit (signature must be witnessed by school district official) Definition: a “qualified relative” of the minor child and with whom the minor child resides, and the parents are not accessible to give consent.

4. Transcripts and withdrawal grade 5. Approved transfer is necessary, if student lives outside the school boundaries: • Stamped Intra-district transfer:

if student is transferring from within the boundaries of Desert Sands Unified School District.

• Inter-district transfer: if student lives outside the boundaries of Desert Sands Unified School District. (Transfer is initiated at the school district of residence. The transfer can be denied by DSUSD if there is no space or if student has attendance, or discipline problems.)

6. Immunization record – one of the following is required: • Stamped immunization booklet with dates and physician signature for all required immunizations • or, a copy of a school immunization card Additional requirements for students entering transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and/or grades 1-7: • Physical examination (form PM 171A): completed within six (6) months of the date child is entering transitional kindergarten/kindergarten, or within 18 months of entering 1st grade.

• MMR: transitional kindergarten/ kindergarten through 7th grade, two (2) doses must have been given on or after the first birthday.

• Hepatitis B: Transitional kindergarten/kindergarten and

above require three (3) doses.

• Polio: Four (4) doses at any age, but three (3) doses meet the requirement for ages 4-6 if at least one (1) was given on or after the fourth birthday.

• DTP/DTaP: Five (5) doses, at any age, but four (4) doses meet requirements for ages 4-6, if at least one (1) was given on or after the fourth birthday.

• Tdap or DTap or DTP: One (1) dose is given on or after the 7th birthday for ALL students promoting to 7th grade and all NEW students entering 7th-12th grade.

• Varicella/chickenpox immunization: verification/vaccine prior to enrolling in school.

• Dental exam: oral health assessment completed by a licensed dental professional for children entering public school for the first time at transitional kindergarten/kindergarten or first (1st) grade.

To find the school that is geographically assigned to your student, please visit http://www.myschoollocation. com/desertsandsusd1819v2/. For information on Head Start, early childhood education, middle schools, and high schools, please contact the school directly. Phone numbers are available at www.dsusd.us.

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Underwritten Versus Guaranteed By: Randy Foulds of Foulds & Feldmann Health Insurance Agency Insurers only issue policies where there is a reasonable chance of collecting more in premiums than they will pay out in benefits. For health insurance such as Medicare supplements, the insurer determines the level of risk by investigating your health history. If they decide to take on the risk, the policy is determined to be “underwritten” or acceptable risk.

Alternatively, the policy may be “guaranteed issue” or “guaranteed renewable” meaning the insurer cannot refuse to issue your policy and must accept the risk, as in these 3 common examples: Medicare Enrollment.

When you first get Medicare Part B, you can choose any Medicare Supplement, Medicare Part D, or Medicare Advantage plan offered in your area. You can’t be declined. The insurer must accept you, and your health history or preexisting conditions are not a consideration. Choose the very best coverage you can afford during this period. An upgrade later may be declined.

Medicare Birthday Rule.

In California, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Supplement, you have a 60-day window (30

days before and 30 days after your birthday) to change your supplement plan as long as you don’t improve your coverage.

In other words, you can move to a plan with the same benefits, or with fewer benefits. You would only do this if there is reasonable assumption of savings.

Annual Enrollment or Open Enrollment Period.

AEP and OEP apply to those who want to choose an ACA-compliant individual plan (under age 65), a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medicare drug plan called Part D. During AEP, these policies are guaranteed as long as you meet the qualifications.

They are not underwritten.

Take advantage of guaranteed-issue enrollments whenever possible. Review your coverage each year and explore your options.

Each individual’s health insurance needs are different. This is not meant to be insurance advice, simply general knowledge.

For further information, contact a licensed health insurance agent in your area.

Randy Foulds of Foulds & Feldmann Health Insurance Agency is a licensed agent and a senior health specialist in La Quinta. license #0G69218. You may reach him at 760-346-6565.

Did you know?

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber has events all month members can attend? Visit GCVCC.org

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Bounce Keeps You in the Game In today’s real estate arena, to get and stay top-of-mind, Agents must connect with customers via the information channels their customers use most often, whether Social Media, direct mail, web, or text.

What’s more, your connections must be personal, relevant and relatable. The best way is for Agents to create a personal ‘story,’ brand and messaging, unique and authentic to them, that inspires and motivates people to choose them as their Real Estate Agent.

And, it’s a story that must never stop being told.

Agents that do will not only increase sales, they will dominate the market!

Bounce Can Get You There Research shows that even high-performing Agents

are continually frustrated by not being able to follow through on the marketing plans needed to nurture and grow their business.

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Bounce provides a targeted approach, creating communications strategies and custom messaging that resonates with customers in a way that builds relationships and inspires them to choose you when needed.

Donna has decades of experience with high profile industry and real estate leaders, providing her clients a cost-effective method of achieving business goals.

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La Quinta Cliffhouse For years, La Quinta Cliffhouse has remained one of the desert’s preferred spots to gather for some of the best food and drinks around. The restaurant’s unparalleled setting, nestled cliffside with mountain views, makes La Quinta Cliffhouse a dining experience not to be missed. A classic American menu showcases perfectly executed USDA PRIME steaks, crave-worthy starters, and fresh seafood dishes, complimented by an award-winning wine list and craft cocktails. The minute you arrive, you are greeted with warm hospitality and offered a variety of seating options – al fresco at a cliffside table, fireside in the dining room, or at the bustling lounge and bar. Weekday offerings are popular among locals, including nightly

sunset dinners, which offer guests two-courses for $22.75 (call restaurant for times). The bar at La Quinta Cliffhouse is said to be one of the best places to gather in the desert, with something happening every day of the week. Try Monday Rib Night, Taco Tuesdays (and Thursdays), Halfpriced Bottled Wines on Wednesday, Burger Fridays, and Daily Happy Hour from 3:30 - 6:30 pm and all evening on Sunday.

Viisit La Quinta Cliffhouse, where it’s all about good food paired with great company.

78250 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 360-5991 LaQuintaCliffhouse.com

Did you know?

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is the only multi city regional Chamber in the Coachella Valley? Visit GCVCC.org 28

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Desert Insurance Solutions Wins Two Top Awards

Don’t get scammed while you’re spring cleaning

By: Carrie Babij, President and co-owner of Desert Insurance Solutions

By: Finders Thrift & Vinyl Staff

President and co-owner of Desert Insurance Solutions, Carrie Babij, has been selected by two national insurance industry publications, Insurance Journal and Insurance Business America, as one of their “Top 20 Agents of the Year.”

It’s the time of year to clean out clutter, junk, and excess. For most, just clearing space is a motivator, but be careful when you sell. Know what you have and do your research. It’s easy to find a value. If you can’t find it, there are plenty of people that can help you, but don’t believe potential buyers. If they’re serious, they’ll wait or help find a legitimate appraiser. Some resellers don’t want you to know what your item is really worth.

Carrie was one of just 65 agents selected nationwide for the list, which recognizes the top tier of the US insurance industry.

Carrie has 30 years of personal and commercial experience in the insurance industry, including as Vice President at Wells Fargo Insurance in Seattle. She specializes in insurance for high net worth home owners and professional liability, but has solutions for virtually all types of risk. The company offers business clients a level of service and experience

typically only available to large clients of large brokers.

Desert Insurance Solutions is an independent one-stop multiline brokerage offering all types of personal and commercial insurance to individuals and businesses, with offices in La Quinta and Scottsdale. Desert Insurance Solutions has access to top insurance carriers that specialize in providing quality coverage to meet the needs of affluent homeowners, professionals, and business owners. Directly appointed by multiple quality specialty carriers such as Chubb and Pure, Desert Insurance Solutions operates nationwide to better serve affluent full and part-time homeowners and business owners.

Contact Carrie at carrie@ desertinsurancesolutions. com 760-564-6800 or 480-477-8043 or visit desertinsurancesolutions.com.

Apps like ebay, craigslist, letgo, offerup, and Mercari make selling easy. Just watch out for these and other scams (most of these are done through text): 1. Phone Password - The buyer wants verification that you’re real by sending you a password that you send back to them. They are getting you to verify a craigslist account for them with your phone number so that they can scam other people with your information.

2. E-mail Scam - They want you to confirm that the item is still available by sending them a message to their e-mail. These are generated by computers

(called bots, spambot, etc.). They are blanket messages sent to millions of people just trying to get email addresses that they then sell to marketers and unsavory characters.

3. Check scam - This is usually reserved for furniture because they send you a check for your item with additional money to “pay for movers”. After depositing, you are to wire the excess immediately to the movers. The check bounces and you lose the money.

While these are the main scams, there are more.

Watch for broken English, weird verbiage, or buyers just ignoring what you are saying. If it feels weird, it probably is. Try to break their scripts by asking them mundane questions.

Finally, there are companies in the valley that will liquidate full estates for you, but that’s for another day. Good luck out there.

For more information Call Matt of Finders Thrift & Vinyl at 760-501-8969 or stop by and see me.

77955 Calle Tampico La Quinta CA 92253

Did you know?

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber has events all month members can attend? Visit GCVCC.org

30

shopping | dining

boutique-style shopping t r i na t u r k l i l ly p u l i t z e r r a l p h l au r e n splendid peter millar t o m m y ba h a m a kendra scott s e a f o l ly

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49499 EISENHOWER DR. L A Q U I N TA , C A 9 2 2 5 3 760.564.4111 Image courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer

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