THE GEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THANK YOU FOR THE MAJOR SPONSORSHIP PROVIDED BY CG V LAQUINTA CHAM B RE EST 1950
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.
CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JEFF FISHBEIN, CHAIR l FISHBEIN REAL ESTATE GROUP / COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
ALISON HENDRIX l NBC PALM SPRINGS - UNIVISION
DOUG MOTZ | MOTZ-RUSIN INSURANCE AGENCY
ANGELIQUE ONTIVEROS l DESERT ARC
CHRIS LITTLE l DESERT JET
EILEEN DIAZ l CAMEO PALMS
MIKE WILLIAMS l CAPITIS REAL ESTATE
GINA REYES l POSTAL CONNECTION
SELENE TRUJILLO l NBC PALM SPRINGS - UNIVISION
NIKKI ROBINSON l STV AUDIO & VIDEO SERVICES JENNA CONRAD l JNS NEXT
BRIAN MURPHY | JIMMY JOHN’S
The Gem is produced by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The Gem is an official publication of the GCVCC. Circulation: Approximately 20,000. 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.
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
By: Jeff Fishbein Chairman of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce
As we head into June and begin transitioning into our summer season here in the desert, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the true backbone of our local economy — our small businesses.
From family-owned restaurants and neighborhood boutiques to service providers, contractors, wellness professionals, entrepreneurs, and even the many successful home-based businesses operating right here in La Quinta, small businesses are what give our city its unique personality and charm. Whether operating from a storefront, office, or home office, these hardworking business owners help drive innovation, provide valuable services, create jobs, and strengthen the fabric of our community every single day. They truly are the heartbeat of La Quinta.
While summer often brings a seasonal slowdown to the desert, it also presents an important opportunity for all of us to rally together and continue supporting local businesses that work tirelessly year-round to serve our residents and visitors. Every time we choose to shop, dine, hire, or recommend a local business, we are directly investing back into our community.
The La Quinta Chamber of Commerce remains committed to supporting, promoting, and advocating for our local business community while helping create an environment where businesses of all sizes can succeed. From encouraging local commerce and fostering business relationships to supporting economic growth and community collaboration, our goal is to continue strengthening the foundation that makes La Quinta such a vibrant place to live, work, and do business. We encourage everyone to continue supporting local businesses and helping spread the word about the incredible companies and entrepreneurs that call La Quinta home.
One of the things I love most about La Quinta is the sense of community we share. Our local businesses are not just storefronts — they are our neighbors, friends, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners. They support our schools, nonprofits, youth sports, local events, and charitable causes. Their success helps strengthen the entire city.
As Chamber Chairman, I continue to be inspired by the resilience, creativity, and dedication of our business owners. Even during challenging economic times or slower seasons, the entrepreneurial spirit in La Quinta remains strong.
I encourage everyone this summer to make a conscious effort to “Shop La Quinta Local.” Grab dinner at a local restaurant, support a neighborhood coffee shop, book local services, attend community events, and introduce visitors to all the amazing businesses throughout our city.
Together, we can continue building a vibrant, thriving local economy that benefits everyone.
Thank you for your continued support of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce and the businesses that make our city so special.
An International Diamond Society award-winning REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty, the desert’s premier real estate firm, Jeff Fishbein, known throughout the community as Mr. La Quinta, has earned a distinguished reputation for representing discerning buyers and sellers across the Coachella Valley. With a consistent 5-Star rating on Zillow, Jeff is recognized for his white-glove service, strategic market insight, and ability to navigate complex transactions with discretion and precision. Guided by his philosophy, “Not the BIGGEST Realtor, but the BEST,” he delivers a level of professionalism, trust, and elevated representation that aligns with the exceptional lifestyle our desert communities offer.
Applications must be submitted by June 8, 2026
Interviews will be conducted by the City Council/Housing Authority on June 18, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Applicants must be present for consideration.
F i f ti i it
Budget Study Session #2
All Appropriations – General Fund, Internal Service Funds, Enterprise, and Special Revenue Funds
June 2, 2026
Budget Adoption
Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) June 16, 2026
FREE ENTRY + FOOD
First 300 residents (with proof of residency) uests will receive free entr y plus a hot ips, soda/water, and a drink koozie. he first 300 residents, admission to e game is still free for ever yone.
Skip the tie. Give them Stuft. Our gift cards are available online now — perfect for the grad who deserves a real celebration. And if you’re hosting a party, ask us about catering. We’ll bring the food. You bring the fun.
Sunday, June 21st
hand-selected by Owner John, Head Manager Ryan and the Stuft team. The complete Weller lineup. An exceptional tequila collection featuring Fortaleza Winter Blend. This Father’s Day, Stuft is pouring rare. Come see what we’ve been holding back. #iykyk
Fritz Burns Park Reopens:
A Historic La Quinta Landmark Begins a New Chapter
Story by: Sherry Barkas/City of La Quinta
After about nine months of extensive renovations and upgrades, Fritz Burns Park will reopen with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 3, starting at 9 a.m., showing off all the new and improved amenities.
All are invited to come out and help the City celebrate.
In September 2025, work began on improvements residents had long sought for the park, which is home to the City’s community pool, pickleball and tennis courts, a skate park, and one of La Quinta’s three dog parks.
The $7.4 million in improvements includes a new playground and playground equipment, restrooms, dog park, landscaping, shade, benches, electric vehicle charging stations, expanded parking and more.
Pool programs were temporarily moved to the Pawley Pool in Indio while La Quinta’s underwent a major makeover that included the addition of a play area with water feature and wading pool,
improvements to the pool steps and restrooms.
The improvements at Fritz Burns Park stem from input received from residents who attended on-site community meetings, the annual Community Workshops, and answered an online survey.
Residents also told Council members that the improvements to the 6.5-acre park were a top priority for them.
The Park’s Storied Background
Fritz Burns Park sits on land that was originally home to The Desert Club, one of La Quinta’s earliest landmarks.
The 22-room resort getaway, built by Harry Kiener, included a swimming pool, dining room, and a lounge in a building with a rounded front and porthole windows, earning it the nickname “the ship of the desert.”
Kiener opened the resort on Thanksgiving Day 1937 with a plan to entice Hollywood celebrities and other visitors to the area to buy casitas he was building in the Cove
where he owned several thousand acres of land. He called the subdivision Santa Carmalita de Vale.
The Desert Club was also built to complement Kiener’s summer resort in Big Bear, the Peter Pan Woodland Club, thinking those who escaped to the
mountains in the summer would enjoy the desert in the winter.
With World War II, development came to a halt and so did Kiener’s plans for Santa Carmalita de Vale. Today, about 60 of the original casitas remain with two registered as City landmarks.
The Desert Club eventually reopened and changed hands several times over the years, closing for good in the mid1980s. The abandoned building fell into disrepair and contained an elevated level of asbestos, making it a health hazard. In 1989, it was turned over to the fire department, which burned it down as a training exercise.
The La Quinta Historical Society has artifacts saved from The Desert Club, including a large carved wooden door that is part of an exhibit at the La Quinta Museum.
Who was Fritz Burns?
Among The Desert Club’s owners was Fritz B. Burns, a Los Angeles builderdeveloper and financier. A twice selfmade millionaire, Burns lost much of his first fortune during the Great Depression, which forced him out of his mansion and into a tent where he lived for five years while he started over, according to a 2001 LA Times article.
Burns bought The Desert Club in 1972 along with several parcels of land and the Marshall Ranch, today known as the Tradition residential community and golf club. Burns’ plan was to improve The Desert Club’s grounds and create an adjacent model home community, according to La Quinta Historical Society (LQHS) archives.
Burns died in 1979, however, without seeing his vision realized. He was 79 years old.
Attempts to revitalize the property by subsequent owners over the years failed, and The Desert Club closed for good in the mid-1980s.
The property ultimately reverted back to the Fritz B. Burns Foundation, a California nonprofit corporation, which on December 29, 1988, delivered La Quinta council members a letter deeding the land to the City.
On January 3, 1989, council members adopted a resolution accepting the land along with the Foundation’s stipulations that it forever be used as a community park and it be named for Fritz B. Burns.
The park sits on the southeast corner of Avenue 52 and Avenida Bermudas. It includes a plaque acknowledging that the park was first home to the storied Desert Club – a piece of La Quinta’s history that has not been forgotten.
For more about The Desert Club, visit the La Quinta Historical Society’s archives at www.laquintahistoricalsociety.com where you can also register for the annual tour of the Cove casitas.
Visit the La Quinta Museum to see some of The Desert Club artifacts and remnants that are on exhibit on the second floor. The Museum, at 77885 Avenida Montezuma, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is always free.
Congratulations to all our La Quinta graduates! We wish you all the best as you prepare to write your next chapter.
A big thank you to teachers and administrators at all of our schools for all you do to help guide students to be the best they can be.
Let’s Celebrate Fritz Burns Park!
We begin the month of June with the much anticipated reopening of Fritz Burns Park, which has undergone $7 million in improvements over the past eight to nine months.
CITY UPDATES
Highway 111 restriping
Motorists and bicyclists, please be aware that striping has changed on eastbound Highway 111, between Plaza La Quinta and Washington Street, and there is no longer a bike lane. The City Council directed staff to restore that stretch of Highway 111 to its original striping pattern after hearing from residents and others who raised safety concerns.
CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE
By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager
The park now has new playground equipment, restrooms, a bigger dog park, landscaping, shade and more. Improvements in the pool area include the addition of an activity pool and other amenities.
Please join us for the ribbon cutting on Wednesday, June 3, at 9 a.m. Bring your families!
You can read more about the history of the park, the land it sits on and the man for whom it is named in an article also included in this month’s The Gem.
It’s Budget Time!
June is also budget adoption time for the City.
Our Finance team will present the Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget to the City Council in a study session on Tuesday, June 2, then bring it back for adoption on Tuesday, June 16.
The public is encouraged to attend the meetings, ask questions and give their input.
City Council meetings begin at 4 p.m. at City Hall.
Citywide Striping Refresh
This project is going back out to bid. For updates and more, check the website, https://www.laquintaca.gov/residents/ road-improvement-projects.
Miles Avenue Pavement Rehab
A pavement rehabilitation project is underway on Miles Avenue from Washington Street to Jefferson Street, within La Quinta’s city limits. Check the website, https://www.laquintaca.gov/ residents/road-improvement-projects for updates and more details, including construction start date and schedule.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Online registration available at LaQuintaCA.gov
For more information, please call (760) 564-0096.
WELLNESS CENTER
Creative Wellness, Indoors
Ballroom, Latin, Swing 6 – 7 p.m. T
Physical Wellness
Deep Stretch
2:40 – 3:30 p.m. T/TH
Mat Pilates 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. T/TH
Personal Trainer (by appt.) 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. M/TH
Tai Chi Yang 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. T/TH
Yoga Flow (with Billee) 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. M/W
Social Wellness
La Quinta Ukulele Strummers 2 – 4 p.m. F
Movie Matinee (no fee) 1 p.m. M
Social Bridge 12 – 4 p.m. M (call Pat, 760-219-9972; $4)
Mah Jongg “American” ($2) 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. T
Mexican Train Dominoes ($2) 1 – 4 p.m. W
Quilting for Good Times 1 – 3 p.m. TH (volunteers)
Look Who’s in the Lobby/Presentations/Workshops
Let’s Do Lunch: Tuesdays, June 2 & 16, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. A unique social activity (educational lectures, games, art creation workshops, exercise, live entertainment and more). Register by calling JFS Desert Savannah at 760-325-4088 ext. 123 or email sortega@jfsdesert.org
HICAP One-on-One Consultations: Monday, June 8, 10 a.m. –12 p.m.
A HICAP counselor one-on-one appointment for Medicare health insurance benefits. Appointments to meet at the Wellness Center can be made by calling HICAP at 800-4340222 or 909-256-8369.
Welbe Health: Mondays, June 8 & 22, Information on allinclusive care for the elderly, full-service healthcare that helps you live your life healthy and happy in your home.
Medicare Health Insurance: Thursdays, June 11 & June 25, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Free information and answers to your questions about Medicare provided by Bill Proctor & Associates Inc.
Health Insurance Medicare Advantage Plans: Wednesdays, June 3 & 17, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Free information, and answers to your questions about Medicare provided by Brian Bilhartz Insurance.
FIND Food Bank: Wednesday, June 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Information on FIND Food Bank mobile markets, Cal-Fresh, and low-income utility assistance.
Open Court Time at La Quinta Boys & Girls Club Desert Recreation District (DRD), the Boys & Girls Club and the City of La Quinta have partnered to offer the following activities: Volleyball Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7 – 9 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.), all ages (13 years and under must be accompanied by an adult). Fee: $5 daily drop-in, or $30 for an 8-visit Express Pass. For more information, please call DRD at 760-564-9921.
EXHIBITS:
FEATURED EXHIBIT:
LA QUINTA MUSEUM
Abuelita’s Kitchen, on exhibit through June 13
Exploring the themes of identity, place, and food culture, “Abuelita’s Kitchen” features the stories of 10 grandmothers who have cooked, preserved, and passed on Mexican food culture while creating communities and cultures that are unique to Southern California. This exhibit reveals each abuela’s unique relationship to Mexican cuisine, their birthplaces in Mexico, and their current homes in Los Angeles. This exhibit was developed by USC professor Sarah Portnoy with support from California Humanities and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. The exhibition tours through Exhibit Envoy, a nonprofit.
NEW Featured Exhibit, opening Tuesday, June 23:
An Age of Change: The Works of American Photographer James Abbe, 1910-1950 As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, James Abbe’s early 20th Century photographs offer a striking window into a nation coming of age. Working largely between 1910-1950, Abbe chronicled a country defined by transformation, capturing the energy of its people, life-changing events, and the cultural shifts that reflected a modern America and world in motion.
EVENTS:
Saturday, June 6, 2 p.m.
Summer Family Fun: Magic at the Museum! Join us for a magical afternoon for the whole family! All ages will be amazed by magician Dean Apple.
77885 Avenida Montezuma. La Quinta, CA 92253 | (760) 777-7170
La Quinta Museum June 2026
The La Quinta Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission and programs are FREE
Friday, June 26, 6 - 7 p.m.
Exhibit Opening/Gallery Talk with Jenny Abbe
Don’t miss this special look at our newest exhibit, “An Age of Change: The Works of American Photographer James Abbe, 19101950.” Experience the work of this pioneering photographer and journalist through unique insights from the director of the James Abbe Archive — and the photographer’s granddaughter — Jenny Abbe.
PROGRAMS:
As programs are subject to change, please find the latest information on our FREE programs at facebook.com/LaQuintaMuseum/events
Fridays, June 5 & 19, 1-3 p.m.
Sketchbook Journaling
Get in touch with your inner artist with sketchbook journaling. Basic supplies provided.
Tuesdays, June 9 & 23, 1-3 p.m.
STITCH Fiber Arts Group
Bring your fiber project, meet with friends old and new, share what you’ve been working on, and get inspired for your next project.
Wednesday, June 10, 1 p.m.
TED Talk Hangout
Let’s enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss! This month, we’ll watch “What I Got Wrong About Changing the World” by Malala Yousafzai.
Saturday, June 13, 1-3 p.m.
Genealogy Meet-Up
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert genealogy, join us for discussion and collaboration. This month, we have a Webinar Watch: “Creating an Ancestor Sketch.”
Tuesday, June 16, 11 a.m.
Take a Break with Huell
Join us for an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold on the big screen. This month, Huell explores the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area to see the famous Mitchell Caverns Nature Reserve, and the Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, where we see a Miwok Indians legacy in a vast rock covered with thousands of grinding pits.
Saturday, June 20, 1- 3 p.m.
Mindful Art Workshop
Unwind your mind as we try out meditative art together. This intuitive art practice emphasizes the process of creation rather than the final product, encouraging mindfulness and focus on the present moment. Supplies provided.
Thursday, June 25, 3 p.m.
Good Books in the Gallery
Let’s read a great book, and then get together to discuss! This month, we’ll read “The Girls in the Picture” by Melanie Benjamin. A limited number of free copies are available for book club participants, call 760-777-7170 to request one.
IT’S YOUR LIBRARY
Questions about Library programs? Call 760-564-4767
Please note that the Library and Creation Station will be closed on Saturday, July 4, for Independence Day.
SPECIAL EVENTS & NEW PROGRAMS
Summer Reading Adventure
Monday, June 8 through Friday, July 17 | All ages
The Summer Reading Adventure begins! Discover, learn & grow with fun programs and exciting rewards for all ages. Join us for our weekly performers!
Desert Regional Presentation
Tuesdays, June 2, 9 & 16, @ 11 a.m. | Ages 18+
Learn about Elderly Fall Prevention, Stop the Bleed & Hands-Only CPR & Shock, and Burns, Heat-Related Illness and Venomous Bites & Stings during a presentation series hosted by Desert Regional Medical Center! Each date will cover one of the three topics in their respective order.
Noteworthy Puppets: Kid Zorro - The Bilingual Puppet Musical
Friday, June 12 @ 11 a.m. | All ages Zorro must embrace his family’s destiny in order to save the local Mission from a corrupt politician with a diabolical plan. Will young Diego have the courage to continue his Abuelo’s mission to combat social injustice?
Family Fun Day
Friday, June 19 @ 11 a.m. | All Ages Dress up for our special author reading followed by a Family Fashion Show!
Joseph Hart The Reptile Hunter Friday, June 26 @ 11 a.m. | All ages Dive into the captivating world of reptiles with Joseph Hart! Seating is limited!
Level Up: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tournament
Saturday, June 27 @ 12 – 2 p.m. | Ages 13-17
Think you’re the best Mario Kart driver?
Prove it! Register for our Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tournament; 25 players max, top 3 players win a prize!
LA QUINTA CREATION STATION PROGRAMS
Summer Reading Adventure: “Adventure on the High Seas”
Fly The Jolly Roger - History of Pirate Flags Thursday, June 11 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
FREE | Ages 7 and Older | First Come Program Using felt pieces cut by the power of light beams and a book of ancient symbols, our MakerSpace crew will help our merry band of buccaneers craft their own custom pirate colors to fly high from the mast!
Summer Reading Adventure: “Adventure on the High Seas”
Cartography for Pirates, aka Treasure Map Making
Thursday, June 18 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | FREE | Ages 7 and Older | First Come Program Ahoy mateys! Using map keys, ye shall draw your own coastlines, mysterious landmarks,
and “X” marks the spot! Once your trail is blazed, our trusty crew will show ye the tricks to make your map look crinkly, dusty, and aged — just like it’s been hidden away for years.
Youth Maker’s Guild: Curse of the LactoMancer
Saturday, June 20 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | FREE | Ages 7-14 | RSVP required Makers 7 to 14 years old can sign up for 1 of 6 spots in the Youth Maker’s Guild, our D&D program for kids. We will be finishing our Tumbledowns Trilogy with the last installment titled “The Curse of the Lacto-mancer.” Players must RSVP by June 10 to review their player stats.
Summer Reading Adventure: “Adventure on the High Seas”
Finding Your Star - Compass Construction Thursday, June 25 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | FREE | Ages 7 and Older | First Come Program Every sea dog needs a trusty tool to find their way through the fog and foam. Ye shall assemble your very own compass to point the way!
FAB-Tastic!: Crochet Club
Sunday, June 28 | 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | FREE | Ages 7 and older| This is not a class Swing by the Creation Station to join fellow crochet and fiber artists as we craft together. Share your progress on a current project or ask for help with a particular stitch. All levels of skill are welcome.
18K WHITE GOLD
CUSHION CUT LAB DIAMOND 6.7 CT
PAVE LAB DIAMONDS .44 CT
CRAFTED BY RYAN RYAN
18K YELLOW GOLD
NATURAL CENTER DIAMOND 2.5CT
LAB DIAMONDS 0.7 CT
LAB BAGUETTES 0.47 CT
CRAFTED BY RYAN RYAN
14K YELLOW GOLD STUD EARRINGS LAB DIAMOND WITH HALO 3.54 TCW
CRAFTED BY RYAN RYAN
18K WHITE GOLD BLUE PEAR SHAPE LAB DIAMOND 7.50 CT
4 ROWS OF MICRO PAVE LAB DIAMONDS CRAFTED BY RYAN RYAN
Workforce
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he Desert is not just a college it's a bridge between education and economic growth
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o a diverse pool of career-ready
Internship development & Work Experience Education
Visibility through career fairs, job boards, Advisory’s & targeted recruitment
Employer Interest
Ability to multitask and work under min supervision
Opportunities to co-create training aligned with your industry needs
Be recognized as a community partner & talent builder through College of the Desert initiatives
Nashelle Me Job Develo Y
La Quinta Medical Center offers:
• Desert Care Network Primary & Specialty Care services include:
□ General Orthopedics
□ Hand and Upper Extremity Specialists
□ Joint Replacement and Joint Revision Specialist
□ Sports Medicine
□ Gastroenterology
• The Advanced Wound Healing Center – provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy and procedures for treating wounds
• Comprehensive Cancer Center in La Quinta offers:
□ Hematologic oncology and gynecologic oncology consultations
□ Infusion services
□ Mammography screenings
Additional services are available at our Palm Springs and Yucca Valley locations.
Sixth Street Coffee
Brewing Community in La Quinta
Story by: GCVCC Staff
When Steve Garcia first opened Sixth Street Coffee in the City of Coachella, the goal was simple: create a place people genuinely wanted to be.
Not just a coffee shop where customers rush in and out for caffeine, but a space where conversations happen naturally, local creatives feel welcome, and the community has a place to gather. Over the past few years, that vision has quietly transformed Sixth Street Coffee into one of the East Valley’s favorite local cafés — known as much for its atmosphere as its handcrafted drinks.
Now, Garcia is preparing for the next chapter.
Sixth Street Coffee will soon open a second location at 79410 Highway 111 N, Suite 101, La Quinta, CA 92253, bringing the café’s signature blend of specialty coffee and community-focused culture to one of the Valley’s fastest-growing cities. The new location is expected to open in Summer 2026.
For Garcia, the expansion feels like a natural step forward, especially as the East Valley continues to evolve.
“We saw an opportunity to help fill the
gap for specialty coffee in the area and create a space people could genuinely connect with and enjoy,” Garcia says. “It felt like the right time and the right place to bring that vision to life.”
That vision has resonated with customers from the very beginning. While specialty coffee has steadily grown across Southern California, the East Valley has long lacked the kind of independent café culture common in larger urban areas. Sixth Street Coffee helped change that by creating a space that felt local, approachable, and deeply connected to the surrounding community.
Walk into the original Coachella location on any given day, and it feels less like a traditional coffee shop and more like a neighborhood gathering space. Students work quietly at tables, friends catch up over iced lattes, artists network, and regulars chat with baristas who know their orders by heart.
the new space. Garcia hopes the added room encourages people to settle in, stay longer, and continue building the kind of connections that have defined the original café.
That sense of belonging has become central to the brand’s identity.
Rather than carefully scripting every aspect of the customer experience, Garcia has allowed the café to evolve organically through the people who spend time there. Customers, staff members, and local creatives have all played a role in shaping the atmosphere and culture of Sixth Street Coffee.
“What makes us different is that we allow the community to help shape the experience,” Garcia says. “We want Sixth Street Coffee to feel welcoming, creative, and built for everyone.”
That philosophy will carry over to the new La Quinta location, though customers can expect a few additions. The new café will feature a larger footprint, expanded food offerings, and several new crafted beverages designed specifically for
The project itself has been moving quickly, with planning underway for the past several months. While opening a second location naturally comes with challenges, Garcia says the opportunity to continue growing within the East Valley made the decision feel right.
The timing also reflects a larger shift happening throughout cities like La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella. As the population continues to grow, many residents are looking for spaces that offer more than convenience — places that feel personal and community-driven. Coffee shops, Garcia believes, naturally create those environments.
“The East Valley continues to grow, and people are looking for more spaces where they can spend time, connect, and build community,” he says.
That community-first mentality has already helped Sixth Street Coffee become a launching point for local artists and small businesses. The original Coachella location has hosted collaborations, creative gatherings, and opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect in ways that feel authentic rather than overly curated.
Garcia hopes the La Quinta café develops that same energy.
“Our Coachella location has created opportunities for local artists and small businesses to gather and collaborate,” he says. “We hope to bring that same feeling to La Quinta.”
Of course, the coffee itself remains a major part of the experience.
loyal following around drinks that blend specialty coffee craftsmanship with flavors inspired by the Valley’s culture and personality. Favorites like the Horchata Latte, OatChata Latte, and Iced Spanish Latte have become staples for regular customers, while firsttime visitors are often pointed toward the café’s popular OatChata Cold Brew.
The drinks feel approachable yet distinctive — much like the café itself.
Still, Garcia says the most rewarding part of building Sixth Street Coffee has never been about expansion or popularity. It has been about relationships.
Over the years, he has watched customers grow alongside the business. Some have become close friends. Others have found creative opportunities or professional connections through the café. Many simply return because the space feels familiar and welcoming in a way that larger corporate coffee chains often cannot replicate.
“The most rewarding part has been getting to know our customers and building relationships within the community,” Garcia says.
For Garcia, owning a business has also become a creative outlet — an opportunity to build something meaningful while creating opportunities for others along the way. That purpose continues to guide the growth of Sixth Street Coffee as the brand prepares for its next phase.
Although an official grand opening date has not yet been announced, anticipation is already building among Valley residents eager to see Sixth Street Coffee arrive in La Quinta.
And if the original café’s success is any indication, the new location will likely become more than just another place to grab coffee. It will become a gathering space woven into the daily rhythm of the community — a place where people meet, create, work, and connect over a really good cup of coffee.
For updates on the La Quinta opening and future announcements, follow Sixth Street Coffee on Instagram at @sixth.street. coffee.
Sixth Street Coffee has built a
Chamber Honors to Celebrate
Coachella Valley Business Excellence
Story by: GCVCC Staff
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is preparing to celebrate the region’s most influential businesses, organizations, and community leaders during The Chamber Honors: 2026 Annual Board Installation and Business Awards Dinner on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells.
The annual event will bring together business professionals, civic leaders, and community members from across the Coachella Valley for an evening dedicated to recognizing excellence, leadership, and service throughout the region. In addition to installing the 2026 Boards of Directors for both the regional and local chambers, the event will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions continue to shape the economic and cultural vitality of the Coachella Valley.
This year’s celebration will also spotlight the honorees of CV Next: The Next Leaders of the Coachella Valley, recognizing a new generation of emerging leaders making a meaningful impact in the community.
Guests attending the evening can expect a lively cocktail reception, networking opportunities, a silent auction, photo experiences, dinner, and a cash bar before the evening’s awards program and board installation ceremony begin.
“Each year, The Chamber Honors serves as an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable businesses, organizations, and individuals who continue to strengthen the Coachella Valley
through innovation, leadership, and community involvement,” said Brandon Marley, CEO of the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to recognize these deserving honorees and look forward to bringing together leaders from across the region for an unforgettable evening.”
Among the distinguished award recipients being honored this year are:
• Chairman John A. James Lifetime Achievement Award — Dr. Frank Curry
• President’s Award — Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians
• East Valley Small Business of the Year — The Place
• East Valley Large Business of the Year — Coachella Valley Behavioral Health
• Mid Valley Small Business of the Year — Jimmy John’s
• Mid Valley Large Business of the Year — Desert Champions / Indian Wells Tennis Garden
• West Valley Small Business of the Year — Lulu California Bistro
• West Valley Organization of the Year — Mission Springs Water District
• Non-Profit of the Year — One Valley Foundation
• Public Impact Award — College of the Desert
• Volunteer of the Year — Bart Verry, Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies
The Chamber also expressed appreciation for the many sponsors supporting this year’s event.
• Title Sponsors: Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, College of the Desert
• Presenting Sponsors: City of Indian Wells, Desert Care Network, Desert Oasis Healthcare, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino/Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians, Palm Springs International Film Society
• Centerpiece Sponsor: California Bank & Trust
• Visionary Media Sponsor: NBC Palm Springs/Univision
• Photobooth Sponsor: Doubleeye Dispensary & Lounge
• Community Sponsors: Acrisure Arena/Los Firebirds, Altura Credit Union, AT&T, Banc of California, City of Desert Hot Springs, City of La Quinta, City of Palm Springs, Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District, Desert Arc, Desert Healthcare District, Desert Urgent Care, Forest Lawn, Mission Springs Water District, Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Southern California Edison, Sun Community Federal Credit Union, Valley Sanitary District, and Visit Greater Palm Springs.
The evening agenda begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, silent auction, networking, and photo hour, followed by the Board of Directors installation, keynote address, and awards program at 6:30 p.m.
The event dress code is business formal, and complimentary parking will be available for attendees.
For more information, including details on the CV Next: The Next Leaders of the Coachella Valley honorees, visit gcvcc.org.
Happy Hour Daily 3-6pm 79-940 Westward
Big Rock Pub offers reimagined pub classics, craft cocktails, and live music in a lively, rock-inspired setting, perfect for locals and visitors alike. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up on our upcoming events and live entertainment.
Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm | Fri-Sat 11am-11:30pm | Sun. 10am-8pm
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SUMMER’S LOOKING SWEET
We’re scooping up something cool all summer long with Thrifty Ice Cream at The Marketplace. Every week brings a new lineup of delicious fl avors, from nostalgic favorites to seasonal surprises.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE WHAT’S SCOOPING THIS WEEK!
Come grab a cone, cup, or double scoop and make summer a little sweeter.
