Issuu

L A Q U I N TA’ S C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E

THE GEM NOVEMBER 2026

In this issue

Honoring the Women Who Served: Two La Quinta Veterans Share Their Stories Ahead of Veterans Day Home for the Holidays: Shop, Celebrate & Support Local in La Quinta What’s New & What’s Next: Exciting Businesses Opening in La Quinta

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GCV LA

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Honoring the Women Who Served: Two La Quinta Veterans Share Their Stories Ahead of Veterans Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 City Manager’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Community Services Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 La Quinta Museum Exhibits & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 It’s Your Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Home for the Holidays: Shop, Celebrate & Support Local in La Quinta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 What’s New & What’s Next: Exciting Businesses Opening in La Quinta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Historical Society Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

THINKING ABOUT SELLING OR BUYING?

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Chairman’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) was created in 2016 in cooperation with the former Coachella, La Quinta, Cathedral City and Indio Chambers, along with the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians and Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. It enhances and significantly improves the way businesses interact with each other and the community in the entire Coachella Valley. As a Regional Chamber, the GCVCC delivers services and benefits to its members on a scope not seen before in the area.

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 SELENE TRUJILLO l NBC PALM SPRINGS - UNIVISION NIKKI ROBINSON l STV AUDIO & VIDEO SERVICES JENNA CONRAD l JNS NEXT BRIAN MURPHY | JIMMY JOHN’S RANDY FOULDS | FOULDS HEALTH INSURANCE AGENCY ar Ye + 30

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The Gem is produced by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. OUTLOOK: CALL THE BRANDTS

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.

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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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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE By: Jeff Fishbein Chairman of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce

Home, Community, and the Season Ahead November brings a welcome change of pace to La Quinta. Cooler mornings, outdoor gatherings, and preparations for the holidays remind us why we love calling this community home. It’s a season to reconnect with neighbors, welcome back seasonal residents, and appreciate the people and places that make our city special. Home is about more than four walls. It’s where we build traditions, gather with loved ones, and create memories. That same sense of belonging extends into our community, through a familiar greeting at a neighborhood restaurant, a conversation with a local shop owner, or an evening spent enjoying all that La Quinta offers. As we look toward Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the business owners, employees, residents, and community leaders who contribute to our city every day. Behind every storefront is someone investing time, energy, and heart into serving others. Their work helps make La Quinta a place where people want to live, visit, and build a future. November also brings Veterans Day, an opportunity to honor the men and women who have served our country. To the veterans in our community and their families, thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication. We are grateful for all you have given and for the many ways you continue to enrich our community. This month, I encourage you to make supporting local businesses part of your holiday traditions. Meet a friend for lunch, explore a shop you haven’t visited, purchase a gift from a local merchant, or choose a neighborhood business for a service you need. Small choices can have a meaningful impact, especially as businesses prepare for the busy season ahead. Through the La Quinta Chamber and the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, we have opportunities to strengthen those connections. Every introduction, referral, and partnership helps our business community grow. As your holiday calendar begins to fill, leave a little room to enjoy the place we call home and the people who make it special. A friendly conversation, a thoughtful purchase, or a simple thank-you can go a long way. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving and a season filled with connection, gratitude, and lasting memories. About Jeff Fishbein Jeff Fishbein is a REALTOR® and broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty in La Quinta, known locally as “Mr. La Quinta.” With nearly three decades of corporate sales and leadership experience before entering real estate in 2014, Jeff brings a commitment to service, thoughtful guidance, and community involvement to his work. He serves as Chairman of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce and on the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce Board. A full-time La Quinta resident, Jeff helps buyers and sellers throughout the Coachella Valley.

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Honoring the Women Who Served: Two La Quinta Veterans Share Their Stories Ahead of Veterans Day Story by: Sherry Barkas/City of La Quinta La Quinta residents Virginia “Ginger” Nelson and Barbara Burik are veterans. Both enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in the 1970s. It was a time of change for women in the military, as equal opportunity cases opened doors to more occupational specialties, beyond nursing and administrative positions that had traditionally been available to them. “I was such a novelty that one of the warrant officers told me he didn’t think I would make it through” training, said Burik who enlisted in October 1973 and served as an Army Nuclear Weapons Electronic Technician. His comment made her more determined to succeed, said Burik, who served until September 1978 and attained the rank of SP5 (equivalent to a sergeant). “I’m glad that women are more accepted now,” she said, adding that for many years she kept her military service private, not knowing how people would react. Nelson served for three years, training to be a mortician until her platoon was 8

assigned to help identify the remains of hundreds of adults and children who died in a mass suicide near Guyana. She served from January 1976 to December 1978, and was among the last to serve in the WAC, which was disbanded in October 1978 when President Jimmy Carter signed legislation integrating women into the regular Army. Burik and Nelson are among 24 La Quinta residents who will be recognized on November 11, during the City’s annual Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony, and have their names added to the monuments on the Civic Center Campus. Of the nearly 370 names currently on the monuments, Nelson and Burik join just five other women recognized. All Should Serve Following basic training, Burik, who grew up in Southern California, was sent to Redstone Arsenal in Alabama for her nuclear weapons training. She was the only woman in her squadron and one of just three on a base of about 2,500 men. “They didn’t have clothing for me, so they outfitted me in men’s clothing. They didn’t have shoes small enough for me, so I was given jump boots, which is not

normal issue. So, it was in an experience,” Burik said. She received Secret clearance to work with nuclear weapons and was transferred to Germany where she spent three years calibrating test equipment – an eye-opening experience, she said. “What I did was to keep the test equipment up and running so they could do periodic continuity tests,” she said. “I had no idea a nuclear warhead was so small,” she said. “I was trained for

“I was an Army brat,” she said. Her family lived in France, New Jersey, and several other places during her father’s more than 20 years of service. Her Dad’s service inspired her some to serve but so did his reluctance to send her to college, Nelson said. “I got out of high school and I wanted to go to college and my father, God bless him, his attitude was, ‘You’re a pretty girl, you don’t need to go to college. Get married,’” she said, laughing. “Unfortunately, he was serious,” she said. So, she enlisted. emergency destruction, laying out the det (detonation) cord, wrapping it around the warhead, running back, putting the shaped charges on the blasting caps.”

“I wanted to get away, I was tired of being at home and just trying to find a little part-time job or something, and I decided I’m going to go in,” Nelson said.

She finished her service at Seneca Army Depot in New York, a major U.S. munitions storage and supply base that operated from 1941 until 2000.

At the time, her godmother was a mortician and owned a funeral home.

Out of the Army, Burik returned to Southern California and worked for Lockheed before accepting a job with McDonell Douglas in Long Beach, a major aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor bought by Boeing in 1997. “The military really opened doors for me with aerospace (development), and having a secret clearance helped,” she said. She ultimately worked on the C-17 Globemaster, a large military transport aircraft developed for the US Air Force during the 1980s and ’90s. She retired in 2015, and when her husband retired in 2023, they moved to La Quinta full-time. “I personally think every American citizen should … serve for a couple of years,” in the military or the Peace Corps, she said. “You learn structure. You learn appreciation for your country, and you have experiences in meeting other people and learning different cultures, which I think are valuable,” Burik said.

Her mother’s side of the family were “I guess you’d call us church royalty,” she said. Her grandmother bought a church for her brother who started preaching what was called a “chitterling route” when he was 5. It was her brother who encouraged her to become a mortician, and they could own a funeral home off of the church. She enlisted in January 1976, choosing a career in mortuary science and was stationed at Fort McClellan in Alabama. Her plans to be a mortician ended with the mass suicide of more than 900 people in Jamestown, Guyana. In November 1978, Peoples Temple cult leader Jim Jones ordered his followers at the compound to drink a fruit punch laced with cyanide and sedatives, leaving 909 people dead including more than 300 children and minors.

Among the Last WACs

“My platoon was shipped up to Dover, Delaware, to try to help identify those 900 bodies, and that told me I did not want to be a mortician. It was the most gruesome thing I have ever seen,” she said.

Nelson was 18 when she enlisted and served three years, attaining the rank of SP4. She was one in a long line of family members to serve.

She married a soldier in her battalion and was honorably discharged in December 1978, and went with her husband to Germany. They had a son together and

after two years were transferred to Fort Hood, Texas. The marriage ended but her ex-husband encouraged her to enroll in nursing school. She used her GI Bill to pay for college, which led to a long career as a registered nurse. After getting her degree, she moved to the Washington, D.C., area where she was a neonatal ICU nurse for 10 years. A snow storm that had her stuck at the hospital for three days while her child stayed at a neighbor’s house had her looking for a job in a warmer climate, she said. “I was offered a position at the Naval hospital in San Diego, so that’s how we ended up moving to California.” She is now retired, having spent the last 15 years of her career working for the California Department of Public Health as a facility inspector, investigating complaints and doing inspections for Centers for Medicare (CMS). “That was a very interesting job. I saw lots of horrible things and some good things,” she said from her La Quinta home where she has lived since 2020. Veterans Day Ceremony Join the City in honoring all service members on Wednesday, November 11, at 9 a.m. at the City Hall courtyard. Seating is first-come first-serve. For information about the City’s veterans recognition program, visit www.laquintaca.gov/veterans.

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

It seems like we just said hello to 2026 and here we are on the final two months of the year with the holiday season underway and a long list of events all across the valley. In La Quinta, this month is highlighted by our Veterans Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, at City Hall where we thank and honor all who have served and are serving. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. with a flyover by the Palm Springs Air Museum, music by members of the La Quinta High School band, a special guest speaker and more.

La Quinta Art Celebration Encore

Yiftee Returns for Holiday Shopping

Then, Civic Center Campus becomes home to the La Quinta Art Celebration Encore with more than 150 of the most celebrated artists in the world – painters, sculptors, jewelry makers and photographers – participating.

To help generate business for our local stores and restaurants during the holiday season, the City is launching a second round of the Shop La Quinta Local Community Card program on November 1.

The four-day event, which also includes food and music, will be held November 12-16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Up to two cards per person can be purchased for $50 or $100 each, which the City will match up to 50%, or $50. So, for example, if you purchase a $50 card you will receive a second card for $25 through the City’s match.

This year’s featured artists are painters Rebecca Molayem, whose work appears on the event poster, and David Palmer who created the artwork for the event T-shirts. Purchase tickets in advance at www. laquintaartcelebration.org.

Our Council members will recognize each of the 24 residents whose names are being added to our monuments on the Civic Center Campus.

Buy your cards online at www.laquintaca. gov/shop-local, where you will also find a list of participating businesses.

CITY UPDATES

Citywide Striping Refresh

Civic Center Lake Irrigation

The citywide striping refresh is underway and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. These improvements will refresh striping on the majority of City roadways and replace missing or damaged pavement markers.

The City will be converting the Civic Center Campus lake and irrigation system from potable water to non-potable water (canal water) this winter.

The match card needs to be used by January 31, 2027, while the other card can be used any time. Powered by Yiftee Inc., the program was created to foster community engagement and generate revenue for our La Quinta businesses.

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

Luncheon: Wednesday, November 18, 11:30 COMMUNITY SERVICES Thanksgiving a.m. Online registration available at LaQuintaCA.gov For more information, please call (760) 564-0096. WELLNESS CENTER Physical Wellness Deep Stretch 10 – 11 a.m. Tai Chi Yang - Beginner 2 – 2:55 p.m. Tai Chi Yang - Advanced 3 – 4 p.m. Ballroom Swing Latin Dance 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mat Pilates 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Personal Trainer (Paul by appt.) 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Personal Trainer 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Sharla by appt.) Slow Flow Yoga – (Karen) Sound Bath 6 – 7 p.m. Yin Yoga (Karen) 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Yoga Flow Monday(Billee) 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Yoga Flow Wednesday (Billee) 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

M T/TH T/TH T T/TH T-F M-TH TH TH M W

Visit with friends and meet new people while enjoying a delicious catered meal from Mimi’s Cafe. Please sign up early, seating is limited. Fee: $4. Medicare Health Insurance: Thursdays, November 5 & 19, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Free information and answers to your questions about Medicare provided by Bill Proctor & Associates Inc. Low-Income Energy Assistance: Monday, November 1, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Joe Vaquero from FIND Food Bank will be available. Documents needed: Current utility bill, bank statements, food stamps, Social Security number, and birth certificate. Please call the front desk at 760-564-0096 for an appointment at the Wellness Center. FIND Food Bank: Tuesday, November 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Information on FIND Food Bank mobile markets, Cal-Fresh, and low-income utility assistance.

Social Wellness Social Bridge 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. M (call Pat 760-219-9972; $4 fee) Mah Jongg “American” ($2) 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. T Mah Jongg “American” 1 – 3 p.m. TH Beg. class ($2) Mexican Train Dominoes ($2) 1 – 4 p.m. W Quilting for Good Times 1 – 3 p.m. F (Volunteers) LQ Ukulele Strummers ($2) 2 – 4 p.m. F

Read with Me Volunteer Program: Wednesday, November 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Read With Me is recruiting volunteers for Truman Elementary and 21 other CV elementary schools.

Look Who’s in the Lobby/Presentations/Workshops

HICAP One-on-One Consultations: Monday, November 30, 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.

Let’s Do Lunch: Tuesdays, November 3 & 17, 11 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 760-325-4088 ext. 123 or email sortega@jfsdesert.org Newmark Beauty: Tuesday, November 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Free information about beauty treatments, tips and trends.

Welbe Health: Monday, November 23, 9 – 10:30 a.m. Information on All-Inclusive Care for the elderly, full-service healthcare that may help you live your life healthy and happy in your home.

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 an Open Volleyball program Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7 – 9 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.). Ages: All ages (13 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.

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

LA QUINTA MUSEUM 77885 Avenida Montezuma. La Quinta, CA 92253 | (760) 777-7170 The La Quinta Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Admission and programs are FREE PLEASE NOTE: La Quinta Museum will be CLOSED on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day, and Thursday and Friday, November 26 & 27 for Thanksgiving. EXHIBITS: NEW FEATURED EXHIBIT Desert Dialogues: Coachella Valley Artists, Past and Present This exhibit bring together works from the La Quinta Historical Society’s collection, including artists Mary Maison, Alson Clark, and Carl Bray, along with works by 12 contemporary artists known as “The Desert Dozen,” a collective of friends and artists carrying forward the tradition of the desert artist through a distinctly modern lens. The exhibit will explore the legacy of artists inspired by the landscape, light, and spirit of the desert. SPOTLIGHT EXHIBIT in our Local History gallery: The Gems of the Desert: La Quinta City Symbols Do you know the symbols of the City of La Quinta? Explore the history behind the bird, flower, tree, and City Seal that make this “Gem of the Desert” so special! SPOTLIGHT EXHIBIT in the Mural Room: Día de Muertos Mini Altar Exhibit, through November 7 Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday that helps families honor their ancestors. Come to the Museum’s Mural Room and enjoy the heartfelt miniature altars created by members of our community.

EVENTS: TThursday, November 5, 5-6 p.m. Music at the Museum Join us in the Courtyard for music with David Macias! Saturday, November 7, 5-7 p.m. Desert Dialogues Artist Reception Experience our latest exhibit and mix and mingle with the artists of “The Desert Dozen,” a group of contemporary artists carrying on the legacy of artists inspired by the spirit of the desert.

Mark your calendar! Thursday December 3, 5-6 p.m. Historic Casita Lighting Come kick off the holiday season with this festive tradition! Enjoy hot chocolate and music by Mariachi Flor de Dahlia as we flip the switch to light up the Museum and the Historic Casita and Lumberyard buildings! PROGRAMS: Fridays, November 6 & 20 1-3 p.m. Sketchbook Journaling Get in touch with your inner artist with sketchbook journaling. Basic supplies provided. Tuesdays, November 10 & 24, 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. Saturday, November 14, 1-3 p.m. Genealogy Meet-Up Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in genealogy, join us for discussion and collaboration. This month’s topic: DNA 201 with Crista Cowan. As a follow up to the video we watched over the summer, this episode goes to the next level and talks about Ancestry DNA matches and how to group them to find people. Tuesday, November 17, 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 gets a first-rate tour of L.A.’s train station, Union Station, and learns about its history. Wednesday, November 18, 2-4 p.m. Collage Club in collaboration with the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery Join us to transform upcycled materials into works of art while exploring a new creative theme each month. All are welcome to use the supplies provided, as well as bring their own materials to add to the mix!

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

Thursday, November 19, 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 “Artistic Circles” by Susie Hodge. A limited number of free copies are available for book club participants, call 760-777-7170 to request one. Saturday, November 21, 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.

IT’S YOUR LIBRARY

Full list of events & activities:

Questions about Library programs? Call 760-564-4767 Please note that the La Quinta Library and Creation Station will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, for Veterans Day and on Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday; the Library will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25. From Thursday, November 12, to Sunday, November 15, the Library will only offer Express Service Pickup. The Creation Station will be closed during this time. SPECIAL EVENTS & NEW PROGRAMS Teen Craft: Bedazzling Saturday, November 7 @ 3:30 – 5 p.m. | Ages 13 - 17 Bring an item or select one of ours to bedazzle! All supplies provided while they last. Teen Pokémon Club Monday, November 9 @ 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Ages 13 - 17 Ready to be the very best, like no one ever was? Learn to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game and become a Pokémon Master! You’re welcome to bring your own cards and decks. Teen Watch Party Tuesday, November 10 @ 4:30 – 6 p.m. | Ages 13 - 17 Hang out, relax, enjoy snacks and the movie of the month! Outdoor Storytime Wednesday, November 18 @ 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Ages 0 - 4 years Join us for outdoor storytime! ONGOING PROGRAMS Teen Book Club Sunday, November 1 @ 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Ages 13-17 Join us to discuss “Go For It, Nakamura” by Syundei. This book club meets monthly on the first Sunday. Registration is required, please call or visit the library!

Love Story Book Club Sunday, November 1 @ 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. A book club featuring romantic titles that may or may not have Happily Ever Afters. November’s pick: Loathe to Love You by Ali Hazelwood. Register at the information desk, as copies are limited. The Ephemera Vault Saturday, November 21 @ 2:30 – 4 p.m. | Ages 13+ Join us as we create and express ourselves through junk journaling, scrapbooking, and collage making with Lofi music in the background. All supplies provided as they last, but you are welcome to bring your own materials as well! LA QUINTA PROGRAMS

CREATION

STATION

Ozobots After School: Back-2-Basics Thursday, November 5 @ 3 – 5:30 p.m. | Ages 7-13 Join the Creation Station team as we offer an introduction to our Ozobots After School program. This month is the perfect time to drop in as we are starting with the basics. Learn how to use markers and color block code to program a small robot.

using laser cut wood and a clock gear kit. Patrons can customize their clock by using the provided paints and markers. Maker’s Tabletop: TBD Saturday, November 28 @ 3 – 6 p.m. | Ages 18+ | RSVP Sign up at the Creation Station for our Adult tabletop program. This month’s 1-shot campaign is “TBD.” This program is designed for patrons 18 and older who are interested in DnD Campaigns or willing to try out tabletop games run by our Game Master, Douglas. Fab-Tastic! Crochet Club Sunday, November 29 @ 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Ages 7 And Older 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.

Maker Craft: Steam Day Clock Build Saturday, November 7 @ 10:30 – 1 p.m. | Ages 7 And Older | First Come Craft In honor of Nation Steam Day on November 8, patrons can build their own analog clock

CITY SPONSORED SECTION

SHOP LA QUINTA LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! BUY A CARD, THE CITY WILL MATCH 50%! For a limited time, when you purchase a La Quinta Community Card, the City will match your dollars 50%, up to $50. That means more to spend at your favorite local shops, restaurants, and hidden gems. It's simple, it's digital and it keeps every dollar right here in the community.

HOW IT WORKS:

Purchase a digital Community Card online November 1 through January 31 (while supplies last) Get your dollars matched 50% (up to $50) Spend at participating La Quinta businesses Limited to two (2) community card per person

BUY YOUR LQVE LA QUINTA LOCAL CARD NOW! VISIT WWW.LAQUINTACA.GOV/SHOP-LOCAL OR SCAN THE QR CODE

SAVE THE DATE | DECEMBER 6, 2026 X

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Home for the Holidays: Shop, Celebrate & Support Local in La Quinta Story by: GCVCC Staff From Thanksgiving gatherings to Christmas gifts and celebrations, La Quinta businesses have everything you need to make the holiday season special. The holiday season brings family gatherings, festive celebrations, gift giving, and cherished traditions. From preparing Thanksgiving dinner to finding something for everyone on your Christmas list, this time of year is about coming together and making memories.

YES PLEASE offers the perfect place to begin holiday errands. Known for handcrafted coffee drinks, house-made pastries, and fresh breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, YES PLEASE provides a welcoming atmosphere to catch up with friends or enjoy cooler desert mornings. Planning a holiday gathering? The café offers catering options, including coffee service, breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert bars.

holiday outfit, or something for yourself, Coco Rose offers a shopping experience that makes gift giving more personal. Shopping locally also means discovering items you might not find at a big-box retailer. Location: 78065 Main Street, Suite 102, La Quinta Website: cocorose.com Make Holiday Gatherings a Little Sweeter

While holiday shopping can feel overwhelming, there’s no need to look far. La Quinta businesses offer unique gifts, delicious treats, convenient services, and places to gather with family and friends.

Location: 78065 Main Street, Suite 100, La Quinta Website: www.yespleaselaquinta.com

Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations wouldn’t be complete without something sweet to share.

Find Something Special for Everyone on Your List

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to shop local and support the businesses that make our community special.

When it comes to Christmas shopping, finding a thoughtful gift is part of the fun. Rather than scrolling through online options, explore La Quinta’s local boutiques.

Located on Washington Street, Nothing Bundt Cakes offers options for holiday desserts, hostess gifts, office celebrations, and family gatherings.

Start Your Holiday Shopping with a Little Something for Yourself Before tackling that holiday shopping list, why not start with breakfast or coffee? Located in Old Town La Quinta, 22

At Coco Rose in Old Town La Quinta, shoppers can discover women’s clothing, jewelry, and accessories inspired by travel, creativity, and relaxed style. Whether you’re searching for a gift,

With full-sized Bundt Cakes, individual Bundtlets, and bite-sized Bundtinis, there’s something for gatherings of all sizes. Whether bringing dessert to Thanksgiving dinner or picking up treats for a Christmas party, these cakes make celebrating easy.

With pickup, delivery, and catering available, Nothing Bundt Cakes can help shorten your holiday to-do list. Location: 46660 Washington Street, La Quinta Website: www.nothingbundtcakes.com Check Holiday Shipping Off Your List Not every friend or family member lives nearby. For those sending gifts and holiday greetings, LQ Postal Connection is a convenient local resource. This independently owned business offers packing, shipping, printing, and mailing services during one of the busiest times of the year. From packing Christmas presents to shipping gifts to loved ones, the team can simplify the process. Their printing services are also useful for holiday letters, family updates, and seasonal projects. Location: 50991 Washington Street, La Quinta Website: www.lqpostal.com

Take a Break and Celebrate Together Between Thanksgiving preparations, Christmas shopping, and holiday parties, don’t forget to enjoy the season. Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, a longtime favorite in Old Town La Quinta, offers a place to gather with family and friends. With a menu featuring pizza, salads, seafood, steaks, and other options, Stuft provides something for nearly everyone. Its lively atmosphere and outdoor patios make it an inviting destination for holiday lunch, dinner after shopping, or a get-together with visiting family. The restaurant also offers takeout and catering when holiday schedules get busy. Location: 78015 Main Street, Suite 100, La Quinta Website: stuftpizzabarandgrill.com

Give Back to Your Community by Shopping Local As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s time to reflect on what makes our community special. And as Christmas draws near, it’s an opportunity to show appreciation through our choices. Every local purchase supports workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses that contribute to La Quinta’s unique character. These businesses often support local schools, nonprofits, and community events throughout the year. Whether buying a Christmas gift, ordering Thanksgiving dessert, mailing packages, or meeting friends for a meal, choosing local makes a difference. This holiday season, make La Quinta your first stop for shopping, dining, and celebrating while giving back to the community we call home. From all of us at the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a joyful holiday season!

Experience Amazing Art!

Experience the finest in local culinary delights, Napa Valley wines, top-shelf spirits, Margarita Island Grill and Live Entertainment throughout the park.

November 12 - 15, 2026 La Quinta Civic Center

#1 Fine Art & Craft Event in the Nation – Greg Lawler Art Fair Source Book 2021 - 2025 #1: Favorite Outdoor Art Festival – Southwest Art Magazine Reader’s Choice Award

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Premier Sponsor

Advanced Care. Close to Home. Services offered in La Quinta at Desert Care Network Primary & Specialty Care

You may know Desert Care Network for its comprehensive healthcare services throughout the region, but did you know many services are available right here in La Quinta? La Quinta Medical Center offers: • Desert Care Network Primary & Specialty Care services include: ○ Gastroenterology ○ General Orthopedics ○ General Surgery ○ Hand and Upper Extremity Specialists ○ Joint Replacement and Joint Revision Specialist ○ Neurosurgery • The Advanced Wound Healing Center – provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy and procedures for treating wounds

• Comprehensive Cancer Center in La Quinta offers: ○ Hematologic oncology consultations ○ Infusion services ○ Mammography screenings

47647 Caleo Bay Dr. La Quinta, CA 92253

Additional services are available at our Palm Springs and Yucca Valley locations.

To schedule an appointment, call 855-580-4230. DesertCareDocs.com/LaQuinta

What’s New & What’s Next: Exciting Businesses Opening in La Quinta Story by: GCVCC Staff From new restaurants to creative spaces, La Quinta continues to welcome exciting additions to its business community. There’s always something new to discover in La Quinta! Recent openings have brought fresh dining options, expanded shopping opportunities, and creative experiences to the community. With more businesses on the horizon, here’s a look at what’s new and what’s coming next. Now Open: New Places to Discover Shake Shack Burger lovers have something to celebrate! Shake Shack opened its La Quinta location in August, bringing its popular burgers, crinkle-cut fries, chicken sandwiches, and hand-spun shakes to Highway 111. The restaurant also celebrated its opening by supporting FIND Food Bank, donating a portion of opening-day sales to help fight food insecurity. Location: 78772 Highway 111 Website: shakeshack.com Party City at Staples Party City is back in La Quinta, now located inside Staples! The new concept combines office supplies, printing services, balloons, decorations, and 26

celebration essentials under one roof. The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed the expanded shopping experience with an October ribbon-cutting celebration. Location: 78680 Highway 111 Website: stores.partycity.com Art for All at Old Town Artisan Studios Creativity is becoming more accessible with Art for All, the Coachella Valley’s first creative reuse center. Located at Old Town Artisan Studios, the innovative program offers donated and surplus art materials through a pay-what-youcan model, promoting sustainability while supporting artists, families, and educators. Location: 78046 Calle Barcelona Website: oldtownartisanstudios.org Casa de Silvia Authentic Mexican flavors have found a new home in La Quinta! This locally owned restaurant specializes in traditional breakfast and brunch favorites, including chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, handmade masa, and café de olla. With a welcoming, family-inspired atmosphere, Casa de Silvia adds another unique option to La Quinta’s dining scene. Location: 47875 Caleo Bay, Suite A106 Website: casa-de-silvia.com

Coming Soon: More to Look Forward To Cars & Coffee House More than a traditional coffee shop, Cars & Coffee House is preparing to bring an inviting new dining experience to La Quinta. Its menu features specialty coffee, pastries, all-day breakfast, sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, and shareable plates. Planned Location: 78134 Calle Tampico, Suite 160 Website: carsandcoffeehouse.com CAVA Mediterranean-inspired dining is coming to La Quinta! Known for customizable bowls and pitas featuring fresh vegetables, grilled proteins, grains, and flavorful dips, CAVA will offer another convenient lunch and dinner option along Highway 111. Planned Location: Highway 111, near Shake Shack Website: cava.com Growing Together Each new business represents investment, employment opportunities, and confidence in La Quinta’s future. The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome these additions and support the businesses helping our community thrive.

LIFE SIMPLIFICATION | CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY A charitable gift annuity, also called a CGA, is a contract between you and Eisenhower Health, where you contribute an asset in exchange for a lifetime of fixed payments. Are you concerned about fluctuations in the market? Are you looking for security now or in the future? A charitable gift annuity can provide you with secure fixed payments for life and help you leave a lasting personal legacy to support our cause.

 You may benefit from a charitable income tax deduction in the year of your gift.

 Payments will be made to you at a rate based on your age.

 A portion of your payments could be tax free and subject to lower capital gains tax rates.

 Turn a one-time gift from your IRA of up to $55,000 into a lifetime charitable gift annuity to support our mission and satisfy all or a portion of your required minimum distribution (RMD).

You give, which is priority one, and you also receive lifetime income. Ultimately, Eisenhower receives the funds. It’s a wise tax decision.

Doug and Heather

Eisenhower Ambassadors and 24/7 Recognition Members

760.773.4503 BAbbott@EisenhowerHealth.org EisenhowerHealth.org/Giving

SCAN THE QR CODE

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GIFT PLANNING GOALS

HISTORICAL SOCIETY TOURS

Story by: Sherry Barkas/City of La Quinta La Quinta’s history is on full display throughout the year, but in December there are special events that shine an even brighter spotlight on the City’s colorful past, including a tour of the landmark resort on its 100th anniversary. The holiday Lighting of the Casita, presented by the La Quinta Museum and La Quinta Historical Society, draws a bigger crowd every year, as it illuminates a significant piece of our past. Held the first Thursday in December on the Courtyard at the Museum, the event begins with a musical performance by local artists. The free event also includes refreshments. Three years ago, the Museum and Historical Society began lighting the neighboring lumberyard building as well. La Quinta Milling and Lumber Co. was started in the 1930s by Guy Maltby to supply the building materials needed for The Desert Club and the Spanishstyle casitas for a subdivision E.S. Harry Kiener had planned in the Cove, called Santa Carmelita de Vale and marketed as Vale La Quinta. The casita, today home to the Historical Society, was built as office 30

space for the real estate company selling Kiener’s homes. This year’s Casita Lighting will be held on Thursday, December 3, from 5 to 6 p.m. Resort Tour Join the Historical Society at the La Quinta Resort & Spa for a Tour and Tea on Saturday, December 12, at 10:30 a.m. This year’s 2 ½-hour tour takes on a special meaning as it marks the resort’s 100th anniversary. Those who take the tour will not only hear about the history but walk through some of the original buildings and see preserved artifacts from its early days. Walter H. Morgan built the La Quinta Hotel on 1,400 acres he purchased after moving to La Quinta from San Francisco in 1921. A soft opening was held December 29, 1926. Designed by Gordon Kaufman, the desert retreat opened with 20 guest casitas, an open-air glassed dining room, three courtyards and the area’s first nine-hole golf course. Word of the luxury escape spread to Hollywood and the resort fast became a favorite getaway for such Hollywood stars as Clark Gable, Greta Garbo and

others. Filmmaker Frank Capra and collaborator Robert Riskin wrote the classic “It Happened One Night” while staying in one of the casitas. The movie won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, inspiring Capra to return to work on other screenplays, including “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and “It’s A Wonderful Life.” When Capra and his wife sold their home in La Quinta Country Club in 1980 they moved to the hotel and lived full-time in the San Anselmo casita. The tour will go to the casita where his typewriter still sits on a desk inside. Today the resort has 91 hacienda-style casitas and suites clustered around 41 swimming pools, five championship golf courses, tennis courts, a spa and restaurants. The original cottages and lobby are still used. Though some remodeling has occurred over the years to modernize amenities, the original architecture has been preserved. Tickets for the tour are $100 for Historical Society members and $110 for nonmembers and can be purchased online at www.laquintahistoricalsociety.com

Happy Hour Daily 3-6 pm Brunch every Sunday 9:45am-2:30 pm

Big Rock Pub serves up reimagined pub classics, craft cocktails, and live music in a one-of-a-kind rock & roll setting - a local favorite for great food, drinks and the best views in the desert.

GAME DAY AT BIG ROCK! Catch all the action at Big Rock! With 20+ TV’s, great food, cold drinks, and game-day specials, there’s not a bad seat in the house.

Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm | Fri-Sat 11am-11:30pm | Sun. 10am-8pm 79-940 Westward Ho Dr Indio CA, 92201

Your Autumn

RENEWAL STARTS HERE.

Ease into fall with seasonal treatments at Spa La Quinta. Discover nourishing body rituals, mineral-rich baths, soothing massage and botanical facials, along with an indulgent manicure and pedicure experience. Whether you’re looking to release tension, replenish your skin or simply enjoy time to yourself, find your own way to feel renewed.

EXPLORE OUR FALL TREATMENTS AND BOOK October 1–November 30, 2026 LaQuintaResort.com 36 32