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. Since inception, it has also launched the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Indian Wells Business District.
The Springs Insider is produced by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of Desert Hot Springs.
The Springs Insider is an official publication of the GCVCC. Distributed free to all residents, Chamber members and businesses in Desert Hot Springs.
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 Springs Insider. The GCVCC endorses no person, political candidate or opinion unless specifically stated. The Springs Insider reserves the right to reject certain advertising submissions. For a list of advertising standards, please contact staff. The Springs Insider 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.
A Team Approach to Cancer Care
WELCOME TO THE SPRINGS INSIDER
The Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, part of the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC), is excited to present the first edition of The Springs Insider—a new quarterly magazine created in collaboration with the City of Desert Hot Springs.
This publication is designed to keep you connected with what’s happening in our community, from exciting local business features to updates on city programs, services, and events. In each issue, you’ll find a mix of helpful resources, community stories, and important information—all focused on the people and businesses that make Desert Hot Springs thrive.
Shop Local, Support Local
Our debut issue is all about shopping local. Inside, you’ll find a curated Shop Local Guide that highlights many of the small businesses that are the backbone of our community. Whether it’s a cozy café, a family-run retail store, or a trusted service provider, every business featured represents the heart of Desert Hot Springs.
Shopping local does more than just support individual businesses—it strengthens our economy, creates jobs, and keeps dollars circulating within our city. We hope this guide inspires you to explore and support our local business community year-round.
City Updates and Community Highlights
In partnership with the City of Desert Hot Springs, The Springs Insider will also include
regular updates on city news and initiatives. We’re proud to help share relevant information that matters to residents and businesses.
Beyond updates, each issue will showcase inspiring stories—from new business openings and local entrepreneurs to events, programs, and the people shaping our city’s future.
Delivered to Every Door
To make sure no one misses out, The Springs Insider will be mailed quarterly to every household and business in Desert Hot Springs. That’s four editions a year, delivered right to your door, helping everyone stay informed and involved.
About Us
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is a regional organization supporting economic development and business growth throughout the Coachella Valley. Through our local presence in Desert Hot Springs, we advocate for businesses, connect entrepreneurs, and provide tools and events to help our community succeed.
Looking Ahead
Starting with the next edition, you’ll also hear directly from the Desert Hot Springs Chamber Chair, who will share updates and insights into local commerce and community happenings.
Thank you for reading our first issue—we’re honored to bring you this new resource. Let’s continue to shop local, support local, and grow together.
To learn more about the GCVCC, visit www.gcvcc.org or call us at 760-347-0676.
Brandon Marley, President/CEO
Greater Coachella Valley Chamber
A Message from City Manager Doria Wilms
Dear Residents,
It is with deep gratitude and sincere pride that I step into the role of City Manager for Desert Hot Springs. As a lifelong member of this community, serving you is not only a great honor—it is a true privilege.
With this first issue of The Springs Insider, we’re beginning an exciting new era in how we share the progress, projects, and people moving Desert Hot Springs forward.
We’ve embarked on a dynamic phase of growth and renewal, guided by a bold two-year Strategic Plan—purposefully crafted, rooted in community priorities, and focused on delivering meaningful results.
Complementing this vision, the City Council has adopted a balanced, forward-looking budget that equips us with the resources to take action, make smart investments, and turn plans into progress.
Major milestones are taking shape. The Amazon facility nears completion, opening this late summer or early fall. Construction is underway on our new Police Annex, Fire Station 98 is nearly finished, and improvements along Hacienda Avenue are making streets safer and more accessible. The Animal Hospital opens in July, and the pool is ready for summer fun.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about projects like Eagles Sports Park, Reflection Park, and enhancements along Palm Drive—all aimed at boosting quality of life and community pride. This fall, we’ll energize our Downtown Art & Culture District with public art, events, and a survey to help name the district and shape its offerings. Serving Desert Hot Springs is a responsibility I cherish. Thank you for your trust and partnership as we build a stronger, more connected community—together.
With warm regards,
Doria W ilms
STRATEGIC PLAN & CITY BUDGET:
A Unified Vision for Desert Hot Springs
This year, the City Council adopted the 2025–2027 Strategic Plan—a focused, two-year roadmap shaped by community input, staff expertise, and Council leadership. The plan outlines 11 strategic goals prioritizing economic development, infrastructure upgrades, and quality of life. Highlights include revitalizing the Downtown Art & Culture District, expanding public safety staffing, improving key corridors like I-10 and Indian Canyon, enhancing parks and services, and promoting fiscal efficiency and inclusivity. The newly approved City Budget aligns with this vision, funding many initiatives in the upcoming fiscal cycle. Together, the Plan and Budget form a clear blueprint for a safer, more vibrant Desert Hot Springs. Visit cityofdhs.org for more information.
A 700,000+ sq ft Amazon Logistics Center is being built on 20th Avenue, east of Indian Canyon Drive. Scheduled for completion in fall 2025, it will generate about 1,400 jobs and boost economic growth, supporting Amazon’s operations and attracting new businesses to Desert Hot Springs.
POLICE ANNEX EXPANSION: Building a Safer Tomorrow
A major milestone in public safety, the new 6,000+ sq ft Police Department Annex is now under construction, with completion expected by March 2026. Replacing outdated trailers, it will feature the Detective Division, Training Center, and locker rooms. This modern facility will enhance operations and community engagement in Desert Hot Springs. Stay tuned for project updates! 6
DESERT COMMUNITY ANIMAL CENTER SET TO OPEN IN JULY
The Desert Community Animal Center in Desert Hot Springs is nearing completion and is scheduled to open in early July 2025. Operated by Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies—the same organization that manages the Palm Springs Animal Shelter—this low-cost veterinary clinic is located at 13700 Palm Drive, the site of the former Desert Hot Springs Animal Clinic.
The center will offer essential services including wellness exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, and a public pet food bank. Additionally, financial assistance will be available to qualifying low-income residents to help reduce the cost of care. The City will also benefit from discounted veterinary services for animals under Animal Care and Control. This facility aims to provide comprehensive, affordable care to Desert Hot Springs and the broader Coachella Valley community.
FIRE STATION 98:
ENHANCING PUBLIC SAFETY
The new 9,000+ sq ft Fire Station 98 at Hacienda Avenue and Long Canyon Road is nearly complete. Operated by Cal Fire, this state-of-the-art facility will enhance emergency response times and increase staffing on the city’s east side—a major step forward in public safety for our growing community.
Mark your calendars: the grand opening is set for summer 2025. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks!
Welcoming Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies to Our Community
We are excited to welcome Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies (GPS) to Desert Hot Springs. Known for running the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, GPS brings trusted expertise in affordable, high-quality animal care. Their presence marks a big step in expanding veterinary access locally. Together, we are working to improve the lives of pets and their families across our community.
DOWNTOWN DESERT HOT SPRINGS
ART, CULTURE & COMMUNITY IN MOTION
Revitalizing Downtown Through Art & Culture
Downtown Desert Hot Springs, centered along Pierson Boulevard from Palm to West Drive, is the city’s civic and cultural heart. It’s home to City Hall, the Police Department, Fire Station #37, local businesses, and growing public art. Downtown Desert Hot Springs is being transformed through Phase 1 of the Downtown Mural Project, turning blank walls into bold expressions of local pride.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN
Thirteen artists—including Shepard Fairey, Trav MSK, Ryan Yanoe, Push, Cryptik, Jaque Fragua, Victor Reyes, Royyal Dog, Dabs Myla, Mr. B Baby, Benjamin Jeanjean, Euphoric, and Wierdocult—have brought unique styles to the city’s core, creating an open-air gallery that celebrates culture and community. An upcoming Art & Culture Brochure will highlight these murals and key landmarks, offering a guide to the heart and heritage of Desert Hot Springs.
Exciting things are on the horizon in Downtown DHS! This fall, a citywide survey will invite residents to help name our future Downtown Art & Culture District—a vibrant space celebrating creativity, community, and growth. At the same time, Downtown will launch a lively Farmers Market, offering fresh produce, local goods, and a welcoming community vibe. Plus, enjoy live concerts and cultural events that bring people together and energize the heart of the city. Join us in shaping the next chapter of Downtown Desert Hot Springs!
THE MURALS OF DOWNTOWN DHS
Explore your own
BACK
Just a short distance from Cabot's Pueblo stands the Historic Rock House—an architectural treasure that helped shape Desert Hot Springs. Built by hand over five years by Colorado mining businessman Lee Watkins, who started at age 70, this unique home—known as “Pil-O-Rox”—features furniture made from cholla cactus wood.
The Historic Rock House
One of the first properties purchased from land developer W.J. “Aubrey” Wardman, the Rock House is one of the few preserved desert stone homes. Acquired and restored by the Desert Hot Springs Historical Society in 2019, it now serves as their permanent headquarters and community hub.
DESERT HOT SPRINGS IS FULL OF HIDDEN GEMS AND LOCAL HISTORY. WHETHER YOU’RE HOSTING VISITORS OR EXPLORING YOUR OWN CITY, HERE ARE TWO UNIQUE STOPS TO ADD TO YOUR PLANS:
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
Step into the extraordinary world of Cabot Yerxa, an early homesteader, artist, and visionary whose hand-built Hopi-inspired pueblo still stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in Desert Hot Springs. Constructed using reclaimed materials and desert ingenuity, Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a 5,000-square-foot architectural wonder made up of 35 rooms, 150 windows, and 65 doors.
The museum tells the story of Desert Hot Springs’ origins, Native American heritage, and Cabot's adventurous life—from his travels in Alaska to his passion for sustainability and cultural preservation. Guided tours take visitors through the structure and the stories behind it, offering a one-of-a-kind educational and visual experience. It’s a place where history, creativity, and community pride intersect.
Location: 67616 Desert View Avenue Plan your visit: cabotsmuseum.org
KNOW YOUR CITY
CITY DIRECTORY
Meet the City Council members and City Hall department leaders who keep Desert Hot Springs thriving. This guide helps you stay informed and easily connect with the right people for questions, assistance, or community involvement. We’re here to link you to the heart of our city.
For a more detailed list of services and online tools, visit our website anytime!
RECREATION& WELLNESS CENTER
John H. Furbee Aquatics Center
Dive into fun and fitness at the John H. Furbee Aquatics Center! Enjoy lap swimming, water aerobics, swim lessons for all ages, and open swim sessions.
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday (varied hours), closed on Sunday
Daily Admission:
Adults: $0.50
Children (17 and under): $0.25
Annual Passes: Residents: $50
Non-residents: $100
More Info/Register:
The Recreation Center offers a wide range of programs and activities for all ages, including after-school care with free transportation from local schools. You can participate in archery, gymnastics, dance, paint night, early childhood play, pickleball, volleyball leagues, basketball leagues, and many more.
FITNESS CENTER & GYM
Take advantage of our state of the art fitness equipment and gym, available exclusively to those 18 and older, for just $50/year (DHS residents). We also offer drop-in Basketball and Volleyball sessions open to all ages—plenty of ways to stay active and have fun. Visit our Recreation & Community Services page for details.
The Desert Hot Springs Code Compliance Division successfully closed a longstanding case involving a vacant lot on 2nd Street with multiple violations since 2019. The property had an illegal concrete pad installed without permits and faced repeated complaints of dumping and debris, creating health and safety risks.
In February 2024, our Code Compliance Division reopened the case and worked to notify the owner. After limited communication, the City deemed the lot a public nuisance, obtained a court demolition warrant, and contracted its removal.
The lot is now cleared and compliant, showcasing the importance of proactive code enforcement in protecting community health and safety.
SHOP LOCAL GUIDE
Welcome to the heart of The Springs Insider—our Shop Local Directory, a curated showcase of the incredible small businesses that call Desert Hot Springs home. From neighborhood restaurants and wellness studios to auto shops, salons, retailers, and professional services, this directory is your go-to guide for discovering where to shop, dine, and connect right here in our community. Every purchase made locally helps support jobs, fund city services, and keep our unique Desert Hot Springs spirit alive. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a new neighbor, we encourage you to explore these local gems and make a commitment to shop local, support local, and grow local—today and every day.
BUSINESS NAME
ACCOUNTANT/CPA/TAX PREP
H&R Block
ADMINISTRATION/OFFICE SERVICES
B Team Solutions, LLC
AMBULANCE
WEBSITE PHONE
www.hrblock.com (760) 251-3437
American Medical Response amr.net
ART DEALER/SALES/GALLERIES
Jacob Hopkins Stone Sculpter www.hopkinsrockart.com (760) 409-2210
Joyce Rooks Studio www.joycerooks.com (760) 492-3805
Known Gallery instagram.com/knowngallery
AUTO REPAIR
Desert Tires and Auto Repair, Inc wheelcity.webstarts.com
Bob’s Auto & Lite Truck Repair bobs-auto-light-truck.edan.io (760) 329-1691
Eddies Smog & Repair (760) 329-9911
Top Notch Automotive, LLC www.topnotchvwaudi.com (760) 328-0800
Alex Auto Service, Import Car SP (760) 251-1799
Mike’s Motorsports (760) 329-5457
Wheel City & Tire wheelcity.webstarts.com (760) 329-8768
Francisco’s Auto Repair facebook.com/franciscoauto2003 (760) 288-3605
K-Powered www.k-powered.com (760) 799-9718
Singh’s Automotive Repair (760) 671-6733
DHS Auto Service (760) 251-0400
AUTO SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
Jiffy Lube #3312 jiffylube.com (760) 251-4730
AUTO/CAR WASH
Quick Quack Car Wash dontdrivedirty.com (888) 772-2792
Networking Opportunities – Connect with local business owners, community leaders, and potential clients at exclusive events.
Business Promotion – Gain visibility through chamber directories, social media, and marketing opportunities.
Advocacy & Representation – Have a voice in local government and business policies that impact your industry.
Educational Resources – Access workshops, seminars, and expert advice to help grow your business.
Community Involvement – Support local and show your commitment to the Coachella Valley region.
Because Health Belongs on Every Back-to-School List
Porque la salud debe estar en cada lista de regreso a clases
Learn more
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Fly Local, Explore Global
Your travel choices matter. Every time you fly PSP, you help demonstrate demand and attract new service. Let’s keep growing together — and make it easier than ever to fly your favorite airport.
Scan code to Book Your Escape Today
Escape the summer chaos of other SoCal airports and reclaim your travel joy and fly out of Palm Springs International Airport.
While nearby airports are frustratingly congested in the summer, you can enjoy a smooth, no-line, relaxed journey from PSP. Whether you’re embarking on a swift weekend escape or a grand European adventure, at PSP you can escape the heat and take to the skies!
