We hope you are staying safe, healthy and cool as we welcome summer in the beautiful City of Indian Wells.
This edition of the newsletter includes a number of news items, resources and reminders about services. We hope you find it informative and useful.
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As of May 13, Riverside County health officials expanded the eligibility for those who would like to get vaccinated to those 12 and older.
This federal and state health recommendation applies only to the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines are available to those 18 and older.
Those 12 and older will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to get vaccinated. Make an appointment here or call 2-1-1 or 951-358-5000 if in need of assistance. |
Periodically, Indian Wells City Manager Christopher Freeland will provide comments and articles on various subjects of public interest that cover a range of issues facing our community. We hope you find his latest article on recovery efforts in the Coachella Valley interesting and informative.
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The BNP Paribas Open will be held in October 2021 as well as in March of 2022. The City of Indian Wells will send out an email with more information once tournament dates are released for October.
Visit bnpparibasopen.com to sign-up for email updates to stay updated on this Fall's tournament. |
In an effort to continuously improve public safety and the service to the community, the City of Indian Wells finalized the retrofit of Medic 55 - one of the ambulances utilized by the Indian Wells Fire Department. New features include:
Stryker Powerload Gurney System
- Greatly improves patient safety and reduces the risk of firefighter injury
- Rated to withstand a 9G rollover
- Gurney locks into chassis
Integrated Child Carseat
360 Degree Vehicle Camera System
- Includes patient compartment viewing and integrated 2-way intercom
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What is a General Plan?
A General Plan is a long-range policy and planning document that guides the physical development and resource management of the City. The Plan addresses the seven mandatory elements of the California Government Code, which are land use, circulation, housing, open space, conservation, safety and noise. Specifically, it establishes goals and policy direction to ensure that a high quality of life is preserved and enhanced for Indian Wells residents, businesses, and visitors.
Ways to Get Involved:
As a result of public health requirements, workshops will occur virtually using a meeting platform and other methods that allow easy online collaboration.
Participants are encouraged to join us for the following workshops:
Workshop 3
Land Use Alternatives Virtual Open House (2021*)
Join us for a virtual workshop focused on topics related to Land Use.
Workshop 4
General Plan Draft Virtual Open House (2021*)
Join us for a virtual workshop with a presentation on the draft General Plan. Community members can engage with project staff and ask questions regarding the General Plan.
*Workshop dates and times TBD.
To see videos of past workshops, visit the following link:
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The Indian Wells City Council recently approved the two-year budget. Review the budget here.
As transparency remains a priority for the City, we encourage you to review the City's revenue and public fund allocation in the IW Open Checkbook.
Stay tuned for an updated Budget at a Glance with additional details.
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Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive Triple Left Turn Project
The Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive Triple Left Turn Project is complete. Work included modifying the median curb locations and reconstructing the curb, gutter and sidewalks at the intersection corners.
Constructing triple left turns on all four approaches to the Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive intersection will greatly improve traffic for local commuters.
For more information on Public Works' projects, click here. |
The City has released 3 informational videos regarding public safety. See below links to watch each:
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Linda Blank Receives Senior Inspiration Award
Linda Blank, an Indian Wells resident for the past 13 years, was recognized as Indian Wells’ Senior Inspiration Award Winner on April 24, 2021. The broadcast of the event, which aired on NBC Palm Springs, celebrated senior citizens who inspire others through their volunteerism and active engagement in the nine Coachella Valley cities.
To learn more about Linda and her tremendous contributions to Indian Wells, click here. |
Thank you for Joining Us at our Resident Mixers!
Thank you to those who attended our Resident Mixers in May! We enjoyed catching up with you and we look forward to seeing everyone again in the Fall. Follow our social media channels to stay updated on future events!
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Wiedenhaupt is a highly experienced and passionate hospitality industry veteran having led the operations at a
number of international five-star hotels and resorts. He most recently served as the general manager at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel, a 404-room, 18-villa luxury hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Wiedenhaupt’s experience domestically and internationally has shaped his thoughtful leadership approach and commitment to embracing diversity, equity and hospitality for all. He has an exceptional track record with the development and building of teams, employee engagement, financial performance, sales, revenue strategies, F&B enhancements and change management.
For more information, visit www.iwgr.com or call 760-346-4653. |
Criminals look for easy targets. By taking simple precautions, you can make your home much more secure.
Before leaving town, register for a free Vacation Home Check by coming into City Hall or calling (760) 346-2489. A community service officer will perform routine outside inspections of your home. If any of your doors or windows are found to be open, a deputy sheriff will respond and check the interior of your home.
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Riverside County clinics do not require payment for COVID-19 shots or appointments.
Since the pandemic broke out more than a year ago, the Federal Trade Commission reports fraudsters have duped consumers nationwide out of hundreds of millions of dollars in COVID-19 related scams. APS receives an average of 300 reports per month of suspected financial fraud against older and dependent adults.
In Riverside County, one scam involves a caller asking the person to pay or provide financial information to schedule or reschedule an appointment. Another uses a phone number that appears to be a Riverside County line.
The Federal Trade Commission advises that a vaccine distribution site or health insurance company will not call, text, or email asking for your credit card or bank account number to sign up to receive the vaccine. Customers who on their own contact the Department of Public Health to book a vaccination appointment at a county-run clinic will be asked to provide basic personal information, and may be asked for their Social Security number. Customers can turn to trusted sources such as the county Public Health Department or call centers at 2-1-1 and Office on Aging. Those sources may require basic personal information to register for a COVID-19 vaccine.
To help prevent older and dependent adults from becoming victims of scams, Adult Services encourages community members to stay engaged with aging family members, neighbors and friends, and to reach out to seniors in isolation.
The public can also find tips from the FTC on how to avoid a vaccine-related scam by clicking here. |
Reducing Organic Waste in Indian Wells and the State of California |
Have you heard of SB 1383? This bill will have an impact on all Californians and here’s how:
In 2016, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill to regulate emissions in landfills in order to fight climate pollutants. This bill, SB 1383, is the most significant waste reduction mandate to be adopted in California in the last 30 years.
This organics law calls on all residents, businesses and governments to:
- Reduce organic waste (food waste, green waste, paper products, and other organics) disposal by 50% by 2020.
- Achieve a 75% reduction in organic waste by 2025. In other words, the state must reduce organic waste disposal by more than 20 million tons annually by 2025.
- Increase recovery of currently disposed edible food by 20% by 2025 (1 in 5 children go hungry everyday in California–redirecting edible food that is currently being disposed of to feed those in need can help alleviate this).
Enforcement of this law begins on January 1, 2022.
At 23 million tons, organics are the largest category of material in landfills. Food waste alone is the largest waste stream in California. Much of the organic waste that currently makes its way into landfills can instead be recycled into compost and renewable natural gas.
The City is preparing by working closely with Burrtec to establish a plan to reach these goals. City staff will continue to update and inform residents as changes are made.
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Mail Safety
Stay safe from possible mail theft by following these tips:
- Pick up your mail as soon as possible and avoid leaving it overnight
- Notify the Post Office to hold your mail if it you will be gone for an extended amount of time
- Install a locked mailbox and/or alarm system
- Don't share information, open attachments or click hyperlinks in emails perceived to be coming from the Post Office
- Make sure your neighbors know when you are away, so that they can report suspicious activity
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Growing up in a medically savvy family in Costa Mesa and Perris, California, Bradley was inspired to pursue a career in emergency medical services. His mother, a nurse for the last 35 years, and his sister’s career as a doctor, made his interest in emergency medicine a natural choice.
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The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is happy to introduce Coachella Valley's newest neighbors arriving this November - two eastern black rhinos named Jaali and Nia. Jaali (pictured above) is 1 1/2 years old. Nia (pictured below) is almost 3 years old.
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As temperatures rise, be sure to check surface temperatures before bringing your dog outdoors. If a surface is too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for your pet's paws. |
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Upcoming City Council Meetings
June 24, 1:30 p.m.
October 7, 1:30 p.m.
Nov 18, 1:30 p.m.
You can also watch past Council Meetings on IWTV daily at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Check your local listings.
Future meetings may meet in council chambers or via Zoom depending on safety guidelines at the time. Please check the agenda prior to the meeting for the meeting location.
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Thank You to Outgoing Committee Members
Planning Commission
Carina De Los Reyes
Dennis Pindiak
Lorelee Williams
Community Activities Committee
Glenn Schubert
Grants in Aid Committee
Linda Blank
Lucille Boston
Lynn Hawks
Kent McCulloch
Golf Resort Advisory Committee
Steve Howell
Bruce Whitman
Thank you for your service and commitment to the Indian Wells community!
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Shred Events
In partnership with Burrtec Waste and Recycling, the City is hosting a Document Shredding Event on:
July 30, 2021
7:00-11:00 a.m.
at Burrtec's facility in Palm Desert. Please note that proof of current Indian Wells residency or business is required and a maximum of 4 banker-sized boxes per vehicle will be accepted.
Burrtec Waste and Recycling is located at 41575 Eclectic Street in Palm Desert.
For more information, call City Hall: (760) 346-2489
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MyShake App
The app alerts you that shaking is coming.
The app will send out alerts when the shaking is damaging after a magnitude 4.5 earthquake. The Alert will be sent out to anyone who will experience intensity 3 (light) shaking.
The mobile application is available for free in the App Store and on Google Play.
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REAL ID DEADLINE EXTENDED
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the REAL ID full enforcement date from October 1, 2021 to May 3, 2023, due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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California Attorney General Xavier Becerra issued an alert warning consumers about some healthcare providers reportedly charging patients a COVID FEE when seeking care. For more information, click/tap here.
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Drowning is 100% Preventable |
FACTS: Children drown without a sound. Drowning is a quiet event. There is no splashing, no screaming, and no noise at all. What can you do to prevent drowning incidents?
ABC’s of water safety:
A = Adult Supervision. Assign an adult Water Watcher to keep their eyes on the water at ALL times.
B = Barriers such as fences, self-closing and self-latching gates, pool motion sensors, window and door alarms.
C = Classes. Parents and Caregivers should take CPR and First Aid, and swimming courses that are available for both children and adults.
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The IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells – La Quinta will take place on December 5, 2021. As the event approaches, more information will be released in regards to the course and subsequent traffic impacts. For more information on the event, click here.
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The Indian Wells Tennis Garden will host the 2021 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships from December 6-14, 2021.
The PPA Master's event that was originally scheduled for December 9-12, 2021 will now move to November 10-14, 2021.
The Pickleball Championships will return to the November 5-12 dates in 2022.
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Senate Bill (SB) 93
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 93 requiring hotels, private clubs, event centers, airports and other hospitality businesses to make job offers to certain employees who were laid off due to the pandemic. This will remain in effect until December 31, 2024.
Employers will send written offers to the last known physical address and via email and text message if provided.
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Welcome New SET Officers!
The City of Indian Wells is excited to introduce our new SET officers:
We are happy to have you join the team!
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Desert Town Hall, presented by H.N. & Frances C. Berger Foundation, is returning with its event, "A Season to Celebrate", in January 2022.
There will be four speaker events in 2022 on January 23, February 1, February 24 and March 14. Look out for updates on the lineup of speakers and ticket sales at the Desert Town Hall website.
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