Greetings!
It is an honor to serve as Indio’s City Manager! I am striving to fill some very big shoes of the now retired and legend-in-the-profession, Mark Scott. I thank Mark for his dedicated service to Indio and wish him well on his retirement. I also thank the City Council for expressing confidence in me and for inviting me to be part of such an outstanding team. Indio is blessed with a strong City Council, a solid professional team of employees, and residents who truly care about the community. All communities have opportunities and challenges, but Indio's extraordinary momentum and dedicated Council, City staff and residents are poised to capitalize on the opportunities and to take on the challenges.
My wife and I are now residents of Indio, and we are very grateful for the warm welcome we have received – the people of Indio are genuine, friendly and community-minded. The key to a successful community is the people and, simply put, Indio has great people! I would just ask all residents to love Indio even more. A favorite quote from Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax explains this sentiment well: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, it’s not going to get better, it’s not.” Be proud of YOUR city and work every day to make it an even better community. Help keep it clean and safe. Support your Indio businesses, shop local and keep in Indio those sales tax dollars we all pay. Love Indio enough to report any suspicious behavior – “see something, say something.” Help our hard-working law enforcement officers keep the community safe. If you have questions about City operations, ask. If you have complaints and/or suggestions, please present them in a polite and professional manner.
I give you my commitment to be a hard-working, innovative and caring public servant. I am here to listen, to follow up, and I pledge an incessant drive to get things done. I’m all in -all Indio! Feel free to email me anytime at [email protected]. Y a ustedes que hablan español – estoy aquí para escucharles, entenderles y servirles. Hablo español y estoy listo y dispuesto a ayudarles. Contácteme cuando quiera por correo electrónico: [email protected].
Indio has a great history, but I’m convinced that its best days are ahead!
Best wishes,
Bryan H. Montgomery, City Manager
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WHAT'S NEW INDIO?
From new housing, to new retail, restaurants and office buildings, the city's Community and Economic Development departments are busier than ever. Driving around the city, as ground gets graded and walls go up, you might be curious about what is opening In(dio):
- Indio Blvd. west of Monroe St. (Chandi Plaza- permits issued for a new car wash and fuel station canopy)
- Jefferson north of Ave. 50 (Canopy at Citrus landscape plan approved, new landscaping approved for existing Citrus Plaza)
- Varner Road west of Fifties Way (Planning commission approved proposed development of Fiesta Kia, a two-story car dealership with service station)
- Fred Waring Drive west of Clinton St. (Bel Cielo community has sold out)
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INDIO BUSINESS: EVERBLOOM COFFEE
Indio Business is a feature of Indio Live, which showcases the stories that make our City's small business owners so special. To nominate a business, email [email protected].
Who: Efrain Mercado & Matt Ortega of Everbloom Coffee
What: Childhood friends, Mercado and Ortega grew up in the eastern Coachella Valley with a love for coffee that blossomed after graduating from high school. Now the duo has put down roots with a storefront business on the bottom floor of an office park at Granada Drive and Highway 111 that's earning rave reviews for its coffee and syrups, which are made and created in-house with ingredients like chocolate ganache and Madagascar vanilla bean.
Before and after: Mercado was studying business at Cal State San Bernardino when he got a call from a friend in the hospitality industry looking for a high-end coffee caterer. Both he and Ortega had experience working with coffee at local shops and restaurants, and drafted a proposal in just five weeks.
Behind the scenes: Everbloom started selling coffee at another Indio business during the pandemic, giving the friends courage to "put more skin in the game and find a place we could call our own," remembers Mercado. They found a new location within a week, fully funding their own buildout by not paying themselves. They hope to eventually have a global brand, continually advocating a culture that treats their employees well, and their community even better.
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Advice to others: "The only difference between us and those who don't make it, is we didn't give up," says Mercado. "Failure isn't the end, it's a step toward success. Stick to your guns, be good with your finances."
Speaking personally: Mercado enjoys fishing and being outdoors. Ortega dreams of spending more time offroading when he gets a chance to catch up. Both say they are "men of faith" who accept others, and share a love of fashion, sneakers and hype culture. Watch for a new Everbloom merchandise summer brand to roll out soon.
Right now: The Everbloom team says their core values are great quality, super high standards and drinks made fresh every time. Watching the baristas "dial" an espresso, and weigh and measure ingredients gives patrons the feeling they're truly getting the best flavors possible out of the beans. Butterscotch and honey lavender are best sellers.
Location: "We chose Indio because I'm from here," offers Mercado, noting that as a teen, he often traveled outside the city for amenities. "I figured Indio would be a good place because the buying power stays here year-round. Just occupying the space in Indio could be a catalyst for others to see us and say 'Indio does respond well to this type of business, aesthetic and standard of service. We hope to be a facilitator of that kind of growth in Indio."
Details: 81730 CA-111 Suite 14, Indio CA
Tuesday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
www.everbloom.coffee/
Instagram @EverbloomCoffee
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SUMMER ROADWORK UPDATE
The asphalt is heating up around Indio! The City's public works teams are ready to lay new asphalt on four streets and in two neighborhoods to restore the appearance of street pavement and extend its service life. This pavement management project starts the day after the long Memorial Day weekend.
What you need to know:
- Roadwork is scheduled to run Tuesday, June 1 through Monday, July 12, 2021.
- Work will occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Although delays should be minimal, use alternate routes, and make sure to observe all construction signs and obey road crews.
- Emergency vehicle access won't be affected.
The project includes the following streets:
- Indio Blvd. (Jefferson St. to Madison St. and Whitewater Channel to 500’ East of Clinton St.)
- Madio St.
- Clinton St. (Indio Blvd. to Jonquil Ave.)
- Monroe St. (Hwy 111 to John Nobles Ave.)
Neighborhoods impacted:
Follow the City of Indio on Nextdoor for more detailed information as the project moves around town!
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LEARN ABOUT YOUR WATER QUALITY
Indio Water Authority delivers safe, clean water to customers each and every day. IWA conducts hundreds of tests throughout the year to ensure all state and federal drinking water standards are met. The results of those tests are compiled in our annual water quality report.
This report containing water quality results from the 2020 calendar year will be available on July 1, 2021. You can view the 2020 Annual Water Quality Report (also known as the Consumer Confidence Report) online by visiting www.indiowater.org/ccr2020. To request a printed copy by mail, please call IWA at (760) 391-4038.
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Desert Sands Unified School District got an A+ in conservation by teaming up with Indio Water Authority on new landscaping and irrigation system upgrades that will save water and money.
To reduce water use, DSUSD converted turf outside four schools to desert-friendly landscapes. More than 46,000 square feet of grass has been removed to date. In addition to creating a more sustainable desert environment, DSUSD will also save money in the long term with their irrigation system upgrades to lower water and maintenance costs. As these before and after pictures at Madison Elementary School show, the projects also created a fresh, clean look for the schools.
To offset the costs of turf conversion and irrigation system upgrades, DSUSD received nearly $165,000 in rebates from Indio Water Authority. Similar rebates are available to residential and commercial customers throughout the city. IWA provides rebates of $2 per square foot for turf conversions, up to $20,000 for residential properties and $60,000 for commercial properties. Customers can also tap into rebates for irrigation system upgrades. Visit www.indiowater.org for full program details and to apply.
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HOMEOWNERSHIP DREAMS
COME TRUE
On Wednesday, May 12, 2021 two local families began their new life as homeowners in Indio thanks to Habitat for Humanity and the City of Indio. The Perez family - Jesse and Alyce along with their kids, Aliyah, Abel, and Alyce's parents - took possession of their new home located on Towne Street. Currently living in a 2-bedroom apartment, located on the 3rd floor—with no exterior play area for the kids, Jesse and Alyce never imagined they would become homeowners with a large backyard.
The Padilla family also started their new homeownership journey with the assistance of Habitat for Humanity and the City of Indio. Adrian and wife, Heather, along with their three children, Roman, Emily, Arelia, were able to check out their new home on Arbia Street. Adrian, who is disabled, and Heather, who works full-time at Walmart, always thought homeownership was a far reach for their family.
Funding for the construction of the homes was provided partially (50%/50%) by Habitat and by the City’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 (NSP2). These two homes are the final of five homes the city build with NSP2 funds per an NSP2 housing development agreement between Habitat and the City. In total, the city was able to provide $550,000 in NSP2 Funds for these five new homes in Indio.
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YOU COULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford broadband internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides:
- Up to $50/month discount for broadband service;
- Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands; and
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop,
desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider if the household contributes more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Who is Eligible?
A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:
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Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
- Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year;
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
- Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
Three Ways to Apply:
- Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.
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Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.
- Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to:
Emergency Broadband Support Center
P.O. Box 7081
London, KY 40742
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT RECEIVES HONOR
A big congratulations to the City of Indio's Community Development team for winning the Inland Empire Section of the American Planning Association (IES-APA) Opportunity and Empowerment Award for Indio's Transformative Climate Communities Plan.
Nominations for this award sought out plans, programs, or project that improved quality of life for low- and moderate-income community residents. Emphasis for this award was placed on how creative housing, economic development, and private investments could been used in or with a comprehensive community development plan to empower a community. This award also emphasizes tangible results and recognizes the planning discipline and its contribution as a community strategy.
The IES-APA Awards Program provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the great planning work occurring in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The purpose of the IES-APA Awards Program is to encourage quality in planning and increase the public’s awareness of the planning profession through recognizing outstanding achievement in the planning field. The program honors innovative plans and projects, and distinguished planners, and other contributions to planning and achievements of the IES-APA.
Learn more about Indio's Transformative Climate Communities Project at indiotccplan.com/.
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INDIO HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL LAWSON GETS LAUDED
Principal Derrick Lawson of Indio High School, noticed virtual attendance dropping from 94 percent to as low as 70 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like hundreds of other schools hit hard by the pandemic, Indio High School’s vulnerable populations were disproportionately suffering. Half the students lived with family members who had gotten sick, a third lacked stable housing, and a quarter had begun working full time or were caring for younger siblings while at home.
As Lawson and his assistant principals worried about their missing students, their well-being, and whether they were on track to graduate, they took it upon themselves to attempt to reach these missing students in person and reestablish a connection.
"This recognition is an honor, but what makes it the most special is that it draws attention to the call to meet the needs of my students, the students in our City and beyond our boundaries," Lawson said. "Bringing the spotlight to what our kids need in order to guarantee their success and helping policy makers to see the Whole Child is the most satisfying and fulfilling aspect of my role. They are our nation's greatest treasure."
Congratulations to Principal Derrick Lawson for being named Advocacy Champion of the Year!
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HANG WITH THE INDIO TEEN CENTER
THIS SUMMER
Daily crafts, culinary arts, access to a recording studio, boxing gym, outdoor games and sports activities, a lounge with video games and a pool table, plus help with mission statements, college tours and field trips!
The Indio Teen Center (ITC) has ramped up its quality after school and out of school-time programming throughout the pandemic by offering both virtual and in person activities heading into summer!
From June 7 to July 15, 2021, the Indio Teen Center will continue the amazing and creative virtual programming that kept teens engaged last summer AND add in-person offerings for teens who still want to get together and socialize.
This hybrid approach will enable any Coachella Valley student in grades 8-12 to take part in free Indio Teen Center activities, regardless of residency, transportation or ability to meet in-person.
Monday through Friday from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., the Indio Teen Center will offer three in-person activities per day: arts/crafts, culinary arts and sports/recreation. Drip art, pottery using a pottery wheel, glass painting and baking are all favorites. In addition, the Teen Center will resume in-person field trips once a week, including trips to the beach, and college campus tours!
Virtual programming will also be offered two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:00 p.m.) to students who prefer to join the ITC from home! City staff will drop off free supplies for any arts and crafts and/or culinary arts activity to those who sign up through Instagram direct messenger. Shrimp ceviche, bacon-wrapped smokies and bruschetta have all been on the menu in the past!
Teens must register for a membership online through the City of Indio website, or by requesting a link via the Teen Center’s social media platforms, Twitter, Snapchat, Tik Tok or Instagram.
The ITC is located at 81-678 Avenue 46, Indio.
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INDIO YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL ACCEPTING NEW APPLICANTS
Now that the end of the school year is upon us, it is time for the next generation of Indio’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) members to step up and lead! Applications to be a part of YAC for the 2021-2022 school year are now available online and are due by Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
During the 2020-2021 school year, and for only the second time in history, YAC was represented by an all-female leadership council, consisting of 14 members in grades nine to 12 from Indio High School, Shadow Hills High School and Xavier College Prep.
Even though the school year looked very different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, YAC continued to lead by holding their meetings virtually via Zoom. They also stayed active in the community by creating social media videos for both the 2020 Census and Get Out to Vote campaign. To aid those who were in need of necessities due to the pandemic, YAC used their funding to assemble 120 hygiene kits. The kits included a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and a facemask, and were delivered to the ABC Recovery Center and Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. Also in response to the pandemic, YAC used social media to thank front-line workers such as nurses from JFK Memorial Hospital, and promote local businesses such as Mario’s Italian Café and Tacos Gonzalez.
Six YAC members will graduate as part of the Class of 2021, and continue their education and community service throughout California. The City of Indio congratulates Denise Campos-Lagunas, Katherine Escalante, Edna Mora, Kindra Medel, Jaqueline Orozco, and Trinity Hernandez on their dedication to YAC and this community!
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INDIO SENIOR CENTER REOPENING
The Indio Senior Center (ISC) is excited to announce it is reopening! The Indio Senior Center will be following CDC and Riverside County Department of Public Health protocols. Mask are always required, and attendance will be limited. Virtual programs will continue for those not yet ready to return to the center. As always, during this phase, the health and safety of our members and staff remain our highest priority.
Important Dates:
Monday, June 14 - Friday, June 18, 2021
Membership Renewals & Class Reservations ONLY. You must be a current ISC member to sign up for classes. Pre-registration for each class is required. Reservations will begin Monday, June 14, 2021.
Monday, June 21, 2021
The ISC will be reopening for classes and activities. ISC members can register for classes in advance by phone at (760) 391-4170, online at www.indio.org/seniorcenter, or in person at the front desk.
Membership for Indio residents is $25.00 per person/year (valid driver's license or current utility bill with Indio address as identification). Non-Residents can join for $35.00 per person/year.
Want to become a member of the ISC? Membership forms can be found here. Want to stay up-to-date with ISC? Sign up for the Indio Senior Center newsletter here. The Indio Senior Center is located at 45700 Aladdin Street.
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SUMMER AT THE LIGHTS AT INDIO G.C.
Every month there is something new at the Lights at Indio G.C.! Here are just some of the new deals you can snag this month:
- $10 off all FootJoy golf shoes
- Buy a golf shirt and get free range balls
- FootGolf for kids only $7 for 18 holes
- New animal head covers
Also, during the summer months, Lights will be on until 10 p.m. and Wednesday night is League night, starting at at 6 p.m.
June 20th is Father's Day, so check in at indiogolf.com to see what specials are offered to celebrate Dad this June!
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SPLASH PADS REOPENING JUST IN TIME
FOR SUMMER
Just in time for the long Memorial Day weekend, the City of Indio switched on the spigots for the water play areas at Yucca Park, Dominguez Park, Cahuilla Park and Miles Avenue Park. These “splashpads” are accessible for play via a push of the button from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. In addition, the play equipment is ready for use, with swings and basketball nets hung!
A combination of hard-to-get parts, a pandemic and property damage put Indio's five water play areas out of commission last year. At this point, only North Jackson Park’s water play area is still being repaired.
Check out Indio’s parks this summer, which include two dedicated dog parks, the Mulligan Dog Park and the Station 86 Dog Park. A number of rubber playing surfaces were also upgraded during the pandemic, and many of these areas are shaded, providing a cooler and safe place to play!
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ARE YOU YOUNG AT ART?
Since the 1980's, the Coachella Valley History Museum is has offered the community the "Young at Art" program with the express purpose of bringing art instruction to students ages 8-14 during a three week period in the summer. The goal of "Young at Art" is to instruct students about the elements and skills of the fine arts. Having an understanding of color, texture, shape and line will enrich a child’s appreciation for the arts. This year the themes will be watercolor, multimedia and multimedia sculpture. The instructor, Sunny Patton, is a local artist with years of experience in working with the program.
The "Young at Art" summer schedule is:
- June 7-11 Watercolor (limit 16 students)
- June 14-18 Multimedia (limit 16 students)
- June 21-25 Multimedia Sculpture (limit 16 students)
Cost per week is $50.
The tuition is modest to allow maximum participation. Some partial scholarships are available upon application. Applications are available online at CVHM.org or call the CVHM office at (760) 342-6651 to pick up an application Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30-12:30.
The Coachella Valley History Museum is located at 82-616 Miles Ave in Indio.
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HAVE FUN AT THE REC THIS SUMMER
Operation Splash is back! Water safety during the summer is vital. Desert Recreation District offers swim lessons with scholarships available to children who qualify. Visit the DRD website to learn more and sign up! Scholarships available on a first come, first served basis and while supplies last.
Get Fit passes are now available for use at the Indio Community Center and three other DRD locations too (La Quinta, Palm Desert and North Shore)! Passes are available for just $50 a year for Indio residents. One pass gets you access to all four centers, including fitness equipment, weight rooms, tracks and gymnasiums. Get all the details here.
Freedom Bang is a new class at the Indio Community Center that is a great way to get your blood pumping while working out to a combination of boxing, hip-hop dance and other moves. Sign up or get more information at through the DRD website.
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The City of Indio is the largest and fastest growing city in the Coachella Valley with more than 90,000 residents. Nearly 1.4 million people visit Indio every year to attend its world famous arts, food, and music festivals. With nationally recognized public safety services, exceptional schools, great parks and senior and teen centers, no wonder more than 2,700 new housing units are in construction or being planned throughout the city in addition to new hotels, restaurants and retailers. Indio was the first city incorporated in the Coachella Valley on May 16, 1930, and is governed by an elected City Council that employs a City Manager. The City of Indio embraces its diversity and provides outstanding municipal services to enhance the quality of life for its residents, visitors and business community.
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City of Indio |100 Civic Center Drive | (760) 391-4000
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