Dear Neighbors,
For this month’s column, I am just going to offer some quick odds & ends:
·
We had a great time at the October 31 State of the City luncheon hosted by our Chamber of Commerce at Fantasy Springs. If you were not there, you can see Mayor Lupe Ramos Amith’s State of the City presentation
here
. You can find the link in the story on the topic in this newsletter.
·
Mayor Ramos Amith’s presentation came complete with a very futuristic, animated video projecting the vibrant Indio we expect in 2040 and beyond. She was illustrating the City Council’s BOLD vision for our future, unencumbered by tired expectations that might otherwise put limits on the exciting possibilities we have in our community. To quote the Mayor, the video is futuristic, but everything in it is possible.
·
I was noticing the attendance at our State of the City event included several elected officials from neighboring cities. Very supportive. Our Councilmembers frequently reciprocate. I have been City Manager in 4 California counties. In the Coachella Valley, our elected officials all work together and support each other better than in any of the other regions of the State that I have experienced. We truly have great elected officials throughout this region. I believe it manifests itself in better policy making.
· All cities compete for business investment.
As a City staff, we always welcome people who come to invest in doing business in Indio. We want to encourage them....but with one caveat. For any business that thinks they can offer lesser service quality in Indio than elsewhere in the CV — we respectfully say no thank you. Not in our town!
·
You may wonder why the City Manager writes these newsletter columns rather than the Mayor or City Councilmembers. The answer is that California voters many years ago placed strict limits on use of City resources in City publications that might be considered as “promoting” elected officials. Email newsletters are arguably exempt, but we err on the side of prudence. (And I’d miss it if I had to vacate this column!)
So, I have been boasting that my wife and I are moving to Indio! And we did. We live here now. And within one week, I already got cited by my HOA! So now I feel like a full-fledged member of the community. As for the HOA, they were right. My garage doors need painting. I promise to comply. Happy to do our share!
As if moving was not enough, I turned 70 this week. One of my staff told me I’m not really 70. I’m 69.95 plus tax. Any way you cut it, I am grateful to be healthy, happy and a resident-City Manager of this wonderful community with a future full of exciting possibilities.
Let me know what we can do to be of service.
Mark Scott
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2019 Indio State of the City
Address Recap
On Thursday, October 31, 2019, Mayor Lupe Ramos Amith challenged the audience and community to "Be Bold, Dream Big, and Imagine Greatness" during the City of Indio's Annual State of the City Address held at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Mayor Ramos Amith showed a futuristic video of the City called "Vision Indio," and announced developments happening in the largest and fastest growing City in the Coachella Valley. She also presented the Mayor's Award to La Prensa Hispana, the only bilingual newspaper in the Coachella Valley that is celebrating its 30th anniversary and is located in Downtown Indio. The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce organized the event and presented the Restaurant of the Year Award to Tack Room Tavern, Non-Profit of the Year Award to Martha's Village & Kitchen, Business of the Year Award to Hernandez Dental, and the Spirit of Indio Award to Bob Williams' Nursery.
Click here
to watch Vision Indio. You can also view the entire State of the City address
here
.
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GCV Small Business Expo Kicks Off Small Business Week
In support of local merchants, the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce will host the Annual GCV Small Business Expo presented by the City of Indio on November 21, 2019, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino's Special Event Center at 84245 Indio Springs Drive. Attendees will enjoy local flavors and food samples, learn about products and services, network with other industry professionals, and connect first-hand with merchants. See a large sample of the local economy including pop-up villages focusing on the building, medical and business networking industries. Enjoy activities, giveaways, and music. More than 1,200 people attended last year's event. Admission is $5.
Click here
for more information and to get your tickets. And remember, support our local Indio businesses when shopping during this holiday season!
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The Lights at Indio GC Reopens for Season
The season is under way at The Lights at Indio GC.
Overseeding has made the golf course nice and green and ready for all golfers wishing to challenge the golf course.
The newly renovated tees on 12 of the 18 holes, the removal of cattails at the lake on the 9th hole, the new golf carts and the target greens on the driving range will create for golfers of all levels an experience to remember.
Every golfer will want to experience the new renovations at The Lights at Indio GC! Go online at
www.indiogolf.com
to try your next round of golf under the lights at night.
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Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Now Open at Walmart
Electrify America has installed four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the Walmart located at 82-491 Avenue 42. Each of the stations have two chargers and they are live and open to the public. The charging stations range from 50kW all the way to 350kW. Many cars are not yet capable of accepting the 350kW charging speed but any EV can use them because the charger will charge at the highest rate the connecting vehicle will accept. Electrify America builds the 350kW stations, also known as DC Fast Charging, on the belief that the automotive industry will eventually build cars that can charge at the higher speeds. Especially, if the infrastructure is ready for them. Electrify America was developed as part of the settlement with Volkswagen after some of their diesel cars were found to pollute the air more than regulations allow. Now the company builds EV charging stations across the country but especially in California because half of all the electric vehicles in the country are owned in California. Indio is an excellent choice for the chargers because the City supports so many sustainable activities. Indio is working in partnership with the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee to bring at least two more EV charging stations to other areas of the city. Construction on these charging stations should begin in early 2020.
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CSUSB Awards Scholarship to Indio Student
Indio is proud to recognize Kayla Castillo from Shadow Hills High School as a recipient of the University Legacy Scholarship from California State University San Bernardino - Palm Desert!
The Scholarship provides an opportunity for outstanding graduating high school seniors attending high schools in the Coachella Valley to compete for an academic scholarship to attend the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus. It covers full tuition and fees, net of financial aid, for four years, leading to a baccalaureate degree. The scholars are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, leadership and service to the community.
Click here
for more information about the University Legacy Scholarship.
For more information about the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, contact Mike Singer in the Office of Strategic Communication at
[email protected]
or (760) 341-2883, ext. 78107, or visit the campus website at
pdc.csusb.edu
.
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Visit Indio and Our Two Dog Parks
The City of Indio's parks provide a lush open space combined with beautiful scenic views of surrounding mountains. Two of these parks are dedicated to our four-legged canine friends. The City’s first dog park, Mulligan Dog Park, is located at 45355 Van Buren Street and was constructed in 2007. Mulligan Dog Park provides shade, fenced dog areas and benches.
In January 2017, the City opened up a second dog park, Station 87 Dog Park, that is located at Avenue 43 and Golf Center Parkway next to Riverside County’s Fire Station 87, at 42900 Golf Center Parkway. This dog park has 2 sections – one for large dogs and another for small dogs. It provides trees and covered benches for shade areas, solar lights and water stations.
Mulligan Dog Park recently underwent its annual reseeding and is now back open to the public. Station 87 Dog Park is currently closed for reseeding and will reopen on November 19th.
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Shop Small During Small Business Saturday
Indio celebrates Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2019. The City has thousands of small business that contribute to the City's economy and create jobs for our residents. During a time when online shopping is rapidly growing, please make sure to shop at one of our local Indio stores or boutiques during this holiday season. And grab a bite or get some coffee at one of our amazing food establishments - and bring your friends and family too! Each dollar you spend in our community stays in our community in terms of sales tax and helps us provide better roads, enhances public safety, and improves our parks and neighborhoods. Let's all work together to support our Indio businesses and make our City great!
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Indio International Tamale Festival December 7 & 8, 2019
Tamale and festival lovers everywhere are counting the days before the World’s Largest Tamale Festival once again will bring tasty tamales and family fun to Indio! The Indio International Tamale Festival is coming to Indio in just a few short weeks, and will be held December 7 and 8, 2019.
This extravaganza of food and entertainment is held on the streets of Downtown Indio. The Indio International Tamale Festival has grown from a half-day event that drew 2,500 people to an event that now attracts over 125,000 indulging in more than 300,000 tamales! Many of the vendors are local non-profit organizations that represent churches and school groups as well as restaurants and renowned chefs.
Approximately 80 tamale vendors sell all types of tamales – from traditional and gourmet to dessert tamales such as strawberry, chocolate, date and raisin. There are another 150 vendors selling a variety of arts, crafts, and other holiday merchandise.
Activities and entertainment include a carnival, a car show, rides, rock climbing, a ‘Best Tamales’ Competition with trophies in several categories, a salsa dancing contest and a tamale-eating contest. There is continuous music and dance throughout the festival on four different stages. A variety of acts are featured that include local and professional dancers, singers, and musicians.
Admission, parking and entertainment are all free! Parking is available on streets surrounding downtown, various lots in the area and also at the Larson Justice Center where a free shuttle is available. For more information on the festival and all it has to offer, click
here
.
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Deep Fry Your
Thanksgiving Turkey Safely
With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, many have already started their family feast meal-planning including the purchase of a turkey. If you choose to take the non-traditional route of deep frying your turkey this year, here are some important tips that will lead to a tasty turkey and a safe holiday:
- Stay Away from The House – Set up the turkey fryer more than 10 feet away from your home and keep children and pets away. Never leave it unattended.
- Find Flat Ground – The oil must be even and steady at all times to ensure safety. Place the fryer on a flat, level surface and carefully gauge the amount of oil needed.
- Use a Thawed and Dry Turkey – Make sure your Thanksgiving turkey is completely thawed and dry. Extra water will cause the oil to bubble furiously and spill over. If oil spills from the fryer onto the burner, it can cause a fire.
- Monitor the Temp – Use caution when touching the turkey fryer. The lid and handle can become very hot and could cause burns. Also be sure to keep track of the oil’s temperature as many fryers do not have their own thermostats.
- Be Prepared – Have a fire extinguisher (multipurpose, dry-powder) ready at all times in the event that the oil ignites.
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City of Indio
Notice of Commission Vacancies
Notice is hereby given that effective immediately, the following commissions have at least (1) one vacancy:
Citizens’ Finance Advisory Commission:
The Citizens' Finance Advisory Commission consists of five (5) citizen members, each appointed by a member of the City Council and serving on the commission in a manner consistent with Section 32.01, and as that section may be amended from time to time. Appointees shall be residents of the City; however, no member of the commission shall be an elected official, an employee of the City, or a vendor, contractor or consultant doing business with the City.
The deadline for Completed applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday,
November 29, 2019
.
Community Services Commission:
The Community Services Commission makes recommendations to the City Council regarding matters pertaining to parks and recreation activities, programs, and facilities; and addresses matters concerning the parks and recreation element of the General Plan. The Commission also performs functions and duties as assigned by the City Council.
The deadline for Completed applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday,
November 29, 2019
.
Public Arts and Historic Preservation Commission:
The Commission makes the initial selection and recommendation of artists and artwork for all public and private projects.
The deadline for Completed applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday,
November 29, 2019
.
Sustainability Commission:
The Sustainability Commission works to identify and prioritize sustainability projects throughout the City. This Commission also makes recommendations to the City Council regarding sustainability plans and actions.
The deadline for Completed applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday,
November 29, 2019
.
Coachella Valley Mosquito And Vector Control District Board Of Trustees:
Trustees appointed to the Board should have “experience, training, and education in fields that will assist them in the governance” of the District. For proper consideration, you must be a resident of City of Indio and be eligible to vote. The deadline for Completed applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2019.
Anyone interested in serving on a City Commission must be a resident of the City of Indio and is invited to complete a City
application online
.
You may also obtain an application from the office of the City Clerk at City Hall located at 100 Civic Center Mall, Indio, CA 92201.
For further information, please visit the City’s Boards and Commissions webpage, located at
here.
Applications, which shall include a resume, shall be kept on file for one year.
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Something New for Your
Thanksgiving Cookbook
With the holiday season here, people are getting ready to open the cookbooks, Google and Pinterest to prep for some yummy treats to share with friends and family. Whether it’s tamales, turkey or mashed everything, you probably have your favorite you can’t wait to sink your teeth into. We searched through Pinterest and found a few holiday recipes you may want to try to out this year.
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Coachella Music & Arts Festival Sculptures Approved for Longtime Home in Indio
A familiar and iconic sight to hundreds of thousands of Coachella festivalgoers, and the millions more who followed the concerts virtually,
#sarbaleke
, is putting down stakes in Indio.
By a unanimous vote of 5-0, Indio City Councilmembers approved a contract with festival promoter Goldenvoice to acquire and install the towering Sarbalé Ke sculpture series in the heart of Indio.
Sarbalé Ke (the House of Celebration) a group of nine towers, ranging in height from nine to 49 feet, is the city’s largest scale public art project to date, and will soon take up residence at Dr. Carreon Park. The location, adjacent to Dr. Carreon Blvd. and east of Monroe Street, will maximize public access of this significant and prominent artwork to park users and neighboring communities.
Goldenvoice has gifted Sarbalé Ke to Indio for a period of ten years. The sculpture will go up in early December and will precede significant enhancements to Dr. Carreon Park in 2020, including the creation of a soccer field, new landscaping, and the addition of benches and tables. The work will be performed by Coachella Valley contractors at a cost of $308,038, taken from Indio’s Art in Public Places fund. This fund is paid through fees from developers of new projects in Indio.
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The City of Indio is the largest and fastest growing city in the Coachella Valley with more than
with more than 89,000 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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