“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Have you ever wondered what a City Clerk or Municipal Clerk does? May 1-7 is Professional Municipal Clerks Week, the perfect time to highlight what we do. City Clerks perform many vital services for their community.
Here are just a few…
Maintain records of community history, official Council actions, meeting Minutes, Ordinance Books, and other important records and documents; serve as liaison between local governments and its citizens; process contracts and agreements, and support all administrative functions; administer elections, registration, and voting, which is a key and vital piece in the democratic process. The responsibilities of the City Clerk require a thorough knowledge of law procedure, administration, and interpersonal relations, which are integral to the efficient operation of local government.
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Backstage-ing big events
Three years later, we're back, staging big events in the City of Festivals, and spotlighting our new look. Thanks to a little help from our friends, festival goers at Coachella and Stagecoach were greeted with a life-sized reminder of where they were (Indio).
And never forgetting for a moment that 91,000 people live here all the time, the same bright sign is also now firmly in place in downtown Indio at Smurr and Miles, shining day and night.
Join us in celebrating the new Indio landmark at 6 p.m. on May 14. The first 100 people who join us in the celebration will also get to take home a special City of Indio souvenir and experience a one-of-a-kind confetti blast. It's our way of debuting what we're doing in Indio, and capping off 2022's Economic Development Week in one of the area's most exciting locations for activation. Make sure to upload your photos so we can see you Take Center Stage in the desert's original downtown.
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Join us Center Stage Every Second Saturday |
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Stick around on May 14, and celebrate the Golden Oldies and the Big Band sounds of Frank Sinatra with Disneyland's Jazz Cartel at the City of Indio's 2nd Saturdays · Center Stage.
With a different theme each month, May's 2nd Saturdays event includes free live music, emcee Tina Turntables, plus delicious local food from Indio favorites Smokey Lips BBQ, Outside the Masa, and brews from La Quinta Brewing Company! Enjoy tailgate party games, and much more in the City of Indio’s ‘Outdoor Living Room.’ For all ages! Bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating.
Location: Downtown Indio at Smurr & Miles
Time: May 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. FREE admission.
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Location: Grassy Park at Towne & Bliss (45235 Towne Street)
Times: Sundays through May from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Yoga on the Lawn at 10 a.m.
Special yoga & coffee deal at 9 a.m.
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Indio Certified Farmers Market |
Certified produce, fresh hot and cold chef-prepared foods, artisan goods such as handmade wood and leather gifts, stationery, soap, jewelry, candles and other crafted items are sold in a picturesque outdoor market in downtown Indio every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The market also includes FREE yoga on the lawn every week at 10 a.m., story reading for little listeners, live music and a family friendly atmosphere that encourages relaxation and support of fresh, locally made, farm to table items.
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Celebrating Sarbalé Ke
The City of Indio recognized the remarkable achievement of rebuilding nine towers of Sarbalé Ke in Doctor Carreon Park with a ribbon cutting and reception on April 20. The soaring structures first featured at the 2019 Coachella Valley Music & Art Festival, range in height from nine to 49 feet tall, and reference the baobab trees that claim a remarkable and dominant presence in the Pritzker Prize winning architect Francis Kéré's native West African village of Gando, Burkina Faso.
Location: 82200 Dr Carreon Blvd.
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Birds touch down in Indio
More than 300 Bird e-scooters landed in the City of Indio in April. This eco-friendly ride is a great way to get from place to place, and has gotten rave reviews from riders around town.
If you'd like to help keep the sidewalks clear, or report an errant e-scooter, Community Mode is accessible by clicking the triangle symbol in the bottom left corner within the Bird mobile app. Click this button, and you’ll find three separate options: report a Badly Parked Bird, Damaged Bird, and Contact Bird. This is the most efficient way to report to the Bird Team. You do not have to be a rider to use this feature (only have to have the app downloaded). You can also email hello@bird.co or call (866) 205-2442. Ride responsibly!
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Young at Art: Summer Art Camps
“Young At Art: Summer Art Camps” return to CV History Museum in June with four weeks of art classes open to children ages 8 to 14 years:
• June 6 - 10: Drawing Basics
• June 13 - 17: Clay or Beginning Watercolor
• June 20 - 24: Clay of Advanced Watercolor
• June 27 - July 1: Multi-Media Art
Classes are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and ends with a Family Reception on Sunday, July 10. Young At Art is $60 a week per student. Pre-registration and prepayment are required to reserve a class, and space is limited. Early registration is recommended. To register, visit cvhm.org/education.
Mindfulness at the Museum
“Mindfulness at the Museum” is a free, monthly brown bag lunch event where attendees can deepen their understanding of local agriculture, its nutritional benefits for personal health, food history, and mindful eating, led by Michelle Borthwick, a leading Keto Customization Expert & Coach for women. Attendees get access to the museum campus for one hour after the event at no charge. Attendees should bring their own lunch. May 2 and June 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
History Hunters
The Coachella Valley History Museum’s “History Hunters” meet every last Tuesday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the museum’s Pioneer Hall. Meetings feature local history, artifacts, and speakers. For more information, contact Linda Beal at 760-250-8927.
Location: Coachella Valley History Museum (82-616 Miles Ave.)
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Brushing up our murals
Work began last month on part of the City of Indio's plan to restore and repair murals around the city that are still in good shape, and retire those that are not.
One of the most beloved murals, Desert Cahuilla Village, got special attention from the man most familiar with the mural, the artist himself, Don Gary. The mural at 82862 Miles Avenue has faced Indio Blvd. since January 1998, when Gary began his work and the mural was blessed by a Native American religious leader. On April 20, 2022 Gary returned to the mural to repair it. The mural was in fair condition, but needed cleaning to remove dirt from the wall texture and grout lines, and the chest of the main figure needed to be repainted. Desert Cahuilla Village is now repaired, and a plan is in place for ongoing maintenance needed to keep it, and other murals downtown looking good.
Two other murals have received significant weathering since their commission more than 20 years ago, and were determined not to be salvageable. Plans are now in place to either replace these murals, or add to the remaining collection of murals downtown.
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DRD brings free swim lessons to Indio's Pawley Pool Family Aquatics Complex
Operation Splash: Scholarships for FREE Children’s Swim Lessons at several pools throughout the Coachella Valley, including at Indio's Pawley Pool Family Aquatics Complex. Apply now through May 31. The first session of lessons begins June 6. For more information, visit https://www.myrecreationdistrict.com/swim-water-programs or call 760-347-3484. Award letters will be given out at the Operation Splash Kick-off on June 4 at Bagdouma Community Pool.
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You CAN Make a Difference
No appointments are needed for Coachella Animal Network's monthly low-cost licensing, vaccine and microchipping clinics, thanks to a partnership with the City of Indio, Animal Action League and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Low cost spay and neuter is also available with an appointment. Indio residents can call (760) 848-4284 for more information.
Location: ABC Recovery Center (44359 Palm Street)
Time: Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. $11 rabies shot, $16 microchipping, $16 DA2PP+CV, $16 Bordatella
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IID seeks public’s help in curbing energy theft
With the onset of spring comes a challenge for the not-for-profit Imperial Irrigation District to eliminate the theft of electrical energy.
The district is seeking the public’s help by asking customers to report suspicious activity, which can include the tampering of electrical meters, power lines and electrical equipment.
Energy theft is estimated to cost the district anywhere from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in the loss of energy alone. These numbers do not include investigation, infrastructure replacement, inspection, repair or the judicial process. As a public power provider, acts against the district, such as the theft of electricity, impact customer rates.
If you see something, please say something by calling the district at 1-760-482-3688. IID adds that district customers who need legitimate work done on their electrical equipment can contact IID Customer Service at 1-800-303-7756. The district will send a representative to provide proper clearance for your project. For more information, please visit www.iid.com/energytheft.
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Happenings at the Indio Library
Drop by the Indio Library (200 Civic Center Mall) for the following events this month:
Bilingual Story Time: Every Monday 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Preschool Story Time: Ages 2-5, every Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Animae Club: Ages 13-17, every Saturday 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Special Events: Five Learning Corners, Thursday, May 12 & May 26 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ages 3-5. Various STEAM activities for children to create, experiment, and learn.
Closure: Memorial Day, Monday, May 30
For more information call: (760) 347-2383 ex. 4170.
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News from Indio Water Authority
State drought update
The governor continues to call for conservation efforts due to the drought. Do your part by fixing leaks inside and outside your home to save 27-90 gallons of water a day. Take a five minute shower to save 12.5 gallons per shower when using a water efficient showerhead, and install faucet aerators to save .7 gallons of water per minute.
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Sustainability Collection Event
During this event on May 21, the city will collect for free:
• Tires - All tires must be off the rim. Tires from commercial facilities will not be accepted.
• Used oil and oil filters from residents.
• Electronic Waste
On-site paper shredding service will be provided with a limit of four boxes. The services is free for Indio residents.
Compost Exchange - Bring food waste in a container that can be emptied and returned to you, and you will receive a 3-gallon reusable bucket of organic compost and a planting guide. The food waste will be processed into new compost.
Location: Indio Corporate Yard (83101 Avenue 45)
Time: May 21 from 9 a.m. to noon
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Running Away with the Prize
With the support of Indio High School art instructor Jennifer Ireland, a team of six dedicated IHS Rajahs gave up multiple Saturdays to work on and submit designs for the national competition, Vans Custom Culture. The competition was created to inspire and empower high school students to embrace their creativity through art and design, and bring attention to diminishing arts education budgets. Students customized blank Vans shoes around Vans' four pillars: action sports, music, art and street culture and adding some hometown pride. The Rajah team made it through multiple round, and are now in the top 50! Anyone can vote (once a day) at customculture.vans.com for the local students' designs until May 6th at 5 p.m. PST.
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Futures Job Fair Open to Students and Adults
The Desert Sands Education Foundation in conjunction with Desert Sands Unified School District will hold a student job fair named the Futures Fair: Find a Way for a Brighter Future. The event will provide opportunities for DSUSD seniors and juniors to find jobs, internships, and mentoring. A variety of local businesses will be participating. On-site assistance with the completion of work permits will be provided. The hours of 9:00 am to noon will be exclusively available to ALL valley high school juniors and seniors. From 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm interviews will remain open to students but will also be available to adults throughout the community. No appointments are necessary. Sponsorship of the event is courtesy the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Chandi Group, USA.
Time: May 14, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Indio High School (81750 Ave 46)
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College of the Desert, Indio Campus
Civic Center Drive, between Oasis Street and Towne Street, closed to traffic on April 27 as College of the Desert began construction on the expansion of their Indio Campus.
Oasis and Highway 111 Improvements
Construction started on a road repair project on Oasis Street south of Highway 111 to Hartford Avenue, giving the badly worn road new pavement. The roadwork is an off-site community improvement project that follows the completion of the John J. Benoit Detention Center. The project will construct street improvements on Oasis Street and Highway 111 from Arabia Street to Smurr Street. The Highway 111 work, which will include landscaped medians and other improvements later this month.
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In Indio, the desert's largest and fastest growing city, we've set the stage for business growth. We’ve earned our City of Festivals name, welcoming nearly 1.4 million visitors every year to world famous celebrations of art, food, and music. More than 90,000 residents enjoy life in Indio with nationally recognized public safety services, exceptional schools, great parks and senior and teen centers. Here, you will find opportunity in every direction, and a youthful, growing community to support your success. Take center stage in Indio. |
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City of Indio |100 Civic Center Mall | (760) 391-4000
information@indio.org | www.indio.org
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