Dear friends & neighbors:
Spring is in full bloom, and I’m excited to bring you the latest edition of my monthly Mayor’s Message for April. With longer days and warmer temperatures, there's a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm in the air.
This month, I am thrilled to share with you information, updates, and exciting upcoming events that will provide valuable insights to ensure you don’t miss a thing, at least here in Rancho Mirage.
I hope you'll find this month's message informative and engaging. As always, I welcome your feedback and suggestions for future content. Let's dive in!
Before I get into the wonderful events coming up, let me begin with congratulations to the winner of The Galleri Classic, a welcome message to a new GM and some good news for the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.
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On March 20 - 26, the Westin Mission Hills Country Club hosted the inaugural Galleri Classic golf tournament. |
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The 78-player field for the Galleri Classic featured 20 major champions (10 players of whom had won major titles on PGA TOUR Champions and the PGA TOUR), 10 World Golf Hall of Famers and six golfers who were past ranked No. 1 in the world. The schedule of events included a two-day Pro-Am on Wednesday and Thursday and three 18-hole rounds of tournament competition from Friday-Sunday.
Pictured (R) is Galleri Classic winner David Toms / pictured below is yours truly with David Toms and his Galleri Classic trophy. Photo credit goes to Scott Avra.
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I was fortunate enough to be present when the amazing David Toms won the first ever Galleri Classic by four shots at 16-under par. Making Toms the first player to win twice this season and takes the lead in the Charles Schwab Cup standings, just ahead of Steve Stricker. It is his second win in his past three starts and the first time in his PGA TOUR Champions career that he has won twice in a season. |
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Congratulations to David Toms and to the Galleri Classic on a successful tournament. I say the Galleri Classic tournament here in Rancho Mirage was a huge success. A little "birdie" told me they already have March 25-31, 2024 on the books! I can't wait!
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The City of Rancho Mirage's partnership with its resorts is critical to its success as a tourism destination. Rancho Mirage is home to a significant number of luxury resorts, and the city has developed close relationships with these establishments over time.
The City's reputation for luxury and high-end experiences attracts visitors from around the world, and the close relationship between the city and its resorts ensures that visitors have a memorable and enjoyable stay.
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With that said, let me introduce you to the new General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, Shannon Gilbert. Shannon is an industry veteran, working with The Ritz- Carlton for nearly 30 years, most recently as Hotel Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE.
Join me in welcoming Shannon to our fine city. We here at City Hall are thrilled to have her as part of the Rancho Mirage community and look forward to working with her.
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My wife Becky and I (pictured right), a few of my fellow councilmembers and about 200+ other Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM) supporters attended the CVRM’s 52nd anniversary for the Jeans and Jewels Jubilee on March 16, 2023 at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.
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Councilmember Ted Weill, his wife Jenny (left) and Councilmember Lynn Mallotto |
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LtoR: Speaker Series Commission Vice Chair Mary Willis, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Downs and his wife Geri |
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The silent auction was a highlight of the evening, with 30 packages up for sale, and all of them were successfully sold. The auction items ranged from golf, spa and sports packages to Idyllwild and beach getaways. Everyone was eager to bid and support the cause. The proceeds from the auction, along with the ticket sales, all went to the benefit of CVRM.
Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a delicious dinner were enjoyed by all and the excellent entertainment by Frank DiSalvo and his band kept the dance floor full throughout the night. This amazing night was hosted by none other than KESQ’s award-winning meteorologist and television personality Patrick Evans and it was clear that everyone was committed to supporting the CVRM.
In the end, the event was a resounding success, raising a total of $236,000 for the benefit of CVRM. The funds raised will help them continue their mission to provide critical support and assistance to those in need in the Coachella Valley community.
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Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. This year, the eight-day holiday begins on the evening of April 5 and ends on the evening of April 13.
Passover is a meaningful and significant holiday for the Jewish community and provides an opportunity for reflection and celebration of the Jewish faith and its traditions.
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Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Easter is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, which is April 9th of this year.
Easter is a time for joy, celebration, and renewal for Christians around the world. The holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, hope, and love, and provides an opportunity for individuals and families to come together and reflect on the meaning and significance of their beliefs. Happy Easter to you and yours.
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Desert Theatricals will present their final show of the 2023 season, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater on April 14-16, 2023.
Desert Theatricals has assembled an impressive team to bring this show to life, including regional and local actors.
Visit desert-theatricals.com for more information and to purchase your tickets. And don't forget, today is the last day for Rancho Mirage residents to purchase general admission tickets at a discounted price. Go to the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory with your proof of residency to receive your discount.
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Angel Light Academy’s
14th Annual Desert Above & Beyond Awards Gala
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Angel Light Academy is a 501 (c)3 not-for-profit corporation dedicated to teaching leadership to youth and adults. Their mission is to improve the health, happiness, and well-being of individuals through the practice and demonstration of unconditional love. This is accomplished through service, education, and research.
On Saturday, April 22, Angel Light Academy’s Leadership Training Institute will be honoring 10 local citizens who have proven excellence in community leadership and service. Each of the honorees has demonstrated they consistently go above and beyond and are nominated by their peers for this prestigious award. Established in 2009, this event is an amazing forum to view the works of our honorees who represent fabulous organizations, institutions, and corporations.
Congratulations to all Honorees and a very special congratulations to my fellow councilmember and friend, Ted Weill for his nomination as one of the 10 Honorees.
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Ted has served alongside me on the City Council for the last 11 years and I can honestly say this award has Ted’s name written all over it. You can see him out and about in Rancho Mirage, conversing with residents and visitors, more than likely touting what a wonderful city Rancho Mirage is. He truly is a “man of the people.” Congratulations Ted on this well-deserved recognition. |
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The Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory offers an array of free programs for all to enjoy. The high-quality programs they provide to the community at no cost would not be possible without the support received through donations, grants, and sponsorships. The Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory Foundation and all of you who donate to it make these programs possible.
The Library and Observatory musical lineup for April is nothing short of exhilarating entertainment!
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On Wednesday, April 19th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus will sing selections from their upcoming Notorious! show and well-known selections from their standard repertoire. You’ll hear songs from those leading ladies who rock our world - those unforgettable divas who make Broadway and popular music so irresistible. For details, visit PSGMC.com.
This program is made possible by a generous gift from
Joanne and Dom Summa Jr.
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Join an enthusiastic audience for a memorable performance by Jim Borax’s California Cabaret on Wednesday, April 26th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. |
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These outstanding professional singers and dancers will perform unforgettable standards from the Great American Songbook. The ensemble has been featured on both CBS and CNN. The Cabaret has also performed their music and dance routines throughout the Coachella Valley. For an hour of great entertainment, come to the California Cabaret!
This program is made possible by the Borax Charitable Fund
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Coachella Valley Symphony presents
“Disney in Concert Around the World”
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Coachella Valley Symphony's 2023 season will conclude on Sunday, April 30th with “Disney in Concert Around the World.” This amazing event will showcase a medley of beloved Disney movie classics and contemporary favorites, accompanied with music by the talented CV Symphony.
Known for its family-friendly appeal, “Disney in Concert” promises to delight audiences of all ages with enchanting melodies from iconic films such as The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, Frozen, and more.
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Don’t miss “Disney in Concert Around the World” on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater located at 71560 San Jacinto Drive.
This event is free to the public and fun for the whole family. Reservations are recommended with two tickets per email address. Tickets are limited to 1,000 guests so reserve your seat today.
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For more information and tickets,
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Mark sure to add these important dates to your April calendars!
- 5th - 13th - Passover
- 9th - Easter
- 14th-16th - Joseph & the Technicolor Dreamcoat
- 19th - PS Gay Men's Chorus
- 22nd - Above & Beyond Awards Gala
- 26th - Jim Borax's California Cabaret
- 30th - CV Symphony's Disney in Concert Around the World
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Please do not hesitate to reach out either by email at richardk@ranchomirageca.gov, or by phone at (760) 324-4511 with your ideas or suggestions.
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