L A Q U I N TA’ S C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E
THE GEM AUGUST 2025
In this issue CERT Strong: Building a Resilient La Quinta La Quinta Welcomes Chick-fil-A: A New Chapter of Community, Flavor, and Opportunity The Golf Academy: The Performance Lab at PGA WEST – Elevating the Game in La Quinta
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La Quinta Welcomes Chick-fil-A: A New Chapter of Community, Flavor, and Opportunity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 CERT Strong: Building a Resilient La Quinta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 City Manager’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Community Services Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 La Quinta Museum Exhibits & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 It’s Your Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 The Golf Academy: The Performance Lab at PGA WEST – Elevating the Game in La Quinta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
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The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) was created in 2016 in cooperation with the former Coachella, La Quinta, Cathedral City and Indio Chambers, along with the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians and Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. It enhances and significantly improves the way businesses interact with each other and the community in the entire Coachella Valley. As a Regional Chamber, the GCVCC delivers services and benefits to its members on a scope not seen before in the area.
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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE By: Jeff Fishbein Chairman of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce
As we move through the heart of summer, the City of La Quinta continues to thrive with progress, innovation, and exciting new additions to our local business landscape. I’m thrilled to share some of the new businesses preparing to open their doors in La Quinta—each one bringing fresh energy and added convenience for residents and visitors alike. Among the most anticipated is Chick-fil-A, which is set to become a popular go-to for quick, quality meals. Just down the road, Quick Quack Car Wash is rolling in with its fast and eco-friendly car care. Two other recreation-based businesses, Escape Games La Quinta is set to bring immersive entertainment and team-building fun to our community and The Golf Bar, a modern indoor golf and sports bar concept, offers the perfect blend of recreation and relaxation for locals and tourists alike. And on a personal note, I’m proud to announce the upcoming opening of Coldwell Banker Realty’s new office here in La Quinta. As both Chairman and a local real estate professional, it’s deeply meaningful to be part of this expansion. Our new space will serve as a hub for agents, clients, and collaborative partnerships that support the ongoing growth of our city. These additions reflect the confidence that companies—both national brands and local entrepreneurs—have in La Quinta’s future. It’s a testament to the strength of our community, the appeal of our business environment, and the strategic investments being made to enhance the quality of life for all who call La Quinta home. As always, I want to thank our Chamber members, city officials, and community partners for their support and continued efforts in helping La Quinta grow in a smart, sustainable way. We encourage everyone to support these new businesses as they open their doors—your patronage makes a real difference. Let’s keep working together to ensure La Quinta remains a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work, and do business. Jeff Fishbein, an INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND SOCIETY award winning REALTOR affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty, the desert’s premier real estate firm, boasts an impressive track record of assisting both home sellers and buyers. Garnering a 5 Star rating on Zillow.com, Jeff has earned widespread acclaim for his exceptional service. Embracing the motto, Not the BIGGEST Realtor, but the BEST, Jeff consistently demonstrates his unwavering commitment to excellence in the real estate market.
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La Quinta Welcomes Chick-fil-A: A New Chapter of Community, Flavor, and Opportunity Why La Quinta? A Community in Focus According to Chick-fil-A, Inc., the decision to open a restaurant in La Quinta came after careful evaluation of several key factors. The company looks at local demand, target markets and the potential community impact when considering new locations. After analyzing these elements, La Quinta emerged as the ideal fit. The city’s vibrant, growing community aligns with Chick-fil-A’s mission to serve both new and existing customers, offering a space where residents and visitors alike can enjoy a fresh, high-quality dining experience. More Than Chicken: A Mission to Make a Difference
Story by: GCVCC Staff The City of La Quinta is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes the newest addition to its dining scene: Chick-fil-A. Known for its iconic chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and signature hospitality, Chick-fil-A, Inc. has chosen La Quinta as the home for its latest restaurant — but this isn’t just about fast food. It’s about community, opportunity and making a meaningful local impact.
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Chick-fil-A, Inc. is not just a restaurant company — it’s a family-owned enterprise with a mission to make a positive difference in the communities it serves. Through programs like Chickfil-A Shared Table® and the Impact Accelerator, the company aims to strengthen neighborhoods and care for the people within them. Local OwnerOperators are central to this mission, helping develop their teams, building relationships with local organizations and tailoring philanthropic efforts to meet unique community needs.
In La Quinta, Chick-fil-A will be more than a place to grab a meal. It will be a space of gathering, service and connection. Economic Impact: Jobs, Growth, and Development The opening of Chick-fil-A is expected to bring significant economic benefits to La Quinta. Chick-fil-A, Inc. shared that the restaurant will create approximately 120 jobs, offering team members opportunities for growth, leadership development and access to the company’s scholarship programs. These jobs are not just paychecks — they’re pathways to advancement, skill-building and personal development. Beyond employment, the new restaurant will contribute to the city’s tax base, foster local partnerships and strengthen the fabric of the La Quinta business community. A Restaurant Designed for La Quinta Chick-fil-A is designed with the Guest experience in mind. With a modern layout that includes three two-lane drivethru lanes, the restaurant ensures that convenience is front and center, whether customers are dining in, carrying out, or ordering through mobile and delivery services.
The restaurant also plans to host community events, including Quinceañera celebrations, storytime readings for children in the playground area, bingo nights and more. With La Quinta High School nearby and back-toschool season approaching, Lokay and his team are especially excited to connect with students and faculty, creating opportunities for collaboration and celebration. Visit Chick-fil-A La Quinta
Inside, the space offers seating for 68 Guests and features a playground area where children can laugh and play, while the outdoor patio seats an additional 32 Guests — perfect for enjoying La Quinta’s sunny days. From dine-in hospitality to mobile ordering efficiency, every detail has been crafted to create a welcoming, enjoyable experience for all.
The restaurant will also participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, which redirects surplus food to local nonprofits, helping to create more than 35 million meals nationwide to date. Lokay emphasized that as the restaurant settles in, the team will continue to build partnerships with local organizations to further address hunger and meet other community needs.
Chick-fil-A is located at 79520 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA. It will be open Monday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering dine-in, drive-thru, mobile ordering, delivery and carry-out services. For more information, visit the Chick-fil-A Press Room to learn about the company’s food, people and latest news. As Chick-fil-A, Inc. brings its signature hospitality and mission-driven approach to La Quinta, the city gains not just a new restaurant, but a new neighbor.
Meet the Owner: A Heart for Service At the heart of the La Quinta Chick-fil-A is local Owner-Operator Matt Lokay. A Southern California resident for over a decade, Lokay brings years of experience in sales and retail to his role, along with a deep commitment to the community. “As the local Owner-Operator for Chick-fil-A, I’m honored to serve the La Quinta community with genuine care and hospitality,” said Lokay. “My goal is to be a welcoming and positive presence, whether that’s through partnering with local organizations and schools, supporting community events, or creating a workplace where Team Members can thrive. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the community I call home and welcome Guests into our restaurant, where they will not just be seen as Guests, but as part of our extended Chick-fil-A family.” Philanthropy Involvement
and
Looking Ahead: Building Connections, Celebrating Community Looking to the year ahead, Chick-fil-A has big plans. The team will focus on training and developing leaders, serving greattasting food and making a meaningful difference in the lives of team members and guests.
Community
Chick-fil-A La Quinta is committed to giving back. Upon opening, Chick-fil-A, Inc. will donate $25,000 to Feeding America on behalf of the new restaurant, supporting efforts to combat hunger in the greater Palm Springs area. 7
2025 All Valley Mayors, County and Tribal Chairpersons Luncheon FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2025 | 10:30 A.M. RENAISSANCE ESMERALDA RESORT & SPA, INDIAN WELLS
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the 2025 Annual All Valley Mayors, County and Tribal Chairpersons Luncheon. This highly anticipated gathering will convene the influential leaders of the Coachella Valley, including all nine Valley Mayors, County Supervisor, and Tribal Chairs. Through this exclusive event, these distinguished individuals will address a comprehensive range of topics crucial to our thriving business community. Engaging discussions will encompass vital subjects such as tax policy, emerging industries, and business regulations, among others. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the current state of our valley’s prosperity, potential challenges on the horizon, and the outlook for the future, directly from those who are at the forefront of shaping these conversations.
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CERT Strong:
Building a Resilient La Quinta Story by: Sherry Barkas/City of La Quinta Residents are reminded frequently that a major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 or higher could strike at any time, leaving the Coachella Valley without utilities, including phone service, and isolating the area due to damaged roads.
First responders may not be able to reach communities immediately, so residents must be prepared to get themselves through the first days, check on neighbors and help where they can. Creating emergency kits and “go-bags,” and having a plan in place that spells out how and where family members
will connect if they are not together when disaster strikes, is drilled into us repeatedly. To increase citizen readiness, the City provides Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, training that gives people the knowledge and tools needed to provide basic medical aid, safely search for and rescue victims, and organize themselves to be effective when a disaster occurs. The 20-hour course is offered free twice a year in partnership with the Riverside County Emergency Management Department’s (EMD) CERT program, which conducts the classes. Classes run over three consecutive days, beginning with a four-hour session on Friday evening then all day Saturday and Sunday. Attending all three sessions is mandatory to earn certification. Everyone who completes the course gets a Certificate of Training, a green CERT backpack containing basic tools and safety gear, including hard hats, reflective
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vests, gloves, goggles, flares, basic firstaid kits, flashlights, batteries and a tool for shutting off utilities. Priority 1: Personal Safety One thing that is repeatedly stressed is that personal safety is the number one priority for CERT volunteers. “Your safety is priority,” said Martin Baxter, who led the CERT classes in La Quinta in May, which I attended. Baxter is the Emergency Services Coordinator for Riverside County. The first step in any emergency is to assess the situation and determine the best plan for action or reaction, Baxter said. Be sure the situation is safe for you, your partner and any victims, in that order, he said. If it isn’t safe for you and your partner to proceed, don’t, he said. Wait for the first responders to arrive. Emergency volunteers must always work in teams of two or more, so the course starts with a team-building exercise. Our task: build a 5-foot-tall “tower” out of paper. Teams determined who would roll the 8x10 pieces of paper into tubes and who would build the structure. It was a timed exercise and we had to work quickly. Among the training topics covered in the course: • Fire safety and how to use an extinguisher • How to shut off utilities, including gas. • How to assess and treat injuries until paramedics arrive. • Understanding psychological trauma and how to respond. • When and how to use a tourniquet. Students also learn how to identify and treat: • If someone’s airway is blocked. • If someone is suffering from frost bite and has hypothermia. • If there are heat-related injuries, including heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke. • If someone is suffering from anaphylaxis – a severe systemic allergic reaction.
Documenting vitals and other details is important to pass along to paramedics and should include the time the incident was reported, what time you and your team arrived on scene, patients’ vitals and when they were taken. ‘Psychological First Aid’ Another helpful part of the course covers Disaster Psychology. Trainees learn to recognize signs that someone is struggling emotionally and understand the importance of responding with compassion, empathy, and patience, so they feel comfortable discussing their experience and what they need. There will also be a psychological impact on CERT volunteers due to personal losses, seeing neighbors and loved ones injured and distraught, and the unit outlines helpful steps to take individually and as part of a team before, following and after a disaster. Trainees are repeatedly reminded of the hard truth that you can’t help or save everybody.
Items to include in your emergency kits: First-aid kit. • Medication for at least a week. • Water – 1 to 2 gallons per person per day for at least 3 days. • Water purification tablets. • Non-perishable food. • Flashlights, radio and batteries. • Pet needs: Food, water, dishes, medication, shot and other health records, carriers, leashes and collars/ harnesses. Check emergency kits and supplies regularly to replace expired batteries and food, and add medications as needed. For a full list of items to put into an emergency kit, planning how to reconnect with family, and more, visit www.rivcoready.org/disaster-preparedness.
To learn more about CERT classes in La Quinta and how to sign up for the next session, contact Lisa Chastain, management analyst with the City’s Public Safety team, at lchastain@laquintaca.gov or email emergencyservicesmail@laquintaca.gov.
Instructors emphasize that medical aid is not the only function of CERT volunteers. There are other tasks that require volunteers such as setting up a treatment area. “Go where you can be the most helpful,” instructors said. The course includes several hands-on exercises, culminating in a final one that tests the knowledge you have gained. For our class, it was a simulated bus crash. Our first task was to choose a leader and follow her directions for breaking into pairs and taking on specific duties, which included assessing and prioritizing the injured by tagging them as high or low priority for the team that would be providing immediate first aid. Are You Prepared? Whether CERT-trained or not, everyone should prepare for a major earthquake or other disaster with emergency kits and a plan for where and how to reconnect with loved ones.
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CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE By: Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager
Our long-awaited Highway 111 rehabilitation project is finally underway. The Washington Street intersection was, without a doubt, the highest hurdle we had to clear in this project and the most impactful. I appreciate everyone’s patience as we worked to complete that intersection.
I know it can be a headache with lane closures and traffic slowdowns. The best way to avoid delays is to sign up to receive text message updates at www. lqhighway111.com. Updates will highlight planned lane closures for the upcoming week as well as other information. The information goes out Thursdays and/or Fridays, allowing you time to plan alternate routes for the coming week.
Thankfully, that is behind us, but there is much more to do, and this project will take several months to complete.
If you have friends, family or coworkers who travel Highway 111 through La Quinta for work, shopping or whatever,
HUNTER LOPEZ REMEMBRANCE
from the country ahead of a U.S. military withdrawal on August 26, 2021. More than 150 Afghan people also died in the attack.
August is a time of remembrance in La Quinta for one of our fallen heroes, U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, who was killed four years ago in an attack at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan. Every year we partner with the Hunter Lopez family and Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation for a lightsaber vigil to honor and remember him. Hunter was among 13 American service members killed in a suicide bombing outside the main gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul while helping to evacuate people and troops
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please let them know how to sign up for the updates so they can also plan their commutes. I appreciate everyone’s patience during this project. While badly needed, roadwork doesn’t come without some impact and I understand that. Please remember that our businesses along Highway 111 are open and accessible throughout construction.
The Hunter Lopez Lightsaber Vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 26, at Civic Center Campus. CITY UPDATES
Hunter, the son of Herman and Alicia Lopez, both sworn officers with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, grew up in Indio and graduated from La Quinta High School. He was 22 when he was killed and serving as a rifleman with the 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. He is credited with saving two girls from being crushed in the crowd at the airport during the bombing.
CITY SPONSORED SECTION
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The Cove slurry seal project is complete. The following streets received slurry seal: Avenida Rubio, Avenida Alvarado, Avenida Obregon, Avenida Carranza, Calle Potrero, Calle Temecula, Calle Chillon, Calle Arroba, Calle Colima, Calle Monterey, and Calle Chihuahua. The Fritz Burns Park Improvement Project is out to bid with construction anticipated to start in August.
COMMUNITY SERVICES Online registration available at LaQuintaCA.gov For more information, please call (760) 564-0096. WELLNESS CENTER Creative Wellness Indoors Ballroom, Latin, Swing Physical Wellness Walking Group (Indoors - no fee) Mat Pilates Personal Trainer (by appt.) PIYO (Pilates + Yoga Fusion) Stretch & Flex Yoga Flow (with Billee)
6 – 7 p.m.
T
8 – 10 a.m.
M/W/F
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. 9 – 10 a.m. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
T/TH M/TH T/TH W M
Social Wellness Blackjack 21 for Fun ($2) 2 – 4 p.m. M La Quinta Ukulele Strummers 2 – 4 p.m. F Movie Matinee (no fee) 1 p.m. M Social Bridge 12 - 4 p.m. M (call Pat 760-219-9972; Fee: $4) Mah Jongg “American” 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. T (Fee: $2) Mexican Train Dominoes 1 – 4 p.m. W (Fee: $2) Quilting for Good Times 1 – 3 p.m. TH (Volunteers) Look Who’s in the Lobby HICAP One-on-One Consultations: Monday, August 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. A HICAP counselor one-on-one appointment to help you understand your Medicare health insurance benefits. Appointments to meet at the Wellness Center can be made by calling HICAP at 800-434-0222 or 909-256-8369. Medicare Health Insurance: Tuesday, August 12, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Free information, and answers to your questions about Medicare provided by Bill Proctor & Associates Inc. Welbe Health: Wednesday, August 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Information available on customized care plans to meet seniors’ health and social needs (person-centered all-inclusive care). FIND Food Bank: Wednesday, August 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Information on FIND Food Bank mobile markets, Cal-Fresh, and low-income utility assistance.
CITY SPONSORED SECTION
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LA QUINTA MUSEUM 77885 Avenida Montezuma La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-7170 The La Quinta Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission and programs are FREE
NEW FEATURED EXHIBIT:
EVENTS:
She Sang Me A Good Luck Song: The California Indian Photographs of Dugan Aguilar, on exhibit through September 20 This exhibition reveals the richness and vibrancy of Native California cultures, featuring the works of Dugan Aguilar (Mountain Maidu/Pit River/Walker River Paiute). Aguilar, a well-known photographer of Native life, spoke his heart through his photography. Aguilar’s photos defy the romanticized and melodramatic images by which Native people are often depicted. Ranging from portraits of military veterans, basket makers, and dancers to meditative landscapes, Aguilar’s work documented — and contributes to — the perseverance and renewal of Native California’s living, vibrant cultures.
Saturday, August 23, 1-3 p.m. Summer Family Fun: Snakes! Join us for a hands-on learning experience as Paisley from the Palm Springs Snake Club brings a couple of friends to the Museum and talks about creepy crawlies that live in the desert.
“She Sang Me A Good Luck Song: The California Indian Photographs of Dugan Aguilar” is a partnership with Exhibit Envoy, Heyday Books and the Native Fund, curated by Theresa Harlan and artist Dugan Aguilar.
Saturday, August 9, 1-3 p.m. Genealogy Meet-Up Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in genealogy, join us for discussion and collaboration.
Spotlight exhibit in our Local History gallery: Wish You Were Here! See La Quinta through the lens of vacationers and road-trippers discovering the wonders of the desert, as we take a look at the postcards in the collection of the La Quinta Historical Society.
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PROGRAMS: As programs are subject to change, please find the latest information on our FREE programs at facebook.com/LaQuintaMuseum/events. Friday, August 1 & 15, 1-3 p.m. Sketchbook Journaling Get in touch with your inner artist with sketchbook journaling. Basic supplies provided.
Tuesday, August 12 & 26, 1-3 p.m. STITCH Fiber Arts Group Bring your fiber project, meet with friends old and new, share what you’ve been working on, and get inspired for your next project. Wednesday, August 13, 1pm: TED Talk Hangout Let’s enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss. This month, “Changing the way we see Native Americans” by Matika Wilbur.
CITY SPONSORED SECTION
Saturday, August 16, 1-3 p.m. Mindful Art Workshop Unwind your mind as we try out meditative art together. This intuitive art practice emphasizes the process of creation rather than the final product, encouraging mindfulness and focus on the present moment. Supplies provided. Tuesday, August 19, 11 a.m. Take a Break with Huell Join us for an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold on the big screen. This month, Huell learns that many “Okies” fled the Dust Bowl in their jalopies with signs reading “California or Bust,” often ending up at the “Weedpatch camp,” a federal labor and living camp for migrant workers. Huell visits this historic camp, later immortalized in John Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath,” and talks with both the “Okies” who grew up there and the Latinos who now call it home. Thursday, August 28, 3 p.m. Good Books in the Gallery Let’s read a great book, and then get together to discuss. This month, we’ll read “Had a Good Time” by Robert Olen Butler. A limited number of free copies are available for book club participants; call 760-777-7170 to request one.
IT’S YOUR LIBRARY
Full list of events & activities:
La Quinta Public Library is located at 78-275 Calle Tampico. Enjoy FREE programs for all ages! Questions? Call 760-564-4767 | Rivlib.net
SPECIAL EVENTS & NEW PROGRAMS Poké-scape Room Thursday, August 7 – Saturday, August 9 @ 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | All Ages Do you have what it takes to become champion of the Sinnoh Region in a limited amount of time? Complete puzzles as you travel through the region to take on the champion in this Pokémon themed escape room. Registration is required. Pure Doodling with Sarah Young Thursday, August 14 @ 1:30 – 3 p.m. | All Ages Looking for a relaxing and thoughtful doodling experience? Join us in a safe and judgment-free space as Sarah Young guides us in relaxation and intuitive doodling! La Quinta Seed Library Opens Saturday, August 23 & remains open during the Library’s normal hours | All Ages Ready to start your own at-home garden? Come check out the La Quinta Library’s Seed Library (Wow, a library within a library), grab a few seeds, and start growing! Our Seed Library is open to all members of the community and no library card is required for check-out. ONGOING PROGRAMS Culinary Kids Monday, August 4 @ 11 a.m. | Ages 5-7 Monday, August 18 @ 11 a.m. | Ages 8-12 Little chefs can discover the joys of cooking with the Charlie Cart! Kids will learn food safety, kitchen skills, and how to create their own delicious dishes with the help of library staff. The CLA Lunch at the Library Partner Project is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
Anime Cafe Saturday, August 2 @ 12 – 2 p.m. | Ages 13-17 A fun space to hang out, watch anime, and read manga. Let’s make milk tea and boba this month (while supplies last)! Level Up LQ Saturday, August 23 @ 12 – 2 p.m. | Ages 13-17 Calling all teen gamers! Join us to play a variety of games on a variety of consoles including the PS4, Nintendo Switch, and more! Writer’s Block Sunday, August 10 @ 1 p.m. | Ages 18+ Writers of all levels can join us in monthly prompts, exercises & group critiques. Page Turners Book Club Thursday, August 21 @ 10:30 a.m. | Ages 18+ In August, we’ll discuss “The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye” by Briony Cameron. Register at the Information Desk, as copies are limited. LA QUINTA CREATION STATION PROGRAMS Questions about Creation Station programs? Call 760-777-7088 MakerSpace age restriction: Patrons must be at least 7 years old to enter the MakerSpace Room. Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Ozobots After School: Driver’s Ed Thursday, August 7 | 3 – 5:30 p.m. Red light means stop, yellow light means slow, and green light means GOOOOOOOO! Welcome to the Maker DMV Driver’s Education. Avoid the obstacles and earn your own Ozobot driver’s license. Free | Ages 7-13 MakerSpace Camp: Laser Cut Engraved Trading Cards Saturday, August 16 Session A: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (5 spots) Session B: 1:30 – 3 p.m. (5 spots) Young Makers from 7 to 13 years old can sign up for our MakerSpace Campo-Laser Engraving. This month we’ll take painted metal cards and laser engrave designs to create our very own shiny edition trading cards! Gotta make them all. $5 camp fee | RSVP | Ages 7-13 FAB-Tastic!: Clock Project Sunday, August 31 | 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Sign up to participate in this month’s FAB project. For August, Makers in FAB will learn how to put a motor, battery and dial together to build a handmade clock. This is a great project for simple electronics. $5 material fee | RSVP | Ages 7+
Maker Craft: Dragon Eggs from the Isle of Berk Saturday, August 2 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. While we can’t all be dragon riders, we can be dragon crafters. Learn how to create a small, bejeweled dragon egg that would leave even Toothless impressed. Free (while supplies last) | Ages 7+
CITY SPONSORED SECTION
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Summer Special for First-Time Clients!
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Zemits Hydro Dermabrasion, a treatment that smooths, hydrates, and refreshes your skin while combating dry, congested skin.
Book now at Julia@DesertBreezeSkinCare.com DesertBreezeSkinCare.com
The Golf Academy:
The Performance Lab at PGA WEST – Elevating the Game in La Quinta Story by: GCVCC Staff
What Sets It Apart
A Team of Elite Instructors
Nestled in the heart of California’s Coachella Valley, PGA WEST® Golf Academy has long been synonymous with golf excellence. But with the unveiling of The Performance Lab, PGA WEST has elevated itself into one of the most technologically advanced golf instruction destinations in the country — Much to the delight of La Quinta residents and visitors alike.
What truly makes The Golf Academy stand out is the cutting edge Performance Lab or indoor facility, one of the most advanced in the nation. The Lab is outfitted with technologies like Swing Catalyst 3D force and pressure plates, Swing Catalyst cameras, Gears Golf 3D analysis, Zen Putting and Swing stages, and Quintic Ball Roll and Overhead systems. This suite of tools allows instructors to break down the golf swing and putting stroke with pinpoint accuracy, turning even the smallest tweaks into game-changing improvements.
At the helm of The Performance Lab is Bryan Lebedevitch, a highly respected instructor recognized by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest. Leading a team of eight instructors, Bryan has built a staff brimming with talent, many of whom hold prestigious honors such as Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor, Golf Digest Best in State, and PGA Teacher of the Year.
A Mission of Personalized Improvement The mission of The Golf Academy is simple yet powerful: deliver worldclass, customized golf instruction to every golfer, regardless of skill level. Whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or fine-tuning your swing for the professional circuit, the Academy’s philosophy centers on meeting players where they are and guiding them toward tangible, lasting improvement. Using cutting-edge technology and a personal approach, the Academy ensures each student leaves with a deeper understanding of their game and a clear plan to advance it. 22
Beyond the indoor technology, the Academy boasts access to five championship golf courses, three clubhouses, and three expansive driving ranges — all on-site. The Tournament practice facility also offers one of the biggest Trackman Range Units in the Area. This all-in-one setting provides a seamless transition from indoor analysis to outdoor application, offering an unparalleled experience for golfers looking to elevate their performance.
Among them are: • Josh Myers (Golf Digest Best in State) • Joseph Hallett (2024 PGA Teacher of the Year) • Brady Riggs (California Teaching Hall of Fame) • Charlie Rodi (National Fitters Council, TaylorMade/Callaway) • John Battaglia (Golf Digest Best Young Teachers and Golf Digest Best in State) • Sam Varner • Keith Morgan
Looking Ahead The Academy isn’t resting on its laurels. With the new Performance Lab space now fully operational, PGA WEST is planning new programming for the upcoming season, designed to integrate the latest technologies and expand its reach to even more golfers. Upcoming workshops, tournaments, and events promise to make the Academy a hub of activity in the Coachella Valley golf scene. Why They Teach The team’s collective passion is unmistakable — they spend every hour focused on teaching, refining their ideas and advancing their craft. Programs for Every Golfer The Academy offers a wide array of programs, from one-hour private lessons to multi-day golf schools and clinics. Whether you’re a junior, adult, beginner, or advanced player, the Academy tailors each session to individual or group needs. For young golfers and aspiring pros, the staff develops detailed competitive training plans, identifying areas of focus and guiding players through every element needed to compete at the highest level. Success Stories that Inspire The Academy’s reputation is backed by remarkable success stories. Bryan Lebedevitch has coached LPGA star Cristie Kerr since the early 2000s, guiding her to 20 LPGA Tour wins, including two major championships and the No. 1 spot in the Official Golf World Rankings. He also coached Mirim Lee during her rise to the LPGA Top 10 and has worked with numerous other professionals, including Si Woo Kim and Liselotte Neumann.
An Experience Like No Other From the moment you walk into The Performance Lab, you know you’re in for something special. Students are immersed in a high-tech learning environment where data meets intuition, and instructors translate complex metrics into simple, actionable steps. But it’s not all about numbers; the Academy’s vast outdoor spaces, pristine courses, and top-tier practice facilities create an unmatched setting where players can seamlessly bring changes from the lab to the fairway. What People Are Saying Student feedback speaks volumes: many describe their time at the Academy as transformative, praising not just the immediate improvements but the long-term impact on their game. Visitors frequently note the instructors’ genuine passion for teaching and their commitment to helping every golfer, no matter their goals.
What drives the instructors at PGA WEST? A love for the game and the joy of helping others improve. For these passionate teachers, the most rewarding part of their work is seeing students unlock their potential, break through barriers, and experience the pure satisfaction that comes with better play. Learn More For those interested in joining this premier golf experience, contact Eddie Gutierrez at (760) 564-7144 or egutierrez@pgawest.com. You can also visit www.pgawest.com under the Academy tab, with a new dedicated Performance Lab page coming soon. For La Quinta residents and visitors alike, The Golf Academy: The Performance Lab at PGA WEST isn’t just a place to learn — it’s a place to transform your game and rediscover your love for golf.
Among the rising stars is Luke Ringkamp, a student of Josh Myers, who has dominated junior tournaments across California, recently setting a new scoring record at the prestigious Champions Invitational. Luke’s achievements — including a scholarship to Pepperdine University — are a testament to the Academy’s ability to shape champions.
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Because where you shop matters
revivalsstores.com
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5 Reasons to Join the Chamber Networking Opportunities – Connect with local business owners, community leaders, and potential clients at exclusive events. Business Promotion – Gain visibility through chamber directories, social media, and marketing opportunities. Advocacy & Representation – Have a voice in local government and business policies that impact your industry. Educational Resources – Access workshops, seminars, and expert advice to help grow your business. Community Involvement – Support local and show your commitment to the Coachella Valley region.
Find out more at
GCVCC.ORG
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because your legacy matters
Imagine a future where health care is a right, not a privilege. Through planned giving, you can help secure a future where health equity becomes reality, leaving a legacy of hope. To learn more or schedule a conversation, contact us today and start building your lasting impact.
Visit PlannedGiving.DAPHealth.org to learn more.
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DAP Heath is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our federal tax ID number is 33-0068583.
Desert Care Network is committed to giving back to our community.
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OUTPATIENT CENTERS & CLINICS
Including primary care, cancer care, wound care and weight management.
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THOUSAND PATIENTS TREATED
Each year in the Coachella Valley, Morongo Basin, and our greater region.
$30M CHARITY CARE Annually, we provide more than $30 million in charity care to those in need.
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TRAUMA CENTERS
THE
LARGEST STROKE NETWORK
DESERT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
JFK MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
HI-DESERT MEDICAL CENTER
With 385 beds, a Level 1 Trauma Center, 10 operating rooms, and 31 ER treatment beds, DRMC is the anchor of Desert Care Network.
With 145 beds, a Level 4 Trauma Center, and a Primary Stroke Center, JFK Memorial Hospital serves the Central and Eastern Coachella Valley.
With 179 beds, a Level 4 Trauma Center, and a continuing care center, HDMC is a critical health resource for the hidesert communities.
PALM SPRINGS
INDIO
JOSHUA TREE
IN THE DESERT
THE
HIGHEST LEVEL NICU FOR NEWBORNS IN THE DESERT
To learn more, visit DesertCareNetwork.com/Dedicated 31
EXPERIENCE THE TASTE OF SUMMER Enjoy special summer-inspired prix fixe menus at Twenty6, Adobe Grill, and Morgan’s in the desert through September 8, 2025.
VIEW MENUS
Visit laquintaresort.com/taste-of-summer for more information and to make reservations.
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