Copy
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
We're grateful for our advertisers. Become one.
Wednesday, Jan. 18 | ☀️ 64°/44°

Welcome to midweek, where we're sending out some congrats to the folks at our favorite observatory, which was recommended in this New York Times article titled "52 places to go in 2023." Since we're all pretty close to Rancho Mirage we can probably cross this recommended destination off the list easily.
 
🎶 Setting the mood: "Money, Money, Money" by Abba

First things first: Sidewalk vendors now need permits in Cathedral City 

Fruit vendors such as this one on the city’s border with Palm Springs off Ramon Road will need a license following action by the Cathedral City Council last week.

Two months after first starting to explore the subject, Cathedral City leaders have finalized new regulations for the ever-increasing number of sidewalk vendors in the city.

What we know: During its regular meeting on Jan. 11, the City Council unanimously approved new rules aimed at both streamlining the permitting process for vendors and assuring greater oversight of their operation.

  • The issue came to the Council’s attention in November after it was noted that code compliance officers interacting with many vendors found they were not licensed, did not have a food handler permit, and did not carry identification.
How it works: Under the ordinance passed last week, vendors must initially pay $192 for a permit, and $100 each year they wish to renew. Obtaining the permit requires successfully showing a city business license and Riverside County Health Department food handlers permit. The permit must be visible on any cart.
  • The ordinance does not apply to groups such as the Girl Scouts and other nonprofits when they set up on private property such as grocery stores. 

In context: A rise in street vending has been occurring throughout the Coachella Valley since the start of the pandemic, as many residents lost service industry jobs and looked for other ways to earn a living.

What they're saying: “(I)t has been difficult to address community and health concerns and has limited staff’s enforcement options in requesting the vendor leave the area, only to find the vendor has returned later in the day or the next day.” — Sandra Molina, the city’s code compliance and development manager.

Dive deeper with our full story.

In brief: Talus developer faces La Quinta City Council after delay

A rendering of the Pendry residences planned at the Talus development, formerly SilverRock, in La Quinta. 

Developers of a long-delayed luxury resort in La Quinta presented an update Tuesday evening to the City Council after announcing last month that the opening of the initial phase of the project faces more delays. 

First things first: The development, known as Talus and formerly known as SilverRock Golf Resort, will feature a 134-guest room Montage luxury hotel, a 200-room Pendry hotel, 29 single-family homes, 55 condos, a conference center, and a golf clubhouse.

Driving the news: Developer Robert Green informed city officials that a planned fall 2023 opening for a portion of the development would not happen.

  • Green is projecting the Montage hotel will open in early 2024, with the 200-room Pendry hotel opening later that same year.

At issue: Green blamed the delay on rising costs for materials, equipment, and labor, as well as the higher interest rates. “If we had closed on a loan a year ago, we would have been paying 8.5% for that money, and now we’ll be paying over 10%,” he said.

  • Increased costs forced Green to rework the complex financing of the project, he said, adding that two of the five key financing elements were closed last month, totaling more than $150 million, with the other three close to being completed.

What they’re saying: Councilmembers all said they were still supportive of the project but wanted more transparency.

  • “I can’t go running without hearing about [the project],” said Councilmember Kathleen Fitzgerald. “People are very concerned. It’s getting increasingly difficult to remain hopeful.” 

Background: The development on Avenue 52 dates back to 2002 when the city bought the land and soon opened a golf course. The project was stalled until 2014. Once funding was secured in 2018, the estimated completion date was late 2020.

  • The price tag for the development has ballooned to more than $600 million, well over the original estimate in 2014 of about $450 million.
Dive deeper with our full story.
A MESSAGE FROM TTK REPRESENTS

Be a part of an immersive Mid Century art and architecture exhibition in Palm Springs!!!

We are excited to present you with an opportunity for a new kind of experience.  The exhibition is invite-only in the heart of palm springs showcasing one of the city's most famous architects' homes with curated art and furniture.   Sign up here for more information on available times.

Click here for more information.

In Other News

🚆 Officials with the Riverside County Transportation Commission are doing a tour of sorts, visiting city halls in the valley to note progress on a project that will eventually see rail service between here and downtown Los Angeles.

✍️ Entertainment writer Bruce Fessier has authored a fascinating two-part series for Coachella Valley Weekly that explores "The Flip Side of Utopia." In it, he details a time in when the Mafia was prevalent in the valley, and also takes a deep dive into the history of events that occurred at Section 14 in Palm Springs.

🏌🏽‍♂️ The American Express golf tournament returns to the valley starting Thursday. Larry Bohannan breaks down five storylines to watch as the action gets underway. Check out all the tee times here.

🏗️ Cathedral City is looking to expand its horizons by promoting business growth in an area known as "North City," a 5,000-acre plot of open land north of Interstate 10.

Events

Author Series: Tim Mulligan
Thursday | 1 p.m. | Desert Hot Springs Library
Tim Mulligan is the best-selling co-author of the book "ROAR: How to Build a Resilient Organization the World-Famous San Diego Zoo Way."

Downtown Improvement Workshop
Thursday | 6 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers | Desert Hot Springs
This workshop, held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., invites you to imagine a future for downtown Desert Hot Springs. All DHS residents are encouraged to participate. 

Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour
Thursday | 7 p.m. | McCallum Theatre | Palm Desert
As one of the world’s longest running and most iconic events, the Monterey Jazz Festival celebrates its 65th year with a must-hear, once-in-a-lifetime ensemble.

El Paseo Cruise Nights
Friday | 2 - 5 p.m. | The Gardens on El Paseo
You don't need to own a classic car to enjoy all the festivities of Cruise Night on El Paseo, which also has more dates over the next few months. Everyone is welcome!

Show: "The Simon & Garfunkel Story"
Friday and Saturday | Times vary | McCallum Theatre | Palm Desert
Now performed in over 50 countries, "The Simon & Garfunkel Story" is a critically acclaimed, concert-style theatre show about two young boys from Queens, New York who went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time.

Musical: "All About Moonbeams"
Friday and Saturday | Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert | Rancho Mirage
This musical by June August is about five quirky women, residents of an upscale 55+ complex, who join a weekly memoir-writing workshop. 

New Literacy Tutor Training
Saturday | 10 a.m. | Desert Hot Springs Library
Interested in knowing what it means to be a literacy tutor and to help adult learners in the community? Join the DHS library at its upcoming literacy tutor training for adults.

Submit Your Event

And finally...

Liz Sackley helps a customer Tuesday afternoon at her new frozen yogurt shop in Desert Hot Springs.

🍨 We've made no secret of our love of frozen treats, so when we got a text last month that a new frozen yogurt shop was opening in Desert Hot Springs we were prepared to jump into action. Unfortunately that jump took us a month to make, but it was well worth the wait.

What we know: Following a year of work and permitting, Liz Sackley held a ribbon cutting for Lizzy's Premium Frozen Yogurt on Dec. 19 and has since become somewhat of a star. Her new shop at 66040 Pierson Blvd. has been featured in the newspaper and on one of the local TV stations.

It's no wonder why she's gotten so much attention. Lizzy's exudes cuteness, thanks to playful art done by her cousins — a pair of LA-based artists named Shelby and Sandy — that adorns the exterior and interior walls, and a simple, bright interior.

  • The entire operation is a bit of a family affair, she said Tuesday — you'll likely find her behind the counter in the mornings, then her brother in the afternoons.
If you go: Everything is self-serve and you pay by the ounce. Look for a dozen flavors on tap (and ready to swirl), including three non-dairy options. There are more than 40 toppings to finish your creation.
  • We concocted a combination of pistachio and cookies and cream, then topped it with miniature Reese's Pieces and crushed Heath Bars. Yum! 😋
     
  • Liz says pistachio and cookies and cream are among the most popular flavors, along with Dole Pineapple and cake batter.
Details: The shop is open every day at 11 a.m., and stays open until 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Liz also tries to post daily on Instagram and Facebook

In case you missed it

Recently published stories

📝 Miss a week? Read past newsletters here.

📣 Want your message to reach our 4,000+ subscribers? Contact us here.

Paywall free.

Solutions focused.

Reader funded.


The support that we receive from readers directly influences the number of stories that we’re able to produce. 
 
Support The CV Reporter
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Website
Email
LinkedIn
Copyright © 2023 Valley Voice Media, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.