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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCPD BrightSide NOVDEC 2020 webNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET MOVING TO SAN PABLO n 2021 CALENDARS LOOK FORWARD TO FRESH, NEW YEAR n FREE DISPOSAL OF USED OIL AND OIL FILTERS n CITY THANKS CITIZEN VOLUNTEERS n HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM HELPS LOWER INCOME HOMEOWNERS n CALL 211 FOR INFORMATION n NEW MURALS HELP UNITE PALM DESERT n PALM DESERT CELEBRATES VETERANS A PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT As a new year approaches, 2020 stands out as a time of unprecedented challenges for Palm Desert’s municipal government as well as the residents, businesses and all those it serves. One silver lining among the dark clouds of contagion and concern has been Unite Palm Desert, a more than $2 million portfolio of City programs and services that is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with a positive focus on economic relief, community uplift, and rapid recovery. The newest Unite Palm Desert bright spot is Light Up El Paseo, a fun and festive event on December 4 that is designed to kick off the winter season safely and sensationally. At 6 p.m., thousands of lights decorating the El Paseo median will be simultaneously illuminated creating an encouraging moment of wonder for young and old alike. The public is invited to view the scintillating spectacle from the safety of their vehicles while cruising the street. Spectators can also put on a mask, socially distance, and take in the fun while shopping or dining at one of the many shops and restaurants that line El Paseo. Light Up El Paseo is only the latest Unite Palm Desert feature to offer some much needed relief to our community. Conceived and initiated in the spring of 2020, Unite Palm Desert kicked off with a $1 million emergency loan program to support local businesses to help them weather the economic fallout from the pandemic and related closures. Another key Unite Palm Desert component is the City’s $900,000 hospitality program. The “third night free” program is designed to foster the recovery of local hotels and stimulate the related economic benefits provided by hotel guests who patronize area restaurants and businesses when they visit. The City has also provided $350,000 in grants to nine local nonprofit agencies who support a range of community needs related to COVID-19 and created a rental assistance program that is providing another $241,000 in economic support to local residents. Other Unite Palm Desert components include: food and essentials drives to help support local organizations such as FIND Food Bank and Martha’s Village & Kitchen; ongoing City- sponsored drive-thru COVID testing; the provision of personal protective equipment to local businesses through the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce; funding to the El Paseo Business Improvement District for a shop local campaign; and reimagined community events designed to offer safe opportunities for celebrating community spirit and engagement including a graduation cruise night for Palm Desert High School. Another popular element of Unite Palm Desert is the City’s outdoor dining program, which is working with local restaurants to offer expanded al fresco dining through grants to restaurateurs for the construction of outdoor dining decks as well as $70,000 to create a large open dining plaza on one block of Lupine Lane between El Paseo and Highway 111. All told, Unite Palm Desert is nearing $3 million in reinvestment in and support for our community at a time when the need is immense and resources are scarce. In collaboration with the nearly two-dozen nonprofit, busi- ness, and public agency partners under the Unite Palm Desert umbrella, the City is working hard to do more than survive the pandemic. We are dedicated to building a better community that will emerge from this crisis unbowed and with a renewed spirit. We hope that you will join us as we strive together and Unite Palm Desert. For more information about Unite Palm Desert, please email tsoule@cityofpalmdesert.org. SUPPORTING AND UPLIFTING OUR COMMUNITY UNITE PALM DESERTUNITE PALM DESERT 2021 Calendars Look Forward to Fresh, New Year Concept Design §Select imagery fro m o u r r e c e n t photoshoots. §Fonts are Caglios t r o a n d A v e n i r . This contrast help s t o e l e v a t e t h e organic and playf u l n a t u r e o f t h i s direction. §A color palette in t o n e o n t o n e coordinates with e a c h i m a g e selected. Colors a r e b o l d a n d r i c h while executed in g r a d i e n t s . §Three layered org a n i c s h a p e styles alternate ac r o s s s e a s o n s . Each season has t h e s a m e t h r e e shapes with varyin g c o l o r s . §Use of white spac e f o r d a t e s allows room for in t e r a c t i v e s t i c k e r application. JANUARY 8 15 22 29 1 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 9 16 23 2 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 Monday Thursday Wednesday Saturday Sunday Tuesday Friday This is where our wri t e - u p f o r e a c h m o n t h w i l l e x i s t . T h e i n t e n t w i l l b e to highlight the activi t y o r s c e n e r y i n t h e i m a g e a n d t i e i t t o our theme. 30/31 MARCH 12 5 19 26 9 2 16 23 30 10 3 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 13 6 20 27 11 4 18 25 8 1 15 22 29 This is where our wri t e - u p f o r e a c h m o n t h w i l l e x i s t . The intent will be t o h i g h l i g h t t h e a c t i v i t y o r s c e n e r y in the image and tie i t t o o u r t h e m e . Monday Thursday Wednesday Saturday Sunday Tuesday Friday Palm Desert residents can safely dispose of their used oil and oil filters in a convenient and environmentally friendly way at the City’s Used Oil and Oil Filter Exchange Event on Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. Located at the Auto Zone at 34860 Monterey Avenue, the event will also offer participants who bring in a used oil filter a new one for free. Used oil must be stored properly in a clean, sealed, uncontaminated container. Workers at the event will accept up to five gallons of used oil per vehicle. It is illegal to transport more than five gallons of used oil in a personal vehicle. Attendees will be required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing to participate. Anyone who is unable to participate in this event can dispose of their used oil and oil filters free of charge at Burrtec’s Recycle Center and at other certified collection centers in Palm Desert. Free filters, up to two per person, are only available at the November 7 event while supplies last. For more information, please call 760-328-7370. Dates to Remember DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS November 1 ELECTION DAY November 3 VETERANS DAY November 11 THANKSGIVING November 26 CHRISTMAS DAY December 25 NEW YEAR’S EVE December 31 Palm Desert City Council meetings are now available on YouTube. In addition to watching the meetings streamed live from the Council Information Center page on the City’s website, residents and anyone who is interested can tune in to the City of Palm Desert Meetings Channel on YouTube or go to cityofpalmdesert.org/youtube to access an improved audio and visual viewing experience for live and past City Council meetings. Information: dhermann@cityofpalmdesert.org Burrtec’s Recycle Center, 41800 Corporate Way, buys back empty California Refund Value (CRV) beverage containers. The Center is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Information: 760-340-2113 The federal Mortgage Credit Certificate Program gives qualified home buyers a better chance of getting a home purchase loan by reducing their taxes and increasing their effective income. Participants must use an approved lender. For approved lenders and more information, contact Riverside County EDA. Information: 951-343-5470 or 951-343-5433 or visit www.rchomelink.com Palm Desert’s weekly Certified Farmers’ Market will have an exciting new address starting this December. Beginning on Wednesday, December 2, the popular weekly market will move from its existing location in Entrada del Paseo to its new home on San Pablo. The move capitalizes on San Pablo’s recently reimagined pedestrian and bicycle friendly design and will begin to realize the centrally located street’s potential as a new outdoor community event space. San Pablo will be closed between Alessandro Drive and San Gorgonio Way every Wednesday morning for the market, which runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., October through April. A perennial favorite, Palm Desert’s Certified Farmers’ Market gives residents and visitors an opportunity to shop for farm fresh produce and other artisanal products. The market’s nearly two-dozen farms are regionally- based, most within 100 miles of Palm Desert, and provide a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables. In addition to the wonderful produce, the market offers a mouthwatering array of other products such as farm raised meats, eggs, cheeses, honey, organic coffee, flowers, prepared foods, chocolates, soaps, and more. Looking forward to saying “goodbye” to 2020 and welcoming a fresh new year? The City’s 2021 calendars can help. Arriving in November, the new calendars are once again filled with colorful and compelling images of the many attractions and amenities that make Palm Desert an exceptional community. From sun drenched pools to snowcapped mountain vistas, the City’s 2021 calendar celebrates our uniquely wonderful community by highlighting some of its many scenic and sensational attributes. The free, 28-page calendars will be available for pickup at Palm Desert City Hall, the Palm Desert Library, Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce, and at Desert Willow Golf Resort. For more information, please email tsoule@cityofpalmdesert.org. Concept Design -Cover 2021 §Introduction of calendar th e m e “This is oouu rr happy pace” §Image from our dedicated photoshoot which also ties b a c k to the home page of the www.discoverpalmdesert.co m website §Logo and 2021 identificatio n For more information, please visit www.certifiedfarmersmarkets.org or call 844-7FARMCV (844-732-7628). FREE DISPOSAL OF USED OIL & FILTERS Certified Farmers’ Market Moving to SAN PABLO Local artist John Cuevas paints mural at The Gardens on El Paseo The economic relief and support provided by Unite Palm Desert is critically important to our community, but the campaign is focused on doing more. That means finding creative ways to build an even better community. Examples include devising fresh new takes on favorite local events, such as the City’s Independence Day and Veterans Day celebrations, and delivering hope and inspiration through things like uplifting new artwork. The most colorful examples of this new art can be found in murals by artist John Cuevas that were recently commissioned by the City. A respected local artist who also designed the Unite Palm Desert logo, Cuevas’ intimate association with the campaign along with his extensive experience painting murals made him the ideal person to artistically represent Unite Palm Desert in this new and exciting way. At publication time, the artist was in the process of painting two murals, the first of which will adorn a wall on the west side of the Gardens on El Paseo, adjacent to San Pablo Avenue. The second mural is being painted on a wall at KUD Properties, located at 74124 Highway 111 between Portola Avenue and Deep Canyon Road. The City is seeking potential locations for at least one more mural by Cuevas to share and celebrate the Unite Palm Desert campaign. In addition to inspiring smiles and lifting spirits, the project’s goal is to create picture worthy, “Instagrammable” moments that showcase Palm Desert’s determination and resilience in the face of any challenge. For more information about Unite Palm Desert and to offer potential mural locations, please email alawrence@cityofpalmdesert.org. One of the many things that make Palm Desert a uniquely wonderful place is its involved citizenry, who give generously of their time and talents to serve our community. Their generosity and dedication has never been more prominently displayed or critically needed than during the last nine months as the City has worked to respond to and flourish despite the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, our committee and commission members have demonstrated their continued commitment to volunteer service in the face of unprecedented challenges. More than 100 volunteers serve on Palm Desert’s 17 standing committees and commissions or represent the community through appointments to ad hoc committees and other organizations including the Palm Springs Airport Commission, Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District, and Joslyn Center. Many more residents serve in a volunteer capacity as Palm Desert Library or Public Art Program docents or with Palm Desert’s award-winning Citizens on Patrol (COPS) team. The Palm Desert City Council, along with City staff, deeply appreciate and gratefully recognize the service of Palm Desert’s volunteers who selflessly dedicate themselves to service and to making Palm Desert a community of which we can all be exceptionally proud. NEED NON-EMERGENCY HELP? CALL 211! New MURALS Help UNITE PALM DESERT Did you know that in addition to dialing 911 for emergencies, Palm Desert residents and others who live in Riverside County can dial 211 for information about and help with a wide variety of needs? County 211 information and referral specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with a database of more than 800 community resources to help you get the assistance you need on topics including: • housing assistance • early childhood and parenting support • food pantries • mental health care • disability and aging support services • legal services • employment • counseling • substance abuse programs • support for victims of physical or sexual abuse Information is available in more than 100 languages. The 211 system also allows public safety officials to provide residents with critical information in times of crisis. For more information, please call 211. Resources are also available online at connectriverside.org. CITY THANKS Citizen Volunteers TH A N K Y O U Lower-income homeowners with homes that need emergency repairs are encouraged to apply for the City of Palm Desert’s Home Improvement Program. Examples of the types of repairs that could be eligible for assistance under the program include emergency air conditioner repairs and repairs to damaged roofs. If you own your own home, think you might qualify for the program, and would like more information, please email pleon@cityofpalmdesert.org. Home Improvement Program Helps Lower-Income Homeowners Artist rendering of KUD Properties mural ECRWSS Resident and/or Business Palm Desert, CA PRESORTED STANDARD US Postage PAID Palm Desert, CA Permit No. 160 73510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 phone 760-346-0611 e-mail info@cityofpalmdesert.org Websites www.discoverpalmdesert.com www.cityofpalmdesert.org n Watch City Council meetings live online at www.cityofpalmdesert.org on the 2nd and 4th Thursday each month at 4 p.m. n NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 Palm Desert is honoring the sacrifices of those who have served in the United States military and recognize the dedication of those who continue to serve our nation in more ways than ever before this November. Beginning November 1 and continuing through Veterans Day on November 11, a student artwork display at Westfield Palm Desert will feature art and written works that honors our veterans. On November 9 and 10, a Gratitude Wall will be on display in Civic Center Park from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Community members are welcome and encouraged to bring their own pen/marker to write a thank you message to our veterans or simply sign their name on the wall. The finale to this year’s special celebration of veterans will be the City’s annual Veterans Day Celebration, which will be offered virtually on Wednesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. The community is invited to join and view the virtual event on both the City’s Facebook page and our YouTube channel. The program will feature a keynote speaker from the 7th Marine Regiment at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms as well as a patriotic concert performance. A new addition to this year’s virtual event is a video presentation honoring local veterans. To submit a photo for inclusion in this presentation, please email vmager@cityofpalmdesert.org. After the celebration, viewers can learn more about available benefits and resources for veterans during a virtual “Resource Round-up” featuring local veterans’ services and resource organizations. For more information, please call 760-568-1441 or email vmager@cityofpalmdesert.org. Palm Desert Celebrates Veterans NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2020 PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive 760-565-7467 www.pdpool.com Call for hours of operation Open for lap swimming seven days a week. Sessions begin on the hour and last 45 minutes. Space is limited with online reservations required. Information: pdpool.com or 760-565-7467 PALM DESERT COMMUNITY CENTER 43900 San Pablo Avenue 760-568-9697 www.myrecreationsdistrict.com Call for hours of operation Golf Center at Palm Desert Home of the First Tee of the Coachella Valley youth golf program includes 9-hole par three course, driving range with chipping and putting greens, foot golf, and more. 74945 Sheryl Avenue 760-779-1877 FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT 43930 San Pablo Avenue 760-341-9622 www.ymcaofthedesert.org Call for hours of operation Distance Learning Program Ages 5 – 12 Educational support and creative enrichment opportunities for elementary school children at multiple locations. Information & registration: ymcaofthedesert.org/ distance-learning-support/ CITY OF PALM DESERT Palm Desert Civic Center 73510 Fred Waring Drive 760-346-0611 www.palm-desert.org www.cityofpalmdesert.org Open virtually Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed November 11, 26, 27, & December 24, 25, 31 The Desert Rose Society invites the public to visit desertrosesociety.com for information about monthly virtual meetings via the Internet. Information: desertrosesociety.com Visitor Services 760-568-1441 Short Term Rental Hotline 760-862-6900 Code Enforcement Hotline 760-776-6360 Report Graffiti 760-776-6450 Palm Desert Police Department Call 911 for emergencies Non-emergencies: 760-836-1600 – cont'd on next page – Y Rookies Ages 3 – 5 January 9 – February 27 Kids learn the fundamentals of soccer in a noncompetitive environment with emphasis on sportsmanship, fair play, and participation. Information: ymcaofthedesert.org/y-rookies/ Jean Benson Child Development Center Located at 75433 Orange Blossom Lane, the Center offers high quality day care for children ages 2-5 with State preschool and other financial aid options. For a virtual tour and more information, call 760-836-3336. PALM DESERT PUBLIC LIBRARY 73300 Fred Waring Drive 760-346-6552 www.rivlib.net Call for hours of operation Information about operating hours and programs can be found at www.rivlib.net. The Library is providing “Express Service” allowing patrons to pick up books and other items placed on hold at the Library’s front door. The Library is also accepting returns and offering reference services via telephone. 1. Go to www.rivlib.net to browse and place holds on items (library card and pin number required). 2. Once notified that your items are available, please call 760-346-6552 to make an appointment for pickup. 3. Masks must be worn at pickup. 4. At the Library’s front door, show your library card or photo ID. 5. Return materials to the outside book drop bin (the automated wall drop is not functioning). 6. Books/items will be quarantined for more than 96 hours before being reshelved (fines will not accrue during this time). For assistance please call the Library at 760-346-6552. Veterans Resource Center Information and referrals for anyone who has served in the military. Information: 760-346-6552 PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM IN PALM DESERT 72567 Highway 111 760-346-5600 www.psmuseum.org/palm-desert/ Call for hours of operation Daily free admission provided by Helene V. Galen Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden open 7 days a week COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms 760-343-3644 Information: www.rcdas.org Animals available for adoption COLLEGE OF THE DESERT 43500 Monterey Avenue 760-346-8041 www.collegeofthedesert.edu Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts Information: 760-776-7278 LIR (Learning in Retirement) Information & registration: www.lirpalmdesert.org Classes continue online using Zoom. LIR’s six-week Fall session begins November 2 with winter session starting on January 11. Choose from many topics and take up to five classes for only $45 (reduced fee for current academic year). CREATE CENTER FOR THE ARTS 73733 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 106 760-834-8318 www.createcenterforthearts.org THE GARDENS/EL PASEO VILLAGE 73545 El Paseo 760-862-1990 Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hours may vary On Friday, November 27 (Black Friday), The Gardens will be lighting its seasonal tree with a giant, walk through ornament designed for customers to enjoy and take selfies. Receive a free tote with any purchase over $100. Socially Distanced Photos with Santa Saturday, December 5 Open to the first 36 participants who get tickets. Ticket sales benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Desert and participants receive a holiday mask. Information:760-862-1990 Socially Distanced Pet Photos with Santa Open to the first 36 participants who get tickets. Ticket sales benefit the Bianca Rae Foundation and participants receive a holiday mask. Information: 760-862-1990 – cont'd from cover– CSUSB PALM DESERT CAMPUS 37500 Cook Street 760-341-2883 pdc.csusb.edu Offices open virtually, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed November 26 – 27 & December 24 – January 2 Educational Programs Offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctor of Education degrees as well as Teacher Preparation/ Credential and Certificate Programs New programs include: Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, and Cybersecurity Information: csusb.edu/pdc/our-programs Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Offers non-credit, university-level courses for adults 50+ along with events, travel program, and discussion groups. Information: www.csusb.edu/OLLI or 909-537-8270 Join the Cal State University Associates and attend monthly educational and enlightening speaker events. Information: www.CalStateUniversityAssociates.com HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PALM DESERT & FREE MUSEUM 72861 El Paseo 760-346-6588 www.hspd.org The Firehouse Museum is closed. Appointments are available to research the Archives. Visit hspd.org and click on “News/Events” for information about this season’s virtual Friday Night Lecture Series via YouTube, on the third Friday of the month. JOSLYN CENTER 73750 Catalina Way 760-340-3220 www.joslyncenter.org Please call 760-340-3220 or visit our website for information on virtual programs, existing services, and our plans for safely reopening. Many Joslyn Center programs continue online on the Center’s YouTube channel. The Joslyn’s live variety show airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. and virtual learning series on weekdays at 2 p.m. can be viewed on the Joslyn’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/JoslynCenter. Friendly Caller Program Weekly check-ins, support, and socialization Information: 760-340-3220, ext. 110 Problem Solving Strategies Use cognitive reframing to move forward efficiently with a sense of well-being and confidence, reduce stress and worry. Information: 760-340-3220, ext. 117 or veronica@joslyncenter.org Brain Boot Camp Two-session course on improved brain health, boosting memory, and developing good memory habits. Information: 760-340-3220, ext. 117 Aging Mastery Program Ten-session course to improve health, financial security, and wellbeing Information: 760-340-3220, ext. 117 Meals on Wheels Information: 760-340-3220, ext. 110 Joslyn Center continues its Meals on Wheels program delivering nutritious meals to many seniors who are home alone and unable to shop or cook for themselves. If you are able to support this program, please visit joslyncenter.org/donate Penny’s Pantry First and third Fridays, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Providing non-perishable food and fresh produce to low income seniors Annual Appeal Help the Joslyn Center continue to offer essential program and services to keep Valley seniors cared for, fed, and connected during the pandemic and beyond. Donate by texting JOSLYN to 44321, visit JoslynCenter.og, or call 760-340-3220. Cornerstone Club Join a select group of dedicated donors who give $25 or more per month to support The Joslyn Center and its many services including Meals on Wheels, Penny’s Pantry, and more. Information: 760-340-3220, ext. 107 Adopt-a-Brick Honor someone you love with a lasting tribute. $100 donation per brick. Information: 760-340-3220, ext. 105 or ellenb@joslyncenter.org Legacy Circle Include the Joslyn Center in your estate plans. Information: 760-340-3220, ext. 106 EISENHOWER MEMORY CARE CENTER 42201 Beacon Hill, Suite A 760-836-0232 emc.org Community-based resources to help people with Alzheimer’s/dementia and their caregivers. DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT 38995 Desert Willow Drive Pro shop and tee times: 760-346-7060, ext. 1 or www.desertwillow.com/teetimes Information: 760-346-7060 www.desertwillow.com The Terrace at Desert Willow Golf Resort Unique, handcrafted cuisine paired with one of the most scenic outdoor dining venues in the Coachella Valley. Breakfast: 7 – 11 a.m. daily Lunch: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily Twilight Menu: 3 – 6 p.m. daily New Dinner at the Terrace: 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday – Saturday Information: desertwillow.com/dining Cooks Grill 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily Thanksgiving Day Buffet Seatings available every 30 minutes from noon – 4 p.m. Adults: $57.99; Children 6 – 12: $24.99; Children 5 and under complimentary Information & reservations: desertwillow.com/thanksgiving For a full list of Desert Willow Golf Resort events, please visit desertwillow.com/events Palm Desert Golf Academy Information: desertwillow.com/golfschools Individual Golf Instruction Make an appointment with a Palm Desert Golf Academy professional to have a comprehensive swing evaluation and customized plan that will achieve results. MCCALLUM THEATRE 73000 Fred Waring Drive 760-340-ARTS (2787) www.mccallumtheatre.com Call or visit the mccallumtheatre.com for upcoming shows PALM DESERT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 72559 Highway 111 760-346-6111 www.pdacc.org The Chamber urges you to Shop Local which helps businesses stay open and allows them to employ people, circulating dollars in our community and strengthening our economy. Businesses can stay connected through the Chamber’s monthly Virtual Zoom Breakfast meetings on the second Tuesday of each month, November 10 & December 8, at 7 a.m. Information: pdacc.org Share referrals and network at our bi-monthly Virtual Zoom Luncheon meetings normally on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, November 11 & December 10, 11:30 a.m. Information: pdacc.org SANTA ROSA & SAN JACINTO MTNS NAT’L MONUMENT VISITOR CENTER 51500 Highway 74 760-862-9984 www.DesertMountains.org Call for events and hours of operation Free guided hikes offered on selected Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Reservations are required and can be made at desertmountains.org/calendar or by calling 760-862-9984. Free Birding Walk-About Selected Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, 8 – 10 a.m. Reservations required: 760-862-9984 or desertmountains.org/calendar Friends and Champions Join Friends of the Desert Mountains for an evening under the stars celebrating this wonderful organization’s own bright lights. The Friends has been protecting the Coachella Valley’s natural environment for more than 30 years by acquiring lands, conserving unique plants and animals, protecting and maintaining hiking trails and the scenic views we all enjoy. Information: desertmountains.org UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE/PALM DESERT CAMPUS 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive 760-834-0800 www.palmdesert.ucr.edu UCR Osher@Home Learning Fall 2020 Join a community of lifelong learners remotely via Zoom. UC Riverside Extension’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is designed to enrich the intellectual, social and cultural lives of adult learners. Access over 20, six-week, one-hour classes continuing into December. Information: extension.ucr.edu/osher or 760-834-0997 UCR has resources to make it easy for you to Zoom with them. An annual membership of $150 runs through June 2021 and gives access to courses, Lecture Series and an Online Video Library of all Osher’s Recorded Lectures for FY 2020 - 2021; Individual course fee and registration is required. Quarterly memberships also available ($70). For course highlights, please visit extension.ucr. edu/osher THE LIVING DESERT 47900 Portola Avenue 760-346-5694 www.livingdesert.org Call for hours of operation New Australian Adventures A new, engaging, and immersive experience with roaming wallabies, free-flying budgies and cockatiels, plus kookaburras, tawny frogmouths, emu, blue-tongued skink, echidna, and more. Giraffe Feeding Daily 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $7 with paid admission ($5 members) Private Safari Tours Two-hour guided tours with private shuttle. Visit livingdesert.org for pricing, advance reservations, and details Wildlights Nearly a million twinkling lights, live music, and festive food and activities on select nights November 27 – December 27, 6 – 9 p.m. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance $14; $12 members, veterans, seniors, children 3 – 12; children under 3 free