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Home My WebLink AboutCPD048 Brightside Newsletter JLY AUG 2023 webJULY/AUGUST 2023 SHARROWS CREATE AWARENESS FOR CYCLISTS SAVE A LIFE AND SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY ROADWORKS SET FOR FRED WARING BEAT EXTREME HEAT AT A COOL CENTER PROTECT YOUR PETS ON JULY 4 DON’T GET BURNED BY FIREWORKS ON JULY 4 AQUATIC CENTER MAKES A SPLASH Palm Desert celebrates our nation’s independence on Tuesday, July 4, with fun festivities featuring fireworks, live music, food trucks, and more at Civic Center Park. The Independence Day fun starts at 7:30 p.m. with a concert featuring the Swing Cats Big Band performing a variety of classic American pop and swing favorites. The sky will light up at 9 p.m. with a spectacular 20-minute-long fireworks display synchronized to patriotic-themed songs simulcast on radio stations The Mix 100.5 FM and 98.5 The Bull. While most of the festivities are scheduled for the evening, Civic Center Park is open all day for family fun. Activities and games for children will be available starting at 4 p.m. on the field area behind the Family YMCA of the Desert, a short distance north of the two children’s playgrounds. Revelers will once again have an opportunity to buy taste-tempting treats from a variety of food trucks and vendors beginning at 5 p.m. Attendees are also encouraged to bring picnic dinners, blankets, and chairs to enjoy the show. Alcoholic beverages, smoking, and portable barbeques are prohibited. To protect public safety during the holiday celebration in the busy park, golf carts will not be allowed to operate inside park grounds on July 4. Private fireworks are illegal in Civic Center Park and throughout Palm Desert. Civic Center Park is located at 73510 Fred Waring Drive. Parking at Civic Center Park on July 4 is accessible from Fred Waring Drive only and will be allowed until the parking lots are full. Parking is also available at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center after it closes at 6 p.m. Access to the Aquatic Center is limited to Magnesia Falls Drive from Portola Avenue. Overflow event parking will once again be allowed on the College of the Desert campus, with access available from Fred Waring Drive. For the comfort and convenience of attendees, a free, air-conditioned shuttle service will be provided between The Gardens on El Paseo and the park from 6 – 10 p.m. The Gardens is located at the corner of El Paseo and San Pablo Avenue. To accommodate the pyrotechnic safety zone, San Pablo Avenue between Fred Waring and Magnesia Falls Drive plus the northwest corner of Civic Center Park (including the dog parks and baseball fields) will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. Fred Waring between San Pablo and Portola Avenue will close in both directions on July 4 at 7 p.m. Streets will reopen when it is safe to do so following the conclusion of the event. Dog parks will reopen on Wednesday, July 5 at 5 a.m. For more information, please call 760-568-1441. PALM DESERT CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH FIREWORKS AND FUN What’s Inside The City of Palm Desert offers programs to encourage home ownership within the community for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. If you would like to participate in these programs, you can add your name to an interest list maintained by the City. To qualify, applicants must have good credit, some savings, and a consistent employment history. Successful applicants will be selected to pre-qualify with a lender when a home that is suitable for their household’s size and income becomes available. Information: palmdesert.gov/departments/ housing or call 760-346-0611, extension 412. Conceptional designs for the new North Palm Desert regional park will be presented for public comment at a workshop scheduled for Saturday, August 5. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Palm Desert iHub, 37023 Cook Street, Suite 102. Palm Desert staff and the City’s consultant, Interwest, will be on hand to receive comments and answer questions. Your feedback is extremely valuable in ensuring this new park space meets the needs of residents. Information: EngagePalmDesert.com The City of Palm Desert has dedicated a new position and focused additional resources on issues related to homelessness and mental health for vulnerable individuals in the city. Residents, business operators, and unhoused individuals needing supportive services can find more information by visiting the City’s website. Information: palmdesert.gov/homelessness Calendar Palm Desert City Council Meetings Thursdays, 4 p.m. July 13 and August 24 No Meeting July 27 and August 10 Independence Day Tuesday, July 4 City Hall Closed Palm Desert Independence Day Celebration Tuesday, July 4 7:30 p.m. Civic Center Park LifeStream 9 Cities Challenge Blood Drive Saturday, July 22, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Palm Desert Community Center Information and appointments: 800-879-4484 or LStream.org The eleventh annual 9 Cities Blood Drive Challenge returns this July with Coachella Valley communities competing head-to-head to inspire the most lifesaving donations. This year’s drive takes place on Saturday, July 22, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palm Desert Community Center. What started as a friendly competition between valley cities is now an essential event that helps to ensure a safe, ample blood supply over the summer months. Your generosity could save a life while helping Palm Desert reclaim the 9 Cities Challenge title. Donors at mobile collection centers will receive, while supplies last, a special edition, 9 Cities bucket hat, too. Donors must be at least 15 years of age – donors under 17 require proof of their date of birth and a signed parental consent form (available at the drive) – weigh at least 115 pounds, and feel well on drive day. A photo ID is also required. Donors should maintain their regular meal schedules and increase fluid intake (water is best) in the 24 hours prior to donating. Donors who are unable to attend the drive are encouraged to donate in Palm Desert’s name anytime between July 1 and August 31 at LifeStream’s donor centers in Rancho Mirage or La Quinta. They should request that their donations be counted toward Palm Desert’s 9 Cities Challenge total. The Palm Desert Community Center is located at 43900 San Pablo Avenue adjacent to Civic Center Park. For more information and to make an appointment, please call LifeStream at 800-879-4484 or visit lstream.org/9cities/ SAVE A LIFE AND SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY SHARROWS CREATE AWARENESS FOR CYCLISTS Shared lane markings known as “sharrows” are gaining popularity as a way to enhance road safety. Implemented on streets with lower speed limits, sharrows convey information to everyone using the street by indicating where cyclists and motorists should share the same lane. A sharrow is not a bike lane, since it does not create road space reserved for bicycles. Instead, sharrows are meant to help cyclists stick to recommended bike routes, avoid wrong-way riding, and fill gaps where a bike lane might end. When they encounter sharrows, drivers should be alert to the likely presence of bikes and remember to move to the left to pass a cyclist. Previous state law required motorists to maintain a minimum three-foot space between themselves and bicyclists traveling in the same direction. A new California law requires drivers to change lanes if one is available to provide an additional buffer. Sharrows have proven to be an effective way to remind drivers to look out for cyclists and empower bicyclists to navigate through traffic with confidence. To improve roadway safety while encouraging the use of active, alternative transportation methods like cycling, Palm Desert has installed sharrows in neighborhoods throughout the city, with more on the way. Inside Story JULY AND AUGUST 2023 ARTISTS CENTER AT THE GALEN 72567 Highway 111 760-565-6130 Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. artistscouncil.com Closed July – August Reopening September 7 CSUSB PALM DESERT CAMPUS 37500 Cook Street 760-341-2883 pdc.csusb.edu Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Summer Hours through August 4: Monday – Thursday: 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Closed Friday Closed July 4 Bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a doctorate in educational leadership, teaching credentials, and certificates. New programs include Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, Social Work, Kinesiology, and Child Development. Information: csusb.edu/pdc/our-programs Mature Adult Programs The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers non-credit, university-level courses for adults aged 50-plus. Experience all the fun of learning with no homework, no tests, and no grades. Membership also includes fun events, interest groups, and travel opportunities. Information: www.csusb.edu/OLLI or call 909-537-8270 CITY OF PALM DESERT Palm Desert Civic Center 73510 Fred Waring Drive 760-346-0611 Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. palmdesert.gov DiscoverPalmDesert.com Visitor Services 760-568-1441 Short Term Rental Hotline 760-862-6900 Code Enforcement Hotline 760-776-6360 Report Graffiti 760-340-5776 Palm Desert Police Department Emergencies: Call 911 Non-emergencies: 760-836-1600 Palm Desert In Touch Get information on City meetings, parks, trails, and public art, plus identify issues including graffiti and code violations and report them directly to City staff. Information: cityofpalmdesert.org/intouch EngagePalmDesert.com The City’s civic engagement platform allows residents a chance to ask questions, share comments, and contribute ideas on City projects. Campus Organizations Join the Cal State University Associates and become a member of a premier organization of campus supporters. Enjoy monthly educational and enlightening speaker events throughout the season. Most of the membership dues support student scholarships. Information: CalStateUniversityAssociates.com COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms 760-343-3644 rcdas.org Services include animal adoption and licensing.COLLEGE OF THE DESERT 43500 Monterey Avenue 760-346-8041 collegeofthedesert.edu Sunsets at The Street Fair Saturdays, July 22, August 26, and September 23 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. Information: 760-636-7957 or codaastreetfair.com COD Veterans Resource Center 760-773-2536 Summer Hours through August 10: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fall Hours beginning August 14: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Provides critical services for veterans and their dependents to support their success, retention, and educational needs. DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 47950 Dune Palms Road La Quinta 760-777-4200 dsusd.us Fall 2023 school year begins Tuesday, August 15. DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT 38995 Desert Willow Drive 760-346-0015 desertwillow.com Visit their website for current hours Dining The Terrace at Desert Willow Golf Resort Unique, tasteful, handcrafted cuisine paired with one of the most scenic outdoor dining venues in Palm Desert. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. View menus and hours of operation online. Information: desertwillow.com/terracerestaurant Golf Enjoy award-winning championship golf at Desert Willow Golf Resort. Contact the pro shop or go online to book your tee times. Information: 760-346-7060, ext. 1 or desertwillow.com/teetimes Summer VIP Card A legendary summer awaits with a Summer VIP Card at Desert Willow Golf Resort. Cardholders receive discounted green fees, seven-day advance booking window, discounts on instruction, golf shop savings, and more! Palm Desert Residents with valid Palm Desert Resident Card: Complimentary Non-Residents: $99 per person Information: desertwillow.com/summervip Summer Aerification Dates Firecliff and Mountain View courses will close for aerification on the following dates: Firecliff Closures Monday, July 10 – Thursday, July 20 Monday, August 7 – Thursday, August 17 Mountain View Closures Monday, July 24 – Thursday, August 3 Monday, August 21 – Thursday, August 31 FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT 43930 San Pablo Avenue 760-341-9622 ymcaofthedesert.org Family YMCA of the Desert facilities at The Shops at Palm Desert and the San Pablo YMCA are available for rent for birthday parties and other gatherings. Information: 760-346-9622 Fall Flag Football October 6 – December 8 Hovley Soccer Park Grades TK-8 Fall Y Rookies Soccer Ages 3-5 years Information and registration: ymcaofthedesert.org Jean Benson Child Development Center 75433 Orange Blossom Lane 760-836-3336 Serving children 2 – 5 years of age by supporting their unique interests, skills, and needs. They focus on the social, emotional, physical, and language development which form the basis of their lifelong learning. Information: ymcaofthedesert.org/jean- benson-child-development-center/ THE GARDENS ON EL PASEO 73545 El Paseo 760-862-1990 thegardensonelpaseo.com HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PALM DESERT &FIREHOUSE MUSEUM 72861 El Paseo 760-346-6588 hspd.org Closed for the summer. Reopening Friday, October 6. JOSLYN CENTER 73750 Catalina Way 760-340-3220 joslyncenter.org Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Onsite Programs Exercise classes, pickleball lessons, bridge, bingo, canasta, pinochle, mah-jongg, Scrabble, quilting, woodcarving, knitting, painting, table tennis, lawn DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Palm Desert Community Center 43900 San Pablo Avenue 760-568-9697 myrecreationdistrict.com Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Closed Sundays Round Robin Indoor Pickleball Tournament Last Sunday of the month 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Each month the tournament will offer single play, rotating play, mixed play, and men’s and women’s doubles. Registration fee $10; each tournament is an additional $10. Summer Camp Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Ages 5 – 14 $140 per weekly session Exciting, structured camp activities sure to interest both new and returning campers. Learn new skills and build self-esteem through sports activities, creative arts and crafts, and group games. All activities are carried out under the watchful eye of Desert Recreation District camp staff. Ballroom, Swing and Salsa Lessons Wednesdays, 7 p.m. July 5 – 26 and August 2 – 23 $52 per four-week session Fun and easy classes will give you solid instruction in the popular ballroom dances: swing, salsa, fox trot, and an introduction to cha-cha. Couples only, please. Palm Desert Resident Cards Palm Desert Resident Cards for use at Desert Willow Golf Resort are issued by Desert Recreation District at the Palm Desert Community Center. More information: cityofpalmdesert. org/departments/special-programs/ desert-willow-golf-resort Golf Center at Palm Desert 74945 Sheryl Avenue 760-779-1877 golfcenterpd.com Check website for hours. 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. DESERT ROSE SOCIETY desertrosesociety.com Meetings will resume in September. bowling, art classes, Joslyn Strummers ukulele group, stringed instrument band, Joslyn Singles, book club, HI-CAP Q&A, and more. Information: JoslynCenter.org/programs Onsite Programs with Partners SCAN Independence at Home, Eisenhower Health lectures, Health Expos, JFS Let’s Do Lunch, and more. Virtual Programs Some of the Joslyn Center’s services and programs are offered virtually. Virtual activity newsletter: JoslynCenter.org/ virtual-programs. Information: Melanie Lyons at 760-340-3220, ext. 102 or melaniel@joslyncenter.org. Joslyn Wellness Center Programs Free and low-cost programs include Go4Life®, Aging Mastery Program®; Brain Boot Camp; Problem-Solving Strategies; Mindful Living; Bereavement Group; free Fitness Center and more. Information: Alex Garcia at 760-340-3220, ext. 117 or AlexG@joslyncenter.org Nutrition Programs Meals on Wheels: Providing healthy meals Monday – Friday to seniors in Palm Desert, Sun City Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells. Penny’s Pantry Community Food Bank: First and third Fridays, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Fresh produce and non-perishable food for low- income seniors. Farmers’ Market: Second and fourth Fridays, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. (or until depleted). Free, fresh produce provided by FIND Food Bank. Information: joslyncenter.org/meals-on-wheels or contact Bob Elias at 760-340-3220, ext. 110 or bobe@joslyncenter.org. THE LIVING DESERT 47900 Portola Avenue 760-346-5694 livingdesert.org Summer Hours through September 30: 7:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; last admission 12:30 p.m. Tours and Experiences Giraffe Feeding Through September 30: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. $8 members; $10 non-members with paid park admission An experience for a lifetime, giraffe feeding gives guests a one-on-one encounter with these graceful giants. Rhino Encounter Through September 30: 8 a.m. $45 members; $50 non-members with paid park admission This special opportunity offers guests the chance to meet black rhinos – Jaali or Nia – up close and personal in an exclusive animal care area. The semi-private experience features a keeper chat that gives an inside look at these amazing animals. Reservations recommended. Private Safari Tours Two-hour guided tours with private shuttle and giraffe feeding. Advanced reservations required; visit website for pricing and details. Special Programs Summer Zoo Camp Three-day camps offered on select weeks in July and August 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. $225 members; $250 non-members ZooCamp offers kids in grades K-5 the opportunity to explore nature, meet new friends, and have fun at The Living Desert. Advance registration is required. Information and registration: LivingDesert.org/ZooCamp MCCALLUM THEATRE 73000 Fred Waring Drive 760-340-ARTS (2787) mccallumtheatre.com Tickets for the 2023-2024 season are now available on their website. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive 760-565-7467 pdpool.com Check website for lap swim and water exercise schedules Open Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Recreational Swim hours through August 13: Tuesday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Friday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. No recreational swimming offered on Mondays Dive-In Movies Fridays, doors open at 7:30 p.m.; movies begin at dusk July 14: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 August 11: Surf’s Up $5 per person; under 2 years old free. PALM DESERT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 72559 Highway 111 760-346-6111 pdacc.org PALM DESERT PUBLIC LIBRARY 73300 Fred Waring Drive 760-346-6552 rivlib.net Open Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m. Closed Monday, May 29 Summer Reading Program The Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Find Your Voice,” ends July 21. Each week has a different theme and focus, including language, storytelling, and writing. Open to all ages. Event Details: rivlib.libcal.com Adult Programs Adult Art Workshops Mondays, July 10 and August 14, 4 – 6 p.m. Community Room Led by Karen Riley of S.C.R.A.P. Gallery. Seats are limited and reservations are required. Event Details and Reservations: rivlib.libcal.com Learn to Play Chinese Mah Jong Part 1: Tuesday, July 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Part 2: Tuesday, August 1, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Part 3: Tuesday, August 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Learn Chinese Mah Jong with expert Lise Baadh. All classes must be taken in order or with instructor’s permission. Seats are limited and reservations are required. Reservations: rivlib.libcal.com Chinese Mah Jong Open Play Tuesday afternoons, beginning July 25 The library will provide sets or bring your own to play this fun and exciting game. All levels are welcome. Teen Programs Open to teens grades 6 – 12 All programs in the Community Room Program Information: rivlib.libcal.com Summer Reading Program – “Find Your Voice” Saturday, July 1, 11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Hip Hop Dance Class Saturday, July 8, 1 – 3 p.m.: Best Friend Day Tuesday, July 11, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Arts & Crafts with Therapy Dogs Tuesday, July 18, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.: DIY Bath Bombs Anime Alliance Club Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. July 6 and 20; August 17 and 31 Explore Japanese culture, watch popular animes, do anime-inspired crafts, and sample Asian snacks. KPOP Club Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. July 12; August 16 and 30 KPOP meetups and refreshments Teen Book Club Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. July 18 and August 29 Children’s Programs Storytime and Craft Through July 21, Storytime will focus on the Summer Reading Program – “Find Your Voice” with fun stories and crafts. Week 4 – “Connect with Us” Thursday, July 6, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Week 5 – “Animal Talk” Tuesday, July 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. with dogs from Animal Samaritans Thursday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. with Comfort Animal Therapy Week 6 – “Be My Voice” Tuesday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. with S.C.R.A.P. Gallery Thursday, July 20, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. with S.C.R.A.P. Gallery Regular Storytime Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Resumes in August Sensory Storytime Tuesdays, 11:40 a.m. Returns in August Sensory Storytime encourages children to move and interact with the environment through music, reading, and fun activities. Library Connect - Desert Mobile Resource Van Library cards, check out/return books, Wi-Fi, and pop-up computer lab services. Information, location, and events schedule: bit.ly/desertmrv or email LibraryConnectDesertVan@rivlib.net VARIETY – THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY OF THE DESERT 42600 Cook Street, Ste 150 varietyofthedesert.org 760-773-9800, ext. 101 Developmental Screenings for Children 0 – 5 Caring Connections offers a quick, free screening process to help parents understand their child’s strengths and areas where they need support. Support is available to monitor development and bridge communication between parents and providers. Summer Movie Party Wednesdays, 1 p.m. For children of all ages accompanied by an adult parent or caregiver. Children with special needs are welcome. Bring your own pillow and/or blanket. Snacks and beverages provided. Pre-registration required. July 26: Vivo August 30: Sea Beast Summer Art and Mural Project Wednesday, July 12 – Friday, July 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For children ages 5-18 accompanied by an adult parent or caregiver. Children with special needs are welcome. Snacks and beverages provided. Attend one, two, or all three days. Pre-registration required. Veterans Resource Center Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Information and referrals for veterans. Walk-ins welcome. Information: 760-346-6552 SANTA ROSA & SAN JACINTO MTNSNAT’L MONUMENT VISITOR CENTER/FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS 51500 Highway 74 760-862-9984 DesertMountains.org Open Thursday – Monday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monument Night Adventures Saturday, July 8, 8:45 – 10:15 p.m. Saturday, August 26, 8 – 9:30 p.m. Discover how the desert comes alive after dark! Using blacklights, take a short walk along the Art Smith Trail basin looking for nocturnal creatures. Registration required. Star Party at the Monument Saturdays, July 15 and August 19, 8 p.m. The Astronomical Society of the Desert will conduct “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and giant binoculars. Registration required. Check desertmountains.org/calendar for other events and updates. Registration: DesertMountains.org/calendar or 760-862-9984 THE SHOPS AT PALM DESERT 72840 Highway 111 760-346-2121 shopsatpalmdesert.com UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE/PALM DESERT CAMPUS 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive 760-834-0800 palmdesert.ucr.edu UCR Osher Courses offered through UCR Palm Desert’s Osher program are an excellent way to keep your brain and body active and make new friends. New courses will start soon. Learn more about Osher by visiting their website. Information: palmdesert.ucr.edu/welcome-ucr-osher The celebration of our nation’s independence is a joyful occasion, but the loud noises associated with fireworks and other festivities on July 4 can be confusing and frightening to pets and disturbing to some individuals with noise sensitivity. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) advises pet owners to keep their dogs and cats at home in a quiet, sheltered, and escape-proof area during fireworks displays. Residents who live in affected areas should follow the SPCA’s advice and protect their pets. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their pets indoors during the 20-minute fireworks display at Civic Center Park scheduled to start at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Fireworks displays are common in the Coachella Valley year-round, not just on Independence Day. The City of Palm Desert shares fireworks alerts via email notifications, social media posts and on our website for displays that are scheduled in and near our city. To receive email alerts in your inbox, sign up at www.palmdesert.gov/our-city/newsletters. With the 4th of July holiday around the corner, local fire officials want to remind residents that possessing and using fireworks in Palm Desert— even those marked as Safe and Sane—is illegal. There are real dangers and consequences of using illegal fireworks. Fireworks and sparklers are designed to explode or throw off showers of hot sparks and they burn at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than a blowtorch. Residents are urged to do their part to have a safe holiday and help prevent fires and injuries by leaving fireworks displays to the professionals. Several public fireworks displays are scheduled across the valley in addition to the Independence Day Celebration at Civic Center Park. The Riverside County Fire Department provides a website with fire safety and emergency incident information as well as the dates and locations of public fireworks displays at www.rvcfire.org. For more information, please call 951-940-6985. TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR PETS ON JULY 4 DON’T GET BURNED BY FIREWORKS ON JULY 4 Extreme heat is a health hazard, particularly for the elderly, infants, and those with chronic medical conditions. Public cool centers provide safe, air-conditioned facilities for all residents in need of temporary relief from the heat. Cool centers in Riverside County have opened for the summer and are activated whenever temperatures reach 100 degrees or higher. Each center offers water, snacks, and activities for participants. Cool centers are coordinated by the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County, in conjunction with Riverside University Health System – Public Health. For a complete list of cool center locations and to view an interactive map with additional details, visit www.capriverside.org or call 951-955-4900. Seniors and those with disabilities who have difficulty accessing a cool center are encouraged to contact Sunline Transit Agency for information on their Sundial paratransit services and taxi voucher program. More information is available by visiting sunline.org/rider-resources/getting-to-a-cooling-center or by contacting Sunline at 760-343-3451. A heavily traveled thoroughfare is set to get a major rehabilitation when the City of Palm Desert commences roadworks on a segment of Fred Waring Drive this summer. A complete rehabilitation of the pavement on Fred Waring between Monterey Avenue and Highway 111 is necessary because the street surface is exhibiting signs of rutting and “alligator” cracking, indicating the failure of the asphalt concrete. The street must be replaced, or it will soon develop significant potholes and other failures. The project will entail pulverizing the street to a depth of 13 inches. Roughly half of the blended material will be removed, the remaining base will be compacted, and 6 inches of new asphalt concrete will be paved over the base material. In addition to rehabilitating the street section, the project will also repair storm drain lines, and bring curb ramps and sidewalks into compliance with ADA requirements. The rehabilitation project is scheduled to begin in late July and is expected to take 75 calendar days to complete. Work will be staged in sections, so that Fred Waring will remain open but with reduced capacity for traffic. The contractor will be required to maintain access to businesses during the construction process. While this project continues, it is strongly suggested that motorists use alternate routes including Highway 111 and Park View Drive. If you must travel on Fred Waring, drive with caution in construction zones and prepare for significant delays. For more information on the Fred Waring Paving Rehabilitation project, visit its project page on EngagePalmDesert.com. ROADWORKS SET FOR FRED WARING DRIVE Three locations are now open in Palm Desert: Joslyn Center 73750 Catalina Way 760-340-3220 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For those age 55 and over Palm Desert Community Center 43900 San Pablo Avenue 760-340-3220 Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Palm Desert Library 73300 Fred Waring Drive 760-346-6552 Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. BEAT EXTREME HEAT AT A COOL CENTER 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 Email info@cityofpalmdesert.org Websites www.discoverpalmdesert.com www.palmdesert.gov n Watch City Council meetings live online at www.palmdesert.gov on the 2nd and 4th Thursday each month at 4 p.m. n City Council Kathleen Kelly Mayor Karina Quintanilla Mayor Pro Tem Jan Harnik Gina Nestande Evan Trubee JULY/AUGUST 2023 Look what’s on the BrightSide... inside! Summer is here and the Palm Desert Aquatic Center is the Coachella Valley’s coolest place to beat the heat. A multitude of swimming opportunities and activities are available at the Aquatic Center following a successful staff recruitment effort earlier this year. With additional lifeguards on duty, recreational swim hours have been extended to six days a week. Through August 13, recreational swimming hours are Tuesday – Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. The Aquatic Center’s popular diving boards and slides, plus the new climbing wall and rope swing are available during recreational swim time. Their concession stand will be open during those hours as well, offering refreshing treats and savory snacks. If you want to make a party of it or just need some space for a group activity, the Aquatic Center’s Multipurpose Room is available for rent. Whole facility rentals are available, too. Summer is also a great time to learn to swim. Lessons will be offered all summer for children as young as six months (with parent) through 17 thanks to new swim teachers on staff. Private swim lessons for all ages, including adults, are also available. For a different kind of fun, the Palm Desert Aquatic Center has brought back its popular Dive-In Movies this summer. The whole family can enjoy Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (July 14) and Surf’s Up (August 11) while relaxing poolside. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. each night, with the film beginning at dusk. Select pool areas will be open, and slides will be open from 7:30 – 8 p.m. only. Onsite food trucks will sell snacks and treats. With limited seating poolside, guests are encouraged to bring towels for the lawn areas. No outside chairs or furniture, food, or beverages (except bottled water in plastic containers) are allowed. While the summertime focus may be on having a splashing good time, don’t forget lap swimming and water exercise classes continue as well. For information on all programs, events, and activities at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center, visit pdpool.com or call 760-565-7467. AQUATIC CENTER MAKES A SPLASH