Welcome to midweek, everyone.
The Cathedral City Council moved forward on plans for a new downtown dog park last week, hoping to secure grant money to make it happen.
- The future dog park would be located at the site of the former Second Street Park in downtown. The location was chosen because existing infrastructure at the site could lower construction costs.
- Preliminary designs for the park include different sections for small and large dogs, a parking lot, a walking path, and plans for a pickleball court.
- At last week’s meeting, councilmembers voted to approve $30,000 for a contract with a consultant who will apply for the state Land and Water Conservation Fund grant.
- Looking back: Last May, Panorama Dog Park opened on the eastern side of Panorama Park. Its design is similar to what city officials hope for with any future dog park.
????️ Decision postponed on controversial La Quinta project
La Quinta residents who turned out Tuesday evening to voice opposition to a 284-unit apartment complex planned for the northeast corner of Washington Street and Avenue 50 found a Planning Commission that shared many of their concerns. Commissioners tabled any possible vote that would have moved the project forward.
- Roughly 20 residents spoke during the four-hour meeting, voicing similar concerns about the Troutdale Village project that they expressed during a combative informational community meeting last week.
- The apartment complex consists of 11 two and three-story apartment buildings and 520 parking spaces, a pool, a barbeque area, a putting course, and a pickleball court, all on about 14 acres of land, currently zoned for medium/high-density residential.
- Next steps: Commissioners took issue with several parts of the project, including the three-story buildings, potential traffic disruptions, and the buildings’ architectural style. They voted to continue the discussion of the project until June 27, allowing time to explore alternatives and to conduct a new traffic study.
????♀️ Better paths for pedestrians, cyclists coming to Palm Desert
Palm Desert officials recently approved $3.9 million to improve the city’s pedestrian and bike paths.
- The “Walk and Roll PD” project will result in 28 miles of new, upgraded bikeways and sidewalks to the city’s active transportation network.
- The city met with consultants who determined the highest priorities after holding surveys, community meetings, and meetings with stakeholder groups. More details about the locations for the work are available here.
- Bottom line: The city will now request proposals to select the design and start construction on the project sometime this year. The $3.9 million will be spread out through the end of 2027.
???? In other news
???? Events planned in the valley today to honor the legacy of the late activist Cesar Chavez include talks from his grandson.
???? The company behind Coachella and Stagecoach could have a heavy metal version up its sleeve. It teased “Power Trip” on Tuesday and plans a Thursday announcement.
???? Marines from Twentynine Palms joined Junior ROTC students at Desert Hot Springs High School over the weekend to clean up the campus and its perimeter.
???? What to watch for
???? Ready for a little bit of country?
Country Fest, hosted by The Ranch at 38 on Saturday afternoon, promises a day of “music, food and family fun.” Music headliners include Daniel Bonte & The Bona Fide, Joe Peters & The All Cash Band, Zander Rodriguez and Bryan Whitley.
Details: The festival runs from noon to 8 p.m. at The Ranch venue in Indio. General admission is $40 and kids under 10 years old are free. Find tickets here.
⌛ And finally …
???? Coachella is about to get a little more colorful after City Council members approved a new mural to be located on the Anaya’s Towing building on the corner of Fifth Street and Grapefruit Boulevard.
- The city approved $16,000 from its Art in Public Places Program to be paid to the artist Michelle Guerrero.
- Guerrero was born and raised in San Diego, and her murals feature vibrant colors and traditional imagery, heavily influenced from her community and her Puerto Rican/Mexican heritage.
- Details: Guerrero’s Coachella mural will be about 40 feet long, celebrating the cultural vibrancy of the city using her signature character, “Chucho” a colorful piñata who is a symbol of hope, resilience, and mental health awareness.
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