La Quinta Chamber of Commerce Prsrt Std 78-275 Calle Tampico, #B U.S. Postage Paid

La Quinta, CA 92253 Palm Springs, CA

Permit No. 9

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Performance Appraisals Performance The Voice of Business Vol. XXV Issue #10 August 2010 August #10 Issue XXV Vol. Business of Voice The Solutions in the Palm of Your Hand

For Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs Monthly Series Begins Thursday August, 5, 2010

WHAT: Business Discussions with Experts The Top 7 Issues That Keep Business Owners Awake At Night

Have you ever wondered who Learn from the experts. Designed for entrepreneurs BY entrepreneurs, each month this series hosts an expert from a discipline who addresses real your Demographic is? challenges AND solutions that business owners can take back and implement. Who will you reach with your Advertisement? AUGUST Lee Osborne, CPA - Peterson Slater Osborne SPEAKER: The Seven Biggest Accounting Challenges for Business Owners We Know! AND What To Do About Them DATES: Monthly, August 2010 – January 2011 and our Advertisers reap the benefits August Event – August 5, 2010

TIME: 5 pm – 7pm •The Median Age in La Quinta is 36 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm – Business Discussion 6:15 pm – 7:00 pm – Questions, Answers, Workout •The Median Income is $75,000 WHERE: Embassy Suites - La Quinta 50-777 Santa Rosa Plaza •The GEM’s distribution is 23,000 La Quinta, California, USA, 92253 1-760-777-1711 •The La Quinta Chamber is the only Chamber ADMISSION: $25 per person that produces their own monthly community $0 for La Quinta Chamber Members Newspaper! SERIES 2 September: Economy - Bob Marra, •The GEM Newspaper reaches every resident The Public Record & Wheeler’s publication and business in La Quinta and every Chamber SPEAKERS: The Seven Biggest Economic Challenges for Business Owners in the Coachella Valley and How to Address Them Member! SERIES 3 October: Marketing - Kathleen McEntee, •The shelf life of the GEM is greater than any Kathleen McEntee & Associates, Ltd. other daily or weekly periodical. SPEAKERS: The Seven Biggest Marketing Misconceptions and How To Develop A Stealth Marketing Plan for this Economy

If you’re a Business and want great Advertising November: Banking opportunities with the GEM Newspaper, call December: Insurance January: Law Anne Blalock @ 760-238-6186 or email [email protected] 2 Summer Meeting Place 11am-2pm only

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3 It may seem unnecessary to conduct a performance doing right, and what needs to change. For a new appraisal with only one employee or a few. However, it employee, a timely performance evaluation can clearly can be an opportunity to reinforce your appreciation of identify or reinforce your expectations and let the an employee’s talent and to strengthen an employee’s employee know how he or she is meeting them. performance. It can serve as a guide to achieve future Performance reviews for small businesses also objectives or set an underperforming employee back are crucial for identifying and correcting results on track. and behaviors that could cripple your business. A Even though you may have plenty of face time with a small business with two employees is more severely crackerjack small staff, sitting down with each of them impacted by substandard results or negative behavior to talk more formally on a regular basis gives you the than a business of 50. In a shop of two people, one opportunity to tell each what results or behaviors they underperforming employee is 50% of your work force. have displayed that you think are most advantageous to Think of the impact that could have on your customer your business. Use examples and be specific. It boosts base! morale, encourages them to continue to perform, If you have a small workforce, chances are that you and adds to their job satisfaction and loyalty. It also rely heavily upon their talents and their customer provides a safe forum for them to discuss their future interaction to build a successful business. You can goals, to discuss opportunities to develop their talents, use the performance appraisal tool to keep that staff or maybe even to offer new insights on growing the functioning at its best. business. you won’t require a lot of forms or extensive questions, but you need to know what qualities make a Kathleen McEntee is president of Kathleen difference to you in employee performance. Two basic McEntee and Associates, Ltd (KMA). KMA provides practical advice with the When Smart considerations are behaviors that you want to see and Business MattersTM approach to business owners and the results you expect. Once you have identified the managers who are eager to grow and develop their You may think there is no benefit to conducting expected behaviors and results, conducting performance business. Kathleen offers one hour complimentary consultation to all La Quinta Chamber members. performance appraisals for several employees—or reviews provides you with the opportunity to let your Kathleen can be reached at 760-262-4080 or even one—but think again! staff know what you expect from them, what they’re [email protected]. Need a BBQ Shop That Stays Open

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4 Are

Municipal Bonds Right for You? Tax season “officially” ended on April 15. Yet you can explore tax- smart investment opportunities all year round. And when you’re look- ing at the fixed-income side of your portfolio, you may want to consider two possibilities: municipal bonds and Build America Bonds. you’ve probably heard of municipal bonds, but you may not be familiar with how they work. You can find two key types of municipal bonds: General obligation bonds finance the daily operations of a municipality or school district, while revenue bonds finance hospitals, utilities, airports, affordable housing and other public works. So when you purchase a “muni,” you are helping support a community. of course, your investment will bring you some tangible benefits, too. First, you’ll receive regular interest payments. Furthermore, these payments typically are exempt from federal income taxes — and possibly state and local income taxes, too. If you’re in an upper income bracket, you may find munis to be especially valuable. (Keep in mind, though, that some “private activity bonds,” which are typically used to finance airports, housing or stadiums that can benefit private entities, may be subject to the alternative minimum tax, or AMT.) Build America Bonds (BABs) share some similarities with tax-free municipal bonds, although BABs are taxable investments. BABs provide capital to municipali- ties so that they can build or improve infrastructure, including schools, roads, public buildings and so on. The U.S. Treasury pays state or local government issuers a sub- sidy equal to 35% of the interest they pay investors for buying the bonds. BABs have proved quite popular among institutional investors, such as pension funds, that typically don’t benefit from tax-free municipal bonds, but are they right for you? It all depends on your individual situation. If you owned a BAB, your interest pay- ments would be federally taxable, but you might get some state tax breaks if you live in the state where the bond is issued. Many BABs have long-term maturities, which may not be a problem if you’re buying the bond for its steady interest payments and plan to hold it for its entire life. But if you think you might want to sell your bond before it matures, be aware that longer-term bonds, by their very nature, are subject to greater interest rate risk than shorter-term bonds — that is, longer-term bond prices will be more affected by interest rate movements. Furthermore, you’ll have to consider credit risk — the possibility that the issuer of your bond will default or be unable to make payments. Remember, the municipal- ity issuing the bond, not the federal government, backs a BAB. Although past perfor- We feel strongly about the work we do. So do our clients. mance is not a guarantee of future results, municipal bonds’ historical default rates “Whether you are a corporation, a school, a business, small, large, not-for-profit, a have been low. foundation, I believe that Point7West captures exactly the heart of your organization." Ultimately, you’ll need to consult with your tax advisor before purchasing either Doe Dee Rover a municipal bond or a BAB. Like all investments, they can provide you with benefits, Xavier College Preparatory High School but you need to be absolutely sure of what you’re getting. Loren Biggs is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments located in Old Town La Quinta. He can be reached at 760-564-9777 or by email at [email protected]. CA Insur- ance License # OC24309. http://www.edwardjones.com

5 Social Security Benefit Strategies By Elisa Schwartz, CPA, PFS

Social Security A worker who begins collecting Social Security benefits at age 62 and then accepts If you’re one of the 3.6 million people born in the United States in 1948, your a job offer a year or two later is allowed to pay back all the funds without interest eligibility for Social Security benefits begins in 2010. Over the next 20 years 80 and withdraw the application for benefits; the worker will be deemed to have never million members of the Baby Boom generation will join you. As they near retirement, applied for benefits and can re-apply at a later age to receive a larger benefit. The age people have many decisions to make, which includes determining the best time to range for this “stop and payback” is 62 – 70. start collecting benefits. The Baby Boom generation has a 50 percent divorce rate. If you were married for First, the basics 10 years before divorcing, you are eligible to receive spousal Social Security benefits Currently, those people born between 1945 and 1954 can receive full Social Security beginning at 62 even if your ex-spouse has not requested that benefits begin. If you retirement benefits at age 66. The full retirement age increases each year by two months for re-marry before you are 60, this benefit disappears. those born from 1955 to 1959 until it reaches age 67 for those born in 1960 and beyond. Be aware: you may start collecting benefits at age 62, though at a reduced rate. The reduced Certain thresholds will cause your Social Security benefit to be taxable for federal benefit is now 75 percent of full benefits for those eligible for full retirement at age tax purposes. If your adjusted gross income plus interest on tax-exempt bonds plus 66. It will be 70 percent of full benefits when the full retirement age is 67. 50 percent of your Social Security benefit exceeds $25,000 if single or $32,000 if Delaying the collection of benefits until age 70 will increase the maximum benefit at married and filing jointly, 50 percent of the excess value is taxable up to $34,000 if full retirement age by 8 percent per year from age 66 to age 70. single or $44,000 if married and filing jointly. After that 85 percent of the excess value Now, the strategies is taxable. Total taxable Social Security can be 85 percent of the total Social Security no one has ever received guaranteed 8 percent earnings on invested money. If you benefit you receive. use your IRA income or after tax- money to live on rather than applying for Social Be mindful: Security at age 66, you will receive an increase in your monthly Social Security benefit Where you retire affects your benefits. Some states tax Social Security benefits, of 8 percent per year to age 70. There’s no additional benefit if you wait past 70. although California does not. A spouse who had little or no employment may receive half of the other’s benefits when the working spouse applies for Social Security. Thus, a married couple in a one Ms. Schwartz is a Certified Public Accountant and Personal Financial Specialist and Principal of The Practice Certified Public Accountants, Inc., a full service accounting firm in La Quinta. She is wage-earner family receives 150 percent of the working spouse’s benefit. a Registered Investment Advisor with FINRA and can be reached at 760-777-7377 or eschwartz@ $thepracticecpa.com.

6 7 If a person insists on talking on cell phones or texting on a cell phone they should arguably be forced to pay punitive damages as is the case with someone who causes injury while driving under the influence. A Virginia Tech study by the Transportation Institute found truckers who talk on cell phones to be 23 times more likely to have an accident than someone who is not distracted by texting or talking. A University of Utah study by a number of psychologists, has gained wide-spread attention said “We found that people are as impaired when they drive and talk on a cell phone as they are when they drive intoxicated at the legal blood-alcohol limit” of .08 percent. The University of Utah psychologists, like the others who have published similar studies, state that, “If legislators really want to address driver distraction, then they should consider outlawing cell phone use while driving.” The legislators in California have already passed a weak version of this idea which bans the use of hand-held SHOULD DAMAGES BE IMPOSED FOR DRIVING WHILE devices in California. However, one can stand on any street corner and watch driver TALKING/TEXTING? after driver passing the intersection while talking on their hand-held cell phones. Many are not getting the message, or worse, ignoring it. Something else is necessary if In 1979 the California Supreme Court ruled that a defendant’s “conscious disregard of this practice is going to be, if not curtailed, at least significantly reduced. the risk” of Driving Under the Influence was enough evidence of the malice required If people realized they were putting their own assets at risk every time they by the law to justify the awarding of “punitive damages” against the person who drove and spoke on a cell phone or text on a cell phone, then they might think twice caused the accident. One who voluntarily commenced and continued to consume about doing so. Remember, insurance cannot cover punitive damages, and, punitive alcoholic beverages to the point of intoxication, knowing from the beginning that damages are not dischargeable in Bankruptcy. In other words, your own assets would he thereafter had to operate a motor vehicle, demonstrated “such a conscious and be at risk if you DWT (or T). It seems logical that sooner or later, some court will let deliberate disregard for the interests of others that his conduct might be called willful a jury award punitive damages based on the same logic as that which allows punitive or wanton” so as to justify the imposition of “punitive damages”. damages for driving under the influence of alcohol. The issue would then become: Is Numerous studies have suggest that using a cell phone, either hands-free or it worth the risk? otherwise, is even more dangerous and more likely to lead to an accident than a Dale S. Gribow, LAW OFFICE OF DALE S. GRIBOW, P.C. “A FULL Service Firm” person operating a motor vehicle above the legal limit of .08 blood alcohol level. 44-901 Village Court, Suite D, Palm Desert, CA 92260 PH: 760-341-4411 FAX: 760-340-0623 So - maybe the same logic should apply to DWT - Driving While Talking (or Texting)? [email protected] Upcoming Tax Law Changes qualifying dividend tax rate, currently at 15% will change to your ordinary tax rate or as high as 39.6%. Along with the higher tax rates, the tax laws will revert back Some of the tax laws that will be changing as of January 2011 will first be the to the limitations of deductions that President Clinton had put into place many increase in the tax rates themselves. The lowest tax rate of 10% will increase to years ago. So in effect you will be paying a higher tax rate and be allowed fewer 15% and the highest tax rate of 35% will increase to 39.6%. The maximum capital deductions. gains tax rate will increase from 15% to 20%. The biggest increase will be the For more information call Peterson Slater & Osborne (760) 777-9805 The Valley’s best Shoe repair, Ian Platt has moved his store True to Time Shoe Repair out of old town, and into the Albertsons shopping center on the corner of Washington St. & Hovley Lane.

Beware of inferior shoe repair

8 Promoting Our Community : Health Beat

In the past decade, prescriptions for Ritalin, a would be frustrated and would misbehave—we’d get up help you find the diet that will help you manage your stimulant medication commonly used for attention and leave or chat to the person sitting next to us.” condition. deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increased five- The traditional medical model, however, seems to fold, with 90 percent of all prescriptions worldwide follow the cookie-cutter principle. The diagnosis of Dr. Hashimoto, DC practices in La Quinta with his wife and can be reached at 760-777-8377 or found online at www. consumed in the United States. As many parents grow ADHD is based on a questionnaire, but this is not enough, DesertPainRelief.com leery of the traditional medical approach to ADHD, says Dr. Robert Melillo, a chiropractic neurologist. “True doctors of chiropractic are offering promising results ADHD patients have other signs such as: tics, tremors, with non-drug treatments that focus on postural mus- balance or postural problems, or unusual sensitivity Natural Ways to Prevent ADHD Many chiropractic cles, nutrition and lifestyle changes that affect brain to touch, movement, sights, or sounds.” Unfortunately, neurologists recommend nutrition and lifestyle changes activity. although medications can keep ADHD under control, that may help correct or prevent biochemical imbalances Some children may simply have difficulty learning they don’t cure it. Eighty percent of patients have that cause ADHD. Parents are encouraged to: certain subjects, but the current system—in a sense— ADHD features in adolescence, and up to 65 percent • Remove as many food dyes, sugar, preservatives, and prompts school officials to encourage their parents to maintain them in adulthood. additives from the diet as possible. have the children diagnosed with ADHD, says Dr. Scott Doctors of chiropractic and chiropractic neurologists Bautch, past president of the American Chiropractic offer a non-drug and non-invasive treatment alternative for • Focus on natural, mostly organic foods with as few Association (ACA) Council on Occupational Health. ADHD patients that targets the underlying problems, not pesticides or herbicides as possible. “The higher the number of disabled kids in the school, the just symptoms. “Motor activity—especially development more funding the school can apply for,” says Dr. Bautch. of the postural muscles—is the baseline function of • Determine if there is an allergy—usually starting with Some teachers might also have difficulty with students brain activity. Anything affecting postural muscles will dairy and gluten and try elimination diets. who have a different style of learning, according to Dr. influence brain development. Musculoskeletal imbalance Bautch. If the child is a visual learner—and the teacher will create imbalance of brain activity, and one part of • Stop using pesticide sprays in the house. is not—perhaps the child is not being taught in a way he the brain will develop faster than the other, and that’s or she can learn. what’s happening in ADHD patients,” says Dr. Melillo. • Avoid taking medications, nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs in pregnancy that may harm the fetus. Before diagnosing the child with ADHD, Dr. Bautch If you or your loved one is diagnosed with ADHD or recommends doctors talk to the child and the parents: has the symptoms, ask your doctor of chiropractic if he • Find ways to relax during pregnancy. Stress on the job “Is the child too active? Bored? Has dyslexia or a or she has experience treating patients with the may affect the unborn baby’s health, as well. different learning pattern? It can be a behavior problem, condition. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify problems at home, or frustrations with the teacher’s neurological problems and find individual noninvasive • Breastfeed. The first months and years of a child’s life style,” explains Dr. Bautch. “If we went to a conference treatment modalities. are critical to physical and psychological development. where the speakers taught in a way we can’t learn, we They can also assess your nutritional status and Breastfeeding mothers’ diets are important as well. What happens when you drink a coke? and early menopause and andropause (male menopause). • After 45 minutes, your dopamine production will increase, which will make you feel good. • Within the first 10 minutes you’ll get 10 teaspoons of 100% sugar. This rises to a similar degree as it does from heroine. • After 20 minutes, your blood sugar will spike, your insulin will spike and you liver will respond • If you’re drinking diet coke, or soda, you will be consuming artificial sweeteners, which will by turning this sugar into fat, to save for a later time of need. actually increase your craving for more food and has also caused cancer in lab rats. • After 40 minutes, the caffeine will be absorbed and your pupils will dilate along with a rise • The phosphoric acid will also interfere with your body’s ability to use calcium, which will in blood pressure. Now your liver will dump more sugar into the body. make you prone to getting osteoporosis. It does this by neutralizing your stomach acid. • This will stimulate, your adrenal glands. This makes you prone to burn out, insomnia For more information contact Dr. Coleman @ [email protected]

9 Promoting Our Community : Health Beat

Dr. Nicole Ortiz

Barbequing is a summertime right of passage. Gathering around the outdoor grill with an aroma so tantalizing, even your puppy’s taste buds anticipate the mouth-watering goodness to come. Ingesting dangerous, cancer-causing chemicals are the farthest thing from your mind. But before indulging in that thick, juicy burger, consider this: it is well established that barbequing meat can cause cancer. Resist your temptation to throw this article into the BBQ pit and learn a few tips to keep enjoying a great barbeque and a cancer free life simultaneously. Meats undergo chemical reactions during cooking that produce chemicals re- ferred to as heterocyclic amines (HCAs). Heterocyclic amines are capable of causing mutations to our genes and are known as carcinogens (cancer causing substances). A diet high in animal proteins is positively linked with a risk for several cancers including breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. This increased risk may have in part due to the way we cook our meats. The exposure to meat carcinogens, such as HCAs, will increase your risk of getting cancer. Tips to prepare your BBQ safely avoiding HCA production:

Marinate Your Meat- but not with bbq sauce. Research has shown that by marinating meat (teriyaki or a glaze of turmeric and garlic) before grilling can reduce the HCAs by as much as 60%. Unfortunately, not all marinades are protective. The standard BBQ sauce, which is primarily sugar and tomato sauce, actually INCREASES the HCAs in our meat by as much as triple! If you’re a true BBQ sauce lover, slather the burger in that smoky goodness after it’s off the grill.

Include Fruits or Spices Adding fruits to your burgers or marinade serves as an anti-oxidant and decreases the chemical reactions producing HCAs. Garlic and other spice rubs can also protect the meat more than if it was grilled just plain. One study showed that a marinade of two parts garlic, two part onion and one part lemon juice was the most effective for eliminating cancer causing agents.

Remove the Fat and Skins Reducing the fat in your steak and removing the skins from poultry will curb the cholesterol risk to the heart, and also diminish the oils dripping through the grill. Fat drippings hit the coals causing flames that readily char the meat. The charred skin produces yet another type of cancer causing substance. Scraping off the black crispy char will reduce at least one type of carcinogen, but not the other, which forms deeper inside the meat. To avoid the second carcinogen see the next tip. Cook at a lower temperature Lowering cooking temperature produces less HCA and inhibits the abilities of the chemicals to create mutations within your cells. Baking is better than barbequing or frying. Barbequing, because it uses the highest heat source for cooking, produces the most HCAs.

Don’t Overcook your meat The more you cook your meat, the higher the carcinogens present. There is a cor- relation between eating well-done meat and stomach cancer. It is more healthful to grill your meat medium-rare or medium, leaving some pink in the center.

For more in-depth and personalized approaches to your nutritional plan visit Live Well Clinic at 78370 Hwy 111 Ste 100 in La Quinta. Call (760) 771-5970 or www.livewellclinic.org

10 Promoting Our Community : Health Beat Community Services / Environment Legislative Summit Elected Officials to Discuss

Back to School Health Essentials Business Issues

What are the best non-sugary back to school drinks to keep your kids hydrated? WHAT: Panel Discussion with Elected Officials Water is still the best way to go. Help your child by giving them a cool bottle to take to school. Check out MySigg.com for environmentally conscious water bottles. If your children participate in sports, they may need an electrolyte drink Officials to Discuss Business Issues Affecting the Community to help replenish what they lost during practice or playing in the heat. and Answer Questions posed by Moderator What are the best electrolyte drinks for very active kids? Gatorade and other purported sports drinks are unhealthy for children. They are WHO: Federal, State, and County Officials have been filled with high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavoring, and dyes. Instead, you can invited send your kids with a bottle of home made electrolyte drink or choose from these healthy options: • Smart Water by Glaceau WHEN: Thursday, September 15, 2010, 11:30am–1:30pm • Whole Foods 365 Electrolyte water Registration 11:15am • Trader Joes Electrolyte water • Coconut water WHERE: La Quinta Resort and Club It’s still burning hot in the desert in August. How can I make a sugar-free 49-499 Eisenhower Drive electrolyte drink for my kids for sports practice? La Quinta, California 92253 It turns out that two tablespoons of lemon juice contain almost exactly the amount of potassium in 8 oz of a typical sports drink. So, if you want to make your own low-carb sports drink, it’s quite easy. Just mix together: ADMISSION: $45 per person • 1 cup (8 oz) filtered water (not carbonated) $40 per person - La Quinta Chamber Members • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice • small pinch of sea salt All Coachella Valley businesses and individuals • Stevia (natural sugar substitute) to taste are welcome to attend

What should I pack for a healthy balanced lunch for my kids? Lunch included An easy rule of thumb to remember is the 25-25-50 rule. 25% lean protein, 25% whole grain carbohydrate, and 50% vegetables. For example, a chicken sandwich RSVP required with lettuce and whole grain bread with a side of sugar snap peas and hummus dip is a well balanced meal. Add in a snack of apple slices and almond butter, and your More Information: Contact David Archer, La Quinta Chamber of child is set for the day. Commerce 760.564.3199 Answers provided by Dr. Sonja Fung of Live Well Clinic at Point Happy Plaza in La Quinta. If Note: Only elected officials will participate; aides or representatives are welcome you have a health related question you would like addressed in a future Q & A please email [email protected]. to observe. SPECTACULAR SUMMER SALE All Tropitone Outdoor Furniture 15% Off Our Already Discounted Prices You’ll also find other top brands on sale for up to 30% off our already discounted prices. Be sure to also visit our separate Clearance Center at our Dinah Shore location.

2 PALM DESERT LOCATIONS

77-622 Country Club Dr. 72-650 Dinah Shore Dr. (West of Washington St. at the (In the Palm Desert corner of Park Center Dr.) Costco Center) (760) 772-9195 (760) 324-5353 www.ThePatioPlace.com Featuring Sea Breeze Sling by Tropitone 11 Community Services / Environment

Top Ten Global Invention To Be Tested In The Coachella Valley By Kathy Gottberg

This fall the Coachella Valley will be part of a large-scale global experiment using what Popular Science Magazine says is one of the “Top Ten Inventions for 2010.” According to Popular Science, the Groasis Waterboxx is “a box that quenches thirsty plants without irrigation.” Even better, inventor Pieter Hoff believes that the box could promote reforestation on a large scale to address global problems like hunger, erosion and climate change caused by global warming. To test the validity of those claims, students and teachers from Palm Springs Unified School District and other local volunteers will plant native desert trees in both our high and low desert communities this October. Hoff, a native of Holland, invented the Groasis Waterboxx after retiring from the lily and tulip export business in 2003. Rather than using ground water and traditional irrigation techniques, Hoff believes that natural atmospheric condensation and rainwater systems are the key to plant germination, vitality and growth. His invention mimics that natural system and he conducted an initial three-year test in the Sahara desert in Morocco to prove it. Almost 90% of the trees planted in that test thrived and survived, in contrast to only about 10% of those planted without the box. What does the box look like? The box itself is round and about the size of a small car tire. It is made from either regular plastic with a life-use of approximately 10 years and can be reused every growing season during that period for a long shelf life. Additionally, a new biodegradable box has been designed that can be used one time only—but the box then degrades as nutrient for the soil. How does it work? The Groasis Waterboxx imitates nature in a number of ways. It is primarily a “water incubator” that both captures and produces water from the air through condensation and rain. Even in areas with extremely low and sporadic rainfall, by design the Waterboxx eliminates evaporation and distributes a minuscule (but effective) amount of moisture to the plant inside for up to a year. Not only does it prevent evaporation, it simultaneously keeps relative humidity and ground temperature at an even level during the day or night which further benefits the plant or seeds. Finally, it protects the plant from wind, blinding sun, weeds, and common rodents; while at the same time encourages strong capillary growth of the root system. How much does it cost? Currently the biodegradable boxes cost approximately $26 each. Unfortunately, they are not yet available on an individual basis but it is hoped that the Palm Springs Unified School District will be able to sell the boxes individually as part of their participation in the project. Those funds from the sale of those boxes will then be used to further the experiment. Hoff’s ultimate goal is to reforest the planet and feed the world by planting five billion acres of desert, eroded by mankind, in the next 40 years. So where does the Coachella Valley come in? Hoff recognizes that in order for Groasis Waterboxx vision to be achieved he must further test them in the most parched landscapes around the world. Here in our region several projects near the Salton Sea, Whitewater and Joshua Tree National Park are planned to start in October. For more information contact Kathy Gottberg of CoachellaValleyGreen.com or email kathy@ gottgreen.com La Quinta Welcomes Captain Raymond Gregory Captain Raymond Gregory of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has been selected as commander of the Sheriff’s Station in Indio. This move means Raymond is the new Police Chief for La Quinta, Coachella, and several surrounding communities. Raymond, a 20-year department veteran, previously served as commander of the Indio and Blythe Jails. Before that, he served several years as La Quinta Police’s Assistant Chief.

12 Preparedness Prevents Panic

Shortly before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, we were reminded that we, indeed, live in earthquake country. The magnitude 5.4 temblor struck only 18 miles from the City of La Quinta.

The good news: there were no reports of damages or injury in La Quinta as a result of the quake. The bad news: enduring moderate earthquakes with good results tends to make us complacent. Now is a good time to consider your reaction to the recent earthquake. Remember, the rule is “Drop, Cover, and Hold on.” Drop to the floor, get under a desk or table, and hold on to it. If a severe earthquake causes your protection to move, you want to move with it.

Resist the urge to exit the building during an earthquake. It may be disconcerting to see the walls shaking and moving, but they are tied together and the intersecting wall lines strengthen the overall structure. On the other hand, if exterior building finishes, trees, signs, or power lines fall on you, there is significant risk of injury. Roof tiles and stucco pieces are heavy, and falling from the height of the building, any of these items can do bodily harm.

Whether you spend most of your time at home, work, or school, take a moment to look around and consider under which piece of furniture you could take refuge when the shaking starts.

For more information, including what to do if you are outside, driving, or in a stadium or theater during an earthquake, visit the Earthquake Country Alliance website at http://www.earthquakecountry.info/.

A Message from the City Manager…

Although it’s one of the hottest months of the year, you can take comfort in knowing that cooler months are ahead. In the meantime, splash around at Fritz Burns Pool or the water feature at La Quinta Park. Or shop at your favorite store, dine at your favorite restaurant, or go out for an ice cream. All very cool things to do without having to leave La Quinta! Whatever it is you decide to do, just remember to stay cool and safe this summer.

Additional items of interest are highlighted below. If you have any questions, please call the City Manager’s Office at (760) 777-7030. New Police Chief Congratulations and welcome back to Captain Raymond Gregory who returns to the City of La Quinta as its new Chief of Police! Captain Gregory left the City of La Quinta in October 2009 to take command of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Indio and Blythe jails. Captain Gregory replaces Police Chief Rodney Vigue who was promoted to chief deputy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department overseeing east field operations. Moonlight Movies Get ready for more movie fun with “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince” on August 6, and “School of Rock” on September 3. Movies start at sunset on the event lawn at Old Town La Quinta. Welcome to La Quinta! Certificates of Occupancy were recently issued to “Biggies Burgers & More” located at the Dunes Business Park, “Beauty @ the Bar” at the Point Happy Shopping Center, and “Star Orthopedics” at the La Quinta Professional Plaza.

13 it’s your library COMMUNITY SERVICES SPECIAL EVENTS & EXCURSIONS Here is what is happening at your La Quinta Public Library during August. Come check us out! Moonlight Movies: FREE Family Events! Activities for Adults Monday, August 16— Friday, August 6 at 8:00 p.m. Whodunnit? A mystery book discussion group—themes for Bring your blankets, low-back sand chairs, and the August will be “Make a Splash @ whole family for fun and movies under the stars. the Library” and “What Makes a Movies will be shown on the event lawn at Old Town Bigger Splash than a Hurricane?” La Quinta. Three books will be discussed: Storm Tracks by Margaret Maron; Summer Golf Tour The Tin Roof Blowdown by James Underway Through August 28 Lee Burke; and Dark Light by Randy Enrollment Fee: $59.00 Wayne White. Books are available Play the finest courses in the Valley! Players pick their at the Reference Desk. courses and can play either single or team divisions. Plaques awarded to top finalists in both divisions Programs for Children during an End of Tour Banquet on August 28. Guests are welcome to participate for $15 per week (weekly course green fees are extra*). Saturday morning: Baby Play and Sign —10:30 a.m.—in the Storyroom. Join Lorraine Hazel, MA CCC SLP, for a program that allows parents and their babies a chance to play and communicate using easy to learn signs. (There will JULY COURSES not be a program on August 14.) Date Golf Course Start Time Green Fees* Aug 7 Desert Willow 7:30 a.m. Shotgun $40.00 Aug 14 Marriott Shadow Ridge 7:48 a.m. Tee Time $50.00 Preschool Storytimes for children will be on break until September Aug 21 Eagle Falls Golf Course 6:30 a.m. Shotgun $50.00 14, 2010. Aug 28 Classic Club Golf Course 7:30 a.m. Shotgun $55.00 Summer Reading in the Library Reading Rewards—The Library’s reading incentive program continues Pageant of the Masters - $54.00 through August 21. That is the last day to turn in points and claim prizes. Saturday, August 14 Register by August 6, 2010 Children can read at home, or in the Library – a cool place to visit when it’s hot outside! “Eat, Drink and Be Merry!” Savor the Public Computers timeless masterpieces that have captured The Library has computers available for public use. Anyone with a Riverside and enhanced the exhilaration of good County Library card can use the computers once a day for one hour. “Internet times and, even more remarkably, buoyed Only” Library cards are available at no charge for those without cards. Black spirits when times were hard. The 2010 and white prints cost 10 cents a page. Pageant promises a memorable feast for the senses. For more information, call the Library at (760) 564-4767 or go to www.rivlib.com.

City of La Quinta Notice of Election Lap Swim & Open Swim @ Fritz Burns Pool Free Swim Night – AUGUST 6 – 6:00p.m.–7:00p.m. The City of La Quinta will hold a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, Families Swim for FREE! November 2, 2010 for the following offices:O ne (1) Mayor seat to serve a full term of two (2) years; and two (2) Council Member seats each to serve a full Adult Lap Swim term of four (4) years. Offered Monday through Friday, 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. for $3.00 per person.

Qualifications for a candidate are as follows: Citizen of the United States, Open/Recreational Swim a registered voter, and a resident of the City of La Quinta. The nomination Offered Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 period for obtaining or filing for an office for this election is between July 12 p.m. ($2.00 for 12 & under; $3.00 for 13 & up). and August 6, 2010. For more information, visit www.la-quinta.org/communityservices. Qualified persons desiring to file for any of the offices for this election are requested to make an appointment with the City Clerk to obtain official nomination documents at (760) 777-7103 or [email protected] during regular business hours.

14 senior center happenings Explore Your Museum

Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout summer. Tennis and Wii Bowling The La Quinta Museum has much to explore, with new exhibits and fun events for Fun (reservation required). FREE the entire family to enjoy.

Tuesday, August 3 and 24, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. One-on-one help with a EXHIBITS health insurance advocate to understanding bills and assist with challenging, and filing appeals (appointment required). FREE PT Barnum and the Circus PT Barnum’s 200th birthday is celebrated with Tuesday, August 3, 16, and August 24, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Income a special exhibit on his career and the circus. based Weatherization Program/LIHEAP assistance for energy efficiency and It includes a 10-foot circus tent reconstruction reduced energy costs for mobile homes, homes and apartments. Bring copy of for visitors to walk through and view circus documents needed to qualify. FREE memorabilia. Some of the other items on display include a 1960’s acrobat’s costume and a vintage Thursdays, August 5 through August 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. HICAP Barnum & Bailey poster autographed by famous Workshops: Medicare 101 and Original Medicare - Medi-gaps (supplemental), clown, Lou Jacobs. The exhibit will run through Medicare Advantage Plans (HMO, PPO, PFFS), Medicare Part D. FREE December 31st.

Wednesday, August 11, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Watt-Wise Wednesday – Hollywood and the Desert Club Trade up to 5 incandescent light bulbs for 5 energy efficient bulbs.R equired: Valid The exhibit focuses on one of La Quinta’s California ID card or drivers license AND residential IID bill. Limited supply (no most famous landmarks from its opening in the appointment required). 1930’s to its eventual destruction in the 1980’s. Desert Club architect S. Charles Lee’s rarely Tuesday, August 17, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Arts and Crafts Class. FREE seen architectural renderings of the club will be displayed. Other items include Desert Club plates Wednesday, August 18, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. One-on-one Legal Help and correspondence; a menu autographed by with Elder Law and Estate Planning by Attorney David Grossman. Appointment Hollywood stars Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, required. FREE and Gary Cooper; Lana Turner’s demitasse set; other movie memorabilia; and home movies of Friday, August 20, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Balance Joint and Grip (one on one) by the stars. The exhibit runs through December Eisenhower Center, Healthy Living professional 31st. at the Senior Center (appointment required). FREE EVENTS Thursday, August 26, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Story Time at the Museum Geriatric Care Advisor will help navigate the A fun program geared for preschool aged museum visitors! Come hear a story health care system, ethical issues, and advanced with a related craft to follow. directives (appointment required). FREE Date: August 4 Time:10:00 a.m. Ages: 3-5

Traffic Signals in La Quinta The greatest public benefit for each dollar spent on traffic operations comes from the synchronization of traffic signals to provide smooth movement on major streets. When signals are synchronized, the side street traffic may have a longer wait but upon entering the major street, it also benefits from smooth traffic. Pedestrians crossing the street or emergency vehicles may disrupt the coordination throughout the day.

During times of heaviest traffic, most of the green time is given to the major streets. During off-peak hours the signals run free and green time varies based on traffic at each signal. If a detector is malfunctioning, the signal will stay green when no vehicle or pedestrian is present.

The City has established synchronized traffic signals along Highway 111- Mountain Cove to Jefferson, Washington Street - Avenue 52 to Fred Waring Drive on Jefferson Street - Vista Grande to Pomelo Drive. The signals are synchronized when at least 500 vehicles an hour are traveling along the corridor during the times periods shown below: STREET DAYS OF WEEK START END Hwy 111 Monday to Friday 6:30 AM 9:30 PM Hwy 111 Saturday 8:00 AM 9:00 PM Hwy 111 Sunday 9:00 AM 8:30 PM Jefferson Monday to Friday 6:45 AM 7:30 PM Future plans include synchronization on Eisenhower Drive, Adams Street, Dune Jefferson Saturday 9:30 AM 7:00 PM Palms Road, Fred Waring Drive, and Miles Avenue. Jefferson Sunday 10:00 AM 6:00 PM Washington Monday to Friday 6:00 AM 9:00 PM If you have questions or encounter problems, call the Public Works Department at Washington Saturday 8:30 AM 8:30 PM (760) 777-7075. Washington Sunday 9:00 AM 8:00 PM 15 La Quinta Police Department News from Public Works

Texting and Driving Ten high school students (nine Text messaging is increasingly becoming the way we communicate. Unfortunately, from La Quinta High and one from some people may be texting from behind the wheel of Shadow Hills High) participated a moving vehicle. in the 2010 Public Works Department Student Summer A recent study reports those who Volunteer Program. The program text while driving are 23 times more started June 15 and concluded likely to be involved in some type of with a graduation ceremony on “safety critical” event as compared July 22, 2010. Students spent time to drivers who do not text while in the field learning about public driving. works construction projects, street maintenance, and graffiti abatement as well as time in the office learning about private development, plan checking, land Here are a few simple guidelines to actions, electronic archiving, and public counter assistance. Students interested make our freeways and roadways in participating in future student volunteer programs should contact their high safer. school counselor.

BE SMART. Never text while driving. No text message is worth being The Public Works Department hosted its Annual Developer Meeting on June distracted and getting into a collision. 24, 2010 to review and discuss updates and revisions made to the Development Engineering Handbook (DEH). The meeting was well attended with representatives BE CARING. Don’t send a text to anyone when you know they are driving, or from private engineering and development firms as well as representatives from to anyone you know is likely behind the wheel. the Coachella Valley Water District. As part of the City’s “green” efforts, this year’s attendees were provided an electronic version of the DEH Fourth Edition, BE IN CONTROL. Remember it’s your phone. You decide if and when to which is also available on the City’s website at www.la-quinta.org. send and read texts, so take control. Consider turning your phone off, setting it to silent or place it in the glove box before hitting the road. BE AN EXAMPLE. Don’t convey the wrong message by texting while you silverrock news drive. Your family and your friends will follow your example.

Above all else, the message is simple, yet vital: When it comes to texting and Book Tee Times Online driving, it can wait. La Quinta residents can book tee times online for free by visiting the www.Silver- Rock.org website. Select the Book a Tee Time tab, La Quinta Resident Option If you have further questions regarding texting and driving, call Officer Fowler at (760) and book up to three days in advance. Contact the Golf Shop at (760) 777-8884 777-7376. if you have any questions. Junior Golf Camp The SilverRock Golf Academy’s Junior Camp for ages 5 to 17 continues every watt-wise wednesday Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30–10:30 a.m. through August 12, 2010. Classes must have a minimum of five and a maximum of 20 per day. All sign-ups are handled by the Golf Shop by calling (760) 777-8884, Ext. 3. The cost is $10 per Imperial Irrigation District is sponsoring a junior, per day. FREE “CFL Bulb Exchange” for residential customers on Wednesday, August 11 at the Senior Aerification from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. The last and final aerification for the Center. Bring in five incandescent bulbs summer is scheduled for August 9 and and receive five compact light bulbs (CFL). 10. During this time, the golf course CFL light bulbs produce the same amount will remain open, but will be limited of light, use 75% less electricity and last to nine holes only. Aerification is a longer than standard incandescent bulbs. process that helps the turf grass stay Replacing five 100-watt incandescent healthy. bulbs with five 25-watt CFL bulbs can potentially save $90 a year on energy costs. La Quinta Residents The current rate for La Quinta Resident Card holders is $30. A Special Resident Guest Rate of $30 is currently Customers will also receive additional being offered to accompanied guests of La Quinta Resident Card holders. Up to information about energy conservation, IID’s energy efficiency three (3) guests can play with each La Quinta Resident Card holder (restrictions programs, and convenient bill paying options. The exchange is limited to IID residential apply). customers. Participants must provide a valid California identification card or driver’s license AND a copy of their IID electric bill at the exchange. There’s a limit of five For more information on La Quinta Resident Cards, contact the Community Services bulbs per account, while supplies last. Department at (760) 777-7090. 16 Recreation

Staycation...Last Chance Vacation by Renee Woodward

Summer is almost behind us, but the heat will linger well into when school begins. No wonder some of us feel like we did not get enough vacation time. With the way the economy is, there are lot of us who did not get the “big vacation”. Instead there are some of us who took long weekends, but by the time you packed up the car, and drove 2 hours, you had little time to really relax and enjoy it. Who wants to lose a day of vacation All Natural Gelato, Ice Cream & Sorbetto traveling on freeways to beat the dreaded got-to-get-home-before-everyone-else traffic. So while there are a few weeks left, why not try a Staycation! Now is the time to take Delicious, intense and tantalizing flavors made advantage of great, almost incredible rates at your local Resort. The best part is you will fresh with true uncompromised raw ingredients. probably only travel 20 minutes to your vacation. That is exactly what I did this summer. Believe it or not, once inside my little haven, I No artificial additives or unhealthy fat. felt transplanted, never mind that my house was only 15 min away. Why? Well the reasons You will simply love our gelato! are plentiful. As I mentioned before, the cost and travel time is at a fraction of what you would normally spend. Another plus - oops forget something important, no worries, you Try our sugar-free, all natural, locally made can easily run home to retrieve it, how great is that. Clemmy’s ice cream or our Cool Options My staycation was at a lovely resort right here in La Quinta...once I drove down the smoothie, made to order. long driveway, checked in and settled into my casita, I already felt thousands of miles away. The air almost felt different, and I was relaxed knowing that I had a full 2 days of fun and We also do private functions or parties! adventure. I didn’t even think about the packing, or the long drive home. With being only 15 minutes away, there was no reason to try to jam all that I wanted to do in half the time. My choices were endless. What to do first - spa, pool, biking, shopping, or just floating in the pool while sipping on a frosty Pina Colada? The Pina Colada won hands down for my first adventure. I enjoyed the spa next, shopping and of course lovely dining later, and that 11am – 9pm Sun-Thurs 11am – 10pm Fri & Sat was only day one. Wow I’m really liking these staycations. Old Town La Quinta, across from Old Town Cellar & Stuft Pizza While shopping, I was asked where I traveled from, I laughed and said I was a local. 760.771.9132 The sales lady laughed and said “Wow, never heard that one before.” So I explained all the reasons why as a local, loving La Quinta, I didn’t want to leave, plus now I had more spending money. Who can argue with that. Did I feel a little silly or indulgent? No way. My budget was not blown, so no vacation over-spending remorse. Early Bird now I’m happily planning my August staycation. So while there is time left, before school begins, and the great specials end, book your staycation now. I bet you’ll be as Stuft’s Happiest Hours hooked as I am. 3-5pm 7 days a week in the restaurant, patio and bar area. (Our Original Happy Hour is unchanged and still 3-6 Daily)

Balance & Rhythm Well drinks, house wines & draft beer 1/2 off The 5 basic fundamentals of golf; grip, stance, posture, alignment and ball position are very important in developing a good basis for the golf swing. However, balance & House bottle of wine rhythm is just as important and will make or break your golf swing. $10 Balance and rhythm are closely related; golfers with poor rhythm will probably have poor balance. Not all golfers should have the same rhythm; in fact your rhythm or tempo will depend upon your type of personality. If you are a relaxed person or a 10 Dinner Specials starting at $11.24 person that typically walks slower then your golf swing rhythm/tempo may be slow 26 Small Plates starting at $3.75 (i.e. Fred Couples). Conversely, if your personality is more upbeat and you walk at a brisker pace then your golf swing tempo may be faster (i.e. Nick Price). Whatever, 10 Entree Salads Starting at $6.49 your golf swing tempo its imperative that you consistently swing that way each time. Finally, an important aspect of the golf swing that is often overlooked is a balanced 15 Pasta Dishes starting at $6.74 finish.Y ou should always hold your finish as if posing for a picture. The finish can tell 12 Sandwiches starting at $6.74 you so much of what happened in the golf swing. Find a rhythm and tempo that works with you and you will find a swing that is in balance. Located in Old Town La Quinta 78015 Main Street,# l00 For help with this or any other golf swing concerns, contact us at 760-777-8884. All food prices reflect a 25% discount with the exception of our Hearth Baked Pizzas which reflects a $2.50 discount. Not to be combined with any other offers. Editor’s note In the July issue on page 28, Rudy Acosta was mislabeld as Randy Acosta, and the Desert Recreation District as the Desert Recreation Center. We regret the error. 760.777.9989 www.stuftpizza.com/laquinta 17 Expires 8/31/10 Pre Order 24 hrs. Please

14” Gourmet Pizza

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18 Restaurants / Cuisine

by Andie Hubka Market research studies have shown that in our current economy, many people are reluctant to spend more than $15 on a bottle of wine. Almost two thirds of the wine purchased domestically retails in value between $12 and $18 – which says a lot about our drinking preferences being directly related to our wallets. There’s no shame in looking for the best inexpensive wine you can find. As a matter of fact, I have a lot more respect for people who actively look for great, unpretentious value wines as opposed to those who buy expensive wines just to keep up with the Joneses! In my book, it’s a lot more exciting to find the best $12 bottle of wine I can than to assume that the more expensive a wine is, the better it must be. The thing is, price doesn’t always indicate quality when it comes to wine. Many times the exact opposite is true. With that being said, how do we, as the consumer, find the best wines on the market if we can’t use price as a guideline to indicate quality? New Happy Hour Menu Live Entertainment The first step is to educate yourself. This involves reading wine publications and Monday thru Saturday 3pm – Close All Summer! reviews, comparison shopping, using the internet as a great resource, and talking with Over 30 Food & Wine Items all $6 each other wine lovers for great recommendations. I, for example, once asked all of my 7:00 - 9:30 pm friends and relatives to tell me their favorite bottle of wine under $20. I was able to Artist Reception’s compile a great list of wines to try – many of which proved to be excellent bottles I Wine Store Open Daily 10am. still regularly purchase. First Tuesday of June, July, My next tip is to skip the grocery store and opt for smaller, boutique bottle shops August, September Wine Bar Open Daily 3pm. when experimenting with new and particularly inexpensive wines. A grocery store complimentary appetizers { Closed Sunday { clerk is not going to be able to recommend a great bottle of wine for you, at any and wine tasting available price. At a wine specific store, you can let the person helping you know your per- 5:00-7:00pm Closed for Vacation Aug 8-19 bottle budget and preferred varietal or region and be guaranteed to get a fantastic bottle of wine for the price. They’ve likely tasted every wine in the place and are well equipped to make a stellar recommendation. And to truly appreciate a great bottle of wine at a low price, you’ll need to be open to wines from places far flung. Argentina is one of my favorite countries producing amazing inexpensive wines. A great big Argentinean Malbec can be had for around $15 a bottle. If you love crispy dry whites, try a South African Chenin Blanc, which at around $13 a bottle is quite a steal. Chile is producing superb Cabernet Sauvignon made by some of the world’s greatest winemakers at a fraction of the cost of their California counterparts. One of the best values, by far, is Spain’s answer to Champagne – sparkling Cava. A great bottle of Cava rivals some of the best Champagnes I’ve had – and retail for under $20 a bottle. Like anything else, we should all be drinking the best wine we can afford – whether our price tag is $15 or $50. Keep in mind that wine is expensive to produce, and when you start dipping much below the $10 mark, you get what you pay for in terms of quality. While that $2 bottle of wine might sound like a fantastic deal, you’ll get a much better bottle spending a few dollars more and doing a little research first. And at the end of the day, we’ll all have a few more dollars to spend on the other great things in life! Cooking with Class, 47875 Caleo Bay, #A107, La Quinta, 760-777-1161 www.cookingwithclasslaquinta.com

La Quinta - Vacations.com Come stay with us, and receive a FREE Robe. 619-670-6634 www.LaQuinta-Vacations.com, located in the Village of La Quinta

19 Restaurants / Cuisine Recipe of the Month

Melon and Tomato Gazpacho

3 ea cucumbers peeled, seeded, diced 1-2 red bell peppers seeded, diced 1-2 yellow bell peppers seeded, diced 1 ea red onion diced 4-5 tomatoes diced ½ watermelon diced ½ canteloupe diced ½ honeydew diced El Ranchito Restaurant 1 jalapeno 3-4 pounds of tomatoes rough chop Buy one Combination 1-2 cups tomato juice and get the Second 50% off Not Valid with any other specials or Puree the tomato juice and rough chopped tomatoes with one third of the bell Coupons. Expires on 8/30/2010 peppers, 1/3 of the cucumbers, 1/3 red onion, and 1/3 of the melons. Mix with remaining diced vegetables. Season the soup with sherry vinegar, Tabasco, salt and black pepper and sherry wine to taste.

78-065 Main St., 2nd floor, Old Town La Quinta. 760.564.5556 OPENthroughthemonthofAUGUST!

Thissummer,enjoyourfamous AUGUSTHOURS OpenWednesdaytoSaturday SITSOONERSPECIAL 5:00pmtoClose ANYTIME,ANYDAY! ClosedSundayͲTuesday 3Coursesfor$20 ONEBLOCKSOUTH Includesyourchoiceofsouporsalad, Wesaidweweregoingtocloseforthemonth OFTHECRABPOT entréeanddessert.Entréechoices ofAugust,butthankstoyouroverwhelming &DESERTSAGE changeweekly !Chec koutourwebs ite supportthissummer,Solano’s willremainopen RESTAURANTS! forthelatestSitSoonerSpecialat throughtheseason.Wehopetoseeyousoon! www.solanosbistro.com IntheLaQuintaVillage•78Ͳ110Calle Estado•LaQuinta,CA92253•(760)771Ͳ6655•www.solanosbistro.com

20 CH_4C Ad_5x11:Half 7/13/10 3:11 PM Page 1 City / Government

Stop Hidden Taxes Initiative to Go on November Ballot The California Chamber of Commerce-supported measure to stop hidden taxes will appear on the November ballot as Proposition 26, the Secretary of State recently announced. The campaign co-chaired by the CalChamber and California Taxpayers’ Association submitted more than 1.1 million voter signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot. The initiative seeks to stop legislators and local officials from imposing hidden taxes mislabeled as fees on California taxpayers. The state Constitution requires two-thirds approval of the Legislature for new or increased taxes. Local tax increases also are subject to voter approval. Lawmakers have attempted to circumvent the law by designating tax hikes as “fees,” then adopting them with just a majority vote. If approved by voters, Proposition 26, the Stop Hidden Taxes Initiative, will require the Legislature and local officials to abide by California’s Constitution, so new state taxes become law only with a two-thirds vote, and local taxes are increased only after voter approval. Reducing Tax Burden “The way out of this recession is by creating jobs, growing the economy, and reducing the tax burden on hard-working California families and the businesses that create those jobs,” said CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg, co-chair of the Stop Hidden Taxes campaign committee. “Hidden taxes and higher fees work against job creation and make it even harder to recruit the businesses and jobs that are needed to re-energize our economy and provide the taxes to fund critical state services,” Zaremberg said. “If we are going to attract jobs to California, businesses need the certainty of Enjoy all your Cliffhouse dining room a stable tax structure, not the constant exposure to unending revenue gimmicks. Voters have said ‘enough is enough’ to higher taxes and fees and passage of this favorites at new lower prices measure will help end the politicians’ deceptive practice of labeling taxes as fees so they can be passed with a simple majority vote,” continued Zaremberg. Add soup or salad to any entree for just $4.00 Constitutional Amendment Proposition 26 is a constitutional amendment that simply and more clearly defines Wine Nights are Sunday - Thursday fees and taxes to close loopholes used by the Legislature to avoid the two-thirds vote requirement. Enjoy half price bottles, some restrictions apply The initiative also applies to local governments; includes a provision to sunset any fee/tax increases not meeting the requirements of this measure enacted between the beginning of this year and the effective date of the measure if it is passed by voters; and prohibits the Legislature from using a simple majority vote to raise taxes on HAPPY HOUR EVERY NIGHT one group while reducing those on another group (the so-called “revenue neutral” maneuver). ALL NIGHT SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY In the past decade, legislators have proposed billions of dollars in hidden taxes that $3 Draft Beer • $5 Well Drinks affect everyday items like cars, food, cell phones, insurance, fuel and energy. $5 PF Chardonnay & Merlot • $5 Duke’s Mai Tai The initiative permits valid fees—those that legitimately cover the cost of or benefit from the service being provided, such as fishing or hunting licenses—to be 40-50% off all Cactus Grill Entrees passed with a majority vote of the Legislature or approved by local officials. COUPON Article coutesy of CalChamber, for more information contact www.calchamber.com More information on the initiative is available at www.nomorehiddentaxes.com. Receive a The campaign also will be opposing Proposition 25, the majority vote budget measure. FREE APPETIZER OR DESSERT 2010 Lawn Mower Exchange Program of your choice with a $25 purchase. Dine in only. May not be combined with any other offers or promotions. Coachella Valley Residents will be able to register to turn in their old, working, gas lawn mower and purchase a cordless, rechargeable, electric lawn mower at a greatly reduced price. Four models will be available for you to choose from when you register 78-250 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA • (760) 360-5991 • www.hulapie.com at www.aqmd.gov.

21 : CEO Corner

* Chamber Utilization 101! Good day all! The proverbial “dog days of summer” are upon us and for many, there is a chance to reflect on the previous season and begin strategizing on the months ahead. I am writing as a follow up to several conversations I have had with local business owners and community leaders on how the Chamber can benefit businesses and the community. While recent surveys suggest that the Chamber is still a very popular catalyst for networking and developing business leads, the legislative aspect is becoming equally important to businesses. I have written in the past about the Chamber’s involvement in the Selection Process for the vacant Riverside County Supervisor position earlier in the year and the Chambers recent support for several key initiatives that support local businesses and the community. To that end, did you know the Chamber can assist and act as a conduit when working with the City and we can be a strategic first stop when initiating business in La Quinta? The Chamber has been very involved in supporting businesses from permitting to writing letters of support for our members. regarding some upcoming events - the “Spending Time ON Your Business” series kicks off August 5, 2010 leading with ACCOUNTING and is designed by Entrepre- neurs for Entrepreneurs giving you insight into key success areas in your business. Free for Chamber members and $25 for non-members these discussions are great for everyone. In September there will be the second installment of the “Spending Time ON Your Business” series - ECONOMY on September 2, 2010 and the Legislative Sum- mit will be on September 15, 2010 at the La Quinta Resort. Check out all the GEM ads or visit us on line at lqchamber.com. David Archer, CEO

Chairmans Report

As the new chairman for the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce, I am humbled by the many chairmen before me over the* past 60 years of this organization. That’s right; this Chamber of Commerce has assisted business here in this area for 60 years. Our Chamber will continue to be a great asset to the many successful business’s as well as the many struggling through these trying times. Along with the numerous events we will have this year, including the Car Show, the Taste of La Quinta and the Mayor’s Cup Golf Challenge; we have added a few new items. With the elections coming up this fall we have added a Legislative Summit to get an update on actions in Washington, Sacramento, as well as Riverside County. Also with the local elections of our La Quinta City Officials, we will have a Candidates Forum to allow you to listen to those running for the local offices and ask them your questions. We have also added a new item for our business Members titled Spending Time ON Your Business. This event will invite local businesses to listen to professionals in areas such as Accounting, Marketing, Insurance, Legal and the local Economy. It will give time to business owners allowing them to work on the business versus the day-to-day challenges of working in our businesses. our Chamber appreciates the opportunity to work for our Members and support this great community. We will continue the long history of this Chamber and our goal that everything we do is a benefit to our Members as well as our Community.

Lee Osborne, Chairman 79-440 Corporate Center Drive, Ste. 100 La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-9805 phone (760) 777-9482 fax [email protected] - www.psocpa.com

22 68895 Perez Rd. I-18 Cathedral City, CA 92234 Tel: 760-322-6366 Fax: 760-321-2682 A. Making Business Connection: Members Spotlight License #689256 Date 5-14-10

Job Name JB Varsity Jackets & B. Sports Cards Job Address We at JB Sports are excited to have opened here in beautiful

Sign Type La Quinta. We are at 78-115 Calle Estado, suite #102, just TBA Colors: around the corner from Old Town’s Main Street. Blue C. The desert has been our home for over 20 years, Barbara and I have raised our two sons here, and we are very involved in the community as well as with our local schools. Sign Artist: At JB Sports you will find everything for the “Sports

Drawing # ______!!!!______Collector” in your family. We carry a large assortment )URPOHIWWRULJKW%ULDQ5HFRU&KHIGH&XLVLQH-RKQ+HDO\5HVWDXUDQW0DQDJHU Approved with Changes Date!!! Final Approval Date DISCLAIMER: All ideas, designs and arrangements indicated or represented by this drawing are owned and property of Riofine Neon Sign Company Inc. They were created, evolved, 4 and developed only for use on and in connection ofwith this speciSportsfic project. None of such ideas, cardsdesigns or arrangements shall( be usedBaseball, by or disclosed to any person, firm orFootball, Basketball, Hockey, and racing). We also carry )UDQFRLV&LQT0DUV6RPPHOLHU-LPP\6FKPLGW([HFXWLYH&KHI COPYRIGHT PROTECTED corporation for any purpose whatsoever without written permission. If they are shared even without approval on this drawing they will be billed a designing fee (min. $500.00). gaming cards (Magic, Yugioh, and Pokemon), along with non-sports cards. You can come in and purchase autographed baseballs, jerseys, bats, along with artwork of 7KDQN\RX your favorite athlete for your walls. If you are looking for a great gift you can come :H ZDQW WR SHUVRQDOO\ WKDQN \RX IRU PDNLQJ 0RUJDQ·V ÀUVW VHDVRQ D VXFFHVV in and purchase car flags, jewelry boxes, glassware, just to name a few items. At JB

LASR-INK Jack Lacy and his daughter, Denise Gardner, know that smart people and businesses today buy remanufactured cartridges. LASR-INK supplies cartridges at 25 to 50% less than what you pay in the big box stores, are completely guaranteed to perform the same, and whenever possible, made in the USA. Lacy started the company in 1997 in a small office in Cathedral City, and soon found it to be a popular concept. By 1998 he needed some help and had Gardner move her family to the Coachella Valley to take part in his vision. Over the years they found the need to expand and opened two more locations, Palm Desert and Yucca Valley. In 2007 the Cathedral City store relocated to a larger facility in Palm Springs. “People soon realize they get more with the refills. Saving money is the number one concern of product users. The advantage of recycled cartridges is enhanced by the fact that new cartridges have less ink and toner in them,” says Lacy. Increasingly cost conscious consumers are seeking out companies like LASR- INK to save money. Another advantage offered by their company is the high quality customer service with serious attention to detail. LASR-INK offers free delivery to it’s business accounts and welcomes walk-ins. Come visit at 73910 Hwy. 111, or call at 568-6616. 23 Making Business Connections: Members in the news

The PENTA Building Group Distributes $5000 To Local Carmen A Boutique Salon Offers Tips on Desert Hair Care Schools To Support Arts Programs. Finding the right stylist for a new resident (full or part-time) can be a challenge with The PENTA Building Group, one of the country’s leading private commercial general so many choices. The advice I recommend is getting a referral from a friend, someone contractors, and the Building Industry Association-Desert Chapter (BIA) have lent whose hairstyle you like or a co-worker. their support to three Coachella Valley school districts’ Art programs suffering from When you are going to a new salon and stylist for the first time, I think it’s always state budget cuts. a good idea to bring a picture along of the style you have in mind. It really helps me, PENTA and the BIA-Desert Chapter joined forces to create “A Time for Art” as the stylist, to get a better idea of what my client really wants and together we can project benefiting the Palm Springs, Desert Sands, and the Coachella Valley Unified decide if the style suits my client as far as will the style look good on them, do they School Districts. The $5,000 proceeds from “A Time for Art” were recently have the right type of hair and will they be able to maintain the style at home. distributed to the three districts to support their Arts programs. Caring for our hair here in the desert takes a bit of effort. There are a lot of different “A Time for Art” was a unique community fundraiser. Twenty local artists donated ways our hair can become dry and damaged. Environmentally from the sun and wind, their time and talent to create one of a kind collectable pieces made from vintage chemically from hair color, perms, straighteners and swimming pools and mechanically refurbished parking meters. These unique metal “sculptures” were auctioned off in from blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons. It is very important to put back into the a silent auction in the style of an art gallery opening at the Gardens on El Paseo in hair what the elements have taken out. I always recommend professional salon hair April. care products to my clients. They have been formulated with quality ingredients and Jacqueline Danos, of The PENTA Building Group’s Palm Desert office, came up are guaranteed by me the stylist. I wouldn’t use extra virgin olive oil to condition my with the idea after learning about the City of Denver’s successful program to raise hair any sooner than I would use shampoo to cook with, if you know what I mean. I funds and awareness for its homeless programs with refurbished parking meters also think it’s smart to wear a hat that covers your hair, not just a visor, when you’re as inspiration. “As an organization, we are proud and happy to help out the school outside. It protects your hair color from fading and your scalp from burning. districts. We thought it was a unique way to support both local artists and the school I want to share with you a bit of information about one of the hottest in salon hair art programs. We are proud that we are able to give back $5,000 to the three local treatments available to you. It’s a smoothing system for unruly, curly or frizzy hair. It districts who are thrilled to receive the additional funds,” notes Danos.” leaves your hair feeling smooth silky and shiny for up to 12 weeks. I know because I In many schools, statewide arts programs no longer exist. “We are very excited had a treatment done to my own hair and it’s fantastic. I love it when a product really that PENTA, the BIA, and local artists are supporting our efforts to maintain Arts does what it says it’s going to do. Its call the Brazilian Blow Out’ it will change your programs in the schools,” says Lousia Castrodale, Visual and Performing Arts Specialist hairs’ life. at the Palm Springs Unified School District. “Their efforts are very welcome and very Carmen A Boutique Salon, 78045 Calle Cadiz Suite 4, La Quinta Ca 92253 necessary,” she adds. (On the patio of the Homestead Restaurant) 44250 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert. (760)776-6111. Call Carmen at 760-771-1350 or [email protected] www.pentabldggroup.com Member Update: What’s up this Month Member Update: Hot item of the Month

Office Depot: Teacher Appreciation week is: 8-15 thru 8-21. Sat 8-21, 9-11AM is a FREE breakfast, giveaways and more! Call (760) 564-6623

ATEK Computers: Computer lessons only $50.00 hr. In the privacy of your home. Lessons are based on your individual needs. We can help with anything Rubio’s is offering a FREE Grilled from the basics to the more complex. Call 760.413.0369 Gourmet Taco Plate when you buy Old Town Artisian: “Girls Night Out” every other Thursday, starts Aug. 8-12 a Grilled Gourmet Taco Plate and *La Quinta store only. Expires 8/29/10 Cross-Generations classes every Thursday from 1-2:30 pm. Call 760.777.1444 Coupon Code: NSEB333 2 drinks at the regular price. * 78-447 Hwy 111 Suite A La Quinta, CA. 92253 (760) 564-0116

8/31/2010

24 La Quinta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors / Executive Committee The best sellers that you’ve Lee Osborne, CPA, PSO Accountancy Corporation, Chairman Thomas J. McDermott, Law Offices of Thomas J. McDermott, Past Chair enjoyed reading Leland Berliner, All Valley BBQ, Treasurer Kathleen McEntee, Kathleen McEntee & Associates, Ltd., Secretary David Howard, Cherokee Homes, Chair Elect Bruce Frankin, B & K Associates, 1st. Vice Chair Frank Blum, Coldwell Banker Mitch Blumberg, DesertArc Steve Sanchez, Desert Radio Group David Kirken, La Quinta Resort & Club Tonita Valencia, Automated Telecom Randy Collins, Souplantation Paul Hackman, Desert Regional Medical Center Mike Veto, Burrtec Waste & Recycling Services Mark Moran, Mark S. Moran & Assoc. Krisann J. Bacon, Time Warner Media Sales Linda Wright, The Shoppe in Old Town Noel Fischer, Grins2Go

Chamber Professional Staff David Archer President/CEO Anne Blalock Idalia Uribe Director of Fun/Sales Director of Finance

Renee Woodward Mildred Donley Director of Design & Communication Volunteer can now provide help to some thank you to Our Sponsors severely disabled kids. Diamond hen you donate those books and other items Wyou don’t use anymore to Angel View, you’ll do much more than just clean out your library. We’ll re-sell them and use the proceeds to provide quality 24-hour residential and therapeutic care Emerald to physically and mentally challenged young people throughout our local desert communities.

So bring your gently used items – books, furniture, clothing, shoes, toys, electronics – to any of our Angel View resale store locations. For pickup of ANGEL VIEW larger items, call 760-322-2440, or visit us on the Ruby web at angelview.org. Because we can all use an angel in our lives once in a while.

THERE’S AN ANGEL VIEW RESALE LOCATION NEAR YOU MISSION STATEMENT TO PROMOTE AND ENHANCE BUSINESS GROWTH, CIVIC WELL-BEING AND A SOUND QUALITY OF LIFE. LA QUINTA

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 79400 Highway 111 CREATING A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY • PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY • PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES • REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF BUSINESSES WITH GOVERNMENT • POLITICAL ACTION. BERMUDA DUNES HEMET PALM DESERT

Please note: Reservations are required for all Mayor’s Luncheons, Power Lunches & The Breakfast Networks. COSTS: Mayor’s Luncheons - $25 77898 Country Club 305 West Florida Ave. 3468 Highway 111 for members $30 for non-members with reservations 3 days prior to the event; $30 for members/$35 for non-members thereafter; $40 for walk-ins. MIXERS - $10 CATHEDRAL CITY INDIO for members. $15 for non-members. POWER LUNCHEONS - Members only - $20 with reservations 3 days prior to the event and $25 thereafter. THE PALM SPRINGS BREAKFAST NETWORK - Members only - $20 with reservations 3 days prior to the event and $25 thereafter. An additional fee of $5 will be charged if 68823 Highway 111 45430 Fargo Street an invoice is required. We accept Cash, VISA & M/C, checks ONLY. 462 N.Indian Canyon Open 9 am to 6 pm The La Quinta Gem is the official publication of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce. Circulation: 23,000. Distributed free to all residents, Chamber DESERT HOT SPRINGS YUCCA VALLEY members and businesses in La Quinta. Additional distribution by subscription available for $25 per year. To advertise, subscribe, or submit articles, please Monday thru Saturday, contact the Chamber at (760) 564-3199. PLEASE NOTE: The opinions and views expressed in all editorial material are those of the writer or person 66389 Pierson Blvd. 10 am to 5 pm Sunday. 57594 29 Palms Hwy interviewed and are not necessarily those of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce, its Board of Directors, officers or of the advertisers in The GEM. The La Quinta Chamber of Commerce endorses no person, political candidate or opinion unless specifically stated. 25

J.R. NAVARRO & ASSOCIATES INC. AV-049 Angel View Half page (5” x 11”) B&W La Quinta CC Gem August, 2010 • Special Events, Jake’sPresent Pizza ad for SpecialsCoupon Birthdays, Fundraisers, Office Parties We Are Now Delivering $3.50 off any Large •Super Special Wednesdays! any Medium — $2.50 off ake everything we can fresh We m single toppbeeingf. only. 1.50 off any Small tic Italian sausage, ground $ Our dough, authen sm $6, md $8, lg. $10 shipped in from Wisconsin 760.777.7288se the best mozzarella, Good for dine-in or We u za. ( lower in carbs ). ! !rust piz ious thin c Cinnamon Roll Tuesdays! take-out pizzas only W78-995e are k nHwyown 111for o #9,ur dLQelic 78-995 Highway 111 La Quinta HappyƔ Phone:Hour 7760-777-7288 days 4-7 PM $4.Ɣ 78-995glass of Hwy Wine, 111 SpacePitchers 9, Laof BeerQuinta Imported $8 Domestic $7 southwest corner of Adams and 111 across from Office Depot in the Verizon,/Mac Gallery plaza Tel: (760)777-7288

26 Factory Custom Wood Direct Shutters

Save 30% - 50% OFF retail prices Call for FREE in-home estimate Wood Established Wood Shutters • Poly Shutters • Blinds •Roman, Bamboo, Woven Shades shutters 1985 as low as lowest prices 888-350-8889 $13.95/sq ft guaranteed 411 Olive Avenue, Beaumont, Ca 92223 www.wholesaleshutter.com + install A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau

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• Short Notice Cleaning • Bonded & Insured • Screened Trained Teams • Window & Wall Washing • House Cleaning 760-200-2333 77-880 Country Club Dr. #52 Email: [email protected] All major credit cards Buy 1 get 1 Free (for equal or lesser value)

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27 The Homestead and Chapellis would like to say thanks to all of our patrons for a great season!

We are taking this month off to freshen things up and prepare for an even better year.

Stay cool and thanks

The Homestead 78030 Calle Cadiz La Quinta, California est 2009 (760)771-3331