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Happy Thursday! We know we have a lot of talented Indio musicians and bands out there. Whether they’re playing at Center Stage or at venues across the valley, we think it’s time the rest of the country hears them, too! NPR’s 2026 Tiny Desk Contest is now open for entries, offering a life-changing chance to perform on a national stage. The great band Tank and the Bangas won the 2017 contest and played Coachella the next year. Check out the official announcement and show the world the incredible sound of the City of Festivals!
🎶 Setting the mood: "Tightrope" by Janelle Monáe (feat. Big Boi)
Leading Off
The Indio Arts Center, located at 45140 Towne St.
Renovation of Arts Center faces budget overruns, potential phased completion
The Indio Arts Center renovation has hit major budget obstacles, with contractor bids far exceeding the original $1 million budget. City staff is now exploring additional funding or a phased construction approach.
Driving the news: The city received three contractor proposals for the 14,000-square-foot building at 45140 Towne Street, ranging from $600,000 to $2.1 million, with the lowest bid containing numerous exclusions requiring additional contractors and costs.
Here’s why: Director of Economic Development Miguel Ramirez-Cornejo told the Public Arts Commission on Tuesday that the project has struggled to find contractors due to structural code violations, fire violations and other damages discovered during planning.
What's next: Staff is exploring securing $800,000 from other city funding sources to add to the $1 million already allocated, though City Council approval would be required before money can be reallocated.
Yes, but: If additional funding isn't secured, renovation will proceed in phases, with the front public-facing areas — including the gallery, classroom and studio space — completed first.
The building's back section houses heat-intensive processes like welding and ceramics requiring extra ventilation and fire suppression systems.
Briefly
IID expanded some of its most popular payment assistance plans so more customers qualify.
💡 IID expands electric bill assistance, raises income limits
The Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors approved expanded payment assistance programs with higher income limits to help more households afford electric bills in 2026. More than 12,670 customers received $8.3 million in financial aid in 2025.
The READY program gives customers a 20% monthly discount. To qualify for that program, customers can earn up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level plus $10,000, while the SHIELD program for seniors increased its income limit from 200% to 322% of the Federal Poverty Level for a 30% discount.
Details: The CARE program increased annual emergency assistance from $450 to $500 for customers facing disconnection, and the EASE program for those with medical equipment now requires renewal every three years instead of two.
🎨 Multiple public art projects near completion in Indio
The Indio Public Arts Commission received updates on several art installations advancing toward completion, including five murals and three sculptures scheduled to be unveiled between January and March.
Completed murals include Harvey Garcia's Fred Waring Avenue animation mural set for unveiling next month, two murals on the Loma Linda University - Children's Health building on Smurr Street honoring Desirae "Desi" Ava Grace Cechin with an augmented reality component launching in March.
Also on the docket, Adam Enrique Rodriguez's "Nuestra Gente, Nuestra Vida" on Avenue 45 tentatively scheduled for unveiling Feb. 7. John Cuevas' Center Stage mural featuring local flora and fauna is on track for March completion.
Plus: Sculpture projects include Christopher Fennell's "Nova's Arc" at Shields Park shooting for installation this month, the Bravo sculpture at Avenue 50 and Madison Street expected in February, and the 9/11 Memorial sculpture at Miles Avenue Park anticipated by February.
A MESSAGE FROM PS WINDMILL TOURS
Whether you take our self-driving tour or a guided golf cart tour, our expert guides will easily be able to describe the inner workings of wind turbines and how it contributes to our energy grid. From the novice tour participant to engineers - types, everyone will be able to leave the tour with a better understanding of how this renewable energy is an integral part of our energy solution.
📅 Weekend highlights
International Desert Conservation Summit
All weekend | The Living Desert
The 5th Annual International Desert Conservation Summit returns to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, featuring keynote speaker Paul Rosolie and brings together conservation leaders to highlight efforts protecting desert wildlife, expanding environmental education, and supporting conservation programs.
Music Trivia Night
Today | 7 p.m. | Rosemary HiFi
Test your music knowledge tonight at 7 p.m. sharp.
Boot Barn Grand Opening
Friday | 12 p.m. | 42800 Jackson Street
Despite its name, you can get a lot more than just boots at the Boot Barn! Find clothing, hats, gear and more and this new location in Indio.
Memorial Mass
Friday | 6 p.m. | Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church
TODEC Legal Center hosts this memorial mass in remembrance of Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz who died this week at JFK hospital while in ICE custody.
Flow at Center Stage
Saturday | 10 a.m. | Center Stage
Bring your yoga mat and find your zen at Center Stage this weekend with a free yoga class.
Pet Adoption event
Saturday | 11 a.m. | TKB Bakery and Deli
Grab a sandwich and maybe meet your new best friend at this event hosted by Desert Paws Sanctuary. Adoption applications available on site.
Reggae and Brews
Saturday | 2 p.m. | Indio Taphouse
Enjoy unlimited tastings from local and SoCal breweries and enjoy reggae vibes with DJ Stronghold Roots. ($40)
Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Abbotsford Canucks
Sunday | 5 p.m. | Acrisure Arena
It’s bound to be an exciting game between these two teams but more importantly…it’s Kids Day at the arena! This game will have lots of free goodies and participation from kids throughout the game. ($35)
📣 And Finally …
The restrooms at Dr. Carreon Park, one of three parks that Public Arts Commissioners want to adorn with murals.
Indio is looking for artists to transform park restrooms into canvases, with the practical goal of making them less appealing to vandals armed with spray paint.
Driving the news: The City of Indio Public Arts Commission approved a Request for Proposals Tuesday for murals at three city parks, allocating up to $10,000 per location to brighten restroom buildings at Dr. Carreon Park, Jackson Park, and Miles Avenue Park.
The strategy: The city wants colorful, visually dense designs that leave little empty space for would-be graffiti artists to claim as their own.
Murals must be designed to survive at least 15 years in the desert environment.
Why it matters: Beyond aesthetics, murals have proven effective at discouraging vandalism while boosting community pride and reducing the costs of repeated graffiti removal.
What they're looking for: Artists must submit proposals including design concepts, budgets, timelines and maintenance plans, with staff now authorized to circulate the RFP and begin the search for suitable candidates. The RFP is not yet posted on the city’s website, check online here for updates.
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