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Happy Thursday! Lately, it seems like anybody and everybody is asking us to fill out a survey. In a previous newsletter we told you about Riverside County asking your opinion on the budget and earlier this week we told you that SunLine Transit is asking for more Indio residents to respond to their survey (and you could win $50 for your trouble). Now, the Indio Library has a survey out and staff want to know how you use the library so they can better serve residents at the newly reopened location. So if you’re someone who likes to make their opinion known, there is no shortage of opportunities!
🎶 Setting the mood: “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers
Leading Off
The site for the proposed project is near the iconic L & G Desert Store on Jackson Street and Avenue 50.
Planning Commission reviews plans for 50-home subdivision
The Indio Planning Commission reviewed plans for a 50-unit gated development near Jackson Street and Avenue 50, but commissioners recommended significant revisions before advancing the project.
Driving the news: Estrella Estates would occupy 5.65 acres east of Jackson Street and north of Avenue 50, featuring two-story homes ranging from 2,185 to 2,476 square feet with a single gated entrance.
At issue: Assistant Planner Nikolas Guitron noted the city's General Plan "encourages connected neighborhoods, public streets, connectivity and residential designs that limit gated development."
What they're saying: A developer acknowledged the gate was included "mostly to appease the people that may buy there," while a broker said homes would be "priced slightly lower than the market rate" and built as potential "generational homes" for multi-generational families.
Key concerns: Commissioners flagged multiple issues requiring additional work, including insufficient two-car stacking at the Avenue 50 entrance that could create traffic problems, parking capacity for multi-generational households, and the need for improved garage setbacks and street aesthetics along Avenue 50.
What's next: The developer must return with Tentative Tract Map and Planning Review Discretionary applications, both requiring Planning Commission review. No formal action was taken during Wednesday's consultation.
Briefly
Indio Sustainability Commissioners raised concerns after seeing projects like the QTS Data center in Arizona, shown here. (Photo: Shutterstock)
💾 Commission votes to more closely study impacts of data centers
The Indio Sustainability Commission voted Monday to formally add the oversight of data centers to its official work plan, citing mounting concerns over the facilities’ energy and water demands and reports of a planned data center in Imperial County.
In December, Imperial Irrigation District hosted a public workshop to address concerns about data centers, but commissioners found the meeting lacked specifics from IID and they said they wanted more transparency.
What’s next: Commissioners voted unanimously to integrate data centers into its work plan, making it a priority focus, and said it will continue to track IID’s policy developments and inform the City Council when it has completed more research.
🎤 Indio to host free Black History Month celebration
The City of Indio will host a free, daylong Black History Month celebration next month featuring speakers, entertainment and a concert in downtown Indio.
In partnership with the city's Black History Committee, Desert Recreation District, and Coachella Valley History Museum, the celebration will feature guest speakers, panel discussions, live entertainment, games, resource booths, food vendors and a kids zone. E&J Movement performing Motown favorites and the first 100 concert attendees will receive a free burger from Papa Headz.
Details: The community event is on Feb. 7 at Center Stage. Daytime celebrations run from noon to 5 p.m. and the free concert starts at 6 p.m. Learn more online here.
📅 Featured events
Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor”
All weekend | Desert TheatreWorks
A comedy surrounding the star and writers of a TV comedy-variety show in the 1950s, inspired by Neil Simon’s own early career experience. ($46)
Sumo Dog Ribbon Cutting
Today | 11 a.m. | Sumo Dog North Indio, 82173 Avenue 42
It’s the second Sumo Dog location opening in Indio! Sumo Dog takes the classic American hot dog and redefines it with Japanese ingredients.
Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast with Xavier Becerra
Friday | 8:30 a.m. | Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts this Legislative Breakfast featuring California Gubernatorial Candidate Xavier Becerra. ($40 for members, $50 for non-members)
Open Mic
Friday | 2 p.m. | Indio Library
Share you music, stories, music and more at this Open Mic event at the library.
Noches Ilegales
Friday | 7 p.m. | Rosemary HiFi
Come celebrate the one year anniversary of Noches Ilegales, featuring music from Paola Puente (@doublepeas) and Bobby Soul (@bobsoul) and food from Citlali Tamales.
Veterans Open House
Saturday | 9 a.m. | Indio Gymnastics and Performing Arts (Former Metro 8)
Desert Recreation District wants to hear from local veterans. Veterans’ input will help shape future programs, classes, and events. Also featuring family-friendly activities and veterans resource groups.
Pet Adoption
Saturday | 11 a.m. | TKB Bakery and Deli
Join Desert Paws Sanctuary and meet some adoptable pups and maybe even help them find their forever home.
Cars and Coffee
Sunday | 8 a.m. | Indio Taphouse
Check out some cool classic cars or show off your own, all while enjoying Steve McQueen Coffee and music from Alf Alpha.
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📣 And Finally …
The improvements are part of an estimated $10 million investment in the fairgrounds to help modernize the property and facilities.
The Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio is getting a little more RV-friendly, courtesy of a $1.1 million investment that promises to make life easier for both vendors and fairgoers who like to arrive in style (or at least in their motorhomes).
Driving the news: The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved funding Tuesday to add water and electrical hookups to 42 RV parking spaces at the fairgrounds, part of a five-year modernization effort that has brought $8 million to $10 million in total improvements to the 92-acre facility.
The details: The project will install water lines and electrical connections in the southwest parking area's Lot 5, serving RVs for both vendors and customers of the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival.
Why it matters: Supervisor V. Manuel Perez noted the upgrades are helping the fairgrounds become financially self-sustaining after years of operating in the red, while also enhancing the facility's capacity to host year-round events and serve as a disaster response site near the county's Emergency Operations Center.
What's next: The improvements will be funded entirely by the Facilities Management Community Centers Fund.
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