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Thursday, June 18 | ☀️ 102°/74°
Happy Thursday! As the summer heat ramps up, the city has several cooling centers open for residents looking to beat the heat, including the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, the Indio Senior Center (seniors only), Martha's Village & Kitchen and the Molina Indio One Stop Help Center. Imperial Irrigation District is also reminding customers about its energy assistance programs — like a 20% discount for income-qualified households — that can help keep electric bills in check this summer, so it's worth checking if you qualify before the temperatures really climb!
🎶 Setting the mood: "Summer in the City" by The Lovin’ Spoonful
Leading Off
Indio officials are working to fix a scheduling mismatch that has been locking families out of facilities at South Jackson Park and the new Sports Park hours before evening activities end.
Indio moves to keep park restrooms open past 6 p.m. for evening games and practices
Indio is moving to keep park restrooms open later in the evening. Families, ballplayers and dog walkers had been getting locked out of bathrooms hours before parks actually closed.
Driving the news: The City Council on Wednesday approved a fourth amendment to the city's security services contract with Serna and Associates, not to exceed $605,850, extending the deal through June 30, 2027, to cover downtown patrols, general security and the park ambassador program.
Councilmembers said restrooms at Indio Sports Park, South Jackson Park and Miles Park have been locking at 6 p.m. even though the parks stay open until 10 p.m.
What they're saying: Councilmember Benjamin Guitron said adults were still playing baseball and walking dogs at 6 p.m. when the restrooms locked, calling it "an oversight."
City Manager Jonathan Nicks told the council the fix would come immediately, saying it's "very sensible and logical that the bathrooms are open when the park's open."
Behind the curfew: The schedule rolled back to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. after years of vandalism drove up costs, Jim Curtis, the city's community services manager, told the Community Services Commission on Tuesday. He said crews have dealt with doors broken off hinges, smashed sinks and clogged toilets.
One commissioner described people urinating outside a locked restroom at South Jackson Park during evening hours.
What's next: The city plans to issue a request for proposals for a consolidated security and ambassador contract by fall, aiming to bring a permanent agreement to the council by year's end. Commissioners are also weighing restroom keys for groups that rent fields and clearer signage about park curfews.
Briefly
See a version of the city’s draft map online here.
⛽️ Indio extends gas station moratorium one year
The Indio City Council voted Wednesday to extend its moratorium on new gas stations through June 3, 2027, instead of adopting a permanent ordinance prepared by staff and the Planning Commission. The moratorium, adopted Dec. 3, 2025, had been set to expire today.
The draft ordinance would have capped stations at two per intersection, set buffers along major corridors and barred new stations near homes, schools, child care centers and senior facilities. Councilmembers cited a desire for more public input and noted a new council will be seated after the November election. A staff analysis found demand for gas stations in Indio exceeds supply by an estimated $18 million, despite 31 existing stations.
Bottom line: The extension required a four-fifths council vote under state law, and the moratorium can run no more than two years from its adoption. The council set no firm date to reconsider a permanent ordinance.
🚒 City renews five-year fire services contract with Riverside County as costs climb
The Indio City Council voted Wednesday to renew its fire services contract with the Riverside County Fire Department for five more years, an agreement estimated at $122 million through 2031, as officials cited rising equipment and fuel costs.
The contract funds 61 full-time positions across Indio's four fire stations, three rescue ambulances and a shared ladder truck. The first-year cost of $22.9 million is about 3.5% higher than the past fiscal year. Fire Chief Bryan White said diesel prices have risen roughly 47% over a 24-month average.
Details: Indio fire and EMS units responded to 9,804 incidents in 2025, including 5,312 ambulance transport calls. White said the city's four stations and three ambulances currently cover Indio well, with future needs tied to pending development. The council approved the renewal unanimously.
📅 Featured events
Beginner to Advanced Pickleball Clinic
Today | 7 a.m. | Miles Avenue Park
Paddles Up Coachella Valley hosts a weekly beginner pickleball clinic every Thursday morning beginning June 4, open to participants ages 16 and older. Registration is required ($25-$95).
Paint Your Own Adventure
Today | 3:30 p.m. | Indio Library
A creative painting program lets participants create a one-of-a-kind piece inspired by a favorite journey, dream destination, or imagined adventure. No experience is needed, and all supplies are provided.
Pottery and Brews
Today | 6 p.m. | Indio Brewing
Nectar and Clay hosts a hand-build pottery workshop at Indio Brewing, with clay, tools and guided instruction provided; finished pieces are returned after a three-week firing process. Price includes one drink ($80).
Desert Beat
Today | 6 p.m. | Dune Room
Desert Beat returns to the Dune Room for its second edition, featuring local brews, seltzer cocktails and mocktails. A concert menu starts at 5 p.m. with gourmet sandwiches, hot bagels and more.
Indio's Food Truck Fridays
Friday | 5 p.m. | Downtown Indio (Towne St. & Bliss Ave.)
Indio's weekly Food Truck Fridays returns with a rotating lineup of local vendors serving sweets, snacks, full meals and beverages. The family- and pet-friendly event also features live music and themed activities.
Open Mic and Karaoke
Friday | 6 p.m. | The Oasis on Miles
The Oasis on Miles hosts its weekly open mic and karaoke night, open to performers and audience members alike ($10 suggested donation).
Renegades of Rage: Rage Against the Machine Tribute
Friday | 7 p.m. | Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Renegades of Rage, with Dick the Citizen, performs a tribute to Rage Against the Machine at the free, always-outdoor Rock Yard. Guests must be 18 or older.
Books and Brews: A Romance Reader Meet-Up
Saturday | 5 p.m. | Indio Brewing
The Blush Chapter Bookshop and Indio Brewing co-host a romance reader meet-up featuring book and trope discussions, a "Bookish Friend Challenge," blind dates with a book, and craft beer.
Luna Roja: Rock en Español
Saturday | 8 p.m. | Augustine Casino
Local rock en español band Luna Roja performs live at Augustine Casino's Seven Feathers lounge.
Indio Brewing Tie-Dye Event
Sunday | 3 p.m. | Indio Brewing
Indio Brewing hosts a family tie-dye event where participants create their own tie-dye T-shirt; each ticket includes an Indio Brewing logo white tee. Registration is recommended to guarantee a spot and shirt size, with limited walk-in availability the day of ($20).
📣 And Finally …
Drones prepare for takeoff before a show. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Indio is marking the nation's semiquincentennial (say that five times fast) with a free celebration at the Empire Polo Grounds featuring live music, a kids' zone, and a drone light show. Plus, you can dunk a local police officer for charity.
Driving the news: Indio will host its third annual Independence Day Bash on Saturday, July 4, at Empire Polo Grounds, with the free, all-ages event running from 6 to 10 p.m. in celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary of independence.
The drone show starts at 9:30 p.m.
Worth noting: The Dunk-a-Cop booth lets attendees dunk an Indio police officer for $1 per ball or $5 for seven balls, cash only, with proceeds benefiting the Indio Police Department's Cadet Program.
Fireworks safety: City Manager Jonathan Nicks told the City Council Wednesday that fireworks stands have already been placed around the city, with nonprofit sales set to begin Sunday, June 28, and urged residents to buy only "safe and sane" fireworks from those vendors. Councilmember Glenn Miller added that illegal fireworks endanger veterans, pets and property, with repeat violations carrying fines up to $5,000.
What they're saying: Mayor Elaine Holmes encouraged residents to attend, calling it "a great evening with great food, great grounds and a great drone show, celebrating the 250th anniversary."
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