La Quinta Cove

The City of La Quinta sponsored two days of classes for staff and CERT volunteers last week.  CPR, AED, and First Aid were topics, given by a trainer from the American Heart Association.  Here you see the Infant CPR session, with infant “dummies” for each trainee.  There was lots of practice and plenty of useful information during the day-long session.  The session was held in the Emergency Operations Center at City Hall.

http://youtu.be/SJ83dl_3KLw

THANKS TO JANE FOR AMPLILFYING THE INFO ABOUT TAX HELP:

I’d like to clarify your announcement about AARP tax help at the LQ senior center. I am one of the volunteers in this program, which has been offered for a number of years across the country.
Two clarifications:
1) we assemble complete tax returns for qualifying individuals, using computer software similar to Turbo-tax, and e-file the returns. We do not typically offer “assistance” to individuals preparing their own tax returns, although we are happy to answer straightforward questions in such cases if time allows. Volunteers have all received IRS training.
2) “qualifying individuals” include those with simple tax circumstances–no rental income, no sales of business assets such as rental properties, no K-1 forms, no state returns other than Calif, no partnership income, no self-employment income with expenses over $10,000 or depreciation…and the list goes on.
What we do offer should be sufficient to complete the tax returns of most seniors and low-income taxpayers. These are the individuals whom the AARP program is intended to assist.

Call the Senior Center for an appointment for FREE tax help, sponsored by AARP.  Starting in February, every Tuesday and Friday, a tax specialist will be available to give you a hand.  But you MUST call ahead 564-0096… assistance runs through April.

Also at the Senior Center, call ahead for the February 16 Valentine Luncheon.  Prior registration is required.  For a whole $2, this is a deal.  Cheapest date in town for your sweetie!  Again, 564-0096.

Hi, I’m a subscriber to your wonderful newsletter and just wanted to compliment you on how interesting and informative it is, thank you!

Sign up now for the February 9 tour of local historical sites, including the new plaque locations.  Call 564-1283 for more information. Sponsored by the LQ Historical Society, naturally.

About twenty people joined Jeff Smith for “Stories from the Early Days” last Saturday.  Although overcast at first, a rainbow (photo on the left, look closely) heralded sunshine well before the wind started to blow.  We got a great overview of the history of our community, and the evolution of how the city arrived at TODAY.  Next Nature Walk, February 18: “Wildflowers” so let’s hope for that rain!  Sponsored by the City of LQ and the Stewards of the Fred Wolff Nature Preserve.

In honor of La Quinta’s 30 years since incorporation, the LQ Historical Society is sponsoring a series of four history discussions beginning tomorrow, January 20.  Each will take place from 5-7 p.m. and is free of charge. Here’s the lineup.  And you’ll be reminded each month again, as the new event nears:

• January 20: Pre-History & Native Americans, Bradshaw Trail, and Point Happy Ranch: Harry Quinn and Louise Neeley
• February 17: La Quinta Hotel and Ranches: Judy Vossler, Barbara Irwin, and Tom Kennedy
• March 23: The Desert Club & Historical Casitas of La Quinta Cove: Johanna Wickman and Maggie Gordon
• April 13: City Incorporation, Arts Foundation, and Historical Society: Kay Wolff and Terry Henderson

Mark your calendars now so you don’t get double booked!

Hundreds of walkers enjoyed the Bear Creek Trail for the first time.  A great introduction one of the Cove’s finest features.  How is your pedometer working?  If you’re going to the  “Humana Challenge”, you can get one there, or get help if you have questions about the computer program or other functions.

Humana sponsored several big fitness events over the weekend (14-15), all VERY well attended and inspiring…to live a healthy life.

Humana “WalkIt” along Bear Creek Trail attracted 6-700 people, plus kids and dogs: http://youtu.be/s29vXJ1ciK4

Humana “Fun Fair” at the Community Park featured healthy food by Trader Joe’s and Fresh and Easy, vendors and MANY kids’ activities: http://youtu.be/TzYQbxaGmx4

Want to see fitness for toddlers?  Take a look:  http://youtu.be/9OHTOxp0GJM

Did y0u get one of those great pedometers that hooks up to your computer to track your step and calories burned?  If you missed yours, and you’re going to the Humana Challenge (golf tournament), you can still get one there.  Daily prizes are given for the most steps each day, so register your steps, get healthy, and try for a prize.

These events are sponsored by the City of La Quinta, Desert Recreation District, and Humana health care.

Starting today, the Cove Neighborhood Associaton website will feature one code per month, giving some detail and rationale why the code exists.  Many of us are aware of the municipal  codes, but don’t understand why we have them or how they help maintain safe and healthy neighborhoods. We hope this feature will clear that up.

 The first “Code of the Month”:   Trash container storage –

Trash containers will be stored out of public view in a side or rear yard or an enclosed garage except on pick up day.” (This is from the cities website http://www.la-quinta.org/Index.aspx?page=78.)  Further, the code itself  (Section 6.04.050 Containers) states that containers may not be on the street “more than twenty-four hours prior to the normal collection time, and all containers so placed shall be removed from the street or right-of-way within twelve hours after collection.”  http://qcode.us/codes/laquinta/

Reasons -

1. Trash containers are unsightly. (Why should our neighbors have to look at your garbage receptacle?)
2. Trash containers attract pests. (i.e.:  coyotes, rats, insects)
3.  Trash containers can be dangerous obstacles when driving in the cove at night, and they can also be dangerous “flying objects” that spread debris through the neighborhood during heavy windstorms.
4. Trash containers get in the way of the street cleaners.
5. Trash containers left on the street too long can attract the criminal element. (i.e. identity thieves)

 The Cove Neighborhood Association would like to express our appreciation for our code enforcement officers. These are the City employees who ensure that we are the good neighbors we all want to be. In a civilized society we must take care of others as well as ourselves. It is the good people of code enforcement who remind us that we are all in this together.  No one would doubt that the efforts of the Code Enforcement department have contributed GREATLY to the gradual improvement of the appearance and quality of life in the Cove.