La Quinta Cove

Plenty of performers and community organizations attracted large crowds on Saturday morning at the La Quinta Park (across from the high school).  The following links take you to

• After school dance class from Franklin School http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctW9LcjMxho
• La Quinta CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zcWya47F30
• La Quinta Citizens on Patrol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEdlBc5Ga84

Last Saturday’s Pet Play Day featured a demonstration by the canine corps.  These services are available to our own police department when needed.  Here are some clips:

Inge the Bloodhound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTCl5HrgtEw

Attack dog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qks1JsF4Fs

Attack dog in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnFbsJoS7As&feature=related

Classes in personal self-defense  for women are taught on Tuesday nights from 6-7 p.m.  at the LQ Community Center (in the Community Park).  Call 760-564-9921 for more information.  These are no-nonsense-techniques for ladies….. you never know when you might need to get the better of some ……attacker.  Sponsored by Desert Recreation District for only $25 per month.

The City of La Quinta’s Police Department is offering an anonymous way to get involved and stop crime in the City with an extra added bonus of up to a $1,000 cash reward.  If you witness a crime or have any information regarding a crime that has been committed, call 341-STOP (7867). You don’t have to give your name! An operator will take your information and assign you a code number.  If an arrest is made, you call Crime Stoppers again, provide your code number, and a reward will be paid - no questions asked!  The operator will give instructions about how to collect the cash reward and you’ll never have to reveal your identity or sign any receipts.

This program is designed to give everyone the opportunity to be a good citizen and keep their City safe.  By keeping the Crime Stoppers number handy, you can help stop graffiti, home invasions, vandalism and acts of violence by assisting the police in finding those who are responsible for the crimes. 

REMEMBER, IF THE CRIME IS IN PROGRESS, CALL 911!

The Cove Neighborhood Association steering committee recently hosted two officers from the LQ police department. Sergeant Rick Waltch and Community Services Officer, Tom Fowler, reviewed recent crime statistics and emphasized that we all need to limit the opportunities for crimes to be committed. 

They also pointed out that LQ has been able to maintain a high level of staffing for public safety at a time when many cities are having to cut back.  Thanks to our City Council for making fire and police protection a high priority.  While officers are assigned to specific duties (traffic, patrol, etc.) each can be called from that duty when the need arises, to assist in a specific incident.  Both officers exclaimed at what a safe city La Quinta is, even in densely populated areas like LQ Cove.  We rank high in the Valley for safety….

While the overall crime rate in the Cove has been about the same over the past few years, burglary, vehicle burglary and theft are slightly up.  This means we need to be more careful with the security of our property, including cars not parked in garages. 

We were also cautioned that vacant homes can attract squatters and other vandalism, especially if the property LOOKS vacant or is in disrepair (broken windows, dead landscape, etc.).  We need to report such instances to Code Compliance and to do what we can to keep neighbors’ property looking as good as possible. 

Here’s an old video (Community Picnic Day a year or so ago) that summarizes crime prevention for residents. The information is still valid.

watch?v=uKY4W_plN2Y