La Quinta Cove

Yes, the City is doing the planning for a “modern” roundabout to be constructed at the intersection of Eisenhower and Sinaloa.  The traffic and safety issues merit either a signal or a roundabout.  The City has opted for the latter.  What’s the advantage of a roundabout?  Safer (no broadside hits when someone runs the light), prettier (who wants glaring lights day and night?), you don’t have to stop, usually (just yield to the vehicle already in the circle), saves gas (less stopping and starting) and slows down traffic without installing speed bumps.  It costs a bit more to install, but a lot less to maintain and repair.  There have been several public discussions on this, and the neighbors are all involved in the planning and design, and support it, from what we hear. 

Here’s a link to the City Public Works website that shows what the tentative design looks like, in that very neighborhood, with the streets narrowing to one lane and a typical traffic flow around the oval/ellipse (not quite round).  North is on the left, and ease is at the top.  If you look closely you can see a bicycle approaching from the south on a bike path, however, bicycles will have the option of staying in the street or using their special lanes.

http://www.la-quinta.org/Index.aspx?page=26

Here are some of the vendors that offered information and services to help us get ready for The Big One or other disasters.  Take a look. http://www.youtube.com/user/CovePotato#p/a/u/0/sopOTr6CXcw

Old Town was the site for La Quinta’s first “Preparedness Party” to make citizens more aware of resources and preparations needed in case of a major disaster.  Floods, power outage, earthquake, chemical spill….it COULD happen.   In addition to incident vehicles from IID, fire department, and police, our local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) demonstrated techniques to assist in the neighborhoods should the need arise.  Here’s a look:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh3579TA8Gk

On October 20, as a part of the California state-wide “Shake Out”, city staff reacted to a simulated earthquake and the resulting damages across the community.  In addition to city staff, radio operaters, representatives from the school district, Red Cross, police, fire, CVWD and IID were present to work through the scenario.  This was probably the most full-blown drill of any city in the Valley.  We residents can be proud (and feel safer). 

The scenario included bridges damaged plus loss of electricity, gas, water, and phone communications.   Agencies were activated, staff dispatched to survey and set up roadblocks, etc. and press releases were issued once some communication across the valley was established.  In this clip, Paul Hess, La Quinta Emergency services Coordinator, introduces the drill to the first shift assembled in the Emergency Operations Center, in the basement of City Hall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxZRB_vjl_s

All’s well at the Civic Center Park, with a diminished duck population contributing to the cleanliness and tranquility of the park. There is still evidence that the public is feeding the ducks.  The Orange County Registerreports that dozens of dead or dying duck have been found in area ponds and lakes, apparent victims of botulism poisoning.  It states that bread thrown into lakes provide nutrients for botulism to grow! We love out ducks, so let’s protect them from disease and obesity!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwBIAnWPLk8

Here’s a glimpse of the CERT trainees’ class in the Emergency Operations Center in the basement of  LQ City Hall.  When the Big One comes, this will be the nerve center of the emergency response by City staff and other agencies, such as the fire department, Red Cross, utilities, and trailed CERT volunteers.

Great turnout on Saturday for the Second Annual Tails on Trails sponsored by the City of La Quinta, the Cove Neighborhood Association, BLM, CV Trails alliance, PetSmart, Aqua Paws, animal Samaritans and Village Park animal Hospital, among others. 

This event is for community enjoyment, socialization of canines and humans, and education on safety and pet owner responsibility.

Getting started on the activities:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE84I3MqFeI

Introducing the canines:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyiQOplCbZM