Dec. 18 Weekly Briefing: Monroe Interchange update, how to deal with vacant buildings, senior center donation, and more

Happy Thursday! The clock is ticking and we know you’re gonna need some time for shopping and enjoying holiday events or even start heading out of town. Be sure to double check your route, the city is working on repaving Avenue 44 from Monroe Street to the storm channel. The route will still be open, but try and find an alternate route to avoid traffic. The work will repair aging infrastructure and improve road safety and is funded by Measure X, the city’s 1% sales tax.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway

---

LEADING OFF

Monroe Street interchange project delayed again, supervisors push deadline back another year

Construction on the Monroe Street Interchange, one of the city’s most important infrastructure projects, will not begin this year, forcing county officials to extend their deadlines once more.

Driving the news: Riverside County Supervisors voted this week to update a contract which required construction to begin by the end of this year. Since shovels won’t be in the ground anytime in the next few weeks, supervisors were forced to extend the deadline to the end of next year.

Here’s why: Part of the delay comes down to land. The county is currently finalizing the acquisition of two private parcels needed to widen the ramps and bridge approaches. Until a judge makes the acquisition final, Caltrans will not certify the project for construction.

Long time coming: Original agreements to study the interchange date back to 2007. Over nearly two decades, costs have risen 150%, with the total price tag now estimated at $175 million.

Show me the money: The city will not foot the full bill. After accounting for roughly $57 million in state and federal grants, Indio and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) will split the remaining $117 million tab.

• Under the agreement, Indio is responsible for 25% of that local balance, or approximately $29 million.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

---

BRIEFLY

🏛️ Council Briefs: Blight prevention and flag policy under review

• The Indio City Council flagged two issues for staff to look into at their Wednesday meeting, one aimed at maintaining neighborhood standards and fostering inclusivity.
  
• First, responding to concerns about deteriorating commercial properties, the council directed staff to draft an ordinance requiring owners of vacant buildings to maintain lighting, landscaping, and security. Modeled after policies from the foreclosure crisis, the move aims to prevent empty storefronts from negatively impacting the community. Read more here.
  
• Separately, the council agreed to review the city’s flag policy. While the city currently flies only the U.S., state, and city flags, officials will explore options for displaying additional flags to recognize various communities, such as the LGBTQ+ community and veterans. Staff will return with a report for further discussion. Read more here.

🏥 Kimberly Barraza to lead Desert Healthcare District Board in 2026 as JFK gears up for renovations

Kimberly Barraza will lead the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board in 2026 following officer elections at the board’s Tuesday meeting. Barraza joined the board in 2022 and represents zone six, which covers most of Indio.

• DHCD is a local government agency whose board members are elected directly by residents. In combination with its nonprofit foundation, the district funds health initiatives throughout the valley.
  
• The board is still working to fill its vacant zone five seat. Parts of Northwest Indio, including the Heritage Palms and Shadow Hills golf clubs are in zone five.
  • Check out who represents you by using the interactive map (be sure to select the Hummingbird map in the top right corner.)
    
• Bottom line: The board recently announced it will interview candidates and appointment a new board member at its Jan. 8 public meeting. The new member will serve for 10 months before election day on Nov. 3 when the appointee or another possible candidate will be elected for a two-year term.

Dive deeper with our complete story.

---

YOUR WEEKEND

Home for the Holidays Downtown Walk
Friday | All Day | Downtown
Close the laptop, log out of Amazon, and head outside to support local businesses this holiday season. Tomorrow, tons of local businesses will be offering special discounts, exclusive promotions, and pop-up shops. Participating businesses include World Famous Repairland, Rocks and Records, Gabino’s Creperie, The Place, and more. Check with each business for details.

Winter Wonderland on Stone Canyon Avenue
Friday | 6 p.m. | 83060 Stone Canyon Avenue
A free family-friendly event featuring a light show, live music, food, drinks, and photos with Santa on Stone Canyon Avenue. It’s the second time this event has been thrown by local DJ Boots.

Holiday Market
Saturday | 3 p.m. | Indio Brewing 
Indio Brewing is hosting a holiday market featuring handmade goods from artisans and makers alongside festive food and drinks. Look for vendors including From Solei Jewelry and Mills Wick Soy Candles and adoptable cats from Desert Catopia.

Rosemary HiFi Field Day
Saturday | 12 p.m. | Indio Plaza (corner of Bliss Avenue and Towne Street) 
Presented by Rosemary Hi-Fi, Field Day is an all-ages community celebration featuring a curated lineup of live music, natural wine, artisan food, and holiday shopping to mark their one-year anniversary. Expect unique vendors offering live screenprinting and even a stylist offering hair tinsel!

Beats Competition
Sunday | 4 p.m. | The Place
A live competition where local musicians showcase their skills in beat-making. Join the crowd to help decide the winner. Contestants of all musical levels are signed up, and late sign-ups are welcome, contact The Place on Instagram.

---

AND FINALLY …

Christmas came early for dozens of local seniors this week, thanks to a festive donation that brightened the Indio Senior Center.

Driving the news: Indio City Attorney Steven Graham donated 75 live Christmas trees to the center. The trees, decorated by senior center staff, were given to attendees at a holiday luncheon to ensure they had a festive symbol of the season in their homes.

What they’re saying: “In some cases, these folks may not have even had a Christmas tree,” Mayor Elaine Holmes said. “This little tree represented caring. It represented love.”

What else: To make sure no one went home empty-handed, Mayor Holmes and local nonprofits pitched in to provide gift cards for the seniors.

The bigger picture: The Senior Center is a vital link for Indio seniors, especially for those  financially struggling or without a family this holiday season. “Everybody feels loved, cared for. [Senior Center staff] ensure they embrace that senior community to make sure no one is left behind.”