Dec. 31 Weekly Briefing: Electrical upgrade, year’s top stories, unique fair competitions, and more

Happy Wednesday and Happy New Year! We’re coming to you a day early because of the holiday. Later on in the newsletter we include a reminder from Indio Police  not to blow off huge fireworks or shoot guns to celebrate the changing of the year … but we know it’s going to happen anyway. So be sure to keep an eye on your pets and break out their ThunderShirts and Anxiety Vests for the occasion. My dog Zelda has a Calming Cap for her head but we’re not entirely sure it works. — Kendall

🎶 Setting the mood:  “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” by Ella Fitzgerald

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LEADING OFF

Indio to break ground on electrical upgrade to solve power struggles

Next week, Indio and the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) will break ground on a new electrical substation, a pivotal step in a multi-year strategy to resolve the capacity shortages that have slowed local development.

Driving the news: The ceremony marks the start of construction on the Avenue 42 Project, an effort to expand the grid’s capacity as the city faces mounting energy demands.

Why it matters: Indio and the East Valley are the fastest-growing part of the Coachella Valley, yet that growth has been slowed as developers face power issues. More electrical capacity means more room for residential and commercial development in areas where it was previously impossible.

In the weeds: The project—estimated in 2023 to cost $12.1 million—involves installing an additional electrical substation bank and configuring three transformer banks.

How we got here: This project didn’t spring up out of the blue. The big ceremony comes after years of work behind the scenes between elected officials and IID. In May, Indio joined La Quinta and Riverside County to form the Coachella Valley Power Agency Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to address issues of representation on IID’s board, and bring forward more projects to promote growth.

What’s next: In addition to the new Avenue 42 substation, there are three other major electrical infrastructure projects on the horizon in Indio, and another in La Quinta.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

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BRIEFLY

🏆 Our top stories of 2025

We’ve only been around for about eight months, but we have already covered big changes in Indio, interesting people, and vital civic projects. Here were our top three stories of the year:

• Our third top story touched on the retirement of Indio High School’s beloved principal, Derrick Lawson. We were the only news outlet that stuck around for the whole emotional ceremony.
  
• Our second top story covered Trilogy residents who packed a City Council meeting demanding more action on a nearby short-term rental used for big events that they said was making too much noise.
  
• The top spot belongs to our story about the opening of a new artisan market, The Place. We were the first local news outlet to go in-depth on the effort and introduce you to a local business owner selling flowers and original clothing designs inside.

Read the rest of our top five stories here.

🚨 More than 40 cited at DUI checkpoint, two arrested

• The day after Christmas, some of us were at home; maybe we were enjoying leftovers, putting together new toys, or just taking a well-deserved nap. But the Indio Police Department was hard at work, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. the next day on Highway III and Clinton Street conducting a DUI checkpoint.
  
• They said they stopped a total of 701 vehicles and made 43 citations including two arrests for DUI and one for child endangerment.
  
• But wait, there’s more: If you don’t want to be caught up in their next enforcement sweep, be sure to put down your phone when driving. IPD said they’re on the lookout for distracted driving, which is more than just texting while driving, it’s any use of an electronic device, reaching for items, or eating.
  
  
  • Chief Brian Tully also put out a special message reminding Indio residents not to shoot off guns or illegal fireworks to ring in the new year.

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FEATURED EVENTS

New Year’s Eve Bash
Today | 8 p.m. | Big Rock Pub
Dinner, dancing, live music, champagne are all on offer tonight at Big Rock’s Bash. ($40)

Indio Taphouse New Year’s Party
Today | 9 p.m. | Indio Taphouse
Enjoy music from DJ Nate Goss and food and drink specials.

Indio’s Food Truck Fridays
Friday | 5 p.m. | Downtown Indio
Pizza, tacos, and sweets oh my! Get your comfort food fix at the year’s first Food Truck Friday.

Pacific Coast Players Cup
Sunday | 11 a.m. | El Dorado Polo Club
It’s officially polo season, and this weekend enjoy the Mack and Madelyn Jason Memorial Pacific Coast Players’ Cup. Bring your own picnic foods, each ticket provides admission for one vehicle and up to 10 individuals. ($80)

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AND FINALLY …

Indio had a successful tamale fest, and the next big tent pole event isn’t too far away. The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival is 43 days away and apparently there will be monster trucks and a demolition derby…but we think there’s something much more exciting happening.

Driving the news: There are more than 40 blue ribbon competitions you can enter and win. We might all be familiar with the livestock and agriculture entries, but did you know there is a competition for crafts and hobbies that includes a lot more than quilts and ceramics.

In the weeds: You can enter a table setting contest, where your skills will be judged based on how well you can decorate a 36-inch by 36-inch table! You even have to imagine a menu with different courses.

• Another competition is seeking submissions for date recipes. The recipes will be judged on uniqueness as well as taste.

For the kids: There are plenty of options for kids starting in kindergarten and through high school, with many of the same categories as adults like photography, jewelry, and gardening. (And yes, there is a junior table setting category)

Show me the money: The top prize for a category is around $50, but really, it’s not about the money; it’s about knowing you’re the best table-setter in the county! 

Details: The last day to enter is Jan. 19, check out the website for all the rules and deadlines for each category.