Dec. 4 Weekly Briefing: Update on defunct mall, divided council approves measure, new SunLine buses, and more

Happy Thursday! If you’re attending the 33rd Indio International Tamale Festival this weekend, start fasting now so you can save room for tamales from the more than 20 tamale vendors, including traditional, vegetarian, and dessert tamales and something called a tamale pizza? Doors open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Miles Park, and new Mayor Elaine Holmes had some advice for attendees: “You got to get your orders in pretty early!” Pro tip: some of the booths will only get more crowded as the day goes on, so plan accordingly! Make time for  the Tamale Eating Contest (or enter yourself), music from Outlaw Mariachi, Luchador matches, Escaramuza synchronized horseback riding, and Ballet Folklórico. It’s a true festival with a huge schedule of events and a map, check it out online here​.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “I’ve Got News For You” by Ray Charles

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LEADING OFF

Deal seems near for land behind defunct Indio mall, community wants more than retail

A deal could be near for the city-owned property behind the defunct Indio Grand Marketplace mall, but longtime community members have their doubts about its future. 

Driving the news: HCL Indio Land Development company, which owns the defunct mall, updated the City Council on Wednesday on negotiations for five parcels behind the mall on John Nobles Avenue between Monroe Street and Rubidoux Street.

• The city entered exclusive negotiations with HCL — headed by Empire Polo Club owner Alexander Haagen III — in May after a previous 2022 deal fell through.

What’s happening: The city has removed 13 of 31 easements on the property that impede development, with most involving the gas company or Imperial Irrigation District. In addition, a representative for HCL said environmental questions from a 2021 review must be resolved before negotiations can continue.

Meanwhile: HCL said it  is one permit away from starting construction on two buildings along Highway 111 as part of efforts to revitalize the mall, with three additional buildings planned and tenants close to being announced.

Fate of the mall: Once construction is complete on the first two buildings, the company plans to relocate the mall’s final remaining tenant and demolish the interior mall structure, while keeping the former Gottschalks and Sears buildings for potential reuse.

Yes, but: Community members expressed skepticism at Wednesday’s meeting, with one speaker proposing the city sell the Nobles Ranch area back to the original community at cost for a church, school, health center or affordable housing instead of retail development.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🏛️ Elaine Holmes becomes Indio mayor, promises major developments ahead

• Elaine Holmes assumed the role of Indio mayor at Wednesday’s City Council meeting, succeeding Glenn Miller, while Waymond Fermon became Mayor Pro Tem. Holmes acknowledged the city’s recent accomplishments including the new library, City Hall, inaugural Asada Fest in May, and numerous business openings.
  
• Holmes, who represents District 3 and previously served as mayor in 2013, 2017, and 2021, promised more progress ahead. She highlighted upcoming projects including the clubhouse at The Lights at Indio golf course and the groundbreaking for a new $45 million police headquarters.
  
• Details: The golf course clubhouse opening has been delayed into 2026 due to utility installation and electrical issues.

Dive deeper with our complete story

📊 Indio council votes to seek federal immigration enforcement data

• Indio City Council voted 3-2 Wednesday to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking details about arrests and detainments of Indio residents by federal immigration authorities. 
  
• Councilmember Oscar Ortiz proposed the request after meeting with Border Patrol officers who said a FOIA backed by the full council would be more likely to receive a response. Several community members spoke in favor of the request, including representatives from Comité Latino and TODEC who work with families affected by detainments and deportations.
  
• Bottom line: Mayor Elaine Holmes and Councilmember Glenn Miller opposed the measure, questioning what action the city would take with the information and whether the issue falls outside city jurisdiction. Ortiz was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Waymond Fermon, and Councilmember Benjamin Guitron in voting to approve the request.​

Dive deeper with our complete story

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YOUR WEEKEND

Trivia Night with Nate Fields
Tonight | 6 p.m.-9 p.m. | El Dorado Polo Club
Think you’re the smartest in the group? Come prove it. Saddle up for a battle of wits—Trivia Night at The Cantina!

Indio Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday | 5 p.m. | Bliss Avenue & Towne Street
The city’s annual tree lighting ceremony features food trucks, toy giveaways, a free kids zone, complimentary photos with Santa, and so much more

Double Wide Texas Christmas
Friday-Sunday | Various Times| Desert Theatreworks
Experience the magic as a quirky cast of characters, a dash of yuletide mischief, and a whole lot of Southern charm come together to celebrate the season in true Texas style. ($46.50)

International Tamale Festival
Saturday and Sunday | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Miles Avenue Park
This free signature event brings together award-winning tamale vendors, beloved fan favorites, and exciting new culinary creations you won’t want to miss.

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AND FINALLY …

SunLine Transit Agency is moving forward with a major investment in clean energy transit, approving the purchase of eight new hydrogen fuel cell buses and considering plans for a fueling station in Indio.

Driving the news: The transit agency’s board approved $14 million for 14th generation hydrogen fuel cell buses at its end-of-year meeting, with most funding coming from the federal government. The buses are expected to arrive in 2028.

What’s next: Councilmember Glenn Miller, who sits on the board, said the transit agency is looking at building a hydrogen fuel station in Indio. The city is already host to a mobile hydrogen refueling station.

• SunLine is also redesigning routes throughout the Coachella Valley and seeking public input on the changes.

In the weeds: The route planning process balances service limitations with community needs, including the requirement that paratransit services like SunDial must operate within three-quarters of a mile of fixed routes.

What they’re saying: “So if you live a mile away, they actually can’t go to your house and pick you up,” Miller explained. “You have to go somewhere where they can get to you.”

Why it matters: The route redesign aims to place transit services where they can be most effectively used by residents who depend on public transportation.