Oct. 2 Weekly Briefing: Clubhouse delay, housing approved, East Valley Pride, and more

Happy Thursday! We all know “Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card” and now we can finally dust our own library cards off and get ready to use them because there is now an official reopening date for the Indio Library at its new location at 200 Civic Center Drive! Riverside County set the official reopening date for Wednesday, Oct. 15, less than two weeks away. What’s the first book you’re going to check out from the library?

🎶 Setting the mood: “All the Small Things” by blink-182 (Which you might hear if you’re in the neighborhood of the Acrisure Arena this weekend.)

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LEADING OFF

Electrical delays push The Lights at Indio Golf Course clubhouse opening to January

The Lights at Indio Golf Course’s new clubhouse won’t open until January 2026, missing crucial high-season business after electrical infrastructure problems derailed the project’s planned spring 2025 opening.

Driving the news: The Indio City Council unanimously approved a change order not to exceed $830,000 Wednesday for additional offsite electrical work required by Imperial Irrigation District (IID) at the corner of Avenue 42 and Jackson Street.

• The clubhouse will feature 4,500 square feet of amenities including a full commercial kitchen, dining area, bar and lounge, pro shop, meeting and event spaces, and an outdoor patio overlooking the golf course.

In the weeds: IID conduit locations differed from approved design plans in certain areas, requiring last-minute rerouting and on-site adjustments that produced additional costs and schedule delays.

The bigger picture: The delays also affect nearby businesses awaiting power connections, including Chick-fil-A and Dutch Bros coffee shops at the same intersection.

What they’re saying: “It is discouraging sometimes. [The developers] are $10 million into this project and they’ve got nowhere to turn and all of a sudden they get a bill, ‘Either pay this or we’re not going to turn your power on,’” Mayor Glenn Miller said during the council meeting. said. “It just doesn’t sit well with the city of Indio when we’re looking at trying to bring other businesses in.” 

What’s next: Councilmember Oscar Ortiz pressed for better communication in future projects, noting businesses commit significant funds before learning about unexpected charges that emerge mid-construction.

• A representative from IID committed to putting together an all-hands meeting with developers and the city to coordinate future projects.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🏠 Council approves 34-home project, stresses need for outreach

The Indio City Council on Wednesday approved a tentative tract map for a 34-home residential development to be located on an empty lot located southeast of the Calhoun Street and Dr. Carreon Boulevard intersection.

• The design was already approved by the Planning Commission last month, but the City Council needed to okay the map.
  
• Councilmembers noted that the surrounding neighborhood has a lot of history, “This neighborhood has been waiting a long time for those lots to get done and get everything finished,” Councilmember Benjamin Guitron said during the meeting.
  
• Mayor Glenn Miller added that as the city grows, similar developments are going to become more common and homeowners may have to adjust to more traffic and more neighbors.
  
• What they’re saying: Councilmember Waymond Fermon added, “I think outreach is always important. [The development] looks pretty nice but it’s an older, traditional community … they like to be in that process of putting their community together.”

🏒 Firebirds to host Indio Night celebration

• The Coachella Valley Firebirds will host Indio Night on Wednesday, Oct. 30, when they face the San Diego Gulls.
  
• The event is part of the team’s City Series and will celebrate local businesses, residents and community leaders.
  
• Details: Tickets and parking information are available at this link. The first 150 ticket buyers will receive a City of Indio and Firebirds commemorative patch.

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YOUR WEEKEND

Paranormal Cirque II
Friday-Sunday | Times  vary | Indio Grand Marketplace
Immerse yourself in a world of thrills, chills and suspense, as you experience a Paranormal journey like no other. ($29-$83)

Food Truck Fridays
Friday | 5 p.m. | 100 Civic Center Drive
Every Friday at Downtown Indio on the corner of Town St. & Bliss Ave. Enjoy a variety of food trucks and community atmosphere.

Yum Food Fest Mixer
Friday | 6 p.m. | Indio Brewing
Join the first ever Yum Food Fest Mixer at Indio Brewing. Free and open to the public. Enjoy an evening of networking, local bites & brews, vendor spotlights, and more. Beer and food lovers, vendors, partners, and supporters welcome.

Indio High School football
Friday | 7 p.m. | 81-750 Avenue 46
Cheer on the Rajahs during this season’s Desert Valley League action at Ed White Stadium. Oct. 3: vs. Cathedral City High School. ($6-$11)

Oktoberfest
Saturday | 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Jackalope Ranch
Celebrate Oktoberfest with traditional German food, beer, and entertainment.

Cars & Coffee
Sunday | 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. | Indio Taphouse
Cars & Coffee returns for the season. Enjoy vibes by Alf Alpha, complimentary coffee and check out amazing cars from the community. Stay for brunch and Sunday funday with football on every screen.

CAL Fire Open House
Sunday | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Sun City Shadow Hills
Join CAL Fire  for Fire Prevention Week at Station 80 and get an opportunity to meet your local firefighters, learn about fire prevention and lithium-ion battery safety, and explore the fire truck! 🚒

Check out more events in our community calendar

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AND FINALLY …

Mark your calendars, as East Coachella Valley Pride is returning later this month for its ninth year, bringing performances, queer art, food and community resources to Coachella Library Park and Gardens. 

Details: The free festival runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 26 at 1500 Sixth Street, celebrating this year’s theme: “Orgullo floreciendo sin fin,” or “Pride blooming without end.”

Driving the news: The event, organized by local residents with support from the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and partner organizations, serves as both a celebration and resource fair for the community’s LGBTQ+ population.

• The festival began in response to a 2016 survey revealing that one in 10 east valley young people identified as LGBTQ+ and wanted more inclusive community spaces.

What to expect: Local queer artists will showcase performances and artwork, while food vendors and community organizations share resources with attendees.

Why it matters: “ECV Pride reflects the strength and creativity that’s abundant in East Coachella Valley,” said Miguel Navarro, director of East Coachella Valley Programs at The Center, emphasizing the festival’s role in expanding queer visibility in the region.thering places a fresh start.