Episode 18 - The Hub with Manager, Tommi Sanchez

In this episode, we sit down with Tommi Sanchez, the Hub Manager, to explore the heartbeat of La Quinta’s professional and creative community.

Whether you’re a local entrepreneur looking for a place to scale or a resident curious about how the city fosters innovation, this conversation dives deep into the "why" behind The Hub. We discuss:

• Community Impact: How The Hub serves as a central resource for networking and professional growth.
• Business Support: The specific tools and spaces available to help small businesses and startups thrive in the Coachella Valley.
• Resident Value: Why this space is more than just an office—it’s a catalyst for local economic development and connection.

Join us to learn how The Hub is shaping the future of business in the Gem of the Desert.

Episode 17 - Part Two of La Quinta Resident & Music Industry Pioneer: Eddie Gilreath

In the Part Two of Uncovering the Gems withy true industry titan, Eddie Gilreath, we go from navigating the legendary inner circle of Frank Sinatra to pioneering marketing strategies that changed the face of the music business, Eddie’s career is a blueprint for excellence. We dive deep into the story behind the "Black is Green" campaign—a revolutionary movement that proved the immense commercial power of Black music and forced the industry to take notice. What we cover in this episode: The Sinatra Years: Working alongside "Ol' Blue Eyes" and the lessons learned from the heights of show business. The "Black is Green" Campaign: How Eddie shifted the narrative around Black music’s profitability and cultural impact. Legacy & Leadership: Navigating the corporate music world as a trailblazer.

Episode 16 - La Quinta Resident & Music Industry Pioneer, Eddie Gilreath (Part 1)

The Legend Who Broke the Mold: Eddie Gilreath (Part 1) In the first installment of this exclusive two-part series, we sit down with a true titan of the music industry: Eddie Gilreath. Eddie didn't just witness music history; he built the infrastructure for it.

From his humble beginnings to becoming the first Black executive to shatter the glass ceiling in major label distribution, Eddie’s story is a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and soul.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• The Early Years: The foundations that shaped Eddie’s drive and vision.
• The Motown Era: How he found his way into the legendary "Hitsville U.S.A." and the energy of the Berry Gordy era.
• Breaking Barriers: What it was truly like to be a pioneer and the first Black executive in spaces that weren't built for him.
• The Marley Connection: A deeply personal look at his genuine friendship with the late Bob Marley and the impact the reggae icon left on the world.

Episode 15 - Riverside County Sheriff Lt. Nick Lingle

On this episode of Uncovering the Gems, we're introducing you to Lieutenant Nick Lingle, the newest addition to Team La Quinta! Lieutenant Lingle joins the La Quinta team with a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective on community engagement. We discuss his vision for the department, the importance of the partnership between the Sheriff's Office and our residents, and what he looks forward to most in his new role serving La Quinta.

Episode 14: La Quinta Historical Society President, Linda Williams

In this podcast, we sit down with Linda Williams, the dedicated President of the La Quinta Historical Society. As a resident for over two decades, Linda offers a fascinating perspective on how La Quinta has evolved while holding tight to its rich, multi-cultural heritage. Linda shares the crucial role the La Quinta Historical Society plays as the "guardians of La Quinta's treasured heritage," discussing their efforts to preserve and promote the city's past.

Episode 13: State of the City Series - Council Member Steve Sanchez

The State of the City series includes weekly podcasts with Mayor & City Council members discussing why they love La Quinta. We get into how each of them arrived to LQ, what future projects they are excited to see, and what makes La Quinta the Gem of the Desert. This is a great way to get to know your Mayor & Council. State of the City is on Wednesday, November 19 at La Quinta Resort & Spa. For more information or to register visit: https://gcvcc.org/event/2025-la-quinta-state-of-the-city/

Episode 12: State of the City Series - Council Member John Peña

The State of the City series includes weekly podcasts with Mayor & City Council members discussing why they love La Quinta. We get into how each of them arrived to LQ, what future projects they are excited to see, and what makes La Quinta the Gem of the Desert. This is a great way to get to know your Mayor & Council.

State of the City is on Wednesday, November 19 at La Quinta Resort & Spa. For more information or to register visit: https://gcvcc.org/event/2025-la-quinta-state-of-the-city/

Episode 11 - State of the City Series: Council Member Kathleen Fitzpatrick 

The State of the City series includes weekly podcasts with Mayor & City Council members discussing why they love La Quinta. We get into how each of them arrived to LQ, what future projects they are excited to see, and what makes La Quinta the Gem of the Desert.

This is a great way to get to know your Mayor & Council.

State of the City is on Wednesday, November 19 at La Quinta Resort & Spa. For more information or to register visit: https://gcvcc.org/event/2025-la-quinta-state-of-the-city/

Episode 10: State of the City Series - Mayor Pro Tem McGarrey 

The State of the City series includes weekly podcasts with Mayor & City Council members discussing why they love La Quinta.

We get into how each of them arrived to LQ, what future projects they are excited to see, and what makes La Quinta the Gem of the Desert.

This is a great way to get to know your Mayor & Council.

State of the City is on Wednesday, November 19 at La Quinta Resort & Spa. For more information or to register visit: https://gcvcc.org/event/2025-la-quinta-state-of-the-city/

Episode 9: State of the City Series
Mayor Linda Evans

The State of the City series includes weekly podcasts with Mayor & City Council members discussing why they love La Quinta. We get into how each of them arrived to LQ, what future projects they are excited to see, and what makes La Quinta the Gem of the Desert.

This is a great way to get to know your Mayor & Council.

State of the City is happening Wednesday, November 19. For more information or to purchase tickets visit: https://gcvcc.org/event/2025-la-quinta-state-of-the-city/

October's podcast talks all things X Park!
Special guest: Victor Delgado, Facilities Manager

We discuss how the X Park design came to be with the help of the skating community, what connection it has to the Olympics, how residents can enjoy the X Park, and why famous athletes love to come and experience the X Park themselves.

This month's podcast features: Ben Dobbs, Executive Director of PGA WEST and The Citrus Club

We will be discussing:

• Golf, golf, and more golf
• Amenities at PGA WEST
• Amazing places to eat
• How La Quinta residents can come and be part of PGA WEST

Fire Prevention and Safety
Guest: Richard Tovar, Cal Fire Division Chief Riverside County

We will be discussing the following: 

• Common causes of residential fires

• Simple steps every household should take to improve fire safety

• What services does our local fire department offer beyond emergency responsiveness

• And more!

 Resource links:

www.firewise.org

www.rvcfire.org

The July Podcast will discuss the City's Art in Public Places Program and feature Michael Calderon, Senior Management Analyst.

We will discuss:
What is the Art in Public Places Program
How is Art purchased and funded in the City
Why is Art important in La Quinta

For more information on Art in Public Places, please visit: www.playinlaquinta.com/art-fifth 

Episode 4: Join Finance Director, Claudia Martinez-Siqueiros, as she discusses the City of La Quinta's Budget Process.

Learn how the City:

• Prepares for a new fiscal year,
• How the City manages audits,
• How projects are funded and more.

Budget information can be found by visiting: www.laquintaca.gov/2526budget 

This month, we're diving into the Highway 111 Corridor Plan with Danny Castro, Design & Development Director. 

• Learn about the City's vision for Highway 111 in La Quinta
• What it means for businesses along the corridor
• What the community can expect in the long run
• How community input shapes the future of 111

Watch now and stay informed about the future of La Quinta's Highway 111

Episode 2 -Features Public Works Director/City Engineer Bryan McKinney who will discuss the upcoming Highway 111 Pavement Project. Bryan will discuss the process of how the project timeline was determined, how the project was paid for, and what the community can expect during the pavement process. 

Episode 1 - Gilbert Villalpando, Director of Business Unit 

Episode One features the City's Marketing Manager/Public Information Officer, Marcie Graham and  Gilbert Villalpando, Director of the Business Unit to discuss why the City is starting a podcast, the importance of transparency, and why the City wants to continue to strengthen its connection to the community.