All Posts tagged city of la quinta

Interesting that La Quinta could actually have been 37 years old this year if it had been incorporated on the first try in 1975.  Voters overwhelmingly rejected incorporation that year by a 2 to 1 margin, fearing higher property taxes.

Six years later in 1982, a group of area residents led by Fred Wolff tried again for incorporation . . . and this time cityhood was voted in.  Fred Wolff would go on to become La Quinta’s first mayor.  The incorporation process wasn’t easy – it required that a petition be signed by 25% of registered voters and that a feasibility study by approved by Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission before being place on the ballot.

On the day the board was to vote on the incorporation of La Quinta, they were also considering a petition by the city of Indian Wells to annex the commercial area alng Washington St. and Hwy. 111.  Indian Wells was attempting to secure the four corners at that intersection to try to keep commercialization out of their city.

The incorporation organizers took two busloads of people down to Riverside for a face-to-face meeting with Indian Wells’ attorneys and the people spoke out to support their stance.  The LAFCO board also heard testimony from the Indian Wells contingency and from the commercial businesses at the four corners who did not initially support La Quinta becoming its own city.

The LAFCO board then voted – unanimously in favor of placing the measure on the ballot.  Still, there were protestations from certain groups, but voters approved the measure to incorporate in a 3 to 1 vote.

Now the fastest growing city in the Coachella Valley, La Quinta is home to more than 37,000 residents and runs with a city budget of more than $40 million.  The La Quinta of today plays host to world class events such as the BNP Parabis Tennis Open and the Humana Challenge (once the Bob Hope Classic).  The La Quinta Arts Festival held every spring is considered one of the best of its kind in the country. Hollywood famous have made their homes here, such as Merv Griffin and Frank Capra.

La Quinta residents live here in the Gem of the Desert, as it’s known, for a reason . . . and they will tell you, they live here because it’s friendly, it’s about family and it’s beautiful and affordable.  Nuff said.