VALLEY VOICE

Valley Voice: Coachella Valley neighbors, come check out what's new in Desert Hot Springs

Audrey Moe
Special to The Desert Sun

Of the nine cities located in the Coachella Valley, Desert Hot Springs is the only one located completely on the north side of the freeway. It is also the largest in area. Those two items sound good, but for some reason, Desert Hot Springs is looked down upon by those on the other side of Interstate 10.

When my husband and I moved to the desert in 2001, we often attended events across the freeway. When people would ask where we lived and we'd say, “Desert Hot Springs,” there were actually some who would turn away and go talk to someone else.

I am happy to say this doesn't happen anymore.

Still, I wonder how many valley residents have visited Desert Hot Springs recently, perhaps on the way to Cabot's Pueblo Museum or to enjoy one of our superb natural hot water spas. If you haven't, you are in for a happy surprise.

Beginning at the freeway, rows of tall, night-lighted palms line both sides of the road and attractive landscaping and signage fill the center divider. Continuing on Palm Drive, when you reach the city's business district, more tall palms and center divider landscaping, featuring sculptures and plantings, make an attractive drive. Pierson Boulevard, which bisects Palm Drive, continues the effect with sculptures and plantings.

At the corner of Palm and Pierson, in front of a beautifully renovated City Hall, a large sign announces a new civic center complete with an amphtheater is in progress, to be completed in 2021. The green fencing is up and work is ongoing.

Not far away on West and 3rd Street, work is in progress bringing back to life a picturesque rock house built in 1946 during the same era as Cabot's Pueblo Museum (1941). This rock house was documented and named in 1947 on a postcard as “Pil-O-Rox.” The interior of beautifully crafted wood built with pegs instead of nails is almost pristine in its preservation. Ultimately this rock gem will be a home for the Desert Hot Springs Historical Society and will be open to the public.

A developer plans to resume new home construction at the partially complete Skyborne housing development in Desert Hot Springs, April 29, 2019.

New home developments are springing up on undeveloped land within the city limits and surrounding area. Affordable homes are one of the main attractions for many in the Coachella Valley who are downsizing to a more manageable residence. 

Service groups and clubs are flourishing, along with student organizations. Advancing DHS sends out weekly profiles to honor citizens who stand out due to acts above and beyond the call of duty. 

Another important issue is a reduction in crime. Due to the diligence of the police force, the crime rate has been significantly reduced and compares favorably with other valley cities.

Desert Hot Springs has a lot to brag about as the city continues to thrive and improve in important ways. A new library will be built on Palm Drive in the coming year, Palm Drive will be redone with more crosswalks and the Chamber of Commerce is planning a visitor center. We still need some more restaurants, but I believe everyone is thinking positively.

I'm just one of the many proud of our city. I invite you to visit and see why.   

Audrey Moe of Desert Hot Springs.

Audrey Moe is a resident of Desert Hot Springs. Email her at Audrey@moefamily.net.