Openings
Dejitaru Karate Dojo recently opened at 78-078 Country Club Drive, Suite 207, in Bermuda Dunes. Owner and instructor Alfonso Pena, 34, has been practicing martial arts since the age of five and currently holds a first-degree black belt in the Shito-Ryu style. Pena is affiliated with World Shito-Ryu Karate Federation and Shito-Kai Association. Dijitaru Karate Dojo offers classes for all ages and members of the community and collaborate with various strength, fitness, flexibility, and self-defense instructors to accommodate the needs students. You can visit the website at www.dejidojo.com or call (760) 536-5222 for more information.
Cathedral City dojo wins big at national championships
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties celebrated the opening of its third location at 78555 Highway 11, Suite 100, in La Quinta, on June 24. The Irvine-based HSF Affiliates LLC operates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. The company is a joint venture of which HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, is a majority owner. Independently owned, the Coachella Valley Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California brokerage offers real estate services to its clients.
Steady sales and prices in 2015 housing market
Job Changes
The City of Indio has announced the hiring of Carl S. Morgan as its new Director of Economic Development, effective immediately. Under the direction of City Manager Dan Martinez, Morgan will plan, organize and implement economic development functions, including business retention, business attraction and incentive programs while working directly with the development community, local businesses and city staff. Morgan brings more than 28 years of experience as an economic development redevelopment professional to Indio. Prior to joining the city, he served as the CEO of San Diego North Economic Development Council (SDNEDC), a 501(c)6 nonprofit serving 1.2 million residents. Under Morgan’s leadership, SDNEDC broadened the organization’s base of support, diversified its revenue base, and expanded its infrastructure and organizational capacity.
The 29 Palms Chamber of Commerce announced the resignation of three board of directors. Carey Alderson, the Board President, resigned last week on amiable terms to allow new leadership to serve on the board. Dean Moore, the Vice President, decided to resign to focus on his personal life; and Maryse Kintz, the Membership Benefits Coordinator, has now pursued other opportunities. During this transitional time, the Chamber is excited to announce Aaron Kyle, the owner of Aaron’s Air Services, as Interim President of the board. Aaron has served as a director since December 2015, and is a local HVAC contractor.
Gilda’s Desert Cities in Palm Desert has elected Board of Directors officers for Fiscal Year 2016-2017:
- Paul D. Golden – reelected Board Chairman
- Bert Garland – Vice President-Chief Operating Officer
- Charles (Chuck) Riach – Chief Financial Officer
- Donna Dunn – Secretary
- Susan Shankman and Peter Wasserman – Vice President
Continuing Board members are Paula Berke, Phyllis Greene, Diane Haaga, Jerold Heisler, Janet Ihde, Maxwell Stern with the addition of Margie Taft.
Your Business, Your News: Gilda’s Club adds 2 members
Recognition
Joshua Tree National Park Association employee Dave Larsen was awarded one of only eight Department of Interior Individual Customer Service Awards given in 2016. Larsen was invited to Washington D.C. to attend the ceremony, where Secretary of the InteriorSally Jewell presented him with the coveted honor. Larsen has worked for the Joshua Tree National Park Association for close to six years as an information specialist and assists with visitor services at all three park visitor centers. Larsen lives in Joshua Tree with his wife and daughter, who accompanied him to Washington.
The Desert Winds Freedom Band (DWFB) received the Palm Springs Unified School District’s “Shiny Apple Award” for its contributions to the music programs at its high schools. Annually, the DWFB brings in clinicians to work with the district’s high school bands. Last year, the DWFB hosted Dr. John Climer, Director of University Bands and Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts. In addition, DWFB provides annual scholarships for high school seniors who wish to pursue a music career.
Joshua Bonner to lead new east valley chamber group
Philanthropy
S.C.R.A.P. Gallery in Indio received a $25,000 Spotlight grant from the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation of Palm Desert to develop “Kids Green Teams” at local schools, libraries and other community organizations throughout valley. These student teams will develop a project focus for the school year such as establishing a campus recycling program, auditing water use and waste, or creating a nature area. The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery staff and volunteers will help each team develop goals, a timeline, and a plan to accomplish the project. Additional aspects of each school’s project may include inspiring other students to get involved, fundraising to support their project or making community presentations about their progress.
The Palm Springs Sunup Rotary Club recently donated 400 pairs of UV protection sunglasses to Dennis Jory, board member of Well in the Desert of Palm Springs, and another 400 pair to Amina Aun, shelter manger, at the Roy’s Desert Resource Center in Palm Springs to aid the needs of the homeless.
Palm Springs rotary club’s 75th anniversary gala
Submit your business announcement to Darby.Wright@DesertSun.com