On cusp of 75th birthday, Indio exults its progress

The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, CA)
January 2, 2005

By Xochitl Peña

This year, Indio turns 75.

It’s come a long way since its incorporation on May 23, 1930. Back then,
it had a population of 1,875.

Now, it boasts almost 60,000 and is the valley’s fastest growing city.

“It kind of blows you away,” former Mayor Jacquie Bethel said about the
city’s progress.

To celebrate its humble evolution from railroad town to a booming city
known for its festivals, Indio is gearing up for a yearlong celebration.

There will be new events– such as the 75th Anniversary Gala on May 7
and Heritage Days this fall– created specifically to celebrate its
anniversary.

And annual festivals, such as the Southwest Arts Festival later this
month, will provide an opportunity for residents to share in city tradition.

“The community is working very diligently to recognize all of the
essential parts of the city as it’s grown to its 75 years,” said Bethel.

Indio resident Pamper Rodriguez is helping organize Heritage Days this
fall, which will honor Indio’s roots.

“It will include all heritage, not just Latino. There’s a lot of
heritage here,” she said.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 75 percent of Indio residents are
Latino, but its roots also include Japanese and Armenian communities.

“It remembers and appreciates those that have made Indio what it is
today,” Rodriguez said about Heritage Days.

Although not finalized, Bethel said organizers want to get kids involved
in the celebration and are planning an art and essay contest for
specific grades that showcases their ideas on Indio’s past, present and
future.

Bethel said residents will have plenty of opportunities to help
celebrate the city’s anniversary.

“There will be a considerable amount of activities. There are … many
different venues for this upcoming year,” she said.

To help commemorate the city’s anniversary, a new city logo and seal
have been created specifically for use throughout 2005.

The city held a contest, and Graphtek Advertising and Design of Palm
Desert was selected as the winner.

The diamond-shaped logo has a “75” overlayed on colorful flags that
symbolize the city’s many festivals.

Xochitl Peña covers Indio and Coachella for The Desert Sun. She can be
reached at 760-360-1340 or by e-mail.