Silver and Beyond
In July 1992, Indian Wells turned 25. Anniversary events ranged from a water volleyball tournament at the Hyatt Grand Champions to a Rotary Golf Tournament, Jazz Concert on the Green, student mayor and council for the day, a Village I bake-off featuring hotel chefs' 25th anniversary cakes, and a Citizens' Appreciation Day.
The same year, the council decided to begin appointing the city's mayor for one-year terms rotating each December. That tradition has held through the tenure of William Arenstein, 1992-1993; James Killion, 1993-1995; Phil Bostley, Jr., 1995-1996; Walter McIntyre, 1996-1997; Michael Landes,1997-1998; Artie Henderson, 1998-1999; Percy L. Byrd, 1999-2000; Ed Monarch, 2000-2001; and Conrad Negron, 2001-2002 and beyond; with a one-time exception in 1993-95, when Mayor Killion served two consecutive terms.
A good deal of energy in the early '90s went into strategizing how to deal with recession and hits from Sacramento. But all was not doom and gloom. In 1992-93, city leaders were successful in holding down the general fund portion of the budget, completing the "undergrounding" of utilities, planning and approving Indian Wells' first affordable housing community, building walk and bike paths, and completing such major projects as the over-crossing on Fred Waring Drive at the Whitewater Wash and planning the bridge that would connect Eldorado Drive to Fred Waring Drive.
At the same time, Indian Wells expanded its participation in the Cove Communities Services Commission to include the Legends Ball Fields at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park, the YMCA of the Desert, the Joslyn Cove Communities Senior Center, the Children's Discovery Museum and the Sports Complex at Cook Street; and became a forerunner in emergency preparedness. It also expanded its sponsorship of major events with the advent of the Desert Town Hall of Indian Wells Lecture Series, which has become one of the valley's most highly regarded cultural happenings.
By fiscal year 1995-96, the city had turned another financial corner. It had lived through a serious economic downturn and come out with $8 million in general fund reserves. In 1996, as it approached its 30th birthday, Palm Springs Life noted Indian Wells residents "are among the most affluent people in the nation. Abhorring glitz or flamboyance, they have created a city government in their own image-one of quiet efficiency and responsible management."
Just a few years later, Indian Wells was listed as the city with the highest national income. Coincidentally, with the completion of the Wall Street West office building, it had emerged as the valley's financial center.
In 1998, the former Erawan Garden Hotel was transformed beyond recognition into the lovely Miramonte Resort. Together with the Hyatt Grand Champions, Indian Wells Resort Hotel, and Renaissance Esmeralda, the four properties were successful in generating more than 60% of Indian Wells' operating budget.
As the 20th century drew to a close, Indian Wells annexed 387 acres of land in its sphere of influence, including the new home for the Newsweek Champions Cup and State Farm Evert Cup (now Pacific Life Open) -- the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The city took its community grants and charitable contributions to an entirely new level by pledging $5 million to the California State University-San Bernardino desert campus, and dedicated the Eisenhower Walk of Honor, a tribute to President Eisenhower, military veterans and five Medal of Honor recipients.
Not to be outdone by its own accomplishments, Indian Wells launched into high gear in the new century. Public safety got a boost with the installation of red light cameras, the Hyatt and Renaissance Esmeralda are finalized extensive renovations, The Indian Wells Golf Resort is undergoing a significant facelift with the addition of two newly designed 18-hole championship courses and a new, 55,000 square foot clubhouse, the Indian Wells Historic Preservation Foundation was founded and received its nonprofit 501(c)(3) status, and a series of staff and City Council retreats has focused community leaders squarely on the future.
This year, as the city celebrates its 40th anniversary, its vision has been re-clarified. But it sounds remarkably like the first take. Council and staff concur, "Indian Wells is to be recognized as a city where residents live in a content, tranquil, happy environment with an exceptional quality of life, second to none, with residents who are caring and concerned with the needs of others."