City of Indian Wells
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• Inform the public of the potential financial impact of the proposed request
• Ensure that the City Council has considered the views of the community before making a funding decision
Community engagement shall include, at a minimum, the following City-led components.
Each step must be completed under the City’s direct supervision and reviewed before any final funding decision by the City Council:
• Public Meeting Requirement: The City shall organize and host at least one public meeting for the purpose of presenting the funding proposal and allowing for resident questions and comments. The applicant is required to attend this meeting but shall not present independently. All presentation materials, talking points, and responses to inquiries shall be developed or approved by City staff in advance.
This meeting must occur prior to any final City Council decision.
• Resident Notification: The City shall prepare and mail a written notification to all Indian Wells households via the U.S. Postal Service. This notification will include a summary of the funding request, information on potential fiscal implications, and details about opportunities for public input. While the applicant shall be responsible for all mailing expenses, only the City may draft, approve, and distribute this communication.
• Community Feedback Collection: To expand opportunities for public participation, the City Council may choose, at its option, to conduct a community- wide survey. This may take the form of mailed questionnaires or a secure, cloud - based civic engagement platform. The City will design and administer the survey and retain complete control over its content, timeline, and distribution. The applicant shall cover all related costs. City staff will compile a summary report of the survey findings and present it to the City Council prior to a final funding decision.
• Final Public Deliberation: Once all community engagement activities have been completed and resident feedback has been compiled and reviewed, the City Council shall conduct a final public deliberation during a regularly scheduled Council meeting. At this time, the Council will consider all community input and staff analysis before making a decision on the proposed funding request.
Eisenhower Health
Funding Proposal
This mailer is being distributed as part of the City of Indian Wells Community Assistance Funding Program,
which provides a structured process for evaluating
large funding requests and soliciting resident input
before any City Council decision is made.
The City of Indian Wells is seeking resident feedback
regarding a $1 million funding request from Eisenhower
Health. The proposed investment would support the
advancement of the Eisenhower Health Trauma Center
toward a higher trauma designation.
Proposal Overview
Eisenhower Health proposes that this investment would
strengthen regional emergency care. Currently, their
facility is approximately 30 minutes closer to Indian
Wells than the nearest trauma center in Palm Springs.
This City investment would complement
philanthropic contributions and health system
resources already committed to the project.
The City Council will evaluate the fiscal impact
and community benefit of this request before
making a final decision.
City of Indian Wells
44-950 Eldorado Dr.
Indian Wells, CA 92210
If approved, City funds would be
directed specifically toward:
24/7 trauma surgeon availability
and expanded surgical capabilities.
A new CT scanner with advanced
diagnostic capabilities
(approximately 95% of trauma
cases require CT imaging).
Enhanced coordination with EMS to
reduce the need for patient transfers.
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to Insert
Indicia
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ATTACHMENT #3
Fiscal Impact
If approved, the funding would be allocated from General Fund surpluses, distributed evenly between Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Opportunity for Public Input
The City Council will consider this item during its upcoming meeting and is seeking resident feedback before making a final decision. City staff will present the fiscal considerations, and Eisenhower Health representatives will be available for questions.
Residents are encouraged to attend the City Council
meeting and provide public comment.
Learn More
Scan the QR code or visit
CityOfIndianWells.org/EisenhowerProposal
to review the full proposal.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
10:30 a.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
5
1 Angelica Avila
From:barbara gonzales <>
Sent:Saturday, February 21, 2026 11:27 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Eisenhower Trauma Funds Request
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
Hello,
My comments for the Proposed $1 Million Funds Allocation for Eisenhower Hospital Trauma Center are as follows:
I agree that we are in need of a Trauma Center closer to Indian Wells. Eisenhower Hospital in Rancho Mirage would be a tremendous location and an asset to the community.
As a resident of the City of Indian Wells, I fully support this, since the only current Trauma Center is at Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs which is too far from ALL OUR RESIDENTS.
Many of our residents are senior citizens and time is of the essence, especially if someone is in critical condition or in a Life or Death situation.
Thank you for taking this into consideration for the residents in Indian Wells, California.
Barbara Gonzales
ATTACHMENT #4
1 Angelica Avila
From:Bill Poland <>
Sent:Sunday, February 22, 2026 12:24 PM
To:Angelica Avila
Subject:Eisenhower Health Funding Proposal
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
Hello,
I will be unable to attend the March 5, 2026, meeting where this proposal will be discussed.
However, my wife and I am fully supportive of it and hope it passes.
Thank You.
Bill Poland, Chair
Quinn Brady Memorial Swing Against Cancer Event
Benefiting USC Norris, USC Keck Medicine, and Lucy Curci Cancer Center
1 Angelica Avila
From:Bob Herrick <>
Sent:Tuesday, February 24, 2026 3:21 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Eisenhower Health Funding Proposal
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
To whom it may concern:
My feelings on the request for $1,000,000 for Eisenhower Health Trauma Center:
Since the center will likely benefit many communi es with different popula ons, I suggest each community (La Quinta, Indian Wells, Bermuda Dunes, Indio) contribute an amount rela ve to their popula on. If Indian Wells is contribu ng $200 per resident other ci es should contribute and amount equal to their resident popula on. An example is La Quinta with a popula on of 37,000 should contribute $7,400,000. Indio, with a popula on of 89,000 should contribute $17,800,000. If each city contributes their fair share using that formula we should do it as well. If they are contribu ng less then we should match the per resident amount that they are contribu ng.
Thank you,
Bob Herrick
Indian Wells
1 Angelica Avila
From:
Sent:Thursday, February 19, 2026 6:20 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:PUBLIC INPUT--EISENHOWER HEALTH FUNDING PROPOSAL CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
CITY CLERK,
MY LATE HUSBAND AND I HAVE LIVED IN INDIAN WELLS SINCE 1995. ONE OF
THE MAJOR REASONS WE CHOSE THE VINTAGE CLUB IS ITS PROXIMITY TO EISENHOWER HOSPITAL. WE HAVE BEEN 24/7 MEMBERS FOR MANY YEARS
AND BELIEVE ME MY HUSBAND HAD MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS SINCE 2018. THE ASSURANCE THAT WHEN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY AROSE SINCE HIS FIRST BYPASS SURGERY IN 2018 WE WOULD BE TRANSPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO EMERGENCY WAS SO VERY IMPORTANT.
AS A RESULT I FIRMLY ENDORSE THE PROPOSAL OF THE CITY OF INDIAN WELLS FUNDING THE PROPOSAL! WHAT BETTER OUTLAY OF FUNDS.
SINCERELY,
CHARLOTTE FAUTH
1 Angelica Avila
From:Chuck Frias <>
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 4:59 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Eisenhauer ask
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments. ________________________________
I heard from a very reliable source that Eisenhower raised $290 million in 2025 from philanthropy without a specific need for the money so I am totally against this contribution.
Please ask Eisenhower how much they raised in 2025 from their philanthropic foundation and what their specific needs are.
Thank you.
Chuck Frias
Managing Partner
https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.friasproperties.com%2F&data=05%7 C02%7Caavila%40indianwells.com%7C4345006c02e24766b76c08de69d1d8b6%7C481fa8fa00314b2f86055260 4a04d313%7C0%7C0%7C639064547198445438%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWU sIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=I%2Ft Z93%2BzMSwAwwaY8L3SkHt87CM7tQuZYnmcX%2FOgUgw%3D&reserved=0
1 Angelica Avila
From:Cisca Mok <>
Sent:Wednesday, February 18, 2026 6:17 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: Eisenhower Health Funding Proposal
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
Hello!
Has the City considered scheduling this to a day that does not conflict with Resident's Day at the BNP Paribas tennis tournament? This scheduling on March 5 at 10:30 a.m. seems to unnecessarily conflict with a day when much of the community is looking forward to enjoying the free tickets with family or a guest. The scheduling of the meeting on this day may suppress warranted discussion and community understanding of the proposal and the Council's views.
Thank you.
Francisca Mok
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: City of Indian Wells
Date: Wed, Feb 11, 2026 at 10:03 AM
Subject: Eisenhower Health Funding Proposal
To:
To help protect you r priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Eisenhower Health Funding Proposal
Hello Francisca,
This e-blast is being distributed as part of the City of Indian Wells Community Assistance Funding Program, which provides a structured process for evaluating large funding requests and soliciting resident input before any City Council decision is made.
The City of Indian Wells is seeking resident feedback regarding a $1 million funding request from Eisenhower Health. The proposed investment would support the advancement of the Eisenhower Health Trauma Center toward a higher trauma designation.
Proposal Overview
1 Angelica Avila
From:Dennis Pindiak
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 4:41 PM
To:City Clerk
Cc:Janet Pindiak
Subject:1 million funding request from Eisenhower Health CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments. ________________________________
I am against giving them another 1 million funding gift.
They don't seem to have any problem with new building on campus.
Are they a private entity or public. If private they should raise the money from their patrons and solicit gifts.
The city keeps finding ways to save money and cut back on resident services so the City should not be in a position to give away a million dollars for just asking us again. They should split that amount between all of the valley cities which would be fair. This would greatly reduce the amount of our donation. It seems that every year they ask our City for a 1 million dollar gift.
Those funds would be better spent fixing the horrible road pavement conditions on fairway and cook, to name a few.
Please do not grant their request....
Dennis and Janet Pindiak
1 Angelica Avila
From:Fred Fox >
Sent:Thursday, February 12, 2026 5:16 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:FW: Eisenhower Health Funding Proposal
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
Why would Eisenhauer need to spend this money for a higher trauma designation when less than 10 miles away, the Desert Regional Medical Center is designated a Level 1 Trauma Center. I have been to both hospitals ER’s in the past 2 years and they both seem to play a role without the need for duplication. FF
Fred Fox
From: City of Indian Wells
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 10:03 AM
To:
Subject: Eisenhower Health Funding Proposal
Attend the City Council Meeting on March 5 to learn mor e! To help protect you r priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Eisenhower Health Funding Proposal
1 Angelica Avila
From:Ken Welch <
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 10:22 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Eisenhower Trauma Center Funding Request
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
For the March 5, 2025 meeting, it would be helpful for the following question to be addressed:
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of the trauma classification levels you expect to treat (Level I–V or equivalent), the projected annual volume in each category, and how those patients will be triaged upon arrival?
Additionally, how will the upgraded trauma capability affect current ER congestion and wait times for non-trauma patients?
Thank you.
--
Ken Welch
1 Angelica Avila
From:Lisa Ohanesian-Gambill >
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 6:29 PM
To:City Clerk
Cc:DAVE ❤
Subject:Eisenhower Funding
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
Good Evening:
We have owned property in Indian Wells since the early 1980’s and we currently purchased another home in Indian Wells. My husband David and I are contributors to Eisenhower 24/7 and we feel very strongly about funding a trauma center at Eisenhower Hospital.
Please let us know if you need additional information — but we both support this item
Lisa
1 Angelica Avila
From:Lyle Forehand >
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 1:29 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:March 5 meeting content: Eisenhower grant request CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
I am writing in vigorous opposition to Eisenhower Medical Center's request for extra funding, nominally in support of their ongoing attempts to upgrade their current Level IV Trauma Center to Level III, then Level II.
Allow me to preface this by saying, I am proud to have called Indian Wells my full-time home for more than 15 years. And I am proud to have served the Coachella Valley as a physician throughout those years. I do believe I have acquired some special insight into this request.
1) Upgrading EMC's trauma capabilities will provide trivial benefit to our community. a) There are six trauma centers in all of Riverside County; half of them are already in our small community.
b) No need for more trauma centers in our valley, nor in the entire county, has been identified as a need by REMSA (Riverside County Emergency Medical Services Agency) nor by EMD (County of Riverside Emergency Services Department)
c) I live 20 miles from DRMC, a Level I trauma center. Given a case of severe trauma, there is no reason for me to go anywhere else.
2) EMC is not making this request in the best interest of residents of Indian Wells or Coachella Valley. a) Their leadership began to prioritize this only after DRMC achieved Level 1 status in 2023. b) EMC has a long history of prioritizing revenue and prestige (and the associated charitable giving) over patient care.
c) Trauma care for geriatric popuations is often qualitatively different than trauma care for other populations. As this is a developing body of knowledge, there is great benefit in having coordination of education and practice in the field...not political competition.
Lyle Forehand, MD
(In full disclosure, I have never had privileges at EMC or DRMC; I have no political bias on this issue.)
1 Angelica Avila
From:David Van Dyke >
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 12:46 PM
To:City Clerk
Cc:Maggie Van Dyke; David Van Dyke
Subject:Resident Support Trauma Center Funding
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
Dear City Clerk,
As residents of Indian Wells, we are writing to express our strong approval for the proposed $1 million investment in the Eisenhower Health Trauma Center. We fully support this funding request and believe it is absolutely needed.
About a year ago I had a fall and had to take a trip to the trauma Center in Palm Springs. Very disappointing that we didn't have a trauma center here that they could take me to.
Sincerely,
David and Maggie Van Dyke
Indian Wells, CA 92210
1 Angelica Avila
From:MARTHA LAMB
Sent:Friday, February 13, 2026 10:01 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Eisenhower Health Funding
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
I am in support of the City of Indian Wells providing necessary funding for the upgrading of Eisenhower Health Trauma Related Services In Indian Wells. As our citizens continue to age, we are needing more trauma services close by. This quick response locat ion would hopefully improve patient outcomes .
Thank you,
Martha Lamb
Indian Wells, CA 92210
1 Angelica Avila
From:Mike Stewart >
Sent:Thursday, February 19, 2026 11:15 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Eisenhower Health Funding Proposal
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments. ________________________________
I will be out of town on business on March 5 but wanted to respond
Appreciate your asking for resident comments Which is in my opinion the way proposals should be handled with issues like this
Thank you
Ok I am in favor of the City of Indian Wells contributing to the Eisenhower 3 specific improvements
24/7 trama surgeon availability and surgical And expanded surgical capabilities
New CT scanner with advanced diagnostic
Capabilities
Enhanced coordination with EMS to reduce the need for Patient transfers
These are all services that in my opinion are required services by a Hospital like Eisenhower
My concern is if the city of Indian wells contributed financially to these proposals how long before they would be operational ?
Also I would hope that our city would somehow be rewarded other than the 3 mentioned items And what would that be ?
Interested in your response
Mike Stewart
Cell
1 Angelica Avila
From:Milton Baehr <
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 12:11 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Eisenhower
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
I think it's money well spent. I live in Indian Wells Country Club and I'm a supporter of Eisenhower Healthmk foundation.
Get Outlook for iOS
1 Angelica Avila
From:Nor Wal
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 10:48 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Proposed New Eisenhower Local Trauma Center
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments. ________________________________
Hello. I own a condominium nearby in the Palm Desert/Indian Wells area.
I very much support our local hospitals and medical care providers.
That said, our family has used the Eisenhower Emergency Room several times in the past years. Eisenhower ER is not far from here. I can’t imagine they would build a world-class hospital without a fully-capable ER. How would a local trauma center provide services already provided by an excellent hospital and ER? Would it be more eAicient to bring Eisenhower ER up to speed instead of building a brand-new facility? Again, I fully support Eisenhower, their ER and our community. I am just unclear why our local A-1 hospital isn’t already providing trauma services.
Thank you for all your great work!
Sent from my iPhone
1 Angelica Avila
From:Patty Kunsemiller <
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 10:22 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Eisenhower Health
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments. ________________________________
I strongly disapprove of requests from Eisenhower for furthering their goals by using money from our community. A friend recently had treatment at our current Level One Trauma and found it to be a perfect (diAicult) situation.
Strong NO. Patty Kunsemiller , Indian Wells, CA 92210
1 Angelica Avila
From:Paula
Sent:Friday, February 13, 2026 8:14 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Trauma donation
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments. ________________________________
I support the use of funds for improved trauma access in the area.
Sent from my iPhone
1 Angelica Avila
From:Phil Valdez
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 10:34 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:$1M for Eisenhower follow-up
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments. ________________________________
I already said yes to giving Eisenhower $1M for the upgrade in the Trauma Center. The City Council should invite someone from the fire station to speak on this. Most IW residents probably don’t know what happens when they are picked up by ambulance in IW. If it’s a trauma situation, you are not taken to Eisenhower, you can request to go but you maybe refused because they don’t have the facilities, you will be transported to Desert Hospital I believe.
This is why you invite a representative from the fire station to speak on this.
Phil Valdez
1 Angelica Avila
From:Phil Valdez <>
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 10:24 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:$1M to Eisenhower
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments. ________________________________
YES!!!! No brainer to be honest.
Phil Valdez
1 Angelica Avila
From:Robert Cook
Sent:Thursday, February 12, 2026 4:19 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Eisenhower funding
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
No to a million dollars, no to $1000
No,no,no
Robert E. Cook
1 Angelica Avila
From:Roderick Brown <>
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 10:17 AM
To:City Clerk
Cc:Barbara Brown
Subject:support od the Eisenhower Funding Proposal
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
We are in support of the proposal for $1,000,000 city funding for the Eisenhower Trauma Center
Roderick Brown
Winter:
Indian Wells, CA 92210
1 Angelica Avila
From:Toni Carney
Sent:Thursday, February 12, 2026 7:55 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Feedback - Eisenhower Health Trauma Center
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments. ________________________________
Yes we support a new Eisenhower Health Trauma Center.
Thank you.
Toni and Wayne Carney
1 Angelica Avila
From:Tony Stypinski
Sent:Monday, February 16, 2026 12:53 PM
To:City Clerk
Cc:Tony Stypinski
Subject:Eisenhower Health Funding Proposal
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments.
I cannot attend the March 5, 2026 city council meeting regarding this topic, so please record my opinion as follows:
I oppose this give-away of taxpayer funds for a use that only marginally and indirectly may benefit a very few Indian Wells homeowners.
Eisenhower is a private, non-profit entity and should raise funds (if needed) from its donors and/or business operations.
I would much rather see City funds spent in Indian Wells to directly improve life here. As an example, why not extend availability of canal water south along Cook for the benefit of the many residents living in complexes in that area of our City.
Sincerely,
--Tony Stypinski
Los Lagos, Indian Wells
On Feb 11, 2026, at 10:03 AM, City of Indian Wells wrote:
To help protect you r priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Eisenhower Health Funding Proposal
Hello Anthony,
This e-blast is being distributed as part of the City of Indian Wells Community Assistance Funding Program, which provides a structured process for evaluating large funding requests and soliciting resident input before any City Council decision is made.
The City of Indian Wells is seeking resident feedback regarding a $1 million funding request from Eisenhower Health. The proposed investment would
1 Angelica Avila
From:
Sent:Wednesday, February 11, 2026 10:38 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Eisenhower Funding
CAUTION: This email originated outside our organization. Be cautious with any links or attachments. $1,000,000 is excessive especially for a small city like ours.
I do believe we should contribute maybe about $250,000. This amount is con ngent based upon what the large ci es such as Palm desert, LaQuinta have commi ed too
Tony Trocino,C.P.C.U.