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Downtown Indio’s revitalization, recently highlighted by Fodor Travel, is overshadowed by a bitter business dispute surrounding a key new music and community venue. The original project, Desert Rat, was backed by the City of Indio with $180,000 in renovations and an 18-month rent-free period to co-owners Ron Mesh and partners Jayce and Ashley Levi.

The partnership soured after the city, citing liquor license issues, reportedly insisted the lease be put solely in the name of Ron Mesh's business, FFA Touring. The Levi's claim they were promised this was temporary, but were later abruptly cut out by Mesh, who announced he was moving forward without them. The venue, set to open tomorrow, has been renamed The Dune Room.

Ron Mesh, through a letter from his lawyer, alleges the Levi's grossly mismanaged the business, misused his credit card, and converted funds intended for the business to their own use. He claims his company was the only one ever on the lease

Downtown Indio Venue Implodes: The Desert Rat vs. The Dune Room