Issuu

Publisher Cindy Melland Managing Editor Stacy Moore VP of Sales and Marketing Deb Geissler Advertising Manager Kimberly Brucks Marketing Specialist Judy Moore Bob Cloyd Brandi Larson Brittany Hernandez Graphics / Content / Layout Jose De La Cruz Graphics Teri Aitken Mary Rider Distribution All delivery inquiries should be directed to Desert Fox Distribution at 760-989-0882 or DesertFoxDist007@aol.com.

in this issue 4

Health Beat

What are the best sources of vitamin C? Seven tips for better stress management.

Book-Ends

6-8

On the Cover: Fitness

Money Matters

Medicare

Donâ€™t Worry Be Happy

16-19

Datebook

Fall into a great read.

Being proactive about your fitness and your future.

Ways to get financially fit this new year.

10-11 Recipes

Nutritious family meals full of flavor.

Mistakes that could cost you.

Full listing of outstanding happy hours.

Rev up the fun during the these events.

Take a Hike

Enjoy a bit of the outdoors at one of these local trails.

At the Movies

Upcoming releases.

Puzzled?

Have some fun! JANUARY - MARCH 2019

PRIMETIME

HEALTH BEAT

What are the best sources of vitamin C? Vitamin C, which among other things is a powerful antioxidant, has multiple benefits for the body. It’s found mainly in fruits and vegetables. Peppers, broccoli and the cabbage family are the best sources in vegetables. Guavas, then kiwis and finally oranges are the best sources among fruits.

muscle tension, chronic fatigue, increased risk of heart attacks, irritability, anger and poor concentration. That is why it’s so important to reduce your stress and learn to manage it. Here are some tips to help you get there. 1. Rest. Getting enough sleep is essential in order to reduce stress. Most people need seven to eight hours of sleep.

Seven tips for better stress management

2. Eat healthy. A nutritious and balanced diet helps your body manage stress more efficiently and strengthens your immune system. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugar as much as possible.

Are you constantly stressed? Did you know that chronic stress has a negative impact on both your physical and emotional health? Unchecked, it can lead to migraines, ulcers,

3. Have fun. Devote some time to doing what you love. Go out, take time for yourself and laugh—laughter is known to increase feelings of well-being.

4. Exercise. Regular physical activity helps reduce stress. 5. Adopt anti-stress techniques. Learn about relaxation, breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, tai chi, music, self-massage, etc. 6. Rely on your friends. Sharing your concerns or asking for advice helps you put things in perspective and keeps you from feeling isolated. 7. Avoid creating additional stress for yourself. Be organized. Set your priorities. Do one thing at a time and delegate what you can. Learn to manage your anger and have realistic expectations that don’t demand perfection. Avoid procrastinating, and learn to say no. Last but not least: adopt a positive attitude. Your perception of events is often a major stress factor in itself.

BOOK-ENDS

Fall into a great read “The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington” Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch tell a remarkable and previously untold piece of American history that not only reveals George Washington’s character, but also illuminates the origins of America’s counterintelligence movement that led to the modern day CIA. Now available. “The Reckoning” John Grisham returns to Clanton, Mississippi, to tell the story of an unthinkable murder, the bizarre trial that follows it, and its profound and lasting effect on the people of Ford County. Now available. “Elevation” The latest from legendary master storyteller Stephen King, a riveting, extraordinarily eerie, and moving story about a man whose mys-

PRIMETIME

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

terious affliction brings a small town together—a timely, upbeat tale about finding common ground despite deeprooted differences. Now available. “Wild Bill: The True Story of the American Frontier’s First Gunfighter” The definitive true story of Wild Bill, the first lawman of the Wild West, by the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of “Dodge City.” Now February 5. “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer” The haunting true story of the elusive serial rapist turned murderer who terrorized California during the 70s and 80s, and of the gifted journalist who died tragically while investigating the case—which was solved in April 2018. Available February 26.

“The Huntress: A Novel” From the author Kate Quinn, of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel, “The Alice Network,” comes another fascinating historical novel about a battle-haunted English journalist and a Russian female bomber pilot who join forces to track the Huntress, a Nazi war criminal gone to ground in America. Available February 26. “Redemption” Detective Amos Decker discovers that a mistake he made as a rookie detective may have led to deadly consequences in the latest Memory Man thriller in David Baldacci’s No. 1 New York Times bestselling series. Available April 16.

COVER FEATURE

Add life to your years…

and maybe years to your life being proactive about your fitness and your future By Alison Elsner for Primetime Magazine

urns out there really is a fountain of youth. Wait for it…it’s exercise! Many people spend more than half their waking hours sitting down. Studies suggest habitual inactivity raises risks for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, deep-vein thrombosis and metabolic syndrome. Multiple studies (including those from Harvard University and University of WisconsinMadison) show us that physical activity is directly correlated with brain health, and that means positive results as far as warding off Alzheimer’s disease as well as elevating mood, fending off infection and cancer and ensuring bones don’t succumb to osteoporosis. We know the science, so the logic should follow, along with the fun. By no means does

PRIMETIME

exercise have to translate into drudgery. There are gazillions (well, at least a dozen) of activities we can think of to keep you moving and enjoying the experience along the way. Here are our recommendations for activities that may just make you feel like a kid again. The beauty is, there’s something for every price point and geographic area…so, no excuses!

Walking According to the American Heart Association, walking has the lowest dropout rate of all types of exercise, and it’s the simplest positive change one can make to improve heart health. And it’s easy. Lace up your sneakers and get started. When the weather is pleasant, an

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

outdoor walk through downtown streets, in a park or around a high school track are all great options. If the weather is too chilly or, as will happen in the desert, a bit too hot, a practical and safe idea is to walk the length of an indoor shopping mall. For those who’ve invested in a Fitbit, it can’t help but be motivating to see the fireworks explode on your wristband when you’ve hit your step goal.

Hiking If you’re new to this one, don’t be intimidated. There are trails for every skill level, and by visiting alltrails.com or go-california.com/hiking in advance, you can familiarize yourself with the route and the degree of difficulty. In the

COVER FEATURE winter and spring, there are numerous trails in and around the city or town limits with varying elevation gains, including fairly flat trails like some of those in the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs. When summer is in full swing, an excursion up to Idyllwild or Mt. San Jacinto at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram are ideal. Hiking requires a tad bit more planning to make sure you take along plenty of water and have sturdy hiking shoes, but once you’ve tried it, chances are you’ll be hooked.

Biking The cost here involves that of the bike and helmet, but both can be purchased together for under $150 through Amazon.com or Walmart. Bicycling will get you fit quickly, and it’s a bit kinder to your body than running due to its low impact. It’s also a great way to do some sightseeing, allowing you to notice things you wouldn’t normally when behind the wheel of your gas-guzzling car, while still covering a lot more ground than walking. You don’t have to take part in Endurance Mountain Bike races or train like an elite athlete to get the benefits of cycling, and it’s also invigorating to ride with a partner, family or friends. If you’re really en-

thusiastic, you may want to download Strava or Endomondo or a host of other apps to record your progress or even race against yourself.

Yoga There are lots of reasons to roll out the mat, namely a spike in flexibility. Tight hips can strain the knee joints, tight hamstrings can lead to back pain and inflexibility in muscles and connective tissue, such as fascia and ligaments, can cause poor posture. Yoga protects your spine, increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Yoga also reduces perceived anxiety, which in turn decreases the physical effects of stress on the body. By encouraging relaxation, yoga helps to lower the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, which we all know can contribute to excess weight. An important component of yoga is focusing on the present. It’s been found that regular yoga practice improves coordination, reaction time, memory and even IQ scores. Wow, younger and smarter? Sign us up.

Golf This one potentially involves more expense, at least for the golf clubs and greens fees at

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

PRIMETIME

COVER FEATURE Continued from page 7

some of the golf courses, but for those who don’t want to go all in, it’s perfectly reasonable to buy one or two clubs and head out to the driving range of a nearby public course. Many public courses will loan out golf clubs, so you can try them out before purchasing. It also makes sense to take a couple of lessons to get the basics down such as grip and swing, but from there, practice away as long as you want! Those who are experienced golfers know that it can be absolutely one of the most peaceful and satisfying ways to spend a couple of hours while taking in gorgeous scenery and keeping the legs, arms and core moving, what with making all those birdies and walking those 18 holes and all. Either way, your heart rate goes up along with your fitness.

Tennis

Generally speaking, tennis requires at least one partner, but not always. Many public courts, usually found in parks and recreation centers, will have a backboard in one of the courts where you can lob and smash to your heart’s content, all by your lonesome. If you do want to play with a partner, all skill levels are welcome, and a significant workout and an

PRIMETIME

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

elevated heart rate are guaranteed. Tennis is somewhat unique, in that it engages the mind and the body at the same time. Players report increased hand-eye coordination, balance and confidence. Many people also say that tennis develops the ability to cope with pressure and recover from mistakes. We “love” that! We tell ourselves that genetics largely determines what our bodies look like or how long we will live. The truth is, however, that science dictates how our actions can influence nature to some degree. Brief, vigorous exercise causes immediate structural and chemical changes in the DNA molecules within our muscles that benefit health. Endurance training produces beneficial genetic changes that play a role in energy metabolism, insulin response and muscle inflammation, and enhanced blood flow from regular exercise adapts the brain to turn different genes on or off, helping to protect against diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Even though we each draw something different in the genetic lottery, we can always improve on what we’ve got. Make the most of it, and happy fitnessing!

MONEY MATTERS

Ways to get financially fit this new year

n 2019, many Americans are planning for a “better me” in the year ahead. Gym memberships and diets are at the top of many lists, but what about financial health? Losing debt can be just as important as losing pounds, and financial fitness just as important as physical fitness. According to a new survey from Marcus by Goldman Sachs(R), 74 percent of Americans think their financial well-being has an impact on their overall health and 64 percent feel they are not in the best financial shape they could be. On top of that, half of those surveyed (50 percent) think it’s easier to get into better physical shape than financial shape and 59 percent consider tracking expenses and budgeting to be more stressful than trying a new workout. Although New Year’s resolutions to improve financial fitness may seem daunting, they are achievable, and their effects can be significant. While it is important to pump iron and feel great physically, it is equally beneficial to pump up your savings and take steps to secure your financial future. Here are five simple ways to help achieve better financial fitness in 2019:

Trim down debt

Eliminating debt is a worthy goal shared by many - 78 percent of those surveyed would rather get rid of their debt than lose weight. Consider instead a debt consolidation personal loan such as those provided by Marcus by Goldman Sachs(R), which offers fixed-rate, no-fee personal loans that could help save on interest when compared to high-interest variable rate credit cards.

Set a realistic budget

Every financial fitness plan should start by establishing a budget that is both effective and achievable. The first step in creating one is to identify your essentials like mortgage or rent, car payments, tuition loans - and determine how much each of these expenses cost you per month. Next, average your spending in key categories that occur on an ongoing basis, such as food, gas, clothing, commuting costs and your gym membership. Combine those two figures to determine what your actual expenses and monthly budget are, and any money left over can be considered discretionary. Part of each month’s discretionary budget should be dedicated in advance to savings. Financial fitness introduces a level of discipline to help people make a proactive commitment to saving each month.

Shred unwanted subscriptions

With a budget in place, it’s all about tracking expenses and ensuring that your spending aligns with what your budget requires. There are many free tools that can help do the work, such as the personal financial management app Clarity Money, which monitors recurring expenses and helps with eliminating unwanted subscriptions. Keeping a tighter rein on your spending makes it easier to trim costs and stick to your budget year-round.

Pump up your savings

Look for savings accounts with higher rates that can help your money make more money. A high-yield Online Savings Account from Marcus by Goldman Sachs can earn 4X the national average, with a 2.25 percent APY (annual percentage yield)[1]. There is no minimum deposit required, making it an easy way to begin growing your savings with the cash you already have.

Find a workout partner

Your path to better financial health could accelerate if you can partner with a family member, friend or significant other who’s also interested in their financial well-being. Plan monthly check-ins, arrange mini-competitions for saving more and organize “no spend days” together. You’ll keep each other responsible and build positive mutual support along the way. For more information on approachable solutions to your financial management and to get a financial workout plan, head to Marcus.com/financialfitness.”

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

PRIMETIME

RECIPE

Nutritious family meals full of flavor

utting healthy meals on the table continues to be a year-round goal for many families, one that can become more difficult with the satisfying and savory flavors of comfort-food season. From breakfast to dinner and every meal in-between, it can feel daunting to prepare simple and nutritious recipes without sacrificing taste. While seeking healthier options for day-today meal planning and preparation, it’s important to start your decision-making at the grocery store. Look for items like all-natural Pure Farmland Bacon, made from pork raised without antibiotics. In addition, it contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives, MSG or added hormones, so you can feel good about incorporating a family favorite like bacon into any meal of the day. Start the day with Baked Eggs in Avocado with Bacon, combining superfoods with a protein boost for an ideal, health-conscious breakfast. When it’s time to gather for a family dinner, try something new such as Bacon and Spaghetti Squash Fritter with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce for a filling and flavorful meal that can please nearly any palate. Find more recipes that keep nutrition top of mind without forgoing flavor at farmlandfoods.com.

Baked Eggs in Avocado with Bacon

Prep time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2 • Nonstick cooking spray • 1 avocado, halved and pitted • 2 eggs • kosher salt, to taste • freshly cracked pepper, to taste • 2 slices Pure Farmland All-Natural Uncured Bacon, cooked, crumbled • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese • 1 tablespoon chopped chives • Smoked paprika, for garnish • Hot sauce, for garnish (optional) Heat oven to 425 F. Spray baking sheet or glass baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Scoop additional 1-2 tablespoons out of avocado halves to create wells for eggs. Place avocados flesh-side up on prepared baking sheet or glass pan. Gently crack one egg in each avocado well, keeping yolks intact. Bake 15-18 minutes, or until eggs reach desired temperature. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Top with crumbled bacon, Parmesan cheese and chopped chives. Garnish with paprika and hot sauce, if desired.

PRIMETIME

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

RECIPE • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/2 cup olive oil • salt, to taste • pepper, to taste To make Bacon–Spaghetti Squash Fritter: Place spaghetti squash in large bowl. Add bacon, green onions, eggs and cheese. Stir to combine. Add flour and mix until combined. Form into patties. Heat large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat. Add fritters in batches and cook until well browned on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Bacon and Spaghetti Squash Fritter with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

• 4 green onions, white parts only, sliced thin • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Prep time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 Bacon-Spaghetti Squash Fritter: • 4 cups cooked spaghetti squash

• 6 slices Pure Farmland All-Natural Uncured Bacon, cooked, chopped, fat reserved

Romesco Sauce: • 2 roasted red peppers, fresh or jarred • 4 plum tomatoes, roasted, skins removed • 3/4 cup almonds, toasted • 4 cloves garlic, roasted

To make Romesco Sauce: In food processor, pulse roasted red peppers, plum tomatoes, almonds, garlic, sherry vinegar, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to combine. Slowly add in olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour Romesco Sauce over Bacon-Spaghetti Squash Fritter before serving.

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

PRIMETIME

HAVE SOME FUN

CROSSWORD

Answers on page 20

41. Degree 42. For every 43. Postage item 46. Stick out 51. Realty parcel 53. Listen 55. Rock’s partner 56. Land measure 57. Just 58. Soccer score 59. Foundation 60. ____ log 61. Football linemen

ACROSS 1. Baby bed 5. Nest contents 9. Total amount 12. General’s helper 13. Hawaiian party 14. Con’s companion 15. Long stick 16. Emery board 17. First number 18. Shorthand, for short 20. Cowboy’s tool 22. Painter’s work 24. Unit of measurement 27. ____-limits (forbidden) 30. Florida island group 32. Peeve 33. Doze 35. Broad street 37. Brave 38. Status 40. Mousse alternative

PRIMETIME

DOWN 1. Bottle lids 2. Civil disturbance 3. Resting 4. Existed 5. Pixie 6. Certain jury verdict 7. Celebration 8. Takes to court 9. Dipping

10. Coffee vessel 11. Curly’s cohort 19. Hardwood trees 21. Kingly address 23. Sand bar 25. Hint for Holmes 26. Foot part 27. Gambler’s concern 28. College group 29. Wooded 31. Matching 34. Cried 36. Part of speech 39. Horrify 44. Nautical call 45. Restaurant list 47. Prod 48. Crazy bird 49. Happy 50. Architectural wings 51. Chemist’s milieu 52. Mine output 54. Bread grain Answers on page 20

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

MEDICARE

Medicare mistakes that could cost you

ou have a lot of choices when it comes to Medicare. And the most important might be choosing to take charge of your Medicare decisions in the first place. Here are five common mistakes that you don’t want to make during this time. Allowing automatic plan renewal to make your choice for you Your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan renews every year, unless you decide to change it. Automatic renewal may be easy, but it might not be the best way to make your Medicare decisions. Plans may change what they cover from year to year, including what you will pay in deductible, premium, copay or coinsurance amounts. Insurance companies review their plans each year to make sure they’re still viable. Shouldn’t you do the same? Ignoring your plan’s Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) Each year, you receive an Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) from your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. (It should have already hit your mailbox.) This document explains any changes in your plan

benefits or costs for the upcoming year. The changes may affect your health care and your budget, so take time to learn about what to look for in your ANOC. Basing your plan choice on the premium alone It’s easy to focus only on premiums when looking at Medicare costs. But it’s important to look at the big picture, too. A plan with a $0 or low monthly premium may charge a large medical or prescription drug deductible or have high copayments. You might prefer this if you rarely go to the doctor and don’t take many medications. But a plan like this could be expensive if you use health care services often, even with the low premium. It’s important to think about all the out-ofpocket costs as well as your health care needs when choosing a plan. For example, many Medicare Advantage plans offer routine vision, hearing and dental coverage, and certain plans also provide fitness membership benefits at no additional cost. Picking a plan because your spouse or friend has it You might count on a friend’s word

when deciding what new restaurant to try, but a Medicare plan is a personal choice. What works for one person may not fit the needs of another. You may have several plans to choose from, so it’s smart to look at all your options, keeping your health care needs and budget in mind. Coverage and costs can vary quite a bit from plan to plan. Assuming you don’t qualify for help with Medicare costs Several programs offer financial assistance with Medicare premiums and other costs. You may want to investigate them, even if you think you might not be eligible. Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) office to discuss your situation. For more helpful information on Medicare Annual Enrollment, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com.

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

PRIMETIME

DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY

Happy Hour

It’s five o’clock somewhere

Palm Springs

Rancho Mirage

Indio

Al Dente Receive 20 percent off your entire check, daily from 3 to 6 p.m. 491 North Palm Canyon Drive. 760-325-1160.

Las Casuelas Nuevas Happy hour served Sunday-Thursday, 4 p.m. to closing. FridaySaturday, 4 to 6 p.m. 70050 Highway 111. 760-328-8844.

June Hill’s Table Daily happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m. 51750 Polo Club Drive. 760-797-7229.

Oscar’s Enjoy happy hour Monday-Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 125 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. 760-325-1188. Rick’s Desert Grill Daily happy hour from 8 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday. 1596 North Palm Canyon Drive. 760-325-2127. Trio Restaurant Daily happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 707 North Palm Canyon Drive. 760-864-8746. Woody’s Palm House Daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. 450 South Palm Canyon Drive. 760-230-0188.

Roy’s Restaurant Daily happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. 71959 Highway 111. 760-340-9044. Yard House Daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close. The River, 71800 Highway 111. 760-779-1415.

La Quinta Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant Daily from 4 to 6 p.m. 78164 Avenue 52. 760-771-4653. The Grill on Main Daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. 78065 Main Street. 760-777-7773.

Indian Wells

Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill Daily drink and food specials, 3 to 6 p.m. 78015 Main Street. 760777-9989.

Frank’s Place Daily happy hour 4 to 6 p.m. Indian Wells Resort Hotel, 76661 Highway 111. 760-797-8700.

Palm Desert

The Nest Nightly happy hour at the bar from 4 to 6 p.m. 75188 Highway 111. 760-346-2314. Vicky’s of Santa Fe Daily happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 45100 Club Drive. 760-345-9770.

PRIMETIME

AC3 Restaurant + Bar Daily happy hour, 3-6:30 p.m. 45350 Larkspur Lane. 760-340-6069. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill Daily happy hour in the bar from 3 to 5 p.m. 73325 Highway 111. 760-836-9028.

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

Macario’s Grill Happy hour Tuesday - Friday, 2 to 5 p.m. 80783 Indio Blvd. 760-342-5649. Pueblo Viejo Grill Daily happy hour at the bar from 3 to 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to closing. 81931 Highway 111, 760-342-5900.

Cathedral City AJ’s on the Green Happy hour from 2-7 p.m., 9 to closing in bar or lounge. Monday, Wednesday through Saturday. Date Palm Country Club, 36200 Date Palm Drive, 760-202-1111. Bonta Restaurant & Bar Happy hour Wednesday through Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m. 68510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, 760-832-6100.

Yucca Valley Applebee’s Grill and Bar Happy hour after 9 p.m. Monday-Friday. After 10 p.m. on weekends. 57796 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. Gadi’s Bar & Grill Daily food and drink specials. 56193 29 Palm Highway, 760-820-1213. The Roost Happy hour Thursday-Saturday, 46 p.m. 55100 Martinez Trail. 760-365-0033.

DATEBOOK

ANA Inspiration Championship, April 1-7. Photo courtesy of ANA Inspiration Championship

Rev up the fun with these events February 2

February 8-9

Jay Leno at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. He has captivated living rooms across the world for over 20 years with charisma, comedy and charm as host of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” See Jay do what he does best and laugh it up for these two special shows with one of the world’s leading entertainers. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com

Pete Carlson’s Golf Expo Over 25 major manufacturers will be in attendance, expo features trick shot artists Joey-O and short game clinic with Al Geiberger and Sons. College Golf Center, 73450 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. petecarlsonsgolf.com

Art on Main Street at 10 a.m. Featuring over 100 artists showing and selling their paintings, jewelry, mixed media, photography, ceramics, glass, woodwork, textiles, sculptures and more. Barry Minniefield from The Voice performs live. Old Town La Quinta, 78100 Main Street, La Quinta. oldtownlaquinta.com

February 1-9 King of the Hammers The largest offroad racing event in North America, KOH consists of five racing events that take place throughout the week. The culminating race is considered the hardest one-day off-road race in the world. Spectators can follow the races amidst vendors selling food, supplies and more. Johnson Valley. ultra4racing.com

PRIMETIME

February 9 Dr. George Charity Car Show at 9 a.m. Event features street rods, classics, muscle cars, special interest cars, trucks, food, vendors, raffle, silent auction and entertainment. Indian Wells Tennis Garden, 78200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells. palmspringscruisinassociation.com Brew at the Zoo at 6 p.m. Craft beer fans will love the selection of tastings from some of the finest specialty brews. Enjoy wine and food trucks. The Living Desert, 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert. livingdesert.org

February 9 - April 21 Desert X A site-specific Biennial Exhibition that first took place in the spring of 2017. Artists from different parts of the world are invited to create. Various locations throughout the Coachella Valley. desertx.org

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

February 14-24 Modernism Week Annual celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. This exciting festival features more than 350 events including the Modernism show and sale, signature home tours, films, double decker architectural bus tour, walking and bike tours and more. Various locations throughout the Coachella Valley. modernismweek.com

February 15-24 Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival Featuring spectacular headliners Randy Houser, Ramon Ayala, Salt-n-Pepa, Kool & the Gang and Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez. Mid-week entertainment includes magicians and animal shows along with midway carnival rides. Riverside County Fairgrounds, 46517 Arabia Street, Indio. datefest.org

February 16-17 Palm Desert Greek Festival The festival features live Greek Bouzouki music and traditional dancing, authentic food, souvenir market with Mediterranean vendors and more. St. George Greek Orthodox Church of the Desert, 74109 Larrea, Palm Desert. pdgreekfest.org

February 16-18 Desert Art Festival at 10 a.m. Featuring numerous artists presenting their original work in paintings in acrylic, oils and watercolors, photography, sculpture. Each artist will be present to meet with the public and discuss their work. Frances Stevens Park, 538 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. westcoastartists.com

DATEBOOK February 21

March 4-17

John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party with The Desert Symphony at 8 p.m. Each live concert performance is high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the ’50s era: “That’ll Be The Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “La Bamba,” “Chantilly Lace,” and more. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com

BNP Paribas Open The largest combined ATP World Tour Masters 1000 and WTA Premier professional tennis tournament in the world. Featuring the top men and women professional players competing in a 96 singles draw and 32 doubles draw. Indian Wells Tennis Gardens, 78200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells. bnpparibasopen.com

February 22-24

Hilltoppers Motorcycle Wild West Grand Prix.

PRIMETIME

March 7-10

McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction Featuring over 600 unique, classic, exotic, muscle, sports and special interest autos. Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs. classic-carauction.com

La Quinta Arts Festival at 10 a.m. Presenting 220 foremost contemporary artists in a spectacular outdoor gallery. Amenities include music, performance art, food, refreshments, wine and beer. La Quinta Civic Center Park, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta.

February 23-24

March 8-9

ArtWalk Indian Wells at 10 a.m. Featuring numerous artists presenting their original work in paintings, photography, sculptures and more. Each artist will be present to meet with the public and discuss their work. The Village, 74895 Highway 111, Indian Wells. westcoastartists.com

Native Film Fest The festival is one of the nations highly regarded events of its kind featuring the best in films by, about and starring Native Americans and other indigenous peoples from around the world. Camelot Theatres, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs. aguacaliente.org

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

DATEBOOK March 21

April 1-7

April 6-7

An Evening with Matthew Morrison at 8 p.m. Known for starring as Will Schuester on the television show “Glee,” will perform LIVE with The Desert Symphony in an evening of sophisticated enjoyment. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. mccallumtheatre.com

ANA Inspiration Championship The best women golfers in the world compete in golf’s first major tournament to compete for the $2 million purse, coveted Dinah Shore Trophy, the famous jump into Poppie’s Pond and the coveted champions white robe. Mission Hills Country Club, 34600 Mission Hills Drive, Rancho Mirage. anainspiration.com

Hilltoppers Motorcycle Wild West Grand Prix Held on a scenic 8-mile track at the 29 Palms Motorsports Arena. Come out to enjoy the racing fun or sign up to compete. hilltoppersmc.com

March 29-31 Indian Wells Arts Festival Meet and connect directly with 200 juried and acclaimed artists representing more than 25 countries around the world. Featuring 15 plus mediums of art ranging from painting, jewelry, sculpture, glass, pottery, photography and more. Indian Wells Tennis Garden, 78200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells. indianwellsartsfestival.com

March 29 – April 4 American Documentary Film Festival One of the largest documentary only film festivals in the United States. The festival includes international films in both short and feature categories as well as showcasing animation. Camelot Theatres, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs. americandocumentaryfilmfestival.com

April 4-7 Gem and Mineral Show The show has been held every fall for decades and was such a success, the sponsoring Sportsman’s Club added a spring show. The show features exhibitors offering jewelry, gemstones, beads, mining equipment and more. Sportsman’s Club, 6225 Sunburst Ave., Joshua Tree. jtsportsman’sclub.com

April 5-7 Joshua Tree National Park Art Festival Artists display and sell work celebrating Joshua Tree National Park. You’ll find painting, photography, collage, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry and more. Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms. joshuatree.org

April 12-14 and April 19-21 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival The two-weekend, three-day music and arts festival features many genres of music including rock, indie, hip hop and electronic dance music, as well as art installations. Empire Polo Club, 81800 Avenue 51, Indio. coachella.com

April 20 Yucca Valley Earth Day Fair Music, arts, crafts, demonstrations and refreshments are planned to inspire and educate about the environment. Yucca Valley Community Center, Dumosa Avenue north of Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. hidesertnaturemuseum.org

April 26-28 Stagecoach Festival Three day festival features headliners including Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt and Jason Aldean. Empire Polo Club, 81800 Avenue 51, Indio. stagecoachfestival.com

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

PRIMETIME

TAKE A HIKE Bear Creek Oasis Trail

Hikes

8 miles in and out, with an elevation rise of 1,989 feet. Considered strenuous. From the Cove Oasis trailhead at the top of La Quinta Cove, follow Bear Creek Canyon to where the trail leaves the sandy wash. Follow the signs. Hikers on this trail enjoy the beautiful palm oasis at the end.

Enjoy a bit of the outdoors at one of these local trails

Amboy Crater

Formed of ash and cinders, the 250-foot-high Amboy Crater rises from one of the youngest volcanic fields in the United States. A hiking trail winds to the rim with rest stations along the way. If you make it to the top, you’ll see the breach where lava poured out over 24 square miles, creating a landscape of dried lava lakes, collapsed lava tubes and sinks, spatter cones and massive flows of basalt. This can be a dangerous area. Don’t venture out in the heat, bring a gallon of water per person per day, hike with a partner and always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Crater Road eight miles off National Trails Highway. blm.gov/visit/amboy-crater

Eisenhower Peak Loop

Photo courtesy of Joshua Tree National Park, photo by Kurt Moses.

Joshua Tree National Park

Characterized by its huge rock formations and immense Joshua tree forest, the national park lies where the Mojave Desert meets the low Colorado Desert. Hike through the trails that weave through the Hidden Valley, travel to Keys View and look out over the Coachella Valley or bring your rock climbing equipment and scale some of the most interesting geological formations in the California desert. nps.gov/jotr. Due to the government shutdown call park for trail availability.

South Lykken Trail

4.4 miles with an elevation of just over 1,000 feet. This is considered strenuous and the north end of the trail starts at the west end of Mesquite Road, just south of downtown Palm Springs off South Palm Canyon Drive. There is no parking at the trailhead, but street parking is available. The hike is pretty strenuous for the first mile or so and then it levels off and one gets a great view of the Indian Canyons golf courses and South Palm Canyon communities. It is a beautiful hike and ends along South Palm Canyon Drive towards Indian Canyon. You will need to have vehicles at both ends.

Museum Trail

2 miles round trip with an elevation change of around 1,000 feet. This hike is quite strenuous because of the rapid incline. The trailhead

PRIMETIME

is just behind the museum off Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs. Turn around at the picnic tables.

Clara Burgess Trail

4.4 miles round trip with an elevation of 1,339 feet. The trail is the only route to the summit of Murray Hill, a prominent conical peak just south of Palm Springs. It is best seen when heading south on Gene Autry Trail and, although it is only a couple miles to the peak, it is strenuous with a steep incline.

Bump and Grind Trail

3 mile loop with an elevation rise of 523 feet. This trail is probably the most popular trail in the desert and frequented by exercisers who start behind Desert Crossings shopping center on Painters Path in Palm Desert.

Randall Henderson Trail

2.4 mile loop with a gently rising elevation change of 423 feet. This easy trail offers a good introduction to desert hiking for the novice. It starts and ends at the National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert on Highway 74. Check the Visitor Center for guided hikes during the winter season.

JANUARY - MARCH 2019

6 mile loop with an elevation gain of 700 feet. This trail is considered moderate and is part of the Living Desert preserve (admission fee required) in Palm Desert. The trail begins at the Eastern edge of the Living Desert and takes hikers toward Eisenhower Peak. The trail is a good representation of desert terrain and makes a perfect beginning to a Living Desert tour.

Giant Rock

The largest freestanding boulder in the Mojave Desert, Giant Rock covers 5,800 square feet of ground and stands seven stories high off the ground at its highest point. Native Americans once considered it sacred, and in the 1930s German immigrant Frank Critzer dug a space under the rock to live in. One of Critzer’s friends later said he was contacted by aliens there. Today, the rock is a popular tourist destination and a photo opportunity for visitors. Past Belfield Boulevard in Landers

Lake Cahuilla

Just six miles from Old Town La Quinta, the 710-acre park at the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains offers a great outdoor family day with hiking, coupled with a host of recreational selections ranging from shore fishing to horseback riding.

FILMS

At the Movies Upcoming releases

“Artic” A man stranded in the Arctic after an airplane crash must decide whether to remain in the relative safety of his makeshift camp or to embark on a deadly trek through the unknown in hopes of making it out alive. In theaters February 1. “Hotel Mumbai” A gripping true story of humanity and heroism, “Hotel Mumbai” vividly recounts the 2008 siege of the famed Taj Hotel by a group of terrorists in Mumbai, India. Among the dedicated hotel staff is the renowned chef Hemant Oberoi (Anupam Kher) and a waiter (Academy Award-Nominee Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire) who choose to risk their lives to protect their guests. As the world watches on, a desperate couple is forced to make unthinkable sacrifices to protect their newborn child. In theaters March 22. “The Best of Enemies” Based on a true story, “The Best of Enemies” centers on the unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater (Taraji P. Henson), an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis (Sam Rockwell), a local Ku Klux Klan leader who reluctantly co-chaired a community summit, battling over the desegregation of schools in Durham, North Carolina during the racially-charged summer of 1971. The incredible events that unfolded would change Durham and the lives of Atwater and Ellis forever. In theaters April 5. Pictured Taraji P. Henson. Photo courtesy of Rotton Tomatoes.