2 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Mailing address: 31855 Date Palm Drive, No. 3-263 Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 904-4208 www.cvindependent.com
Editor/Publisher Jimmy Boegle staff writerS Haleemon Anderson Kevin Fitzgerald coveR and feature design Dennis Wodzisz Contributors Charles Drabkin, Katie Finn, Bill Frost, Bonnie Gilgallon, Bob Grimm, ValerieJean (VJ) Hume, Clay Jones, Matt Jones, Matt King, Keith Knight, Kay Kudukis, Cat Makino, Brett Newton, Greg Niemann, Dan Perkins, Theresa Sama, Maria Sestito, Jen Sorenson, Robert Victor The Coachella Valley Independent print edition is published every month. All content is ©2023 and may not be published or reprinted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. The Independent is available free of charge throughout the Coachella Valley, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $5 by calling (760) 904-4208. The Independent may be distributed only by the Independent’s authorized distributors. The Independent is a proud member and/ or supporter of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, the California Newspaper Publishers Association, CalMatters, DAP Health, the Local Independent Online News Publishers, the Desert Business Association, and the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
Some things for which I’m thankful as 2023 draws to an end: • I’m thankful for everyone who played a part in this year’s Best of Coachella Valley. We received a record-number of votes, and this is the best issue the Independent has ever had in terms of revenue. (Expenses are also as high as they’ve ever been, but I won’t get into that, because it’s definitely not something for which I’m thankful.) I greatly appreciate all of this issue’s writers and contributors, our advertisers, and our friends at KESQ News Channel 3. I especially want to thank Dennis Wodzisz, our amazing designer who made everything look so spiffy—and finally, a hearty thanks to you, our readers, for voting in the poll, and making this issue so fun. • I am thankful for the California Legislature, which funded the California Local News Fellowship program. Because of that, the Independent and the Coachella Valley have a fantastic new reporter, Haleemon Anderson, for at least the next two years. • I am thankful that President Joe Biden, just a couple of days before Thanksgiving, finally issued a major disaster declaration regarding the damage done in the Coachella Valley (and some other parts of the state) by Tropical Storm Hilary. Anyone who’s driven through the areas that sustained serious damage, such as the northeastern portion of Cathedral City’s Panorama neighborhood—which was devastated by a shocking mud flow—knows this declaration should have been made weeks ago. But it’s much, much better late than never. • I am thankful to the conservatives who are speaking out against the horrifying rhetoric and threats being made by former President Donald Trump. During a Veterans Day speech, he actually said: “We pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country that lie and steal and cheat on elections. They’ll do anything, whether legally or illegally, to destroy America and to destroy the American Dream.” It was just one the latest fascism-tinged remarks he’s made, while riling up his supporters against everyone from elections officials to judges to, of course, journalists. While far too many Republicans are feebly going along with his hate, afraid of losing power, some brave souls have chosen to call Trump what he is: an anti-freedom, anti-democratic bully. Speaking out against Trump has nothing to do with political stances at this point; it has to do with protecting peace and our democracy. • Finally … even though I’ve already thanked Independent readers above, and I do so again on Page 14, it bears repeating: I am so very thankful for the tens of thousands of people each month who read us online and/or here in print. While I am thankful to you all, I’m especially thankful to everyone who has contributed financial support, chipping in to help us continue producing quality independent local journalism—and making it free to everyone, with no paywalls, subscription fees or per-copy charges. As we enter our 12th year of publication, I am full of gratitude for you all. Welcome to the December 2023 print edition of the Coachella Valley Independent—our 10th annual Best of Coachella Valley issue. —Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com
CVIndependent.com
DECEMBER 2023
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 3
CVIndependent.com
4 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
OPINION OPINION
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION MAKE THE EASY CHOICE
HIKING WITH T
Many dozens of trails await you— THE #1 CHOICE and gear up for the Santa Paws 5k! COMFORT AIR
BY THERESA SAMA
T
here are hundreds of great hiking trails within the Coachella Valley—and it’s the perfect time of year to get out and enjoy them. You can do a short hike—or, on some trails, you can go as far as you wish, embarking on an all-day hiking excursion or a multi-day backpacking adventure. AllTrails.com lists 69 scenic trails, including eight easy trails, in the Palm Springs area alone—and I’m sure there are more. There are 16 are listed in the Desert Hot Springs area (northwest Coachella Valley), with a few of those being in Joshua Tree National Park. Palm Desert has 15 top trails, according to AllTrails. A few are listed in the areas of La Quinta and Indio, with 19 adventurous hiking trails listed in the Mecca Hills Wilderness area. 0.2 miles, you will see the PCT signpost on Here is one local favorite I’ve mentioned the right side, where you may park—or, if in this space before: The Long Canyon Trail, you have a four-wheel drive, you can continue which starts in Desert Hot Springs and heads about a half-mile to the parking lot. There into Joshua Tree National Park. It’s about a will be another PCT signpost just east of the 10-mile stretch one-way. You can go all the parking area. way to Joshua Tree, or you can turn around From Cottonwood Canyon, this section at any point. The trail is sandy and rocky and travels through the San Gorgonio Wilderhas a gradual elevation gain of more than ness area and Whitewater and goes up to Big 1,200 feet. The trailhead is located on the Bear—and then all the way to the Cajon Pass eastern edge of Desert Hot Springs, about at Interstate 15. From the start at Cottonone mile north of the intersection of Long wood Canyon, it’s a nice nine-miler if you go Canyon Road and Hacienda Avenue. Dogs are not allowed. This trail is full sun—no shade— into Whitewater Preserve (18 miles out and back). This section has some rolling, grassy so bring plenty of water, as you should for hills and valleys and can be a bit of a chalany hike. A general rule for out-and-backs is lenge at times, but the serenity and the views when your water reaches the halfway mark, are beyond amazing and well worth the effort. that’s your turnaround point. • Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve (aka Another good choice: The Camille Coachella Valley Preserve) is now open. From Canyon Ridge Loop, also located in Desert Nov. 22 through April 30, 2024, it is open 7 Hot Springs—at the end of Mission Lakes a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday Boulevard, at Verbena Drive—is a 2.8(closed Monday and Tuesday). Simone Pond is mile moderate loop. Keep in mind that open “when possible.” No dogs are allowed. some reviewers say it is more difficult than For more information on the hours, “moderate,” and that it is hard to follow. including the summer schedule from MayWith an elevation gain of just less than 900 October 2024, as well as a list of facilities feet, this trail offers a variety of terrain, from and other details, visit www.cnlm.org/ steep uphill rocky climbs to soft sand. This portfolio_page/thousand-palms-oasishike takes about 105 minutes, on average, to preserve-coachella-valley-preserve. I strongly complete. I recommend using hiking poles recommend checking the site for status and a map. updates before going—especially after storms. Trail closure updates Another great resource for local trail open/ Here are some post-Tropical Storm Hilary HIGHEST QUALITY EQUIPMENT BEST PRICE closure info GUARANTEED is the Friends of the Desert updates: Mountains website, at www.desertmountains. • Whitewater Preserve remains closed EXTENSIVE WARRANTIES 24/7 LOCAL SUPPORT org/open-trails. until further notice due to storm damage. However, if you want a taste of the preserve, UP TO events Upcoming and you’re up for a long trek—and bySAVE long, • The Santa Paws 5K and Elf Dash on I mean a day trip or more—you can start Saturday, Dec. 16, in Palm Springs, is a oneat the beginning of Section C of the Pacific of-a-kind 5k event where every participant Crest Trail, which starts north of Interstate be Santa Claus! Each participant receives 10. To get there, LENNOX take the Haugen-Lehmann SIGNATUREcanSERIES SYSTEM ANDfor RESULTS MAY VARY a*SAVINGS Santa suit the event—which is yours to Way exit off Interstate 10, and head north. keep. Participants can run, walk or stroll the Then turn left onto Tamarack Road, then 5k mile) right onto Cottonwood Road. After about a 7(3.1 60 . 3route. 2 0Strollers . 5 8 and 0 0doggies are FOR DETAILS! welcome. Following the 5k, a 200-meter Elf mile orCALL so, stayTODAY on Cottonwood by going left comfortac.com Dash for children 10 and younger is offered. (onto a thinner road) at the divide. After just
WE'RE #1 FOR A REASON
ASK US
ABOUT OUR 0% FINANCING
Awarded Best AC Repair Company By Coachella Valley Independent Up to $1000 Off + Special Financing On A New HVAC System
60% ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL*
CVIndependent.com
A view from the Long Canyon Trail between DHS and Joshua Tree National Park. Theresa Sama
Entry for the kids’ event includes a finisher medal! Join the Greater Palm Springs Lions Club, the presenting sponsor, and get into the Christmas spirit while supporting Guide Dogs of the Desert, nonprofit that provides trained guide dogs at no cost to the blind and sightimpaired, as well as assistance dogs for those with seizures, autism or PTSD. Individual registration in advance is $45, while the Elf Dash is $15, at racewire.com. Participants can also sign up in person Thursday or Friday, Dec. 14 and 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the packet pickup location (visit the registration website for the address), or on the morning of
the race at 7:30 a.m. at 332 W. Alejo Road, the race site. The race starts at 9 a.m.! • Mark your calendars on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, for the Palm Springs Health Run and Wellness Festival. It’s a 10k and a 5k (both USA Track and Field-certified runs), with a 1k fun run (free for kids under 12), along with a Fitness Expo featuring more than 100 vendors. This child- and petfriendly event will take place at Ruth Hardy Park, 700 Tamarisk Road, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and registration ranges from $12 to $50. Register and learn more at www. palmspringshealthrun.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 5
DECEMBER 2023
OPINION
ANGELS IN THE DUGOUT I’m alive because my softball teammates knew CPR
O
by Scot howard
n Oct. 28, at approximately 12:10 p.m., I died—literally. My killer was sudden cardiac arrest, and for 14 minutes, I had no pulse—but because four people nearby knew what to do until paramedics arrived, I’m able to tell my tale. I’m a 55-year-old man with no family history of heart disease. I like to think I’m in pretty good shape; I work out several times a week, play sports regularly and do my best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Still, on that day, I learned that cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, regardless of age or health. I also learned that what happens in the time it takes paramedics to arrive can be the difference between life and death. I was playing in a local softball tournament, ed external defibrillator) use can double, triand my team was coming up to bat. As I went ple or quadruple the chance of survival. What into the dugout to get something to drink, I happened to me is a perfect example of why had no chest pain, and I didn’t feel winded. In local cities and Riverside County should have fact, I was eager to step into the batter’s box. remote AEDs at every park and recreational That’s all I remember before waking up in the facility. But that’s not the point of this article. Eisenhower Medical Center intensive care I hope this story demonstrates how CPR unit roughly six hours later. can mean the difference between life and According to friends, teammate Jair death during the minutes between calling 911 Jimenez was the first to notice something and the arrival of paramedics. There are classwas wrong, catching me as I collapsed in the es anyone can take online and throughout dugout. Then, three Desert Regional Medical the Coachella Valley. I was lucky to have my Center emergency room and ICU nurses on knowledgeable teammates around me when I my team—Jeff Wade, Desiree Green and needed them. Katherine Green—recognized I was in heart My hope is that when sudden cardiac arrest failure and immediately began chest comhappens to someone else, there will be people pressions and cardiopulmonary resuscitation around who are able to give them life-saving (CPR). The sports complex didn’t have a CPR. Who knows? You might even save defibrillator onsite, and it took paramedics someone. 14 minutes to arrive, during which I had no I’m happy to be alive. pulse. If it hadn’t been for the CPR training of these three angels in the dugout, you Scot Howard is a local philanthropist promoting wouldn’t be reading this story. diversity, equity and inclusion in sports throughAccording to the American Heart Associout the greater Palm Springs area. A transplant ation, about 350,000 cardiac arrests happen from San Francisco, Scot, along with his husoutside of hospitals each year, and less than band, Glen Gertmenian, and their labradoodle, 10 percent of those people survive. If perTheodore, have been full-time residents of Palm formed immediately, CPR and AED (automatSprings for 12 years.
Jair Jimenez, Jeff Wade, Scot Howard, Desiree Green and Katherine Green.
CVIndependent.com
6 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
NEWS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
UNPREDICTABLE ARRIVALS A
by Kevin Fitzgerald
s a steady stream of asylum-seekers continues to arrive at the United States’ southern border, local communities must provide critical safety-net services to these legally recognized migrants. From March 2021 through this writing, 90,165 asylum-seekers have made Riverside County their first stop upon entering the United States legally, according to Brooke Federico, Riverside County’s director of communications. After arriving asylum-seekers are processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP), they are issued their immigration paperwork, given a court date for their asylum hearing, and near-daily basis. then released to the county. Here in Riverside “EMD picks up the people and drops them County, more than 2,800 new asylum-seekers, off here,” Gomez shared. “Every day, they call on average, have arrived in the county each us and let us know how many people will be month over the last 32-plus months. released that day. From there, our process is “The numbers of the individuals and very simple. We call the sponsors to make sure families received fluctuates on a daily basis,” they’re going to receive (the asylum-seekers). Federico said during a recent interview. “There We figure out how (the asylum-seekers) are are times when it’s a lower number, which is going to get to their final destination. Most where we’re currently at; fewer individuals of the sponsors will pay for the plane or bus and families (are being) received each day ticket to wherever their destination is. So, basicompared to just a few months ago. In May of cally, that’s what we do. We provide a hot meal this year, we were getting 150 to more than when they get here. If they stay the night, we 200 individuals and families a day,” at or near provide dinner, and we give them clothing. If the county’s all-time high. they need medical attention, we call the RiverFederico said the county doesn’t get side County nurse. She would assess them, and involved in federal immigration policy. tell us where to take that person, whether it’s “The decision as to when, where and how many individuals and families will be dropped to urgent care or an emergency room.” For the limited occasions when an asylumoff to local government … is entirely made by USCBP,” she said. “What Riverside County has seeker has no sponsor in another part of the country, the Galilee Center has a separate done is mobilize to be able to receive these program to support those individuals and help individuals and families, so that they can them integrate into our community. receive very short-term safety-net services. One of the greatest challenges faced by all Typically, it’s about one to three days while of the governmental and non-governmental they are arranging transportation to their organizations managing this ongoing flow of asylum sponsor. … Almost always, that sponasylum-seekers is the wide variance in demand. sor is outside of Riverside County, or even “The numbers are so unpredictable that we Southern California or California. A lot of times, they’re going to other parts of the U.S.” never know what it’s going to be,” Gomez said. “Yesterday, it was only 30 (migrant arrivals), Asylum-seekers released by the USCBP and today, it was 58. You never know how will be picked up at a USCBP station by many are coming onboard. … Once, for two county Emergency Management Department weeks, it was zero, and then suddenly it was personnel and transported to one of the 80 in a day. We have no idea what’s going county’s intake partner facilities. In the to be happening in the next two weeks, or western end of the county, those facilities next two months. In years before, when the are managed by the Salvation Army, while weather changes and becomes so nice here in here in the Coachella Valley, the one partner California, we saw more people in November organization is the Galilee Center, with and December. Then, in January, it starts facilities in Mecca and Thermal. going completely down. Bottom line, we never Gloria Gomez is the president and know how many will be coming over.” co-founder of the Galilee Center. According to Despite this uncertainty, Federico said the county, her organization has supported there have been very few instances when the more than 23,000 asylum-seekers since county’s safety net failed. March 2021. In a recent interview with “We do have a finite number of resources,” the Independent, Gomez described what Federico said, “meaning county staff and staff the center’s 24 team members dedicated to from our non-governmental partner agencies, asylum-seeker support efforts—almost half of as well as beds at the shelters and at the her total organizational team of 58—do on a CVIndependent.com
A look at how Riverside County deals with the tens of thousands of asylumseekers who pass through each year
Gloria Gomez, president and co-founder of the Galilee Center, on dealing with asylum-seeker arrivals: “The numbers are so unpredictable that we never know what it’s going to be. Yesterday, it was only 30, and today, it was 58. You never know how many are coming onboard.”
partnering hotels and motels. Only on two occasions were we at capacity where we could not receive individuals, or we could not provide support. That resulted in street releases, which means that USCBP released individuals without the county being available to pick them up and provide that short term safetynet. … It was around the holidays of 2022, and you may recall there was a nationwide transportation slowdown that made it very difficult for the migrants to move on to the final destination of their journey. When we’re talking about 89,000-plus individuals who have been received by Riverside County, the number of individuals who were street-released totaled 129 over two days. That’s really a very small number in comparison to the whole amount.” Of course, dealing with all of these asylumseekers requires considerable funding. Thus far, federal sources have primarily provided the necessary money through grants to the county, some of which are disbursed to the Galilee Center. Earlier this year, the United States Department of Homeland Security disbursed, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Shelter and Services Program, emergency funds to mitigate the costs of supporting the arriving asylum-seekers nationwide; Riverside County received $13.1
million in funds from that program. Also in 2023, the county was the recipient of $19.8 million in federal funding through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), bringing the county’s 2023 total for asylumseeker support services to $32.9 million. Federico said the $19.8 million in EFSP funding has been enough to cover this year’s costs, making the $13.1 million in FEMA funding available for use starting in January 2024. As of now, the state of California is not contributing funds to asylum-seeker support. In the past, the state had paid for hotel and motel rooms needed to house asylum-seekers temporarily, and for COVID-19 test kits during the height of the pandemic. The Galilee Center’s Gomez underscored just how concerned she is about her organization’s ability to meet the demand for migrant farmworker and arriving asylum-seeker needs, unless funding keeps pace. “How can we make sure that we have enough funding for all of the programs that we do—not only for the asylum seekers, but also for the farmworkers, and the food we distribute?” she asked rhetorically. “The numbers, instead of going down, are going up. … We’re always challenged to have enough funding so that we can do all the things that we do.”
DECEMBER 2023
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 7
CVIndependent.com
8 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
O U T S TA N D I N G I N T H E I N L A N D E M P I R E !
#1 Regional Hospital
plus quality awards in 20 specialties. On behalf of Eisenhower Medical Center, we say thank you. To U.S. News & World Report, for the honor and recognition. To our care teams, for their drive and dedication. And to all of you in our wonderful community who choose us for their care. Besides being ranked as the Inland Empire’s Best Regional Hospital and ranked as the 12th Best Hospital in California, we were recognized for high quality care in the following categories: • Aortic Valve Surgery
• Heart Attack
• Knee Replacement
• Pneumonia
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Heart Bypass Surgery
• Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma
• Prostate Cancer Surgery
• Colon Cancer Surgery
• Hip Fracture
• Diabetes
• Hip Replacement
• Neurology & Neurosurgery
• Geriatrics
• Kidney Failure
• Orthopedics
• Heart Failure
• Lung Cancer Surgery
• Spinal Fusion • Stroke
In the coming year, we pledge to keep doing our best to be the best, delivering compassionate, high-quality, leading edge care to the Coachella Valley. Thank you, one and all. You are, and always will be, our inspiration to reach new heights.
Learn more about our accreditations and recognitions at EisenhowerHealth.org/Awards
CVIndependent.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 9
DECEMBER 2023
NEWS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
CIVIC SOLUTIONS E
Career and technical education programs help high school students explore interests—regardless of college plans
by Maria Sestito
nrollment in higher education dropped significantly during the pandemic, and with tuition rates increasing along with interest rates, many students are wondering whether college is worth the cost. When she talks to her students about the labor market and higher education, Coachella Valley High School teacher Monica Perez makes it clear that, while she supports students attending college, it isn’t for everyone. This isn’t because those students aren’t capable or interested; it’s because the careers they may want to pursue don’t require it. “We do try to explain to them that education is important if it’s purposeful for their needs,” Valley High School, students get experience Perez said. working alongside medical professionals during Perez is an English teacher, the coordinator blood drives. They can get field experience, of the CVHS Digital Design and Production gain access to internship community service Academy, and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) lead for the school. Students in CTE hours, and earn their CPR certifications. “They’re in high school, so it’s OK if they programs get a head start in fields in which have goals and they have plans, and their they may be interested, such as health care, minds change, because it’s really a time for law enforcement, hospitality, agriculture, film and media, and engineering. Palm Springs Uni- exploration,” Perez said. Students can get some experience or an internship—and decide fied and Desert Sands Unified school districts whether that career is something worth have similar CTE programs and options. pursuing or not. “There’s definitely a great advantage to Perez said students in CTE programs are having kids in CTE,” Perez said. shown how the workforce works, how to write The programs are often thought of as résumé, how to be professional and how to alternatives to college, but Perez said that is handle job interviews. She’s also teaching a misconception. All of the students in the students what their rights are in different school’s CTE programs have opportunities to employment settings, and how to advocate for earn college credits while they’re still in high themselves. school, she said. They’re also able to work “I try to teach the importance of being toward and earn certificates relevant to their productive, skilled leaders, and the only way field of interest. that they can be productive, skilled leaders That said, for students who don’t want to is by acknowledging that they don’t know pursue college degrees, CTE programs can everything,” she said. Instead, they learn help them accelerate their careers. That’s part how to build on existing skills, elevating and of the reason why Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom advancing with each step in the academy signed an executive order in August aimed at providing easier access to better, higher-paying structure. In the digital design and production classes jobs for those without college degrees in the Perez teaches, it is especially important that state—recognizing that not all jobs require students know how to adapt to changing them, even if an employer says they do. technologies, she said. In the first of a series of The executive order calls for “state leaders classes, Perez’s film students learn about the in education, workforce development and film industry, the language and terminology economic development to work collaboratively used in the industry, and about different types with leaders of the state’s public education of productions. In Film II, they’re taught the systems and employers”—as well as communiimportance of story, project planning and ties—to create a “Master Plan on Career Edutime management, and technical skills. The cation,” according to Newsom’s office. final class culminates in a capstone project Newsom also called for increased access and introduces students to the concept of film to state jobs, instructing the California budgets. In each section, students build their Department of Human Resources to “evaluate knowledge in media literacy and copyright law whether a college degree is needed for a while advancing their technical skills, including particular position whenever its classification capturing and editing video and audio. is reviewed.” This is one potential way to help with the Reaching for real world examples pipeline problem like the one we’re facing in Teaching her film classes via distance health care, where more physicians are retiring learning was a challenge during the pandemic than the amount of new doctors entering the shutdowns, but Perez made it work. (Many field. In the health care program at Coachella
Students in the Coachella Valley High School Digital Design and Production Academy can take a series of three classes to learn about the film industry. Photo courtesy of Coachella Valley High School
of the videos her students made during that time are posted on the program’s website.) She supplemented her regular curriculum by adding content from a course taught by a professional working in the industry. The course, Robin Kincade’s “Be a Successful Film Production Assistant,” outlines the expectations and various duties that a production assistant may encounter. Kincade, a producer who started her career as a production assistant, said she felt an insider’s perspective on how to get into the industry was needed, largely due to the current lack of diversity. “My goal is to walk on a set in, say, five years, and not see 70% white men,” she said. The door into the industry, Kincade said, is the role of production assistant. From there, it’s easier to move into other roles and get on-the-job training. Her next role was as a location scout; then she was an assistant producer and a field producer. Kincade said being a production assistant is a difficult job. She was yelled at plenty, and days can be as long as 14 hours. “PAs will always be needed, because they’re the least-paid on the set,” she said. It’s time to pause to acknowledge how toxic
the industry sounds. We’ve learned over the last few years that pay can be inconsistent; diversity really is lacking; and there’s a lot of exploitation. That said, film production isn’t the only industry that has these problems. And according to Kincade, production assistants aren’t just needed in the film industry; they’re needed in art, theater and events. Kincade said it’s definitely not the best job in the world, and nobody should stay a production assistant for long. “It has nothing to do with what you know; it’s completely about attitude,” she said, like showing up on time and being able to work well with others. It means being OK with getting people coffee and jumping in to help people across all departments. Kincade’s course includes interviews with professionals working in the industry. Perez said that was really helpful to bring to her students, because they need to hear from people other than their teachers. “I always wanted to make sure that my curriculum aligned to the workforce,” Perez said. “My goal is for the kids to have something to feel proud of—an accomplishment that could potentially make them an income and a living.” CVIndependent.com
10 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
23DOHC9179_OE_CVI_9.89x9.66_VerA_Due11_20.indd
CVIndependent.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 11
DECEMBER 2023
NEWS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
CV HISTORY I
The McKinneys, Palm Springs pioneers, made a mark in farming, education and more
by greg niemann
t was neither land speculation nor respiratory ailments that brought the McKinney family to Palm Springs; it was a specific job, and the prospect of more work, that attracted Oliver S. McKinney and his wife, Rose McEuen McKinney. The family made a home here and helped establish Palm Springs, with four generations of the family making a mark on the town. It all started when Oliver was hired by Raymond Cree, then the Riverside County superintendent of schools, to dig a water well on his date ranch in Palm Springs. The McKinneys dropped what they were doing—trying to establish a ranch on their Morongo Valley homestead north of Palm Springs—and relocated to the village. the student population from four to eight Rose and Oliver McKinney arrived in Palm students. It was said by many a pioneer that Springs in February 1916 with, according to almost all of the early Palm Springs children Frank Bogert in Palm Springs First Hundred Years, “five children, a chicken coop, two tents at one time or another were classmates of a McKinney. and a Dutch oven for cooking.” The McKinney sons were Marshall Glenn, The McKinneys were well-suited for the Willard A., Eldon, Ted and Don McKinney. challenge. Rose—the family matriarch who Daughters were Arol Campbell, Thiel was born near Independence, Mo., on Feb. Eastabrook and Barbara Moore. 13, 1885—came to California in a covered Later, as adults, the five sons got together wagon. Oliver was born in 1877 and had and re-established the family’s Morongo served in the Spanish-American War as an Valley Ranch and ran cattle under the aide to Teddy Roosevelt. Oliver and Rose appropriate “5M” brand. Willard owned settled in San Jacinto, Calif., and were living and operated McKinney’s Market on South in a miner’s cabin in the Gavilan Hills south Palm Canyon Drive. He also owned the W.A. of Riverside, where their first child, Marshall McKinney Construction Company. Glenn, was born in 1904. The family then Marshall Glenn, the oldest child, owned a established the Morongo Valley homestead; Palm Springs blacksmith shop before leasing by this time, Oliver had earned a reputation it out, earning his credentials and teaching for as a competent well-driller. 31 years. The former Eagle Scout also estabOnce in Palm Springs, Oliver found lished a winery in Napa Valley. He became a constant work—and never looked back. He Palm Springs historian, publishing his memdug more wells, and then found his services oirs in 1996, titled Vanishing Footprints in the in demand for planting large palms, cacti and other desert trees and plants for the growing number of estates and hotel resort properties. That work led to the Desert Nursery, which the family owned and operated from 1925 to 1945. They had bought 10 acres in the 600 block of South Palm Canyon Drive, near the intersection of Indian Canyon Drive, in 1924, and originally opened a small campground. They developed it into a tourist court and mobile-home trailer park. Along with the Desert Nursery, the McKinneys built 20 small rental units. They also acquired an 80-acre farm in what is now the Deepwell neighborhood of Palm Springs. The McKinneys had three more children in Palm Springs, establishing a couple of “firsts” along the way. Their son Ted, who was born Jan. 11, 1919, was reportedly the first non-Indigenous child born in Palm Springs. Daughter Barbara McKinney Moore was the first non-Indigenous girl, born shortly before two granddaughters of Nellie Coffman, owner of The Desert Inn. The McKinney children attended the local The McKinney family. Courtesy of the Palm Springs Historical Society one-room school, immediately doubling
Hot Desert Sand: Remembrances of a 90-YearOld Palm Springs Pioneer—Horse and Wagon Days on the Southern California Desert. He died in 2002 at the age of 98. Ted, who was born in the family trailer park, graduated from the University of Redlands in 1946 and served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. He joined the family business and was a Palm Springs real estate agent for 25 years. He served on the Palm Springs City Council for 12 years and was chairman of the Indian Planning Committee. He served on the board of the Palm Springs Historical Society, was the first president of the Jaycees, president of Los Comprades, and a member of the Palm Springs Air Museum. He died in 1995 at the age of 76. Eldon, born in 1909, died in 1967. Donald, born in 1928, died in 1981. Arol, an accomplished rider, managed a stable and later moved to a ranch in Ramona. Thiel McKinney Eastabrook was a hair stylist who practiced into her late 90s at her small shop in Morongo Valley. Born in April 1908, she died from a fall and a broken arm in November 2008, six months after her 100th birthday. Barbara McKinney Moore continued to own and operate a car wash on the family’s original land at 645 S. Palm Canyon Drive. She called it the Desert 100 Percent Hand Carwash and Nursery, alluding to the family’s original business. She sold the car wash in 1998, and it is still in operation—no more “nursery” in the name, though. Barbara died
in December 2001. Family matriarch Rose, who gave birth to and raised eight children in difficult conditions, found time to serve her community. She was a founder and board member of the Palm Springs Historical Society, a member of the Soroptimists and member of the Eastern Star.
The famous cat swindle
There’s an interesting story from the 1930s about Rose and the famous actor John Barrymore. In the actor’s bio, he references Rose in an unflattering manner: In Palm Springs, Barrymore “was swindled out of $75.00 for a mangy cat by a hag in a roadside stand.” The truth, according to daughter Barbara, was that an unruly, drunken Barrymore, who had trouble standing up, saw the cat and demanded to have it. Rose told him it was not for sale. Barrymore insisted; Rose again said it was not for sale. Finally, to end the matter, she quoted the ridiculous amount of $75. To her surprise, he whipped out the money. Oliver died in 1956, and Rose McKinney died on May 30, 1968. Sources for this article include Nellie’s Boardinghouse by Marjorie Belle Bright (ETC Publications, Palm Springs, 1981); and Palm Springs: First 100 Years by Mayor Frank M. Bogert (Palm Springs Heritage Associates, 1987).
CVIndependent.com
12 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
TAKE THE INDEPENDENT CHALLENGE 1. Peruse the Independent. Look at the quality of the writing, the layout, the topics, etc. 2. Do the same with any other local publication.
FOR TICKETS,
DEZARTPERFORMS.ORG
(760) 322-0179
3. Compare. CVIndependent.com
WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com Dezart Performs is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 13
DECEMBER 2023
NEWS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
DECEMBER ASTRONOMY
The month brings the
Planets and Bright Stars in Evening Mid-Twilight Geminid meteor For December, 2023shower—
and the start of winter
This sky chart is drawn for latitude 34 degrees north, but may be used in southern U.S. and northern Mexico.
O
By Robert Victor
N December's
evening sky chart. nly 37.6 years to go! Halley’s Comet, according to calculations by NASA/JPL, is expected ROBERT D. MILLER to reach its aphelion, or greatest distance from the sun, at a location farther than the most distant planet Neptune, on the evening of Dec. 8, 2023. The comet then begins its journey back toward the inner solar system. On July 28, 2061, it will reach its perihelion, or closest approach to the sun, inside the orbit of Venus, and will reach its closest approach to Earth on the very next day. The comet will be visible to Castor Capella the unaided eye in July-August 2061. Urge your young friends and family to plan to see it! Pollux The annual Geminid meteor shower, usually the strongest of the year, is timed ideally in 2023, with the moon just two days past new and absent during the shower’s peak nights. Expect the greatest numbers of meteors from about 10 ulars help find it in twilight. Mercury reaches p.m. local time on Dec. 13, until the first light greatest elongation, 21.3° east of the sun on of dawn on Dec. 14, and again on the followDec. 4, and for a few days around Dec. 7 hovers Aldebaran ing night. Meteors can occur anywhere in the 6° up in mid-twilight. Mercury fades to magnisky, but the trails of Geminids from asteroid tude 0.0 by Dec. 11, and to magnitude +0.8 by Vega Deneb Phaethon, traced backward beyond where they Dec. 14. Mercury retrogrades Dec. 12-Jan. 2, became visible, should radiate from a common shifting as much as 1.4° westward daily. Betelgeuse E W 1 point in the starry background, near Castor in The brightest “stars” at dawn in early DecemJupiter 8 15 Gemini. ber are Venus in the southeast; Sirius, the 22 29 Winter begins on Dec. 21 at 7:27 p.m., as the Dog Star, in the southwest to west-southwest; Rigel Altair sun stands directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, Arcturus, in the east; Vega, rising in the northgiving Northern Hemisphere residents their east; and Capella, in the northwest. Find Spica lowest midday sun and shortest day. within 5° of Venus on Dec. 1 and 2; otherwise Saturn 29 The four brightest “stars” at dusk in Decemuse the Big Dipper’s handle to “follow the arc to 8 15 22 1 ber are brilliant Jupiter, in the east-southArcturus and drive a spike to Spica.” Regulus, 15 8 east to southeast; Mercury, very low in the heart of Leo, is high in the south-southwest at 1 Mercury west-southwest in month; and two stars of dawn as December begins. Early in the month, Fomalhaut zero magnitude: Vega, in the west-northwest look for the spring arch topped by two stars to northwest, and Capella, ascending in the 4.5° apart, Pollux and Castor of Gemini. To the northeast. Twins’ lower right is Capella. To the lower left Objects that are first magnitude or brighter of the Twins are Procyon and Sirius. Below the include Saturn, in the south-southwest to Arch are Aldebaran, eye of Taurus, and Orion’s southwest, with Fomalhaut, mouth of the Betelgeuse and Rigel. Rigel is the first of all Southern Fish, to its lower left; Altair and these bright stars to set. Look after Vega rises S Deneb, completing the summer triangle with and before Rigel sets, and you can see 11 stars Evening mid-twilight occurs when Stereographic Projection Vega; and Aldebaran, eye of Taurus, rising of first magnitude or brighter, not counting a 2 percent crescent low in the east-southeast to location with unobstructed views, try to see the the Sun is 9° below the horizon. Map by Robert D. Miller north of east. On Dec. 2, Aldebaran is at oppoCastor of magnitude +1.6, and the planet Venus. southeast,Dec. 25°1:lower left of Venus. sun and moon simultaneously shortly before 42 minutes after sunset. 44moon " " just " past first quarsition as Earth passes between that star and the Venus, of magnitude -4.2 to -4.0, rules the On Dec. 19,15:the is sunset that evening, and shortly after sunrise 31: it 43is 90° " east " " the sun and sun, so the star is up all that night. morning! Don’t miss the conjunction of the ter phase, when of on Dec. 27. Late in the month, the stars Betelgeuse and moon and Venus on Dec. 9. Venus progresses appears half-full. The moon’s position against The Astronomical Society of the Desert will Rigel of Orion appear low in the eastern sky east by 1.2° per day, while its gibbous phase fills the stars of Pisces tonight is close to where the host a star party on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the at dusk, with Castor and Pollux rising farther out from 68% to 78% in December, and its disk sun will appear three months from now, near Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National left, in the northeast. shrinks from 17” to 14”. Mercury, brightening the beginning of spring. On Dec. 21, the 75 Monument Visitor Center. For dates and times Jupiter gleams at magnitude -2.8 to -2.6 at to magnitude +1.0 by Dec. 30, appears to the percent waxing gibbous moon appears 6° to the of these and other star parties, and maps and dusk. In Aries, Jupiter shifts 1.4° west-southlower left of Venus, by 22° on Dec. 30, and by upper right of bright Jupiter. On the following directions, visit astrorx.org. west until Dec. 30, when it ends retrograde. A 20° on Dec. 31. Mars, low in bright twilight and night, the 83-percent moon will appear 8° to The Abrams Planetarium Sky Calendar is telescope reveals its disk 48” to 44” (arcseconds) fainter at magnitude +1.4, is 5° to 6° below Mer- Jupiter’s lower left. On Dec. 23, binoculars will available by subscription from www. cury those two mornings, requiring binoculars. across, and four bright satellites discovered by help spot the Pleiades in the glare of the 91 abramsplanetarium.org/skycalendar. For $12 Both improve visibility in January. Galileo in 1610. Saturn glows near magnitude percent moon. Look in the same field, 4° to the per year, subscribers receive quarterly mailings, The waning gibbous moon, in the morning +0.9 at dusk in December. Against stars of moon’s lower left. On Dec. 24, note Aldebaran, each containing three monthly issues. Aquarius, Saturn progresses 2.1° east-northeast, sky, appears 5° east of Pollux in Gemini on Dec. eye of Taurus and “follower” of the Pleiades, away from 4.3-magnitude Iota in Aquarius. Tele- 1 and within 6° east of Regulus in Leo on Dec. within 9° to the lower right of the 96 percent Robert Victor originated the Abrams Planetarium 4. The waning crescent moon appears within scopically, Saturn’s rings appear 38” to 36” in moon. On Dec. 25, use binoculars to spot monthly Sky Calendar in October 1968 and still 2° of Spica in Virgo on Dec. 8, and within 4° of east-west extent, while 10.2° to 9.2° from edge1.7-magnitude Elnath, or Beta in Taurus, 1-2° helps to produce an occasional issue. He enjoys on. Mercury begins December at magnitude -0.5 Venus on Dec. 9. The last chance to view the old to the upper left of the 99-percent moon. The being outdoors sharing the beauty of the night sky moon will be in morning twilight on Dec. 11, as very low in the west-southwest at dusk; binocmoon is full on Dec. 26 at 4:33 p.m. From a and other wonders of nature. CVIndependent.com
14 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
ARTS
PRESENTED BY
BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN (INDIVIDUAL)
BEST LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST
Keisha D Runners up: 2. Francesca Amari 3. Kenyon Carter 4. Gary Gand 5. DannyLux
Snake Jagger Runners up: 2. Trevor Wayne 3. Lynda Keeler 4. Christopher Kempton 5. Phillip K. Smith III 6. Autumn Martino
BEST OPEN MIC
HERE AT THE INDEPENDENT, the number 10
has been on our minds throughout 2023—because this has been our 10th anniversary year. In April, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our first print edition; in October, we raised a figurative toast to 10 years of monthly print publication (following two quarterlies in 2013). Now, with this issue, we’re embarking on our final celebration of the number 10 in 2023: This is our 10th annual Best of Coachella Valley issue. When we started the Independent back in 2013, and launched the Best of Coachella Valley readers’ poll in 2014, we knew we were taking some risks. The news business was challenging (to put it mildly)—and that was before a president came along declaring the press to be an “enemy of the people,” followed by a crippling global pandemic. As for the readers’ poll, there were already two other publications doing them here when we started the BOCV poll. But we were convinced the Coachella Valley needed a strong independent alternative news source—and that we could conduct a better, fairer, more community-oriented Best Of. And while it hasn’t always been easy—actually, it’s never been easy—we’re still here, completing a year-long celebration of the number 10. Thanks to all of the advertisers who have joined our pages and/or our pixels, this year and over the last decade. I’d also like to express our gratitude to the amazing folks at KESQ News Channel 3, who have partnered with us on the Best of Coachella Valley in recent years. But most of all, we thank you, our amazing readers, for picking up our print edition, for perusing us at CVIndependent.com, for enjoying our award-winning Indy Digest newsletter—and for voting once, and only once, in each round of our Best of Coachella Valley readers’ poll. Welcome, everyone, to the Best of Coachella Valley 2023-2024. —Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com
Oscar’s Palm Springs Runners up: 2. The Hood Bar and Pizza 3. Old Town Artisan Studios 4. Sunny Sounds
BEST LOCAL ARTS GROUP/ORGANIZATION
CV Rep Runners up: 2. Palm Canyon Theatre 3. Desert Ensemble Theatre 4. Dezart Performs
Palm Springs Art Museum Runners up: 2. Palm Springs Cultural Center 3. McCallum Theatre 4. Old Town Artisans Studio 5. Danza Azteca Citlaltonac
BEST LOCAL DJ
BEST OUTDOOR VENUE
BEST MOVIE THEATER
Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace Runners up: 2. Oscar’s Palm Springs 3. The Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs 4. Rancho Mirage Amphitheater 5. Agua Caliente Cathedral City
Mary Pickford Is D’Place Runners up: 2. Cinemark Century La Quinta and XD 3. Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center 4. Cinemark Century at the River and XD 5. Regal Rancho Mirage & IMAX
BEST INDOOR VENUE McCallum Theatre Runners up: 2. Acrisure Arena 3. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace 4. The Show at Agua Caliente 5. Bart Lounge
BEST ART GALLERY TIE Michael Weems Gallery The Shag Store Runners up: 3. CODA Gallery 4. MAD.KAT 5. Flat Black Art Gallery
CVIndependent.com
BEST PRODUCING THEATER COMPANY
DJ Modgirl Runners up: 2. DJ Galaxy 3. DJ Alf Alpha 4. DJ Zephyr
BEST MUSEUM Palm Springs Art Museum Runners up: 2. Palm Springs Air Museum 3. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert 4. Coachella Valley History Museum 5. La Quinta Museum
BEST LOCAL BAND The Gand Band Runners up: 2. Giselle Woo and the Night Owls 3. Town Troubles 4. Avenida Music
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 15
DECEMBER 2023
BEST LOCAL ACTIVIST/ ADVOCACY GROUP/CHARITY
LIFE IN THE VALLEY
TIE DAP Health Palm Springs Animal Shelter Runners up: 3. LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert 4. Animal Samaritans 5. Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley 6. Danza Azteca Citlaltonac
BEST ANNUAL CHARITY EVENT
LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert Red Dress/Dress Red Runners up: 2. Palm Springs Animal Shelter Faux Fur Ball 3. DAP Health Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 4. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala 5. Concert for Autism
BEST COMICS/GAMES SHOP Comic Asylum Runners up: 2. Desert Oasis Comics 3. GameStop
BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY
Patrick Evans, formerly KWXY 101.9 FM/1340 AM, now MeTV 103.1 Runners up: 2. John Taylor, KGAY 106.5 3. DJ Galaxy, KGAY 106.5 4. Don Wardell, 107.3 Mod FM 5. Mike Mozingo, Mix 100.5
BEST RADIO STATION
BEST GYM (SPECIFIC LOCATION) Steel Gym
(formerly World Gym Palm Springs)
Runners up: 2. EōS Fitness Palm Springs 3. In-Shape Cathedral City 4. Planet Fitness La Quinta 5. Dedicated Strength
BEST YOGA
KGAY 106.5 Runners up: 2. 106.9 The Eagle 3. 107.3 Mod FM 4. MIX 100.5 5. 100.9 NRG (now off the air)
Urban Yoga Runners up: 2. Power Yoga Palm Springs 3. Prana Yoga Healing Center 4. Yoga Yantra Palm Springs
BEST INDOOR FUN/ACTIVITY
Coachella Valley Firebirds Hockey Runners up: 2. Escape Room Palm Springs 3. Get Air Trampoline Park 4. Escape Games at the River 5. Berger Foundation Iceplex
Bones-N-Scones Runners up: 2. Petco 3. Cold Nose Warm Heart 4. Posh Pet Care 5. Pet Oasis 6. Emerson’s Pet Nutrition
BEST PLACE TO GAMBLE
BEST DOGGY DAYCARE
Aqua Caliente Palm Springs Runners up: 2. Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage 3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino 4. Agua Caliente Cathedral City 5. Augustine Casino
BEST PET SUPPLIES
The Village Pup Runners up: 2. Doggie’s Day Out 3. The Grand Paw 4. Best Pawsible Pet Services
BEST RETAIL MUSIC STORE
Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectibles Runners up: 2. Gré Coffee House and Art Gallery 3. Dale’s Records
BEST SEX TOY SHOP
Skitzo Kitty Runners up: 2. Not So Innocent 3. Rough Trade Gear 4. Gear Leather and Fetish
BEST LOCAL SPECIALTY RETAIL SHOP Just Fabulous Runners up: 2. Destination PSP 3. Crystal Fantasy 4. Peepa’s 5. PS HomeBoys 6. Greetings
BEST PLANT NURSERY
Moller’s Garden Center Runners up: 2. Moorten Botanical Garden 3. TIE Bob Williams Nursery Lowe’s 5. Vintage Nursery
BEST CAR WASH
Desert Hand Car Wash Runners up: 2. Quick Quack Car Wash 3. Elephant Car Wash 4. Harv’s Car Wash 5. Airport Quick Car Wash
BEST BANK
Chase Runners up: 2. Bank of America 3. Wells Fargo 4. FirstBank 5. Pacific Premier Bank
BEST CREDIT UNION
Altura Credit Union Runners up: 2. Sun Community Federal Credit Union 3. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
BEST BOWLING ALLEY
Palm Springs Lanes Runners up: 2. Fantasy Lanes Bowling 3. Pioneer Bowl
BEST MARIJUANA DISPENSARY
Lighthouse Dispensary Runners up: 2. Off the Charts 3. Reefer Madness Dispensary and Lounge 4. Atomic Budz 5. Dank Depot
BEST HOTEL POOL
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Runners up: 2. Ace Hotel and Swim Club 3. Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa 4. The Saguaro 5. Hyatt Regency Indian Wells
BEST STAYCATION HOTEL
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Runners up: 2. La Quinta Resort 3. JW Marriott Desert Springs 4. Alcazar Palm Springs 5. Hyatt Palm Springs
BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY/ INDEPENDENT LIVING Sun City Palm Desert Runners up: 2. Stonewall Gardens 3. Four Seasons at Terra Lago 4. Revel Palm Desert
CVIndependent.com
16 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
An Evening with Michael Orland Michael Orland is the Pianist, arranger, vocal coach and associate musical director from American Idol. Join us the first Thursday of every month for Open Mic!
Thanks for voting us BEST OPEN MIC two years in a row! 125 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON • OSCARSPALMSPRINGS.COM
CVIndependent.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 17
DECEMBER 2023
BEST TATTOO PARLOR
FASHION AND STYLE BEST ANTIQUES/COLLECTIBLES STORE Revivals Runners up: 2. Antique Galleries of Palm Springs 3. Victoria’s Attic 4. Thomas Troy Home 5. Stewart Galleries
BEST EYEGLASS/OPTICAL RETAILER Costco Runners up: 2. Desert Vision Optometry 3. Oliver Peoples 4. Family Eye Care 5. One Price Optical
BEST FURNITURE STORE H3K Home+Design Runners up: 2. Revivals 3. Mathis Bros. 4. PS HomeBoys 5. Modernway
BEST CLOTHING STORE (LOCALLY OWNED) Destination PSP Runners up: 2. Trina Turk 3. Wil Stiles 4. Glossy 5. Kimbals
BEST NAIL SALON
Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon Runners up: 2. Lovely Nails 3. Sunshine Nails 4. Studio M Salon and Spa 5. A & J Nails
BEST HAIR SALON
Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon Runners up: 2. Brien O’Brien Salon 3. Studio M Salon and Spa 4. Dishwater Blonde 5. Ulta Beauty
BEST DAY SPA (NON-RESORT/HOTEL) Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon Runners up: 2. Desert Zen Day Spa 3. Studio M Salon and Spa 4. A Touch Above the Rest
Adornment Tattoo Runners up: 2. Art&Ink Tattoo Studio 3. Desert Rose Tattoo 4. TIE Iron Palm Tattoo Strata Tattoo Lab
BEST RESALE/VINTAGE CLOTHING Revivals Runners up: 2. Angel View 3. Iconic Atomic 4. Desert Best Friend’s Closet 5. Peach Whiskers Goods
BEST JEWELER/JEWELRY STORE El Paseo Jewelers Runners up: 2. Tiffany and Co. 3. Hephaestus Jewelry 4. Leeds and Son Fine Jewelers
BEST FLORIST
My Little Flower Shop Runners up: 2. Jensen’s 3. Indio Florist 4. Rancho Mirage Florist
BEST SPA IN A RESORT/HOTEL
Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente Runners up: 2. La Quinta Resort 3. The Spa at Desert Springs at the JW Marriott Desert Springs 4. The Well Spa at Miramonte Indian Wells 5. Miracle Springs Resort and Spa
BEST RESTAURANT COMEBACK Rooster and the Pig Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill On Feb. 3, Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill co-owner Dani Saenz posted a heartbreaking video on social media. Due to an electrical “building panel blowout,” the restaurant, at 350 S. Indian Cayon Drive in Palm Springs, and the rest of the businesses in that building would be closed for an estimated three weeks, Saenz said. A couple of doors down, Rooster and the Pig owner Tai Spendley wrote a similar post: “Due to unfortunate circumstances with the building’s electrical, we are closed until further notice.” The closure didn’t last three weeks. Instead, it lasted nearly three months—during the height of season, the busiest time of year for area restaurants. After a long closure, restaurants can’t necessarily re-open right away. Staff needs to be re-hired and trained; food needs to be reordered; and so on. Rooster and the Pig was able to ramp up and reopen on June 1, much to the delight of its fans (myself included). Matters at Rio Azul were much worse. Saenz announced on
social media that due to insurance squabbles, they had no choice but to close. Not long after, a sale was announced to another restaurateur. Much to my surprise, on Aug. 30, I got a note from Saenz. The sale had fallen through, she said—and with the help of a new co-owner, she and her father, chef Ernesto Gastelum, would be re-opening Rio Azul the next day. We’re blessed that two of Palm Springs’ better restaurants somehow survived this calamity—so please, go support them, and enjoy. —Jimmy Boegle
CVIndependent.com
18 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
BEST DATE SHAKE Shields Date Garden
made into these small little crystals, and that’s the foundation of our date shake. That’s what gives it that caramel-y aftertaste.” Those crystals, Shields quickly realized, paired perfectly with dairy. “Mr. Shields literally did his own pasteurization of milk and dairy products, and he put a lot of effort into developing the crystal and then infusing that into cold items,” Raumin said. “He wanted a niche, and that was his niche. Everybody else was hustling to ship out the dates that they harvested, because dates need to be frozen or refrigerated after their harvest is complete, so this was Mr. Shields’ way of giving a yearround nutritional date product to homes. It ships very easily, because it was dried, but once it’s rehydrated with water, it becomes a paste, and you can do everything with it— using it in baked goods, breads or, in our case, ice cream.” In April 2022, the city of Indio, the county of Riverside and the state of California recognized Shields’ creation as the official county date shake. “Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia and the county superintendent, (Edwin) Gomez, become reality, a lot of people decided to put and our county supervisor, V. Manuel Perez, their stake in and try growing dates. It is the all came out, and they had a celebration in date capital of North America: It is the only making our date shake the official county date area that has the heat level, and we’re 200 feet shake,” Raumin said. “We were very, very, very below or at sea level, and all of these things proud of that moment when we were able to help us grow. The Coachella Valley is sitting take Mr. Shields’ hard work and ingenuity and on an enormous amount of artesian wells, put it on official paperwork for the state. I which has given it wonderful, rich soil, and it’s think Mr. Shields would be happy.” needed to grow all sorts of different fruits and Looking toward the future, Raumin said vegetables here.” she wants Shields Date Garden to help earn Despite its legacy, Shields almost closed its recognition for the hardworking individuals doors 20 years ago. who have helped the Coachella Valley become “Shields was going to close around 2004,” the date capital. Raumin said. “We had been selling dates, “Our goal is to continue to educate people because we are growers, from the Jewel Date in not just date growing, but just farming as Company to Shields Date Garden, and we had a whole,” Raumin said. information given to “All the farmers in the us that it was going to Coachella Valley—all close. It was something the date growers and that really was near vegetable growers— and dear to our hearts when our country was to try to make it not down with COVID, they close, because it was were still going to work the last surviving date every day. They didn’t shop on Highway 111.” walk away from their Raumin said she fields; they worked. and her husband were They made sure that uniquely qualified to our grocery stores were take over Shields. filled with produce, “My husband has so my hat is off to the an agricultural finance entire growing industry degree, and I have a of not just California, degree in business but America as a whole. marketing, so it Growers definitely just kind of seemed Shields Date Garden was founded in 1924 by Floyd (left) and Bess Shields(right). had days when they like a good fit for us
A CENTURY OF DATES Shields Date Garden—our readers’ perennial Best Date Shake choice—tells the story of how the fruit became a Coachella Valley staple. by Matt King
For 10 years,
the Independent has done its Best of Coachella Valley readers’ poll—and in every one of those polls, Shields Date Garden has won the Best Date Shake category. Over 100 years, Shields Date Garden has become one of the Coachella Valley’s most historic institutions. Since 1924, the shop off Highway 111, featuring a giant knight statue, has welcomed visitors to enjoy dates—and learn about the date industry of the Coachella Valley. “A lot of people are involved in what made Shields what it is today,” said Heather Raumin, the owner of Sheilds, during a recent phone interview. “We have the restaurant; we have our park; we have the storefront; and we have now our new coffee shop, The Knight’s Brew. Of course, we have our sister company, which is the Jewel Date Company, which is our date-processing and growing entity.” Dates have long been synonymous with the Coachella Valley, thanks to the perfect environment our desert provides for dategrowing. “In the early pioneer days back in 1924, when dates were being introduced to the Coachella Valley, the United States Department of Food and Agriculture had done a rather large experiment to make sure that certain date varieties could successfully grow here,” Raumin said. “When that started to CVIndependent.com
personally to give it a go,” she said. “I can’t say that I’d ever want to take any kind of credit, because in truth … we have an enormous amount of wonderful people who have helped us along the way. That starts at the palmeros, the growers, the independent growers, the city of Indio, the Chamber of Commerce and a lot of people who make Shields happen.” Of course, Shields is best known for its date shake, a unique treat that’s popular in the Coachella Valley and beyond—and Shields’ date shake is particularly popular thanks to the ingenuity of the founder of Shields Date Garden, Floyd Shields. “Coming here to the desert, there’s very little water, and there was next to nothing when it comes to refrigeration or freezing—so that is why Mr. Shields created the crystal,” Raumin said. “That (comes from) a date that actually, by happenstance, he grafted … where you take a slice off of one, and you literally cut it into another and see what happens. When Mr. Shields did this, he struck it lucky, and he developed the blonde date, which has a wonderful caramel-y taste. He was smart enough to put a patent on it, so it’s only sold here through Shields. The crystal, which is derived from that date, is dried, and then it’s
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 19
DECEMBER 2023
Shields Date Garden in the 1950s. Photo courtesy of Shields Date Garden Flickr. probably didn’t want to go to work either, but they did, because they knew that they had a responsibility to make sure that we didn’t lose out on one of our most important commodities.” Raumin said that dates are actually good for you—meaning that date shakes must be, too! (Well, sort of.) “Dates are very, very high in antioxidants and potassium,” Raumin said. “Although a lot of people look at them as being very sweet
and sugary, (nutritionists) recommend that men eat about four a day, and women about three a day. That gives individuals their basic nutritional needs for potassium and for any oxidants—so as long as you can cut it off at four, it’s a good thing.” Shields Date Garden is located at 80225 Highway 111, in Indio. For more information, visit shieldsdategarden.com.
Thousands of Coachella Valley Independent readers and News Channel 3 viewers voted in this year’s Best of Coachella Valley readers’ poll—and they selected the Purple Room as the winner in a whopping four categories:
BEST
BEST
COCKTAIL MENU
WHISKEY, SCOTCH, & BOURBON SELECTION
BEST
BAR AMBIANCE
BEST
NIGHTCLUB
JOIN US FOR THE DESERT’S BEST
BEST INCREASINGLY POPULAR LOCAL BAND Lazuli Bones It’s been an eventful year for Lazuli Bones (formerly Blue Sun)—and the band has earned a place in the hearts of many local music lovers. Whether they’re gaining the attention of the music industry by performing at events like the Goldenvoice-produced Chella, or they’re thrilling crowds at backyard and house shows, the members of Lazuli Bones are earning new fans with every performance. I caught a show soon after they released their latest album, Garden Girl, and a huge chunk of the crowd already knew some of the words, causing frontwoman Madison Ebersole’s lyric of “I don’t fuck around” to become an anthemic chant on song “face value.” Songs that have been out for a few years, like “QUIT YOUR JOB” and “SEVEN OF SWORDS,” are scene favorites, as the crowd both mouthed along and danced around to the shifting sounds of the reggae/punk/alternative mix. The next time Lazuli Bones has a local show, don’t miss your chance to see one of the Coachella Valley’s musical gems. Learn more at instagram.com/_ lazulibones. —Matt King
Tues-Wed-Thurs 4 - 6 PM
WEEKNIGHT ENTERTAINMENT TUES-WED-THURS 6:30-9:30 PM
T U ES DAYS
ROSE MALLETT Jazz legend sings the music of Holiday, Vaughn, Ellington.
W E DNE S DAYS
CHARLES HERRERA, DARCI DANIELS & MICHAEL HOLMES Swinging to the music of the Rat Pack Era
T HU RS DAYS
SHARON SILLS
Sass, sex & songs – One of the desert’s most popular performers
MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY:
1900 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA (Inside Club Trinidad Resort) purpleroompalmsprings.com | (760) 322-4422 CVIndependent.com
20 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
FOOD RESTAURANTS Spencer’s Restaurant Runners up: 2. Lavender Bistro 3. Copley’s on Palm Canyon 4. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge 5. Bongo Johnny’s
BEST CASUAL EATS
Lulu California Bistro Runners up: 2. Bongo Johnny’s 3. Eureka! 4. Blackbook 5. Rick’s Restaurant
BEST DATE SHAKE
Shields Date Garden Runners up: 2. Hadley Fruit Orchards 3. Great Shakes 4. Lappert’s Ice Cream 5. Monster Shakes 6. Windmill Market
BEST GLUTEN-FREE DINING
Lulu California Bistro Runners up: 2. Palm Greens Café 3. Wildest Restaurant and Bar 4. Brunch 101 5. Beautiful Day
BEST WHACKED-OUT PIZZA The Mac & Cheese-ZA! at Billy Q’s
CVIndependent.com
BEST UPSCALE RESTAURANT
BEST PIZZA
BEST GREEK
BEST VEGETARIAN/VEGAN
BEST SEAFOOD
BEST FOOD TRUCK
BEST INDIAN
BEST BAGELS
BEST KOREAN
Swiss Donut Runners up: 2. Krispy Kreme 3. Peninsula Pastries Palm Springs 4. Winchell’s 5. Jelly Donut
AND
BEST OUTDOOR SEATING
BEST DOUGHNUTS/PASTRIES
Bill’s Pizza Runners up: 2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill 3. Nick’s Pizza 4. Piero’s PizzaVino 5. Billy Q’s Chef Tanya’s Kitchen Runners up: 2. Native Foods 3. Lulu California Bistro 4. Palm Greens Café 5. Beautiful Day
Fatboy Tacos and Catering Runners up: 2. Nick’s Pizza 3. DJ’s Louisiana Kitchen Townie Bagels, Bakery and Café Runners up: 2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery 3. Panera Bread 4. J’s Deli
It seems like such a gimmick: a pizza with macaroni, smoked bacon … and Velveeta. Yes, Velveeta, the product that Wikipedia hilariously describes as “a cheese analogue.” If I’d have seen this pizza on the menu at some random place, I’d have avoided it like the figurative plague. But we were at Billy Q’s, the popular, longstanding pizza joint at 36901 Cook St. in Palm Desert. And then there’s the menu’s all-caps taunt in the Mac & Cheese-ZA! description: “IT WILL SURPRISE YOU!” So I ordered it, and I was indeed surprised—and delighted. As I wrote in my Indy Endorsement: “These ingredients worked on the pizza. The macaroni was soft enough without being mushy, while the bacon added salt, smokiness and, well, bacon. Then there’s the Velveeta … which brought everything together, serving as the sauce and providing creaminess. Last and most certainly not least, Billy Q’s standard crust was sturdy enough and quite tasty.” If this description of the Mac & Cheese-ZA! doesn’t convince you; no worries; Billy Q’s has plenty of less-whacked-out pizza, salad, burger and sandwich offerings. But if this description does sound appealing, head to Billy Q’s, and ready yourself for a surprise—and delighT —Jimmy Boegle
Spencer’s Restaurant Runners up: 2. Le Vallauris Restaurant 3. John Henry’s Café 4. Melvyn’s 5. Jillian’s
Santorini Gyro Runners up: 2. Athena Gyro 3. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio 4. Nina’s Greek Cuisine 5. Wrap Houz Fisherman’s Market and Grill Runners up: 2. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant 3. Eddie V’s 4. Oceans Restaurant 5. Mitch’s on El Paseo Monsoon Indian Cuisine Runners up: 2. India Oven 3. Its Taste of India Sam’s Korean BBQ & Teriyaki Grill Runners up: 2. You Grill Korean BBQ 3. JOY at Fantasy Springs
BEST THAI
Thai Smile Palm Springs Runners up: 2. My Thai 3. Pepper’s Thai 4. Uncle Chai Thailand Street Food 5. Thai House
BEST VIETNAMESE
Rooster and the Pig Runners up: 2. Pho Vu 3. 533 Viet Fusion 4. Pho of the Desert 5. Fuzion Five
BEST SUSHI
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar Runners up: 2. Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey 3. Misaki Sushi and Grill 4. Joyce’s Sushi 5. Otori Sushi
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 21
DECEMBER 2023
BEST ITALIAN
Il Corso Runners up: 2. Mario’s Italian Cafe 3. Sammy G’s Tuscan Grille 4. Norma’s Italian Kitchen 5. Johnny Costa’s Ristorante 6. Il Giardino
BEST BRUNCH
BEST VEGGIE BURGER
Chef Tanya’s Kitchen Runners up: 2. Grill-A-Burger 3. TIE The Habit Burger Grill Lulu California Bistro 5. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge 6. Bongo Johnny’s
Spencer’s Restaurant Runners up: 2. Wilma and Frieda 3. Lulu California Bistro 4. Bongo Johnny’s 5. Brunch 101 6. The Tropicale
BEST CALIFORNIA CUISINE
BEST FRENCH
BEST SALSA
Si Bon Runners up: 2. Le Vallauris Restaurant 3. Farm 4. TIE French Corner Café Pomme Frite 6. French Rotisserie Café
BEST CHINESE
JOY at Fantasy Springs Runners up: 2. Wang’s Chinese Cuisine (Cathedral City) 3. City Wok 4. Canton Bistro 5. China 8 6. Palm Tree Palace
BEST WINGS
Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill Runners up: 2. Wingstop 3. Buffalo Wild Wings 4. Lulu California Bistro 5. Bongo Johnny’s
BEST BARBECUE
Babe’s BBQ and Brewery Runners up: 2. Bubba’s Bones and Brews 3. CV BBQ 4. Cowboy Cantina 5. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
BEST SANDWICH
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery Runners up: 2. The Sandwich Spot 3. TKB Bakery and Deli 4. The Real Italian Deli 5. Aspen Mills
Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge Runners up: 2. Spencer’s Restaurant 3. Lulu California Bistro 4. Trio 5. Bongo Johnny’s Las Casuelas Terraza Runners up: 2. Blue Coyote Grill 3. La Tablita 4. Salsa’s Restaurant 5. Loco Charlie’s Mexican Grill
BEST ORGANIC FOOD STORE
Trader Joe’s Runners up: 2. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen 3. Sprouts Farmers Market 4. Whole Foods 5. Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Market
BEST LATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT Blackbook Runners up: 2. Paul Bar/Food 3. Kitchen 86 + Bar 4. Denny’s 5. Aldo’s Mexican Food
THANK YOU For voting us
ce i u J t s e B e h t n i r Ba Desert
9 YEARS IN A ROW FRESHJUICEBAR.COM
@freshjuicebar
BEST VEGETARIAN/VEGAN BEST VEGGIE BURGER BEST ORGANIC FOOD STORE eat plants look good in your pants™
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! CTK...ALL THE WAY!
BEST STEAKS/STEAKHOUSE
The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Runners up: 2. LG’s Prime Steakhouse 3. Ruth’s Chris Steak House 4. Mr. Lyons Steakhouse 5. Kaiser Grille
We love feeding you! Be sure to check out Chef Tanya’s curated marketplace and expand your plant-based food curiosity.
BEST CATERER
Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge Runners up: 2. The Butler Did It 3. Lulu California Bistro 4. Fatboy Tacos and Catering 5. Lynn Hammond 6. Carousel Catering
Palm Springs • Palm Desert • La Quinta • New Location, Indio
PALM SPRINGS 706 S Eugene Road Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-832-9007
PALM DESERT 72695 CA-111 Suite A6 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-636-0863 CVIndependent.com
22 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
BEST DINER
BEST JAPANESE
BEST BURGER
BEST DESSERTS
Keedy’s Fountain Grill Runners up: 2. Billy Reed’s 3. Goody’s Cafe 4. TIE Bongo Johnny’s Rick’s Restaurant Gastro Grind Burgers Runners up: 2. Tyler’s Burgers 3. In-N-Out 4. Grill-A-Burger 5. Tony’s Burgers 6. Lulu California Bistro
BEST BURRITO
Las Casuelas Original Runners up: 2. El Ranchito Taco Shop 3. El Taco Asado 4. Pueblo Viejo Grill 5. Loco Charlie’s Mexican Grill
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar Runners up: 2. Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey 3. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse 4. JOY at Fantasy Springs 5. Musashi Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar Sherman’s Deli and Bakery Runners up: 2. Billy Reed’s 3. Jakes 4. TIE Manhattan in the Desert Monster Shakes 6. Lulu California Bistro
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Koffi Runners up: 2. Vintage Coffee House 3. IW Coffee 4. Sixth Street Coffee 5. Everbloom Coffee
BEST RESTAURANT REINVENTION Trio It had been a long time since I’d gone to dinner at Trio, the Palm Springs restaurant mainstay at 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive. The space felt dated, and the menu hadn’t changed much in years. There was nothing wrong with Trio—but there were more exciting meals to be had. For a long-lasting restaurant, a major overhaul can be dangerous; regulars may get upset if they can’t get their old favorites, while people who’ve stopped coming may be slow to return. But Trio proceeded with a major revamp anyway, with chef Jeremy Loomis creating a brand-new menu while owner Tony Marchese updated the interior. The result: A fantastic new version of Trio. Chef Loomis intends for his dishes to be shared by the table and to create interactive experiences while dining, in an effort to help foster community. As part of this reinvention, the chef is making fresh pasta in-house—one of the few restaurants in the valley doing so. On a recent visit, a salad, a plate of triangoli with summer squash, and a glass of wine reminded me why freshly made pasta is so important. To say I am excited about the new Trio is an understatement. —Charles Drabkin CVIndependent.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 23
DECEMBER 2023
simply
Extraordinary THANK YOU FOR VOTING SPENCER’S
“BEST OF COACHELLA VALLEY” IN 3 CATEGORIES
BEST OUTDOOR SEATING • BEST BRUNCH BEST UPSCALE RESTAURANT BREAKFAST 8AM –11AM • LUNCH 11AM – 2:30PM DINNER 5:00 –10PM • SUNDAY BRUNCH 8AM – 2:30PM
CLOSED TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY
760.327.3446
701 W BARISTO RD. PALM SPRINGS TWO BLOCKS WEST OF PALM CANYON DRIVE
WWW.SPENCERSRESTAURANT.COM ALL EMPLOYEES FULLY VACCINATED.
CVIndependent.com
24 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
CVIndependent.com
DECEMBER 2023
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 25
DECEMBER 2023
BEST MEXICAN
El Mirasol Runners up: 2. Las Casuelas Terraza 3. La Tablita 4. Pueblo Viejo Grill 5. El Patio
BEST DELICATESSEN
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery Runners up: 2. The Real Italian Deli 3. Manhattan in the Desert 4. J’s Deli
BEST BREAKFAST
Wilma and Frieda Runners up: 2. Elmer’s Restaurant 3. Rick’s Restaurant 4. Keedy’s Fountain Grill 5. Bongo Johnny’s
BEST ICE CREAM/SHAKES
Lappert’s Ice Cream Runners up: 2. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream 3. Monster Shakes 4. Kreem 5. Great Shakes
BEST BUFFET
Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Runners up: 2. Emperor Buffet 3. The Marketplace by Fabio Viviani at Morongo
BEST FRENCH FRIES
McDonald’s Runners up: 2. Grill-A-Burger 3. Gastro Grind Burgers 4. Pomme Frite 5. Bongo Johnny’s
BEST BAKERY
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery Runners up: 2. Aspen Mills 3. Peninsula Pastries Palm Springs 4. Panaderia Del Pueblo 5. Carousel Bakery
BEST DUCK Palm Tree Palace Coachella Valley foodies love to snivel about the alleged lack of great Chinese food in the area. I must confess that I’ve engaged in some of this sniveling myself. But no more. One reason to stop complaining: Palm Tree Palace, a wonderful restaurant that opened in La Quinta—at 79660 Highway 111, to be precise—in 2019. I’ve dined there, or ordered takeout from there, a half-dozen or so times, and I’ve always been so pleased that I resolve to enjoy Palm Tree Palace’s food more often. While I’ve never had a bad dish at Palm Tree Palace, it’s the Peking duck that keeps me going back. It’s so, so good. In fact, there may be no better bite of food in this valley than a piece of this duck tucked into an accompanying bun, with a little scallion and hoisin sauce. Mmm. If you’re one of the aforementioned sniveling foodies, and you’ve never been to Palm Tree Palace, go—and you’ll stop complaining about the lack of great local Chinese food. —Jimmy Boegle
BEST LOCAL COFFEE ROASTER
Koffi Runners up: 2. Joshua Tree Coffee Company 3. Coachella Valley Coffee Company
BEST FROZEN YOGURT
Thank you for making us your favorite, Coachella Valley!
Monster Shakes Runners up: 2. Beach House Yogurt 3. Tutti Frutti 4. Lizzy’s Premium Frozen Yogurt 5. Swirlyz Frozen Yogurt
BEST CUSTOM CAKES
Over the Rainbow Runners up: 2. Nothing Bundt Cakes 3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery 4. Carousel Bakery 5. Bristol Farms
BEST JUICE/JUICE BAR Fresh Juice Bar Runners up: 2. Jamba Juice 3. Nekter Juice Bar 4. Juice It Up!
BEST SMOOTHIES
Monster Shakes Runners up: 2. Fresh Juice Bar 3. Jamba Juice 4. Juice It Up! 5. Fruit Wonders
WINNER 2023-24 BEST FOOD TRUCK
We Love You Coachella Valley! 760-485-3934 fatboytacos.com
73575 El Paseo ✦ Palm Desert 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive ✦ Palm Springs CVIndependent.com
26 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
SPIRITS AND
NIGHTLIFE
BEST HAPPY HOUR
Stuft Pizza Runners up: 2. TIE Hunters Palm Springs The Tropicale 4. Blackbook 5. Lulu California Bistro 6. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room
BEST MARGARITA
Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill Runners up: 2. Las Casuelas Terraza 3. La Tablita 4. Bongo Johnny’s 5. Pueblo Viejo Grill
BEST COCKTAIL MENU
Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Runners up: 2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge 3. Little Bar 4. The Tropicale 5. The Evening Citizen 6. Lulu California Bistro
BEST MARTINI
Paul Bar/Food Runners up: 2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge 3. The Tropicale 4. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room 5. Lulu California Bistro 6. Bongo Johnny’s
BEST BEER SELECTION
Yard House Runners up: 2. La Quinta Brewing Co. Taproom 3. The Beer Hunter 4. Burgers and Beer 5. Barrel District
BEST WINE/LIQUOR STORE
Total Wine and More Runners up: 2. BevMo! 3. Bouschet 4. Desert Wine Shop on 111 5. Palm Springs Bottle Shop
BEST BAR AMBIANCE
Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Runners up: 2. PS Air Bar 3. Paul Bar/Food 4. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge 5. La Fe Wine Bar 6. The Evening Citizen
BEST WINE BAR
BEST SOOTHING DEBUT SINGLE “Swan Dive” by The Divines The members of local band The Divines may still be in high school, but the sounds they are creating are extremely unique—showing a level of talent atypical for performers their age. The Divines have been experimenting with a mix of psychedelic indie rock, yet they find moments to infuse soulful and bluesy elements. In other words, The Divines not only bring the party, but also the slow dance. On debut single “Swan Dive,” frontman Jose Antonio Martinez’s beautiful vocal delivery provides somber and soulful narration over a subdued, groovy and lovely instrumental track. Other songs the band performs live expand further into the realm of smooth psych jams. There have only been a few shows by The Divines so far, but the audiences have been entranced by the group’s fresh take on music. I know I’m not the only one who can’t wait to see how the band grows. Check out the band at linktr.ee/the. divines. —Matt King CVIndependent.com
V Wine Lounge Runners up: 2. PS Air Bar 3. Zin American Bistro 4. La Fe Wine Bar 5. Counter Reformation
BEST WHISKEY/ BOURBON/SCOTCH SELECTION
Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Runners up: 2. Blackbook 3. TIE Mr. Lyons Steakhouse Truss & Twine 5. Eureka!
BEST NIGHTCLUB
Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Runners up: 2. Hunters Palm Springs 3. Reforma 4. Copa Nightclub 5. LIT Bar & Lounge at Fantasy Springs
BEST SPORTS BAR
360 Sports at Agua Caliente Runners up: 2. The Beer Hunter 3. Burgers and Beer 4. Dave and Buster’s 5. Stuft Pizza
BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS
Bar Cecil Runners up: 2. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room 3. Bootlegger Tiki 4. Little Bar 5. The Evening Citizen 6. The Front Porch
BEST LOCAL BREWERY
La Quinta Brewing Co. Runners up: 2. Coachella Valley Brewing Co. 3. Babe’s BBQ and Brewery 4. Desert Beer Company 5. Las Palmas Brewing
BEST DIVE BAR
Blackbook Runners up: 2. Hunters Palm Springs 3. Chill Bar 4. Streetbar 5. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
TIE The Hood Bar and Pizza Tool Shed Runners up: 3. Blackbook 4. Cactus Jack’s Bar and Grill 5. Neil’s Lounge 6. Fireside Lounge
BEST BLOODY MARY
BEST PLACE TO PLAY POOL/BILLIARDS
BEST GAY/LESBIAN BAR/CLUB
Bongo Johnny’s Runners up: 2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge 3. The Tropicale 4. Lulu California Bistro 5. Spencer’s Restaurant 6. Sloan’s
The Hood Bar and Pizza Runners up: 2. Hair of the Dog 3. The Beer Hunter 4. Four Twenty Bank Dispensary and Lounge 5. Plan B Live Entertainment and Cocktails
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 27
DECEMBER 2023
BEST RADIO STATION
KGAY 106.5 BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY
JOHN TAYLOR BEST LOCAL DJ’S
DJ MOD GIRL DJ GALAXY LISTEN ANYWHERE:
KGayPalmSprings.com
BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY
PATRICK EVANS LISTEN TO PATRICK EVANS AFTERNOONS 1 - 6 PM
LISTEN ONLINE:
1031MeTVFM.com CVIndependent.com
28 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
BEST VETERINARIAN Animal Samaritans
HUMAN-PET CONNECTION
Animal Samaritans is selected as the Best Veterinarian by ‘Independent’ readers. by Kevin Fitzgerald
At Animal Samaritans,
where Coachella Valley pet owners have been receiving veterinary care for their cats and/or dogs for more than 40 years, CEO Tom Snyder and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rick Klomhaus were thrilled to hear their two-facility operation was selected as having the Best Veterinarians by Coachella Valley Independent readers in this year’s Best of Coachella Valley poll. “To me, it means that we’re doing good work, and we’re fulfilling our mission to improve the lives of animals and people,” Snyder said. “It’s a testament to our 45 years in the Coachella Valley trying to fulfill our mission. … There are a lot of veterinary clinic options for people out here, so to be considered the first choice for people to go to means that our performance, our pricing and our customer service—which are all areas where we strive to give our best—are on the right path. I look forward to being able to share this award with our staff, and to give them the credit, because they’re the heart and soul—all of our techs, the schedulers, the front desk staff and, of course, our doctors.” Klomhaus said the award validates the level of care Animal Samaritans is providing to its patients. “It’s a big morale booster for the staff to know that (we won). A lot of times in this field, one of the concerns you have is that you’re dealing with people during emergencies, which is always a challenge for those individuals. Just knowing that we’re helping them and serving the community well is good to know.”
CVIndependent.com
Founded in 1978 by a group of Coachella Valley animal lovers, Animal Samaritans focused initially on pet rescues and adoptions, along with education regarding the humane treatment of animals. Veterinary services did not become part of their operations until a few years later. “In about 1980, we acquired a building (in Thousand Palms, which is currently Animal Samaritans’ no-kill shelter) and made that our low-cost spay-neuter clinic,” Snyder said. “Just a few years later, veterinary services came into play for the organization with a focus on affordable, quality pet spay-neuter and pet vaccination. Now we offer full-service general practice, urgent care seven days a week, and specialty services with oncology and ophthalmology. We’re really the most comprehensive veterinary service in the immediate area.” Snyder admitted he was not taken completely by surprise by the Best of Coachella Valley win. “We give our clients an opportunity to respond to a survey that we provide for them after they’ve been at the clinic and seen a doctor and staff, and we’ve helped them with their pet,” Snyder said. “One of the consistent messages on the surveys is the compassion that our staff has for the animals. I think that’s really vital, because staff could go into the human medical field and probably make more money. But for the most part, they’re here because they love the work. They love the animals and helping the animals.” Klomhaus splits time between Animal Samaritans’ Indio and Thousand Palms clinics. When not engaged in the hands-on practice of veterinary medicine, he’s busy advising on other cases. “I think what people are consistently surprised about is that they may have had a
pre-conceived notion of what a not-for-profit veterinary hospital might look like—as I sure did before I came to Animal Samaritans,” Klomhaus said. “… In fact, we carry more veterinary specialists than any other hospital in the local area. That, and the ability of our team to offer the scope of services that we offer, I think is surprising. People may not always know that about us, and I think that resonates with the clients.” As the Coachella Valley and the nation deal with veterinarian shortages, we had to ask: How long is the wait for an appointment at Animal Samaritans? “Tom and I have made the conscious decision to try to run the general practice at a 30%-35% discount when compared to other practices in the local area,” Klomhaus said. “With that being said, that service is incredibly popular. As a result of that, the wait times can be anywhere between four to six weeks. However, if their animal is having a more immediate concern, we can typically get those animals in under urgent care, either within the day or within two days, to try to get them the care that they need.” Said Snyder: “Our urgent care does cost more than our general
practice, but you get the benefit of having your pet seen the same day or within two days. A lot of pet owners say, ‘That’s what I want,’ and they’ll pay a little more for that rather than waiting to save money.” According to the 2022 annual report for the organization, 72% of the revenues earned came from clinic services, while those services accounted for 75% of the expenses. “I want people to remember the breadth of services that we provide to our community as outreach services, (like) our humane education, which is free to all the schools in the Coachella Valley, and we service some schools in the high-desert region as well,” Snyder said. “There’s the no-kill shelter, pet adoptions and animal rescue, and our pet therapy program, which is also free to the community. We have animals that do visits to nursing homes, assisted living and some hospitals, for example. Of course, we have veterinary services, and we have financial aid (for qualifying pet owners), which is another area of distinction for us as a veterinary clinic. We strive to provide quality veterinary care, but not everybody can afford what Animal Samaritans Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rick Klomhaus: “A lot of times in this field, one of the concerns you have is that you’re dealing with people during emergencies, which is always a challenge for those individuals. Just knowing that we’re helping them and serving the community well is good to know.”
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 29
DECEMBER 2023
their pet needs.” Animal Samaritans is currently engaged in an ongoing capital campaign to raise the funds to build a new pet adoption and humane education center in Thousand Palms, and to renovate and expand the clinic. “Basically, we’ll have more exam rooms so that we can facilitate more clients,” Snyder said. “We’re going to build out a specific space for our oncology department (and) expand our urgent-care preparation area.” Of course, fundraising serves as the lifeblood of this community service organization. Beyond the capital campaign, private donations are often designated to support a particular service or community benefit. Snyder talked about their program to help animals that need medical care and don’t have an owner. “If not for that medical care, the county shelter would have to put them down—but we know that those are warm, friendly, highly adoptable pets,” Snyder said. “So we have a fund called the Cade L. Morrow Fund where we will provide free (medical) services, and then we’ll try to adopt that animal out. We have an animal-care fund which is financial aid with clearly limited restrictions, and we do fundraising for that.” Klomhaus added: “We have funds available and specifically earmarked for our senior citizens. We have nonrestricted funds for low-income individuals who are outside of our animal-care fund as well. We’ve been given a couple of grants from local groups for that, so
there’s actually quite a bit of funding which we utilize on a regular basis. That has improved our quality of life as veterinarians, and for our staff, because we’ve all worked in places where there may be a high euthanasia rate. Here, there’s a very low euthanasia rate when there’s a disease process that can be helped and is not terminal. We try very hard to make sure that people and their pets get the care that they need.” Snyder pointed out that the Animal Samaritans’ largest annual fundraiser, the 14th Annual Men of the Desert fashion show and luncheon, is about to take place—on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m., at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Tickets, which are $200, are available at animalsamaritans.org/men-ofthe-desert. Animal Samaritans doesn’t just need money; the organization also needs volunteers. “I would like to make an appeal for volunteers interested in becoming pet-foster volunteers,” Snyder said. “That’s a real need that we have. There are too many homeless kittens and puppies at the moment, especially with the kittens right now. The spring kitten season was larger than it has been in the past, and now the fall one is also larger than in past years. We will train the volunteer … and we’ll supply them with all of the equipment they’ll need.
MAKE THE EASY CHOICE
THE #1 CHOICE COMFORT AIR WE'RE #1 FOR A REASON
ASK US
ABOUT OUR 0% FINANCING
For more information, call 760-343-3477, or visit animalsamaritans.org.
BEST RAPPER/RIPPER Razor J Being a stellar guitar player is impressive; so is being a stellar rapper. When you combine both, and add in a ton of energy, you get Razor J—a performer who is beyond impressive. Razor J, aka Juan Espino, is one of the Coachella Valley’s most unique artists. His musical wizardry as a guitarist beautifully melds with his insanely fast and emphatic word skills. “1 AM” shows off Espino’s lyrical side, and his breakneck speed shines through on “All Out.” The guitarist virtuoso makes room for solos on songs like “Easy to Forget” and latest single “Just Fine.” He also did a great solo on a recent Analog Lab track called “Anime Song.” Head on down to the next Razor J show—and after he takes his shirt off, he just might rip a guitar solo above you in a treetop. Find out more at linktr.ee/ RazorJ. —Matt King
Awarded Best AC Repair Company By Coachella Valley Independent Up to $1000 Off + Special Financing On A New HVAC System HIGHEST QUALITY EQUIPMENT EXTENSIVE WARRANTIES
BEST PRICE GUARANTEED 24/7 LOCAL SUPPORT
SAVE UP TO
60% ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL*
LENNOX SIGNATURE SERIES SYSTEM
*SAVINGS AND RESULTS MAY VARY
CALL TODAY FOR DETAILS!
760.320.5800 comfortac.com CVIndependent.com
THANK YOU
30 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
A GREAT BIG
For voting Walter Clark Legal Group the Best Attorney in the Coachella Valley from the 10th annual Best of Coachella Valley readers’ poll.
OFFICIAL LAW FIRM OF THE
CALL OR TEXT US AT THE SEVENS: 760 777-7777
CVIndependent.com
WalterClark.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 31
DECEMBER 2023
VALLEY
PROFESSIONALS BEST PUBLIC SERVANT
Rep. Raul Ruiz Runners up: 2. Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills 3. Palm Desert City Councilmember Jan Harnik 4. Palm Springs City Councilmember Lisa Middleton 5. Palm Springs City Councilmember Ron deHarte
BEST VETERINARIAN
Animal Samaritans Runners up: 2. Palm Springs Animal Hospital 3. Dr. Rachel Reedy, Ridgeline Veterinary Clinic 4. Dr. James Clark
BEST DOCTOR
Dr. Manpreet Dev Runners up: 2. Dr. Russell Hisscock 3. Dr. David Morris 4. Dr. Bolanle Oyeyipo
BEST DENTIST
Dr. Manpreet Dev (Tahquitz Dental Group) Runners up: 2. Dr. Scott Shepherd (Palm Springs Family and Cosmetic Dentistry) 3. Dr. Armen Karimyan (La Quinta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry) 4. Dr. Maria Aguilar (Mirage Lane Dentistry) 5. Dr. Glenn Huddleston
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Jim Cox Runners up: 2. Nazemi Musculoskeletal Center 3. Dawson Chiropractic Corp. 4. Dr. Steven Roffers
BEST PLASTIC SURGEON Dr. Mark Sofonio Runners up: 2. Dr. Timothy Jochen 3. Dr. Natalie Driessen 4. Dr. Mo Zakhireh 5. Dr. Diya Tantawi
BEST EYE DOCTOR
Dr. Bart Ketover Runners up: 2. Dr. Kailee Watson 3. Dr. Keith Tokuhara 4. Gilman & Vorster Optometry
BEST PERSONAL TRAINER
Ted Guice Runners up: 2. Jaime Jimenez (One Eleven Conditioning Club) 3. Cheryl Cohen 4. Kurt McCormack
BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY FirstBank Runners up: 2. Contempo Lending 3. First West Financial 4. TrustLink Mortgage
CVIndependent.com
32 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
BEST FLOORING/CARPET COMPANY Flooring Innovations Runners up: 2. Carpet Empire Plus 3. Floors and Decor 4. D & D Carpet 5. Distinctive Flooring
BEST WAY TO HELP EDUCATORS
BEST LOCAL HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY
Read With Me Volunteer Programs
Ace Hardware Palm Springs Runners up: 2. Ace Hardware Palm Desert 3. Builders Supply 4. PS HomeBoys
If you’ve ever read an article lamenting the state of public education and wondered how you could help, Coachella Valley’s Read With Me Volunteer Programs is a great answer. The nonprofit was started in 2004 by Roberta and Clay Klein. In partnership with the Riverside County Office of Education, Read With Me places volunteers in local schools to work on reading skills with children, primarily from low-income, limited-Englishspeaking environments. More than 500 volunteers work with some 4,200 elementary school students, individually and in small groups, at the direction of teachers. No prior educational experience is necessary to volunteer—just a desire to help kids learn to read English proficiently. As a volunteer, I get as much, or more, out of working with these kids as they do. The few hours I spend volunteering each week provide an antidote to the negativity of the world and brighten my perspective on the future. I always have a funny or heartwarming story to share with my spouse about what the kids said or did; it’s a priceless experience. If you’re interested in volunteering with Read With Me, visit readwithmevolunteers.com, or call 760-567-1830. —Jeffrey Clarkson
BEST PEST CONTROL COMPANY
Dewey Pest Control Runners up: 2. Mr. Beez Termite and Pest Control 3. Truly Nolen 4. Frasier Pest Control 5. Newman Pest Control
BEST PLUMBER
BEST ATTORNEY
Thank you Coachella Valley ... for your confidence in me and your support! I love my work and you are the reason why!
Walter Clark Runners up: 2. David Givot 3. Kevin Crockett 4. Christopher Heritage 5. Lantson Eldred
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Scott Histed Runners up: 2.TIE Mary Gomez Patrick Jordan 4. Lupe Valdivia 5. Oscar Clark
BEST AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR
TedGuice.com 831-236-6656 Ted@ TedGuice.com CVIndependent.com
Comfort Air Runners up: 2. Esser Air Conditioning and Heating 3. General Air Conditioning and Plumbing 4. Desert Air Conditioning 5. Air Unlimited Cooling and Heating
BEST SOLAR COMPANY Renova Solar Runners up: 2. Hot Purple Energy 3. SunRun Solar
TIE General Air Conditioning and Plumbing Valley Plumbing Runners up: 3. 3 Sons Plumbing 4. All Seasons
BEST CARPET/FLOOR CLEANING SERVICE
TIE Blue Steam Tile and Stone Restoration Bubbles Carpet Cleaning Runners up: 3. Absolutely Spotless Carpet Cleaning 4. Mountain View Carpet Care
BEST AUTO DEALERSHIP Toyota of the Desert Runners up: 2. I-10 Toyota 3. Exotic Motor Cars 4. Palm Springs Motors 5. Fiesta Ford 6. Palm Springs Kia
BEST AUTO REPAIR
Sergio’s Automotive Runners up: TIE Arcaro’s Auto Body Exotic Car Service 4. Midas Cathedral City
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 33
DECEMBER 2023
We are proud to be voted Best Plumbing Company! Thank you Coachella Valley PLUMBING
AIR CONDITIONING
HEATING
ELECTRICAL
CVIndependent.com
34 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
OUTSIDE! BEST HIKE
Indian Canyons Runners up: 2. TIE Bump and Grind Trail La Quinta Cove Oasis 4. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve 5. Art Smith Trail
BEST PARK
Ruth Hardy Park Runners up: 2. Palm Desert Civic Center Park 3. La Quinta Civic Center Campus 4. Wellness Park 5. SilverRock Park
BEST PUBLIC GARDEN
BEST RECREATION AREA
Joshua Tree National Park Runners up: 2. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens 3. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 4. Indian Canyons 5. Whitewater Preserve
Sunnylands Runners up: 2. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens 3. Moorten Botanical Garden 4. Wellness Park
BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Dick’s Sporting Goods Runners up: 2. Yellow Mart 3. Big 5 Sporting Goods 4. PGA TOUR Superstore 5. Roger Dunn Golf Shop
Desert Willow Golf Resort Runners up: 2. Escena Golf Club 3. Indio Municipal Golf Course 4. Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort 5. Indian Wells Golf Resort
BEST SPORTING GOODS
BEST OUTDOOR/CAMPING GEAR STORE Yellow Mart Runners up: 2. Dick’s Sporting Goods 3. Big 5 Sporting Goods
BEST BIKE SHOP
Trek Bicycle Palm Springs (formerly Palm Springs Cyclery) Runners up: 2. Bike Palm Springs Rentals 3. Tri-A-Bike 4. Trek Bicycle Palm Desert
BEST PLACE FOR BICYCLING
Downtown Palm Springs Bike Loop Runners up: 2. CV Link 3. Bear Creek Trail
BEST DRINK SPOT/LOCAL MUSIC HUB Encore Coffee Bar/Little Street Music Hall
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S BEST OF COACHELLA VALLEY WINNERS!
FIREBIRDS
NOW COME SPEND THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE FIREBIRDS!
SATURDAY, DEC 2 @ 6PM
WEDNESDAY, DEC 13 @ 7PM SATURDAY, DEC 16 @ 6PM SUNDAY, DEC 17 @ 5PM SATURDAY, DEC 23 @ 6PM
FIREBIRDS FUNDAY XMAS UGLY SWEATER &PRESENTED TEDDY BEAR TOSS BY: 1 MILLION STRONG GIVEAWAY: COACH DAN BYLSMA BOBBLEHEAD WARM-UP JERSEY AUCTION
WEDNESDAY, DEC 27 @ 7PM PURCHASE HOME GAME TICKETS HERE>>> CVIndependent.com
BROADCAST ON
RED ALERT JERSEY
BROADCAST ON
It’s been a long journey, but Avenida Music finally has their music venue/coffee shop open in downtown Indio. In the mornings, the Encore Coffee Bar is a beautiful location to grab a good drink (ask for the “Pink Floyd”) and enjoy the scenery. You might get lucky and hear some chill acoustic music by the ever-talented Sam and Vince Gonzalez, two of the three Avenida brothers. In the evenings, the room transforms into the Little Street Music Hall, a hub for entertainment. The couches and chairs get pushed together for an intimate comedy show, or the floor can be cleared for a night of music. The venue has featured a diverse lineup of performers spanning varied genres, and is slated to host future events ranging from drumming workshops to hardcore shows. Avenida Music set out to create “the best, most musician-friendly, most crowdpumping location for original music,” and in the few months since being open, Little Street Music Hall has already attracted huge crowds—of artists ready to utilize the stage, of supporters who want to enjoy a slice of Coachella Valley life, and of people who love Encore Coffee Bar’s drinks. Learn more at encorecoffee.bar. —Matt King
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 35
DECEMBER 2023
At this special time of year, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your loyal support and patronage through the years. Thank you for voting Just Fabulous as the Best Local Specialty Retail Shop! Happy holidays from our Just Fabulous family! Stephen Monkarsh Founder/CEO
515 N. Palm Canyon Drive bejustfab.com
Creating vibrant community by helping LGBTQ+ people along their way.
DONATE
CVIndependent.com
36 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
FOR THE KIDS BEST RESTAURANT FOR KIDS Dave and Buster’s Runners up: 2. Red Robin 3. TIE McDonald’s Shakey’s Pizza 5. California Pizza Kitchen
BEST PLACE FOR FAMILY FUN
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Runners up: 2. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert 3. TIE Boomers! Get Air Trampoline Park 5. Berger Foundation IcePlex
BEST PLACE FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Runners up: 2. Boomers! 3. Chuck E. Cheese’s 4. Red Robin
BEST PLAYGROUND
Palm Desert Civic Center Park Runners up: 2. Ruth Hardy Park 3. La Quinta Civic Center Park 4. Ironwood Park
BEST KIDS’ CLOTHING STORE Target Runners up: 2. JadaBug’s Kids Boutique 3. Carter’s
BEST BISCUITS & GRAVY Lay’ Vince Conceptually, biscuits and gravy shouldn’t be difficult to make. How hard is it to bake a tasty, flaky biscuit, and make savory, creamy gravy? It must be quite difficult, actually. Fans of this decidedly caloric dish know all too well that feeling of disappointment after taking a first bite—and experiencing bland gravy or an uninspired biscuit … or both. I was bracing myself for this disappointment after I ordered the biscuits and gravy (along with several other treats) to-go one recent morning at Lay’ Vince, chef Jon Merchain’s newish creation at 540 S. Indian Canyon Drive, in the Palm Springs space that once housed Frankinbun. But I didn’t experience disappointment. Instead, I experienced perfectly seasoned gravy with delicious sausage, and a buttery, layered biscuit. I took another bite, and then another. I was eating the best biscuits and gravy I’ve had in years. Prue Leith, one of the judges on The Great British Baking Show, often muses on whether the item she’s eating is “worth the calories.” Most of the time, biscuits and gravy are not worth the calories—but the version at Lay’ Vince most certainly is. —Jimmy Boegle
THANK YOU
a l l e h c a Co
! y e l l a V
760.416.5718
4575 E Mesquite Avenue, Palm Springs
PSANIMALSHELTER.ORG CVIndependent.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 37
DECEMBER 2023
DO-GOODER
ART IN ABUNDANCE
The programming-packed Palm Springs Cultural Center needs revenue to both sustain and innovate
T
by Charles drabkin
he Palm Springs Cultural Center has been serving the Coachella Valley since 2007. Founded by the late philanthropists Ric and Rozene Supple, its mission: “The Palm Springs Cultural Center incubates, produces and encourages arts and cultural programs in order to leverage the unique power of creativity.” Nowhere else in the Coachella Valley is there a place with so many artistic endeavors happening under one roof. The Cultural Center hosts art-house film screenings, cabaret performances, exhibitions, educational programs and community events. It’s the home of Cinema Diverse, the Palm Springs LGBTQ+ film festival; at least three theater companies (Desert Ensemble Theatre, The Bent and It’s the parent organization for the Palm the Inner Circle Theatre Company); the Springs and Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Palm Springs Speaks series; multiple cabaret Markets, and the nonprofit has pursued series—and more, all at the place formerly sustainability in other ways, such installing as known as the Camelot Theatres. solar panels on the roof. Michael Green, executive director of “We are, at heart, a cultural center, and we the Cultural Center, said there had been all need to be cognizant about sustainability discussions about converting Theater 3 from to ensure culture can continue,” Green said. a regular movie theater into a live theater/ If you have never had the chance to attend performance space for years. “We finished the an event at the Cultural Center, check out conversion just before the pandemic hit,” he the upcoming programming, as there is an said. “In fact, we were building the sets for offering for virtually every taste. Oh, and the the second production when we had to shut Cultural Center serves food and has a full bar. everything down. Having been closed for 18 If you are a fan of popcorn, make sure you months continues to be a challenge for us.” get some, as the concession stand uses real The Cultural Center isn’t just a home for butter! performing arts. Visual art lovers can check out the Cultural Center’s upstairs gallery, The Palm Springs Cultural Center is located at where rotating exhibitions highlight the work 2300 E. Baristo Road, in Palm Springs. For more of local artists. information, visit psculturalcenter.org. Beyond its commitment to the arts, the center is deeply rooted in the community. It hosts various community events, including farmers’ markets, festivals and interactive movie screenings. It also is frequently a space for mini-film festivals focusing on particular directors or subjects, like the popular “Fellini Retrospective” or “Machine Dreams: A Cinematic Voyage Into the World of AI.” In this way, the Palm Springs Cultural Center plays an integral role in fostering a sense of belonging and pride within our community. All of this is not without its challenges. While the Supples gave the nonprofit Cultural Center the building, they did not give it an endowment. Like all arts organizations, it relies on fundraising to both sustain and to innovate. “This is an old building that costs a lot to maintain,” Green said. “People in the community think the Supples left us an endowment as well as the building, so we have to educate the public as to why we need to raise money.” In addition to its cultural endeavors, The Palm Springs Cultural Center’s parent nonprofit owns the Palm Springs Cultural Center is also the building—but it does not have an endowment, so it has to raise funds for maintenance. committed to environmental sustainability.
Opens Christmas Day!
CVIndependent.com
38 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
ARTS & CULTURE
DRIVE-THRU REVELRY Magic of Lights returns to the Empire Polo Club for its second year
R
68510 East Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 760-296-2966 ext 101 CVRep.org
by Cat Makino
eindeer and a sleigh may Santa Claus’ usual mode of travel, but he and Mrs. Claus used a helicopter to arrive at Indio’s Empire Polo Club on Thursday Nov. 16. They were greeted by hundreds of cheering children—and adults—who asked for selfies. Their arrival was part of the opening ceremony of Magic of Lights, which will be open daily at 5:30 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 31. Last year’s inaugural event attracted more than 100,000 visitors, said Mark Girton, the vice president of operations and special events at the club—and he anticipates even larger crowds this year. Girton, dressed for the occasion in multi-colored holiday gear (including light-up shoes), led the crowd in a countdown, after which holiday by one person,” Girton said. “I like different opinions; none of us is as smart as all of us music started to play, and colored lights lit up put together. I wanted everyone to feel great the night sky as the crowd started to sing along. about the final decisions, which I ultimately “I’m in the special events and memoryhad to make on the logistics of the displays.” making business,” he said later. “At the end Daisy Esquerra, an Indio resident who went of the day, you want people to have a good last year with her three children (ages 13, 5 experience, and if people walk away happy, and 4), was a fan. “My youngest daughter then it’s mission accomplished.” especially loved Barbie. She couldn’t help Following the opening ceremony, the first herself; she kept saying, ‘Mommy, Mommy, it’s visitors drove through the 2-mile course, Barbie!’ Listening to the holiday music, seeing featuring more than 2 million lights on the all these lights and seeing my kids happy put different displays and themes lining the road. me in the holiday mood, and I felt peaceful.” Those displays include “Winter Wonderland,” This is the kind of feedback Girton said he “Twelve Days of Christmas,” “Toyland” and wants to hear. “I see that everyone who goes “Elves and Reindeer Road,” along with lifethrough it ends up smiling at some point, size dinosaurs, nativity scenes, a menorah even if they’ve had a bad day,” he said. “It and a blue-and-gold Star of David, a mosque, brings out the kid in all of us.” flashing colored lights in tunnels—and a 32-foot-tall Barbie waving goodbye. The drive Magic of Lights is open from 5:30 to 9 p.m., ends at Jolly Holiday Village, where attendees Sunday through Thursday; and 5:30 to 10 p.m., can enjoy hot chocolate and games. They can Friday and Saturday, through Sunday, Dec. also visit Santa every Monday, Tuesday and 31, at the Empire Polo Club, 81800 51st Ave., Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Indio. Advance tickets for Monday through Two million-plus lights and miles of Thursday are $25 per standard vehicle; or cables—how long did it take to set it all up? $30 for any day. Standard-vehicle tickets are Girton said it takes nearly 20 people about a $35 to $40 at the gate. For advance tickets or month to put it together. more information, visit MagicOfLights.com/ “It was a collaboration of people with CoachellaValley. different ideas, not a piece of big art designed
Santa and Mrs. Claus greet the crowd at Magic of Lights. Photo courtesy of Magic of Lights
CVIndependent.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 39
DECEMBER 2023
ARTS & CULTURE
IGLOOS IN IW?
Indian Wells Golf Resort combines roller skating, golf and holiday decor to create Winterfest
T
The Independent's quality local journalism is free for everyone—but it costs a LOT to produce and distribute.
by HALEEMON ANDERSON
he city of Indian Wells will kick off its annual Winterfest celebration on Saturday, Dec. 2, with a tree-lighting ceremony at the Indian Wells Golf Resort—and the return of the holiday-themed edition of the Shots in the Night outdoor golf experience. Now in its second year, Indian Wells Winterfest is a month-long festival of events and activities combining holiday traditions—including a winter-themed roller-skating rink0151with outdoor golfing experiences. Marketing director Ben Rodny said the festival is a chance for locals and visitors alike to experience the resort. “It’s not just for resort guests coming from out of town,” Rodny said. “We have a huge local community, and we want them to know about roller skate outdoors to disco and holidaythe golf resort. We want them to know what themed music, and catch holiday movie an amazing destination Indian Wells is, even nights. For the truly adventurous, there’s if it’s just in their backyard.” even a chance to rent a private igloo. OneBy day, the Indian Wells Golf Resort hour skating sessions begin at 5 p.m., with features two nationally ranked golf courses— skate rentals included. Adult skating is $25; the Celebrity Course and the Players Course— for children under 12, tickets are $15. where tee times can be booked year-round. Reservations are required for laser-putting, By night, from mid-October through May TopTracer and the skating rink. Food and 31, the resort hosts the Shots in the Night drinks will be available at the Igloo Bubble golf experience. Winterfest simply ups the Bar, the Holiday Cookie and Candy truck, and wattage at Indian Wells, with the entire resort other food and drink pop-ups. decked out in holiday colors and neon lights. “Winterfest has something for little kids Nighttime golf expands from weekends only through older folks,” Rodny said. “Winterfest to a nightly schedule. is meant to highlight the holiday season “Most people in the community know and make it a bit more fun and cheerful for Shots in the Night as laser-putting,” Rodny everyone.” said. However, it also includes the TopTracer Driving Range, where golfers can track the Indian Wells Winterfest takes place from velocity and trajectory of their shots. Guests Saturday, Dec. 2, through Tuesday, Jan. can book 50-minute sessions of either laser2, at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, 44500 putting or the TopTracer Driving Range, Indian Wells Lane, in Indian Wells. For more with each session providing a chance for information or to make reservations, visit www. competitive games with up to six participants. visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/coachella-valley/ From Dec. 2 through Jan. 2, guests can indian-wells/winterfest.
Want to help us out? CVIndependent.com/Supporters
COMPASS ROSE
FI NANCIAL PLAN N I NG A FINANCIAL PLANNING & INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FIRM
Your Fiduciary Advisor DESERT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION’S 2019 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and get acquainted with an independent, Fee-Only financial planning & investment management firm located here in the Coachella Valley. Allow us to show you the benefits that result from a financial plan tailored to helping you achieve your goals.
COMPASS ROSE FINANCIAL PLANNING 760-322-5200 • www.compassrosefp.com 333 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 112-A • Palm Springs, CA 92262
During Winterfest, Indian Wells Golf Resort’s Shots in the Night experience adds roller skating and holiday decorations to the mix.
CVIndependent.com
40 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
FOOD & DRINK
VINE SOCIAL JASON DAVID
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
Our resident sommelier tasted about 3,000 wines over the last year—and these stood out
HAIR STUDIO
A
By KatieLOVE finn YOUR HAIR
s the end of the year approaches, I’ve been thinking about just how many wines I’ve tasted over the last 12 months. Doing some rough math, I concluded that I taste—not drink, mind you, but taste and spit out—an average of 3,000 wines a year. Isn’t that crazy?! That number is hard for me to wrap my head around, mostly because a Country Club and Cook Street lot of the wines I taste are pretty forgettable. They’re not necessarily bad—although there are Palm De sertrepresent a good value, some wines that are downright undrinkable—but they’re average. They or they’re a “crowd-pleaser”; perhaps they are an accurate representation of the grape and their 760-340-5959 region. All of these are good reasons to buy the pinot noirs from New Zealand I’ve tasted and drink a bottle of wine, but none of these have been thin, tightly wound and very www.jasondavidhairstudio.net things make a wine memorable. acidic. However, I was forced to rethink that However, a handful of these 3,000 different generalization when I tasted the 2021 Jules wines are incredible. Mind-blowing. ThoughtTaylor pinot noir from Marlborough. At the provoking. These are wines I still think about northern tip on the South Island, the vines months after I’ve tasted them. They make in Marlborough benefit from a sunny and dry an impression on my brain, and I find myself climate, where the grapes can ripen slowly comparing other wines to these standouts. over a long period of time. Combine that with For lack of a better analogy, you could say I’ve the skill of uber-talented winemaker Jules developed a crush on these wines. Taylor, who spares no expense in creating the The wines about which I’ve become most amazing wines, and you have yourself passionate are not overly expensive. Typically, one dynamic pinot noir. It has a beautiful, they are not from well-known wineries, and deep garnet color, with aromas of black they may not generate huge scores from cherries, black plums and fresh boysenberries, critics. The wines that make me do the happy with a subtle nutmeg spice on the finish. dance are unexpected, surprising little gems Belpoggio di Paolo 2021, Tuscany, Italy that I’ve usually never heard of. Just when ($20): This wine was a first for me. I have you think you’ve got it all figured out … tasted the grape ciliegiolo before, but this was BOOM! You never saw it coming. That’s what the first time I’ve tasted it as a full-bodied makes wine such a joy to drink and discover. red. I was only familiar with rosés made from Given that I’ve done the hard part of sifting through thousands of wines, I figured I should share these wine discoveries with you. Trimbach “Frederic Emile” Riesling 2016, Alsace, France ($95): Any sommelier worth their weight will have a riesling they love. There is something so beautifully complex about a wine that can walk a tight rope between being acidic and sweet; have a luscious richness with chiseled structure; and showcase fruity and savory notes with a minerality that could cut glass. The Trimbach “Frederic Emile” Riesling 2016 encapsulates all of this, and more. Juicy stone fruits with hints of mint and fresh herbs jump out of the glass while the first sip zings your tongue with its bright citrus notes. Anyone who thinks rieslings are cloying and sweet needs to experience this wine. Jules Taylor Pinot Noir 2021, Marlborough, New Zealand ($25): I tend to steer clear from pinot noirs from New Zealand. From a retail standpoint, I’ve discovered that most people either want the complexity and cache of Burgundy, the earthiness of Oregon, or the voluptuous, fuller-bodied style from California. Most of CVIndependent.com
this obscure Italian grape with a name that means “little cherry.” The Belpoggio di Paolo and packs a ton of flavor into the bottle. It’s elegant and fruity, with aromas of—you guessed it—red and black cherries, followed by notes of black pepper and vanilla spice. This easy-drinking, velvety red has quickly become my favorite pizza, pasta, movie-onthe-couch, weeknight wine. Bonus: The bottle is beautiful and will impress the pants off any dinner guest! Clementine Carter Grenache 2021, Sta. Rita Hills, Calif. ($40): I really wasn’t expecting much when this wine was poured for me. I’ve tasted so many grenaches from Santa Barbara, and they are all good, albeit a little homogenous—if you’ve tasted one, you’ve tasted ’em all, I thought. I was wrong: This grenache is exceptional. Just thinking about this wine is making my mouth water. Layers and layers of fruit and spice make you want to keep your nose in the glass forever. Each swirl reveals another fragrance—orange peel, blackberries, cloves, wild strawberries and dried herbs. Blended from three prominent vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills— Spear, Robert Rae and Peake Ranch—this grenache is as close to perfect as it gets. Domaine de l’Enclos Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy 2021, Burgundy, France ($55):
Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite wine comes from Chablis, France. This is a little area in the far northern part of Burgundy where the cold climate and chalky Kimmeridgian soil creates a style of chardonnay that cracks across one’s palate like lightning. This particular estate is run by two brothers who are fourth-generation winemakers in Chablis, and it is evident they were born to make wine here. The fruit for this chardonnay comes from 40-year-old vines in the premier cru vineyard of Beauroy. Meyer lemons, sea salt, orange blossoms and a hint of cardamom spice are all wrapped together with a touch of crème fraiche to create a chardonnay full of energy and grace. This is exactly what you want a chardonnay to taste like! There are a handful of other epic wines I experienced this year, as well as a ton of wines I tried that I truly enjoyed. But these are the wines that brought me a different kind of joy—the kind of happiness that comes from discovering the unknown, and the pleasure of finding an elevated favorite. So, cheers to you, 2023. And here’s to the next 3,000 wines! Katie Finn is a certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine with two decades in the wine industry. She can be reached at katiefinnwine@ gmail.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 41
DECEMBER 2023
FOOD & DRINK
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
CAESAR CERVISIA JASON DAVID
A day trip to Rancho Cucamonga— and two impressive craft breweries
HAIR STUDIO
T
By brett newton
LOVE YOUR HAIR
here is an area of SoCal I have largely neglected in my writing—the Inland Empire. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, Andrew Smith (an erstwhile Independent contributor) has covered it extensively in Beer Paper. He knows a ton about the breweries from Yucaipa to Claremont and Rancho Cucamonga to Corona. Secondly, I’ve slowly been gathering information from Andrew and others to find out what I should check out in the limited Country Club and Cook Street span of a day trip to “The I.E.” Palm DeDiego sert and Orange County’s Thirdly … I’ve been lazy. Well, that and the competing calls of San beer scenes were just too strong to ignore. 760-340-5959 I finally got in my car and took a day trip— can make a beer undrinkable. specifically, to Rancho Cucamonga. My first I entered the taproom, nestled in the www.jasondavidhairstudio.net stop after a pastrami dip at The Hat (if you midst of a commercial-park area of Rancho haven’t been, I can’t recommend it enough) Cucamonga, and walked into a cozy, almost was at the brewery I’ve been most looking Victorian-style parlor. I found ornate forward to visiting in this area. Ever since I got wallpaper, couches and chairs of various kinds, a taste of one of Bryan Doty’s Belgian-style and a lovely wooden bar—where I parked sour ales at an Ace Hotel beer festival, I knew myself and talked to Chintya, Bryan’s wife and I’d have to go to Sour Cellars. I talked about co-owner of the brewery. The beer list had me Sour Cellars in a column earlier in the year, cross-eyed due to the possibilities, so I picked but I’ve given myself too few opportunities to a beer flight from the extensive menu and try what’s being done there. When it comes tried a few other two-ounce pours that they to Belgian-style sour ales (or Belgian styles conveniently offer for $3. The highlights: of any kind, really), it takes multiple talents: • Fizzle is a blend of two different batches great patience to let beer mature in barrels; each of barrel-aged (BA) golden sour ale and a knowledge of local yeast and bacteria in barrel-aged coolship (an open-topped, shallow the air; and the skill to discern what barrels tank where lambics traditionally gain the will blend together with whatever additional yeast and bacteria from the environment for ingredients you might want to throw into the fermentation) saison that’s been refermented mix. In some cases, these beers spend three or with apricots and organic plums. Get ready more years in a barrel, where the slightest flaw for descriptions like this, because these beers
Sour Cellars is located in a commercial park—but inside is a cozy, almost Victorian-style parlor. Brett Newton
often have taken years to get to the glass. Fizzle had a pleasant sour flavor and fruity aroma, with the plums coming through more at first, and then the apricot poking its head out as the beer warms. • Pyrotechnic Pleasantries is a blend of a 54-month BA brown ale, a 26-month BA golden sour ale, a 19-month BA saison, and a six-month BA spontaneously fermented golden sour. Then it was refermented with strawberries. The result is absolutely glorious, with so many subtleties; the strawberry aroma and flavor give off a strawberries and cream vibe. • Bellywengins is a 34-month, unblended BA Berliner-weisse style sour ale served with your choice of pomegranate or woodruff syrup. I chose the latter, because it’s more traditional, and it’s hard to find anyone serving the style this way. It had lovely fruity tartness, with the syrup adding herbal, almost cider-like flavors and aromas—with a hint of, believe it or not, Play-Doh. • Turn Turtle is a blend of spontaneously fermented golden sour ale from 2018 and 2019 that’s been refermented with organic California nectarines. This offers a gorgeous sour nectarine experience, with a very dry finish that I loved enough to buy a bottle so my friends could try it as well. These were just four of the 15 they had on tap; they also pour a handful of non-sour ales and bottled sours. If you like sours at all, you must visit, because this place is an absolute gem, serving world-class sour ales in the middle of Southern California. A mile down the road, I ducked into Hamilton Family Brewery. As I walked in, I noticed the back patio, with benches spilling out into the driveway between buildings in their industrial park. What’s more, the majority of its customers were in their 20s and
30s. This was clearly a place for young people (with just as many women as men—always a welcome sight in the craft beer world). A big reason for this is their tap list with 10 beers, five seltzer slushies (including a non-alcoholic green-apple one for the kiddos and designated drivers) and two more regular seltzers. But I wasn’t there for seltzers—and I ordered a flight of four beers. The Oktoberfest was toasty, floral and a little on the bitter side, but overall a solid representation of the style. The Kokua IPA is Hamilton’s version of a beer recipe offered up by Maui Brewing Co. to money to help those affected by the recent wildfires in western Maui. Many breweries have participated, and I had a nice version at Burgeon Beer Co. last month. Hamilton’s was a cloudy, light-bodied, floral and fruity session IPA with some tropical fruit and floral notes. Considering the 4.2% alcohol by volume, it had a good amount of flavor. The Double Mango is, unsurprisingly, a double IPA with mango. I couldn’t really taste a lot of mango, and it had quality that reminded me of barley tea, but it was pretty easy-drinking, with a light bitter finish and a little warmth to remind you it was an 8.2% ABV beer. The winner of the bunch was the Young Fool, a West Coast IPA made with Cashmere and Mosaic hops. It was citrusy, dank and tropical, with a nice, crisp finish. It was good and fresh enough for me to buy a pack. I would have loved to explore more of what the IE has to offer, but it was not to be on this trip. Expect to read more from me on this area in the future. Until then, go explore for yourself—and enjoy. Brett Newton is a certified cicerone (like a sommelier for beer) and homebrewer who has mostly lived in the Coachella Valley since 1988. He can be reached at caesarcervisia@gmail.com. CVIndependent.com
42 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
the
FOOD & DRINK INDY ENDORSEMENT This month, we have chicken tacos as a starter, and a crabcake burger for our main course By Jimmy Boegle
Reservations recommended. Call 760-779-5000 Open Thursday through Tuesday 71680 Highway 111 #F, Rancho Mirage (Next to Hilton Garden Inn)
NOW SERVING BRUNCH!
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 11 A.M.-2 P.M.
/MODERN MEXICAN
TUESDAY - SUNDAY 11 AM TO 8 PM <CLOSED MONDAY) HAPPY HOUR (2 TO 5 PM) SMOKE TREE VILLAGE CIN THE COURTYARD> 1775 E PALM CANYON DRIVE STE 405. PALMSPRIN GS CA 92264 INFO@LOWDESERT.NET I LOWDESERT.NET I @ LOWDESERTPS I 16 LOWDESERTPS CVIndependent.com
WHAT Crispy chicken tacos WHERE La Fe Wine Bar, 73900 El Paseo, Palm Desert HOW MUCH $15 CONTACT 760-565-1430; lafewinebar.com WHY They’re as unique as they are tasty. On the eastern end of El Paseo, just before office buildings and medical offices take over the street as it curves into Highway 111, sits one of the chic thoroughfare’s best places for a bite and a drink: La Fe Wine Bar. The hubby and I went there one recent Saturday when we had some time to kill before meeting friends for dinner elsewhere. We got a patio table, ordered a couple of appetizers and a cocktail—and soon found ourselves wishing we could stay at La Fe for dinner. The reason: Everything we had was stellar, including the surprisingly smooth California sazerac ($15.50, with brandy, whisky, sugar, two types of bitters and an absinthe rinse) and the umami-packed mushroom truffle flatbread ($15). As good as those two items were, the thing I can’t stop thinking about is the crispy chicken tacos. While the name “crispy chicken tacos” sounds pretty standard, the tacos that arrived were anything but standard: Instead of a tortilla, these four tacos came in wonton shells that contained chicken, sour cream, feta cheese, a chipotle aioli, greens and an heirloom tomato slice. They were absolutely splendid. The pieces of white-meat chicken were seasoned nicely, with the aioli and sour cream adding creaminess, and the greens adding freshness. Yum. Our only quibble: This appetizer is a potentially messy affair. Your first or second bite of each taco will inevitably cause the wonton shell to crack and collapse, sending the contents downward onto the plate, the table or—if you’re not careful—your shirt and/or lap. Consider yourself warned—but consider yourself encouraged to order these crispy chicken tacos anyway. They’re definitely worth the risk.
WHAT Crabcake burger WHERE Crudo Cervicheria HOW MUCH $22 CONTACT 442-268-9389; www. crudopalmsprings.com WHY It’s soft and delicious. Few things make my palate happier than properly made ceviche. The acid and brightness from the citrus. The crispness from the veggies. The subtly savory bites of the fresh fish and/or seafood. A dish of food doesn’t get any better. So when we headed to dinner at the new Crudo Cervicheria—which took over the space most recently occupied by Midmod Café in The Corridor center in Palm Springs—I was confident I’d leave with an endorsement of some sort of ceviche. But that’s not what happened. We indeed ordered ceviche—the chilango ($24), with Chilean seabass, roasted corn, garbanzo beans, mango relish and fried tortilla strips—and it was … fine. The flavors worked well together, but it all seemed too busy. The fish, which should be the star of any ceviche dish, was great, but it was buried, both figuratively and literally. Fortunately, after splitting the chilango as a starter, we each ordered entrées—and they were both wonderful, and definitely endorsement-worthy. The hubby got the chile relleno mariscado ($26)—a pepper stuffed with shrimp, salmon and octopus, then topped with a light pistachio sauce. The blend of the just-cookedenough pepper, the seafood and the excellent sauce made every bite a delight. Meanwhile, I ordered the crabcake burger ($22), with a “brioche bun with Sonora spread, mixed greens, fresh onions, slice tomato and mango relish,” according to the menu. My first few bites struck me as strange, texturally; the middle of a burger or sandwich usually offers some resistance, but with the crabcake, it was all softness. As I continued eating, that strangeness turned to pure enjoyment—and taste-wise, I was thrilled from the very first bite. I am excited to return to Crudo Cervicheria to try more of their fare—although it’ll be difficult to resist ordering that crabcake burger again.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 43
DECEMBER 2023
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
Restaurant NEWS BITES
3 Restaurants Unlimited Flavors
By charles drabkin DECEMBER MEANS TAMALES—AND THE INTERNATIONAL TAMALE FESTIVAL The 31st annual Indio International Tamale Festival returns to Miles Avenue Park on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2 and 3. This year, the Artesano Tamaleria will allow local households to make their home recipes in a commercial kitchen—and provide them to the public. All the entertainment at the festival is free, although you must pay for food, drink and rides. Get all the details at www.indiotamalefestival.com. NATIVE FOODS’ ORIGINAL LOCATION COULD USE YOUR HELP For almost 30 years, Native Foods has been serving delicious vegan fare—starting in Palm Springs, and then spreading across the country. Unfortunately, the chain has been facing financial challenges—with some locations closing, and the original Palm Springs location, at 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in jeopardy. However, there’s good news locally: Longtime general manager Misti Rausch is in the process of buying the Palm Springs location and is looking for help from the community to make repairs and update the restaurant. Learn more on their GoFundMe page: gofundme.com/f/save-the-original-native-foodslocation-in-ps. IN BRIEF Those with long memories may recall Cipolline Osteria, which occupied the space at 1260 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, before the New York Company restaurant opened (and closed). I spoke with the former owners of Cipolline, who confirmed that they plan on reviving the restaurant, and are hoping for a mid-December opening. Watch this space for updates. … The rumors are true: Paul Bar/Food, at 3700 E. Vista Chino, in Palm Springs, is expanding into the space next door, adding about 25 seats, including a sizeable reservation-only table! The hope is to finish the expansion in September 2024 (at the time of year when Paul traditionally closes for a month). If you haven’t had a chance to explore this hidden gem, check out the menu at thepaulbarps. com. … So long, Shame on the Moon. The longtime Rancho Mirage restaurant, at 69950 Frank Sinatra Drive, posted on Facebook on Aug. 19 that it would be closed on a short break, reopening on Sept. 6. But the restaurant didn’t reopen, and the phone number has been disconnected. This nearly 40-year-old restaurant was one of the first “fancy” places I was told to visit when I started vacationing in the desert. … Wang’s in the Desert, which at one time was THE happy hour place for local gay men (at 424 S. Indian Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs), has in recent years been through a series of controversies, closings and re-openings. The latest: After a post appeared on the restaurant’s Facebook page saying it had closed for good, KESQ News Channel 3 reported that owner Lonnie Landers said the restaurant actually has new investors, and that Wang’s will reopen with a new format. That Facebook post was then deleted. Good luck to everyone involved. … A new Wingstop is open in Desert Hot Springs, at 13108 Palm Drive. Check out wingstop.com if you need to see the menu. (Hint: It’s mostly wings.) … Jimmy B’s Grill (no relation to the editor of this paper) has opened in the former Sam’s Place in downtown Palm Springs, at 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite A6. The menu is similar to the Sam’s Place menu, with breakfast and lunch currently on offer, and dinner coming soon. The menu has both standards and intriguing specialties like a tamale benedict—as well as bottomless mimosas. See the full menu at jimmybspalmsprings.com. … Slated to open in Palm Springs any day now: Sonny’s Fusion Bar and Grill, at 214 E. Arenas Road, in the former home of Bongo Johnny’s. Although the restaurant has been in the works for at least two years, there is finally some movement, with lots of construction going on. Although the daily reported that the restaurant opened in October, that does not seem to be the case. Requests to the owner for more details were met with a polite no-thank-you, so watch facebook.com/ sonnysfusionbarandgrill for updates. … New to Palm Desert: Katsuyama, at 74990 Country Club Drive. The Japanese restaurant has a smaller menu with a focus on fried pork and chicken cutlets. Find the restaurant on Facebook to learn more. … Coming to Rancho Mirage: Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, at 36101 Bob Hope Drive. This chain, with locations across the U.S., serves a variety of salads and sandwiches; learn more at capriottis.com. … The rebranded Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort and Spa is now open at 45000 Indian Wells Lane in, you guessed it, Indian Wells. The restaurant, Grapefruit Basil, serves brunch and dinner seven days a week; the indoor/outdoor dining venue features coastal-inspired dishes and a seasonal craft cocktail menu. If you would rather hang out poolside, the Chiki Palm serves bagged tiki cocktails and poolside classics like burgers, chicken quesadillas and poke bowls. Find out more at tommybahamamiramonte.com. Got a hot tip? Let me know: foodnews@cvindependent.com.
Proudly Supporting and Serving Our Community
1501uptown.com 760-320-1501
eight4nine.com 760-325-8490
williesrm.com 760-202-4499
CVIndependent.com
44 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
The duo Sister John Angela combines blues and experimentation to take audiences on a sonic journey Coachella Acappella discusses history, community ahead of its ‘Text Me Merry Christmas’ show 49 Jetta king lets go of perfectionism during a McCallum performance 51 KC and the Sunshine Band bring five decades of funk to The Show at Agua Caliente
47
48
www.cvindependent.com/music
After two decades off, VOLUME is back, re-releasing music, playing shows— and making new music
46 CVIndependent.com
DESERT ROCK TIME CAPSULE
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 45
DECEMBER 2023
Seth MacFarlane & Liz Gillies “We Wish You The Merriest” Tue, December 5, 7pm
Mariachi Sol de Mexico de José Hernàndez
Mon, December 18, 7pm Presented through the generosity of Douglas Fregolle & Bruno Vasconcelos
Canadian Brass: Christmas Time is Here Tue, December 19, 7pm
Presented through the generosity of Maudella & Harold Green
The Maestro and The European Pop Orchestra Fri & Sat, January 12 & 13, 8pm Sun, January 14, 3pm
Merri-Achi Christmas
Presented through the generosity of: Hart Family Foundation and Nancy & George Croom – January 12 Shelly & Ron Tamkin – January 13
Presented through the generosity of Jan Salta
Neil Berg’s Fifty Years of Rock and Roll Part 3
Fri, December 8, 8pm
The Manhattan Transfer
50th Anniversary and Final World Tour
Photo: Nina Yoshida Nelsen
Tue-Thu, November 28-30, 7pm Fri, December 1, 8pm Sat, December 2, 2pm & 8pm Sun, December 3, 2pm & 7:30pm
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2023
Photo: Kenneth Tan Fotografie
TM ©1986 CMOL
Les Misérables
Wed, January 17, 7pm Thu, January 18, 3pm & 7pm
Sat, December 9, 8pm
Presented through the generosity of: Kim Smith – January 17 Linda & Manny Rider – January 18, 7pm
ALL NEW SHOW!
Presented through the generosity of John & Ulla Brown
Order online ONLY at
Order tickets by phone
mccallumtheatre.org
760-340-2787
73000 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT • BOX OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9:00am-5:00pm
Follow us CVIndependent.com
46 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
MUSIC
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
DESERT ROCK TIME CAPSULE
After two decades off, VOLUME is back, re-releasing music, playing shows—and making new music
By matt king
D
esert rock will never die. Sure, it may take on different forms as the decades pass, but the hard-hitting riffs and dirty guitar tones are still alive and well in our music scene. This brings us to VOLUME. The band was formed in 1993 by Patrick Brink, and over the course of a decade, VOLUME crafted a unique mix of heavy psychedelic rock that spanned punk, doom, sludge and more. Shortly after releasing the EP Requesting Permission to Land, and working, and if anybody’s talking about you enjoying opening slots for bands like Queens right now. I’d rather just write music and play of the Stone Age and Mastodon, the band live and record and not have to worry, but it’s broke up. still fun. You get to meet a lot of people outside In 2023, VOLUME has returned. Requesting of just playing and stuff, so it’s cool.” Permission to Land was reissued just in time for Requesting Permission to Land retains a lot its 20th anniversary, and the band is playing of its musical power, even after the passage shows again. of two decades. The psychedelic fuzz grooves “I’m originally from Twentynine Palms, on “Habit” lead into emphatic, crunchy punkborn and raised out there,” Brink said during a ripper “Colossal Freak.” Brink’s screams on recent interview. “I moved to Orange County in the early ’90s and started the band, but back “Don’t Look Around” and the slow-burning, trippy blues of “Makebelieve” transport around 2003, the band pretty much exploded listeners into the near-15-minute doom epic on the road. I just focused on family, and did “Headswim.” There’s fantastic drumming on that for the last 20 years—but the kids are every track, from Fu Manchu’s Scott Reeder. all grown and everything, and I’m back up in “There were a few labels that wanted to sign Twentynine (Palms). I’ve been there for, like, us, and we went with this label from Australia, six years, and I just was like, ‘It’s time to start because they promised to put it out on vinyl. the band and kind of finish what I set out to Back in the day, nobody was really wanting to do way back in the day.’ We just re-released the put out vinyl; everybody wanted CDs,” Brink EP, and that’s a stepping stone for what we’re said. “Of course, now nobody wants to put trying to do to get the name back out.” out CDs; everybody wants to get their stuff Brink has learned that it’s not easy to pick on vinyl. The label that put it out 20 years up right where you left off 20 years ago. He ago only put it out on CD, and they folded said that navigating the modern landscape of music is challenging, but “they’ve all been good before the vinyl came out. I got hold of Jack Endino, a really cool guy who has done a lot challenges.” of my favorite bands like Mudhoney, Nirvana, “In lots of ways, it’s changed for the better,” Soundgarden and stuff. He was actually Brink said. “It’s kind of given the artists, in supposed to produce our album when we got some sense, more control and ability to get back off the road, but that all went to nothing your name out there. You don’t have to rely after we broke up. He remastered it, and it on a big label or anything like that, so that’s sounds great.” pretty nice. There’s a learning curve. … It was The process of having his songs remastered different back in the ’90s. Forums were the helped Brink feel proud of the work. biggest marketing tool for bands, and in fact, “I went back and relistened to them, and it with the stuff we played, there were only a was pretty exciting,” he said. “They held up. handful of websites that even dealt with this They were good songs, and I was surprised, type of music. Now you come back, and it’s so because I think they are still relevant. There diversified. You have so many social medias were a few things I wanted to change on the and different ways to reach an audience, but recording a little bit, but that’s always the case. there are a lot of things you have to learn. I’ve For the most part, it sounded cool, and there been trying to do that and get the name out were some low ends where you couldn’t really there.” hear the bass, and that’s what Jack brought The brand of stoner rock in which VOLUME out. It was pretty exciting to go back and hear excels is not the most popular music today. That said, Brink is doing all he can to use social that, and then also hear what Jack Endino did with the old files.” media to his advantage. Brink is happy that Requesting Permission “I do it just because we have to,” Brink said. to Land’s re-release is exciting fans both old “It’s a full-time job in itself, just trying to keep and new. up with all the different avenues of trying to “To my surprise, a lot of people remember promote, to see what’s working, what’s not
Patrick Brink of VOLUME.
the album, and actually still have the album, but there are so many new people who have never even heard it,” Brink said. “They’re coming along and finding out about the new release, which is really cool. We’re gaining new friends.” VOLUME’s live show features a mix of favorites from the EP, older songs the band never got to record, and songs Brink has written in recent years. “I’ve already got, like, three albums laid out,” Brink said. “I want to get out some of the stuff that we were playing live but we never put on tape; I still think those songs are really good. I just want to get those out and then get to the stuff I recently wrote. I’ve been writing a lot over the last couple of years. I just keep turning out stuff, so the plan is to try to put out an album a year for the next few years, and then see where it goes from there.” VOLUME is currently raising funds via Kickstarter to have the next EP recorded and produced by Dave Catching at Rancho de la
Luna, hopefully in early 2024. To help the band reach their goal of $8,000, visit their Kickstarter. Brink is happy to be picking up where his old band left off—and is even more excited that there’s still a lot of love for desert rock. “Our sound, even the new stuff, still sounds like VOLUME, but it’s not rehashing the same old songs,” Brink said. “If you’re a musician, you want to evolve; you don’t want to write the same riff over and over, but it definitely has that familial sound as VOLUME. “The scene has evolved in a lot of ways. … There are a lot of different styles meshing together. There’s now shoegaze doom, and all sorts of different variances of doom, and now you’ve got stoner metal, stoner rock and all these little branches. People are just taking from other genres and bringing them into the mix and keeping them fresh, which is really cool.” For more information, visit volume-rocks. bandcamp.com or instagram.com/volume_rocks.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 47
DECEMBER 2023
MUSIC
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
DESERT JAZZ
The duo Sister John Angela combines blues and experimentation to take audiences on a sonic journey
By matt king
G
uitarist Steve “Smitty” Smithie is from New York, while bassist Janie Cowan is from Alaska—but their duo, Sister John Angela, has a sound that is definitely a product of living in the desert. Elements of old-school blues and improvisation meld with the eerie and colorful soundscapes that are often synonymous with creatives from the Joshua Tree area. Every song by the duo is a sonic trip of freeform jams, with striking and passion- by avoiding rehearsals for live shows, and ate guitar at the base; Smithie said the group trusting their intuition when recording. has been described as “desert jazz,” and that “I just bring the tunes, and we record them,” feels right. Check out tracks like “Wishbone” for Smithie said. “We don’t do too many takes, a creepy-castle-exploration jam, or “1,000 Cameither. After it’s over, we either say it’s a keepels” for a haunting, Western vibe—or catch the er, or it’s not.” duo yourself at the Giant Rock Meeting Room Added Cowan: “I’ve always had this philosin Yucca Valley every Friday at 8 p.m. ophy, especially with recordings, that the first During a recent phone interview, the duo or second takes are the ones that really have a described how they came together. potent energy that’s authentic, and then after “Smitty and I both moved up to high desert that, sometimes once you know it too well, independently around the same time,” Cowan you start to use your brain too much, and it said. “I was living in my van and touring loses the magic for me. That’s why I’ve been around, and he was coming from New York. persistent about not drilling too many takes or We met, and we learned that we have the same rehearsing.” birthday. Smitty had a residency before I met Trust is an important factor in any relationhim, and I heard him play once, and I was like, ship—especially in a musical relationship. ‘Oh, that guy’s got a cool sound; I could proba“I’ve been playing bass for a pretty wide bly have a lot of fun.’ … Smitty has these comdiversity of all sorts of people for a couple of positions that are super-crooked and quirky decades now, and it doesn’t work if (trust) is and unpredictable, and I like to use effects not there,” Cowan said. “I have really felt that pedals and improvise a lot over anything that’s with Smitty. I remember when we first started kind of weird. We’ve sort of just developed this playing together, he might say, ‘Hey, you’re way of working together.” gonna throw me off; don’t do anything too They have been able to hone in on their weird,’ but we got over that pretty quick.” unique mix of structure and experimentation When it comes time to record, good vibes
Sister John Angela.
are a must. “I’ve got a little studio at this compound where I live,” Cowan said. “There are a couple of donkeys. Sometimes Smitty will bring lunch, and then we hang out, and that puts me in a pretty good mood, and then we just try out a few things and see what’s feeling good that day.” Added Smithie: “I don’t come up to record unless I have tunes. I’m not really writing much on the spot.” Cowan replied: “Yeah, but you’ve got all sorts of stuff in your pocket from back in the day. You never know what’s going to pop up. We also bring out stuff we’ve been playing for a long time, and then new ideas we’ll jam on.” The musicians were recently awarded the Outstanding Instrumental Artist/Group honor at the Joshuas, an awards show presented by the Joshua Tree Voice. “It was pretty, pretty overwhelming, actually,” Smithie said. “We appreciate it, for sure. We’ve been doing it for a couple of years now, and it’s all been great.” Added Cowan: “What was really cool about that award was the event itself—just this big gathering of community and appreciating the diversity that is here. It’s a pretty insane thing to try to pull off an event that large and get so many people working together. There’s just a lot of real palpable love and support and appreciation for everybody.” Cowan and Smithie both expressed a love of the desert, and an appreciation for the musically diverse yet extremely supportive community. “I moved out here because of the community,” Smithie said. “I came out here off and on over the years, and at Pappy and Harriet’s open mic sessions, I met a lot of people there. I was looking to move and looking for a place where there was a big music community—and I did it, and this is it. No regrets, for sure.” Said Cowan: “I grew up in Alaska, and I was always forcing myself to live in the cities, because I thought I had to be in a city to play music. I stumbled out into the desert and just fell in love with it on day one, and decided I’d just figure it out. I just feel overwhelmingly blessed to have found a community in such a gorgeous rural place.” Sister John Angela performs at 8 p.m., every Friday, at the Giant Rock Meeting Room, 1131 Old Woman Springs Road, in Yucca Valley. For more information, call 442-272-1472, or visit giantrockmeetingroom.com. Admission is free. For more on Sister John Angela, visit sisterjohnangela. bandcamp.com.
The Venue REPORT December 2023 By matt king
Canadian Brass
Happy December! We’re almost through another year, so send off 2023 in the right way–with great entertainment! The Indio International Tamale Festival returns on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3, to Miles Avenue Park in downtown Indio. Headliners include corridos masters K-Paz De La Sierra and marimba-focused cumbia band Son Rompe Pera. They’ll share the stage with local music, like the psychedelic, proggy Latin rock of Caña and the powerful pop-rock of Tourists. Don’t forget the tamales, too! The event is free. Miles Avenue Park, 82540 Miles Ave., Indio; indiotamalefestival.com. Acrisure Arena is serving two doses of legendary women in December. At 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5, the iconic Stevie Nicks will visit Palm Desert to perform hits from Fleetwood Mac and her solo catalog. Remaining tickets start at $141. The ’70s rock ’n’ roll continues when Heart intends to bring the house down at 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 28. Remaining tickets start at $49.50. Acrisure Arena, 75702 Varner Road, Palm Desert; 888695-8778; www.acrisurearena.com. The McCallum Theatre is certainly in the holiday spirit, as almost every December event is Christmas-themed—and tickets are moving fast! At 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5, the creator of Family Guy, Seth MacFarlane, and one of the stars of Victorious, Liz Gillies, unite for an evening of holiday harmonies. Tickets start at $65. Soft-rock and pop legend Barry Manilow is performing five special concerts, featuring his hits and seasonal favorites, with all proceeds benefiting 25 different Coachella Valley charities. These concerts will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 12; Wednesday, Dec. 13; Friday, Dec. 15; Saturday, Dec. 16; and Sunday, Dec. 17. Tickets start at $69. At 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 19, Christmas meets chamber music when Canadian Brass brings their holiday show to town. Tickets start at $30. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred continued on page 52 CVIndependent.com
48 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
MUSIC
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
SING, EMPOWER, EDUCATE
Coachella Acappella discusses history, community outreach ahead of its ‘Text Me Merry Christmas’ show
By matt king
A
cappella music relies on group harmonies to create a stable and unified sound—so it’s only right that a cappella singers have a great group dynamic, and are focused on empowering both the music and the people who are singing it. The Rancho Mirage-based Coachella Acappella checks all of these boxes. The group consists of 18 members, led by artistic director and conductor Alan Scott. You can catch Coachella Acappella then came COVID-19. perform their holiday show Text Me Merry “We’ve only had a handful of shows up to Christmas at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, at the this point, but consistently after each show, Cascade Lounge inside the Agua Caliente there are 10 or 15 people, most of them Casino in Palm Springs. women, coming up to us, and they’re like, During a recent Zoom interview with ‘Wow, this was wonderful; it was so interesting management team director Sherri North and and unique,’ and they want to learn more marketing director Julie Scott—members of about it,” Scott said. “We’re just making it more both the chorus and Coachella Acappella’s fun and less buttoned-up.” Party of 4 quartet—they shared some insight Coachella Acappella is partnered with into how the group began. Sweet Adelines International, an organization “Our director, Alan Scott, started the organization, wanting to bring women’s chorus of women singers dedicated to barbershop harmony that’s been around since 1945. to the Coachella Valley, and focusing on four“Historically, Sweet Adelines International part barbershop harmony,” North said. “There is made up of choruses and quartets of women isn’t something like that here, so that was who wore the same hairstyle, the same sparklyhis passion project. He really believed a lot flashy dress, the same shoes, makeup all the in giving women empowerment and voices, same color … when they performed,” North leadership roles and things like that. … From said. “… We’re helping to be part of the change there, we’ve been working on growing our as we grow with the times. We may decide that numbers and growing our musical abilities. We there’s going to be a color theme or a stylistic practice weekly and just continue to improve theme for our costumes for our shows, but on what we do.” within that, everybody gets to choose what Weekly practices are important in terms of they’re comfortable with and wear what they’re both improving musically and strengthening comfortable with, which is a huge change interpersonal bonds. from the traditional way of seeing a cappella “What’s really neat about our chorus is that barbershop music.” most of the women in the chorus have never The modernization also relates to the sung this type of music before,” said Scott. group’s music choices as well; you’ll find “Certainly, I’ve been able to harmonize in my Coachella Acappella mixing modern and life, but not on this level, and the a cappella classic songs. style makes it even more of a challenge. … “Instead of singing old-fashioned songs, It’s really fun, having sang my whole life, to we’re really trying to pull in newer music, learn a new style, and we get voice lessons, because you can get arrangements for any song essentially every week, from Alan. He’s always these days in four-part harmony,” Scott said. teaching us how to be better, how to stand, Take, for example, the songs being planned how to breathe, how to enunciate better, and for Text Me Merry Christmas at the Cascade where the sound is. … It’s just on a level that Lounge. I never thought of before, and the education “That’s the title of one of the songs that is wonderful, but I think what keeps me we’re going to sing, and it’s very much not a coming back is that we’ve become such a traditional holiday Christmas carol,” North tight-knit group of women, and we just enjoy said. “We do have a lot of fun with the music each other’s company. We have a lot of fun that we sing, and taking your fun pop music together.” and turning it into an a cappella barbershopAdded North: “It’s really become kind of a style arrangement.” second family, a home away from home for us, Scott added that the group will perform a and that escape from the day-to-day doldrums Mariah Carey song, as well as traditional songs … because you can’t really think about with a twist. “The quartet is singing a set anything else when you’re singing.” there, so we’ve got some more up-to-date, fun Coachella Acappella is still a newer songs in our set as well. I think anyone in the organization. Scott started it in 2019 … and
CVIndependent.com
Coachella Acappella.
crowd, whatever their background is, they’re going to enjoy the show, because there’s a little something for everyone.” This is not the first time Coachella Acappella is performing at the Cascade Lounge. The group turned in a sold-out show of music from the ’60s there, and some of the members went there to see a show by jazz/pop a cappella vocal group m-pact. “They (m-pact) were on another level of a cappella,” Scott said. “They do the beatboxing. They have someone who actually sounds like a drum, and someone who sounds like a bass, so it really was great to see the level of professionalism that they have raised this kind of music to. We’re a young chorus, so we have a long way to go to get to that level, but it was really inspiring to me to see how crowded the Cascade Lounge was for an a cappella performance of any kind.” Beyond their own shows, the organization has partnered with Palm Springs Unified School District for Acachella, a musical outreach program that has the chorus going to high schools and providing a cappella opportunities for students. “Our mission for this program is to bring a cappella barbershop-harmony-style music into the schools and teach young women what we do—to help build the legacy that we’re going
to leave, and bring youth into the organization as well,” North said. “We had several girls who participated, and four of those girls stayed with us throughout the spring semester and went to compete with us at a competition called The Stars of the West in San Diego, and (their quartet) won second place. That group’s name was Palm Springs High Octane, so that was really fun for them. Since then, we’ve expanded the program, and each high school that’s participating—Palm Springs High School and Cathedral City High School—is learning some holiday music.” North said they’d like to see Acachella at all of the valley’s high schools one day. “We’re trying to give them the same thing that our whole mission statement is about— which is women’s empowerment, giving them a voice, letting them have leadership roles that they wouldn’t get necessarily through their schools, and learning a different style of music than what they typically have access to through the schools,” North said. Coachella Acappella will perform Text Me Merry Christmas at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Cascade Lounge at the Agua Caliente Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, in Palm Springs. Tickets for the 21+ event start at $15. For tickets or more information, visit coachellaacappella.org.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 49
DECEMBER 2023
MUSIC
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
JETTA KING TAKES THE MIC
The local songstress lets go of perfectionism during a McCallum performance
By maria sestito
J
etta King always seems confident and authentic. Her blonde hair is sometimes streaked in pink, and when first I met her, a third of her hair was shaved off. She has tattoos and can pull off very high platform boots. King is a little bit punk, a little scene and a little metal. Her voice is big and beautiful—she has a difficult time doing anything but belting. She can lead a church choir and be the frontwoman for we’re doing, but it gets deeper and deeper,” a rock band on the same Sunday. she said. “It’s like peeling back the layers. That That said, she does not have any songs to happens in my singing. … I don’t want to just download (yet), a manager or a label. Why? put on a show. I want my heart to be spilled King and I discussed this a few days after onto that stage and shared with everybody she sang Paramore’s “Misery Business” at the who’s there, including the other people on the McCallum Theatre with the Emo Orchestra stage … I want to feel like we’re all closer now and Hawthorne Heights. I learned that my that we did this together.” friend, like all of us, has been battling her King seems repulsed by the idea of doing own demons—and, like many of us, getting anything that could make her feel selfish, in her own way. greedy or insincere. She lost interest in becoming a doctor when she encountered a Driven to pay the rent few harmful ones—and when she decided her King, 34, of Palm Desert, waited until she favorite singer was a jerk, she thought it meant was in her late 20s to start a band despite the industry wasn’t for her. decades of singing and playing the guitar. She “When you meet your heroes and you realize had played with friends in her living room they’re not good people, it sucks. It breaks your and outside for neighbors. She sang in the heart,” she said. occasional school musical and at church. About five years ago, King felt she needed The thought of doing music as a career to start taking music more seriously. The Jetta didn’t appeal to her. She was seeking King Band and found local success early on, stability—a safe harbor from the storm that performing at Idyllwild Strong, Big Rock, the was her chaotic childhood. “Growing up, you hear about people focusing CV Music Awards and Coachella Valley Brewing on music first and not having any money. I just Company. The band lost momentum ahead of the didn’t think that was smart,” King said. pandemic, leaving King to find a new guitarist After being driven to Hollywood for various and a violinist. They call themselves Threeway child acting roles during the first eight years and have played at Indio’s Fall Family Festival, of her life, King’s parents divorced, and her Second Saturdays in Indio and the Concert for mother started getting into drugs. King’s sleep Autism. King wants to find a new drummer suffered, and so did her grades. but said they’re hard to come by. By the end of high school, King, who had “The way that everything’s been happening, dreamed of being a pediatric surgeon, felt I think it’s all been the perfect plan,” she said. discouraged by counselors. She said they were “It’s been amazing to have it happen this way, surprised she was planning on attending because I feel like I can financially support college at all. myself and support my dreams.” “It was never anyone’s priority to help me One of those dreams came true when King through that,” she said. was selected to perform onstage with HawKing spent time at community colleges thorne Heights and the Emo Orchestra at and eventually found her way to personal McCallum Theatre. “I wanted to sing with an training. Now she’s a Fascial Stretch Therapy orchestra. That’s been my dream since Metallipractitioner. FST is a type of assisted or ca did it (in 1999),” she said. She remembers therapeutic stretching that may help reduce thinking, “I just want to meet some people pain and increase mobility. It’s physical work who play strings and horns, and I just want to akin to being a masseuse; however, according jam with them. … Metal with a beautiful symto King, the result is similar to what happens phony—that’s the coolest thing ever.” when she is onstage. “As I’m stretching someone, I can feel all of their edges, and I can feel just how far I can get Letting go of perfection So how did King end up onstage with the Emo before they get uncomfortable … so that they Orchestra? don’t ever tense up or run away from what
Jetta King performs “Misery Business” by Paramore with the Emo Orchestra at the McCallum Theatre on Nov. 9. Maria Sestito
Hawthorne Heights lead vocalist JT Woodruff put out a call out on social media earlier this year, asking fans to enter a contest to sing onstage during the tour. Fans were told to send a clip of them singing “Misery Business” by Paramore; King was sent the post and decided to enter. “I figured they probably wouldn’t even see my video,” she said. “Usually, what I would do is get really worked up about it and record this perfect video.” Instead, she said, she sent a video she already had of her singing part of the song on her couch, accompanied by her guitarist. About a week before the concert date, she received the invite to perform via email. “I was like: God has prepared me for this moment—I’m ready,” King said. The doubts started to rush into her mind. Was she the only person who entered? Maybe Woodruff would sing over her if she sounded bad? The show was just a few days away, so King quickly rearranged her schedule and started spreading the word. Friends and classmates she hadn’t seen in years started sending her messages and getting tickets to the show. That morning, ahead of her afternoon rehearsal—when she’d first meet the band— King texted me while trying to figure out what she was going to wear. “Man, this is definitely the most nervous I’ve felt maybe ever,” she texted. “I just feel like this is going to be the start of something bigger.” After rehearsal, she judged her performance as “pitchy.” She’d been warming up all day but still didn’t feel warmed up. Then came showtime. King’s name was
announced during the second act; Woodruff stepped away from the mic, and center stage was given to King. She didn’t just belt out the words—she sang. She danced, jumped and smiled. She let go. While she missed a lyric here and there, she could hear the crowd cheering her on, calling her name: “Jetta! Jetta!” After the show, as she was taking photos with the orchestra, friends and fans asked to take their picture with her, too. “I didn’t have any idea that I had that much local support,” she said later. “That was probably the biggest thing—hearing that many people yelling my name … and people wanted to take pictures with me and get my autograph, I was like, ‘I’m nobody; what do you mean?’” King never felt like she was popular, wellliked or supported. She’s never released any of her own songs because she always finds something wrong. “So now to feel the support of a whole town … it just felt really good to be supported in that big of a crowd, and then for everyone to talk so positively about it instead of, ‘Oh, she did this wrong,’” King said. She was expecting criticism and, she admitted, she was afraid of it. “I sang a lot of wrong lyrics; I missed a bunch of lyrics, and my voice was not at its best, because I was just screaming it,” King said. “I was very afraid of how that would come off, but everyone so far has been like, ‘That was so cool!’” She is planning on finally releasing her song “Too Loud,” which she has been performing for years, by early next year. Learn more at www.instagram.com/jettamindtrix. CVIndependent.com
50 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
MUSIC
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
SOULFULLY SOMBER By matt king
C
oachella Valley’s backyard music scene is a place where artists can be as creative as possible. There’s no pressure to be perfect, or to make it huge—as both the bands and crowds are focused on the love of music. Burgundy Blues cut their teeth and honed their sound in the backyard scene, and have gained local support with a captivating mix of chill, somber and slightly funky musical moods. As a local Burgundy Blues, being a constant force in musician, I’ve played many shows with the this scene before the pandemic, garnered a band, but as a music fan, I’ve been entranced by their sound, which is unlike any other in the sizable local following. “That was a dream come true—just hearing valley. people’s stories of, ‘I danced to your song,’ Andrew Russell is at the helm of Burgundy or, ‘I drive to your song,’ that’s my only goal Blues; he writes, records and produces all in music,” Russell said. “I don’t want to do the songs himself. He utilizes his beautifully anything else. … I’m sure it’s the same for a lot haunting voice for lamenting tones on lyrics of artists who play music. It’s very important. regarding love and emotional issues, and his It gets you through times, and you resonate music skills provide a nuanced sound on songs with music. It’s very universal.” from indie ballads like “Lady (Find Me),” to the For a while, Burgundy Blues could only be soulfully somber “Wait Away” and romantically heard at live shows, as Russell struggled to funky “Do U.” find the perfect way to articulate and track his Burgundy Blues is set to perform at the Indio International Tamale Festival, happening tunes. Finally, in October 2022, he released Vol. 1. Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3, at Miles “I’ve seen how my music affected people, Avenue Park. For more information, visit and people actually were like, ‘Hey, man, indiotamalefestival.com. release this,’” Russell said. “I’ve thought the “Since a young age, I’ve been into playing same thing about (other artists), too. … More guitar, and even going back a little further, I grew up around a lot of that R&B sound,” Russell during a recent interview. “My mom and my dad exposed me to a lot of different types of music, like hip hop, the R&B sound and a lot other stuff like rock. I have a lot of influences that lead into Burgundy Blues a lot. It was a dream of mine to start a band and be in a band playing music. It’s a passion and an outlet, for sure.” While each band in the backyard music scene is somewhat unique, Burgundy Blues is especially hard to label with one genre or scene. “I want to stay true to my sound 100 percent,” Russell said. “… If fame was the goal for me, I’d definitely make different types of music. I want to stay true to my roots.” Russell reflected on “good memories” of the backyard scene, including the beautiful mix of creatives coming together. “Sometimes, when we would set up a show, we would try to kind of keep it within a certain genre … but even the shows that we played with a bunch of different types of artists and different genres were beautiful,” Russell said. “It’s all part of the experience, and I love hearing different people’s sounds. I’m very versatile with music, and I love playing different types of music. I felt very supported, Burgundy Blues. and I like to support other artists, too.” CVIndependent.com
Burgundy Blues, once a Coachella Valley backyard-scene staple, returns to play at the Indio International Tamale Festival
people started pushing me to do it. My bassist, Emanuel Cazares, is really into recording music, so being around him and a couple of members of my band who have side projects, and seeing them do it inspired me to be like, ‘Man, what am I doing?’ Obviously, like a lot of artists, I’m a very insecure person sometimes, especially about my art. … I kind of got over that, and I’m still recording and planning to release something hopefully this year.” Since the pandemic, Burgundy Blues has resurfaced live only a handful of times, largely because some of the members—Russell included—have moved away from the valley. When the band does find time for a show, fun and friendship shine through in their performance—and that’s no coincidence. “I always talk to my band members about, ‘It’s so cool that we’re actually friends,’” Russell said. “We’re homies, so we have a really good chemistry together. Though I make all the songs at home, and they’ll play with me, I love the flavor that they add. It’s different, and that’s always what I wanted. A lot of artists will release an album, and it will sound exactly the same way live, and it’s kind of weird. … I love that we have that chemistry together. We do
find the time for shows, and that does push us to get together, but there are many times when we just hang out. It’s not like a co-worker thing. “I did have those co-worker band members, and we didn’t really jibe personally, so we couldn’t musically communicate,” he said. “We do prioritize our intense friendship a lot more. It’s kind of like the chicken and the egg a little bit—it’s just a perfect balance of being in a band playing together, and just being friends, too.” Burgundy Blues hasn’t played in the Coachella Valley for more than a year, and the members are excited to return. “That’s where we started, so it’s always nice to come back,” Russell said. “We’ve got support there, too, even still to this day, which blows my mind sometimes.” Burgundy Blues will perform at the Indio International Tamale Festival, which takes place Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3, at Miles Avenue Park, 82524 Miles Ave., in Indio. The event is free. For more information, visit indiotamalefestival.com. For more on Burgundy Blues, visit instagram.com/burgundyblues.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 51
DECEMBER 2023
MUSIC
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE
KC and the Sunshine Band bring five decades of funk to The Show at Agua Caliente
By matt king
I
f you want talk disco and funk, you can’t get too far without mentioning KC and the Sunshine Band. If the band’s reign on dance floors everywhere in the ’70s—with hits like “Boogie Shoes,” “That’s the Way (I Like It)” and “Get Down Tonight”—wasn’t enough to cement their legacy, the countless commercials, sporting events and movies featuring the band’s music certainly did. It’s unlikely that people will ever stop shake-shake- me. When I grew up, you really couldn’t talk to your parents very much at all, and you had shaking their booty to the timeless funk of KC to kind of keep things down. Songs were a and the Sunshine Band. way of dealing with emotions and things that The band is heading to Agua Caliente Rancho you were feeling without having to talk to Mirage at 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 31, for a special anybody about them—and they still are. Songs New Year’s Eve performance. During a recent help people heal in so many different ways, interview with frontman Harry Wayne Casey, from breakups to things that are happening in he expressed his adoration for the desert. general around the world or whatever. There’s “I love it there,” Casey said. “I have a place always a song that you can play that’ll help you in La Quinta, so I come there every now and release that emotion and whatever you’re going then. It’s just always fun. What is there not to through, and help you find an answer.” love about Palm Springs and that area? It’s just Casey views the songwriting process as beautiful there, and I love the energy.” Although the band’s biggest hits came in the making art. “When I’m creating a song, it’s the same 1970s, many younger fans are getting down thing as when artists are creating a painting, tonight, and every night, to their long-lasting and it starts with a white canvas,” Casey said. disco. “You’re going to do a landscape, or you’re going “We were just over in Europe, and for one of to do an abstract, and the only thing different the shows we did, I don’t think anybody was from writing is you’re writing about feelings older than 30, and they knew every word to and emotions and stuff. A lot of times, they’re every song,” Casey said. “It just blew me away. my own emotions, and I’m going through I had to just stand there for a moment and something, and it just translates to other pinch myself. It was such a magical moment, people. We’re all so much alike—more alike and I love to see young people in the crowd. I than I think a lot of us would like to admit—so love to see everyone in the crowd. That’s when we all share the same feelings, the same hurts, I’m at in my happiest moments.” the same happiness, the same good things, the The string of uplifting, happy party songs same bad things.” for which he’s known were created as an Casey continues to write, and he said he’s antidote to the times. been branching away from the more radio“I felt like music had gotten very dark, and friendly aspects of his previous numbers, and the country was dark,” Casey said. “We were pouring new energy into an upcoming megagoing through the first oil crisis here in the release. U.S., and stuff around the world, and I just “I’ve been working on a new project for the wanted to create some music that was high last 10, almost 12 years now, that’s going to be energy, and from side A to side B, once you put coming out soon,” Casey said. “It’s like 56 new that needle down, it just was nothing but high songs, and my approach to writing them was energy—and that’s all I could think of.” Casey said he wanted to create songs like the a little bit different than some of the previous ways. I had people send me tracks, and I wrote ones he turned to for emotional support when the melodies and the lyrics to the track that he was younger. was sent to me; some of the other things I “I think sometimes that those songs come created from scratch. I’ve always wanted to from the darkest moments,” he said. “I think try to experiment, to do things like that. Back I write them to pick myself up. When I’m in then, I think I wrote a lot more commercially, the studio, I’m not thinking about energy or and probably not as lyrically as I’ve been anything like that; I’m just thinking about writing recently.” what flows out of my hands onto the keys It’s taken a long time for Casey to change and the idea of the song. I’ve always loved up the band’s commercial sound—but that dancing and up-tempo music anyway, even growing up, but I’m a word guy, so I really liked doesn’t mean he hasn’t tried. “A lot of times when I did try to change, ballads that say something to me or soften
Harry Wayne Casey of KC and the Sunshine Band.
people didn’t want to let me change,” Casey said. “… After I left one record company, I’d bring something, and they’d say, ‘That doesn’t sound like KC and the Sunshine Band,’ and the minute I make it sound like KC and the Sunshine Band, they say, ‘Well, that sounds dated.’ As I’ve gotten older, I’ve definitely felt like my songs are more lyrical than they’ve ever been.” Casey said his upcoming string of new releases would begin sometime in 2024. While they may not be as chart-friendly as his past funk jams, the artist, now 72, is proud of them. “I’m going to release eight albums—eight EPs, kind of—with eight songs on them,” he said. “My logo has always been the rainbow. … There are seven colors of the rainbow, so each one of the EPs has a different color, and then the final album is all the colors together. One will come out every month for seven months,
and then the eighth month is the release of all of them. My engineer that I’ve been working with to this day is Bob Rosa, and he’s worked with Prince, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion and a number of amazing artists. We’ve kind of been remixing them for the third time, and they’re sounding really, really good. I’m very excited about it. I think I’ve never sounded better, and I think there are some great songs in there. There’s up-tempo; there’s midtempo; there are ballads, and I’ve done a couple of covers.” KC & the Sunshine Band will perform at 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 31, at The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, in Rancho Mirage. Tickets start at $55 and include entry to the Zowie Bowie Dance Party at 9:45 p.m. For tickets or more information, call 800-514-3849, or visit aguacalientecasinos.com. CVIndependent.com
52 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
The Venue REPORT continued from page 47 Waring Drive, Palm Desert; 760-340-2787; www. mccallumtheatre.com. Fantasy Springs features fantastic entertainment in December. At 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1, Canadian rock singer and former frontman of The Guess Who, Burton Cummings, will visit Indio. Tickets start at $39. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, enjoy the style and sounds of two-time Latin Grammy winner Chiquis Rivera. Tickets start at $49. 1990s rock anthem creators Bush head to the Coachella Valley for a special desert show at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8. Tickets start at $59. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, get into the Christmas spirit, and enjoy some timeless hits, by classic performer Gladys Knight. Tickets start at $59. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 760-342-5000; www. fantasyspringsresort.com. Spotlight 29 has an interesting variety of December entertainment. At 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1, enjoy musica para bailar with a performance by Grupo Niche. Tickets start at $30. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, answer the age-old question, “What is Hip?” when funk stars Tower of Power bring the jams—and some holiday hits, too. Tickets start at $26. At 3 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, get your Palm Springs-style fix of holiday music all the way in the east valley with the help of A Rat Pack Christmas. The event is free. You must be 21 or older to attend Spotlight 29 shows. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella; 760775-5566; www.spotlight29.com. Morongo Casino is offering an assortment of music and comedy. At 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 11, pop-country outfit Parmalee brings their cowboy boots to the high desert. Tickets start at $20. SoCal power punkers Lit intend to rock at 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14. Tickets start at the oddly specific amount of $9.31. At 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15, Sinaloa-based 19-piece Latin act Banda Los Sebastianes is set to perform. Tickets start at $39. Get in the mood for some sultry vocals from legendary vocal group The Whispers at 8
p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16. Available tickets start at $76. At 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 28, game show host, voice actor and funnyman Howie Mandel returns to the desert. Tickets start at $39. Morongo Casino Resort Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 800-252-4499; www. morongocasinoresort.com. Agua Caliente in Rancho Mirage has events galore! At 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, enjoy some Christmas flair from the new age and rock combo group Mannheim Steamroller. Tickets start at $45. The No. 1 male revue in the world returns yet again at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8, when Australia’s Thunder From Down Under takes over The Show stage. Tickets start at $15. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, enjoy Enanitos Verdes, pop-rock from Argentina. Tickets start at $65. One of the top country artists of the decade, Chris Young, heads to Rancho Mirage at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15. Tickets start at $75. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, power-pop rocker and actor Rick Springfield will serenade the night away with his radio hits. Tickets start at $40. Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-999-1995; www.aguacalientecasinos.com. At Agua Caliente Palm Springs, it is residency business as usual. Desert Blues Revival Wednesdays welcome local retro-rockers The Dreamboats for a night of holiday hits (Dec. 6), Best of Coachella Valley winners The Gand Band for their “Blues Brothers Holiday Spectacular” (Dec. 13), more local love from stellar vocalist Hope Diamond and Friends, performing “A Bluesy Holiday” (Dec. 20), and Long Beach-based blues, rock and soul from The Broughams (Dec. 27). Shows are at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $15 to $19, available at eventspalmsprings.com. Jazzville Thursdays feature Americana jazz from Holly Street Stompers (Dec. 7), Margo Rey and the All-Star Latin Jazz Quartet presenting “A Latin Jazz Christmas” (Dec. 14), a mix of ’20s and ’30s vintage swing from Ginger and the Hoosier Daddys (Dec. 21), and the hard-swinging
LiveWaterWise
It’s easy. Repair drips and leaks. A leak as small as the tip of a pen can waste more than 200 gallons per day. CVWaterCounts.com.
CVIndependent.com
EVERY DROP COUNTS!
multi-genre Jazzville favorite, NUTTY (Dec. 28). Shows take place at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $15, available at jazzvillepalmsprings.com. Caliente Comedy Fridays offer laughs by David Studebaker (Dec. 1), Audrey Stewart (Dec. 8), John Caparulo (Dec. 15) and Jay Light (Dec. 22). Shows are at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $7.99 to $24.99, available at www. eventspalmsprings.com. Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs; 888-999-1995; www.sparesortcasino.com. Pappy and Harriet’s has the good stuff, as always—but bring a sweater! At 9 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3, British rock/soul icon and Palm Desert resident Terry Reid will perform an intimate show close to home. Tickets start at $25. Indie rockers Harbour will light up the indoor stage for a night of loud music and fun at 9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14. Tickets start at $18. At 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15, celebrate Christmas the noisy and punk way when FIDLAR presents “FIDmas” at the Pioneertown Palace. Tickets are $50.99. Up-and-coming hardcore rockers The Bobby Lees intend to heat up the cold desert night at 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16. Tickets start at $20. At 9:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22, hear an eclectic mix of genres and holiday Christmas tunes from Pearl’s Cosmic Rock ’n’ Roll Holiday Show. Tickets start at $20. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; 760-228-2222; www. pappyandharriets.com. Oscar’s features some top-notch music and drag events. At 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5, enjoy “A Holiday Evening” with John Lloyd Young, a Tony- and Grammy-winning Broadway star. Tickets start at $39.95. Broadway star, actor and voice actor Kevin Chamberlin makes his Palm Springs concert debut with an evening of music at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8. Tickets start at $35. At 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, get dragged into Christmas thanks to some hilarious holiday hijinks from queen Jackie Beat. Tickets start at $39.95. Pay homage to Barbra Streisand when Steven Brinberg pulls off
The Dreamboats
“Simply Barbra,” a holiday show dedicated to the legend, at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 19. Tickets start at $35. You have two chances—at 7 and 9:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 21—to catch Lady Bunny presenting “A Very Blue X-Mas,” featuring drag, comedy, holiday tunes and insanity. Tickets start at $55.95. Oscar’s Palm Springs, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs; 760-325-1188; oscarspalmsprings.com/ events. The Purple Room in Palm Springs is bringing a lot of favorites back to the legendary venue. At 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9, enjoy the “Dragapella” experience of the musical drag outfit Kinsey Sicks, presenting “Oy Vey in a Manger.” Tickets start at $45. At 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15 and 16, renowned jazz vocalist Jane Monheit brings her holiday show to Palm Springs. Available tickets start at $55. Tickets are moving fast for vocal and cello duo Branden and James, with some tickets left for their performance at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22. Tickets start at $45. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-322-4422; www. purpleroompalmsprings.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 53
DECEMBER 2023
We’re Doing Business with PRIDE in the Coachella Valley. Our 250 members support equality – and they support you! See what our members have to offer at desertbusiness.org
Affiliate Chamber
HELP THE INDEPENDENT FOCUS FORWARD Become a sustaining Supporter of the Independent, and get our exclusive members' newsletter— including a digital sneak preview of our print edition.
TICKETS
DECEMBER 24 | 7PM
Go to cvindependent.com and click the "Support Us!" button! CVIndependent.com
54 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
MUSIC
the
LUCKY 13
Get to better know the badass drummers for Instigator and Cálmala by matt king back in 1985, that was also his first album he bought in the U.S. What bands are you listening to right now? A lot of Demolition Hammer, Hallows Eve, and Metallica, of course. I also listen to a lot of Thin Lizzy and Lynyrd Skynyrd. What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get? Bad Bunny! His music just sucks! What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? Even though I’ve seen them live a few times already, I’d love to see Metallica back in the ’80s with Cliff Burton in the lineup.
NAME Brian Perales GROUP Instigator MORE INFO Since 2016, the members of Instigator have become a kickass thrashmetal band, via both original compositions and riotous live shows—and they’ve survived being a high school band. Although the band has gone through multiple drummers, they have never made a bad choice, and new drummer Brian Perales is nailing their heavyhitting, ferocious sound, elevating the band to a new level of rock firepower. Can catch the intense Instigator experience at a house show on Saturday, Dec. 9, or at the Glass House in Pomona, when the band opens for Brujeria on Sunday, Dec. 10. For more information, visit instagram.com/instigatorband. What was the first concert you attended? It was back in 2009, when I was 16. It was a yearly festival in the Los Angeles area called Thrasho De Mayo. The year I went, it was at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood and had Exumer headlining (a great German thrash band). It also had great opening bands from the L.A. area like Sakrificer, Witchaven, Fueled by Fire, etc. What was the first album you owned? Metallica’s Ride the Lightning. It was a special one, because when my dad moved out to L.A. CVIndependent.com
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure? My guilty pleasure song-wise is “My Melody of Love” by Bobby Vinton. As for a genre, I like ’80s darkwave like the Cure and Depeche Mode. Really good music! What’s your favorite music venue? It has to be the old House of Blues in Hollywood before it was closed down. What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? “Lucifer goes walkin’ down for you to meet,” “Rock Bottom” by UFO. What band or artist changed your life? Definitely, hands-down, Metallica. I remember my dad playing their music since I was little, so their music was always around. I remember my dad bought me Cliff ’Em All! on DVD, which is all these different live performances of Metallica when Cliff Burton was in the band. Seeing Cliff Burton’s bass solo literally sold me on I want to do that for the rest of my life. It’s funny, because I started off as a bass player, and I’m a drummer now, but that video is what basically started my musical journey. You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? I definitely would like to talk to James
Hetfield. I’d ask him what advice he has on being a musician and also how he writes his lyrics, and where his inspiration for those lyrics come from. I’ve always wanted to be a lyricist, but it’s so hard.
What was the first concert you attended? Coachella fest 2007. So many great bands like Rage Against the Machine, Manu Chao, Willie Nelson and Interpol.
What song would you like played at your funeral? “Goodbye to Romance” by Ozzy Osbourne.
What was the first album you owned? The Adolescents, Adolescents.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? That is a hard one for me, but I’d have to go with Master of Puppets by Metallica. It has one of my all-time-favorite songs on it, “Disposable Heroes.” What song should everyone listen to right now? Go listen to “Bonded by Blood” by Exodus! NAME Rafael “Rafa” Rodriguez GROUPS Cálmala, Café Canela, Black Market Jazz MORE INFO Cálmala emerged earlier this year, and their brand of groovy psychedelic cumbia mixed with darker, mystical elements quickly got the Coachella Valley dancing. Drummer/percussionist Rafael “Rafa” Rodriguez is integral to the band’s sound, using his cumbia and rock sensibilities to create the perfect backtrack for Cálmala’s shifting sound. You may also know him from the soul grooves of Café Canela, and his embrace of a more traditional form of improvisation with Black Market Jazz.
What bands are you listening to right now? Gregory Isaacs, Chico Che, Bad Brains, Café Canela and Waylon Jennings. What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get? I guess I would say the musical trend of glorifying the selling of drugs or trafficking drugs. I just can’t vibe with that. Music is hypnotic, and it could easily sway you into whatever direction the composer sets for you. What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? Bob Marley and the Wailers circa 1979. What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure? Lil Yachty, “drive ME crazy!” I have no idea how it came to my attention, but I hope he explores this style a bit more! What’s your favorite music venue? That I have been to: The Mayan Theater has a pretty cool layout. That I have played at: Coachella 2019, with Ocho Ojos. What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? “Did you know that true love asks for nothing,” Stevie Wonder in “As.” He sings it so confidently and strongly, exclaiming it as fact. What band or artist changed your life? Oh man! The Beatles. I know that might sound cliché, but I only really started to listen to them within the past five years. You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? “How intense where rehearsals with so many badass individuals?” to Duke Ellington. What song would you like played at your funeral? “Tudo se Transformou,” Paulinho Da Viola. Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? Clifford Brown and Max Roach at Basin Street. So much musical knowledge packed in one album. What song should everyone listen to right now? Ebo Taylor and Uhuru Yenzu, “You Need Love.”
DECEMBER 2023
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 55
OPINION COMICS & JONESIN’ CROSSWORD
Beatles title Down 28. Five-in-a-row board 30. Summer 2023 1. Philippines’ secondgame created in phenomenon that largest island 1978 takes about five 2. Neighborhood near 31. Often-imitated 1976 Across hours to complete Dodger Stadium movie character 1. Way to travel from 33. “You’ve changed 3. Movin’ Out 32. Docs that use Victor Hugo to my mind” choreographer endoscopes Voltaire 36. Vocal range Twyla 34. Check beneficiary 6. 1962 Crystals hit featured by The 4. Lead, for one 35. Silica gel pack “___ a Rebel” King’s Singers 5. Linear warning 9. Toast site 38. Sit and mope 6. What poblano 37. Actress Phylicia of 12. ___ Frisé (poofy 41. Big name on a cup? peppers passably Creed breed) 42. Genetic blueprint pack 38. In order to 13. Bus. numbers 43. In trouble, perhaps 7. Some mushroom 39. Lacking the know15. ___ B. Wells (civil 45. Expresses payoffs, in most how rights icon) disapproval Mario games 40. Crazy Horse, for one 16. Suck it up? 46. “See ya” 8. 2003 NBA Rookie of 44. Cringe-inducing 17. Superior to 48. Lack the Year Amar’e things, in recent 18. ___ & Bradstreet 50. Euphoria network 9. Commander’s slang (credit-rating firm) 51. Nickname of an ex superiors? 45. Singing D&D classes 19. Like scratch-andin a big 2023 memoir 10. Full-grown animals 47. Mode of The sniff stickers 52. Like some Navy 11. Sought, as an office Incredibles 20. The “real me”, rescues 12. Sci. locale with 48. Apply haphazardly maybe 53. Key below X microscopes 49. Essen article 22. Arctic reindeer 54. Good thing to feel? 14. Tore herder 55. Zombielike 21. Footnote material © 2023 Matt Jones 23. Append 56. Rooibos or oolong 25. Action film 24. Ugly Betty actress 57. Conductor ___adventurer Williams Find the answers in Ortiz Pekka Salonen 26. Returns something the “About” section at 25. Ice cream stripe 58. Harassed late, maybe CVIndependent.com! 29. Outdated name in a 27. Call routing systems “Free-Flowing”—it’s that time again! By Matt Jones
CVIndependent.com
56 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
DECEMBER 2023
An Aesthetic Oasis Discover the Premier Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center of the Coachella Valley.
Mark V. Sofonio, M.D., F.A.C.S. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
w w w.drsofon i o.com
71885 H I G H WAY 1 1 1 CVIndependent.com
• R A N C H O M I R AG E •
76 0 - 3 41- 5555