Coachella Valley Independent February 2022

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FEBRUARY 2022

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 writer Kevin Fitzgerald coveR and feature design Dennis Wodzisz Contributors Max Cannon, Kevin Carlow, Stuart Cohn, Melissa Daniels, Charles Drabkin, Katie Finn, Bill Frost, Bonnie Gilgallon, Bob Grimm, Valerie-Jean (VJ) Hume, Clay Jones, Matt Jones, Jocelyn Kane, Matt King, Keith Knight, Kay Kudukis, Cat Makino, Brett Newton, Greg Niemann, Dan Perkins, Theresa Sama, Andrew Smith, Jen Sorenson, Robert Victor The Coachella Valley Independent print edition is published every month.

All content is ©2022 and may not be published or reprinted in any form without the written permission of the publisher.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.

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On Feb. 14, depending on the state of the pandemic, I’ll either be at the City Council chambers at Palm Springs City Hall, or I’ll be on a Zoom awards ceremony—because the Independent is being honored due to our work during the pandemic.

The City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission is honoring eight organizations and individuals with its annual Community Service Awards.

According to the announcement, “This year’s eight outstanding honorees significantly enhanced the quality of life in Palm Springs when the community was in crisis managing the pandemic.”

The organizations being honored are Vaccinate Inland Empire (VAXIE), due to the group’s amazing efforts to help people get vaccinated; and the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation, for increasing awareness of and access to COVID-19-related health services.

The individuals are Ann Sheffer, for her investment in local arts; Chad Gardner, a restaurant owner with a history of giving to and supporting the community; Nikki Stone, for volunteering time to numerous local organizations; Vincent Corrales, for preparing/ delivering meals and running errands for people in need; and Blackbook owner Dean Lavine, for his support of charitable and fundraising events.

The final individual being honored is, well, yours truly.

Here’s what the award announcement said: “Jimmy Boegle is recognized for aligning business goals and initiatives with causes and social issues that benefit the broader community during a time of significant challenges for him personally. Founder, editor and publisher of the Coachella Valley Independent, Jimmy Boegle is committed to keeping the community informed of the pandemic science and data from the medical community. Jimmy is credited for keeping honest, ethical, independent local journalism alive during the COVID crises while at the same time supporting nonprofit organizations, promoting youth housing, and access to health and social services. Like most businesses, revenue streams were severely impacted by the impact of the pandemic. The changing economy and competition from tech platforms made it difficult to continue to deliver honest, local and transparent journalism. Jimmy Boegle stayed true to his values and commitment to the community he serves and continued to keep the community informed so they could manage the pandemic safely and make informed decisions.”

I’d like to thank some folks. First: Thank you to the City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission for the honor.

Second: A huge thank-you to the Independent’s staff and contributors. I feel a bit sheepish about being personally honored like this, because in reality, this honor goes to everyone involved with the Independent; the paper is a product of all our hard work and creativity, after all.

Finally, I want to thank you, our readers.

Without you, the Independent would not exist.

Thank you for your support, both moral and financial, throughout this seemingly neverending pandemic.

Welcome to the February 2022 print edition of the Coachella Valley Independent—our Arts Issue, with previews of Modernism Week and Intersect Palm Springs. As always, thanks for reading.

—Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 3

FEBRUARY 2022

10-13 FEBRUARY 2022 Intersect Palm Springs is a boutique fair that brings together a dynamic mix of modern and contemporary art and design galleries, and is activated by timely and original programming.

PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTER

Paula Crown Untitled Aspen Map (orange), 2021 Acrylic and inkjet print on flex gesso linen 60 x 48 in 152 x 121 cm Courtesy of the artist and Friends of the Desert Mountains

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OPINION OPINION

HIKING WITH T F

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION

Safely enjoy the gorgeous Randall Henderson Trail— and get ready for the Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival

BY THERESA SAMA

or a few years before the pandemic, I helped organize the 5k on the Randall Henderson Loop Trail that kicked off the Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival on the first Saturday every March. Many of the participants still proudly wear “I survived the Wildflower 5k!” shirts.

Today, as COVID-19 remains a threat, many people are still trying to avoid crowds. In the interim, we must use our creativity and find a safe way to continue on, so instead of the 5k, the Wildflower Festival is promoting something called the 30x30x30 (30 miles in 30 days to raise $30) during which we can get out and enjoy the trails safely in small groups.

More on that later; in the meantime, let’s talk about the Randall Henderson Loop Trail. It is a 2.5-mile (give or take) loop beginning at 1,000 feet, with around 425 feet of elevation gain. It “Now, due to the pandemic, every hike has includes three smaller loops (the Wash, Cholla, limited numbers of small groups (10 to 12 and Canyon loops) within the perimeter of people), and everything must be scheduled the main trail; this offers a variety of mileage using the calendar on the Friends website. … and workout options. The trail is located just You can click on the map and send directions off the parking lot at the Santa Rosa and directly to your cell phone. It’s pretty cool,” San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Nuckels said.

Visitor Center, on Highway 74 north of Palm She also pointed out that pandemic-era Desert. It’s a perfect trail for beginners, and hikes often reach the limited capacity, so they it’s good for a quick run or mountain-biking have expanded the number of tours to accomworkout as well. Note that dogs are not modate the growing number of interested allowed on the trail. hikers. A $5 per person donation is suggested The best time of year to be on this trail is when signing up for these guided hikes. from October to March, so now is a perfect The hiking tours are most informative. Nucktime to get out and enjoy all the new blooms, els talks to her groups and explains how the cholla and ocotillos as you meander along missions of the Friends of the Desert Mounthe trail, through some small canyons, up a tains, whose volunteers also help maintain gradual incline, and then along the ridges as the land, and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto you wind your way back down to the starting Mountains National Monument are pretty point. You may even be fortunate enough to much one in the same: to “protect and preserve catch a glimpse of the endangered peninsular the land for future generations to enjoy!” desert bighorn sheep. If you do happen to see When I asked Nuckels about her favorite the bighorn sheep (or any desert animal), be trail in the Coachella Valley, her response careful; keep your distance; and do not disturb came as no surprise: “It’s hard to choose any them. You are in their territory, so please particular trail as a favorite, because they all respect that. have certain uniqueness about them,” she said Guided hikes are offered January through immediately. I couldn’t agree more; I have so March by Friends of the Desert Mountains’ many favorites myself. fabulous volunteers, who support the staff She did mention that one of her many at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is favorites is the Indio Hills Badlands Trail. To currently closed due to the pandemic, but reach it, take the Golf Center Parkway exit you can schedule your guided hike online at from Interstate 10; the trail is just north of the www.desertmountains.org/calendar. As you freeway, at the end of Golf Center Parkway and can see on the online calendar, interpretative Avenue 42. It’s a moderate loop, a little more hikes and other events are offered on many than 5 miles, that traverses the San Andreas trails throughout the Coachella Valley. The Fault, with twisted and distressed rocks that Randall Henderson Trails interpretative have been uplifted and moved over millions hike is currently scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on of years. The trail also features beautiful Thursdays. The entry gate should be open, but if it is closed, you may park across the street or wildflowers and is best used from November to around the area—but use caution if you will be April. Dogs on leash are welcome. According to Nuckels, the trail starts out being pretty boring crossing busy Highway 74. … until you get into the slot canyons. As she Ada Nuckels, a Friends of the Desert explains: “Holy Cow! I never knew anything Mountains volunteer and hike leader, said that like this existed in the Coachella Valley. … If their “full moon hikes” exceed everything else you continue on and go up to the ridge, you can they do in terms of popularity. She went on see all of Coachella Valley, Mount San Jacinto to say that pre-pandemic turnouts for the full moon hikes were unlimited and well above 100. and the Salton Sea, all the way down to the CVIndependent.com

Cottonwood entrance of Joshua Tree.” This is one trail I have not experienced, but I will soon be checking it out—with Ada as my guide.

Nuckels also has a huge role in helping to prepare for and organize the Friends of the Desert Mountains’ annual Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival. It takes place Saturday, March 5, and will return to the Palm Desert’s Civic Center Park this year, with a huge thank you to the city of Palm Desert as the main sponsor.

In addition to the in-person one-day festival, the CVWF will run the entire month of March with various do-it-yourself activities, such as the aforementioned 30x30x30. You can walk, hike, run, ride or roll regardless of where you live, and challenge yourself and as you help the Friends raise funds. Participants will have their

Wildflowers on the Randall Henderson Trail. Theresa Sama

own unique fundraising page at www.desertmountains.org/cvwf. Everyone who completes the minimum of 30 miles within the month of March will earn a special CVWF T-shirt.

Other fun virtual activities include “Flowers in the Field.” You can grab your hiking boots, water and camera, and jump in your car with the Friends’ Field Guide to go visit all the wildflower hotspots in and around the Coachella Valley. There will also be a scavenger hunt, a youth art contest, a silent auction and more.

Please continue to be vigilant and be safe out there. Remember to keep your distance; wear a mask (even if you’re vaccinated and boosted); and use hand sanitizer. Also, don’t forget the 10 Desert Essentials (www. desertmountains.org/10-essentials) when you’re out and about on the trails.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 5

FEBRUARY 2022

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NEWS

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MOVING THE LINES

Palm Desert begins the redistricting process—and ponders whether to let voters decide the future number of districts

by kevin fitzgerald

O

n Jan. 13, the Palm Desert City Council held its first public hearing on the “re-drawing of council member boundaries”—a process that’s taking place in cities across the state and country following the 2020 United States Census.

However, in Palm Desert, the situation is a little more complicated than normal, thanks to the city’s decidedly unique two-district format.

Mal Richardson, of Best, Best & Krieger—the law firm hired by the city to manage this year’s redistricting effort—opened the hearing portion of the meeting with a review of how the redistricting process works, and a discussion of next steps and additional required hearings. by one City Council member, must be The once-a-decade redistricting process between 18.4% and 21.6% of the city’s total is intended to ensure that all districts have population. The population of District 2— equal populations, more or less. The new the rest of the city, represented by four City California Fair Maps Act requires that Palm Desert’s redistricting process be completed by Council members—must be between 78.4% and 81.6% of the total population.

April 17 of this year.

An adjustment will need to be made, Palm Desert moved from an at-large voting because the 2020 U.S. Census showed the system to a two-district system in 2020, after current District 1 population to equal just settling a lawsuit brought by two Palm Desert 18.1% percent of the city total, with District 2 residents claiming the city was violating the equaling 81.9%. A demographer working with 2001 California Voting Rights Act. According the city will be submitting map proposals to the terms of that settlement, the throughout the process, beginning with the population of District 1 (sometimes referred second public hearing, slated for Jan. 27. to as the downtown district), represented

Opens February 18!

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Mal Richardson, of Best, Best & Krieger—the law firm hired by Palm Desert to manage this year’s redistricting effort—explains the process during the Jan. 13 City Council meeting.

City residents are encouraged to submit their own proposed boundaries in map form at any time prior to the third public hearing, scheduled for Feb. 24. A fourth public hearing is scheduled for March 10. Details on the entire process can be found at www. engagepalmdesert.com/2022-redistricting.

Back in 2019 and 2020, there was an impassioned debate regarding the wisdom of creating only two districts in Palm Desert rather than adopting the more-traditional paradigm of five districts, with each represented by one councilmember. Just 11 minutes into the Jan. 13 meeting, this “elephant in the room” was put before the council by Palm Desert resident Joan Speer, who asked during the public comment (via phone): “I’m wondering why we are spending so much time on redistricting for two districts, when going to a five districts system now provides local and fair representation for all parts of Palm Desert.”

Shortly afterward, Mayor Jan Harnik addressed the question by apologizing for not including a discussion of the five-district solution as an agenda item for that day’s meeting, despite outgoing Mayor Kathleen Kelly’s request in December to do so. Harnik promised that such a discussion would be included on the Jan. 27 agenda.

Given the time crunch, however, the council may have little choice but to redraw the two district boundaries now, and address the possible five-district arrangement later.

On Oct. 28 of last year, city attorney Robert Hargreaves told the council it had three options for responding to the five-district issue: They could put the question before voters in an upcoming election; they could vote to make the change themselves; or they could maintain the status quo and continue with two districts.

Whether there’s an appetite on the part

of the current council to reopen this thorny question remains uncertain.

“The point of not having five districts is to keep people as focused as possible on the interests of the entire city,” said Kathleen Kelly, one of the District 2 council members, in a subsequent interview. “You know, it’s not a huge city; 52,000 people is not a really large number in the scheme of things. So the point of not having five districts is to keep everybody focused on the common good and prevent people from becoming too provincial.

I think that five districts is a great solution for a jurisdiction that, frankly, (has a) tradition where one part of the city is better resourced than other parts, and the resourced part is electing the people who are making the decisions. When that pattern exists, districts are a great solution. People should look carefully at whether, in our circumstance, it’s a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.”

While Palm Desert’s population is small compared to many cities in California, there are other examples of cities with populations of 50,000 or less—like Lincoln, Menlo Park and Palm Springs—where five districts have been created. Kelly said she thinks it may be best to put the matter in front of voters.

“The possibility of putting this issue on the ballot is what I asked (the mayor) to place on the agenda for discussion,” Kelly said. “I want to be careful about not taking a firm position until I listen to everybody’s input and participate in that discussion, but that’s certainly the direction in which I’m leaning.

I think that when it comes to the basic decisions about government, we are elected to do the research and make those decisions … but how we get chosen to do that, I can see more properly being the province of the voters. So I see a basis for distinguishing that issue from other issues that we’re elected to deal with.”

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 7

FEBRUARY 2022

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NEWS

BETTER HEALTH C

DAP launches the Coachella Valley’s first syringeservice (needle-exchange) and harm-reduction program

by jimmy boegle

J Tobe understands why some people are opposed to syringe-service (aka needle-exchange) programs for drug-users—because he used to be one of those people.

But personal experience—as well as good-old-fashioned scientific data—changed Tobe’s mind, and today, he’s overseeing DAP Health’s just-announced Harm Reduction Program. The syringe-service program received state authorization to operate in Palm Springs on Jan. 10, becoming the second such program in Riverside County to get the state’s OK. “We have a mobile clinic that will go around the city of Palm Springs 24 hours a week,” said Tobe, DAP Health’s director of community health and sexual wellness. (Full disclosure: Tobe is a friend of mine, and I am personally a supporter important role in reducing the transmission of viral hepatitis, HIV and other infections. of DAP Health.) “Participants will be bringing Research shows that new users of SSPs are five in their used drug equipment, including their times more likely to enter drug treatment and syringes or their points, and giving them to us about three times more likely to stop using to properly dispose.” drugs than those who don’t use the programs.

Tobe noted that giving people fresh syringSSPs that provide naloxone also help decrease es—and other items they need to inject as opioid overdose deaths. SSPs protect the public safely as possible—has been proven to be one of the most effective tools in reducing new HIV and first responders by facilitating the safe disposal of used needles and syringes.” and hepatitis C cases. However, the program’s Science aside, Tobe said he was only goals go well beyond just syringe service. convinced about the effectiveness of these “It’s not just, ‘You give us your used equipprograms thanks to personal experience. ment, and we give you new equipment,’” Tobe “I can see how the perception would be said. “It’s, ‘Well, what else do you need help that, ‘Oh, if you’re giving somebody drug with today? Do you need housing? Do you equipment, then you’re enabling people to use need to talk to a housing case manager? Do drugs,’” Tobe said. “In 2014, when I ended up you need food? What about medical care? running a syringe-service program in Colorado, When was the last time you had your blood my perception was people who use drugs are sugar or blood pressure checked? Do you see a only those who do not have roofs over their primary-care doctor?’ We can help enroll them heads—people without jobs, etc. into insurance. We can then connect them “Then, one day, a nurse walks in, in scrubs, to any kind of medical or social-support serafter work, to access this program. She vices, internally at DAP or through any of our disclosed to me that she was injected with community partners. We may have a person heroin at the age of 12 by her uncle. So were that says they actually want to stop (using) her siblings, and she’s been addicted to heroin right then and there, and they want to be in a for 20-plus years, but she still made it through recovery or treatment center. We will immedinursing school. She told me … she feels ately contact one of our partners and get them horrible using drugs before she comes into enrolled into one of those treatment centers.” work and on her lunch break, and being high DAP Health’s Harm Reduction Program while caring for patients. Over six months, will also include the distribution of Narcan/ we were able to work together. We met twice naloxone, which can save the life of someone a week, and we were able to reduce her use who is overdosing on opioids; and the to only using at night (after work), so she distribution of fentanyl test strips, so drugs was never putting her patients at risk. Harm can be tested to decrease the likelihood of reduction looks different for every single overdoses. Finally, DAP Health has set up a person accessing this program.” phone number (760-992-0453) and email DAP’s Harm Reduction Program has even address (HarmReduction@DAPHealth.org) received a thumbs-up from Palm Springs Police which members of the community can use to Chief Andy Mills. report findings of used syringes or other drug “It’s important to remember the dynamics paraphernalia. that go into a program like this,” Mills said, The effectiveness of harm-reduction according to a press release. “That’s what programs is proven science. According to the excites me. Not only is DAP Health looking at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helping people, but genuinely helping people “Nearly 30 years of research has shown that so they are not destructive to themselves or comprehensive (syringe-service programs, or SSPs) are safe, effective and cost-saving, do not our community.”

The program is being launched at a time increase illegal drug use or crime, and play an CVIndependent.com

CJ Tobe, DAP Health’s director of community health and sexual wellness, holds up a package of Narcan nasal spray. It can save the life of someone in the midst of an opioid overdose.

when it’s definitely needed—and in a place where it’s definitely needed. Tobe said HIV cases have risen throughout the region during the pandemic, and Palm Springs is well-known as a place to come to “party and play” for gay men. He also said that the 92262 zip code has experienced a 300 percent higher overdose death rate than the state as a whole during the pandemic.

Tobe said this sort of work is personal for him, based on what he went through after receiving an AIDS diagnosis in 2010 as a young gay man in Ohio.

“I was completely uneducated on HIV—and comfortably being a gay man,” Tobe said. “I ended up going through three years of mentalhealth therapy, where I was suicidal. One day, I woke up and decided, ‘You know what? I’m

not happy here in Ohio, and I’m going to move to Palm Springs.’ So I moved to Palm Springs.

I spent about four to six weeks where I was couch-surfing, and spending some nights at Ruth Hardy Park. So I’ve seen this community struggle as a gay man, with the party-and-play community, and with people who don’t have roofs over their heads.”

DAP Health’s Harm Reduction Program is currently authorized only in Palm Springs’ zip codes. Tobe said he hopes the program, or others like it, can be soon expanded throughout the Coachella Valley.

“The more programs we have to support people who are going through their addiction journey, the better they’re going to live their lives,” Tobe said. “It’s going to improve health outcomes.”

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 9

FEBRUARY 2022

NEWS

FIBER FUTURE A

The city of Indio starts the process of building its own broadband network

by Kevin fitzgerald

s 2022 began, there were 17 municipal broadband providers in California. That number will increase to 18 when Beverly Hills Fiber, in the city of Beverly Hills, starts signing up customers later this year, according to ConnectCalifornia, whose website describes the company as “a market research firm and boutique consultancy for broadband and related connected home service companies in the California market.”

It’s possible the city of Indio could become No. 19—and the first city in Coachella Valley—to build own fiber-based broadband network. In late October of last year, the city launched its Fiber Master Plan project, with a goal of ascertaining whether the quality of life and real-world information being gleaned from the survey is functionality of residents and businesses much-needed. would be improved if the city could help “Essentially, what we’re asking people to do provide them with high-quality, affordable and is help us shape our digital roadmap,” Beare consistent broadband access. said. “It’s integral to how we communicate Kevin Snyder, Indio’s director of community with each other, and also how we educate development, is awaiting the results of a our children. During the pandemic, it was survey of Indio’s residents and businesses. so difficult to make sure that everyone had “I would say that there are probably two equitable internet access so that they could major objectives,” Snyder told the Independent. work remotely.

“One is that fiber has become very important The survey data is being interpreted quickly, to the economic development of communities.

Snyder said.

So, in many ways, it’s become as important “We’ll take the information, download to economic development as having water it and have our consultants go through it,” services or good roads. … The other is the Snyder said. “We’ve kind of fast-tracked this, social activity aspect. During the pandemic, because we know that there’s going to be a lot those communities that, as a whole, did not of funding coming down the pike from both have good broadband access were challenged the federal and state governments. We want to in (providing) access to the internet, and the make sure the city has answered some of these services on the internet, whether it was for important policy and strategic questions so schooling, for business purposes, or for access that we’re in a position to receive some of that to health information. funding, if it’s appropriate. We’ve established a “Broadband, in many ways, is going to pretty quick turnaround, and we’re hoping to help close the gap between haves and havehave this wrapped up by mid-spring of 2022 nots. If (the city) doesn’t have good available with our council, so that we’re positioned as broadband, then there may be businesses that the federal and state agencies start doing their don’t want to come to the community, or there grant processes or direct appropriations.” may be businesses that leave the community.

According to ConnectCalifornia, “of the Also, there may be businesses that won’t 17 current municipal broadband providers in expand their operations in the community. …

California, only six of them offer residential You have to have that valuable infrastructure services, with just three offering FTTH (fiber in place. It has to be strong, resilient, to the home) service in the last mile. The rest redundant and available.” focus on enterprise and business services, The aforementioned Indio Broadband or are exclusive to municipal services and Survey, through which Indio households and businesses can share their thoughts and needs, anchor institutions like hospitals, libraries and was slated to run through Sunday, Jan. 16. The schools.”

It’s not clear yet what types of service Indio survey was detailed, wide-ranging and lengthy; may provide. some might even call it complicated. Was “We’re looking at what is the best servicethere concern that the survey’s length could delivery model,” Snyder said. “It could be a discourage participation? public-oriented delivery model, which some “To be honest with you, we struggled with that,” Snyder said. “Every community that does cities have done, where they’ve built up their own broadband infrastructure. It could be a this type of survey on this topic (has issues), public-private partnership where we partner because the subject matter is quite technical. with one or more private companies to build And it’s very hard, if not impossible, to get it out that infrastructure, or it could be entirely totally into layman’s terms.” private, and we would be more on the policy Brooke Beare, Indio’s director of side helping to guide and facilitate that. Part of communications and marketing, said the

this master-planning process is to look at what is best for our city, and it’s different for every community. We could do it by ourselves, or we could do a public-private partnership.”

Regardless of the model selected, Indio’s leadership intends for the city to be the first in the Coachella Valley to establish a secure broadband future for its population.

“I think the ultimate objective is to position our city strategically to ensure that we are able to offer a broadband infrastructure at a consistent and high-quality level to address the economic development and social-equity issues that we’ve identified,” Snyder said.

“Many communities don’t know exactly where to go with broadband, because, although we’ve been doing roads and water and sewers for a long time, broadband is relatively new, so the service models for broadband are still evolving.

We will be working with our consultants, our City Council, our city manager and other key staff, as well as the community, to really understand what is the best delivery model, and what is the most realistic delivery model.”

“Residents and businesses (are prioritized) to help the economic development of the city and its growth, and to make sure that on the social-equity side, broadband infrastructure is reasonably and fairly distributed across the community. In the future, if we ever have a situation like the last few years, where internet access became a lifeline for many folks, we won’t have citizens experiencing difficulty getting online. We don’t want to have school districts sending school buses out with Wi-Fi to support neighborhoods. In the future, ideally, we’ll have a strong network backbone to make sure that things like that don’t need to happen.”

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NEWS

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CIVIC SOLUTIONS A

by melissa daniels

lmost everyone I know has that drawer—you know, the one that collects unused sauce packets, plastic-wrapped utensils and paper-covered straws, all sitting unused, waiting for that one fateful moment when someone might need them.

I have tried very hard to not hoard these little plastic and paper items. I don’t use the restaurant-delivery apps. When picking up food to go, I ask restaurants to hold the utensils and extras. I have ketchup and forks and napkins at home!

And yet: I have six packets of soy sauce, five mini containers of margarine, three plastic forks wrapped in plastic, and two Taco Bell “Fire” sauce packets in my silverware drawer. products like straws or packaging be made I took stock of these tiny forgotten products from biodegradable materials. after reading about the new effort in the Palm Springs isn’t the only municipality city of Palm Springs to reduce foodware ringing in the New Year with plans to cut down and food waste. As of Jan. 1, Palm Springs on single-use packaging and/or food waste. restaurants must use reusable foodware and Carlsbad is set to do away with single-use reusable condiment containers for on-site flatware come 2023. Maui banned disposable dining. Plastic is allowed, as long as it isn’t foodware as of Jan 1. Montgomery County, “polystyrene,” or the rigid “Styrofoam” you Md., expanded a polystyrene ban this year. often see used for to-go cups or boxes. It These kinds of rules often generate eyealso prohibits single-use plastic bags, straws rolls and online outrage from people who are and stirrers, and any individual single-use concerned about the higher costs of morecondiment packages. sustainable products, and those who just The ordinance also includes a requirement, don’t see why it makes much of a difference. taking effect next year, that any disposable

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Palm Springs’ new foodware rules are a step in the right direction—but we all need to do our part

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Palm Springs’ restaurants, which have gone through it over the past two years trying to navigate operations in the era of COVID-19, are certainly feeling the financial pressure right now; the idea of the city implementing these new rules at this particular moment may feel onerous. (The implementation was already delayed to give restaurants more time to recover from the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.)

To address such concerns, there are scholarships and hardship waivers available for restaurants that need support during the transition or are concerned about cost. And the city will soon implement a pilot program to provide reusable foodware that restaurants can use for on-site dining or to-go orders to help reduce use of disposable foodware.

Palm Springs City Councilmember Christy Holstege said the city wants to assist businesses in making the transition— and explore innovative ways to make the transition. So far, she said, she hasn’t had anyone reach out with concerns about the move to more sustainable policies; in fact, “green tourism” is increasingly important for destination cities like Palm Springs.

“We know millennials and customers are looking for this,” she said. “Personally, when I eat at a restaurant, and they have reusables, that’s a place I want to frequent. This is about the future, and we have to think about making sure Palm Springs continues being a place that cares about sustainability.”

In fact, younger generations helped kick off

the efforts in Palm Springs. Holstege pointed out the fourth-grade students at Desert Learning Academy who created public-service announcements about concerns regarding disposable straws and foodware, saying they’re part of “a generation of very young people who are asking us to protect the environment, and seeing the obvious impact of plastic waste.”

Such transitions are frightfully necessary when you look at our waste habits. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. generated 292.4 million tons of solid waste in 2018. About half of it—146 million tons—wound up in a landfill. And based on the resonant response to Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up, many of us are feeling quite helpless about how we treat our planet.

In Palm Springs, this is the moment when the policy must be embraced in order for it to be successful and make a difference. Some will argue that individual compost or recycling habits won’t have nearly the effect that largescale decisions—like divesting from fossil fuels or using more renewable energy sources— might yield.

But we shouldn’t throw up our hands and do nothing in our own corners of the world.

Making changes in our own businesses, neighborhoods and eating habits can do more than make us feel better; it can contribute to a collective effort to reimagine the way we consume and dispose.

At the very least, I’m going to put the sauce packets on the kitchen table. Maybe I should use what I already have.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 11

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Meet Earle Strebe, the man who brought movie theaters to the Coachella Valley

by greg niemann

he honor of receiving the first star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars went not to a bigname entertainer like Bob Hope or Frank Sinatra. Instead, it went to a person hardly known outside of Palm Springs, Earle C. Strebe.

When the Walk of Stars was launched in 1992, the first seven inductees were all people who contributed to the fame of Palm Springs: Bob Hope, Ginger Rogers, Ralph Bellamy, Charlie Farrell, Ruby Keeler, William Powell and Earle Strebe—and the No. 1 star honoring Strebe is directly in front of the historic Plaza Theatre.

That’s undeniably where the star belongs—in front of the theater established by Strebe. While Canyon Theatre now is located). In fact, teacher Strebe himself was not in motion pictures, Katherine Finchy helped collect tickets. he was responsible for bringing them to the Strebe built the town’s first movie theater people of the Coachella Valley, and his Palm just south of Frances Stevens Park, across Springs Plaza Theatre was one of eight movie Alejo Road. According to former Mayor Frank theaters he owned and operated.

Bogert, “Everybody went every night. There Born in 1906 in Indiana, Earle Strebe came wasn’t much to do at night.” to Palm Springs during the 1926-27 winter In 1930, Strebe married Frances Bunker, after one year at Butler University, where he the daughter of Bunker’s Garage owner Zaddie was unable to fulfill his basketball scholarship Bunker. Frances, who was then 24, had just due to an enlarged heart. graduated from Los Angeles Osteopathic He was playing football on the grounds of College and began practicing medicine in Palm The Desert Inn when owner Earl Coffman Springs. came out, talked Strebe for a while and offered Over the years, Strebe became a him a job on the spot, that of bellman/night businessman and developer, and helped clerk. Strebe went on to perform numerous his mother-in-law, Zaddie, manage her duties at The Desert Inn, ranging from waiter properties—but his primary love was the to bookkeeper. movies. In 1932, he built the Village Theater in Strebe began showing movies to guests in downtown Palm Springs, an enterprise which the lobby with an old Bell and Howell projector, remained in business until 1980. and soon made a deal with Coffman to operate In the 1920s and 1930s, some movie a movie business in the hotel. As his audiences stars went to nearby Lake Arrowhead for the grew, Strebe moved the “theater” venue to summer—and Strebe followed them and built the Frances Stevens School (where the Palm the first movie theaters in that town, too. Over the years, he would open eight movie theatres throughout Southern California. He owned three in the mountains—in Lake Arrowhead, Crestline and Big Bear—and one at the beach, along with the short-lived Rancho Theater, the El Paseo Theater, the Village Theater (aka the Palm Springs Theater) and the jewel of his chain, the Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs.

The state-of-the-art Plaza Theatre opened on Dec. 12, 1936, with the premiere of Camille starring Greta Garbo and Robert Taylor. Some say the enigmatic Garbo herself attended the opening incognito, wearing blue jeans and a shawl over her head. Before the showing, it is claimed that she went to Strebe’s office and introduced herself, but requested that Strebe respect her anonymity and that he not announce her presence—a request with which he complied.

The Plaza was a popular theater during the 1940s for famous stars to do their broadcasting. Jack Benny, Bob Hope and Amos ’n’ Andy all did radio shows from the Plaza, Earle Strebe. Courtesy of the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.

bringing national attention to downtown Palm Springs.

The historic Plaza Theatre served Palm Springs well for decades. In 1992, Riff Markowitz opened the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, a lively high-stepping show that brought folks in by the busloads, until 2014. Since then, the theater has not been used much, and is currently the subject of a campaign to raise funds for its restoration. It was originally slated to be used as part of the first Oasis Music Festival in late January, but the shows at the Plaza were rescheduled to May due to the COVID-19 spike.

Over the years, Strebe was quick to open his theaters for community activities and charity events. He was also eager and willing to help his community, heading the chamber of commerce, and serving on the Palm Springs City Council for years. An unassuming and modest man, Strebe was extremely well liked.

“He was the nicest guy you could have ever met,” Bogert once said.

Earle’s brother George Strebe and wife,

Ethel, owned The Doll House, among the most famous restaurant/nightclubs in the valley.

Along with his theaters, Earle Strebe owned and managed much of the property in downtown Palm Springs, and was instrumental in a great deal of the town’s development.

He died in 1994 at the age of 88 at home after a long bout with cancer. He and Frances were together for 64 years and lived in the same Palm Springs home for 50 years. She died in 1996 at age 89. They had three daughters.

Of his death in 1994, entertainer Phil Harris of nearby Palm Desert said, “He always had the theaters, and he was always active in promoting Palm Springs. He did a lot for that town. He was a beautiful man.”

Sources for this article include Portrait of the Stars by Gerhard G. Franzel (Palm Springs Walk of Stars, 1999); Nellie’s Boardinghouse by Marjorie B. Bright (ETC Publications, 1981); Palm Springs: Why I Love You, by Tony Burke (Palmesa Inc., 1978); and Palm Springs Legends by Greg Niemann (Sunbelt Publications, 2006).

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FEBRUARY ASTRONOMY

Planets and Bright Stars in Evening Mid-Twilight Jupiter departs the evening sky, For February, 2022

O

N

By Robert Victor

ne bright planet, Jupiter, is visible briefly in the evening (soon to depart)—along with a great many bright stars! In the morning, Venus is at its best and brightest for the year, and showing crescent phases within easy reach of binoculars and small telescopes. Faint Mars edges ever closer to Venus until mid-March. Mercury is visible all month to the lower left of Venus, but binoculars and an unobstructed view toward the east-southeast will make it easier.

Fainter Saturn, squeezing in at month’s end, will replace departing Mercury in March.

February opens with only one bright planet, Jupiter, in the evening sky, shining at magnitude -2.1 and 14 degrees up in west-southwest sky at dusk mid-twilight on Feb. 1. It will drop 5 degrees lower each week at the same stage of twilight, about 40 minutes after sunset. Jupiter will be gone by the end of the third week—even sooner if the each year around Feb. 18, when the star San Jacinto Mountains block your view. appears at opposition, 180 degrees from the But there are plenty of bright stars! On our sun, and is above the horizon all night. You’ll evening twilight map, connect the dots at the find Regulus also on the morning map, low in east (left) ends of these star trails, in clockwise the western sky. order, beginning and ending with its brightest February’s morning sky: For the next several star: Sirius, Procyon, Pollux, Castor, months, the morning sky is where the action E Capella, Aldebaran, Rigel and back to Sirius. will be, with many striking planet pairings and When you do so, you will have drawn the gatherings of the moon and planets.

Winter Hexagon at evening mid-twilight on Venus attains a spectacular peak brilliance of Feb. 1. Its location on Feb. 28 can be drawn by magnitude -4.9 from Feb. 5-14, rises in a dark connecting the west (right) ends of the same sky all month, as much as 2.6 hours before trails, in the same order. sunrise, and attains its highest position in About 40 minutes after sunset, lie down morning twilight around Feb. 20. with your feet toward the south. Sirius, the Venus is worthy of several closeup looks hexagon’s southernmost star and the brightest with optical aid this month, while it’s still quite in the entire sky, shines at magnitude -1.5, near to Earth. The planet’s crescent phase is but it is not as bright as Jupiter. The Hexagon easily resolved with a small telescope or even a seems to have a seventh star, Castor, which pair of 7-power binoculars. Simply find Venus actually doesn’t quite make the grade as a first- when it’s easy to spot in the east-southeast magnitude star, but we include it because it’s before dawn, and keep track of it as the sky only 4.5 degrees from his brighter twin, Pollux. brightens with the approach of sunrise. Don’t Note the bright star Betelgeuse inside the miss it! The next chance will occur around the Hexagon. It marks the brighter shoulder of inferior conjunction of August 2023.

Orion, and Rigel marks the brighter foot.

Ranking next in brightness after Venus Follow the moon nightly at dusk from Feb. in February’s morning sky are two zero2-16. On Feb. 2, the easy, 5% crescent will be magnitude stars: Golden Arcturus, high in the 4 degrees to Jupiter’s lower left. Watch the southwest, and blue-white Vega, high in the waxing gibbous moon hop through the stars of east-northeast.

Taurus, the Bull, Feb. 8-10. On Feb. 8, the 55% Mars glows dimly at magnitude +1.4 to moon is about 6 degrees from the Pleiades. On +1.3 this month. Venus—rounding the sun the next evening, the 64% moon is about 6-7 while moving away from us, with Mars in the degrees northwest of Aldebaran, and on Feb. background—makes the two planets appear 10, the 73% moon is within 5 degrees to the close together in our sky for an extended time. southeast of 1.7-magnitude Elnath, the tip of Mars appears to the lower right of Venus, by the northern horn. On Feb. 13, the 93% moon 9 degrees on Feb. 1, 7 degrees on Feb. 9, 6 is within 4 degrees to the southeast of Pollux, degrees on Feb. 19, and 5 degrees on March the brighter of the “Twin” stars of Gemini. On 1. They’ll appear closest, 3.9 degrees apart, in Feb. 16, the moon, 100 percent illuminated mid-March. and just past full, is within 6 degrees to the Mercury, emerging from its inferior lower left of Regulus, heart of Leo, the Lion. conjunction of Jan. 23, brightens to magnitude This star follows the Winter Hexagon across +1.0 by Feb. 1, and further to +0.5 on Feb. 4, the night sky. Regulus rises north of east into 0.0 on Feb. 11, and -0.1 on Feb. 18 through early evening view during February. Our home early March. Mercury climbs highest for this planet passes between the sun and Regulus apparition—only 8 degrees up in mid-twilight CVIndependent.com

allowing the stars to shine—literally

This sky chart is drawn for latitude 34 degrees north, but may be used in southern U.S. and northern Mexico.

February's evening sky chart.

ROBERT D. MILLER

Deneb

Regulus

Pollux

Castor

Capella

W Procyon Betelgeuse

Aldebaran Jupiter 15 1

8

Rigel Sirius

Fomalhaut

Canopus

Evening mid-twilight occurs

from Southern California—around when Sun is 9 below horizon. Feb. 10, and reaches elongation from the sun, Feb.greatest 1: 42 minutes after sunset.

15:Feb. 40 16. " Binoculars " " 26 degrees, on will come 28: 40 " " planet during in handy to spot the "innermost this moderately unfavorable appearance. Find it to lower left of Venus, by 14 degrees on Feb. 1, and 13 degrees during Feb. 3-9. On Feb. 12, Mercury is 14 degrees to the lower left of the Venus-Mars pair, then 6.6 degrees apart, and forms an isosceles triangle.

Follow the moon in the morning sky during Feb. 15-28. On Feb. 16, the full moon appears 6 degrees to the upper right of Regulus. On Feb. 20 and 21, the waning gibbous moon visits widely to the upper right and then to the upper left of Spica. On Feb. 24, the 43% fat crescent moon is 5 degrees to the upper left of Antares.

On Feb. 27, the 13% crescent visits 10 degrees to the lower right of Venus and 5 degrees below Mars. Binoculars will be required

S

Stereographic Projection

to spot +0.8-magnitudeMap Saturn, 4 degrees

by Robert D. Millerto the lower left of Mercury.

On the next morning, Feb. 28, the 6% crescent is very low, 19 degrees to the lower left of Venus and 6 degrees to the lower right of Mercury. Mars is 5.1 degrees to the lower right of Venus. Saturn rises 3-4 minutes earlier each day and gets easier to see, while Mercury rises ever closer to the time of sunrise.

Illustrations of many of the events described above appear on the Abrams Planetarium monthly Sky Calendar. To subscribe for $12 per year or to view a sample copy, visit www. abramsplanetarium.org/skycalendar.

Robert Victor originated the Abrams Planetarium monthly Sky Calendar in October 1968, and still produces issues occasionally. He enjoys being outdoors sharing the wonders of the night sky, and is hoping for the pandemic to end!

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 15

FEBRUARY 2022

R E A L I Z I N G T H E D R E A M. T O G E T H E R .

BY MELISSA DANIELS

THE trend 2010 inOLIVIER AWARD-WINNING PLAY BY Recent years have seen a new California migration. About a quarter-

KATORI HALL

million residents moved to the Inland Empire and areas east to the Arizona border in 2020, with thousands of households relocating to the desert. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast and arid unincorporated lands lured in newcomers, seemingly offering peace, health and space.

But such resettling can have consequences, as the story of Zzyzx, Calif., reminds us.

What was once the site of a natural spring system that supported Indigenous cultures for generations was transformed into a commercialized “oasis” health resort in the 1940s. It purported to offer products and services with many healing benefits, driving an influx of people to the desert in search of healing.

But the owner, Curtis Springer, was eventually jailed for fraud-related crimes, according to the National Park Service.

Zzyzx (Zye-zix) is now the home of the California State University Desert Studies Center. Its exit sign off Interstate 15 is a curious reminder of how the Mojave Desert has been used, for better or worse—and it’s now the inspiration for a new curated exhibit that brings together some of the desert’s most prolific artists.

Zzyzx Redux, curated

by Bernard Leibov of BoxoPROJECTS, explores the history of this remote and often-overlooked corner of the desert. It’s one of a handful curated spaces to be featured at “Flat Torus—Variant 5:4,” 2020, by PhillipDIRECTED K. Smith III; BYacrylic, this year’s Intersect Palm plywood, LED lighting, electronic components and unique color Springs, formerly Art program, four of 10 unique variants, 57 minutes, 26 by 26 by 5 inches. Courtesy of the artist and The Art Collective.

Palm Springs, slated for a 2022 return from Feb. 10-13 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

Zzyzx, per Leibov, “demonstrates the full cycle of modern Southern Californian desert history: from Indigenous trade route; to gold rush era federal fort; to railroad outpost; to a in the Palm Springs Woman’s Club much-hyped health resort; and finally an environmental research station.

These cycles have spurred optimism, creative development, and new technologies as well as related aspects of FORexploitation TICKETS, DEZARTPERFORMS.ORG dislocation, and environmental damage.”• (760) 322-0179 Leibov, the founder and director of the residency and programming initiative BoxoPROJECTS in Joshua Tree,THEtold the Independent hopes the exhibit will inspire questions regarding the MOUNTAINTOP is presented byhe special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. sustainability of the current land rush.

“There’s a perceived sense that the desert is so big and it’s so endless, we can keep developing

it,” he said. “But we’re drawing down and stressing out a lot of resources.”

Using Zzyzx as the point of inspiration for this story came from Leibov’s own drive on Interstate 15, when he considered the parallels of how people came to the desert seeking health benefits during the pandemic—and how such migrations can affect the existing community, with a recent wave of rent hikes causing displacement.

“How sustainable is all of this?” he said.

The exhibit brings together paintings, sculpture and photography from some of the region’s most prolific artists, including Blake Baxter, Diane Best, Ryan Campbell, Gerald Clarke Jr., Sofia Enriquez, Kim Manfredi, Carlos Ramirez, Cara Romero, Aili Schmeltz, Ryan Schneider, Phillip K. Smith III and Kim Stringfellow.

The works touch on light, space, architecture, nature and lifestyle in a conscious, cleareyed way—from Romero’s striking print of Indigenous residents posed in front of oldschool TVs, to one of Smith’s hypnotic and mesmerizing Flat Torus in the smallest size he’s done yet.

Works shown at Intersect Palm Springs will be for sale at the show, as well as online at Artsy.net through March 3. Clarke, Ramirez and Stringfellow will discuss their works and the exhibit at noon, Saturday, Feb. 12, in a panel moderated by Palm Springs Life editor-inchief Steven Biller.

"Branded: Native Hand," 2021, Leibov said that he hopes the Zzyzx Redux

by Gerald Clarke Jr.; exhibit will inspire thoughtfulness about scorched watercolor paper, 27 by 21 inches. how we treat the land around us, and how we respect those who have been here long before us.

Or, as he succinctly puts it: “History is long. Memory is short. Art reminds us.”

Intersect Palm Springs will kick off with an opening-night preview from 5 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10, and continue from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 12 and 13, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros. Tickets range from $25 for a one-day pass to $100 for an all-access pass. For tickets or more information, visit intersectpalmsprings.com.

MICHAEL SHAW

JANUARY 14-23 PEARL McMANUS THEATER

“TV Indians,” 2017, by Cara Romero; archival print, 39 by 60 inches, edition of three.

Image courtesy of the artist and Blue Rain Gallery.

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After going virtual in 2021,

by Jarvis Crawford and Dieter Crawford, to tell the hidden stories regarding the valley’s architecture; this discussion will make up much of the symposium’s first portion.

(We reached out to Jarvis Crawford, but an interview could not be set up before our deadline.)

“The profession of architecture is aware that it is very under-represented by Black architects, and there are efforts under way at diversity, equity and inclusion to try to redress that,” Anderton said. “A part of that process is building up histories—untold histories.

In architecture, what that involves is finding photographs, finding drawings, finding records, finding letters and finding people who knew people who lived in such buildings. It’s quite a process to build up a story like that.

That’s actually why Jarvis and Dieter are so great: They are in Palm Springs, and they come from several generations of Palm Springs residents. … The process of unearthing these stories is an ongoing one, and I hope that the conversations that take place at this symposium will contribute to that process.”

Modernism Week is slated to return with a full 11-day slate of events from Feb. 17-27— and Black modernists will be the focus of one of the week’s key happenings.

The three-part symposium Stories Untold: Black Modernists in Southern California will take place at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 21, at the CAMP Theater. The event will both pay tribute to African-American architects in Southern California—and look toward the future as well.

“Modernism Week has already shone a spotlight through various tools and talks on architects of color, so it’s not completely new for us to be doing this,” said Frances Anderton, a Modernism Week board member who is overseeing the Stories Untold symposium. “Modernism Week already had planned to do something to coincide with Black History Month (in 2021), and then because of the pandemic, it got postponed.”

Shortly after joining the Modernism Week board in early 2021, Anderton agreed to help organize the symposium. The is also name Stories Untold working closely with came about when the Southern California she and her fellow chapter of the National board members Organization of Minority realized how many Architects (NOMA). individuals’ stories “Not everybody who had yet to be told as will be discussed at the part of Modernism symposium is going to Week; they plan be a Palm Springs-based on using it as an architect; we are making umbrella name to it sort of Southlandtell untold stories focused,” Anderton said. moving forward.

One of the architects “This year, it’s who will be discussed dovetailing very during the Modernism Week heavily closely with Black symposium’s second History Month, with board member portion is Paul Williams the tours already put (1894-1980), the on for many years by the Palm Springs Black trailblazing Black architect who lived in Los History Committee,” Anderton said.

Angeles and designed the Palm Springs Tennis Anderton is working with the Palm Club with A. Quincy Jones.

Springs Black History Committee, managed “What’s really amazing is how there are CVIndependent.com

“With some of the architects of color, they did not have the access or were Anderton not reached out to by, say, the architectural press in the way that someone like Richard Neutra managed to. There are a whole bunch of factors that contribute to this lack of materials.”

—Frances Anderton,

quite a lot of excellent Black architects, some of whom were contemporaries of Paul Williams, or were successors to Paul Williams, or even worked for him or knew him socially,” Anderton said. “Their names are so little-known relative to his. The people at SoCal NOMA were already working on building histories on some of the elders in the profession. … I am deferring any intelligence I bring to the table to the research being done

hewed to the same language.

“The Black architects who were building in the Southland … were building in a language that you would find both in Palm Springs and in L.A. I have to say in all candor that there aren’t a huge number of architects who are active in Palm Springs, which is why we do think it’s appropriate to extend our reach.

People in Palm Springs go back and forth to L.A., and people in L.A. go back and forth to

The Belmont Shores Clubhouse, in Long Beach, was designed by Roy Sealey.

CARLOS HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY by members of SoCal NOMA.” Anderson said it makes sense to expand the discussion to Los Angeles architects for several reasons.

“Midcentury modern architecture spread across the Southland, and you get very, very fine examples in Palm Springs, and very, very fine examples in L.A.,” she said. “Some of those examples are designed by the same architect, like Richard Neutra, who built in L.A. and built in Palm Springs, and Paul Williams, who built in L.A. and built in Palm Springs. ... There is a kind of regional language that emerges at that time period, and, to an extent, there’s a difference. The Palm Springs version is more of a resort, leisure quality than perhaps you might find in L.A., as well as more adaptation to the sun, and concrete decorative screens to filter the light and to keep out the heat. But generally, they all

Palm Springs, so the regions are connected.

People interested in midcentury architecture will be as happy learning about a house for the Rat Pack in Palm Springs as they will be about learning about a yacht club in Long Beach.”

Anderton said showcasing stories that have been so hidden has proven to be “the primary challenge.”

“There have been two or three people, including myself and Alan (Hess, a fellow board member), who have been trying to assemble material on a particular architect of the midcentury, a Black architect named James Garrott,” Anderton said. “James Garrott worked for a while with Gregory Ain, who built mainly in L.A. and was an active socialist who really believed in the progressive ideals of modernism, as well as its architectural form. It’s incredibly hard to find material about James Garrott. … I believe

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FEBRUARY 2022

there was some accident that resulted in Garrott’s drawings disappearing. Like many other architects, so many of these architects had their buildings torn down over time. They sometimes were not the principal of their own firm, so they were just working for a bigger firm. Obviously, with some of the architects of color, they did not have the access or were not reached out to by, say, the architectural press in the way that someone like Richard Neutra managed to. There are a whole bunch of factors that contribute to this lack of materials.

“People who come to the symposium should come ready to be interactive, because we are in an ongoing process of mutually supportive research. What would be so wonderful is if there will be people in the audience who’d say, ‘Oh, I know, that guy’s work, and as it happens, I have a relative who lived in one of his buildings who happens to have a photo.’”

During the third portion of

the symposium, Drake Dillard, of architecture firm Perkins&Will, will offer a peek into Destination Crenshaw (destinationcrenshaw. la), a 1.3 mile outdoor museum, open-air art gallery and park that is set to feature more than 100 works of “unapologetically Black” art on Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles.

“It is a very excellent urban approach to a community that is being impacted by growth, transportation and shifting population,” Dillard said during a recent phone interview.

“A Metro line, which has been proposed down Crenshaw, divides the community in half, like most Metro lines, and most trains in general. Historically, particularly in Black communities, train lines and freeways and transportation have a history of destroying neighborhoods and dividing them. Marqueece Harris-Dawson, a (Los Angeles City Council member), decided on how we can make this something positive, and he always used the analogy of lemonade out of lemons. He came up with an idea of this outdoor museum along

Today known as the Mafundi building, the Watts Neighborhood Center was designed by Robert Kennard and Arthur Silvers. The site was slated for redevelopment, but last year, the City Council voted unanimously to designate the building as a Historic Cultural Monument. the Metro line that will be dedicated to the history and culture in the community. This will become a teaching element for visitors as they ride up and down the Metro line on Crenshaw. They hired us for this, and we have a team of individuals coming out to help them with making the vision a reality. We have worked on this for almost three years now.”

Dillard is determined to make Destination Crenshaw a place where history, community, nature and economy meet.

“We came up with about 10 pocket parks,” he said. “Each pocket park is separate, and they tell individual stories about how African and Black Latinos have impacted L.A. and also the world. The other component of it … is that it’s about art, but it’s also about supporting economic development. We were hoping that this would stimulate some of the commercial aspects of the community, where people would want to come, because they have something to see. It ties to not just art, but also back to the economy of the community as well.”

Dillard harkened back to the idea of “Stories Untold” when he discussed the history being presented at Destination Crenshaw.

“I consider myself a pretty involved person in the community, but I learned so much from this project in terms of stories that I didn’t know about,” said Dillard. “We have a curation

team; we have a historian, and all of these stories that they came up with for this project are absolutely unbelievable, particularly in terms of what African Americans have done locally, and the impact they have on the world.”

The goal is for Destination Crenshaw to open by the fall of 2022. Dillard is eager to showcase how the community is helping unearth history … literally.

“We’re going to show a lot of great illustrations, and some of the pocket parks, and we’ll talk about the process, and how the design elements are expressed in community participation,” said Dillard. “There’s a lot of history, even in our approach to the design, in terms of how we sit down with a community of hundreds of people and talk

about their likes and dislikes as a very proud, unapologetically Back community. There’s a very strong link with Africa, with slavery, and with freedoms, and we use those elements in our design to create a unifying element as you go down Destination Crenshaw.

“We start in Africa, on a boat, and there’s grass that was used as bedding on the ship for the enslaved people. This grass is like Bermuda grass, as it grows in both directions, and if you pull it out of the ground, you can replant it. It has a very strong root system, and this root system is very symbolic, and we use that in our design. We took the grass, and we converted those into elements to create shade at one of the pocket parks, and then the root system is used in the pavement. We have pavement which goes up and down the sidewalk, and it takes a certain pattern like the root system out of this grass. These are unifying elements that, because of research and because of the meetings, are symbolic in our design and expression in Destination Crenshaw.”

Stories Untold: Black Modernists in Southern California will take place at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 21, at the CAMP Theater, 285 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Admission is $15.

For tickets, more information and a complete schedule of activities during Modernism Week (taking place Thursday, Feb. 17, through Sunday, Feb. 27), visit modernismweek.com.

Patio and indoor dining takeout 4 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday-SUNday

Los Angeles' Destination Crenshaw is being designed by architecture firm Perkins&Will.

1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive (760) 778-6595 www.533vietfusion.com CVIndependent.com

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2022 EVENTS CVIndependent.com

FEBRUARY 2022

DATE

EVENT

Jan 27-30

Southwest Arts Festival

Feb 11-13

Taste of Jalisco Festival

Feb 12

2022 Tour de Palm Springs

Feb 17-27

Modernism Week 2022

Feb 18

Palm Springs Air Museum Gala

Feb 24-28

International Bear Convergence IBC 2022

Feb 25-27

McCormick's Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction

Feb 27

"Isn't It Romantic" Jazz Band Concert & Gala Fundraiser

Mar 7-20

BNP Paribas Open 2022

Mar 12

Palm Springs Health Run & Fitness Expo

Mar 19

The Center's Red Dress Dress Red Party

Mar 19-26

Fashion Week El Paseo

Mar 25-27

Palm Desert Food & Wine

Mar 25-27

Cathedral City LGBT Days

Mar 26

The L-Fund's A Starlight Soiree

Mar 31

Stepping Out, College of the Desert

Mar 31

Cesar Chavez Breakfast

Apr 1-3

Indian Wells Art Festival

Apr 2

Faux Fur Ball Gala

Apr 9

Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, DAP Health

Apr 15-17

Coachella 2022 Weekend 1

Apr 22-24

Coachella 2022 Weekend 2

Apr 28

Dining Out for Life: DAP Health

Apr 29-May 1

Stagecoach 2022

Apr 29-May 1

White Party Palm Springs

Aor 30

AAP Food Samaritans' Evening Under the Stars

May 6-8

Palm Springs Hot Rodeo

May 11-15

Oasis Music Festival

May 12

Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast

June 21-27

2022 Palm Springs ShortFest

July 15-17

Out in the Vineyard: Gay Wine Weekend 2022

Sept 28-Oct 4

Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend 2022

Nov 4-6

Palm Springs Pride 2022

Nov 6

Palm Springs Pride Parade 2022

#ILoveGayPalmSprings

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 19

FEBRUARY 2022

ARTS & CULTURE

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RAPPIN’ ABOUT COLONS By stuart cohn

I

f you’re looking for an antidote to the old adage, “It only hurts when I laugh,” we may have just the ticket for you.

The Boomer Boys Musical is making its way to the Palm Springs Cultural Center for five performances, from Feb. 11-13. Touted as a “side-splitting, tuneful and toe-tapping ‘men-of-acertain-age’ new musical,” The Boomer Boys Musical has elicited hearty guffaws and stellar reviews across the country.

The Boomer Boys are a fun-loving “fat pack” of middle-aged men who realize the best way to deal with getting older is to laugh about it. The brainchild of book writers/lyricists Billy Van and Glen Jones. “I’ve known Tom since Zandt and his late writing partner, Jane kindergarten,” said Van Zandt, “and the others Milmore, the show includes a variety of for more than 30 years. We break each other songs about an assortment of male maladies, up every night.” including “His Prostate Is the Size of a Buick,” The Palm Springs engagement will be “My God, I Am My Father,” “Noises in the the show’s first since the beginning of the Night,” “My Get Up and Go Has Gone,” pandemic.

“Hair Makes the Man,” “Bucket List” and “We toured for a year and a half, during “Colonoscopy!” which Jane passed away,” said Van Zandt.

Van Zandt and Milmore had a prolific “Then the world shut down. We’ve been partnership that spanned 46 years and yielded champing at the bit to get out there and do 25 plays, including You’ve Got Hate Mail; it again. During the down time, we wrote Off-Broadway tribute to slapstick comedy some new songs and jokes, and did two little Silent Laughter; and Sex and the IRS, among workshops in July. We are so ready to get back numerous others. in front of audiences.”

In a recent interview, Van Zandt explained Van Zandt believes the show has widespread that the idea for The Boomer Boys Musical came appeal. about when their composer, Wayland Pickard, “We’re all going through the same things,” came to Milmore and said he wanted to do a he said. “It’s really universal humor. The show about the changes men go through at a colonoscopy song was written during our certain age. hiatus, because one of the cast members had “Jane immediately said yes,” Van Zandt the procedure done—and we decided that a said, adding that Milmore then elaborated: rap song about the experience was in order.

“I’d rather write about it than listen to you Another song, ‘I Just Took a Pill Called Viagra,’ complain about it.” is a tribute to Broadway blockbuster songs.

The show stars Van Zandt and three of And we attracted a big gay audience when we his old friends, Tom Frascatore, Jeff Babey

The goal of ‘The Boomer Boys Musical’: make people laugh until it hurts … even if it already does

appeared at the Triad in New York City. They loved the campy stuff, especially ‘I’m Getting Fatter,’ which is a take off on ‘Cell Block Tango’ from the musical Chicago.”

The show is not just aimed at men, Van Zandt said.

“Women love it, because they get to laugh at their husbands or partners,” he said. “They live with it. They watch what their husbands or partners go through or went through and tell us they had no idea that men thought like this.

The funny thing is that, often, women drag their significant others to the show, and within about 10 minutes, you see (their husbands) loosen up and go with it.”

Van Zandt has quite a history in live theater, television and film. He and Milmore produced or wrote more than 300 hours of television comedy, including Newhart, Martin, The Hughleys, Suddenly Susan, Daddy Dearest, Anything but Love, The Wayans Bros. and I Love Lucy: The Very First Show, which earned them

an Emmy nomination.

As an actor, Van Zandt made his film debut in Jaws 2 and has been onscreen with Lucille Ball, George C. Scott, Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, Tom Cruise, Giancarlo Esposito, Karl Malden and the entire crew of the starship Enterprise. He also has written a book, Get in the Car, Jane! (Adventures in the TV Wasteland).

Van Zandt promised audiences a fun night in the theater, and said he can’t wait to get back on stage with his old—emphasis on old—pals.

“We’re dying to hear our colonoscopy rap song for the first time in front of audiences,” he said.

The Boomer Boys Musical will be performed at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11; 2 and 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12; and 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 13, at Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Tickets range from $33 to $58. For tickets or more information, visit www.theboomerboysmusical.com.

From Safety Net programs to Life Enrichment

we are here for you visit us online at

www.thecentercv.org 1301 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262 & 1515 Sixth Street, Coachella, CA 92236 The cast of The Boomer Boys Musical.

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Comedian Mina Hartong offers a forum for women performers with her ‘Lez Out Loud’ series

A

by Jimmy Boegle

fter comedian Mina Hartong and her wife half-moved to the Coachella Valley in the summer of 2020 (they split time between here and New York City), she learned that while there are a lot of local events geared toward gay men, there aren’t so many geared toward lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. So she decided to do something about it.

The result was Lez Out Loud, a series of women-focused (but open to all) events at Runway Bar and Restaurant. The next event is Valentine’s Day-themed, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 9. Hartong will host and perform a standup comedy set; the other featured performers are comedian Lin Phillippi and musical guest Shelley Speck.

“This is our third show,” Hartong said. said. “… I’m an avid hiker, and I love “We started in July, and then we had one for just waking up to the surroundings. It is (Greater Palm Springs) Pride week. This show breathtaking. I never really get tired of that. is unique, because we’re making it a benefit There’s such a strong community here, for The L-Fund, a group that I’m extremely not just with the women, but even your fond of. Not enough people know about them. neighbors. … People just look out for each I volunteered at their booth during Pride, and other here in a way that I haven’t experienced there just weren’t enough people who knew anywhere else in this country. I love that.” who we were.”

The mission of The L-Fund (l-fund.

Lez Out Loud: Valentine’s Edition is scheduled org) is “to empower cis and trans lesbians to take place at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. through financial crisis assistance, grants 9, at Runway Bar and Restaurant at CCBC, for education (and) the arts, and health and 68300 Gay Resort Drive, in Cathedral City. wellness programs.” Not only will the Feb. 9 General admission seats are $20 with a twoedition of Lez Out Loud serve as a fundraiser item minimum; a dinner seating at 5:30 p.m. for the organization; The L-Fund’s influence costs $45. A portion of the proceeds benefit The runs throughout the event.

L-Fund. For tickets or more information, visit “I applied for a grant from The L-Fund for www.runwayccbc.com. another event I’m doing in March, and it’s a huge help, what they do,” Hartong said. “(The L-Fund does more than just) help people with a dire financial need. Shelley Speck, the equipment she’s using onstage, is from an L-Fund grant.”

Hartong is using Lez Out Loud as a forum to give stage time to up-and-coming women performers. For starters, Hartong teaches standup comedy, and Lin Phillippi is one of her students.

“We really run the gamut of entertainment,” Hartong said. “I do standup, personal narrative, as does Lin. I’m an experienced emcee, so I host the whole evening, and my set is at the end of the evening. Shelley does acoustic guitar, acoustic rock, and writes original songs … she lives in Desert Hot Springs. She’s wonderful. We’ve got a young queer woman who I met during Pride; she goes by Lesbian Snow White on (social media), and she’s a ukulele player. …

Then we have this wonderful hula dancer, Mei Ling Tom, who’s on The L-Fund board.”

While Hartong and her wife split time between the Coachella Valley and New York City due to her wife’s work, Hartong said she Comedians Mina Hartong and Lin Phillippi are is totally smitten with the area. slated to be two of the featured performers at “We’ve been so embraced here,” Hartong the Feb. 9 Lez Out Loud show.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 23

FEBRUARY 2022

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel ®

Steve Tyrell Thu, February 24, 7pm

Mon, February 7, 7pm

Photo: Tina Tyrell

Presented through the generosity of Judy & Rich Billings

Celebrating Beethoven

Presented through the generosity of Donna MacMillan

The TEN Tenors

Jersey Boys

Our Greatest Hits

Fri, February 25, 8pm Sat, February 26, 2pm & 8pm Sun, February 27, 2pm & 7:30pm February 25 – Presented through the generosity of Penny & Gary Lee

February 9, 7pm – Presented through the generosity of Harold Matzner February 12, 8pm – Presented through the generosity of Harold Matzner and Diane Anderson

Storm Large Photo: Laura Domela

and

Le Bonheur

View From Above Terry Virts

Mon, February 28, 7pm

Mon, February 21, 7pm

North American Presenting Sponsor

Contains Adult Language.

Straight No Chaser The Open Bar Tour

Wed, February 23, 7pm

Photo: Terry Virts

Wed & Thu, February 9 & 10, 7pm Fri, February 11, 8pm Sat, February 12, 2pm & 8pm Sun, February 13, 3pm Mon, February 14, 7pm

Teatro Lirico D’Europa The Barber of Seville Thu, March 3, 7pm

Proof of vaccination and photo ID required for entry into the McCallum Theatre.

For updated information on health and safety protocols, please visit www.McCallumTheatre.org.

Order online

mccallumtheatre.org

Order tickets by phone

760-340-2787

73000 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT • BOX OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9:00am-5:00pm Follow us

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FEBRUARY 2022

ARTS & CULTURE

BEHIND THE AUTHOR

By ANDREW NEIDERMAN

P

alm Springs author Andrew Neiderman’s forthcoming biography of V.C. Andrews (1923-1986), the enigmatic woman behind the teen-horror phenomenon Flowers in the Attic and other gothic classics, will be released on Feb. 1.

Neiderman has held the pen behind the V.C. Andrews name for more than 35 years, making him the most prolific ghostwriter in history—and making V.C. Andrews the longest consistently published book franchise in American publishing history. In The Woman Beyond the Attic: The V.C. Andrews Story, Neiderman has manifested his commitment to V.C. Andrews’ legacy in what Kirkus aptly calls an “admirable job weaving in the available information about Andrews, offering a coherent view into the life and thoughts of this reticent writer,” predicting that “Andrews’ fans will appreciate irginia did not set out at first to be a writer. this insightful glimpse into her mysterious life.”

In her youth, she hoped to be an actress, By sifting through hundreds of never-befor practically the same reasons she wanted to fore-seen personal letters and family photos become a writer. Her medical event ended that and verbal testimonies from Andrews’ livpursuit, but she didn’t settle on an ambition to ing family members, Neiderman has pieced be a successful writer immediately. Rather, she together a comprehensive record of the life of developed a respectable career in commercial V.C. Andrews, known off the page as Virginart, somewhat necessitated by her father’s unexia Andrews—providing answers for literally pected death and the family’s need for income millions of fans worldwide who continuously to supplement his Navy pension and her disabildebate and wonder about the details of her life. ity payments. Her artistic talent was there from Here is an excerpt from the preface of The an almost incredibly early age. Teachers recogWoman Beyond the Attic.

V

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An excerpt from Andrew Neiderman’s ‘The Woman Beyond the Attic: The V.C. Andrews Story’

nized it. Her classmates were intrigued with it, and her family was amazed. Where it took her educationally would be just as surprising.

So, then, if she was so successful at it, why did she give up art and turn all her energy to writing? And when she began to dedicate herself to writing, she was not an immediate success.

By her own admission, she had written nine novels before she wrote Flowers in the Attic, none of them attracting an agent, much less a publisher. Why didn’t she give up writing novels and stories and return to art, through which she had proven income?

Could it have had something to do with a self-proclaimed ability to see the future, a future she saw filled with success, and her belief in reincarnation? Would it surprise you to know that Virginia was convinced she was gifted with ESP and thought this gift prepared her to confront the challenges presented by chronic pain and limited mobility? Did “psychic” experiences strengthen her faith in her eventual writing success? From her letters included here, it is almost eerie to see how confident and determined she was.

What does triumph look like for a successful author as opposed to, say, a business entrepreneur? Authors, all authors, find success with their work when they create an intimate connection with their readers. These authors succeed in going beneath the surface of romance and love, hate and envy, dreams and pain, to touch what is true not only for themselves but for humanity in general. It’s this achievement, especially the fears and challenges of adolescence and the betrayal within families, that allows some authors, like V.C. Andrews, to become international successes.

At the time of this writing, there is a V.C. Andrews title in just about every country that has a publisher, including, as of relatively recently, mainland China. What is it about this author, her characters, and her stories that touches the hearts and minds of people regardless of their nationality, language, and socioeconomic development? What makes her universal? And especially, what makes Flowers in the Attic and all its sequels so popular in all these countries, a popularity that truly seems immortal?

Virginia’s books continue to sell in significant numbers. Most dramatically, adaptations of V.C. Andrews novels have been featured so often on the Lifetime channel that the channel is claiming the author as part of its cachet. To this date, Lifetime has done 14 movies, each garnering some of the best ratings among all its movies.

This clearly disproves the idea that these stories

were for a past generation and are not timeless. There is a constant influx of new readers, of young girls and young women discovering them—and let’s not forget the new male readers, despite the common perception of V.C. Andrews as for women only. In fact, her first fan letter, as we will see, came from a man.

Indeed, Virginia’s works are timeless and universal. What makes them so? Is it the successful way she captured the development, subtle at times, from childhood to adolescence, adolescence to adulthood? She admitted to reading and studying psychology at the time, but she also admitted that she couldn’t live without fantasy. Fantasy led her to creative writing, to fiction, in which an author could take the omniscient point of view and, in a sense, play God. Most writers do that, play God, though perhaps not as purposefully as someone like Virginia, who lived within narrow borders for most of her life. Looking down on her cast of characters, she, like all writers, designated where they would go and how. To be a successful writer, you have to sublimate yourself and see the world through the eyes of those you have created. You sift your personal likes and dislikes, dreams, and ambitions through a very fine sieve constructed from the characters you’ve created. Novels, after all, are not meant to be autobiographies.

But, as we will discover through her own comments and clear analogies to her own experiences, for Virginia, any rule about novels being pure

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 25

FEBRUARY 2022

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/ARTS-AND-CULTURE fiction was not so strictly observed. Indeed, if your characters are providing you with a freedom of movement that life has denied you, you want them imbued with much of who you are.

You want to slip into them and do what they do, go where they go, whether that is to a dance, to a party, or on a simple walk in the park, even an exploratory walk like the one Audrina takes in My Sweet Audrina.

And yet how far can one go with this theory?

Do we apply it specifically to a novel like Flowers in the Attic, every major story beat? Certainly no one wants to be locked in a small bedroom and an attic for over three years during their adolescence. But can’t the argument be made that Virginia was indeed locked up in a medical attic following her surgeries and body cast? At one point, we will see how she admits to the analogy.

The point is clearly illustrated in a letter she wrote to her nephew Brad Andrews: “No one knows more about depression than I … it is my daily battle to fight and to win. I live in the tightest cage of all, my own body.” Although the analogy isn’t exact, trapped and caged is how she had envisioned the Dollanganger children in Flowers. Can we understand how sympathetic she would be and how important it was to her for her readers to feel the restrictions?

Readers are always interested in hearing about what real person some character is based on. And theories run especially rampant regarding Flowers in the Attic. This biography will describe some significant revelations regarding them. How much will Virginia Andrews finally admit to? How much of herself did she inject into the fictional Cathy Dollanganger?

Most commentators and reviewers searching for answers have been frustrated by Virginia’s contradictory statements about herself—some deliberately so—and by her avoidance of penetrating interviews. In Faces of Fear, she reveals, “I’m a Gemini, and I’ve got a tremendous need for secrecy. I don’t want to tell people all about myself. I decided that I would put bits and pieces of me in my novels, and they won’t know which parts are really me.”

Apparently, she deliberately sought to be mysterious. What did she fear about being more truthful? Where can we go to find the truths she never revealed to the public?

Because of the surviving family’s cooperation, we have not only historical family details in documents but also family photographs never before seen and Virginia’s own letters, most of which have never been read by the public, filled with her thoughts and opinions about herself and the world around her. Much of the information in this biography also has come from interviews with Virginia’s closest relatives, who lived with her and her mother at times and thus witnessed Virginia’s life-changing events themselves. These are the recollections of her contemporaries. Much is taken from their personal discussions with her and what they themselves gleaned from those interactions. (This includes

an aunt who at the time of this writing is 103 years old and in possession of a vivid memory.)

Because of all this, while we can never really know a person in full, I am confident that we can begin to understand what forces con-spired to create the writer V.C. Andrews became.

From the way her family describes it, it did seem as if someone had waved a magic wand, just like the good fairies in her fantasies. One day she was a much-protected and quite isolated young woman not really known by the people of Portsmouth, Va., and then, although it took almost all her adult life, suddenly, surely overnight to them, she became one of the city’s most famous people. Awards would come her way, one from the governor of Virginia, another from the city of Norfolk, in their celebration of local notables. The media would pursue her, and a major publishing company would wine and dine her, arranging for her to meet fans at book conventions and autograph sessions. There was talk of a Broadway play based on Flowers in the Attic.

Movie producers would seek rights to her big achievement. Almost as if the wind had picked up her identity and carried it across the ocean, her fame would fly to international capitals.

One of the most important and perhaps most fascinating questions is how—after she had been diagnosed with cancer at age 61, four years after the publication of Flowers in the Attic—did knowing she was in a losing struggle with cancer impact her work and her relationship to her family and fans? Almost as soon as she got to enjoy the accolades, the financial success, and the self-satisfaction of seeing her dreams materialize, it was all being snatched away from her.

How natural it would be for such a person to be bitter and angry toward the end, but was Virginia Andrews? She wasn’t leaving behind children or a husband, but she knew she was leaving behind books that would go on. Indeed, she wrote again to her nephew Brad after she had experienced having her books become best-sellers and told him, “I have never felt the need to be a mother. I consider my books my children, children that will never die from what my public and publishers tell me.”

She was right about that.

And so, as with any biography, but perhaps more so here because Virginia Andrews herself was quite private, we have the main question we must try to answer: Who was she?

We’ll get to know Virginia Andrews through what she tells us in her letters, in her interviews, and in what she said to her family and how she related to them. Alongside this, we’ll wonder, what gave her the courage to come out of her undesired—as she herself said—“cage” to greet her overwhelming success and then gracefully, tragically, watch her life slip away?

Excerpted from The Woman Beyond the Attic by Andrew Neiderman. Copyright 2022 by Andrews Productions, LLC. Reprinted by permission of Gallery Books, a Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

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FOOD & DRINK

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CAESAR CERVISIA JASON DAVID

Palm Springs’ Las Palmas Brewing is a small taproom that’s doing great things

HAIR STUDIO

O

By brett newton

LOVE YOUR HAIR

ne of my favorite things about the craft-beer world is that you can walk into the most unassuming taproom—and find your world transformed by the quality of the beer.

I’ll never forget my first experience at Alpine Beer Company, outside of San Diego. I couldn’t believe that the beer in my glass was that good after seeing the original taproom. Beer bars can be similar; take O’Brien’s Pub in San Diego. It’s just a bar in a strip mall … with an Country Club and Cook Street incredible tap and bottle selection.

Palmthanks De sert There is now a little bit of that magic right at our front door, to Las Palmas Brewing.

The first thing that jumped out at me when I first visited two years ago—in the Before 760-340-5959 Times—was the styles on offer: There Southern California, and the first beers that were two saisons on tap at the time. When he took notice of were those like Tecate www.jasondavidhairstudio.net I recently visited in the name of research and Pacifico—and then an occasional Sierra (science is quite the taskmaster), I found a Nevada crept in and planted a seed.

Belgian-style table beer and a saison—in a Later, he moved to Eugene, Ore., and craft-beer market that seemingly has stopped found his way into the open garage door of a giving a shit about Belgian styles. Well, I give small place called Ninkasi Brewing Company a shit. What’s more, the beers both delicious. (which, by the way, is a bit bigger now). The Meanwhile, I still have to explain to too atmosphere there was welcoming; he was many people that Las Palmas Brewing exists. told to grab a glass and “fill your boots” at Something needs to be done about this. the kegerator in the corner. He was allowed Sam Gill and Rey Romero are the owners to explore the brewhouse and chatted with of Las Palmas. I mostly spoke with Gill, who the brewers, which, he says, made it seem like is also the brewer. Gill is originally from there was “a bit of mysterious magic going

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Judy Gill, Sam Gill, Rey Romero and Staci Hall Romero celebrate Las Palmas Brewing’s two-year anniversary in October 2021. Courtesy of Las Palmas Brewing

on.” After moving to the San Francisco area, he got a job pouring beer, and then learned how to make beer, at Black Sand brewery under Cole Emde.

Gill fell in love with Palm Springs.

Perplexed by the relative lack of breweries here, he and Romero eventually decided to take the plunge. They wanted to make a nice place that was a great bar first, then a brewery. This vision includes a carefully curated selection of natural wines by Romero, a relaxed atmosphere, and a small brewhouse which provides, as Gill says, “a ton of freedom to brew what we want virtually all the time.”

This was evidenced by the grisette I found on tap recently. The grisette style originated as the preferred light farmhouse ale of French miners. It was all but dead outside of a small region of France until a few craftbrewing “archeologists” took a crack at it.

Las Palmas’ version is a lovely, modern take, with a nice, fruity yeast aroma and flavor, and some tropical and white wine notes from the inclusion of Mosaic and Hallertau Blanc hops, respectively.

If you are one of those people who simply can’t not have an IPA (and if so, good for you for finding what you love and riding it into the sunset!), Las Palmas had an unfiltered IPA on tap for your drinking pleasure.

Yeah, yeah, but have you tried Moonlight?

No, my LSD didn’t just kick in; I’m referring to Las Palmas’ 4.9% alcohol-by-volume beer that’s a roasty, rich, dark ale with cacao nibs and coffee beans; it drinks like a fullbodied stout with twice its strength. My only complaint is that I can’t take any home with me. If you want to try it, you likely will have to be at the taproom, and be lucky enough to get some before the keg kicks.

This brings me to another reason I love this

place: that very old-school idea of needing to be there to fully experience something.

As much as I wish I could regularly pop in at the breweries and pubs that I love, it’s just not possible. This means I often miss out on special, one-off releases, unless a moreintrepid friend can get there and bring some back. At Las Palmas, you have to have been there and tried the beer—and that’s unlikely to ever change.

“We don’t really have any expansion plans.

It is a huge challenge to keep our six taps full of house beer,” Sam Gill told me. At most, the “expansion” plans involve adding a lagering tank so that they can regularly have a lager on tap to enjoy at the end of a shift.

Perhaps the most intriguing and promising thing about Las Palmas is that it opened in 2019, and according to Gill, “The pandemic is all we really know as a brewery.” Locals have rallied and kept this place alive, and I urge you to join in that effort. Go and enjoy this gem of a place.

With that, I will step aside and let Mr. Gill express his gratitude to the community: “Our regulars and locals here in the valley really carried us through the pandemic, and we are so thankful. I would cautiously say we are thriving at this point. We never stopped brewing throughout, and the best part now is that our Las Palmas family has grown into an amazing team. In the depths of the pandemic, it was just Rey and me brewing and doing our best to survive, so it’s really satisfying to now be surrounded by an incredible group of creative and inspiring people.”

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.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 27

FEBRUARY 2022

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VINE SOCIAL JASON DAVID

The only problem with the Palm Springs Pinot Noir Festival: It only happens once a year

HAIR STUDIO

F

By KatieLOVE finn YOUR

HAIR

or the first time since its debut in 2020, the Palm Springs Pinot Noir Festival—otherwise known as A Passion 4 Pinot—returned to delight wine-lovers with more than 60 different producers of pinot noir from California and Oregon.

This year’s event took place on Saturday, Jan. 8, outdoors on the ballroom veranda of the JW Country Club and Cook Street Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, and the setting could not have been more Palm De sert beautiful.

Desert Wine Shop had a table there, and we began setting up at 11:30 a.m. It was 70 degrees outside, and under the shade of umbrellas and sales 760-340-5959 directors of these prominent producers an overhead terrace, the temperature could can educate and introduce wine-lovers to www.jasondavidhairstudio.net not have been more idyllic. Add to that the undiscovered gems. mountains in the background surrounded That’s what makes this event so spectacular. by bright blue sky, and one might begin to Sure, many know about Gary Farrell, Kosta question whether they had died and gone to Browne and Sonoma-Cutrer wines. Yes, it can heaven—especially if your version of heaven is be reassuring to recognize a few winery names filled with copious amounts of pinot noir. in sea of unknown bottles—but these wineDavid Fraschetti is the mastermind behind tasting events are all about discovery. And, boy, A Passion 4 Pinot, where he assembles a stardid I discover some knockout wines! studded list of pinot noir producers with one Once the vendors were all set up, we got to goal in mind: to share their love of pinot noir go explore. Before the floodgates opened and with consumers in an intimate and personal the throngs of thirsty guests arrived, the worker way, where the winemakers, owners and bees made introductions, tasted each other’s

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sample wines, and got pumped for the event.

That’s when I met “Ali from the valley” of Bee Hunter wines, located in the heart of Anderson Valley. Ali and her husband, Andy, only work with vineyards that practice organic, biodynamic and sustainable farming, and make less than 500 cases each of their delightful wines. They use a hands-off approach to their winemaking with a focus on minimal intervention—and they get it just right.

The single-vineyard Angel Camp pinot was a standout, with bright aromas of Bing cherries and blackberries with a gorgeous texture that was both silky and a little crunchy. On top of the wines being amazing, Ali is an absolute delight, with a vivacious personality to match her powerful wines.

Incidentally, “bee hunter” comes from a local dialect in Anderson Valley called Bootling. It’s a mishmash of bizarre words that was created by the locals back in the mid-1800s as a way to talk about outsiders—and gossip in secrecy. A bee hunter was a free-spirited valley girl, which seems like a perfect definition for Ali. Across the aisle from the Desert Wine Shop table was a winery called Mail Road. I noticed that Drew, the national sales director representing Mail Road that day, was pouring a vertical of chardonnays and pinot noirs. Very rarely do we get to taste the same wine from several different years to see how the wine evolves, and how each year directly affects the grapes. Was it warm? Did it rain too much? Were there frosts?

All these things and more will change the way the wine tastes—and it’s such an eye-opening experience to see that for yourself.

Mail Road vineyard is located about 50 miles northwest of Santa Barbara in the center of the Sta. Rita Hills on the iconic slopes of Mount Carmel. At the winemaking helm is Matt Dees, who made wines for New Zealand’s Craggy Range and Staglin in Napa Valley. Those who know me best know that chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, is the wine I would drink if I was told I could only drink one wine for the rest of my life. So when I tell you that the chardonnays from Mail Road are the closest to a Chablis chardonnay any California wine I’ve tasted has gotten, I mean it. These guys are legit.

Once the event was winding down, I made my way to the other end of the venue and ran into Fraschetti, who was tasting the wines of Scherrer. He said when he was scouting for producers and wineries for this event, he would ask the winemakers he was meeting who their favorite pinot noir producer was. Unanimously, they all said Scherrer, Dave said. Well, that’s a

Katie Finn (left/background) shares a smile with “Ali from the valley” of Bee Hunter wines at the 2022 Palm Springs Pinot Noir Festival.

good-enough endorsement for me!

I made my way to the front and began tasting through their lineup. It wasn’t long before I was immersed in a conversation with Fred Scherrer about his winemaking philosophy, and different techniques used with each individual lot.

Scherrer got his start making wine from his father’s vineyard in Alexander Valley, Sonoma. With the help of his friend (and wine legend) Tom Dehlinger, he began making wine commercially. After 10 years at Dehlinger, Scherrer was finally able to move into his own facility… an apple-packing-shed-turned-winery in Sebastopol.

I tasted four different pinot noirs, each one more glorious than the last. From his Sonoma County and Russian River appellation wines to the single-vineyard Hallberg and Platt pinots, each had such a distinct profile and personality.

This is, of course, what makes pinot noir so beautiful. Very few grapes have the ability to highlight their surroundings, the dirt they’re grown in, the weather conditions, and the hands that crush them like pinot noir.

After experiencing this event, it becomes very clear why so many people have a passion for this grape. This is the largest gathering of pinot noir producers in Southern California, and it’s right here in our backyard. How lucky can we be?

I hope to see you there next year!

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 // 29

FEBRUARY 2022

FOOD & DRINK

ON COCKTAILS H

BY kevin carlow

ow do you walk away from the one thing you’re known for doing?

My advice is to walk quickly, without looking back—or risk turning into a pillar of salt.

I’m not a bartender anymore. I haven’t been a bartender for months. Yet … I’m still a bartender, even though I’m not, if that makes any sense. I still get text messages asking what the hours of my former employer “X” is, or how late the kitchen is open at my former employer “Y,” or what’s happening at my former hangout “Z.” I get that; it’s hard to imagine someone walking away so fully that he doesn’t even When the shutdowns happened, I went visit the places that he used to work at or hard for a bit—and then some terrifying haunt. Yet that’s exactly what I have done. mystery acute heart condition put me in If you have seen me out lately or posting the hospital. One minute, I was happily online from somewhere, let’s say my shopping in the supermarket; the next, I was motivation to be out and about has been surrounded by doctors. The tests came back restored somewhat. My love of a good drink negative, and I was released. Maybe it was the and good food is coming back to me—and I virus, or maybe it was my lifestyle catching appreciate more than ever the effort that goes up to me. into letting me have a nice night out.

I slowed down my drinking, lost weight Before all “this” happened (I’m not going and learned some new skills. I tried to make to use the “C-word” or the “P-word”), I the most of my downtime, assuming I would was feeling more than a little burned out never again get a chunk of time off like that. and pigeon-holed. I only occasionally felt I completed my first full consulting gig; I gratitude for how good I had it, and I felt started a silly YouTube channel with my jealous while watching people eclipse me— roommate; I read a ton of books. not putting the blame on myself enough for After the consulting job ran its course, my own mistakes. I was blaming the industry I went back to Seymour’s, where my Palm for a lot of things at the time. I needed a Springs adventure began. It didn’t take long drink to sleep, and sometimes one to wake up before I was feeling … a certain way. Maybe … whatever hour that was. I was moody and you can’t go home again. Maybe it’s just me. occasionally mean, yet somehow, people still Maybe it’s Maybelline. Still, it was nice to came to see me and give me their hard-earned be back at a bar I loved—and still consider money. I guess they saw something in me. special.

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I walked away from bartending … yet I am still a bartender On one of our lovely, blinding, 117-degree summer days, I was going to work on my silly electric scooter. I was probably running late; I was definitely going fast. My phone made a weird noise. I reached down to click it off, and when I looked back a half-second later, I realized a car was turning in front of me. The driver didn’t see me, apparently. Let’s just say that when a 200-pound man going almost 20 mph stops suddenly, that equals a fair amount of force.

I hit the concrete on my side, having the sense from years of contact sports to not use my arms and hands to break the fall. When I came to, I was in shock and completely dazed.

I tried to wave down motorists for help, to no avail. As I came to a little more, I made a couple of calls to work and friends, stumbling over words because I had hit my head. I ended up walking back home with the scooter—and while doing so, I realized some bones weren’t supposed to do what they were doing. I called a rideshare to take me to the hospital.

I eventually underwent surgery and was out for four months. This time was less productive. I only had one working arm, was sleeping terribly, and feeling like an idiot.

I even went home to Massachusetts for a few weeks. Luckily, I might be the only guy from my hometown who can take painkillers without destroying his life. Even so, when I ran out, it wasn’t fun for a few days.

By the time I recovered, I was feeling pretty good about life. I was making silly inspirational videos, eating well, going for walks with my camera, and barely drinking.

Then I took one of several bartending jobs I had been offered, but for the wrong reasons.

I wasn’t a good fit, and I immediately felt pressure to shoulder a bar program I can best describe as a “Dumpster fire.” I put my notice in after two weeks. I had gone from nearly total sobriety and contentment to panic attacks and four shots of whiskey to fall asleep—all in record time.

So, what do I do now? The short answer is that I do oysters, caviar and related food with my friend and business partner. We like to tell people it’s an overnight success five years in the making. My typical day involves things like planning a menu, ordering shellfish overnight from Massachusetts, washing each little creature by hand, and sticking my face in the muddy sink to smell the seaside of my hometown. I make sauces and prep garnishes—it’s a little one-person kitchen and my tiny kingdom. I like to go to tables, tell people what they’re about to eat, and see

their faces when they enjoy what I prepared.

There is a personal story and connection to everything I make. This is the same thing I loved about bartending: telling a story, getting someone excited about a cocktail, then seeing them light up on the first sip. So maybe that’s why I say I’m still a bartender.

Maybe you’re just never truly out.

There has to be a moral to the story, right?

I guess one is: Listen to the world around you, your passion, your heart. Don’t keep doing something just because that’s how people “process” you. Also, don’t neglect your “throw-away” skills. My friends from the oyster bar in Boston, still some of my favorite people, and I used to talk about opening our own little oyster bar. But then life happened, and that became just a pipe dream.

I never thought that shucking an oyster was something I would do very often again.

Now it’s a skill that’s giving me an avenue to something new about which I’m excited.

As for cocktails and bartending, don’t worry; I’ll still have you covered here with stories, recipes and opinions. I’m even talking with some local bars about doing events with historical drinks and other fun things. But I can’t see myself ever returning to working until 3 a.m., doing shots and sleeping in until the afternoon. I’m grateful for the people who still do—and I hope they enjoy it as much as I did … until I just didn’t.

Oh, one more thing: Stay off of electric scooters if you’re 25 or older—or at least make up a cooler story than mine when you get hurt.

Kevin Carlow can be reached at CrypticCocktails@gmail.com.

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FEBRUARY 2022

the

FOOD & DRINK INDY ENDORSEMENT This month’s tastiness comes from a grilled chicken flatbread, and some chicken korma

By Jimmy Boegle

according to Yelp, Tripadvisor & OpenTable WE ARE ONE OF THE VERY BEST with 9,000 Sq feet keeping you safe is easy OPEN DAILY FROM 11AM - 3PM & 5PM - 9PM 849 N PALM CANYON DRIVE . PALM SPRINGS EIGHT4NINE.COM 760.325.8490 CVIndependent.com

WHAT The grilled chicken flatbread WHERE V Wine Lounge, 600 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs HOW MUCH $15 CONTACT 760-668-9665; www.vwinelounge.com WHY It’s a perfect socially distanced patio meal.

V Wine Lounge has become one of my favorite hangouts as the pandemic goes on and on and on and etc.

Why, you ask?

Well, the wine selection is great; they make a mean Manhattan (and other cocktails); the kitchen has upgraded the food offerings since V Wine Lounge opened in 2019; and there’s a lovely, spaced-out, heated patio—which is oh-soimportant as omicron continues to run amok.

On my last several visits, I’ve kept ordering the same thing to eat, because it’s so darned delicious: the grilled chicken flatbread. The kitchen takes balsamic-glazed grilled chicken and places it on dough with mozzarella, parmesan, diced tomatoes and pesto. It is all then baked to perfection and cut into squares, making it perfect for sharing.

There’s only one problem: You may not want to share.

If the chicken flatbread doesn’t interest you, V Wine Lounge also offers other tasty treats, ranging from hummus to empanadas to salads to charcuterie plates. If it’s Tuesday, you can get three tacos (chicken, beef or vegan) and a margarita for $15, and if it’s Sunday, you can get brunch.

V Wine Lounge is also a fine place to stop in for a glass of wine or a cocktail even if you’re not hungry, with regular entertainment and Wednesday-night karaoke on offer. The place can get busy at times, so it never hurts to call and make a reservation.

Let’s face it: Dining out can be a scary thing during a pandemic. However, thanks to the heated patio, the great fare and fine service, I always have felt comfortable at V Wine Lounge.

WHAT The Chicken Korma WHERE Its Taste of India, 13104 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs HOW MUCH $14.95 CONTACT 760-671-6283; itstasteofindia.com WHY It’s a perfect melding of sweet, creamy and savory.

It was an omicron-era Saturday night.

We were hungry and thought Indian food sounded amazing. I’d been seeing rave reviews of Its Taste of India—which opened in Desert Hot Springs just before the original SARSCoV-2 arrived and began making a mess of things—so we figured it would be a perfect night for some takeout.

We weren’t the only people who had this thought: When we called to place our order, we were told we’d have a 90-minute wait … and in reality, it took more than two hours. As we waited, a steady stream of customers came in to pick up their orders.

The fact that the restaurant only has eight tables, and one of them is reserved for staging takeout orders, speaks to Its’ to-go popularity.

When we got the food home, we dug in— and the consensus favorite was the chicken korma. Its Taste of India’s version consists of, per the menu, “boneless pieces of chicken cooked with tomatoes in a creamy coconut sauce.” The resultant flavor profile is a little sweet, a little savory, a little creamy—and all delicious.

Its Taste of India offers the fare one would expect at an Indian restaurant in the U.S., including samosas and pakoras as appetizers; entrées featuring chicken and lamb; rice specialties like biryanis; tandoori chicken; and a wide variety of vegetarian offerings.

The prices are reasonable, too; nothing on the menu costs more than $16.95.

You can count on one hand the number of Indian restaurants in the Coachella Valley.

Clearly, there is a demand for this cuisine— and Its Taste of India is doing its part to meet that demand. Just be sure to get your order in early!

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FEBRUARY 2022

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Restaurant NEWS BITES By charles drabkin AS COVID SURGES, SOME LOCALS TAKE STEPS TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY On Jan. 1, the city of Palm Springs’ new Food Ware and Single-Use Plastic Waste Reduction Program/Ordinance went into effect. It bans polystyrene food containers for both onsite and takeout dining, as well as plastic straws, plastic food-stirrers and single-use plastic bags.

Condiments must be offered in either reusable or bulk dispensers.

To help businesses offset the initial costs, the city is offering scholarships to purchase approved takeout containers and food-service ware.

Some would argue that because Palm Springs is such a small city, this effort will do little to offset the climate crisis—but as the saying goes, “You take a little bit from here, a little bit from there, and pretty soon, you have a pile.” Or, in this case, hopefully the opposite.

You can read more about the new ordinance in our Civic Solutions column on Page 10.

In other sustainability news, the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians has opened the Temalpakh Farm Market at 1 Roberta Way, in Coachella. You can purchase produce directly from their 50-acre organic farm, buy smoothies and access a classroom that focuses on the farming and cultural history of the tribe. Learn more at temalpakhfarm.com.

Finally: As you likely know, many restaurants have had to cut back hours or even close due to the strain caused by the Omicron variant. Please be kind to restaurant workers and understand that staffing shortages, supply-chain issues and everything else that is going on are all making their jobs more challenging than ever before.

IN BRIEF Congrats to TKB Bakery and Deli. The beloved Indio-based shop has moved to a brand-new home at 45334 Golf Center Parkway. Now you can enjoy the same great sandwiches in a larger space! Learn more at www.tkbbakery.com. … The new Main Street Coffee in Old Town La Quinta, at 78100 Main St.—the former home of Old Town Coffee Company—is now meeting all your espresso, mocha and matcha needs. The menu also includes an intriguing blended strawberry drink and a variety of baked goods. To learn more, find the place on Facebook, or call 760-289-6283. … New to Palm Desert: Duke’s Deli has replaced Togo’s Sandwiches at 74600 Highway 111, Suite F, and offers a variety of sandwiches, breakfasts, salads and tacos in addition to some grocery items and liquor. … San Diego-based Uncle Chai Thailand Street Food is opening a second location sometime before Valentine’s Day, fingers crossed, at The Atrium, at 69930 Highway 111, in Rancho Mirage. The menu includes a mixture of standard Thai fare and some dishes we don’t usually see here in the desert; I am particularly excited to try the red BBQ pork and the crispy pork over rice. Watch unclecthailandstreetfood.com for updates. … Also new to Rancho Mirage: Bobby Botina’s Mexican and American Grille, located at The River, 71800 Highway 111. The menu includes standard Mexican fare, an impressive happy hour, pizzas, burgers and more; details at www.bobbybotinas.com. … Sad news: Frankie’s Old World Italian Bakery, at 68845 Perez Road, in Cathedral City, has closed after the owner retired and shut down the business. This is a major loss for lovers of cannoli and other Italian sweets. We wish Frankie Mamone nothing but the best. … Agua Caliente has opened another location of 360 Sports at the Palm Springs casino, at 401 E. Amado Road; it’s in the space where the Oasis Buffet was pre-pandemic. The menu is similar to those you’d find at the Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City locations; expect cocktails, snacks, pizza and other grub to enjoy while you watch the game and gamble. Learn more at aguacalientecasinos.com/properties/palm-springs. …

And finally, in local restaurant-empire news: Chad Gardner and Willie Rhine, the owners of 1501 Uptown Gastropub, will be opening Willie’s Modern Fare in the former Bernie’s space, at 69830 Highway 111, in Rancho Mirage, in February. They have updated the dining room and plan on providing an all-day happy hour in the lounge. If the success of 1501, which opened in 2020, is any indication, this space will become an instant classic; learn more at williesrm.com. … As if Gardner didn’t have enough to do—in addition to Willie’s, 1501, 533 Viet Fusion and Roly China Fusion—he’s planning to open his first hotel concept, The Paloma Resort, in partnership with Lit Properties. The hotel will include a new signature restaurant and poolside bar, Sol y Sombra, at 67670 Carey Road, in Cathedral City. The menu will feature local ingredients in tapas-style offerings, along with cocktail creations. Opening two restaurants and partnering on a hotel, all at once, is an impressive feat … but, of course, the year is young. Congrats, Chad Gardner!

Got a hot tip? Let me know: foodnews@cvindependent.com.

EVENING UNDER THE STARS

FIRST LADIES OF DISCO Saturday, April 30, 2022 The O’Donnell Golf Club, Palm Springs 5:30 Cocktails – 7:30 Dinner & Awards • Festive Cocktails • Dazzling Silent Auction • Heavenly Dinner • Inspiring Awards • Groovy Dancing Festive, elegant attire encouraged. Be creative!

Tickets available at aapfoodsamaritans.org or 760-325-8481

Harold Matzner

Presenting Sponsor

Presenting Media Sponsor

Major Sponsors

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Wade Endowment Fund; Steven Anders, Trustee

Sponsors as of 1/13/21

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FEBRUARY 2022

MUSIC

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METAL WITH MASKS

The band Grins and Lies offers bad-ass music—with a little funk, and a little theatricality

By matt king

T

he Coachella Valley has a surplus of bad-ass metal bands, including When Tides Turn, Robotic Humans, and Ormus. But there’s always room for more.

Enter Grins and Lies, a band that started crafting a mix of metal and melodic in late 2019. Stevie Jane Lee fronts the band and plays guitar, backed by Nick Hales (guitar), Derek Wade Timmons (bass) and Luiz “Lalo” Carranza (drums). You can also catch the group’s upcoming livestream, premiering at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. Coachella Valley in 2018—and has been 5, on WildCat Guitars’ YouTube channel. holding on to some of the band’s upcoming Grins and Lies recently made its recording releases for a long time. debut on the Grown Up X-Mas Party Record, a “Since I was 15,” Lee said. “There’s a good local Christmas album organized by Timmons mix of stuff I brought that I had beforehand, that features bands including Sticky Doll, but they totally revamped (the songs) and Throw the Goat, Sleazy Cortez and others. made them way better. … Then there’s stuff “We’ve started recording a couple times that we’ve come up with together, because I’m for the (debut Grins and Lies) album—and pretty sick of my own stuff at this point.” then pandemics happen, and studios change,” Writing songs as a group can be difficult said Timmons. “I’d been wanting to make … but what about writing songs with your this Christmas album for a long time, and we partner? Lee and Timmons got married in had the Christmas song ready to go, so it just late 2021. ended up being ready to go at the right time.”

“It’s been easy,” Timmons said. “It’s probably While the band has wanted to record one of the easiest bands I’ve ever been in as far an album for a while, the members are as the different personalities and styles coming determined not to rush the process. together to make something completely new.

“We started at one studio, and did, like, three Most of the stuff we come up with is unlike tracks,” Lee said. “They were super-busy at the anything any of us would do or have done in time, so we were recording them weeks and previous bands.” weeks apart, and they just ended up sounding The blend of styles can be definitely heard too different. We decided to start over again on “K Is for Krampus,” the band’s Christmaswith Puke, and he was coming down here and record track. Lee and Hales’ respective vocal recording us. We did a couple of tracks that and guitar lines create a melodic and sonic way—and then some of the guys got some new experience, while Timmons and Carranza’s amps and equipment, and again, we’re sounding heavy-hitting bass and beats round the sound different. Now we’re going to keep on doing out with a dark ambience. it, and we figured out a way that works really “One of my favorite aspects of the writing well for us: We like recording live, with all of us process with us is that Lalo and I tend to be playing together. A live recording was actually more of the metalheads in the band, whereas what ended up on the Christmas album.”

Nick and Derek are a little bit more funky,” Lee, originally from Utah, moved to the Lee said. “I feel like you don’t get those two

Grins and Lies.

things combined very often, so I really like that dynamic.”

Added Hales: “I used to play in Fist Full of Glass, as well as Robotic Humans. Those early metal influences definitely helped me, as now I get to get out the metal bug again.”

The trio of Hales, Timmons and Carranza have engaged in a bit of band roulette, as all three have been in both Robotic Humans (separately) and Sleazy Cortez (together, twice). While it’s easy to draw parallels between Grins and Lies and Sleazy Cortez, a clear line is being drawn.

“With Grins and Lies, we try to be—I don’t want to say theatrical, but slightly more of something than just trashy dudes stomping around,” said Timmons. “We have to make sure that (the bands) are a little different, even though it’s a lot of the same people involved.”

Lee admitted she had reservations about the aforementioned band roulette. “I don’t want Grins and Lies to be seen as an afterthought: ‘Oh, and then there’s this thing that we’re doing with my girlfriend over here,’” Lee said.

Theatrics is an appropriate word, because when the band plays live, there’s a strong chance the members will be donning masks— and not the COVID-19 kind.

“It’s been my lifelong ambition to be in an anonymous band,” Lee said. “I always liked that it made it about the music and not about anything else. It’s really hard in this music scene, in the desert, because everybody knows all of us. At this point, it’s more for fun, because everybody actually knows who we are. At first, I was really serious about nobody knowing who is in this band, and I had to let it go a little bit. Maybe when we travel and go play other places, where people don’t know us, I’d like to be a little bit more serious about it.”

Added Timmons: “We could just claim to be our roadies, setting up for the band, and telling everybody how cool they are. We change in the bathrooms of bars—and there we are, the band.”

Even the name stems from the idea of masking or pretending.

“The band name is from a Paul Laurence Dunbar poem, ‘We Wear the Mask,’” said Lee. “He uses Grins and Lies as a euphemism for a social mask, pretending you’re OK when you’re not. That’s kind of like a running theme throughout all of my lyrics, and so it just seemed fitting—and also, nobody else had it.”

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ grinsandliesband.

The Venue REPORT February 2022 By matt king

The Ten Tenors

Happy February! Everything here was accurate, to the best of our knowledge, as we went to press, but events are still being postponed or canceled due to the omicron surge, so it’s best to double-check things before heading out. Oh, and keep your fingers crossed that this is the last month we have to include this disclaimer!

Fantasy Springs has a busy lineup in February. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, comedian Bill Burr will bring his profane humor to the stage; this show was originally scheduled for Jan. 22, and then pushed ahead two weeks. Tickets start at $59. (Il Divo, which was originally scheduled for Feb. 5, was rescheduled for Sept. 16.) One of the most successful pop duos ever, the Righteous Brothers, will grace the stage at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11. Tickets are $29 to $69.

At 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, rock icons Toto are headed for Indio. Tickets are $39 to $69.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 760-342-5000; www. fantasyspringsresort.com.

Spotlight 29 is increasingly raising its entertainment game. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, comedian/podcast host Andrew Schulz brings his “INFAMOUS Tour” to town.

Tickets range from $55 to $100. Country singer Jimmie Allen will be in Coachella at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12. Tickets are $45 to $150. Latin Grammy winner Ricardo Montaner and his 50 years of hits are coming at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19. Tickets range from $79 to $110. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella; 760-775-5566; www. spotlight29.com.

The McCallum Theatre is ready for a rather busy month. McCallum fave The Ten Tenors are slated to return to Palm Desert for seven shows across six days! Catch their greatest hits from Wednesday, Feb. 9, through Monday, Feb. 14. Tickets range from $50 to $100. At 3 and 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20, former Tonight Show host Jay Leno will perform his muchloved stand-up comedy. Tickets are $65 to $115. Grammy winner Steve Tyrell brings his pop standards crafted for a modern audience continued on Page 36 CVIndependent.com

34 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

FEBRUARY 2022

MUSIC

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC

UNITED GROOVE By matt king

T

he internet can make or break a musical act. In the case of Straight No Chaser, not only did the internet make the group—it created a totally unexpected career.

Straight No Chaser is a nine-man a cappella group hailing from Indiana University that offers a unique, vocals-only approach to Christmas classics, popular music and even TV themes.

The group is set to perform at the McCallum Theatre at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23.

Straight No Chaser got its break thanks to Smith. “The same guys got together back in a comedic and creative rendition of “The 12 2008, when they were first signed by Atlantic Days of Christmas” from 1998 that one of the Records. Out of those original 10 members, members posted on YouTube in 2006. five are left in the group. The other guys, “The head of Atlantic Records saw this video, including myself, are guys who sang in the and he immediately reached out to the guy who a cappella group at Indiana University since posted the video—Randy (Stine), who’s still in then. The guys always like to say that it’s the the group,” said member Jasper Smith during best of the best. … They always want it to be a recent phone interview. “This was before someone from the legacy group, someone who Pitch Perfect and Pentatonix; it was before this a is a Hoosier and has that same connection.” cappella resurgence. He actually flew all the guys Indiana University remains a special place in out to his office in New York and had them sing the hearts of all Straight No Chaser members. for him in his office to make sure that it was “We love Indiana University almost more legit, and he wanted to sign them to X number than any other place on the planet,” Smith of album deals at that time.” said. “They’ve been very, very good to us Smith was not a member of the group in terms of co-marketing, and we love the during its inception; he joined shortly before relationship that we still to this day have with the pandemic struck.

Indiana University. We have a whole lot of “The group started at Indiana University, Hoosier pride. We always try to make it back to and it was originally 10 guys in 1996,” said a football game whenever we’re in town, and I

Straight No Chaser. Jimmy Fontane

CVIndependent.com

Straight No Chaser brings its trailblazing a cappella arrangements to the McCallum Theatre

would bet money that on this last tour that we were on, at least one guy a day had something from Indiana University on his person.”

The group is no stranger to the road, even during these times of COVID-19. Straight No Chaser is coming to Palm Desert near the beginning of a 30-date tour that will go until early April—and is taking place less than two months after the group’s most recent tour.

“We played 60 shows from October to New Year’s Eve last year, but it’s just strange, because you have to wake up every morning and see what kind of protocols are in place for the different theaters that you’re going to,” Smith said. “Sometimes … we wouldn’t have contact with people, and would stay inside our little bubbles, and sometimes, we had to wear masks up until the moment that we walked out onstage. The whole industry is different, honestly.”

How does Straight No Chaser make decisions and make rules as a nine-piece, especially during an ongoing pandemic? The answer: with democracy.

“With nine guys, there are infinite permutations that you can get into,” said Smith. “Honestly, it’s a simple democracy, and majority rules. Once we decide something as a group, we do a really good job of being a united front in that decision. The group’s been a thing for so long that most people have friends or family or somebody that they know in almost every city. As we were coming down into crunch time, it was not necessarily a (matter of) policing, but more of a conversation about, like, ‘Look, we have x number of shows in the next week. Let’s tone down the outside contact and be a little more mindful of the people that we’re connecting with.’”

This same democratic decision-making process is used with song-arranging and setlist-creating.

“Some guys will say, ‘Hey, this is the setlist that I’m thinking,’ and then we’ll go back and forth on new songs that we’ve been working on, or songs that haven’t been in the set in a while,” Smith said. “There are two or three guys who are kind of the core arrangers of the group, but if someone gets a wild hair, and they want to arrange something, they can. It’s not necessarily ‘majority rules’ for someone to arrange something; it’s more of like, ‘Hey, I did this thing. Here’s the demo of it. What do you guys think?’ Then we go from there.

“We love each other like brothers, so sometimes we fight like brothers as well. Some decisions are reached more easily than others,

but we definitely have a great group dynamic.”

Straight No Chaser’s most recent album, 2020’s Social Christmasing, was recorded, like many pandemic albums, completely at home.

“None of us had ever done anything like that before,” Smith said. “The pandemic had just hit, and we wanted to stay busy, so we thought, ‘Hey, we all have recording rigs at home; what if we tried to record an album at home?’ There have been parts of different albums in the past where the guys have all been split up, and the producer would ask to send over parts of songs, but we had never recorded an entire album front to back without any of us setting foot in the same room together. As much as we love being in the studio and recording together, it was kind of a really cool, unique recording experience. You get to set the pace of your own recording, pick your own takes, and find the stuff that you like. It’s kind of a strange combination of a little more freedom to record, but also a little more self-discretion and self-policing whenever it comes to the quality of stuff you’re sending out.”

Social Christmasing is the group’s fifth Christmas album. I was curious how the group differentiates between holiday covers and other covers.

“Since we were established as a group that was known for doing a Christmas song, the group has tried to put out a new Christmas album every two or three years, because that’s where the beginning of our audience started,” Smith said. “We try to stay true to that, but I think we’re running out of Christmas songs at this point. We have wrap meetings after each year, and it’s just kind of, ‘Hey, what do we want to work on this year? Is there a vibe? Does anybody have any songs that they’re excited about getting written or having arranged?’

“It really turns into a bit more of a sandbox once we’re out of Christmas. … In 2020, we released a version of ‘You Get What You Give.’

That’s just one example of one of the guys coming to the table and saying, ‘Hey, I heard this song. I think it would be a great arrangement.

I put together this demo. What do you guys think?’ It was really great. We love that song; it had a nice arrangement; and we recorded that.

So it’s really is just as simple as that.”

Straight No Chaser is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, in Palm Desert. Tickets are $60 to $100. For tickets or more information, call 760-340-2787, or visit mccallumtheatre.com.

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THE SECRET BENEFITS OF HAVING A TRUSTWORTHY INJECTOR

By Shonda Chase, FNP Nurse Practitioner, Co-owner, Artistic Director and Advanced Aesethetic Injector at Revive Wellness Centers in Palm Springs and Torrance, and Medweight, Lasers and Wellness Center in Irvine

A

small group of us were out to dinner together, si�ng near a couple but out of close earshot. The woman had clearly had her lips done—and done well. Her hair, makeup and clothes were impeccable. She was on a date with a man who clearly was nowhere near her physical equal. All of us had a chance to see her as she walked to the restroom. My group quietly asked me why I thought there was such a disconnect between her and the scruffy man si�ng across the table from her.

I know da�ng variables are legion—but leaving all of the social/ psychological issues aside, I suggested to them it might be because she needed a chin implant or chin filler. In her case, a chin implant would change everything about her appearance.

Secret No. 1: An advanced provider will listen to what a pa�ent wants to talk about. Then the provider will talk about what they see in order to provide life-changing results. A less-than-advanced provider may try to talk the pa�ent into add-ons that might not be appropriate.

Secret No. 2: It takes having a good rela�onship with a pa�ent in order to broach sensi�ve subjects delicately and with diplomacy. Personal-appearance subjects cannot usually be produc�vely discussed at a pa�ent’s first-�me visit. I’ll only give my input on a big issue during the pa�ent’s first appointment if they know they have a characteris�c that needs to be addressed, and they ask me about it.

Secret No. 3: An advanced provider will explain the difference between your “social view” or side view” (how others see you) and your “front view” or “selfie view” (how you see yourself). I need to make sure that I do social view correc�ons, because ul�mately that’s how others view my pa�ents.

The Kardashians are perfect examples of what lifestyle, noninvasive treatments and cosme�c surgery can accomplish, along with great hair, makeup and a wardrobe stylist’s help.

Next month, I’ll share the latest secrets about the most effec�ve treatments to help rejuvenate skin at any age. Un�l then, keep the Secrets.

Our Revive Wellness Center loca�ons are in Palm Springs (760-3254800) and Torrance (310-375-7599); www.revivecenter.com. Our Medweight, Lasers and Wellness Center office is in Irvine (949-5869904); www.medweightandlasers.com.

You can email your individual ques�ons to Shonda Chase FNP, or Allan Y. Wu MD, Revive’s cosme�c surgeon, at shonda@revivecenter.com.

1900 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA (Inside Club Trinidad Resort)

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FEBRUARY 2022

The Venue REPORT continued from page 33 at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24. Tickets range from $40 to $80. From Friday, Feb. 25, through Sunday, Feb. 27, five performances of the hit musical Jersey Boys will occur on the McCallum stage. Tickets range from $65 to $135. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert; 760-340-2787; www. mccallumtheatre.com.

Agua Caliente in Rancho Mirage has a stacked February lineup. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, Johnny Mathis is coming to town.

He’s 86, so don’t miss your chance to hear “The Voice of Romance.” Tickets range from $95 to $120. Norteño group Bronco will make you dance at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11. Tickets range from $45 to $75. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, soft-rock duo Air Supply will bring decades of hit singles to The Show. Tickets range from $40 to $60. Heavy-hitting country rockers ZZ Top will bring grit and groove to the desert at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 25.

Tickets are $90 to $120. Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-999-1995; www. hotwatercasino.com.

Caliente Comedy and Jazzville roll on at Agua Caliente in Palm Springs. Caliente Comedy is set bring the laughs each Friday with Chad Kroger and J.T. Parr (Feb. 4), Adam Hunter (Feb. 11), Nicole Aimee Schreiber (Feb. 18) and Bobby Miyamoto (Feb. 25).

You must be 21 to attend, and tickets start at $19.99 at www.eventspalmsprings.com/ caliente-comedy. Jazzville takes place every Thursday, starting off with a fourth-anniversary celebration at the All-Star Anniversary Show featuring Barbara Morrison (Feb. 3). February continues with the six-piece Alpha Rhythm Kings (Feb. 10), pianist Michael Ragonese and his quartet (Feb. 17) and a special Billie Holiday tribute show by Orgone vocalist Adryon de León (Feb. 24). Shows take place 7 p.m., and tickets start at $10, available at jazzvillepalmsprings.com. Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs; 888-999-1995; www.sparesortcasino.com.

There were only a few tickets left for these shows at Morongo as of our deadline, so you’d better act fast! Singer/actor Ginuwine will grace the stage at 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 4. Tickets range from $29 to $59. At 9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, El Coyote y Su Banda is offering Spanish jams ideal for an evening of dancing. Tickets range from $39 to $59. Morongo Casino Resort Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 800-252-4499; www. morongocasinoresort.com.

Among many sold-out shows, Pappy and Harriet’s still had a few performances on the schedule with tickets left as of this writing.

Veteran indie/alternative rockers Built to Spill are heading to the desert for a performance at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5. Tickets are $40 in

advance. At 9:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11., New Zealand indie band The Beths will perform a special show with The Linda Lindas, an all-female four-piece ranging in age from 11 to 17. Tickets are $20. Indie folk band The Microphones are set to perform at 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17. Tickets are $25. After rescheduling a previous show, Gary Numan is back in the dust bowl at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 25. Tickets are $35 in advance. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; 760-365-5956; www.pappyandharriets.com.

The Purple Room in Palm Springs is set to host some top-notch entertainment. Award winning singer/songwriter Jake Simpson will perform a night of unique takes on American Songbook standards at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11. Tickets are $30 to $35. While song covers are cool, vocal impressions can be way more entertaining, and those are the specialty of Jimmy James. Catch his performance at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 25. Tickets are $30 to $35. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, legendary showman Jim Caruso is set to host his Cast Party, “a hilariously impromptu variety show/ open mic where showbiz superstars and up-and-comers deliver jaw-dropping musical performances and razzle-dazzle.” Tickets are $40 to $45. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-3224422; www.purpleroompalmsprings.com.

Oscar’s Palm Springs continues to offer a variety of unique shows. At 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 1, Canadian rock ’n’ rollers The Dreamboats are coming to Palm Springs.

Tickets are $30. After performing in New York and Chicago, Broadway regular Robin Lyon brings Been There, Done That, Now What? to town, alongside Michael Orland, at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 2. Tickets are $30. Singer/ actor Lisa Donahey is set to grace Oscar’s stage at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4. Tickets are $30. Oscar’s Palm Springs, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs; 760-325-1188; oscars-palm-springs.ticketleap.com.

Coachella Valley Brewing Co. always brings the local music, so go support both local musicians and local business! At 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, enjoy some Taproom Grooves with Mario Quintero and Alien DNA. Ready to rock? Brew House Rock has got you covered at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, with performances by Matt Davin, Mikey Reyes and Delta Fuzz. Wish taproom manager Wesley Gainey a very happy birthday at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20 at “Wes’ BDay Beer Garden Bash Bonanza” featuring Tim and Val, Adam Gainey, Nick Hales, Kelsey Manning and Uncle Ben’s Thrice. All shows are free and all ages! Coachella Valley Brewing Company, 30640 Gunther St., Thousand Palms; 760-343-5973.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 37

FEBRUARY 2022

MUSIC

the

LUCKY 13

Get to better know the Night Owls drummer, and The Sieve and the Saddle singer by matt king What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

“Fotia” by Evangelia.

What’s your favorite music venue?

Nippon Budokan in Japan.

What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?

“Say the word and you know I’ll follow / Off the grid in the El Dorado / Could be nice in the summer time / We could sit inside in the silence,” “Off the Grid” by Alina Baraz.

NAME Jose Ceja GROUP Giselle Woo and the Night Owls MORE INFO Giselle Woo and the Night Owls’ psychedelic rock mixed with Latin music has caught the attention of many—including Goldenvoice, as the band is set to perform at Coachella this April. Jose Ceja holds down the back beat for the band, transitioning between sounds with ease. Learn more at www. facebook.com/GiselleWooandTheNightOwls.

What was the first concert you attended?

Kiss Alive/35.

What was the first album you owned?

It was actually two. A friend of mine in high school gave me My Chemical Romance, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, and Avenged Sevenfold, Waking the Fallen.

What bands are you listening to right now?

Mostly lo-fi music like Shiloh Dynasty, Monty Datta and Kina.

What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?

Imagine Dragons. I commend their writing and attitude to go for it, but it’s just not for me.

What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.

What band or artist changed your life?

Alina Baraz. A friend of mine introduced me to her while I was going through the worst time of my life. I remember hearing the album Urban Flora, by Alina Baraz and Galimatias, and it just took hold of me and never let go.

For some reason, listening to this album gave me peace and the strength to keep going.

You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?

My question would be for Art Blakey. I would ask him: Out of his entire career as a band leader for the Messengers, what was the most rewarding part?

What song would you like played at your funeral?

“Penguins” by Young Dolph and Keith Glock.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

Rust in Peace by Megadeth.

What song should everyone listen to right now?

“Electric” by Alina Baraz, featuring Khalid.

NAME Morgan Alise Carmona GROUP The Sieve and the Saddle MORE INFO The Sieve and the Saddle is a local Americana/folk duo that has been performing all across the Coachella Valley. Singer Morgan Alise Carmona and guitarist Johnny Carmona released their debut self-titled album in 2019 and haven’t slowed down, playing shows almost every weekend. Morgan is the host of Intimate Acoustics at Plan B in Thousand Palms,

where a variety of artists play acoustic with The Sieve and The Saddle every first Thursday of the month. For more info, visit www. facebook.com/thesieveandthesaddle.

What was the first concert you attended?

A group of friends and I bought tickets to see Metallica’s Heavyweight Summer Tour in 2000.

It was at the Coliseum in L.A. with Korn, Kid Rock, System of a Down and Powerman 5000.

I was coordinating the trip, so we all met up at my apartment, and I drove five of us in my ‘89 Corolla to L.A. Traffic was awful, and for a while, we were just parked on the freeway with the Coliseum in sight. Just as traffic finally cleared, I realized I left all of our tickets on my coffee table at home. That was a huge bummer, but we did go back and get them and were able to catch all of Korn and the headliner, Metallica, which was all I cared about anyway.

What was the first album you owned?

In high school, I heard a song on the radio

by Pearl Jam called “Yellow Ledbetter” and was instantly obsessed. I went to the local record store to buy the CD. The owner said it was an import and would take a few weeks to get. I had to have it, so I paid $16 for the single, which was a ton for me at the time. It was well worth it; I had never heard such a beautiful guitar.

What bands are you listening to right now?

The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, ZZ Ward, Highly Suspect, Arctic Monkeys, and The Beatles.

What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?

Ugh, this is a loaded question. I know my opinion is hugely unpopular out here in the valley, but, dude, reggae. It’s just not dynamic enough for me. There, I said it. I love the peace, love and unity vibe. I love my friends who are in reggae bands, but the music is just not my thing.

What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?

Queen. Freddie Mercury. 100%.

What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

I love catchy pop songs to sing along to, so if I am home alone doing the dishes, mopping the floors, etc., I will blast some Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi or Shawn Mendes.

What’s your favorite music venue?

That would have to be the local bars and breweries that support live music here in the Coachella Valley. I love this valley. I love our music scene. I play all the time at Coachella Valley Brewing Co., which puts on incredible shows. Then there’s Plan B Live Entertainment and Cocktails, owned by my friend Jeannette Krehbiel. I met her about eight years ago when I was first starting

in music. She allowed my band to play when we were brand-new and has supported me as a singer and a friend ever since.

What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?

How about an entire album? We still watch, listen or reference Hamilton almost daily in my household. My husband and my kids quote the lyrics to each other constantly.

What band or artist changed your life?

My husband, Johnny Carmona. I was just starting in music eight years ago, pushing myself to get out and meet musicians, when we were introduced. I had never sung in public.

I had terrible stage fright. I had never worked with musicians. I wrote poetry but didn’t understand how to put it to music. I didn’t understand timing and when to come in with vocals. I didn’t even know how to sing. I just knew I could be completely moved by a song and wanted to be a part of that. He is my rock and the reason I am able to rock.

You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?

Robert Johnson: What really happened at that crossroads?

What song would you like played at your funeral?

The mashup of “I’ll Cover You” and “Seasons of Love” from Rent. If you can get Jesse L. Martin and the original Broadway cast to perform it, that would be great.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

Counting Crows, August and Everything After.

What song should everyone listen to right now?

“Bath Salts” by Highly Suspect. My absolute favorite of all time, the most incredible production of an alt/rock song I have ever heard. Also, “Lydia” by Highly Suspect is amazing.

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38 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

FEBRUARY 2022

CANNABIS IN THE CV

HOPS AND POT M

by jocelyn kane

any people equate the recreational use of cannabis to drinking alcohol: They’re both legal and intoxicating ways to enjoy time with others. The government has treated them similarly by creating regulations and taxation schemes—and by prohibiting them during various periods in our history.

However, the connection between beer and cannabis is even more complex—thanks to the presence of terpenes.

I’ve written before in this space about cannabis terpenes and their effects on the mind and body. It turns out that beer—specifically, Connecticut and Yonkers, N.Y., but moved the hops that are used in the beer-making to the California desert at the ripe age of process—also include terpenes.

10 years old. I learned, among other things, Terpenes are organic compounds produced that he does not like Los Angeles very much; by a variety of plants. Beers can be distinctly and that he once had hopes of becoming a different based on the variety/varieties of professional musician, but a mild quarterhops used to make them. So … if hops include life crisis instead prompted him to lead the terpenes, and terpenes cause varying effects Coachella Valley Homebrewers Club, host on people, it stands to reason that different a beer podcast, and work for multiple local beers could have different effects on people, craft-beer makers. too. Right?

Now to the question at hand: I asked Brett To figure out whether this hypothesis whether he thought certain beers created was valid, I reached out to the Independent’s different effects in people, based on his resident Cicerone (the beer equivalent of a experience. His reply was a definite yes—with sommelier), Brett Newton, the writer of our a caveat that after a certain number of beers, beer column, Caesar Cervisia. We met outside none of the subtle effects from terpenes at of his local favorites, Las Palmas Brewing, matter, since the effects of alcohol are clearly in downtown Palm Springs. With a glass of stronger. saison in hand, I dug into the issue.

His most obvious example was his To recap Brett’s credentials: Brett hails experience with IPAs, or India pale ales. from the East Coast, including stints in IPAs are super-hoppy by their nature. Brett

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Thanks to terpenes, beer and cannabis may have more in common than you think said he’s determined, both from personal experience and by watching others, that IPAs can create a mood-lifting effect—a kind of happy euphoria that is not created by other beers. Beta-pinene, heavy with the scents of fresh wood and spice, is a terpene known for creating an effect of alertness and clarity. You can find this terpene in the hops often used in making pale ales and stouts.

According to Brett, Belgian beers can cause a mild calming or contemplative effect.

Humulene is a terpene found in some of the hops that make these beers. It has an analgesic and mild sedative effect—and is a well-examined terp in clinical studies.

Caryophyllene is a spicy and musky terp that’s known for a stress-relieving effect that reduces anxiety. The terp has antioxidant and anti-inflammation impacts as well—and you can find it in hops that are often used to make saisons, wild ales, American blondes and ambers.

Just from observation, Brett said he thought that lagers can create a friendly and open feeling. It turns out that linalool,

a terpene with a soothing, floral scent of lavender, tends to illicit a sense of calm in essential oils—and it’s found some of the hops used to make lagers, too.

And now for the disclaimers: While it is interesting to learn which hops include which terpenes, each hop variety represents a blend of terpenes, just as cannabis varieties do.

Also: We are just beginning to understand the health benefits of terpenes, and the quantities in which they may have positive effects.

You can, of course, do your own research by purchasing beer at any outlet you’d like— and you can start your journey into hop research at hoohhops.com/bine-hop-research.

After chatting with Brett, who knows as much about beer as anyone in the Coachella Valley, I am convinced that the connection between the terpenes in cannabis and the terpenes in beer is real—and deserves further exploration.

Jocelyn Kane can be reached at jocelyn@ coachellavalleycan.org.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 39

FEBRUARY 2022

OPINION COMICS & JONESIN’ CROSSWORD

“The Birthday Game”— not the right calendar section

By Matt Jones Across 1 Rootless aquatic plant 5 “Don’t make me laugh!”

8 Steve Irwin exclamation 14 Mario Kart character 15 Modern prefix with tourism 16 Emu or ostrich, e.g.

17 The $64,000 Question emcee born one month too late?

19 The Audacity of Hope family 20 Have ___ of mystery 21 Hanna-Barbera feline 23 Ready to leave the queue 25 One of many during 2021 for Jeopardy!

26 Mike the Tiger’s sch.

29 Like some ciders 30 Green Acres co-star Eva 32 Godparent, sometimes 33 Fences playwright born four months too soon?

36 Tennis variation

39 2018 Hannah Gadsby stand-up special with quite a few serious moments 40 Mad Men actress born ... in exactly the right month?

42 Take ___ (lose money) 43 Purchasing agent 44 Onyx or opal 47 College maj. for instrumentalists 48 Tabletop gamer, stereotypically 50 Unlikely to fall over 52 Girl with a flock 54 “___ Rock ’n’ Roll” (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts song) 55 Leo’s home?

58 Queen guitarist/ astrophysicist born two months too late?

60 Mission to the moon 61 French dressing ingredient no longer regulated by the FDA 62 Frigid finish 63 Most bleached out 64 T-shirt size that may cost slightly more 65 SFO listings

Down 1 Convenient 2 Ride while you wait for repairs 3 Andromeda, for one 4 Fess up 5 “I’m with ___” (2016 campaign slogan) 6 Bank holding, briefly 7 Sounds from mall Santas 8 Holey footwear 9 Morocco’s capital 10 “Let’s just leave ___ that” 11 Family that runs the “Convenience” store in a Canadian sitcom 12 Greek vowel 13 “That’s pretty much it” 18 Rocket, in the U.S. 22 Surname of Roth’s complainer 24 Alerter of the 2000s 26 Deadly sin 27 Little twerp 28 Reader whose last print edition was in 2019 31 Industrious sort 32 Taproom orders 33 Push up against

34 Decreases 35 Newtonian topic 36 Late performer who once dated Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore 37 Hawaii Five-O setting 38 Les Etats-___ 41 Bar fixture 44 Wallace’s dog 45 Composer Grieg 46 “Aaagh! That’s way too bright!”

48 Count for MLS or NHL games 49 Disney World attraction 51 Arm bones 52 Liver secretion 53 Grand ___ (auto race) 55 Anti-mosquito device sound 56 ___-Locka, Florida 57 U.S. currency 59 Not feeling so good © 2022 Matt Jones Find the answers in the “About” section of CVIndependent.com

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