Coachella Valley Independent October 2016

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT | OCTOBER 2016

VOL. 4 | NO. 10

ELECTIONS

2016

DISTRICT DISAGREEMENTS State Sen. Jeff Stone

Hopes to Upset

Rep. Raul Ruiz

in November

By Kevin Fitzgerald

PLUS CITY COUNCIL RACES IN PALM DESERT CATHEDRAL CITY

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OCTOBER 2016

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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 3

OCTOBER 2016

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Mailing address: 31855 Date Palm Drive, No. 3-263 Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 904-4208 www.cvindependent.com

October has always been a special month for us here at the Coachella Valley Independent, because it was in October three years ago that we moved from a quarterly print schedule to become a monthly in print.

Well, now it’s time for us to take another big step: The Coachella Valley Independent is in the process of finalizing the details of our first signature event.

Palm Springs Craft Cocktail Week will take place Nov. 11-19. Bars and restaurants valley-wide will be invited to create a special craft cocktail, and offer it for sale for $6 during those nine days. Bars and restaurants will be asked to donate at least $2 from the sales of Editor/Publisher that special cocktail to our charities: The Jimmy Boegle LGBT Community Center of the Desert’s Community Food Bank, and the Desert Assistant Editor AIDS Project’s Food Depot.

The week will also include a variety of Brian Blueskye events. Participating restaurants and bars will be invited to offer special cocktail classcover/Cover Story design es and cocktail-paired meals—and celebrate Mark Duebner Design the art of the cocktail in any way they choose.

We’ll also be holding two major events Contributors during Palm Springs Craft Cocktail Week.

Gustavo Arellano, Nicole Borgenicht, Our Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Competition Max Cannon, Kevin Fitzgerald, Bill Frost, will feature various valley bartenders competing to see who can create the most deliBonnie Gilgallon, Bob Grimm, Valeriecious drink without using any liquor or spirJean (VJ) Hume, Brane Jevric, Keith its. After all, people who don’t drink alcohol Knight, Marylee Pangman, Erin Peters, shouldn’t just be stuck with coffee, tea, juice Dan Perkins, Sean Planck, Guillermo or soda, right?

The biggest event of them all will take Prieto, Anita Rufus, Jen Sorenson, place the evening of Thursday, Nov. 17: The Christine Soto, Robert Victor Palm Springs Craft Cocktail Competition will be held at the Purple Palms Restaurant at the gorgeous Colony Palms Hotel. Local The Coachella Valley Independent comedian Shann Carr will host as eight of the Coachella Valley’s top bartenders and print edition is published every month. mixologists battle it out in the Palm Springs All content is ©2016 and may not be Craft Cocktail Cocktail Championship. published or reprinted in any form Attendees and an esteemed panel of judges without the written permission of the will both vote to determine the winners.

(Yes, attendees will get to try all of the publisher. The Independent is available free of charge throughout the Coachella cocktails!)

More details will unfold in the month to Valley, limited to one copy per reader. come; visit pscraftcocktails.com for updates.

Additional copies may be purchased Also, be sure to pick up the November edition of the Independent, which will feature for $1 by calling (760) 904-4208. The a special pullout section explaining everyIndependent may be distributed only thing about the event. by the Independent’s authorized If you know of a bar or restaurant that distributors. should be involved, drop me a line at the email address below!

In the meantime … you might have heard that an election is approaching. This month’s issue features stories on three of The Independent is a proud member and/or supporter of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, Get Tested Coachella the valley’s more compelling races, plus preValley, the Local Independent Online News Publishers, the views of all the big music festivals coming in Desert Business Association, the LGBT Community Center of October—and a whole lot more. the Desert, and the Desert Ad Fed. Welcome to the October 2016 print edition of the Coachella Valley Independent. As always, thanks for reading, and please send any feedback you may have to the email address below.

—Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com CVIndependent.com

4 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

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CVIndependent.com

OCTOBER 2016

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 5

OCTOBER 2016

OPINION OPINION

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS T

BY ANITA RUFUS

he Peace in the Streets Global Film Festival offers young people around the world an opportunity to share their experiences and ideas about creating peace—by making films.

Carole Krechman, a 12-year resident of Rancho Mirage, is the driving force behind this transforming project, which is sponsored by her group, The Peacemaker Corps, a non-governmental organization established as a result of Carole’s experience as chairman of the board of the Friends of the United Nations.

Carole took a rather circuitous path to this endeavor. She graduated from Beverly Hills High School and went on to study architecture at UCLA. She spent many years redoing homes for famous people in the entertainment industry (she can drop names with the best of them!) before moving her specialty to roller-skating rinks, and then in the 1990s, to “family entertainment centers” including ice rinks, bowling alleys and so on.

The Peace in the Streets Global Film Festival “I’m especially proud of working in the late allows young filmmakers to use any technology 1970s to establish the World on Wheels in available to share their own stories. Entries South Central Los Angeles,” she recalls. “After must be no more than five minutes long, and the Watts riots, there was a need to rebuild the are judged in three categories: age 8 and under, community. We convinced local politicians and 9-13, and 14-18. the police that we could provide a safe environ“It hits my heart,” says Carole, “to get a film ment for kids to come. We installed metal detec- done on a cell phone from a young boy in a tors, and ended up with a place that was safe refugee camp, talking about the conditions and and self-integrated, where young people could expressing his hope for a better life.” find companionship and community.”

Among the 2015 award winners are two local Carole spent nine years working on projects films made by participants in the Boys and Girls in China, and as a result was asked to join the Clubs of the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs. board of the Friends of the United Nations, a Ashelly Alvarez, of the Boys and Girls Club of nongovernmental organization. In 1995, she Coachella Valley, took second place in the 8 and was made chairman of the board. under category with her film, “Coachella Valley “That was the year of the 50th anniversary Peace in the Streets.” of the UN,” she says, “and our role was to tell Tiwahna Whyte, Vanessa Ledezma and the world what was going on at the UN—to disHayden Poulain of the Boys and Girls Club seminate information that would help build civil of Palm Springs won third place in 2015 in society around the world.” the 14-18 category. Their film, “Finding My Carole remembers the impact of listening to Strength,” is a powerful personal statement by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. “He called for Tiwahna, who was bullied; she shares the way a decade of peace and tolerance,” she says, “and she handled her reactions. She first talks of conthe Friends of the UN thought about creating a fronting a bully and opening a dialogue that led tolerance award. I left Friends in 1997 and spun to them becoming friends. off the Peacemaker Corps as a stand-alone NGO “All I did was stand up for myself. It was the specifically focused on young people and those first time I felt powerful. I said, ‘This is how I goals.” feel, and you can’t do anything about it, because Carole was able to secure a grant from I’m still going to do what I’m put on earth to Department of Housing and Urban do,’” she says in the film. Later, when she was Development and worked in partnership with again subject to bullying, she developed coping malls around the country to offer restorative skills that included writing and sharing her feeljustice programs for youth. ings. Her film is a compelling testament to the “Our goal has always been to bring people difference it can make for youngsters to learn together as colleagues instead of enemies,” she from others facing similar situations. says. “We use education to empower youth to be I urge you to go to the film festival website actively involved in peacemaking in their own (peaceinthestreetsfest.com) to watch the amazcommunities. When they attend mall events, ing award-winning films submitted by young they can download a free app to participate in people from all around the world. The messages global networks and activities.” include one young man’s response to bullying:

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION

Meet Carole Krechman, a Rancho Mirage resident encouraging youth worldwide to promote peace via film “Turn around and look at yourself.” A young girl walked around the streets of New York asking, “If you could change the world in one sentence, what would it be, and why?” and submitted responses that vary from eating healthy to making peace. Another boy’s film, depicting physical confrontations, concludes, “You always have a choice, and it can change your own and everyone else’s lives.”

Carole Krechman has created and nurtured a wonderful organization dedicated to educating young people about their ability to influence each other to make a better world.

“I want kids to know they can walk anywhere in the world and know they’re not going to die, that violence won’t end their life,” she said.

What have you done lately to make a difference? Supporting the Peacemaker Corps might be a good way to start.

Carole Krechman (back row toward the middle) poses with Peacemaker Corps participants.

Anita Rufus is also known as “The Lovable Liberal,” and her radio show airs Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on KNews Radio 94.3 FM. Email her at Anita@LovableLiberal.com. Know Your Neighbors appears every other Wednesday at CVIndependent.com.

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6 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

OCTOBER 2016

OPINION OPINION

THE POTTED DESERT GARDEN

This grass is perfect for pots … well, for nine months of the year, at least

BY MARYLEE PANGMAN

R

egal Mist Pink Muhly—or Muhlenbergia capillaris—is probably my favorite landscape grass in this part of the country. I love the way the sun shines through its plumes during its flowering season. That hazy but eye-catching frothy mist of deep pink is what first caught my eye when I saw a mass planting in a landscape. All I could say was, “Amazing!”

So grab your gloves and tools, because now that cooler weather is here, it’s a good time to plant this stunning grass.

The grass stays relatively small and is drought-tolerant, but thrives with regular watering. Its bloom period is during the fall months, and it boasts glossy green leaves the rest of the year—until you cut it back annually to the ground in January. As a clumping grass, it only grows in size and does not propagate new plants. It also is not prone to reseeding, so you can trust that it will only be where you plant it. Regal Mist thrives in full-sun and reflected-heat locations.

People often ask about planting these gorgeous grasses in pots—and this leads to a bit of a conundrum. Yes, the plants look great.

They are clean and look splendid around a pool—plus you don’t need to worry about them throwing off debris you’ll have to clean up. They will wave in the breeze, and with regular but lesser amounts of water, will reward you with a stunning show all fall and early winter. The color intensifies as the desert cools off into the 50s and 60s. Its seeds provide a banquet for native birds, and the grass can provide these same birds with shelter—while also being critter-resistant.

However, there is a problem: The grass must be cut back in January. It will start sprouting new leaf growth as the spring warming trends begin, in March or so. So what should one do with this stark pot from January to early April? I am definitely a gardener who prefers immediate gratification, and no matter how splendid the grass is in the fall, it’s a bummer when it brings nothing to one’s container garden for half of the winter.

One suggestion to deal with this problem: When the grass is cut back in January, plant pansies or other winter annuals around the perimeter of the pot to hide the cutback grass in the center. Of course, this means the grass needs to be placed in a pot large enough to support the root space needed for these plants.

CVIndependent.com

I recommend a 22-24-inch diameter pot.

Of course, you could also put the pot away somewhere out of view and replace it with another temporary pot that is filled with the look you want this winter—and then bring back the Regal Mist come April.

Whatever you decide … happy gardening!

After more than 3 1/2 years of The Potted Desert Garden, this is the final column by Marylee Pangman, the founder and former owner of The Contained Gardener in Tucson, Ariz. With more than 18 years of experience, she has become known as the desert’s potted garden expert.

Marylee’s book, Getting Potted in the Desert, is now available. Buy it online at potteddesert.com.

Email her marylee@potteddesert.com.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 7

OCTOBER 2016

OPINION OPINION

ASK A MEXICAN!

Is ‘pinche’ considered a bad word among Mexicans?

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EAR MEXICAN: Is pinche considered a “bad” word among Mexican Americans? Or is it like güey, where it’s generally all right?

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Mandilón in Manhattan DEAR PUSSY-WHIPPED POCHO: Don’t forget that among Mexican Americans, #fucktrump is considered appropriate for children 5 and over.

But among Mexican Mexicans, pinche (which technically means a short-order cook) is still mostly a synonym for “fucking” in its adverbial sense; I, for instance, would never use it in front of my mami, lest I get the chancla. But, like here in el Norte, Mexican culture keeps coarsening, making pinche more acceptable than ever before.

One of the first news stories the Mexican ever wrote was a 2001 piece about how a Mexican yaktivist took out a radio ad calling former California Gov. Gray Davis a pinche güerito—a “fucking little white man.” Tellingly, the AM station bleeped out pinche so it sounded like pin-bleep. Fast-forward to today, and that radio station—now on the FM dial—regularly plays the track “Pinche Borracho” (“Fucking Drunk”) by female duo Dueto Las Azucenas (a swapmeet version of Las Jilguerillas) without bleeping out pinche. What a pinche vergüenza.

DEAR MEXICAN: Why is it that every time I pull up next to a Mexican in traffic, they’re bumping one of two things: either some polka-sounding stuff, or Tupac? I like Tupac, but it seems like Mexicans are single-handedly keeping his music alive. Why do Mexicans love Pac so much?

Confused by Colored Folk DEAR GABACHO: Tupac Shakur forever endeared himself to Mexicans thanks to his 1996 jam “To Live and Die in LA.” In this ode to the City of Angels, he sang, “Cause would it be L.A. without Mexicans? / Black love, brown pride and the sets again / Pete Wilson trying to see us all broke.”

Wait, that wasn’t Pac; that was Makaveli, since Tupac is ALIVE. Besides, game recognize juego, and Mexicans see Tupac as the moreno version of Chalino Sanchez, the legendary narcocorrido singer who was also assassinated before his time, and whose ballads made gangsta rap seem as impos-

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DEAR MEXICAN: History has shown that given time, all immigrants to a new country eventually assume the new language. That being said, it is also important for Americans to help immigrants cross the language barrier.

Because of this, I do not understand why there are not more Spanish-language programs on television, not just for the Spanish-speaker, but for everyone. Spanish Sesame Street would be great. I have studied Spanish and Japanese in school, and it has helped me understand my surroundings better. What are Americans afraid of? We flock to Mexican restaurants. It would also be nice to see other foreign-language programs on the television from time to time.

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Bring Back Esteban Colberto DEAR GABACHO: That’s a problem exacerbated by Hollywood, which would rather greenlight shows about gangs and narcos than anything that remotely deals with the modern-day Mexican-American experience.

And by the way, there is a Mexican version of Sesame Street (well, besides the actual Spanishlanguage version of the show, called Plaza Sésamo); it’s called Dora the Explorer. Donald Trump has already announced she’s the first Mexican to get deported, since Dora taught millennials that Mexicans are actual humans and not baby-making cockroaches—a first on network television.

Catch the Mexican every Wednesday at CVIndependent.com. Ask the Mexican at themexican@askamexican.net; be his fan on Facebook; follow him on Twitter @gustavoarellano; or follow him on Instagram @gustavo_arellano!

CVIndependent.com

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OCTOBER 2016

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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 9

OCTOBER 2016

NEWS

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

THE COSTS OF SAFETY

Palm Desert freezes several police positions in an effort to save money

BY BRANE JEVRIC

T

he Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station, located on Gerald Ford Drive, is the home of the Coachella Valley’s most robust local policing force.

The station covers all unincorporated areas of the western valley, as well as the cities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells, each of which contracts with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department to provide police services.

Officials in one of those cities, Palm Desert, are expressing concerns about rising public safety costs. Palm Desert Mayor Bob Spiegel recently told the Independent that for the first time, public-safety costs now make up more than half of the city’s budget.

After hearing that, we decided it was time to talk to the commander of the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station regarding the local state of crime, public-safety issues and law-enforcement needs.

Unfortunately, our media requests were either ignored or shoved off to the cities with whom the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department contracts. Deputy Armando Munoz, the local public information officer, repeatedly dodged questions. He wouldn’t even tell us how many deputies are employed at the Palm Desert Station.

Up until about two months ago, the things were different. The station’s commander was Capt. Susan “Sue” Trevino, the first woman to ever hold that post. Capt. Trevino, who recently retired, was a remarkable leader who understood the need for media access and public information.

On Aug. 10, Capt. David Teets took over as the station’s new commander. After two weeks of emailing media requests for a short, 10-20 minute interview with Teets, Munoz stated that “the captain is unavailable” to talk.

Therefore, I simply showed up at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station—and Lt. John Shields, a law-enforcement veteran of 27 years, gave me an interview on the spot.

He started by answering that employment question: He said the station has roughly 200 people on staff.

Lt. Shields oversees Rancho Mirage as its assistant chief of police. He talked about the city’s low crime rate, and the fact that there has not been a homicide in Rancho Mirage in recent years.

“With Rancho Mirage, our concern is property crimes,” he said. “That’s the biggest problem, and it’s not that big in comparison to other areas,” he said.

Rancho Mirage, with a population a bit below 18,000, has a sheriff’s substation.

Eleven deputies are on patrol daily—two motorcycle officers included—along with three community service officers.

Lt. Shields said Rancho Mirage has no plans to reduce its policing force.

“We meet with the city manager and the city staff weekly, and we have not recommended it,” he said.

Due to the recent San Bernardino and New York terrorism acts, the question of adequate public safety is on the minds of many.

“For the size of the city, we have quite a few officers out there, so we have a very good presence there,” Lt. Shields said. “We also have lots of city staff personnel who went through the active-shooter training program, and they know if they see something, to say something.”

President Gerald Ford used to live in Rancho Mirage, and rumor has it that President Barack Obama is considering purchasing a home there.

“When and if they come, he will no longer be a sitting president, so the footprint and the threat is much smaller,” Shields said. “As far as the resources go, the Secret Service will take care of that, but we’re ready.”

As for Indian Wells, my questions were promptly answered via email by Nancy Samuelson, the city’s spokesperson. According to her, Indian Wells has one officer dedicated 24/7, as well as one motor officer, one special enforcement officer, one special event officer, five community service officers and one lieutenant overseeing its staff.

There is a small sheriff’s substation across from Indian Wells City Hall, and the city’s crime rate is minimal.

“Main public safety (concerns involve) traffic enforcements, collisions and petty property crime,” Samuelson stated. “Any need for more deputies is analyzed by response time, number of calls and crime volume.”

Samuelson said that Indian Wells’ population is 4,974, and that the city’s contract with the Sheriff’s Department costs $3.5 million annually—which represents 24.78 percent of the city’s budget.

Unlike Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells, the city of Palm Desert is facing some challenges when it comes to the rising cost of public safety.

According to David Hermann, the city of Palm Desert’s spokesman, the city’s general-fund budget is $53,267,218 for the fiscal year; of that, $21,141,245 is slated for police services.

In order to save some money, the city froze two motorcycle-cops positions. Hermann said the savings from two positions is $611,034.88.

There is also a possibility to save more money: The city froze a special enforcement officer position, too, but these funds were set aside in case one of the frozen positions needs to be reinstated; the potential additional savings is $308,116.24.

“The city’s police department currently has 78 sworn deputies, taking into account two frozen officer positions and one officer assigned to the special enforcement team,” Hermann said. “The department also has 11 non-sworn positions, including nine commu-

Lt. John Shields oversees police operations in Rancho Mirage. “For the size of the city, we have quite a few officers out there, so we have a very good presence there,” he said. BRANE JEVRIC

nity service officers, a crime analyst and a forensic technician.”

Palm Desert, with a population just shy of 50,000, could save more than $900,000 from these public-safety budget cuts. Could this substantially affect safety and crime in Palm Desert?

That’s a question I wanted to ask Capt.

Teets. Alas, he was “unavailable.”

CVIndependent.com

10 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

OCTOBER 2016

NEWS

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

OCTOBER ASTRONOMY

This month features rendezvousing planets, specialMid-Twilight crescent moon and Planets and Bright Stars in aEvening For October, 2016 meteors from Halley’s Comet This sky chart is drawn for latitude 34 degrees north, but may be used in southern U.S. and northern Mexico.

O

By Robert Victor

n Thursday morning, Sept. 29, a beautiful sight will reward early risers who go out to enjoy the brightening dawn 45 minutes to an hour before sunrise: Around 5:45 a.m., very low, almost directly east, a slender, crescent old moon will be suspended just 2 degrees below Mercury.

Other sights in the morning sky through October include Sirius, the brightest star, well up in the south-southeast, and the rest of the Winter Hexagon’s stars—in clockwise order, Procyon, Pollux, Castor, Capella, Aldebaran and Rigel, with Betelgeuse inside. Other bright stars include Canopus, very low in the south, the second-brightest star (easier to see later in the month, when it reaches its high point, due south, earlier in a darker sky), and Regulus, heart of Leo, the Lion, in the east.

The old moon of Sept. 29 is followed by the new moon on Sept. 30 at 5:11 p.m., invisible as it passes close to the sun. The next chance to see the moon is on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 1, only about 20 to 30 minutes after sunset. With all the moon is bright—only three days past full. the mountains around us, you must choose your Watch the planets move! In the evening sky vantage point carefully, because about 20 minin October, Venus goes east 1.2 degrees per utes after sunset in the Coachella Valley, around day against background stars, while Mars goes 6:50 p.m., the very slender crescent will be only east about 0.7 degrees daily. Track Venus for a 3 to 4 degrees up. Binoculars will help. Look for few evenings around following dates when it the hairline crescent 9 degrees south of due west passes close to a background star: Oct. 5, when and 20 degrees to the lower right of Venus. This Venus passes 0.8 degrees to the lower left of crescent moon is special, because its sighting third-magnitude Alpha in Libra, also known as marks the beginning of the first month of the Zubenelgenubi, the southern claw of an early, new year of the Islamic calendar. larger version of the Scorpion; Oct. 20, when The moon will be much easier to spot as it Venus passes within 1 degree above second-magthickens, appears higher, and sets more than nitude Delta Scorpii, the middle of the three half an hour later nightly. On Sunday, Oct. 2, stars in the head of the Scorpion; Oct. 26, when the moon will be 10 degrees to the lower right Venus passes 3.1 degrees north (to the upper of Venus. On Monday, Oct. 3, the moon will right) of first-magnitude Antares; and Oct. 29, pass within 5 degrees to the upper right of when Venus passes 3.0 degrees south (to the Venus, and on Tuesday, the moon will appear lower left) of Saturn.

13 degrees to the upper left of Venus. On Oct. 5, Watch Mars on Oct. 6, as it passes 0.2 degrees the moon passes within 5 degrees to the upper below third-magnitude Lambda Sagittarii, right of Saturn, and on Friday the 7th, the moon marking the top of the Teapot. This star is also will be 7 degrees to the upper right of Mars. known as Kaus Borealis, northern star of the The other prominent objects at dusk include Archer’s bow. On Oct. 15, Mars passes within golden Arcturus sinking in the west, and blue1.3 degrees north (to the upper right) of secwhite Vega northwest of overhead, with Deneb ond-magnitude Nunki, or Sigma in Sagittarius, and Altair, completing the Summer Triangle. brightest star in handle of the Teapot.

The full moon of Saturday, Oct. 15, rises just Saturn, the only other bright evening planet, north of due east a few minutes after sunset. moves only 2.7 degrees east Oct. 1-31, averaging The waning moon rises later each night, shifting less than 0.1 degrees per day. farther north along the horizon through Oct. 20.

In the mornings: Just before the start of twiIn the Coachella Valley at 9 p.m. on the evelight Sept. 29-Oct. 12 and Oct. 29-Nov. 11, from ning of Tuesday, Oct 18, binoculars will show a a dark place, try to see the zodiacal light—from bright star within one degree to the lower left sunlight reflected off comet and asteroid dust in of the moon, just risen in the east-northeast. the plane of the solar system. Look for a pyramid By 10:19 p.m., the sunlit edge of the moon will of faint light extending upward from the eastern cover first-magnitude Aldebaran, eye of Taurus, horizon toward the star Regulus in Leo. the Bull. Aldebaran remains hidden by the moon Low in the east during morning twilight in until 10:35 p.m., when the star reappears along October, bright, emerging Jupiter replaces the northern part of the moon’s dark edge.

Mercury. Using binoculars about 40 minutes Even though this is the brightest star the moon before sunrise, see both planets for a few days can occult (cover), a telescope will be needed to around Oct. 11. The best mornings are Oct. observe the star disappear and reappear, since 10-12: The planets are 1.5 degrees apart on Oct. CVIndependent.com

October's evening sky chart.

ROBERT D. MILLER

N

Capella

Deneb Vega

Arcturus

E

W

Altair

Venus Saturn

29 1 8 15 22 29 Mars 1

Fomalhaut

Evening 10, with Jupiter tomid-twilight the lower occurs right of Mercury. when Sun is 9° below horizon.

They appearOct. closest, 0.8 degrees apart, on Oct. 1: 39 minutes after sunset.

11, with Jupiter15:to40the"south of Mercury. " (right) " 31: 41apart " on " Wednesday, " They’re 1.9 degrees Oct. 12, with Jupiter to the upper right.

On Friday, Oct. 21, in the predawn darkness, watch for the peak of the Orionid meteor shower, consisting of particles from Halley’s Comet.

On Friday, Oct. 28, a waning crescent moon, two days before new, will appear 2-3 degrees to the lower left of Jupiter in morning twilight.

On Saturday morning, Oct. 29, the last old crescent will appear 14 degrees to the lower left of Jupiter. Binoculars will help you pick out emerging Spica, just five degrees to the lower right of the delicate crescent. The new moon occurs on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 10:38 a.m.

On Monday evening, Oct. 31, 40 minutes after sunset, the young crescent moon will be 3 degrees up in the west-southwest, 24 degrees to the lower right of Venus.

S

1

8 29

22

15

Antares

Stereographic The Astronomical Society of the Projection Desert will Map by Robert D. Miller host the next of our popular series of monthly star parties on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 7 to 10 p.m. They are held at the Visitor Center of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, on Highway 74, within 4 miles south of Highway 111 in Palm Desert. Check www.astrorx.org for listings of our high altitude star parties at Sawmill Trailhead starting at dusk.

The next one will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Visit the website for maps and directions to both star party sites, and for dates and locations of lecture meetings. Also, follow the link to our “Impromptu Star Parties,” which could be announced on short notice at any time.

Robert C. Victor was a staff astronomer at Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University. He is now retired and enjoys providing skywatching opportunities for school children in and around Palm Springs.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 11

OCTOBER 2016

DISTRICT DISAGREEMENTS State Sen. Jeff Stone

Hopes to Upset

Rep. Raul Ruiz

in November

By Kevin Fitzgerald

R

ep. Raul Ruiz upset Mary Bono Mack four years ago to become the California District 36 congressman.

This year, state Sen. Jeff Stone hopes to pull off an upset of his own.

The Democratic Party has high hopes this year. Party leaders think it’s possible to retain the presidency, regain control of the Senate, and increase the number of Democrats in the Republicandominated House of Representatives.

Given this electoral outlook, incumbent Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz is in what seems like a fairly favorable position. He garnered 58.5 percent of June’s primary vote and had raised close to $2.5 million through June.

District 36 is a former Republican stronghold that includes all of the Coachella Valley, yet Ruiz’s challenger, State Sen. Jeff Stone, attracted only 31.6 percent of primary voters in June. (Another Republican received 9.9 percent of the vote.) He had raised only about a tenth of Ruiz’s haul through June—around $250,000.

What a difference four years makes.

Stone is measured when asked about his chances for an upset this year. “I’m not presumptuous to tell you that I will be elected—but I hope to be elected,” he said during a recent interview with the Independent.

When asked about the major differences between him and Ruiz, Stone mentioned last year’s nuclear deal with Iran. “It’s my belief that the (Iran nuclear) deal, that Congressman Ruiz supported, has aided and abetted a rogue country like Iran, the largest sponsor of terrorism on the globe, to

continue their sponsorship of terrorism. But more importantly, it allows them a pathway to get to a nuclear bomb.”

Of course, Ruiz views his vote differently. “I voted for the Iran nuclear agreement,” he told the Independent, “because its purpose is for Iran to never, ever, ever—not now, not in 10, not in 15, not in 20, not in 50 years, not ever, ever—get a nuclear bomb. And already, we are seeing results.”

Stone also takes issue with the way that he said Ruiz arrived at his stance on the controversial deal.

“I was in the room (in Washington, D.C.) with members of the Coachella Valley contingent when Raul Ruiz made it very clear that he was not going to support any deal with Iran that allowed them to continue with their nuclear program. He flip-flopped for reasons I’ll never understand,” Stone said. “(Ruiz) said in a subsequent Desert Sun editorial that (paraphrasing), ‘It is with great humility that I am supporting this deal with Iran.’ Well, that humility could translate into future generations of Americans being the beneficiaries of a nuclear bomb on our soil.”

Ruiz said keeping his constituents safe is a major priority.

“We’ve got to keep the pressure on (Iran),” Ruiz said. “We will continue to conduct aggressive inspections which will give us intelligence that gives us the upper hand, now and in the future, to always maintain strict vigilance and ensure that they never get a nuclear bomb.”

Each candidate shared their views on other issues of concern. Ruiz mentioned the economy. continued on next page CVIndependent.com

12 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

OCTOBER 2016

DISTRICT DISAGREEMENTS

General Patton Memorial Museum

• • • • •

An Air Salute Fly-Over by World War II Aircraft Music by Chuck Miller Special booths and exhibits Famous chili cook-off contest Special USPS Pictorial Postmark Museum opens at 9:00 am, program begins at 11:00 am Free Admission for this day only The museum is located 30 miles east of Indio on Interstate 10, Exit 173 62-510 Chiriaco Rd, Chiriaco Summit | (760) 227-3483

www.generalpattonmuseum.com CVIndependent.com

continued from Page 11

“We have to make sure that life is more affordable,” Ruiz said. “A lot of the American people and a lot of my constituents are struggling, working hard and still finding it hard to make ends meet.

We need to make sure we expand the middle class by empowering our consumers and giving them a raise in the minimum wage.

“Locally, I’ve worked very closely and aggressively in promoting and helping our small businesses.

I’ve successfully brought the first and only Small Business Administration office in the entire Inland Empire right here to the Coachella Valley so that our businesses have the tools, the equipment, the information and the capital they need to expand and create more jobs.”

Stone sees border security as a major challenge.

“I believe we need to secure our border—and I’m not for doing it the way that Donald Trump has been stereotyped,” Stone said. “We need to secure our borders in the name of national security.

I am so worried that we are going to have a person from the Mideast who is going to transport radioactive material that is smuggled into Mexico and then smuggled into the United States and used as a dirty bomb.

“In addition, the scourge of narcotics that is claiming the lives of so many youngsters in our country … all of it is coming from Mexico because of our porous borders,” Stone said. “I’m not an advocate of building a big wall. I believe that with technology and allowing our Border Patrol agents to do their jobs, we can accomplish these tasks.”

Ruiz weighed in on the topic as well.

“I’ve got to make sure that we secure America and that we keep my constituents safe,” he said.

“We need to make sure that our military and law enforcement have the tools that they need. That’s why I have voted repeatedly and consistently to give them those tools.”

Ruiz touted his achievements in supporting U.S. veterans.

“I’m very proud that we started the first-ever Veterans University that brought in over 500 veterans, their family members and community members who care about veterans in order to give them the tools necessary to improve their access to the benefits that they’ve earned,” Ruiz explained. “We help them navigate the health-care system so that they can get the mental-health services they need to prevent suicides and reduce the effect of post-traumatic stress disorder. In terms of legislation, last cycle, one of my bills … made it into the CHOICE Act that became law.

“Locally, I’ve been working hard to expand the VA Palm Desert clinic to bring in more mentalhealth specialists. We just successfully brought in a mobile veterans’ center that will be making stops in Hemet, Palm Springs and Indio. But you know, I miss seeing patients in the emergency room, so I’m doctoring by seeing my constituents on the case work when they come into my office. We’ve been very successful in bringing in over $2 million in benefits owed to our veterans and cutting through the red tape to make sure they get the health care that they need, when they need it.”

Stone shared his thoughts on how to improve veterans’ services.

“To me, it’s very tragic when you have 22 veterans (nationwide) who are committing suicide every single day,” Stone said. “Now I appreciate that he (Ruiz) has got this van that’s going to provide for some mobile services. … I commend him. But my plan is completely different. It will allow people not to wait for a van in a district as large as our 36th Congressional District. If I am elected, one of my first bills is going to be to completely privatize the VA—to sell off the Veterans Administration hospitals to private-sector hospitals and to enroll every veteran into the Medicare program or a Medicare-like program that allows them the freedom of choice to get the physician they want and go to the hospital that they choose. This will eliminate the backlog of people who are falling prey to a monstrous bureaucracy within the Veterans Administration.”

We asked the candidates about the failure of Congress to approve any funding thus far to combat the increasing presence of the Zika virus.

“I think that it’s an example of the partisan gridlock that puts partisanship against the best interests of the citizens of the United States of America,” Stone said. “I strongly support funding for the development of a vaccine quickly, because we’re seeing the horrific birth defects caused as a result of the virus. I think that something needs to be done in the next 30 days. They need to sit down like adults and come up with the appropriate funding, and let’s get that Zika vaccine out there before we see an epidemic of the Zika virus … infecting a lot of pregnant women who will have severely disabled children on their hands.”

Ruiz said he’s also concerned about the virus and its possible effects on families.

“I’m concerned not only about potential stressful and emotional experiences tied to giving birth to infants with microcephaly, because that means they’ll have to cope with the burdens and emotional stress of caring for a developmentally challenged loved one for the rest of their lives, but also about the struggle with a $10 million or more financial burden for the lifetime of that loved one,” he said. “That is why I’m advocating for the full funding that the scientists and public-health experts and health-care providers have said they need.

“I am thoroughly disappointed that the House Republicans introduced a bill that only had a third of the funding necessary. Still, there are things that I can do locally. I’m holding town halls, and educating my constituents through social media and PSAs so that they know how to keep

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 13

OCTOBER 2016

themselves safe from the Zika virus. I’ve visited the Coachella Valley (Mosquito and Vector Control District) and discussed ways that we can collaborate so that they have the resources and information that they need to move forward. I’ll encourage (Speaker Paul Ryan) not to play politics and put riders into a bill. … There is no ‘wait and see’ here, because once a child has microcephaly, they will always have microcephaly in their lifetime.”

Stone said he supports a bipartisan approach to tackling problems.

“You know, it shouldn’t depend on whether you have a ‘D’ or an ‘R’ after your name. If you come up with a good solution to a problem, it should be embraced in the best interests of the state of California, or if you go to Congress, in the best interest of the 339 million people living in this country,” he said. “It shouldn’t be based on just partisanship. Those are areas that I think the public is frustrated with, and I think that’s why you’re seeing the popularity of Donald Trump. I think that’s why you saw the popularity of Bernie Sanders, because people are tired of politically correct speech and people just toeing party lines and not getting things done. This is going to be a very unique election.”

Ruiz expressed optimism about his chances in November.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to represent my constituents in my home area for another two years,” he said.

Rep. Raul Ruiz and state Sen. Jeff Stone will take part in a debate at 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16.

The debate will air live on News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2, and will be streamed live at KESQ.com and desertsun.com.

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OCTOBER 2016

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 15

OCTOBER 2016

the problems in palm desert the city council candidates may not agree on all issues—but they all support measure T

By Kevin Fitzgerald

A

ll five candidates for the three Palm Desert City Council seats up for election this year, not surprisingly, say they’re proud of their mid-valley city.

All agree that the city’s wide roads, pleasant parks, good schools and upscale neighborhoods are virtues that continue to make Palm Desert an attractive destination for tourists and new residents alike.

However, the city is facing fiscal and developmental challenges that could threaten the future growth and fiscal stability of Palm Desert.

The Independent spoke with each of the candidates and discussed their concerns, their priority issues if elected, and their views on Measure T. The only city measure on this November’s Palm Desert ballot, Measure T calls for a 2 percentage-point increase—from 9 to 11 percent—in the city’s transient occupancy tax (TOT), charged to every traveler who stays in a hotel within the city’s borders.

On this one issue, the candidates agree: They all say they’re voting for the increase.

Incumbent Van Tanner, a retired insurance-company executive and former member of the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission, is wrapping up his first term on the City Council. He was the most outspoken proponent of Measure T. “Wherever (tourists) go to stay, they’re going to pay a TOT. Well, we’re the lowest in the Coachella Valley, and (if Measure T passes), now we’re going to be right in the middle. So the 2 percent is going to generate $2 million in additional revenue, and it is something that we need to pass. It’s not a question of how we’re going to do it; we need to do it.”

Businesswoman and local pastor Kathleen Kelly explained why she supports Measure T. “We have the absolute lowest TOT in Coachella Valley, and there’s nothing strategically beneficial to the city in holding that spot,” she said. “We’re not gaining an advanKelly

Martin

tage by being last. We’re just forgoing the opportunity to appropriately look for income to cover the added expenses that the tourism brings with it.”

Susan Marie Weber, the other incumbent who is running for re-election as her first term draws to a close, said she’s a libertarian who normally does not like taxation. However, she supports Measure T. “A hotel tax is a little bit different. It’s more like a user fee, which is a voluntary tax,” she said. “We use the (TOT) money to make sure that the roads are clean, that we have public safety available to keep you safe, and we have our other amenities.

“Two years ago we tried to pass a similar measure, but it was so specific that people living here thought they were going to be taxed,” Weber said. “But this time, it’s clear that the resulting revenue will go into our general fund to be used as we (the City Council) think it should be used. For instance, the police and fire services surprised us with increases, so we sure could use a little more money to offset those costs.”

Gina Nestande is the wife of former congressional candidate and former State Assemblyman Brian Nestande. She said she hopes to contribute her fundraising and leadership skills to the council’s work.

“This one time I am—but it’s only a BandAid that the city needs right now,” she said about Measure T. “We can’t rely on raising the TOT every couple of years to help our budget.

We need to increase revenues, diversify our economy and keep the young people here—or if they do go off to college, (we need them) coming back here to work. But that will only happen if we have the infrastructure here for them. We can’t just rely on the golf and tourism industries. Tourism is great, and we can be a wonderful tourist destination—but again, we have to think bigger.”

Jerry Martin is a former golf professional,

entrepreneur and insurance agent who is the driving force (pun intended) behind El Paseo Cruise Night and several other car-centric events.

“I am in favor of raising that TOT by 2 percent,” he said. “It doesn’t really affect the residents of Palm Desert, and that added revenue is really important. We need to come up and be more in line with the rest of the cities here in the desert. You know there are a lot of additional costs (regarding tourists) involved in operating the city, especially when it comes to fire, police and ambulance service, so those funds will be really important.”

The candidates also largely all agreed on the strong need for improved cooperation among the nine Coachella Valley city governments.

Kelly, who moved to the valley at the age of 7, made the case succinctly: “Regional cooperation is increasingly important to our quality of life in Palm Desert. As the Coachella Valley has built out, we have increasingly become one large community. So it’s not possible to go it alone, even if someone philosophically thought that was desirable. Reaching across party lines, generational divides or other potential boundaries to inspire and facilitate collaboration— that’s my skill set.”

All the candidates voiced cautious optimism that the CV Link project—a proposed valley-long pedestrian/bike path—could be completed if no undue burdens were placed on Palm Desert’s citizens, and if environmental-impact studies raised no major concerns.

Some of the candidates identified one key issue on which they’ll work first.

“There’s the redevelopment of Highway 111, which is already in progress,” Martin said. “Many buildings along the highway will be given a facelift, and there are plans to put the stores, markets and services on the first level, with living spaces on the top levels.

Younger people are gravitating toward a lifestyle where they can leave their homes and Nestande

Tanner

apartments and walk to shops and restaurants.”

Weber sounded the alarm regarding the potential financial risk posed by the generous pension and retirement packages being granted to city employees. “We need to complete a pension review,” she said. “We started a couple of years ago to try to change our method so that when new people were hired, they’d come in under a different pension structure, but we’re still doing like 30-some percent, you know? So if you’re earning $100,000 a year, we’re putting $30,000 aside in pension for you. Way to go, huh? That’s unsustainable, and we’re going to be in a death spiral if we don’t work on that.”

Nestande highlighted education and Salton Sea protection. “I’d like to focus on fast-tracking the Cal State University,” she said. “It is our only four-year university (located in the valley), and it has limited degree programs. I’ve met with the chancellor, and they really have a wonderful agenda to try to increase the number of degree programs offered here.”

She suggested this new approach for saving the Salton Sea: “We need to think regionally and expand beyond Palm Desert. What’s been proposed is that the big stakeholders create an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District.

This plan has to be approved by a vote of 55 percent of the citizens, but if it were to pass, it could raise as much as a couple of billion dollars.”

Tanner said he would focus his work on developing and implementing a new general plan for Palm Desert.

“It’s a systematic way to take our city into new areas over the next 20 years,” he said. “It deals with land use as well as economic fiscal responsibility, because we want to make sure that our tourism stays strong, and our retail sales stay strong. That’s what’s going to create the revenue for our general fund for everything that needs to be done in the city.”

Weber

CVIndependent.com

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OCTOBER 2016

cathedral city concerns while mayor stan henry runs unopposed, two incumbent city council members face a challenger

C

By brian blueskye

athedral City has faced some tough times in recent years.

Developers have broken promises.

Redevelopment in the downtown area, along Highway 111, has seen ups and downs.

These are just a couple of the issues Cathedral City’s City Council is dealing with as the November election approaches. Mayor Stan Henry is running unopposed for his seat, while two City Council slots are up for grabs.

Incumbents Gregory Pettis and John Aguilar are both running for re-election, and are being opposed by Sergio Espericueta, a member of the city’s Planning Commission The Independent recently reached out to all four candidates. Espericueta, however, did not respond to a request for an interview.

“We have a couple of challenges, one of which is to maintain our balanced budgets,” Mayor Henry told the Independent. “We’re doing a very good job. We actually have twothirds of our budget in reserves, which is one of the goals the current council wanted to have. The other issue is development in our downtown and northern area, and we’re currently working on both of those things. We’re in the process of working on development agreements with developers to work on our downtown area. We have a developer that’s building a hotel and retail north of Interstate 10, at Bob Hope Drive and Varner Road, so both of those are good things that will help with our ability to keep the budgets in a balanced position.”

Henry cited economic development as a challenge the city faces.

“We definitely need to do more, and that’s one of the reasons we need to make it a high priority, and I’ve made it a high priority,” Henry said. “We’ve hired an economic director to make sure that we get the right type of development in Cathedral City. We don’t want a developer to come in, make all kinds of

promises, land-bank it and not do anything.

We’ve had that in the past. We’re making sure in our development agreements that we know it’s going to take time to do the development, but we want to see time frames and milestones … or we get the land back, or keep possession of the land.”

Henry said he believes the downtown area is on its way toward success.

“I think the downtown area needs some multi-housing,” he said. “It’s going to be a great area for entertainment and restaurants. Are we going to get big boxes there? No, we’re not. But we’ll get great assets for our downtown area and make it very vibrant.”

Henry said his biggest accomplishment during his four years on the City Council—two of those as mayor—has been making sure the city has balanced budgets.

“We almost depleted all of our reserves, and after talking to our finance director, there were projections that we’d be in the red,” he said.

“We’ve turned that around and balanced our budgets. We’ve added staffing appropriately where we’ve needed to. Plus, we’ve had developers looking at us now who never have in the past.”

Gregory Pettis—one of the valley’s longest-serving public officials—has been serving on Cathedral City’s City Council since 1994.

“I think our downtown area continues to be a challenge, coming out of the relinquishment of a development agency and trying to find ways to partner with developers to make it financially viable for them,” Pettis said. “We’re beginning to see things coming together.”

He said the city is seeing an improvement in the number of vacant storefronts.

“We have very little vacancy in the city,” he said. “We have a couple of large big boxes that are vacant … but our smaller centers are still full, and it’s becoming harder and harder to find (space), so we’re actually going to have to

start to build some more smaller commercial centers. It’s the larger centers we’re having some issues with. It’s educating (large retailers) about the city, and that they don’t have to be in Palm Desert or Palm Springs.”

Pettis feels his greatest accomplishments during 22 years on the City Council have been bringing in new businesses, and annexing new land into the city.

“I can point to Big League Dreams and bringing them in,” he said, listing some accomplishments. “The annexation of (areas) north of I-10, and now we’re getting ready to annex Thousand Palms, which will take us all the way to Washington Street north of I-10, which will open us up for numerous development opportunities for the city. The building of the two movie theaters at the civic center. Those are all great things that have happened for our city.”

Pettis said that while Cathedral City enjoys low crime rates, there’s more work to be done.

“We continue to see the lowest crime rate in the Coachella Valley,” he said. “It’s a good thing, but … we need to continue to do better, and we need to work hard on prevention so that our young people have opportunities and don’t slip into something their older brothers and sisters fell into. … We’re fully staffed in our police department, but we want to add some additional officers and increase the amount and quality of their training. We’re also going with body cameras to increase accountability.”

John Aguilar is running for his first full term; he was appointed to the City Council two years ago when Stan Henry became mayor.

He expressed more serious concerns about Cathedral City’s economic challenges, and mentioned mistakes made by previous councils.

“There was a blend of factors that have created vacant land that has gone undeveloped, and I think prior administrations didn’t take

Espericueta

advantage of development offers to the city; I think they decided to wait for something better,” Aguilar said. “I think that’s a missed opportunity. I also think the recession hit when redevelopment began, and caused it to dissolve. That was a huge hit. But I think the city is recovering, and we have some good proposals that we can’t talk about until the development deals have been vetted.

“We’re seeing reinvestment. The (Coachella Valley Repertory) folks have purchased the old Cinemark facility, which is going to be great and bring live theater downtown. We’ve had a new investor come into the Mary Pickford Theatre, which is great, because that brings people downtown.”

Aguilar said one of his top priorities is to increase diversity.

“One of the reasons I wanted to become more actively involved is because I believe in transparency in local government, and want to increase diversity within the ranks of the city and also within the commissions in the city.

Historically, there’s been a lack of representation, especially from the Latino community, on the council and its commissions. I think strengthening our life-safety divisions in police and fire has been a vital factor. We’ve hired a new fire and police chief, and they’re both fantastic.”

Aguilar added that the city has taken proper steps to keep the crime rate down.

“Our crime rate compared to other communities in the Coachella Valley—it’s quite low,” he said. “It still requires that we be very vigilant in monitoring crimes, especially crimes against persons. We promote community-watch organizations; we’ve hired a homeless liaison to try to make sure the homeless problem is handled compassionately, and our local businesses and communities won’t be harmed in the process. I think we’ve done a good job.”

Pettis

For coverage of City Council races in other valley cities, watch CVIndependent.com.

Aguilar

CVIndependent.com

Henry

OCTOBER 2016

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 17

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18 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

OCTOBER 2016

Aida Cuevas and Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles México y Su Mujer Sat, October 15, 8pm

Presented through the generosity of Harold Matzner

“See Jane Sing!”

With Jane Lynch Sat, October 29, 8pm

Celtic Thunder

Foreigner

Fri, November 4, 8pm

The Hits Unplugged

Presented through the generosity of Dan and Brooke Koehler

Wed, November 2, 8pm

Tango Estampas Porteñas

Deseos

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall

Stories of Longing and Desire Told Through Argentine Tango and Music

Sat, November 5, 8pm

Wed, November 16, 8pm

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s

An Evening with

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The Sound of Music Tue & Wed, November 22 & 23 Fri-Sun, November 25-27

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Order tickets by phone

760-340-ARTS (2787)

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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 19

OCTOBER 2016

CVI SPOTLIGHT: OCTOBER 2016 An All-American Success Story Steve Grand

I

n 2013, Steve Grand maxed out his finances to make a video for his song “All-American Boy.” He uploaded it to YouTube—and the rest, as they say, is history.

Grand be performing at Center Stage, a benefit for the LGBT Community Center of the Desert, on Friday, Oct. 28, at the Riviera Resort and Spa. During a recent phone interview, he discussed what he originally planned to do with “All-American Boy.” “I had something very specific in mind that I wanted to accomplish,” Grand said. “I wanted to tell a story of love between two men. I wanted the backdrop of it to be very earthy, traditional, American and safe. I also wanted to contrast that with the idea that people have or had in their heads that homosexuality is something that wasn’t part of the American dream. I wanted to bring that to light with art in a compelling way.”

Grand has been mislabeled as the first gay mainstream country artist. For one thing, Grand was not the first—and he doesn’t label himself as a country artist.

“I don’t spend time thinking about that, because the reality is that I am a singer. I’m also a gay man, and I just do what I do,” Grand

said. “People call it whatever they want to call it. It’s something I really try to micromanage.

There are a lot of things I don’t have control over. … I never said I was a country artist and never wanted to be labeled as one. People heard my song and heard whatever they heard, and it got picked up by the media. Even though I ask not to be, I’m still pegged as a country artist.

“As far as the LGBT thing goes, I’m proud to be part of the LGBT community, and I’m a proud gay man. It’s an important part of my life. It was something I knew from a young age and tried to fight it because it was against the world I grew up in. It became an important part of my identity, because it’s something I had to fight for.”

Grand said all people can relate to his music.

“One of the things I stand for the most as an artist is to show people that no matter what your sexual orientation or gender is, where you come from, or your skin color, we experience things as humans,” he said. “We begin to lose our humanity when we box people off. … We need to focus on our common bonds like love and loss. These are human experiences that apply to every group.”

Grand said he’s proud of all he’s accomplished thus far in his young life.

“I didn’t really have the help that (some) people have when they’re first starting, and I think that now with all I know, if I was back in 2013, I would have handled the aftermath of that differently,” he said. “I am proud that I was a 23-year-old young man with no experience in this—with just heart and passion and a work ethic—who was able to create something from very little. I draw back from that when I’m at low points and remind myself that I created all of this from something that was conceived in my head, and I brought it to life with my talents and by reaching out to people who thought I’d do a good job. I’m also really proud that my Kickstarter campaign to finance my first album raised over $300,000.”

Grand is always working to make himself a better musician, he said.

“I am staying busier than ever, even though I’m kind of leaving smaller imprints on the Internet world than I have in the past,” he said. “It’s all work behind the scenes right now and staying busy every day and working on transforming my live show now that I’ve gotten to know my audience so much better. I want to be a more versatile live performer. …

I want to build a live show that reflects more of my musical talents. I’m working on my next record, with a couple of side projects keeping

me busy. I work all day pretty much every day.”

Looking back, Grand said there is one moment as a live performer he will never forget.

“The one that comes to mind is when I first played Market Days in 2013,” he said, referring to the iconic LGBT street festival in Chicago.

“My video had just come out a month before and was still very fresh. There were so many people—the most people I had ever been in front of, and I saw so many people with their cameras up. Not even a month before, I was playing to the most empty room at the place I used to play at in Chicago, for $100 a night for two hours. Now all these people were there, and I had this captive audience who was there to see me. … That was a special moment for me. I felt very powerful and triumphant. ” Steve Grand will perform at the Seventh Annual Center Stage, a benefit for the LGBT Community Center of the Desert; comedian Kate Clinton is the host. The event starts at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28, at the Riviera Resort and Spa, 1600 N. Indian Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Tickets start at $195. For tickets or more information, call 760-4167790, or visit thecenterps.org.

—Brian Blueskye

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OCTOBER 2016

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ARTS & CULTURE PEOPLE AND THE LAND A new exhibit at the Palm Springs Art Museum tells inherently ‘Western Stories’

W

By nicole borgenicht

estern Stories is a simple yet perfect title for the newest exhibit at the Palm Springs Art Museum.

The show, which will be on display through Sept. 4 of next year, references historical relationships between people and the land. The works move us away a bit from our preconceived notions of the West—heroic and filled with scenic grandeur, for example—to reveal sublime and multifaceted character tales.

“In juxtaposing how people connect to the landscape, through spirituality and the making of the Western icon, in showing cowboy and Indian themes, we encourage people to look and compare,” says curator Mara Gladstone.

“Roping a Prairie Wolf,” Charles Marion Russell’s watercolor and gouache on board, captures the moment when two cowboys are about to capture a wolf. The comradery and excitement between the cowboys, atop their horses on the blue-tinted prairie, reveals a little about the cowboy life. It’s no surprise to learn that Russell himself was a cowboy—known as a storyteller through his images.

In William Robinson Leigh’s serene “Thunder Mountain,” an oil on canvas from 1910 or so, the viewer is struck by the brilliant, colorful sunlight hitting the mountains in the background and reflecting in a stream. One Indian man is seated in a meditative moment, while another meanders along the stream on horseback. Both men are eloquently woven into the fabric of this scene. “This location is an important site for the Zuni people. It is a heaven on Earth and a safe haven,” Gladstone says.

Leigh and several other painters in this show were or are also illustrators. Another illustrative but more modern work, Bill Schenck’s “Cañon Sin Nombre,” an oil on canvas from 1985, is placed toward the end of this show, perhaps because the work combines several genres; Schenck is widely known for his photo-realist and pop stylizations of the West.

The Western Stories show also includes artifacts, letters, songs and a variety of other elements to show connections between people and the Western land. Indian women are depicted in several works, including “Fall,” Wendy Red Star’s archival pigment print from her Four Seasons series; it shows a seated woman whose beautiful wardrobe mimics the fall leaves surrounding her. In Walter Ufer’s oil on canvas titled “A Yearling,” the artist shows us a young horse reaching for milk beneath a mare while a Native American couple sits patiently on horse-

Walter Ufer, “A Yearling,” 1929, oil on canvas.

COLLECTION OF PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM, MUSEUM PURCHASE WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE WESTERN ART COUNCIL, GENERAL ACQUISITION FUND, DR. LAWRENCE AND MARCIA ADAMS, WESTERN ART ACQUISITION FUND AND ROCKEFELLER WESTERN ART ACQUISITION FUND, 1993.

back (the man is atop the aforementioned mare) amidst majestic surroundings. Ufer painted many Taos and Pueblo Native American Indians in New Mexico, where he lived.

The galleries adjacent to Western Stories within the Denney Western American Art Wing are currently hosting compelling shows as well.

Reflections on Water has a more literal focus, as it displays various works that show both the substantive and symbolic importance of water in the West. In Montgomery Meets Modernism: Two Americas, actor George Montgomery’s selfmade furniture and his collection of Western art are placed next to modernist paintings, furniture and photographs from the post-World War II period.

“In this new America, two parallel visual cultures emerged at the same time,” Gladstone explains. “The artworks reflect the kinds of ways people were thinking about the future.

The new modern future and the post-World War II nostalgia for the traditions of the past were both emerging at the same time in Palm Springs.”

Montgomery Meets Modernism makes for a fun follow-up to Western Stories; the exhibits explore time periods that seem inherently dissonant— although they both tell tales that are uniquely Western.

The Palm Springs Art Museum is located at 101 Museum Drive, in Palm Springs. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday through Tuesday; and noon to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday.

Admission costs $12.50, with discounts; admission is free to all on Thursday after 4 p.m. and every second Sunday. For more information, call 760-3224800, or visit www.psmuseum.org.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 21

OCTOBER 2016

ARTS & CULTURE MELDING MOVEMENT Fusion Art likes to mix and match, both online and at its physical Backstreet Art District gallery By nicole borgenicht

“P

ixels to bricks” is the tag line for Fusion Art, a gallery that opened in May in Palm Springs’ Backstreet Art District, at 2658 S. Cherokee Way. At that point, Fusion Art had already developed a presence online; today, the gallery seamlessly melds both its online and physical forms. For example, the winners of an online juried competition will be featured in an upcoming group show at the Palm Springs gallery.

Chris and Valerie Hoffman, owners of Fusion Art, chose Backstreet for its brick-andmortar home for good reason: Chris Hoffman, an artist himself, had previously shown in other galleries in the hidden-away arts district.

Fusion Art currently represents five artists: Evie Zimmer, a neo-op artist with energetic psychedelic patterns; Michael Goldzweig, a surreal/galactic abstractionist; Jeanie Gebhart, a palette-knife painter who specializes in coalescing abstract, still-life and landscape genres; Alicia Savio, an Argentinian classical and ballet dancer who paints and sculpts dancers who express a lot of movement; and Chris Hoffman himself, who paints texture abstractions as well as a watercolor celebrity series.

“There are so many different styles that are similar in energy and movement,” Chris Hoffman says about the represented artists.

“They complement each other.”

The abstract paintings by Hoffman have a thick texture—the surface appears rocky, like our desert mountains.

Michael Goldzweig, “Elysium,” acrylic on Canvas.

Carl Saunders

“I use medium with acrylic layers to texture different colors. There could be 25 different layers before 25 coats of paint,” Hoffman says.

His Legends and Landmarks watercolor series features humorous satires of Golden Age stars taking iPhone “selfies” in front of a modern Palm Springs monument—like Marilyn Monroe in front of the Marilyn sculpture. More of these watercolors will be up for Modernism Week celebrations in October and February. Also in February, Michael Goldzweig’s art will be shown in the prominent front area; the “energy and mood” in Goldzweig’s art appeals to Chris Hoffman, while Valerie Hoffman notes that Goldzweig’s paintings remind her of the expressive works

by Mexican artist Leonardo Nierman.

Valerie Hoffman works as a producer in Hollywood, for major films including Lee Daniels’ The Butler. Even while running the gallery, she is currently one of the producers of a documentary film on the making of the song “We Shall Overcome.” That means she’s doing some commuting: Chris and Valerie moved to the desert six years ago, and they say the transition to running a brick-andmortar gallery has made for an exciting time.

“The most fun is being able to see all the talent out there,” Valerie says. “This is our first season, and we are well prepared with all the artists. We have an Art for Animals charity event in December with five animal organizations.”

The charity show also has an online component. Submission fees will be donated to the animal organizations, as will proceeds from the gallery’s portion of the sales.

The Hoffmans say they like to mix and match things, like art and charity, at the appropriately named gallery.

“We’re fusing different styles—like classical realistic and different abstract styles … (so they) complement each other,” says Valerie Hoffman.

As an example, witness the movement-infused works of Alicia Savio and Michael Goldzweig. The realistic sculptures of dancers

by Savio have elongated limbs, making them appear to move and dance off the base, while the galactic abstractions of Goldzweig—like stars meeting in a black hole—send us off into his surreal space.

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吀䤀䌀䬀䔀吀匀 伀一 匀䄀䰀䔀 一伀圀 吀䠀刀伀唀䜀䠀 䠀愀瀀瀀攀渀椀渀最 䄀琀

䘀伀䰀䰀伀圀 唀匀 䀀倀匀䌀漀洀椀挀䌀漀渀

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Fusion Art is located at 2658 S. Cherokee Way, in Palm Springs. For more information, call 760832-7568, or visit fusionartps.com CVIndependent.com

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OCTOBER 2016

NOV. 11-19 • Special $6 craft cocktails at bars and restaurants across the Coachella Valley • At least $2 from sales go to the LGBT Community Center of the Desert’s Community Food Bank and the Desert AIDS Project’s Food Depot

• Cocktail classes • Cocktail-paired meals • Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Competition • Palm Springs Craft Cocktail Competition

Details at

PSCRAFTCOCKTAILS.COM CVIndependent.com

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 23

OCTOBER 2016

FOOD & DRINK

WELL RED J

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A chat with Joane Garcia-Colson, chef/owner at Dish Creative Cuisine

By christine soto

oane Garcia-Colson is a recovering attorney—her words—turned chef who owns the muchloved Dish Creative Cuisine in Palm Springs.

She’s always had a passion for food and service, and says she played “restaurant” with her cousin when she was a kid.

Local foodies know Garcia-Colson opened Dish several years ago in a humble Cathedral City strip mall (of course, humble strip malls are where the best food can often be found!) before upgrading to bigger digs early last year in the Uptown Design District.

Not all chefs understand the dance between food and wine—which is why far too many restaurants offer wine lists with little more than grocery-store favorites. Garcia-Colson, however, takes her wine seriously: She loves wine and has tasted every wine she serves in her restaurant.

We chatted in the lovely, intimate Chef’s Room—which boasts Dish’s cellar and a view of the kitchen—while we enjoyed sips of the new AM/FM Chardonnay.

How did you get your start in wine?

I got into wine in relation to food. I didn’t really start drinking wine until my last year in law school, 1989. That is when I went on the wineand-dine interview circuit while I was getting recruited by law firms in Chicago, New York and other places. On that interview circuit, I really got exposed to red wine. Then, of course, (I learned more) during culinary school. It’s been an adventure over years. Now I’m really into good wine!

How do you select the wines to serve?

I always try to have in mind: “How is this going to fit with our current wine list? Is this a product I think our guests would enjoy? Can we pair it with our existing menu?” It’s really important to me to taste every wine. When someone asks me, “What’s your favorite?” or, “What wine would you drink with this?” I want to speak to them from a place of knowledge.

The other thing I try to do is bring in wines that have a small retail presence. I don’t like to bring a bunch of wines on my list that guests can go down to Ralph’s and buy. We do have a few of those, because you have to carry some standards people are familiar with, but I really try to look for interesting small-production, boutique wines so that when guests come here, they can try something new and different, and get exposed to something new and different.

I think that is part of our role, our obligation, as a restaurant—to give people a different experience than they are going to have at home.

Why go out if you can make it at home? I feel the same way about wine, and that’s another reason we serve 90 percent of our wine list by the glass—virtually everything we have is avail-

able by the glass. We have created a reserve list for more high-end wine.

Do you ever taste a wine and reverse-engineer—in other words, think about making a new dish to pair with it?

Oh yes, I have done that. I am open.

What is your advice to wine-drinking novices?

People shouldn’t be afraid of wine. A lot of people are afraid of wine. They are afraid to taste; they are afraid to try, because they fear they don’t know enough. Be adventurous! Go to a place where you can try things, because you just don’t know how it’s going to hit your palate until you taste it. If you can go to a wine-tasting event, go to one—that is how you learn.

Did you entertain at home before Dish?

Oh yeah. I loved having people over—dinner parties, cocktail parties, etc. I love setting the table and making delicious food. In my family, over the holidays, I’ve always been in charge of the food. I’m an introvert, so I’d rather be in the kitchen cooking. My wife and I formed a little supper club, four or five couples. The hosting couple would make the main dish, and the other couples would bring the side dishes. It was awesome!

What inspired you to open your own place?

A moment of temporary insanity. (Laughs.)

When I went to culinary school, I didn’t have any intention of opening a restaurant, but when I weighed my options after I graduated, I realized I wanted to do something on my own.

I want to create my own food; I don’t want to cook somebody else’s. I want to have that control. This is sort of my last hurrah. I don’t want to get to the end of my life and say, “What if?”

Also, I’ll tell you my son (Stefan, a filmmaker in Los Angeles) in a lot of ways is my role model, because he has always marched to his own drumbeat; he’s very creative and talented, and

he has always wanted to be his own boss and do his own thing. He has been self-employed since he left college. I so admired in him that he chose a path where he was true to himself, and he could follow his passion and use his creativity and find a way to make a living from it. I said, “You know, maybe I ought to do that.”

What are the challenges of selling wine?

Providing customers with an experience with wine that is positive and educational for them.

We’re not afraid to suggest wines we like to customers and give them a taste and be honest about our preferences. People get really used to what they like, and if you don’t have it, sometimes, they get pissed off. There is no way possible that you can carry everything, so the challenge is introducing guests to something different and new that they might not have experienced.

The rewards?

I get to taste a lot of wine! (Laughs.) That’s one of the perks of the job. Another reward is that there is nothing that feels better than when a guest thanks you for giving them a wonderful experience. That feels really good and gratifying—when someone gets what you are trying to do and appreciates you for it.

What’s are you drinking right now?

We are really enjoying Daou cabernet (and) also the Paloma merlot. It’s a gorgeous wine. I’ve become very fond of Emmolo merlot—and the Pessimist, also by Daou. My palate really tends toward Paso Robles, so I love Justin, Daou and Sextant. Those are some big ones. And Peju!

Lisa Tussing

What are you loving on your list right now?

We have the Daou on our wine list; we also have the Emmolo. I really love our merlots, and I want people to be more adventurous with them. We have a great selection.

Favorite pairing?

I like pairing sparkling with things. I think it’s fun to do whites with seafood, and it’s really fun to pair wine with salads. The last wine dinner we did, I made a grapefruit, avocado and crab salad that is on our menu now. We paired it with Truth and Valor chardonnay. Delicious!

Desert island wine?

It would definitely be a cabernet or a blend— something really rich. It might be the Emmolo, actually. I’m loving that one.

Favorite wine book?

It’s a book I often recommend to people: The Flavor Bible. It’ll tell you about wine pairings, too.

Where do you like to go out in the desert?

In Palm Springs, I tend to go Johannes and Copley’s. I also enjoy Le Vallauris.

Favorite thing to do besides drink wine and cook?

I like to read.

Palm Springs native Christine Soto is a co-owner of Dead or Alive wine bar in Palm Springs. She can be reached at christine.soto@gmail.com.

Joane Garcia-Colson: “A lot of people are afraid of wine. They are afraid to taste; they are afraid to try because they fear they don’t know enough. Be adventurous!”

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FOOD & DRINK

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the

BEER GODDESS

By Erin Peters

“There are 4,700 breweries in the U.S., and 10,000 wineries. There’s room to grow.” —David Walker, Firestone Walker Brewing

T

he craft-beer movement has reached nearly every nook and cranny of the Golden State: Some 80 percent of Californians live within five miles of a craft brewery—including the vast majority of us in the Coachella Valley, thanks to Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse, La Quinta Brewing Co. and Coachella Valley Brewing Co. Thus, it makes perfect sense that the folks at the California Craft Brewers Association decided to brew up the California Craft Beer Summit.

The second annual three-day event recently took place in Sacramento. There are now 700 breweries in California, which provide jobs for more than 50,000 people, according to the California Craft Brewers Association.

California craft beer contributed $7.29 billion to the state economy in 2015, and the summit plays a vital role in bringing together all of the players involved in the industry—from brewers to retailers, from distributors to

Welcome to Johannes Restaurant.

craft-beer drinkers.

The event began on Thursday, Sept. 8, with a welcome reception. I missed it—but Sactown welcomed me just fine. America’s self-proclaimed Farm-to-Fork Capital has also proudly staked a claim as a craft-beer paradise. It would have been impossible to pay a proper visit to the region’s 45-plus breweries (with more on the way), but we were able to visit a couple while also soaking in beer knowledge at the summit. While Sacramento is obviously an important political city, the

Willkommen im Johannes Restaurant.

Experience Award-winning, Modern European Cuisine from Creative Chef Johannes Bacher

Scenes from the second annual California Craft Beer Summit

people there totally know how to have fun.

My Thursday night began at the Dive Bar. There’s a double meaning within that title that combines two of my favorite things: dive bars with great beer, and swimming. Strange, yes, but this rollicking bar features mermaid-costumed women swimming around in a giant fish tank above the bar. Seriously.

On Friday, the CCBS held educational sessions including “Bringing Malting Back to California” and “A Talk with AleSmith, Chartering Growth Over 21 Years.” Peter Zien, the CEO and owner of San Diegobased AleSmith, talked about staying true by brewing high-quality beers with passion and integrity—even when the market wasn’t quite ready for them yet back in the mid-’90s.

“You’re an artist and you’re a businessman, or -woman,” he told the audience.

In 2008, when much of the economy was suffering, Zien was ordering a brand-new brew system from China in order to “up (our) game.” AleSmith went from 1,100 barrels to just more than 4,000 that year—but it wasn’t without blood, sweat and fears. While the brew system was making its way to California on a ship, Zien feared the system would end up at the bottom of the ocean due to a grizzly typhoon that was brewing off China.

Thankfully, the new brew system made it to San Diego just fine.

“It allowed me to dream,” Zien said, adding that the system helped AleSmith celebrate its most profitable year in 2013.

Long-time brewers like Zien have inspired younger brewers to dream—like Ken Anthony, of Device Brewing Co. in

Sacramento, who is now making a name for himself with quality artisanal beers.

Anthony, Device’s owner and head brewer, was a structural engineer before entering the beer business, so it’s no surprise that Device uses a beautiful, custom-built 7 BBL brewhouse from Bennett Forgeworks to brew up some delicious IPAs and awesome seasonal brews.

I also got to know—and fell in love with— Berkeley-based Fieldwork Brewing Company, thanks to its beers, branding and atmosphere.

The brewery makes awesome cards explaining every beer in detail, with humorous antidotes. The Salted Cucumber Farmhouse Ale is perfect for a hot day—and probably equally delicious on days that aren’t all that warm.

According to the detailed card, “The addition of French sea salt keeps all taste buds on high alert, convincing you to keep chasing the cucumber.”

On Saturday, I attended the “Master Pairings: Craft and Artisanal Chocolate” session with Bill Sysak. “Dr. Bill” is considered one of the world’s foremost experts on craft beer and food pairings. His session was a wonderful way to start a day. That afternoon, the Summit Beer Festival pleased hundreds of beer-drinkers with the creations of more than 160 breweries. The lineup was arranged by region across the Capitol Mall: San Francisco Bay area, Northern California, Los Angeles, San Diego and Central California.

It was an awesome weekend that showed how truly amazing the California craft beer industry has become. Cheers to California craft!

Voted “Best Chefs America” Voted “Best Continental Restaurant” 2013, 2015 & 2016 Voted “Best Martini” 2016 by Palm Springs Life Readers

(760) 778-0017

Open for Dinner at 5 pm / Closed Mondays Private Dining • Available for Groups • Special Events Become a Fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/JohannesRestaurant

196 S. INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262

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The second annual California Craft Beer Summit drew people from around the state who are involved with the $7.29 billion craft-beer industry. ERIN PETERS

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 25

OCTOBER 2016

E U R O PA

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the

FOOD & DRINK INDY ENDORSEMENT This month, we’re doing Mexican for both dinner and dessert

By Jimmy Boegle

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WHAT The Queso Bonita Tacos WHERE La Bonita’s, 330 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs HOW MUCH $12.99 CONTACT 760-318-8883; www.labonitas.com WHY Crispy cheese is an amazing thing.

Ah, the taco. It’s the perfect food—delicious, potentially nutritious, easy to make and effortless to eat. Plus, it singlehandedly elevated the status of Tuesday, formerly the most boring day of the week.

It’s not easy to improve on supposed perfection—yet that’s exactly what the good folks at downtown Palm Springs Mexican joint La Bonita’s have done to the taco.

The queso Bonita tacos have all of the good stuff one would expect in a taco—fantastic carne asada or chicken, plus salsa, onion and cilantro, all placed on a fresh tortilla. Then comes the unexpected: The tortilla is coated with crispy, melted-and-then-cooked-on cheese.

Oh. My. God. The sharp flavor of the cheese adds a whole ’nother flavor level to the tacos.

There’s nothing particularly special about the accompanying beans, rice and salad—but these tacos are special enough, thank you very much.

The queso Bonita tacos are just one of the much-talked-about dishes this year-old Mexican restaurant offers in the weirdly narrow Palm Canyon Drive space that previously housed several short-lived Asian joints. Friends of mine have spoken highly about the chimichangas and the burrito bowls, for example, and one of my dining companions would not stop talking about the California burrito ($11.99), which contains either carne asada or chicken, the usual burrito fillings and … French fries. Yes, inside the burrito.

There is a lot of fine Mexican food in Palm Springs (as well as some not-so-fine Mexican food). And that queso Bonita taco plate is among the finest.

WHAT The Strawberry and Cream Popsicle WHERE La Michoacana Ice Cream Parlor, 27765 Landau Blvd. No. 106, Cathedral City HOW MUCH $2.39 CONTACT 760-507-8477 WHY It’s tart and sweet.

Not too long ago, I was at a party. It was a poolside potluck sort of affair, and a couple of gents arrived with a plastic shopping bag full of popsicles. Various party-goers started grabbing the frozen treats—and the raves began soon thereafter.

“Where did you get these?!” someone gleefully asked.

“La Michoacana, up near Landau and Vista Chino,” one of the gents responded.

For some reason (Lack of hunger? Brain lapse?) I didn’t try a paleta (popsicle) that night, but the raves were fresh in my mind when I recently found myself running errands in the LandauVista Chino area. I decided to stop by.

La Michoacana has a lot of frozen treats on offer, but I was there for the popsicles.

The paletas de crema caught my attention— especially the fresa con crema, known by gringos as strawberry and cream.

I ordered one … and I was very, very glad I did so.

There was a big chunk of strawberry right at the very top of the paleta; I bit it off, and got a mouthful of tart fruit. Then I nibbled on a cream portion, and my taste buds got a nice dose of sweet. Then I managed to get a bite that was, more or less, 50-50.

Wow. The combination of strawberries and cream is common for a reason: Tart strawberry and soft cream, both sweet in their own ways, complement each other splendidly—and the paleta is an excellent illustration of this. It really was a perfect dessert: delicious, fun and the perfect size. Plus, it’s delightfully cool on a warm day.

I missed out by not having one of these popsicles at that party. Learn from my mistake, and check out La Michoacana.

OCTOBER 2016

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 27

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Book Early. Get Rewards.

Celebrate the holiday season at Fleming's, and let us take care of all the details. Book through the Private Dining Director by Oct. 31, and earn a $75 dining card for every $500 spent. Lunch parties will also earn a $25 dining card for each attending guest!

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar 71800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage 760-776-6685 www.flemingssteakhouse.com/private-dining/

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73-399 El Paseo, #103 . Palm Desert, CA 92260 . (760) 346-4372 . Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 11am-5pm

THE BEST HAPPY HOUR IN TOWN at our bar or patio...11a-7p...EVERY DAY!

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*In restaurant dining only. One 10% discount per table. Please present before ordering. Cannot be combined with happy hour, prix fixe or other promos.

760.864.TRIO (8746) WHERE PALM SPRINGS EATS

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707 North Palm Canyon www.TrioPalmSprings.com

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Restaurant NEWS BITES

By Jimmy Boegle EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN: ACQUA CALIFORNIA BISTRO TO OPEN AT THE RIVER When Acqua Pazza California Bistro closed at The River back in December 2014, owner Jerry Keller told the local daily that he was ending Acqua Pazza’s 10-year run because his lease was up, and he had decided it was time for him to slow down and focus on his other restaurant, the wildly successful Lulu California Bistro in downtown Palm Springs.

Keller has apparently decided it’s time to speed up again: Acqua Pazza is coming back … sort of.

Jerry and Barbara Keller, along with The River, announced on Sept. 12 that Acqua California Bistro will open in the old Acqua Pazza space—most recently occupied by the now-shuttered BB’s at The River— this winter.

“There’s not a day that goes by when we meet someone who misses our first restaurant at The River,” said Jerry Keller in a news release. “Our customers have asked us to come back to Rancho Mirage, and we will this winter with Acqua California Bistro.”

Whatever the owners of The River did to lure the Kellers back, it was shrewd. The Rancho Mirage shopping center, at 71800 Highway 111, has been battered by negative buzz, due to various closures and empty storefronts.

“We are very excited to welcome Acqua California Bistro into our mix of retail shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, and of course, to welcome the Keller family back to Rancho Mirage,” said Ungar Kung, the principal at CL Asset Management, the owners’ representative of The River, in a couldonly-be-said-in-a-press-release statement. “Acqua Pazza was an important destination restaurant during the first 15 years or so in The River’s history. I am confident that the Kellers will bring the same energy and excitement back to this location with their new Acqua California Bistro.”

Expect a December opening. Visit www.facebook.com/AcquaRanchoMirage for details and updates.

TASTE OF PALM SPRINGS RETURNS TO COLONY 29 ON OCT. 11 Every year, the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce puts on the 2016 Business Expo and Taste of Palm Springs. The good folks there will like you to know that the annual Business Expo—which takes place at the Colony 29, nestled against the mountain at 147 S. Tahquitz Drive, in Palm Springs—will feature more than 100 businesses showing off products and services from 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11.

OK, well, that’s nice. But what about … you know, the Taste of Palm Springs part? Here’s the scoop: More than 30 area restaurants will offer bites of their fare, along with beer and wine—and there’s a cocktail bar there to boot.

Now we’re talking!

Admission to the event is technically free, but you’ll want to pay $25 for a wristband that allows you to enjoy the food, beer and wine. Also, a tip: Park at one of the downtown garages, and get to and from the festival at Colony 29 by catching one of the special Buzz trollies at Tahquitz Canyon Way and Cahuilla Road, or Palm Canyon Drive and Baristo Road.

Participating bars and restaurants are slated to include Appetito, Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse, Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge, Frankinbun, Lulu California Bistro, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill, Ruby’s Diner, Sherman’s Delicatessen and Bakery, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Tipper’s Gourmet Marketplace, TRIO, Woody’s Palm House and a whole bunch more!

Get those wristbands and more information by calling 760-325-1577, or visiting pschamber.org.

IN BRIEF Man, a lot of good stuff is coming to the 1000s section of North Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs—including Draughtsman, at what used to be a Pizza Hut at 1501 N. Palm Canyon Drive. The “renderer of fine foods and craft beer” should open within a month or two. Visit www.facebook.com/ draughtsmanpalmsprings for photos, details and updates. … What’s going on at Rocky’s New York Style Pizzeria, at 12856 Palm Drive, in Desert Hot Springs? The place often closes for the summer—but last we looked, not only is Rocky’s still closed; the inside has been gutted. When you call Rocky’s phone number, a message reassures callers that Rocky’s will reopen in the fall. Hmmm. Something either really bad or really good is happening; we’ll keep our eye on things. … Fans of donuts and good coffee, rejoice!

Dunkin Donuts is supposed to open sometime in October at 42225 Jackson St., in Indio. … It’s been a rough couple of months for mid-valley chain restaurants. Both Richie’s Real American Diner, inside the Westfield Palm Desert at 72840 Highway 111, and Johnny Rockets, at 71885 Highway 111, in Rancho Mirage, have closed their doors. … Keep your eyes on the space at 73330 El Paseo, in Palm Desert: Yard House Restaurants founder Steele Platt announced on Facebook that he is working on Grafton’s Steakhouse, slated to open in the summer of 2017. It’ll be a two-story restaurant with an island bar, a rooftop deck with mountain views, and all sorts of premium meats. We shall keep you posted. … Tickets are now on sale for the Palm Desert Food and Wine festival, slated for March 24-26, 2017. Head to palmdesertfoodandwine.com to get ’em; grand tasting tickets start at $100.

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October brings not one, not two, but three big music festivals to the Coachella Valley and High Desert Josh Haden, promoting the newest record by Spain, says music is in his DNA The Blueskye report: Sue Sylvester, kiss, alice cooper and a whole bunch more Slipping Into Darkness’ goal: release its sophomore album in early 2017

www.cvindependent.com/music

Gram Rabbit gets ready for its annual Halloween shows

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SEVEN “S” SECRETS TO HELP YOU SLOW PHYSICAL AGING

By Shonda Chase, RN Co-owner and aesthetic director of Revive Wellness Centers Palm Springs and the South Bay area of Los Angeles

T Welcome to the Coachella Valley Independent’s third annual Best of Coachella Valley!

The Final Round of voting is now under way! It will run online at CVIndependent.com from Friday, Sept. 30, through Monday, Oct. 31.

• The winners and other results will be announced at CVIndependent.com on Monday, Nov. 28, and in the special Best of Coachella Valley section in the Independent’s December 2016 print edition.

Arts

Best Art Gallery Best Indoor Venue Best Local Arts Group Organization Best Local Band Best Local DJ Best Local Musician (Individual) Best Local Visual Artist Best Movie Theater Best Museum Best Outdoor Venue Best Producing Theater Company

Life in the Valley

Best Alternative Health Center Best Farmers’ Market Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity Best Gym Best Public Servant Best Yoga Studio Best Bowling Alley Best Sex Toy Shop Best Auto Repair Best Car Wash Best Plant Nursery Best Pet Supplies Best Annual Charity Event Best Place to Gamble Best Local TV News Best Local TV News Personality Best Radio Station Best Local Radio Personality Best Bookstore Best Retail Music/Video Store Best Comics/Games Shop Best Hotel Pool

Fashion and Style

Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned) Best Resale/Vintage Clothing Best Furniture Store Best Antiques/Collectables Store

Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store Best Hair Salon Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel Best Day Spa (Non-Resort Hotel) Best Florist Best Tattoo Parlor Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer

Outside!

Best Urban Landscaping Best Public Garden Best Place for Bicycling Best Recreation Area Best Hike Best Park Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store Best Bike Shop Best Sporting Goods Best Public Golf Course

For the Kids Best Best Best Best Best Best

Playground Place to Buy Toys Kids’ Clothing Store Restaurant for Kids Place for Family Fun Place for a Birthday Party

Food and Restaurants Best Casual Eats Best Caterer Best Diner Best Organic Food Store Best Delicatessen Best Custom Cakes Best Desserts Best Ice Cream/Shakes Best Date Shake Best Frozen Yogurt Best Bakery Best Barbecue Best Burger Best Veggie Burger Best Sandwich

Best Pizza Best Wings Best Bagels Best Smoothies Best Buffet Best Coffee Shop for Coffee Best Coffee Shop for Hanging Out Best Tea Best Breakfast Best California Cuisine Best Brunch Best Chinese Best Greek Best French Best Indian Best Japanese Best Italian Best Sushi Best Seafood Best Steaks/Steakhouse Best Thai Best Vietnamese Best Vegetarian/Vegan Best Upscale Restaurant Best Outdoor Seating Best Late-Night Restaurant Best Mexican Best Salsa Best Burrito

Spirits and Nightlife

Best Beer Selection Best Local Brewery Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards Best Cocktail Menu Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club Best Happy Hour Best Dive Bar Best Margarita Best Martini Best Nightclub Best Sports Bar Best Wine Bar Best Wine/Liquor Store Best Bar Ambiance

Vote at CVIndependent.com!

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his month, I’m revealing seven secrets regarding ways to greatly slow our visible aging. They all start with the letter “S” to make them easy to remember.

I don’t know about you, but I feel guilty if I’m not getting things done until 11 p.m. or so most nights— and I’m paying the “aging” price for my personal psych choices. Getting more than enough SLEEP is the first “S” to slow visible aging. I’m resolving to not feel guilty for sleeping more and looking better.

I also feel stressed when I don’t get enough done each day. But reducing STRESS is the second “S” to looking better. Yes, relaxing and being active slows aging. OK, I’m down with that too.

Reducing our SUN exposure and wearing sun-block every day is the third “S.” To protect yourself against future skin cancer, use physical sun-blocks instead of chemical sun-blocks. Medical-grade sun-block is next to free compared to the cost of treating hyper-pigmentation from sun damage.

SAFEGUARDING your skin with good quality cleansers and regular facials is the fourth “S.” Not SMOKING is the fifth “S” for slowing aging. Enough said.

Reducing SUGAR consumption is the sixth “S”.

Sugar is the Trojan horse of aging: It looks and tastes good, but the aging results are harsh. I don’t like sweets, but I’m reserving wine or cocktails for special occasions.

The last “S” is the most important: SECONDS count when it comes to healthy aging practices. Each “S” only takes seconds to accomplish. Take the time to do, or not do, what will keep you looking younger and make sure you are in charge of your appearance. This is the best gift you can give yourself, now and later.

Next month, we’re going to share some secrets about how to evaluate current appearance trends.

Until then, keep the secrets.

Read the en�re ar�cle at www.revivecenter.com/blog.

Email your individual appearance and aging ques�ons to Ms. Chase at Shonda@revivecenter.com.

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AN EXTREMELY FESTIVE MONTH

October brings not one, not two, but three big music festivals to the Coachella Valley and High Desert

By Brian Blueskye

A

pril is considered the big month for desert-area music festivals, thanks to the many tens of thousands of people who head to Coachella and Stagecoach.

Well, October is now giving April a run for its money, as the month is bringing three large music festivals to the area: Desert Daze, the second yearly installment of the Joshua Tree Music Festival, and the two-weekend Desert Trip fest.

When Goldenvoice announced Desert Trip for Oct. 7-9 and 14-16 back in May, locals in the know wondered whether Goldenvoice had forgotten that the first Coachella festival, in 1999, was actually held in October—when 100-plus-degree temps greeted cranky festival-goers.

However, the stunning lineup of Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Who and Roger Waters was enough to make people quickly forget about weather concerns, and open their wallets to get passes that start at $399. The crowd for Desert Trip is expected to skew a bit older, much like the performers, leading to the festival’s unofficial moniker of “Oldchella.”

The excellence of Desert Trip goes beyond the artists appearing onstage; foodies who are willing to pay big bucks can dine on meals prepared by Roberta’s from New York City, Cassell’s Hamburgers, The NoMad and other big names.

That’s all well and good—but what about the other festivals?

The fall installment of the Joshua Tree Music Festival overlaps the first weekend of Desert Trip, taking place at the Joshua

Primus is headlining the 2016 edition of the Desert Daze festival, which has moved from Mecca to Joshua Tree.

Tree Lake Compound Oct. 6-9. The event, which started in 2003, is a family-friendly affair that’s attracted talent like Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires, the Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Avett Brothers, Chicano Batman, Trombone Shorty and many others in the alternative and world-music scenes.

All-weekend passes cost $180, with child and family discounts available, along with one-day passes.

Joshua Tree Music Festival founder Barnett English, who responded to the Independent via e-mail, said he’s not at all concerned about Desert Trip.

“Our fall festival has been on the same weekend in October for 10 years,” Barnett said. “I knew over a year ago that Goldenvoice had received permits from the city of Indio to have two festivals in October. So I knew there was a good chance they’d host an event on the same weekend as our fall festival.

“To be honest, with Desert Trip on the same weekend, it only magnifies how different our events truly are: a four day, three night, family-friendly experience where most all attendees camp onsite for a reasonable price, versus a multi-day concert with a massive crowd and pricey fee. Both are music festivals, but definitely not apples to apples.

Our music features artists who are young and hungry and on the rise. That is one of our core missions, musically speaking—to have artists before they break big, so that you can enjoy their magic in an intimate setting.

Some artists who performed here in the past are now enjoying wildly successful musical careers.

“Don’t get me wrong—the artists at Desert Trip represent a portion of the soundtrack of my life, and I love them all, but I saw them all live back in the late ’70s and early ’80s.”

English said his festival offers “a very intimate, community-centric family vibe, with world-class music in a magical setting.” He also said criticism in some circles that the Joshua Tree Music Festival lacks local acts is off-base.

“Seven of the 33 artists performing at the festival reside in Joshua Tree: Gene Evaro, Desert Rhythm Project, Myshkin, Sequoia Smith, Annachristie Sadler, Regal Pooch and Adam Freeland, along with Tim Easton, who lived here for several years,” he said. “At our spring festival, eight of the 33 bands were local. … I’d say we provide a real deep mix of local artists, alongside artists from around the world.”

A week later, also in Joshua Tree, Desert Daze will overlap with Desert Trip’s second weekend, taking place Oct. 14-16. A three-day pass costs $165, with single-day passes also on sale.

The inaugural Desert Daze took place at the Dillon Roadhouse in April 2012 over 11 days and featured bands such as Dengue Fever, earthlings?, Spindrift, Allah-Las and many,

many others. In 2013, Desert Daze was resurrected as an April event in Mecca at Sunset Ranch Oasis. After a successful 2014 edition, the 2015 festival was held in May at Sunset Ranch Oasis and included Warpaint, a reunited Failure, RJD2 and others.

Desert Daze was founded by Phil Pirrone (or JJUUJJUU, as he’s known musically) and his wife, Deap Vally drummer Julie EdwardsPirrone, in collaboration with Moon Block Party. Pirrone knows how tough it can be to put on a big festival. He was at the Levitation Festival in Austin, Texas, in April—when it essentially had to be cancelled due to flooding.

Fortunately, organizers managed to secure local venues in Austin for some of the acts who were due to play the festival.

“I was onsite when the news came in. It was heartbreaking. I felt for the organizers, who are our friends and colleagues,” Pirrone said.

“But everyone pulled together, and that festival happened, even if it wasn’t as originally planned.”

This year, Desert Daze is being held at the Institute of Mentalphysics in Joshua Tree.

“I’ve never seen a festival site like it. It’s completely unique and totally beautiful,” he said. “My wife and I fell in love in the high desert, so we have some other reasons we’re magnetically drawn to it.”

Pirrone said he was not completely surprised when Goldenvoice announced Desert Trip.

“If I remember correctly, we had heard about it at some point, but Goldenvoice hadn’t announced that it would be two weekends just yet. That was a surprise!” he said.

This year’s lineup includes a lot of big names. Primus, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Godspeed You! Black Emperor!, Deerhunter, Television and the Black Angels are among the acts scheduled to play at Desert Daze.

“It really came together,” he said. “To a certain extent, the lineup you end up with is sort of out of your hands. You can come up with bands all day long, but they could be recording or in Europe when you need them. So, in a way, the stars literally aligned to make this happen. After some of them saying ‘no’ for four years, our persistence seems to have paid off. We feel honored to host such an incredible group of bands and artists.”

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DESERTSOAKED MUSIC

By Brian Blueskye

I

n recent years, Jesika von Rabbit has focused on her solo career—but her popular band, Gram Rabbit, reunites every year around Halloween for a celebration at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace.

The queen of the High Desert and her Gram Rabbit bandmates—Ethan Allen (guitar) and Todd Rutherford (guitar, bass, programmer)—will be performing on Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29, at Pappy and Harriet’s.

During a recent phone interview, von Rabbit explained why she and her busy bandmates can’t quite walk away from Gram Rabbit. Rutherford works as a music producer, while von Rabbit and Allen have their own music projects.

“I think we’re very dynamic, versatile and a bit of a spectacle,” von Rabbit said. “We mix up our sound a lot, which keeps our sound fresh, and you never know what you’re going to get. Our musical style isn’t just one thing, and I think it keeps peo- won over the locals; both Gram Rabbit and von Rabbit on her own have sold out Pappy and ple on their toes. We’ve been genre-jumpers, and Harriet’s, something that few local acts have I think people like to see what comes out of our accomplished. mouths and our guitars next.”

“I think our success is attributed to the fact Gram Rabbit formed in 2004, when the High we’ve been doing it up here for so long, before Desert wasn’t quite the destination that it is this area was gaining any popularity. We originatfor music and arts today. The group quickly

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Gram Rabbit heads to the studio—and gets ready for its annual Halloween shows

Gram Rabbit. guillermo prieto/ irockphotos.net

ed up here, and we were this fun band among country acts and folk music,” von Rabbit said.

“We were this band from outer space that was more rock ’n’ roll, electronic and dance. It was the perfect spot to have under-the-moon dance parties with whatever costumes, hula-hoops and glow sticks. All those felt like vibes you’d want to do out here, and I don’t think there was anyone doing anything like that at the time.”

Gram Rabbit found success beyond the desert. The band played at Coachella in the early years, and the band’s tracks have been used on television shows on NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, STARZ and MTV, as well as at least three movie soundtracks. Still, Gram Rabbit never abandoned the desert to make a home Los Angeles or anywhere else—and always included the high-desert in music videos and its repertoire.

“Our sound was influenced by our surroundings. Our music was desert-soaked,” von Rabbit said.

As is usually the case, the members are bringing in some friends to play with Gram Rabbit at the Halloween shows. Last year, Spindrift and local band Astro Zombies played with Gram Rabbit.

“I’ve been trying harder to have bands that have creepy names to go along with the Halloween themes,” von Rabbit said. “The first night (this year), we invited a band from San Diego called the Creepy Creeps to open for us.

They’re pretty wild and dress up in Mexican skull masks and have go-go dancers. They’ve been rocking it in the San Diego scene and have opened for some big acts. They opened for Robert Plant not too long ago.

“The second night, we’ve asked the Death Valley Girls to open for us, because they rock, and their singer is really sweet. They’re doing really great right now, and they have a perfect Halloween name.”

A couple of months ago, Death Valley Girls frontwoman Bonnie Bloomgarden told the Independent about her encounter with a mummy

that was trying to get into a gas station in Los Angeles—an incident that she swears really happened.

“We’ll have to get a mummy to get onstage with us during our show with them that night,” von Rabbit said with a laugh. “Or maybe I’ll be a mummy, or a rabbit mummy. I’ll have to figure out my costume and put that on my list.”

Von Rabbit said she’s in the process of releasing two new songs on her own, one of which is called “Dog at a Human Party.”

“I’m sitting on two new videos right now,” she said. “One should be out soon, and as far as another full album, I have a collection of songs.

I’m not sure how well they fit together for an album, which has always sort of been my problem. Right now, I’m unsure about putting out an entire album, and I’m more interested in releasing singles and videos.”

In recent years, Gram Rabbit fans have had only the Halloween shows and perhaps an occasional show here or there to look forward to.

However, that’s about to change.

“Gram Rabbit is in the studio a little bit right now, working on a couple new songs, so I have that on the burner, and we’ll see how it goes,” von Rabbit said. “Probably not a record, but I’m thinking we’ll release a single or two, or a threesong EP.” I asked von Rabbit about her favorite memories from the Gram Rabbit Halloween shows.

“Last year was great and probably my favorite so far. It was so cool to have Exene Cervenka at the show both nights and loving it,” von Rabbit said about the X frontwoman, who was in attendance. “… It was cool to hang out with her.”

Gram Rabbit will perform at 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28, with the Creepy Creeps, and 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, with Death Valley Girls at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53668 Pioneertown Road, in Pioneertown. Tickets are $15 each night. For tickets or more information, call 760-365-5956, or visit www.pappyandharriets.com.

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CAN’T QUIT YOU

The Blueskye REPORT october 2016

By Brian Blueskye

Josh Haden, promoting the newest record by Spain, says music is in his DNA

I

By Brian Blueskye

n the 1990s, the band Spain enjoyed a taste of mainstream success.

However, as the music industry began its massive shift after the dawn of the new millennium, frontman Josh Haden felt creatively spent, which led to a hiatus. However, Spain was not done: Haden would later revive the band, with all new members but himself. The group is now promoting its latest album, Carolina.

Spain will be playing at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace on Thursday, Oct. 6.

During a recent phone interview, Haden explained the hiatus.

“People ask me that question, and I’m never really sure how to answer it,” Haden said. “I think that music is supposed to put the listener into either a different state of mind, or a state of mind that brings them closer to the truth of something—the truth about themselves, the meaning of life, or even the temporary escape from day-to-day issues that everyone has. I feel like when the business side of music—which is a reality of musicians, and not so much for people who aren’t musicians— has money involved in it, it takes the listener one else. In 2001, I quit, and I said, ‘If I can’t do away from the joy or the value that music has.” things the way I want and not make the music I Haden said the nature of the music industry want, I’m just going to not make music.’” played a large part in the hiatus.

When Spain released its debut album, The “Back in the ’90s, major labels were giving Blue Moods of Spain in 1995, the song “Spiritual” indie artists hundreds of thousands of dollars became an indie hit, and has been covered by without batting an eye,” he said. “These days, many, including Sean Wheeler and Zander I don’t think young people realize what it was Schloss, Johnny Cash, and even Haden’s father, like in the ’90s when artists like me, who had the late legendary jazz bassist Charlie Haden. very little following and a lot of hype, could get a However, sales didn’t necessarily follow the million-dollar record deal. The cost of that kind artistic success of the song. of corporate one-upmanship—where the peo“It wasn’t about money, because I would hear ple who are in charge of the major labels don’t the underlings and staff at the companies, and even care about the art anymore—it’s not about they would be saying, ‘I can’t believe all of this music, and it’s not about value to a human’s life. commotion is being made about this band Spain It’s about dollars. that doesn’t sell a lot of records,’” Haden said.

“It’s much smaller in 2016 than it was in “I think that there’s a devoted following and the ’90s. … The economy back then was like a respect for the music in circles of listeners, but free-for-all. You take away regulations, and all the sales never matched the admiration.” of a sudden, all the people with money feel like The making of Carolina, released earlier this they can make more money and not have a conyear, marked a departure for Haden, he said. science about it. When a musician accepts a lot “I recorded this album in (producer) Kenny of money as an advance from a record label, he’s Lyon’s one-room apartment using very minimal controlled by that label, and that artist is going gear—using one great vintage compressor and to have to reconcile and be controlled by everylimiter, and one really great microphone called Spain

a Soyuz microphone, which is a Russian microphone that’s very good and very affordable,” Haden said. “… We’re at a time in history when musicians can make great records for $1,000 to $2,000. That was one thing that was different, and I had never done before. … I’m always trying to evolve my songwriting and be a better songwriter, and I thought that for different reasons, this was a good opportunity, for the new record, to write songs more as a storyteller, as if I was writing a short story. With the exception of one song, all the songs have a story, and I never had really done that before, for some reason.”

Haden’s father was a professional jazz musician, and his mother and triplet sisters are musicians. (His sisters perform under the name The Haden Triplets.)

“I grew up thinking every kid had a musical family,” Haden said. “When I realized that wasn’t the case, it was a big shock to me. My dad was a professional musician, and he was on the road a lot and recording a lot. That was his life. There would be musicians and artists of all kinds coming through our apartment in New York where I grew up. I was exposed to not just jazz, but rock, classical, blues and gospel. By the time I was 5 years old, I was writing my own songs. … It’s in my DNA. What can I do? I tried to be a lawyer, and that didn’t work. I tried to get into academia and get a Ph.D. and teach, but I couldn’t do it. Music just kept calling me.”

Haden has never played at Pappy and Harriet’s before, and he said he’s excited to finally have the opportunity.

“It’s a legendary venue in a very legendary location. It’s part of California history,” he said.

“I’ve never played there before and have always wanted to, and never knew who to talk to, or it just came down to timing. Our drummer lives part-time in Joshua Tree and knows the people who own Pappy and Harriet’s. He told me to write to them, and that was my in. I think it’s good for the record, too, because we recorded the drums on Carolina in Joshua Tree. Part of the DNA in the recorded music is in Joshua Tree.”

Spain will perform at 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6, at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, in Pioneertown. Admission is free. For more information, call 760-365-5956, or visit pappyandharriets.com.

Jane Lynch

Desert Trip. Desert Daze. The Joshua Tree Music Festival. Alice Cooper. Clint Black.

Welcome to the start of season, folks: It’s a blissfully crazy music month here in the Coachella Valley.

The McCallum Theatre is up and running for the 2016-2017 season. It all begins at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, with Aida Cuevas and Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles. Cuevas is a Latin Grammy winner who has been at it for more than 30 years, and she’s accompanied by what is being billed as America’s first all-female mariachi ensemble. Tickets are $27 to $87. At noon, Sunday, Oct. 23, the McCallum will celebrate its Fifth Annual Family Fun Day. There will be fun, games and a performance of B—The Underwater Bubble Show, about a character named Mr. B who is transported to a magic world of bubbles. Tickets are $9 to $25. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, Sue Sylvester … um, we mean Jane Lynch will entertain with a musical-comedy performance—as well as show tunes! You won’t want to miss this one!

Tickets are $47 to $87. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert; 760340-2787; www.mccallumtheatre.com.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is hosting some fantastic shows this month. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, the Doobie Brothers will be returning to the Coachella Valley, after performing at Stagecoach back on May 1.

Since the group first appeared in Northern California in 1970, the Doobie Brothers have sold more than 40 million records—becoming a legendary name in rock music in the process. Hmm … I wonder where they got their name? Tickets are $39 to $69. At 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs will share the spotlight. Interestingly enough, McDonald fronted the Doobie Brothers for a period of time. Meanwhile, Scaggs has been making waves in music since the ’60s, when he was a member of the

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THE SHURP SHURPS ON

The Blueskye REPORT continued from Page 33

Slipping Into Darkness’ goal: release its sophomore album in early 2017

S

By Brian Blueskye

lipping Into Darkness is known for its wild reputation—but the popular local band wants you to know it has a mature side, too.

The group is currently working on a follow-up to 2014’s Shurpadelic. See what the members have been up to at The Hood Bar and Pizza on Friday, Oct. 21, when the band performs with Chicano Batman.

Nigel Dettelbach explained where the band stands in the recording process.

“It’s currently in the works,” Dettelbach said.

“We were contemplating different studios to go into, and different offers and ways to go about it. With Adrian (Carreño) living out of the country, it’s harder for us to get together. We have about three or four songs recorded, and we have another six to record. Then it’s off to mixing and mastering. This album is Slipping Into Darkness, but a lot more mature.”

Dettelbach said the Desert Hot Springs band has learned a lot over the last several years.

“We’ve definitely matured,” he said. “I think we’ve realized that we’ve gotten older; we’ve learned what we want and what we don’t want, and we want to make the deals we want to make.”

Dettelbach said Slipping Into Darkness’ sound basically remains the same. The band members always like to throw in different genres, however, and the upcoming album steps that up a notch.

“It’s a bunch of different things. It’s doo-wop; it’s rock ’n’ roll; it’s punk rock. There’s some Latin in it, but this one has a lot of different elements.

It’s more musically mature, too, which you’ll hear when it comes out.”

Slipping Into Darkness has gotten around. The group played Coachella in 2013, and has toured, performed at festivals in Mexico, and opened for a lot of bands that have come through Southern California. In fact, the group will soon be opening for another legendary band.

“We were talking to a booking agency that books in Mexico City, where we’re planning to go to do some touring,” Dettelbach said. “So that’s the one thing we want to do, but we’ve been focused on trying to release the record Slipping Into Darkness

first. But we’ve been invited by The Adicts to open up for them for their Halloween show at the Observatory (in Santa Ana), which is a really big deal for us, because it’s a cool place, and we’ve always wanted to play there. They handpicked us.”

Regarding Chicano Batman, Slipping Into Darkness has performed at shows with the band before, and Dettelbach explained the relationship between the two groups.

“They’re definitely one of our favorite bands.

We’re one of their favorite bands as well,” he said.

“We both have a strong love for each other, and we’ve gotten to go on tour with them. They’ve hit the big time and have been down to help us release our record. They’re one of the most professional bands I’ve ever seen. As we were waking up in Vegas to go to Phoenix, they were already (in Phoenix) doing the soundcheck. It just goes to show their level of professionalism. We have a lot of respect for those guys.”

As for the new album, Dettelbach said he hopes the record is out by early 2017.

“I’d say within the next 6 months. That’s just giving us some time to get it finished,” he said.

“The songs are coming along. They’re kicking ass, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

When Shurpadelic was released in 2014, the cover featured an old photo of a small child smoking a joint. Frontman Michael Durazo said the photo was of a relative of his, taken in the ’70s. The picture made many laugh—although one person wrote to the Independent to complain.

“I’ve never had a negative response, other than the one you mentioned to me,” Dettelbach said. “I’ve always had heard people tell us, ‘That’s really bad ass!’ and, ‘That’s really cool!’ But when they hear what it represents and who that kid is, it’s a deeper thing—and not just a kid smoking or a random image pulled off Google. It’s a real photo.”

Slipping Into Darkness will perform with Chicano Batman at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21, at The Hood Bar and Pizza, 74360 Highway 111, in Palm Desert.

Tickets are $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit chicanomovement.eventbrite.com.

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Alice Cooper

Steve Miller Band. Tickets are $29 to $69. If all these legends aren’t enough to get you excited … at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, there will be a performance by Alice Cooper. That’s right, ALICE COOPER! Many, many things can be said about Alice Cooper. You can discuss the makeup, the live performances that have included a guillotine, collaborations with the Amazing Randi and Salvador Dali … and, of course, songs that have become heavy-metal staples, like “School’s Out,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “I’m Eighteen.” You need to get your ass to this show. Tickets are $39 to $79. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 760-342-5000; www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa has one rather compelling event (if Desert Trip is not your thing, that is): At 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, there will be a performance by ZZ Top. I’ve seen ZZ Top twice, most recently at Stagecoach in 2015, where the band delivered a kickass and unforgettable performance. No matter what your attitude may be, take some ear plugs! They play LOUD. Tickets are $85 to $115. The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-999-1995; www. hotwatercasino.com.

I’ve been quite impressed with the events that Morongo Casino Resort Spa has hosted recently, and I’m excited to see what the coming year will bring. At 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, country star Clint Black will be performing. Black is a big name in country music—and has been since the ’80s. He’s also tried his hand in music production and has acted in films such as Flicka 2 and Anger Management. Tickets are $35 to $45.

At 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21, The Fray will be performing. The Fray confused a lot of people as the band rode up the charts of the alternative-mainstream music world.

People labeled The Fray as an “emo” band and as a “Christian” band. Really, neither label is accurate. If you listened to the radio sometime in the last decade, chances are you’ve heard hit-single “How to Save a Life.”

Tickets are $67.50 to $77.50. Cleveland does not have much of a local music legacy to speak of—but see an exception to the rule at 10:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28, when there will be a performance by Cleveland’s Breakfast Club. It’s actually a fantastic cover band featuring some of Cleveland’s best local musicians. The group is fun to watch! Tickets are $20 to $40. If that’s not enough … you want the best? Well, the best is coming to the Coachella Valley: At 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 30, KISS will take the stage. KISS? Yep, KISS! These days, that means Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and two non-original members, guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer. Personally, I’m ready for Ace Frehley and Peter Criss to return! Tickets are $100 to $150. Morongo Casino Resort Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 800-252-4499; www. morongocasinoresort.com.

Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace has a packed October schedule. At 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14, Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire will be performing. Stinson served as the bassist of the Replacements and Guns N’ Roses (after Axl Rose fired Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum). Stinson has departed GNR and released solo recordings recently; they don’t sound too bad. Tickets are $15. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, The Evangenitals will be returning to Pappy and Harriet’s. While the group is a Pappy’s regular, the band is always worth seeing. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; 760-3655956; www.pappyandharriets.com.

Tommy Stinson

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the

LUCKY 13 Meet The Kathys’ drummer and Sleazy Cortez’s bassist

By Brian Blueskye What was the first concert you attended?

D.R.I. at Chain Reaction (in Anaheim) when I was 17.

Juan Gonzalez

NAME Juan Gonzalez GROUP The Kathys MORE INFO The first time I heard The Kathys’ album Paradise, I couldn’t get over the sound of the first track, “Mundane.” It sounded as if Sonic Youth and Joy Division had a baby. The rest of the album is an eccentric mix of indie, punk and psychedelic rock. Have a listen for yourself at thekathyys.bandcamp.com. The Kathys’ drummer is Juan Gonzalez.

What was the first album you owned?

The Holes motion picture soundtrack.

What bands are you listening to right now?

Christian Death; Eddie and The Subtitles; The Blue Hearts; and Grupo Mojado. I listened to those today.

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

I don’t know. I can usually see why people are into something that I’m not into, so I guess I get it, but I’m just not into it.

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

Deafheaven.

What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

Don’t really have one. I ain’t ashamed.

What’s your favorite music venue?

I don’t have one.

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

“Las noches frías son. No brilla mas el sol.

Desde que tu no estas. Llorando estoy,” Los Ángeles Negros, “Murió La Flor.”

What band or artist changed your life?

The Beatles. The first song I learned to play was “Misery” by the Beatles.

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

I’d ask (Descendents) drummer Bill Stevenson: “Do you still have that big drum set you used in the ’80s?”

What song would you like played at your funeral?

“Nadie Es Eterno en el Mundo,” by Adan Chalino Sanchez. It’s a heavy song.

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

Dang, tough question. I’m gonna have to say With the Beatles.

What song should everyone listen to right now?

“Vanishing Act” by Lou Reed.

NAME Derek Timmons GROUP Sleazy Cortez, Death in Pretty Wrapping MORE INFO Timmons is well-known in the local music scene for his time with Robotic Humans, but he’s now playing bass in Sleazy Cortez with Nick Hales and Robotic Humans drummer Luiz Carranza. He also performs with the newly formed Death in Pretty Wrapping. For more information on Sleazy Cortez, visit sleazycortez.bandcamp.com.

What was the first concert you attended?

Nine Inch Nails with A Perfect Circle back in May 2000.

Saturday, October 15, 2016, 10 AM - 3 PM

What was the first album you owned?

The first tape I bought with my own money was Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails.

Before that, I was into my parents’ tapes: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Halen, Queen, ZZ Top, etc.

What bands are you listening to right now?

Within the last few days, I’ve listened to High

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Sleazy Cortez

on Fire, Om, Bill Withers, and House of Pain.

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

Lame radio rap where there’s no real music, and the guy can’t even rap, either. I also hate pop country.

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

1970s ZZ Top, early ’90s White Zombie, ’70s Misfits, early ’70s Black Sabbath, and, of course, Jimi Hendrix.

What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

I don’t really feel guilty about it, but I suppose I’d have to say the pure nostalgic pleasure of early ’90s radio rap, like Vanilla Ice or Snow.

What’s your favorite music venue?

Probably The Hood. I get to see tons of good bands there for cheap. It was definitely better before they moved the stage all awkward and changed their treatment of bands for the worse, but, hey, I still have a good time every time I go. As far as a real, legit venue, El Cid in Silver Lake is bad-ass.

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

“Can’t Get You Out of My Head” by Kylie Minogue.

What band or artist changed your life?

When I bought Welcome to Sky Valley from Kyuss at the Piggy Banc Pawn Shop in Vincennes, Ind., for $1 one day after band practice, it set me on a musical journey that moved me 2,000 miles across the country, so that’s gotta be one specific instance.

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

Lemmy: “Can we party?”

What song would you like played at your funeral?

Tiny Tim, “Tiptoe Through the Tulips.” Take that, bereaved friends and family!

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

Damn, I’d probably get shot by the time I narrowed it down to my Top 10!

What song should everyone listen to right now?

Bill Withers, “Harlem.”

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 37

OCTOBER 2016

OPINION COMICS & JONESIN’ CROSSWORD

Across 1 ___ de gallo (salsa variety) 5 Home of the Bills and Chargers, for short 8 Extinguishes birthday candles 13 Federal org. that inspects workplaces 14 Day-___ colors 15 Canadian dollar coin nickname 16 Identical online message, but sent backwards?

18 Fragrant evergreen with starlike flowers 19 “Gangnam Style” performer 20 Did some tricks at a skate park?

22 Biter on the bayou 24 Get out of debt 25 Three-dimensional figures 27 Competes on eBay 29 “A Boy Named Sue” songwriter Silverstein 30 “Für ___” (Beethoven dedication) 32 Misfortune 35 Do some drastic

wardrobe reduction?

39 She’s your sibling 40 Die-___ (people who won’t quit) 41 Chichen ___ (Mayan site) 42 ___ mojado (Spanish side of a “wet floor” sign) 43 Drop it already 45 Be in the driver’s seat 48 Hollow-centered muffin 51 With 57-Across, what was always covered with a sock until just now?

53 Org. with lots of clubs 56 Portugal’s part of it 57 See 51-Across 59 Firming, as muscles 60 Suffix for the extreme 61 Choral voice range 62 Benny Goodman’s genre 63 “Dude ... your fly” 64 Bust’s counterpart Down 1 “___ and Circumstance”

2 Spy agency on Archer 3 LeBaron and Pacifica, for two 4 Rower’s blade 5 Concurs (with) 6 City with a contaminated drinking supply 7 Count in French?

8 Chef on cans 9 Actor Peter and TV producer Chuck, for two 10 Ready to drink 11 Pebbles Flintstone’s mom 12 Oozing 15 K-O combination?

17 Carried a balance 21 Trips for Uranus, e.g.

23 Narc’s weight 25 Mach 2 fliers, once 26 “Fancy meeting you here!”

28 Somewhat, in suffixes 30 “The Final Countdown” band 31 British version of Inc. 32 Olympic team game with a goalkeeper 33 Granular pasta 34 Voice of Israel author Abba

36 Sounding like a ceiling fan 37 ___ in “Oscar” 38 Buckle under pressure 42 Look through a window, maybe 43 Kick-Ass star Chloe Grace ___ 44 Kitchen unit 45 Fits of pique 46 Quarterback known for his active knee 47 “___ wouldn’t do that!”

49 Masters ___ (Showtime drama since 2013) 50 Verse-writing 52 Reusable grocery purchase 54 Visit 55 Infinitesimal bit 58 Awesome ©2016 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@ jonesincrosswords.com) Find the answers in the “About” section of CVIndependent.com!

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CANNABIS IN THE CV THIS DOESN’T BLOW I

BY SEAN PLANCK

n his keynote speech at the Cannabis World Congress and Business Exposition on Sept.

8 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, longtime cannabis advocate Montel Williams announced his entry into the medical-marijuana business with the launch of LenitivLabs.

“I’m proud to announce the formation of Lenitiv Scientific and the development of the LenitivLabs product line,” said Williams, according to a news release. “With the issue of full legalization dominating the conversation, it’s critical not to forget patients who have specific needs with respect to cannabis, including strains that might be less-profitable in the marketplace. The mission of Lenitiv Scientific is to ensure that seriously ill individuals—like myself— have access to the medicine they need.”

Williams, of course, is best known for hosting The Montel Williams Show for 17 years; he’s also an entrepreneur, wellness advocate and decorated former naval officer. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999.

In 2013, Williams talked about his medical marijuana use with addiction website TheFix. com: “For six months after I was diagnosed with MS in 1999, I was given every prescription under the sun to help relieve some of the pain I was suffering with—Oxycontin, Vicodin, you name it,” he said. “But none of it helped. A doctor suggested a lot of literature to me that discussed the benefits of cannabis on neuropathic pain.”

Not only did he start using medical cannabis himself; he became an outspoken advocate and has offered support to legalization initiatives in several states.

“I experience neuropathic pain 24 hours a day because of my MS,” Williams said at the conference in L.A. “My physicians recommended cannabis as part of my treatment 17 years ago, and I’ve used it ever since. Only someone suffering from a debilitating disease can understand cannabis’ therapeutic value.”

The company will launch a product line of cannabis products, and promises consistent, standardized dosages by utilizing the most-current manufacturing/extraction technology available. LenitivLabs will service all states where cannabis is legal for medicinal use, and will expand to other states as legalization spreads.

LenitivLabs has put together a heavy-hitting—and rather interesting—advisory board that includes retired Vice Admiral Edward M. Straw, former congressman and pharmaceutical lobbyist Wilbert Tauzin, and R. James Woolsey, a former CIA director and ambassador. You may recognize Woolsey’s name from recent headlines after he joined Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

Wait, what?

This sounds like a potentially scary team— CVIndependent.com

but it is a bunch who would not be afraid to give the Drug Enforcement Administration a ring to ask them to pull their heads out of their collective asses and reschedule weed at last. The DEA certainly isn’t listening to you or me.

Make it happen, Montel.

The Hound Is Coming to Get You! To date, there has been little to no scientific research to definitely determine at which levels THC impairs driving ability. Law enforcement also has no way to test for marijuana influence beyond blood or urine tests, which would only determine that cannabis had been used some time in the last few weeks. That has made charging someone with driving while stoned difficult.

That’s about to change. (“But Sean, I drive better when I’m stoned!” No. You don’t.)

Introduced by Oakland-based Hound Labs, The Hound was field-tested recently with help from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

Drivers pulled over for erratic driving were asked to voluntarily submit to The Hound test for research purposes. The machine reportedly succeeded in detecting not only the presence of THC, but the actual levels of THC—accurately enough to gauge how recent use was. No drivers were charged, but those who had recently smoked were not allowed to drive immediately. One driver tested was arrested for drunk driving.

Dr. Mike Lynn, CEO and co-founder of Hound Labs, Inc., is also an emergency-room doctor and reserve deputy sheriff with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. “It is very rewarding, both professionally and personally, to identify the need for a product that will save countless lives, to develop the solution to an incredibly difficult scientific challenge, and then to create the product—the only marijuana breathalyzer that can measure THC

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OCTOBER 2016

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

Montel Williams gets into the medipot biz; a new device tests breath for THC

Montel Williams: “I experience neuropathic pain 24 hours a day because of my MS. My physicians recommended cannabis as part of my treatment 17 years ago, and I’ve used it ever since.” MONTEL WILLIAMS FACEBOOK PAGE

in breath with results that match the best laboratory equipment,” said Lynn, according to a news release. “I feel very fortunate that I have been able to use my experience both as an active-reserve deputy sheriff and as a practicing ER physician to create a device that affordably solves an escalating public health crisis.

“For the first time, communities across the country will have access to the science and technology required to tackle the growing costs that result from people driving under the influence of marijuana.”

Joy of Life Wellness Center Open for Business There’s a new dispensary in town! Joy of Life Wellness Center began serving patients in early September. Founded by Crystal Fantasy owner Joy Brown Meredith, it is the sixth dispensary licensed by the Palm Springs City Council.

I had a chance to drop in on a recent Saturday afternoon. Joy of Life is located inside a modest-sized, clean, well-maintained building just off Indian Canyon Drive toward the north end of Palm Springs. There was one other patient waiting when I arrived, and two more shopping in the bud room. (Palm Springs requires a budtender for each patient.) I was greeted with a friendly welcome.

When my turn came, I got a chance to meet budtenders Sara (Joy’s daughter) and Justin.

Justin gave me some great recommendations from their stock. The selection of edibles was a bit limited, but that’s to be expected with new shops. The flower, however, was primo.

I picked up Khaleesi OG, Bubba’s Gift, Deep Sleep and some good old Hindu Kush, as well as a Bhang Bar for dessert. My first-time-visitor status also earned me a free gift (I took the grinder) and a free pre-rolled joint.

Joy of Life Wellness Center is located at 142 W. Oasis Road in Palm Springs.

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Deals available ONLY in the Independent Market as of Oct. 1:

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Look for more deals to be added during the month!

Want your business in the Independent Market? Call 760-904-4208, or email jimmy@cvindependent.com.

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