IN LOVING MEMORY
Mona Brehm
Newspapers’ co-owner, mourned after death at 92
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ona Brehm, matriarch of Brehm Communications Inc., parent company of the Canada South Magazine, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, leaving a family of relatives and employees remembering her for her heart, her conscience and her courage. “Mom was a wonderful person, universally loved and full of care for others,” Bill Brehm Jr, her son and president of BCI, said. “She had an infectious smile that made people feel comfortable and welcome. She was always thoughtful of others and worried about doing the right thing every day and with all whom she dealt,” Brehm said. “She was stern when necessary with her kids and provided a guiding moral hand for her family and the company.” The daughter of McGiffin Newspapers founder W.J. McGiffin, Mona grew up in the news business. She was born in Iowa City, Iowa, and lived in Fort Madison, Iowa, and Kansas City, Mo., before moving with her family to Beverly Hills, Ca., when she was 11 years old. As a young woman, Mona was an avid horsewoman, showing her beloved horse Silky in many competitions and earning countless ribbons and awards. She attended Pomona College and, following graduation in 1946, went to work for her father at the Industrial Post in Bell. Working as a bookkeeper for $18.75 a week, she met Bill Brehm, a Navy Air Corps veteran who was laboring as a printer’s devil in the pressroom. Mona and Bill Brehm were married in 1947, and Mona began her life as a homemaker, mother and volunteer. The family lived in South Gate briefly before moving to Downey, where they made their home for more than 35 years. Mona had a son and three daughters and threw herself into raising them. She served as publicity chairwoman, secretary, program chairwoman and president of the Gallatin School Parents Club and was in charge of the school library for several years. When her daughters became involved in the Camp Fire Girls’ Bluebird program, Mona served as a troop leader, and when her husband coached their son’s Little League teams, Mona was the scorekeeper and ways and means chair. Mona’s family recalls her many talents at
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home, including her skill helping with math homework and her strength. Young Bill brought home a chin-up bar and Mona could not only do more chin-ups than anyone, she could do them with one hand. “Most kids bragged about their dad’s muscles. I remember bragging about mom’s!” quipped daughter Barbara Schuyler. By 1971, amidst changes in the family company and the world of newspapers, Mona returned to the business, by then owned by her and her husband. She was the company’s first trainee in the new Compugraphic typesetting machines that were sparking a revolution in the way newspapers were created. Bill Brehm Sr. would later say that he asked Mona to take on the job because she was the only person he trusted. The employees always came first to Mona and as a result she created the profit-sharing program in 1973. For more than 40 years, she was the plan administrator, dedicated to making sure the company’s workers could build up savings and security for their future. Under Mona and Bill’s co-ownership, the company grew, adding newspapers, printing facilities and also a real estate division. Mona helped lead the way, serving as corporate secretary of Brehm Communications’ corporations. “Over the years, Mona inspired so many, and was a driving force behind BCI’s success,” COO Tom Kirk said in announcing her death. Through it all, she was known as the heart of the business, a hostess who put visitors at ease and charmed wherever she went. “She was the glue that gently held what is referred to as our Brehm newspaper family together and she did this with a smile, a hug and a meaningful comment,” Kevin and Sandra Ashby, a BCI publisher and his wife, wrote. Mona also made an impact on communities through foundational work on places for children to play and women to heal and grow. She and her husband were major donors in numerous philanthropic endeavors, including partnering with the Basin Wide Foundation on building a family park with soccer and baseball fields, a ballpark for special-needs children and adults and a playground, dubbed Mona’s Playground, at the Brehm Park Family Recreation
Center in Yucca Valley. She was also a major donor in Shakti Rising, a foundation her granddaughter Shannon founded to empower women and help them to heal from life’s challenges. “Her life was a perfect example of how to treat others with compassion and grace and how to strive to do what is right,” daughter Cindy Melland, publisher and president of HiDesert Publishing Co., said. “So many lives have been touched and improved by her heartfelt contributions both financial and intellectual,” Melland said. “She never demanded center stage, but we all knew who held everything together—always. Mom adored her grandchildren and always put her family first. Her cheery hello and warm smile greeted all; she will be missed by many.” Mona was also an excellent singer and gifted pianist, daughter Schuyler added. “She played many classical and popular songs (“Moonlight Sonata,” “Phantom of the Opera”), but seldom read music, choosing to play by ear. Growing up, we’d ask her to play almost anything. As long as she had heard the song, she could play it.” As a young girl, she was scheduled to play at a piano recital. All the students were required to play the same song, but none had seen the sheet music. “Mom was not confident with her sight-reading skills and was very nervous,” Schuyler said. “Luckily, several students played the song before her so when it was her turn, she played the entire piece beautifully by ear.” “Mom’s musical prowess was second to none,” daughter Tina McDonald agreed. Mona loved the beach and often hosted her granddaughters and their moms on trips to the coast. She loved to read, golf, and play card games with family. Bill Brehm Sr., her husband of over 67 years, died Oct. 4, 2015. In the year after his death, Mona remained devoted to her family and service projects and deeply interested in the company she helped to build. “She amazed us with her sharp mind and moxie up until the end,” neighbor Donna Smith wrote. Mona Brehm is survived by her son, BCI President Bill Brehm Jr., of Poway; daughters Tina McDonald, of Poway, Barbara Schuyler, of Fallbrook, and Cindy Melland, of Yucca Valley; grandchildren Shannon and Paul Thompson, Bill Brehm III and Carissa Fleshman, Ryan Schuyler and Lindsay Wagner, Monica and Dylan Budd and Eddie Costello; and 12 great-grandchildren.
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CONTENTS DEB GEISSLER PUBLISHER dgeissler@desertentertainer.com GREG ARCHER EDITOR news@desertentertainer.com
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INS AND OUTS Disocover new shops—and new experiences. Plus: Tempting culinary finds to boot.
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SCHEDULE IT IN Grab your calendar. You’ll be busy.
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CANADA’S BEST BETS Your country. Your datebook away from home.
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ADVERTISING SALES KIMBERLY BRUCKS ADVERTISING MANAGER kbrucks@desertentertainer.com
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MAN OF THE HOUR Unraveling the brilliance of the late Pierre Francis de Marigny Berton.
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ARNOLD PALMER Recalling the genius of a king.
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SAME LANDMARKS, NEW APPROACH Revisit old stomping grounds or explore those fun spots you never got around to experiencing.
OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN The singing legend and multi Grammy-winner opens up about her magical life, her latest connection to Canada, and a power of healing.
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DRIVING PALM SPRINGS Confessions from a Canadian tourist.
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DENTAL HEALTH The 411 on floss.
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JUST THE TAX Many Canadian Snowbirds will need to produce a U.S. taxpayer ID number. But why? And how?
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FOOD REDUX Learn more about the area’s vibrant ag industry, how it generates significant ripple effects throughout Coachella Valley, and the best way to reap the benefits.
JUDY TELANDER MARKETING SPECIALIST jtelander@desertentertainer.com
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REMEMBERING GARRY MARSHALL A tribute to an icon.
LAYOUT & GRAPHICS
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ALL IN THE FAMILY How the Skaaning Brothers are changing the landscape of the contemporary furniture.
JOSE DE LA CRUZ SENIOR GRAPHIC ARTIST ads@desertentertainer.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ALISON ELSNER GARY WALKER LUCINDA SUE CROSBY JIM ZANG GREG ARCHER DR. BRUNO LEMAY, DMD MICHAEL W. BROOKS, ESQ.
Office is located at: 41-995 Boardwalk, Suite L2 Palm Desert, CA 92211 Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday Closed Major Holidays Phone: (760) 776-5181 Fax: (760) 776-5733 www.desertentertainer.com www.desertmobilehomenews.com www.canadasouthmagazine.com Titles registered and all contents copyright 2016 by the Hi-Desert Publishing Co. All rights reserved.
A PRODUCT OF
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SHUFFLEBOARD ACE PAR EXCELLENCE Canadian Skirley Kalcic discovers a hotbed of local activitiy surrounding a century’s-old game.
ON THE COVER: OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN PHOTO BY DENISE TRUSCELLO
EDITOR’S NOTE
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f the fall season, beloved poet Emily Bronte once mused, “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” Surely, many Canadians can appreciate that statement. Fall is a dynamic time of year but the change in seasons also encourages other flutterings, many of which take Canadians away from their home base, and their roots, and right into Coachella Valley. (Just in time for winter.) The good news? The Valley welcomes you back with open arms. And so does Canada South. Our Fall edition not only celebrates you, the intrepid Canadian, but other visitors and locals as well. We begin by focusing on some good. Legends—those thriving and those who have passed on—lead the way. These individuals’ ambitious endeavors have truly influenced Canadians and popular culture. Take note of our revealing interview with Olivia Newton-John. The multiGrammy winner and health advocate opens up about her career longevity and shares the genesis behind her new album, “Liv On.” The outing is a memorable collaboration with Nashville’s Beth Nielsen Chapman and Amy Sky, a popular Toronto-born singer-songwriter-actress-television
host. Together, the performers deliver a heartfelt collection of songs that revolve around a subject that is rarely addressed with much vigor: Grief. (See page 12.) Other icons give us a moment to pause and reflect, most notably Garry Marshall. The recent passing of the TV and film titan, a man who sired the likes of “Happy Days,” Laverne & Shirley,” and “Pretty Woman,” is spotlighted by Lucinda Sue Crosby. Her touching tribute begins on page 19. In between, we update you on a bevy of new Valley offerings and tidbits—the latest dining spots, attractions, tax information and more. Which brings us back to you. Keep us up to date on your experiences in Greater Palm Springs. What do you love to do here? What hotspots call your name? What are your favorite dining portals? Send us your thoughts at news@desertentertainer.com. In the meantime, stay inspired and enjoy the months ahead. Until next time ... Greg Archer Editor Canada South
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PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLIAMS SONOMA
BOLD NEW ENDEAVORS
In which we explore everything from inventive new shopping experiences to tempting culinary finds in Greater Palm Springs BY ALISON ELSNER
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ext time you find yourself driving through the Coachella Valley, you may do a doubletake at your GPS to make sure you’re in the right place. Snowbirds and year-round residents alike will find an exciting number of new shops and restaurants that have recently hung out their shingle here in the desert. New adventures await.
PALM SPRINGS west elm: One of the more anticipated openings, in large part because of its visible construction in downtown Palm Springs, a stone’s throw from the future Kimpton Hotel, the modern furniture and home décor store officially opened in September. The new addition to the chain, known for its inspirational designs and colors, signifies a milestone in terms
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of downtown’s revitalization with the anchor store claimed by a major retailer. A branch of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. and launched in New York in 2002, west elm designs products with sustainably sourced materials and is “focused on the intersection of modern design, affordability and community … to help our customers express their personal style ….” 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, and Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m to 10 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, Sunday. west elm, 201 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 318-0059, westelm.com. Watercress Vietnamese Bistro: Co-owner Phong Nguyen is a trusted physician by day and a talented restaurateur the rest of the time. With a successful Watercress Bistro already established in Redlands since 2014, Dr. Nguyen’s new culinary endeavor now occupies the
former Hamburger Mary’s storefront. Nguyen and Duc Le, chef and co-owner, and Le’s wife Lisa, opened the Palm Springs location in June, offering a wide variety of Asian, Vietnamese and Thai foods as well as vegetarian and meat options. Favorite dishes include beef brochette with grill-marinated chili lemongrass beef on skewers, fresh summer rolls with shrimp, chicken or tofu, vermicelli noodles and garlic butter-soy shrimp. The owners have been pleasantly surprised at the high volume of summer business. As Nguyen says, “I guess it’s the right type of cuisine and the right place at the right time.” 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch) Monday-Thursday; 5-9 p.m. (dinner); 5-10 p.m.(dinner) Friday-Sunday; 3-6 p.m. Happy Hour every day on the patio. Watercress Vietnamese Bistro, 415 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 832-9927, watercressvietnamesebistro.com.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF PIEOLOGY PIZZERIA
Barton CPA: Barton CPA recently made the move to North Palm Canyon Drive, a few spaces away from Trio Restaurant and directly across from Workshop Kitchen + Bar, taking over the former office space of Integrated Wealth Management. In addition to being near several trendy lunch destinations, the new office has added mid-century modern décor and a blend of Mondrian style with neon hues in their art and signage. Owner and CEO Greg Barton and his wife Dee Dee the company’s, “director of the big picture,” have a client formula that involves more than just numbers. Experts at matters such as same-sex marriage, the affordable care act, high technology and registered domestic partnerships, the Bartons and their staff offer informed services with a sense of humor and positivity. They also offer complimentary consultations. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.Barton CPA, 787 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 969-6499, gregbartoncpa.com.
RANCHO MIRAGE Pieology Pizzeria: The pizzeria chain has made its debut in the desert, with General Manager James Suer at the helm. Officially opened
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Aug. 10 in the revamped, industrial-chic Rancho Las Palmas Shopping Center, the restaurant affords guests an interactive, custom pizza-making experience. Each hand-crafted, artisan-style 11.5 inch pizza is stone oven fired in less than three minutes, features unlimited toppings and is priced at $7.95. Forty toppings are available as is a choice of white, wheat or gluten-free dough made in-house. If turn-key dining is more your style, Pieology’s menu includes favorite “pies” like Rustic Veggie and Classic Margherita as well as Classic Caesar salad. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Pieology Pizzeria, 42500 Bob Hope Drive, Suite D, Rancho Mirage, (760) 674-7117, pieology.com.
linary chemistry project basically flash-freezes the ingredients due to liquid nitrogen’s extreme cold temperature of minus 320 degrees Fahrenheit. The ice cream makers are skilled at working with the potentially dangerous element, which makes watching them deliver each order even more intriguing. You might want to start with Oreo Cookies and Cream or an Abogato, a drink with freshly brewed espresso poured over made-to-order Madagascar vanilla bean ice cream, topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls. Noon to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Creamistry, 73131 Country Club Drive, Suite C1, Palm Desert, (760) 776-8898, creamistry. com.
PALM DESERT
Tristone Cinemas Palm Desert 10: Formerly operating as Cinemas Palme d’Or, the movie theater located in Westfield Palm Desert will continue as an art house establishment featuring independent and critically acclaimed films. Transitioning to new owners this past July, new releases will run as well as classic films, advance screenings and other special
Creamistry: Like something out of “The Jetson’s,” this creative new ice cream franchise serves custom-made, liquid nitrogen-infused ice cream and fruit based sorbets. The process causes the fat or water particles to stay small, giving ice cream a creamy consistency and sorbet a smooth icy feel. All ingredients are organic and healthy options are available. The cu-
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PHOTO COURTESY OF CVB
<<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 events. Former owners, including actor Bryan Cranston, became embroiled with Cinemark over movie distribution practices, leading to the change in ownership. Tristone remains open to movie-goers during fall renovations to the theater, such as safer access for guests in seating and walkways. New owners are offering affordable ticket prices, ranging from $7.50 to $11 per person, and tickets may be purchased
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online for specific movie days and times. Tristone Cinemas Palm Desert 10, Westfield Palm Desert, 72840 Highway 111, Palm Desert, (760) 340-0033, palmdesert.tristonecinemas. com. Venus de Fido: Since dogs are people too, you and your pet can both be pampered at this new spa and fitness facility. Designed like an Italian palace, dogs and their “pet parents” can take part in salon services, aromatherapy, detox and
salt treatments, fitness programs, doggie daycare, a café and even shopping in the boutique. Animal activist and founder Lindi Biggi, along with CEO Lorie Loftis and staff, have created a comprehensive treatment experience geared to specific age groups (for the human guests anyway). Half year and full year memberships are available for $75-$150 per month, and nonmember rates are also available for daily use of the fitness facilities, salon and doggy services.
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INDIO
PHOTO COURTESY OF CVB
8 a.m. Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (private events after 2 p.m.) Venus de Fido, 73600 Alessandro Drive, Palm Desert, (760) 8347070, venusdefido.com. Pandora: Now open on El Paseo as of early August, the newest franchise in the international chain of 10,000 stores offers jewelry for women crafted in 14K gold, sterling silver and a rose gold blend. Affordably priced, collec-
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tions include the Pandora Rose Collection, the Disney Collection and even NFL team charms. Contemporary designs in a variety of themes and styles primarily use Cubic Zirconia, and many designs are available for under $150. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Pandora The Colonnade, 73399 El Paseo Drive, Suite 104, Palm Desert, (760) 3401107, pandora.net.
CIE Sichuan Cuisine: Opened over the summer, CIE is the only Chinese restaurant in the Coachella Valley offering Sichuan-style dishes such as pork, duck and beef tongue. Owner Brett Bennett and his wife, Xuemei Cheng, were inspired to open up their doors after finding existing options too “Americanized.” Menu options include hot pot meals with beef, pork or chicken. Many of the menu items are big enough for sharing so as to replicate the customs of a traditional Chinese meal. Other menu items, like the Beijing duck, must be ordered three to four hours in advance, and the owners recommend their favorite dish, spicy frog. Bennett, formerly in the aerospace industry, selected a location across the street from College of the Desert’s east valley campus and Indio’s city hall to coincide with eastward growth in the desert. 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday. CIE Sichuan Cuisine, 45682 Towne Street, Indio, (760) 342-9888. More stores, hotels, and restaurants throughout the desert are slated to open. We look forward to updating you in our next issue.
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Have Golf Cart, Will Parade The annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade attracts big crowds. PHOTO COURTESY OF CVB
GRAB YOUR CALENDAR. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THESE FALL EVENTS IN GREATER PALM SPRINGS.
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he dog days of summer may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to pack in the outdoor adventures quite yet. Cooler fall days are just around the corner, lending themselves perfectly to embarking on fun from sunup till sundown. Events range from epic music festivals, unique tours and athletic challenges to entertainment for all ages. Autumn flies by in a flash, so take advantage of the beautiful weather with this list of fun things to do in Greater Palm Springs this fall. Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade Oct. 30: The nation’s only golf cart parade will be themed “Golf Carts, Ghosts & Glitter” this year. That ought to turn heads. Experience the spectacular color, pageantry, and fun as scores of whimsically decorated golf carts and bands march down Palm Desert’s famous shop-’til-you-drop El Paseo, for the 52nd Annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade. Palm Desert, golfcartparade.com. National Sunshine Series Nov. 2-6 and 9-13: Top-ranked riders complete in this National Sunshine Series, an elite two-week series featuring the West Coast’s premier hunters/ jumpers. Thermal, hitsshow.com.
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Jacqueline Cochran Air Show Nov. 5: This show is sure to wow the crowd and is perfect for families with activities for all to enjoy, vendor booths and exciting aerobatic performances. Thermal, rcjra.com. Greater Palm Springs Pride Weekend Nov. 5-6: Greater Palm Springs Pride is Southern California’s most popular and longest-running LGBT festival. More than 60,000 spectators will gather along palm tree-lined streets for the Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade, cheering and supporting local organizations, activists and themed floats along historic Palm Canyon Drive. Palm Springs, pspride.org. U.S. FootGolf National Championships Nov. 7-8: It’s a big thing and it’s here for the viewing. Fun fact: Greater Palm Springs is the home of the American FootGolf League (AFGL) and it is the host of the 2016 U.S. FootGolf National Championships which will be held at Desert Willow Golf Resort. Don’t know much about it? FootGolf is unique in that the players kick a soccer ball into a cup—yes, you heard that right—in as few shots as possible. Palm Springs, footgolf.us.
Indio California BBQ State Championship and Festival Nov. 12-13: Craft beers. Music and entertainment. Professional barbecus teams? We will see you there. The popular event is a sanctioned contest featuring professional pit masters from across the nation competing for up to $10,000 in prize money. Indio, discoverindio.com. Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival Nov. 18-20: Three days of activities that include balloon tether rides, nighttime balloon glow, romantic dinners and musical entertainment. All that and a 35th anniversary parade, classic car Show, West Coast Artists art show and—yes, there is more—a Breakfast and Balloons Community Pancake Breakfast. Wine gardens for adults; Kids Zone for familyfriendly activities. Cathedral City, hotairballoonfest.com. Butterflies: Winged Wonders Exhibit Nov. 18: Memorable in that guests can get up close and personal with nearly 300 butterflies from more than 30 unique species in this interactive exhibit at The Living Desert. Palm Desert, thelivingdesert.org.
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35TH INDIO POWWOW
An Evening With Megan Hilty Nov. 19: The Broadway and TV star (“Smash”) takes the stage at Annenberg Theatre at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Destined to be an unforgettable evening. Palm Springs, psmuseum.org. Palm Springs Comic Con Nov.19-20: It’s the second Comic Con in the area this year— Comic Con Palm Springs was a hit in summer. Launched by local Alex Callego, the event celebrates comic books, past and present, while embracing its diverse and multi-media future. Head to the Saguaro Hotel—and don’t be afraid to dress up. Palm Springs, pscomicon.com.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CVB
CATHEDRAL CITY HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL
The Ice Skating Rink at the River Nov. 22: True, Canadians may flee their home turf to escape anything related to ice, however, this is worthy of a visit or two. Ice skating will be available daily under the desert’s bright skies and every evening under the stars until Jan. 8, 2017. Local entertainment is on hand, including bands and DJs. Holiday music to accompany most skating sessions? Absolutely. Rancho Mirage, theriveratranchomirage.com
tradition alive by holding annual powwows. Included in the celebration are Native American dance competitions for contestants of all ages, bird singing, drum contests and peon games. Indio, fantasyspringsresort.com.
35th Indio Powwow Nov. 25-27: The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians keeps cultural
An Intimate Evening with Linda Lavin and Billy Stritch Dec. 10: Few performers command the stage quite like Lavin does. The Tony Award-winner and television star performs with her musical director on this stellar night, a Temple Isaiah Benefit Concert. Palm Springs, psmuseum.org.
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CANADA’S BEST BETS Keep track of the season’s more prominent events—even while you are away from home
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n a world where we seemingly can be everywhere at all times (that thing called the Internet helps), visiting Canadians certainly relish being able to check in on what’s unfolded back home. The following offers a brief look at several significant Canadian events unraveling in the coming months.
TORONTO 2016 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, Nov. 11-14: Hockey fans take note: The Hockey Hall of Fame welcomes its newest inductees: Eric Lindros, Sergei Makarov, Pat Quinn (honored posthumously), and Rogie Vachon. The weekend-long event boasts tributes to the Class of 2016 and includes special guest appearances, a Q&A fan forum, autograph signings, the annual Legends Classic (see Nov. 13), and much more. All of it culminates with the Induction Celebration Gala taking
place in the evening of Monday, Nov. 14. Keep track of it all at hhof.com. Haggar Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Classic, Nov. 13: It’s Team Lindros vs. Team Salming. NHL and Toronto Maple Leafs legends hit the ice with honored members Eric Lindros and Borje Salming leading their teams. Pre-game notables: A bit of hockey history as the Induction Class of 2016 receives their official “Honoured Member Blazers” in a special on-ice ceremony. Stay in the know at hhof.com. Second City Fall Revue 2016: The beloved Main Stage ensemble takes on a madcap, hilarious skewering of the 2016 news cycle in “Come What Mayhem!” Laughter included, of course. The new comedy sketches promise to be among the best improv seen this year. Tell your friends and keep track of all Second City happenings—perhaps a trip to the L.A. portal?—at secondcity.com.
MONTREAL Cinemania French Film Festival, Nov. 3-13: You may already be privy to this majestic festival, which is dedicated to the presentations of recently produced French-language films (subtitled in English). The 11-day event will unravel an impressive variety of films but take note: Director and actress Nicole Garcia is this year’s main honoree. festivalcinemania.com. Montréal Canadiens Season (through April 2017): The 24-time winner of the Stanley Cup will certainly turn heads (and raise blood pressure) again this season, with invigorating games. Keep track at nhl.com. World Junior Hockey Championship Dec. 26, 2016-Jan. 5, 2017: All eyes are upon these intrepid souls this year. Yours will be, too. Follow the progression at worldjunior2016.com. PHOTO COURTESY OF NHL
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DATEBOOK VANCOUVER Remembrance Day Nov. 11: The day is designed for Canadians to remember past wars and so many of the sacrifices made by veterans, but as many a noble soul has pointed out, Remembrance Day is not really about a victory celebration. Rather, it is an ideal time to reflect about the injustices of war and the sacrifices made by many who have fought for Canada and the defense of other countries. Visit vancouver.ca. Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival Nov. 10-20: Whistler’s remarkable celebration of food and drink features a bona fide wine summit, a culinary series, and even a health and wellness aspect to it. Learn more about the lineup and the festivities at whistlercornucopia.com. Bright Lights in Stanley Park Nov. 26Jan. 2: Stanley Park Train Plaza sparkles with about 3 million lights and that’s a big draw. However everything from the live performances here and the suggested donations, a portion of which benefits the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, is quite remarkable. Take note: $1.4 million has been raised to help burn
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survivors and their families since 1998. Learn more at vancouver.ca. Whistler Film Festival Nov. 30-Dec. 4: Some truly impressive films find their way to the screen in this popular, annual outing. Interesting to note: The film competition blends with an industry summit. In 2015, more than 13,000 attended, including 855 industry delegates. Ten juried competitive sections are on hand with 15 awards and one audience award selected from up to 1,000 submissions. About 90 films from Canada and around the world— from features to shorts—are presented. Stay in the know at whistlerfilmfestival.com.
CALGARY Calgary Symphony Holiday Magic Nov. 27: There is a sing-a-long … so that’s a definitely plus. Otherwise, it’s all about celebrating the launch of the holiday season. That it is done with the baroque beauty of Corelli and Bach—with other seasonal gems like “The Nutcracker Suite” to boot, should be compelling. This is Calgary’s best creative talent. Keep track at artscommons.ca.
Crestmont Christmas Market Nov. 1920: The wonderful Crestmont Hall transforms into a magical holiday market. And that is your chance—or, friends who remained back home—to nab a bevy of beautiful, hand-made items and one-of-a-kind gifts. Spread the word. Learn more at crestmontcommunity.org. Zoolights: Festive. Fun. So darn popular. Last year the outing attracted its 2 millionth visitor since launching 19 years ago. What unfolds is quite something— visitors experience more than 1.5 million lights, 200 displays, crackling fire pits, delicious hot chocolate, and several activity zones for children. A winter wonderland? Of course. See what is unfolding this year at calgaryzoo.com.
REGINA Noon Year’s Eve Dec. 31: You don’t have to wait for midnight. Get a jumpstart on the celebrations 12 hours earlier at the beloved Science Centre. Relish the stage shows. Discover more at sasksciencecentre.com.
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PHOTO BY DENISE TRUSCELLO
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COVER STORY
H
appy. Honest. Humble. That pretty much sums up the incomparable Olivia Newton-John. Truth is, you really don’t have to look that hard to recognize those traits in the prolific Grammy-winner. It’s evident from the way she holds herself. You see it in the way she’s approached music over the last five decades. And it stands out in her many philanthropic efforts. But it may be most obvious when you experience Olivia in person, particularly when she’s onstage, in her element, doing what she absolutely loves—performing. Spring 2016. Indio’s Fantasy Springs Resort. Olivia stands gracefully underneath a heavenly array of spotlights center stage. The house is packed. At one point during the incandescent concert, the lights and the mood shift. Olivia smiles—that genuine grin that has captured many a magazine cover. Suddenly, the famous Aussie-raised performer is bathed in ethereal amethyst and silvery hues. Fitting. Because the band cues up a love song she sang from the 1978 blockbuster “Grease.” (Yes. That one.) Olivia gently cradles the mic … her vocals dreamy, the lyrics heartfelt. And then it happens. The moment arrives.
She belts out the chorus to the iconic song, “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” “But now, there’s nowhere to hide …” Hearts pound. (Well, at least mine did, however judging by the amount of people who rose to their feat during the crescendo in the music, it’s clear I was not alone.) Many of us are privy to the lyrics that follow in the famous song. To be sure, “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” which Olivia, as the character of Sandy, crooned in “Grease,” embedded itself into the fabric of music history. Funny enough, the song and the scene almost never make it into the film; it was added later. Still, it remains one of most soul-stirring ballads to ever find its way into a movie musical. Later, when the song was nominated for an Academy Award and Olivia performed it onstage during the Oscars’ telecast, the audience cheered. Her powerfully rich vocals were flawless. That spring evening in Indio was no different. Nearly 40 years later, the singer was impeccable. The good news is that Canadians and locals in Coachella Valley will have an opportunity to experience some of Olivia’s magic this fall when she hits the stage in Enoch, Canada on Nov. 11, followed by a performance at
McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert on Nov. 18. In between, her Las Vegas residency has been extended through the remainder of the year, and her numerous philanthropic endeavors and other matters of heart continue to capture attention as well. It is the latter that propels the two of us deeper into a conversation about the mysteries of life and the strength many of us hope to possess during its more challenging passages. “I like to make people realize that their mind is just as important to their healing as the stuff that is being done to the body,” Olivia tells me about a topic thoroughly dear to her—good health. Not light conversation by any means, but wonderfully significant. All of it sparked by the arrival of Olivia’s new album “Liv On,” on which she tackles the often unspoken topic of grief—its impact and moving through it. The album features a winning trifecta of talent as Nashville’s Beth Nielsen Chapman and Amy Sky, a popular Toronto-born singer-songwriter-actress-television host, perform on their own and alongside Olivia as well.
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PHOTO BY DENISE TRUSCELLO
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October 2016 | Canada South | 13
<<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Curiously, the project began when the three began sharing openly about their own experiences with grief. Olivia’s sister, Rona, died due to complications of brain cancer in 2013. Beth, like Olivia, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and triumphed thereafter, is also a breast cancer survivor—a.k.a “thriver.” And Amy’s work as a spokesperson and advocate for mental health—or “mental hygiene” as she calls it—certainly stands out. In 2006, Amy went public with her struggles with depression and postpartum psychosis, a severe form of postpartum depression that affects millions of women. Later that year, she became one of the faces of the “Transforming Lives Public Awareness” campaign sired by Toronto’s Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. Not long afterward, giant posters of Amy were installed in bus shelters around the city. For each performer, collaborating on the topic of grief seemed like the perfect next step in their creative and personal evolutions.
Live On “I had written a song for my sister, Rona, and asked Amy if she would help me finish it and put it down … as a way of me expressing my grief,” Olivia says of the genesis of “Liv On.” “We started talking about grief—she recently lost her mother– and then Beth, who lost her husband … I thought, what an amazing collaboration to make this CD on loss and grief, and learning to move through it. “You know, very often, people are not understanding when others are going through grief. They want you to get over it. Actually,
it’s a process. It’s different for everybody.” This wouldn’t be the first time Olivia embarked on a creative venture with the hopes of raising the level of awareness about important health issues. Back in 1992, several decades after she entered the entertainment business—and four Grammys, several films, an Emmy, and a People’s Choice Award later— she embarked upon a very public path of defeating her breast cancer. Enter: “Gaia: One Woman’s Journey.” The uplifting album released in 1994. Other outings, such as 1998’s “Back With a Heart,” 2000’s “One Woman’s Journey,” 2005’s “Stronger Than Before,” and 2006’s “Grace and Gratitude,” all touched upon the themes of empowerment, self-esteem, healing, and love. “Liv On” follows similar suit, with songs like “My Heart Goes Out to You,” “Immortality,” and “I Will Take Care of You.” “People just need to understand more about grief,” Olivia says, with more than a hint of conviction in her voice. “I’ll give you an example. A fan came to my show, a really sweet woman, and she had lost her son a week before. And I was a little surprised she came, but she said, ‘I came because your songs help me; they make me feel good and they help be healthy.’ And she went on to tell me, ‘You know, I went back to work about a week after my son had been killed and people at work told me to get over it.’” She pauses. “And that … took my breath away. How could anybody be that cold and uncompassionate, especially to somebody who had lost a child? And I thought, there seems to be a lack of understanding on what kind of
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PHOTO BY DENISE TRUSCELLO
COVER STORY
COVER STORY
FRONT AND CENTER Olivia Newton-John in front of the Cancer Wellness Centre, located in her “home” of Australia. PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIANEWTONJOHN.COM
process grief is; when you lose someone. Divorce is like a death and so is losing your health, or a job, or a pet. You can go through terrible grief from these things and people don’t understand that can affect your whole body. You need to support each other … to say, ‘You know it’s going to be okay,’ and have a cry. “Knowing that people understand and that you can talk about it is so important.” “Liv On,” which boasts 11 tracks, was released in early October. Some of the songs, like “Stone in My Pocket,” find all three performers singing together. Quite divine, actually. It also illuminates one thing very clearly: There’s nothing like the force of three ambitious health advocates—let’s just say muses—to showcase the depth and power of grief … and the importance of allies during its incarnation in one’s life. Ah … life. Olivia’s life. Let’s talk about that.
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Twist(s) of Fate When the conversation turns to the subject of career, Olivia chuckles. Maybe because it seems unfathomable to her—and perhaps to many of her fans, too—that 2016 year marks the performer’s 50th year in show business. “Yeah … that is unbelievable.” How does she feel about that? “Oh, I’m very grateful for it. I say it every night, but I really mean it—I am grateful that I am still standing on stage and people are coming to see me,” she says. “That’s pretty amazing after 50 years of performing. The fact that I’m still learning. Every night I learn something new. You never stop growing or learning. It’s wonderful.” Born in Cambridge, England, in 1948, Olivia was youngest child of Professor Brin Newton-John and Irene, who happened to be the daughter of Nobel Prize winning physicist,
Max Born. The posse moved to Melbourne, Australia, when Olivia was 5. Music always played a significant role in her life. “It’s all I know how to do,” she says, with a melodic laugh. Big breaks happened. The first one arrived after she won a talent contest on a popular television show dubbed, “Sing, Sing, Sing.” The perk: Olivia was given a trip to London. Things shifted dramatically after that. By the time she hit 15, she spearheaded an all-girl group (Sol Four) and began appearing in local weekly pop music programs in the early 1960s. A collaboration with her Melbourne pal, Pat Carroll (now Farrar), led to the creation of “Pat & Olivia”—the ladies toured army bases and clubs throughout the UK and Europe. Her first single (for Decca Records) arrived in 1966, a version of Jackie DeShannon’s “Till You Say You’ll Be Mine,” but it would be her 1971 recording of
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COVER STORY
a Bob Dylan cover song, “If Not For You,” coproduced by fellow Aussie and friend, John Farrar, that changed everything. Enter: Her U.S. album debut with “Let Me Be There.” The title track became Olivia’s first Top 10 single. Accolades followed—an honor by the Academy of Country Music (Most Promising Female Vocalist) and a Grammy Award
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(Best Country Vocalist). The 1970s were profoundly good to Olivia— and Olivia to the music scene. Her singles, “I Honestly Love You,” “Deeper Than The Night,” A Little More Love,” traced her evolution as a singer capable of crossing genres, however by the closing act of “Grease”— the spandex, the spandex! (and that duet with John Travolta à la “You’re The One That I Want”—the world witnessed a remarkable transformation in the performer. It didn’t stop there. Other movies followed—“Xanadu” with its killer soundtrack (“Magic,” “Suddenly,” and the title song) and “Two of a Kind” (also starring John Travolta and an outing that spawned another hit single, “Twist of Fate.”) But it was back in 1981, upon the release of the single “Physical,” from the album of the same name, where we saw it: Olivia had officially shed her Country Music persona and morphed into a stunning provocateur. The title track topped the charts for 10 consecutive weeks—Billboard Magazine christened it No. 6 on its Top 100 Songs of all Time list; in 2010, the magazine cheered that “Physical” was “The Sexiest Song of All Time.” One-hundred million albums sold later, Ol-
ivia’s appeal appears to be everlasting. “Singing for me is … well, it’s from my heart,” she reflects. “It’s my way of expressing myself. As a performer, if I feel I can reach people, that’s wonderful. I’ve been very lucky with the songs I have been given over the years. John Farrar (married to Pat) has written some amazing songs for me and the lyrics have been palpable. I’ve written songs for myself— my environmental songs. They communicate something with the audience and then … they can say they had fun, or were moved, or that it made them feel good. I love that.” She also loves something else: Giving back.
A Little More Love “I’ve been given so much in my life and I am in a position now where I can give back and that feels even better,” Olivia says of her philanthropic ties, the most notable of which is the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Research Centre (at Austin Hospital) and the Olivia NewtonJohn Cancer Research Institute.
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COVER STORY
Parting Thoughts
In which we play a little word association with Olivia Newton-John. Canada South: Play with us. Say whatever comes to your mind. Let’s start with … the song “Sam.” Olivia Newton-John: “Oh, it makes me think of John Farrar, and his wife Pat, who used to sing with me. And their son, Sam, who was named after the song. It’s one of my favorite songs ever.” John Travolta. “Amazing friend. Incredible actor. A legacy with ‘Grease.’ We’ll always be close because of that. I have great respect for him as an actor and I learned a lot from him making the movie.”
PHOTO BY DENISE TRUSCELLO
<<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 Both organizations are based in Australia. The former, considered one of the best in the world, implements new treatments to help stop cancer from spreading and occurring. Its Wellness Centre offers innovative programs of support—from massage and meditation to music and art therapy. The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute has many notables, however its six core research programs are significant for how well they investigate and implement treatments for a wide range of cancer types, including breast, bowel, liver, lung, melanoma, and brain cancer. “It helps create something of value,” Olivia says of the hospital. “That’s been a passion for me because I’ve been through breast cancer myself so I understood what was needed in patient care and what was necessary for people to recover, which is not just attacking the cancer cells in the body, but the mind and the spirit of the person going through it. “In time, we will be able to transform the kind of treatment going on now to a more natural therapy for the body.” Another noteworthy endeavor Olivia spearheaded was Liv Aid, a breast self-examination aid that assists women to exercise breast selfexams correctly (liv.com). She also served as the national spokesperson for the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC), which was founded after the death of her daughter, Chloe’s, best friend from a rare childhood cancer.
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And then there is Gaia Retreat & Spa, the healing retreat Olivia created 10 years ago and which has now morphed into an award-winning healing outpost. She is first to admit that she cannot do all of the work alone. Her husband John Esterling, a renowned herb specialist, has been a vital support. “It’s been wonderful with my husband, because he’s been working with herbs that he’s brought back from the Amazon Rain Forest, so together, that’s been an incredible support for me and for the wellness center,” she adds. “I’m trying to make it more than just a cancer center, but with different therapies and a place that can be loved by the patients. It’s so important.” Actually … it’s so Olivia. Olivia Newton-John takes the stage at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Visit mccallumtheatre.com. Stay up to date on all things ONJ at olivianewtonjohn.com. Learn more about Gai Retreat & Spa at gaiaretreat.com.au. Discover all facets about the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute at oliviaappeal.com. A portion of every one of the tickets for Olivia Newton-John’s Las Vegas show goes to the wellness center at the hospital.
‘Sordid Lives.’ [Laughs] “Fun! Hilarious. I love playing that role [of Bitsy Mae Harling] in the film. Del Shores is really a dear friend of mine. It also makes me think of my sister. Because if it hadn’t been for Rona, I wouldn’t have met Del, and I wouldn’t have seen the play, and just jokingly said, ‘If you ever want somebody to play the guitar player, think of me.’ And he did. That was really a step out from what people expect from me and I like to surprise people.” Where do you feel most at home? “Wow. Hard question. Well, Australia is my ‘heart’ home but really anywhere I am with my husband and family and daughter Chloe, I am at home. So, we can be anywhere in the world. We just landed in Vegas and we have dog and the cat in the back, and my husband is driving and ... I am home.” Something people may not know about you? “Well. We’ll probably keep that that way, then?” [Laughs] Some of the best advice you’ve been given about life? “Oh Gosh, live in the moment. Find joy in the moment. And: You can’t think too much about the future or the past. Because you have no control over that. Be here now. I think I pretty much do that.” Some of the most interesting things you’ve learned about yourself lately? “Oh gosh …” I know, it’s like therapy, isn’t it? “It is like therapy. I have to pay you after this. [Laughs]. Well, I am forever learning how grateful I am with my life. Every day.” And in the song ‘Magic,’ you sing, “Have to believe we are magic ...’ Do you believe in magic? “Of course. [Laughs] I experience it every day.”
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TRIBUTE
Remembering
Garry Marshall How I learned ‘funny’ from the best BY LUCINDA SUE CROSBY
H
ollywood icon, master of mirth and beloved mensch Garry Marshall died this past July of complications from pneumonia brought on by a stroke. Although born a Maschiarelli, fans who didn’t know this often asked him if he was actually Italian or Jewish. His answer: “The guilt’s the same.” A superb and self-effacing storyteller, a philanthropist, a sports fanatic who liked participating more than watching, a Family Man in capital letters, Garry also “knew funny” like nobody’s business. One of his greatest (and countless) legacies is a kind of comedy how-to skill set he honed and then shared with a generation or two of writers in an array of fields. Think about it: Even if you never met him, your life has been affect-
ed by his contributions to modern culture. Much of his work was informed by his determinedly (and contagious) bright-side-of-life outlook that enriched his hit TV shows, 18 feature films, an opera, thought provoking theater pieces and autobiographical musings. Awkwardness and little, everyday catastrophes were often grist for his unique mill … the more human and detailed, the better. To Garry, warts were always more interesting than chiseled chins—and even chiseled chins were softened right along with the more jagged edges of his characters’ idiosyncrasies. Garry was never interested in judging behavior right or wrong; he just needed to make us laugh at ourselves more often.
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TRIBUTE
PHOTO COURTESY LUCINDA SUE CROSBY
<<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 I was in my twenties when I was introduced by mutual friends to “Mr. Television,” a moniker earned by his string of monster sitcoms like “Happy Days,” “The Odd Couple” and “Laverne & Shirley.” I was still playing pro tennis while simultaneously developing a working career as an actor. Garry, who was about to add “Mr. Movie” to his hyphenated showbiz titles, believed it important to have beguiling pastimes and to pursue them with equal vigor to one’s career. He adored playing tennis but was possessed of a horrible backhand. I remember the first time I walked through the gates of his and wife Barbara’s welcoming Toluca Lake estate, which sat surprisingly near the Ventura Freeway. Barbara poured me coffee and Garry walked me out to his court. To put me at ease, he gestured vaguely over his shoulder and mumbled, “The traffic noise gets loud sometimes. We pretend it’s the ocean lapping on the shore.” Garry had definite ideas about his passions. For example, the only good backhand was a onehanded backhand. Unfortunately,
his odd stroke was out of whack due to a hyper grip position that forced him to lead with his elbow. “Does this ever hurt?” I asked him, grasping his arm. He looked surprised, winced and nodded yes. “Your backhand is the culprit— your technique is assaulting your elbow tendons.” “That doesn’t sound good,” he deadpanned. So I demonstrated a two-handed stroke and explained why it would solve all his problems. Did I mention that Garry had a bit of a stubborn streak? It took six weeks and good old-fashioned begging to convince him to try hitting with both hands. Tada! He had his ah-ha moment 10 minutes later and spent his remaining years on the court singing the praises of his two-fisted shot. When someone disagreed with his assessment, he pointed at me and said, “Be careful. She giveth the backhand and she can taketh it away.” Garry and Barbara have always been the most loyal people on Planet Earth. If you worked with or for them and did a good job, whether you were an actor, a gardener, a production assistant, a still photog, a grip on a film set or a tennis teacher, they kept you employed. I acted in seven Garry
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TRIBUTE You’d work with the same people, with titles important and not so, time after time. You spent long days with these folks, staggering through the chaotic process called movie making, all the while building mutual trust and respect. Rigidity was out and flexibility was in because whole scenes were often rewritten three or four times from one night to the next morning. Or Garry might explain what the scene was about and tell us to improv it. To say we never had a dull day is gross understatement.
ON THE SET Yours truly (right) on the set of “Pretty Woman” with Richard Gere and Garry Marshall.
It’s About The Story
PHOTO COURTESY LUCINDA SUE CROSBY
Marshall projects and he gave tennis lessons as birthday and Christmas gifts. And it was Garry who noticed the way I expressed myself in conversation and urged me to start writing “like you talk.” He could tell from the look on my face I didn’t know what he meant so he clarified: “Because breezy is good.” Not long after, Garry showed me an original script called “The Three Thousand” and, over a
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period of months, shared each new rewrite by J. F. Lawton with me as it staggered through various stages until the sum total became “Pretty Woman.” I learned more about structure from that one experience than a Masters class in drama. Even better, the lessons were translatable to other genres. Acting in a Garry Marshall film was like putting on a carnival with your crazy cousins.
Garry loved well-told stories of every stripe and gravitated to colleagues who were masters of the pratfall, the oneliner, the practical joke, the comic monologue. Hilarious gag reels from his films featured unintentional and/or intentional boo-boos, actors collapsed in uncontrollable laughter for no evident reason and skits featuring cast and crewmates either mocking our movie’s characters or doing impressions of our fearless director—his mumbling, his eating hab-
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TRIBUTE
PHOTO COURTESY PARAMOUNT PICTURES
<<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 its, his constant snacking, his ubiquitous toothpick, all with a Bronx flavored whine or two thrown in. But my favorite personal and totally true story goes something like this: I had a small speaking role in “Nothing In Common” that nevertheless often required my presence as background. I could either hang on the soundstage or wait in a dressing room so small, I had to go outside to change my opinion. I most enjoyed chilling with the slew of ever-present character actors. Their chatter was sprinkled with hilarious anecdotes and comic opinions on everything from Astroglide to greatest ever sports heroes to why ballroom dancing turned women on. The luminaries of this production were Tom Hanks (an inveterate and inspired practical joker); the glorious Eva Marie Saint; and epic TV and movie supernova, Jackie Gleason. Mr. Gleason was a no-nonsense gentleman with a photographic memory, unfailing comic timing and a healthy and deserved idea of his place in entertainment history. He was polite, impeccably groomed and kept very definite hours … his limo arrived at studio promptly at 9 a.m. and left at precisely at 6 p.m. Woe betide a director who went past that deadline for any reason. Oh … and did I mention that Mr. Gleason hated being kept waiting?
I know this because I had become friendly acquaintances with Mr. Gleason and his wife, Marilyn, through a previously unknown connection with my father who’d been a TV and radio announcer. As we filmed on Garry’s birthday, “Entertainment Tonight” and other news outfits paid respects. They spoke to and videoed Garry and Tom and Eva Marie but Mr. Gleason mostly stayed in his huge Waggoneer dressing room, parked some distance from the interiors we were using that day. Because of the interruptions, two or three morning setups were pushed back along with attendant on-set calls. In a happy mood and enjoying the endless press opportunities, Garry arranged an extra-long lunch period and left the afternoon call for 2 p.m. At 1:50 p.m., garrulous Garry, still regaling Mary Hart, began glancing uneasily in the general direction of Mr. Gleason’s trailer. He drew me aside and mumbled, “I need you to tell Mr. Gleason that we won’t be ready at 2.” I opened my mouth to protest but he leaned in and said, “He will definitely yell at my face but he would not yell at your face. Trust me—It’ll be fine.” So I schlumped to the Waggoneer and had barely knocked once when the door opened with a whoosh. “He’s going to be late again, isn’t he?” Mr. Gleason asked and motioned me inside. “Couldn’t tell me himself face-to-face, could he? And he thinks I won’t kill the
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TRIBUTE
PARTNERS IN CRIME Tom Hanks and the late Jackie Gleason on the set of “Nothing in Common.” PHOTO COURTESY 20TH CENTURY FOX
messenger.” The light in his eyes fairly glittered. “Maybe we could teach him a lesson.” “We?” I asked. “Definitely.” Mr. Gleason’s smile turned devilish. As per instructions, I emerged from the trailer and began running, whispering/yelling “Garryyyyyyy! Garry!” (As I passed the character actors, I heard one say, “Uh oh.”) I insinuated myself in the space between Garry and Mary Hart and hissed, “He’s GONE.” Garry asked, “Gone, waddaya mean gone?” “He’s GONE. He left the studio!” “What? When?”
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“Just now. He called for his limo!” As Garry began running toward Gleason’s Waggoneer, the character actors were already working on their version of this story. When he got to the Waggoneer, the door was open and Garry hurtled through. “Oh my God,” I heard him say as he ricocheted around the empty space … and that’s when Mr. Gleason stepped out from behind a nearby set of upscale Portapottys smoking a cigar. It took Garry a second for it all to sink in. When he got the joke, his look of utter amazement quickly turned abashed. Mr. Gleason puffed once … twice. Then,
“We’re not going to be late any more, are we?” Garry solemnly answered, “No. No we are not.” As Mr. Gleason sidled back into his dressing room he said, “She’s a pretty good actor.” Even when I moved out of Los Angeles to pursue a songwriting deal in Nashville, Garry was supportive; he commissioned a song called “The Dead Letter Blues,” for the movie “Dear God.” And as I tackled journalism, water conservation and book writing careers, often winning awards for my work, we kept in touch by card and letter and, more occasionally, by phone. He and Barbara liked the desert and I enjoyed seeing them when they visited other friends in the CV. And through the years, Garry encouraged me to send him anything I’d written and promised he’d give an honest opinion. If he liked it, you knew you had something. Multiply my story by hundreds and you get the gist of Garry’s mentoring practices. There are tons of actors and writers and comedians and assistant directors and directors who owe their success to this wonderful and generous man. And we’ll all miss him, sure. But his giving nature and unique spirit, literally larger than life, will stay with us, certainly in our minds and hearts and probably even in our souls.
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SPOTLIGHT
PHOTO COURTESY OF INSPIRATION FURNITURE
ALL IN THE FAMILY HOW THE SKAANING BROTHERS ARE CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE OF CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE
W
ith two successful businesses in three separate markets, brothers Peter and Steen Skaaning are industry leaders living at the forefront of contemporary home furniture. Peter and his eldest brother Steen grew up in Denmark, sons of Aksel Skaaning, himself a furniture maker. The boys learned the craft of cabinetry from an early age, and it became a passion for them both. Operating as INspiration Furniture in Vancouver, B.C., and Rapport International Furniture in Los Angeles and Palm Desert, Ca., the Skaaning brothers have created a unifying brand promise of the finest contemporary home furniture across the price spectrum, from accessible entrylevel pieces to the utmost luxury collections. The original INspiration Interiors store in Ha-
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waii was a very successful business operated by Peter Skaaning for 10 years until it was sold. In 2002, it was brother Steen who was working as a furniture representative in North America who discovered an opportunity in Vancouver, as a beautiful space in the historic landmark Sigurdson’s Mill building in False Creek became available. The brothers describe their decision to open INspiration Furniture in Canada as an instinctive, rather than a calculated one. Citing the city’s very European vibe, active condo living and urban lifestyle feel, they built INspiration to be agile in reacting to innovations in the world of furniture design. “We have found Vancouver to be very fashion forward. Trends flow here very quickly from around the world, so we have to move just as quickly to stay ahead,” explains Steen.
There are more than 200 furniture stores in the greater Vancouver area, servicing a population of 2 million people. Despite the strong competition, INspiration Furniture continues to be voted as the “best independent contemporary furniture store.” As one of the most competitive furniture markets in North America, the brothers see this as proof positive that they have captured lightning in a bottle. The Skaaning brothers have long understood and appreciated the importance of relationships in business, and this respect for relationships lead them to the second brand in the family stable, Rapport International Furniture.
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SPOTLIGHT
PHOTO COURTESY OF INSPIRATION FURNITURE
L-R: PETER AND STEEN SKAANING
<<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 Rapport International Furniture has been an industry leader in the Southern California contemporary furniture market for 70 years. Peter met namesake Jerry Rapport in the early 1990s when he covered the West Coast of California as a manufacturer’s rep. Peter had the opportunity to then work alongside Jerry Rapport, who quickly recognized Peter’s business acumen
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and knowledge of furniture and design. When he was ready to retire, Jerry Rapport began talking to Peter seriously about carrying on the Rapport legacy someday. In July of 2011, Peter and Steen purchased the Rapport International Furniture business. Today, Rapport International Furniture boasts two of Southern California’s largest contemporary furniture showrooms — one on La Brea in Los Angeles encompassing 40,000 square feet of contemporary designs,
collections, and styles, plus a 20,000 square foot on-site distribution center, and their newest contemporary 13,000 square foot furniture showroom located on the chic El Paseo shopping district in Palm Desert. “Steen and I realized we needed to look at investing in a showroom in the Coachella Valley because we were seeing a sizeable number of deliveries to the Palm Springs area, along with an increasing number of Coachella Val-
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SPOTLIGHT boast of their newest furniture collection, FORMITALIA, an exclusive collaboration between three iconic luxury automotive brands, including Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz, and Aston Martin. From Mercedes-Benz style, to Aston Martin Interiors, to Tonino Lamborghini Casa, customers can experience some of the most luxurious furniture brands in the world. The future for Rapport International Furniture and INspiration Interiors looks especially bright in Canada and on the West Coast. The Skaaning brothers continue to develop the business with many of the sought after European factories, due to the brothers long history and careers within the industry.
PETER SKAANING OF RAPPORT INTERNATIONAL
ley designers shopping with us,” stated Peter Skaaning. “Steen and I decided to purchase the old Kreiss Furniture building on the corner of El Paseo and Portola in March of 2016. The brothers Skaaning have always loved the Palm Springs area, having visited for many years to play golf and enjoy the relaxing environment. Not one to rest on his laurels, Peter is a tire-
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PHOTO COURTESY OF RAPPORT INTERNATIONAL
less traveler, searching the world for the latest trends and highest quality lifestyle furniture offerings. “We have something for everyone in every price range because Rapport and INspiration represent contemporary living for every lifestyle,” comments Peter. In addition to being the exclusive distributor of Natuzzi Italia, Peter and Steen proudly
The Rapport International Furniture Showroom in Palm Desert is located at 73990 El Paseo, at the corner of El Paseo and Portola. For more information please call (760) 568-1500 or visit RapportUSA.com. The Inspiration Furniture Showroom in Canada is located at 1275 W. 6th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. For more information please call (604) 730-1275 or visit inspirationfurniture.ca .
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SPOTLIGHT
HOW CANADIAN SHIRLEY KALCIC DISCOVERED A HOTBED OF LOCAL ACTIVITY SURROUNDING A CENTURY’S-OLD GAME BY LUCINDA SUE CROSBY
T
hat King Henry VIII was an inveterate womanizer is a broadly known historical fact. He was also enamored of nine-course meals, court tennis, horse racing, card games, backgammon, and gambling on shuffleboard contests. Yes, shuffleboard. In fact, there’s supposed to be a written record somewhere in the Royal Expenses for 1532 detailing payment for a lost “shovelboard” wager to “Lord Wylliam.” If unacquainted with the modern version of this game, which nods to both curling and bocce ball, someone like me may wonder at the fascination. Canadian citizen cum Cathedral City dweller Shirley Kalcic is intimately familiar with the intricacies of the game and has pursued it avidly for the past couple of decades. Therefore, she’s the ideal choice to discuss this sport that is enjoying quite the popularity growth spurt. An attractive and imposing woman with long legs and vivid eyes, Shirley has always been what she terms “athletic and highly competitive.”
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“I had enjoyed golf and tennis and considered myself an outdoor girl most of my life but I got to a point when I was looking for a more accommodating pastime,” Kalcic says. “Shuffleboard requires organizing offense, defense and strategy, unfolding as you go, and can be played well and competitively by people at any age or physical level—even those in wheelchairs. Not to mention, it’s wonderfully social.” Born and raised in small town B.C., Kalcic attended college and taught blind children for a time before meeting and marrying husband Ken. His rather romantic sounding day job was with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. They moved from post to post about every three years and Kalcic remembers this time of her life with a good deal of fondness. New challenges. New people to meet and become acquainted with. “I remember one posting … Telegraph Creek on the Yukon border,” Kalcic says. “The animals—caribou and moose in particular—outnumbered the 326 native and non-native hu-
man residents.” She became accomplished at hunting and fishing (trout and salmon she found to be worthy and tasty opponents) and traveled in winter solely by dogsled, in summer by airplane and boat. At times, Ken was responsible for patrolling territory larger than Texas and when he was away, Kalcic pitched in keeping track of births and deaths and performing the occasional marriage. In 1975, Kalcic spent a Christmas holiday at her sister June’s winter home in Palm Springs. “I fell in love with the desert and began spending my winters where it was warm.” It wasn’t until the early 1990s that she was introduced to Shuffleboard in Kamloops, British Columbia, from well-known instructor Wes Desjardins. When she bought a winter escape here at Royal Palms, she discovered that it was a hotbed of shuffleboard activity … for example, more than 100 residents currently participate in both official and just-for-fun games on a twice-a-week basis. Shortly, Kalcic was in her element. She took part in the High Tens—groups throughout the Coachella Valley and Hemet, known as District 5 to organized shuffleboard enthusiasts, who compete throughout the season. Casual games feature partners being drawn from a hat while tournament games boast scorekeeping and referees as well as end of the year-end play-off parties during which trophies are awarded. Not content to excel as a practitioner, Kalcic also became involved on an administrative level. First she represented Royal Palms and helped form committees governing a number of the sport’s factions—and then became president of some. Then, she took up refereeing, and was eventually named president of referees, which included officiating at Valley tournaments and teaching others how to do so. In fact, her contributions were so all-encompassing, she was honored in 2007 by being voted into the California Shuffleboard Hall of Fame for her sportsmanship and outstanding service. (Her sister June had been previously honored—the sport having morphed into the ultimate family affair.) During our chat, Kalcic was in the process of preparing for her return to Missionwood, “a cruise ship on land” as she likes to describe it, “that offers an active lifestyle for seniors.” Aside from joining groups dedicated to an array of activities, she’ll be making plans to visit her four children, four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She is also a voracious reader, a savvy scrabble player, a dedicated adherent of Ted Talks and takes walks and bicycle rides every day. “Just more opportunities to meet people and make new friends,” Kalcic explains. Apparently, Missionwood doesn’t have a shuffleboard court yet … but I have a feeling, if Kalcic has anything to say about it, one will soon be in the works.
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ATTRACTIONS Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. History, culture of Cahuilla Indians, baskets, artifacts, photographs. Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 219 South Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, 760-778-1079, accmuseum.org. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum. A Hopi-inspired pueblo that is a unique treasure in the heart of Desert Hot Springs. The structure is hand-made, created from reclaimed and found materials. The Pueblo is four-stories, 5,000 square feet, and includes 35 rooms, 150 windows and 65 doors. Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 67-616 E. Desert View Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, 760329-7610, cabotsmuseum.org. The Living Desert. Zoo and botanical garden, desert animals, African wildlife, 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, free parking. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 760-346-5694, livingdesert.org. Palm Springs Air Museum. One of the world’s largest collections of flyable World War II aircrafts and memorabilia, vintage automobiles, large-scale model ships. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., last admission at 4 p.m. 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, palmspringsairmuseum.org.
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Palm Springs Art Museum. Museum hours year round: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays 12 noon - 8 p.m. Closed Mondays and major holidays; 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, 760325-7186, psmuseum.org. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. World’s largest rotating tram provides breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley as it ascends Mt. San Jacinto. Monday - Friday first tram up 10 a.m. Last tram up Sunday - Thursday 8 p.m., last tram down 9:45 p.m. Last tram up Friday - Saturday 9 p.m. and last tram down 10:30 p.m. 1 Tram Road, Palm Springs, 760-325-1391, pstramway.com.
Palm Springs Biplanes. Climb into a 1940 Stearman Biplane with your favorite friend and enjoy an unparalleled view of the Coachella Valley. 145 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, 760-216-3700, psbiplanes.com. The Best of the Best Tours. Call for the lowest and best tours in the valley. Tours daily, 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Original Rich & Famous City Celebrity Tour, daily, 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Indian Canyon Tour, daily at 9 a.m. Also offering Combination Tours. Call for reservations at 760-320-1365 or visit thebestofthebesttours.com.
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SPOTLIGHT
Agent of Change Unraveling the brilliance of the late Pierre Francis de Marigny Berton GARY WALKER
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ierre Francis de Marigny Berton (1920-2004) was an award-winning, Yukonborn Canadian author of 50 books. But he was also a prominent journalist and television personality. His impact and importance as a mirror to and interpreter of Canada and Canadians made him one of the major voices of the North. Looking back, you can see clearly how impactful he was. Because my family and I were living in Seattle for several years, we were able to receive the major Canadian television stations, which featured many hours of Berton-inspired programming and interviews. He often taught us as much about America as he did about his own country. His prolific writing included Canadian history and culture, critiques on religion, children’s books and historical works for youth. To help understand the depth, width and breadth of his knowledge, we can look to our own David McCullough, who, like Berton, has earned his reputation as a great storyteller by giving his nonfiction books some of the qualities of the best fiction—well-re-
searched arcs of events and strong characterizations, virtual reality of description, plots that zip along and gripping crises, such as in his brilliant “1776.” Berton and McCullough represent a welcome change from history lessons that focus on dates and places of events to a recognition that history, according to McCullough, “isn’t about the past. It’s about the present— somebody else’s present. History is about life, change, consequences and cause-and-effect.” And it’s that approach that makes good historical writers so approachable. Berton’s explanation about the difference between the westward settlements of Canada and America answered a lot of questions about our differences relating to law and order and our love affair with guns. In his book “The Wild Frontier” (1978), he draws the distinction between America’s Wild West and Canada’s unWild West. In this country, people arrived in a west where law and order were not established, and the law of the gun was the only law. But when Canadians reached their western destinations, the law was well estab-
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SPOTLIGHT lished by the North West Mounted Police, who countenanced no disregard of the law. The statement “A Mountie always gets his man” did not derive from a single “Sgt. Preston” Mountie at his wilderness outpost. For if one were shot, another would immediately take his place and, if necessary, another and another until, in the finality, the long arm of justice, reaching all the way back to Westminster, would pluck the culprit from the wilderness and bring him to book.” Berton points out that “the North West Mounted Police were inviolable. It was useless to come up against them in a kind of mano a mano gunfight cherished by aficionados the American West. “Our Mounties were really civil servants and social workers, enforcing blue laws (you couldn’t even buy a drink in the prairies), succoring the sick, feeding starving Indians, settling domestic disputes, putting out prairie fires, collecting taxes, rounding up stray cattle and taking off behind dog sleds or on horseback on endless patrols through wild, empty country. “Nor was the Indian a threat to western expansion as he was seen in your country. The way to the west was barred by geography (the vast Canadian Shield) not by humans. “Save for one fleeting explosive moment in 1885 when the Crees rose briefly and vainly, we have nothing to compare with Cochise, Geronimo, Sitting Bull and all the other valiant native leaders who form a part of your national tradition.” And Berton goes on to explain that this is all a part of “the Canadian pattern.” “These early examples of official paternalism foreshadowed the later spectrum of social services— universal medicare, family allowances—that distinguish Canadian society today and stand out in contrast to your more individual American philosophy. In an odd way, you could say the North West Mounted Police brought the welfare state to the frontier.” Berton also knew that making
history human-size was a necessary way for readers to wrap their heads around the enormity and scope of national events. In his book “The Wild Frontier: More Tales from the Remarkable Past,” Berton illuminates the value of such individuals as Samuel Benfield Steele from Simcoe County, Canada West. The alliterative name of Sgt. Sam Steele was perfect, according to Berton, because “the name fitted him as neatly as his puttees, suggestive of flexibility and toughness, a born leader: resolute, barrel-chested, keen-eyed, erect as a pine tree and limber as a cat … In tandem, the two names sing like a well-tempered sword whirling in battle, and the sound they make is the sound of command.” Berton’s fascinating tales of Steele and others match the finest of fictional character studies and help account for his popularity and importance to historical literature. The Pierre Berton Award is presented annually by Canada’s National History Society for distinguished achievement in presenting Canadian history in an informative and engaging manner. He received numerous awards and honorary degrees, and all of his writings, original drafts and research are now held at the McMaster University Archives in Hamilton, Ontario. Berton concludes his remarkable “Why We Act Like Canadians” with these words: “Even as I poke at certain of our national characteristics … I accept them and even applaud them. When I compare our two people, I do not intend to make invidious comparisons, only to demonstrate that, sometimes for better or for worse, we have our own distinct identity and our own way of doing things and that part of that identity is our tendency to constant self-examination.” I would love to have been a fly on the wall if David McCullough and Pierre Berton sat down and discussed ourselves and each other. That’s a border we could easily cross.
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SPOTLIGHT
W
hen I was in grade school, I met Arnold Palmer for the first time. My father, a radio/TV announcer, had worked with the King on a series of golf-related shows and was therefore in a position to introduce me during the Los Angeles Open. Having read the “Los Angeles Times” every day since the age of 8, I knew who Arnold Palmer was. I pictured him eight-feet tall and glowing from the inside … which wasn’t far off the mark. He was charming with an infectious grin and
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I swooned when he complimented me on my sporty outfit. I could tell he enjoyed chatting with my dad while he grooved his driver—managing to behave just as graciously to the hundreds of other fans who followed him during the practice round. When Arnold’s club met the ball, a most satisfying thwack ricocheted around the environs. I still love that sound. In 1995, I was commissioned by 20 of Arnold’s closest friends to write a poem about his life. I
was thrilled about this chance to reintroduce myself to one of the most fascinating folks I have ever encountered. The resulting piece, inscribed in gold letters on a black granite shadow box, hangs on the wall at Bay Hill in Orlando, Fl. When I performed it for Arnold at a private surprise party at PGA West, it brought a tear to his eyes. For the next 20 years, every time I saw him, he remembered and thanked me.
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SPOTLIGHT
The Heart Of The Man
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rom the mists of a time when heroes were born; on a soft and cloudkissed September morn, a golfer came out of the Pennsylvania hills whose promise proved true and whose legend still thrills. Deacon, his father, first taught him to love the sport that came straight from the heavens above. They hiked rolling fairways in all kinds of weather and unlocked d the game’s mysteries, learning together. Doris, his mother, taught him about living; it’s not what you get, it’s about what you’re giving. From that little frame house on the fifth at Latrobe flowed her grace, which he carried all over the globe. While still a young man on the brink of his life, he ran off with his lady love and made her his wife. First came his daughters, apples of his eye, who missed him each time he wished them goodbye. Then came the battles that spiced up the story a rousing rich tale full of struggle and glory. He tamed wild St. Andrews and old Cherry Hills. Augusta’s Cathedral blessed his courage and skills. A great Army gathered who marched in his name. They followed his exploits, protecting his flame. Soon came Gary Player and the wily Jack Nicklaus and the Age of Great Rivalries had come to pass. And through it all, Deke was there urging, “Forget personal tri-
umphs; the game is the thing.” Past fifty, when some mortals are tempted to fade, he embraced a new tour and took up a new trade. He designed and built tests, both lovely and tough so that we could all share in his vision of golf. Now as the sun sets, with the wind at his back, he still charges each course, ever on the attack. And just like the old days, in bad play or good; in pain or a slump when some others might brood, he takes that sweet moment to nod and to smile or chat with a friend or reach out to a child. (His caring for children has been revealed by the place that he built them to go and be healed.) Fortune is fickle and fame can be fleeting. Lady Luck can explode in one treacherous meeting. I wondered, what was it, what reason or rhyme etched his name in our folklore for now and all time? So I searched out his Army and asked them to tell why fans the world over were still under his spell. The winning? The titles? The charisma? The swing? What was it exactly that crowned him The King? The silence was telling as his old friends thought about decades of memories Arnie’s friendship had brought. And the truth each spoke softly again and again? “It’s simply the size of the heart of the man.”
PHOTO COURTESY LUCINDA SUE CROSBY
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DESTINATIONS PHOTO COURTESY CVB
saurs have greeted visitors driving to the destination. However, they were made famous by the T-Rex cameo in the cult classic “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure,” and are now unarguably a top highlight on all road-tripping adventures. Visible from Interstate 10, Dinny the Dinosaur, a 150-ton building shaped like a larger-thanlife-sized Brontosaurus, and Mr. Rex, a 100-ton Tyrannosaurus Rex structure. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Palm Springs, visitors can pan for gemstones and fossils, climb inside to the top of Mr. Rex’s mouth and take an amazing photo through his bright new shiny teeth. Cabazon, cabazondinosaurs.com.
SAME LANDMARKS, NEW APPROACH FALL IS THE PERFECT TIME TO REVISIT OLD STOMPING GROUNDS—OR EXPLORE FASCINATING PORTALS YOU NEVER GOT AROUND TO EXPERIENCING
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tepping outside of the usual and experiencing something new to even the quirkiest soul is what traveling is all about. From the odd to the eccentric, these can’t-miss, curious attractions are celebrated for keeping
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Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding California desert region utterly unique. Run Wild With The World’s Biggest Dinosaurs: Since the 1980s, the Cabazon Dino-
Travel Back In Time With Old-Fashion Favorites: Once you’ve hit downtown Palm Springs, you’ll find true nostalgia at Ruddy’s 1930 General Store Museum. The museum had been the collection of a Depression-Era liquidator who had kept his pick of the finest store fixtures and merchandise in his basement for 40 years. The result is one of the largest complete displays of unused general store merchandise in the country. Palm Springs, palmsprings.com/ points/heritage.
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DESTINATIONS into his suit. The cemetery was also home to Sonny Bono, one of Palm Springs’ best celebrity mayors. Cathedral City, pscemetery.com. Have A Date With A Knight In Shining Armor: For more than 80 years, the large knight outside of Shields Date Garden has been attracting curious travelers on Highway 111 as they make their way to the east part of the valley. Shields’ famous date groves provide a yummy assortment of dates, as well as their famous date shakes. A biblical garden path winds through the 17-acre date farm, and the café patio offers date delectables. Indio, shieldsdategarden.com. PHOTO COURTESY CVB
Enter Into A Post-Apocalypse Appliance World Of Lights: Just around the corner from Frank Sinatra’s old Twin Palms Estate, three towering multi-colored robots made of old appliances, lawn furniture and wood scraps stand several feet tall by artist Kenny Irwin Jr. Inside its gate, amid the palm trees and bushes, a world of aliens, mutant Christmas elves and reimagined carousels made of discards cover the four-acre property. During the holidays, Robolights is the
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largest residential light display in the country. With more than 8.4 million lights, it’s the craziest Sci-Fi Christmas wonderland you’ll ever see. Do Greater Palm Springs Sinatra’s way: For the Rat Pack enthusiast, head to Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City where Sinatra was laid to rest. After passing away at the age of 82 in 1998, Sinatra was buried here with a bottle of Jack Daniels and a pack of Camel cigarettes tucked
Drive Someone Up The Wall: Discover a surprising outdoor art gallery in Coachella. The “Coachella Walls” mural project (pictured), located in Coachella’s downtown Historic Pueblo Viejo District, is dedicated to the farmworker. Six artists from around the world are participating in the ongoing mural project. While you are there, check out the City of Coachella walking tour. Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, La Quinta and Indio are other Greater Palm Springs areas who have embraced murals as important public art. Coachella, Instagram: @coachellawalls.
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DESTINATIONS
PHOTO COURTESY CVB
I
love driving in Palm Springs. I love having the window down, enjoying the cooling breeze and the view of rugged gray mountains set against a backdrop of perpetually clear blue sky. I love how the road medians and sidewalk areas look like so many desert gardens, with flowers, palms and fruit trees lining the streets all year long Mostly, though, I love how easy it is to get around. Because, let me assure you, no matter where you live in Canada, if it’s a city of more than 100,000, driving in Palm Springs is easier. And likely a whole lot less stressful, although that could also be attributed to the “palm tree effect.” In fact, after just a handful of trips to the Coachella Valley, I probably know how to get around there as well or better than I do back home in Calgary, where I’ve lived for all of my 54 years and where there’s new communities
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I’ve never even been. Let’s face it, there are some things Americans just do better, and transportation engineering is one of them. Although, it should be noted, when I visited Phoenix, I got lost leaving the Sky Harbor Airport rental car building every time. In Palm Springs, I’m off the plane, cruise through the beautiful open-air concourse, and have my rental car in about 15 minutes while my wife gathers the luggage. Two left turns later and we’re on Ramon Road heading east and within an hour of landing I’m usually checking into my hotel in Palm Desert. Given a choice of Calgary traffic or Palm Springs, it’s no contest. In the Coachella Valley, all roads lead to either the I-10 Freeway or to Highway 111, which eventually turns into Palm Canyon Drive and goes right into downtown Palm Springs. There’s a few other key east-west roads, like Fred Waring, Country Club, and Ramon, and then a few key north
south routes (Cook Street, Cathedral Canyon Drive, Monterey) and you can pretty much get anywhere. The combined population of the valley’s nine cities (Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Thermal, Indio, Thousand Palms) is about 450,000, but it feels like a lot less. Dual and even triple left hand turn lanes means less back-up at major intersections. It’s not uncommon to see five or six lanes going each way at some junctions. U-turns are okay, unless posted otherwise. I’m still not sure whether or not you’re allowed to turn right on a red light (I just keep doing it, as long as no-one’s making a uturn at the same time). My wife doesn’t like to drive on the I-10. Unfortunately for her, it’s the only way to the outlet mall at Cabazon. Myself, I find driving the I-10 just fine, thank you. There’s at least four lanes each way the entire way, and the truck-
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DESTINATIONS
ers all stay in the right hand lane unless they’re passing. They are never in the left hand fast lane. ever. They have a lower speed limit (55 mph) and they stick to it while cars going flying by at about 80 mph on the 70 mph posted Sonny Bono Freeway. Take it from me, you can get away with 80, but if you do 95 on the I-10, you will get pulled over. And, if the breeze is really blowing through the wind farm and your vehicle is light enough, you might achieve lift off.
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Uh oh, just what I need, a speeding ticket. And in U.S. dollars no less. Here he comes, just be cool. “Bonjour officer, comment ça va?” I’m going with the old “I only speak French” routine. “Je m’appelle Jim. Je suis Canadien. Je ne parle pas Anglais.” My grade 12 French teacher, Madame Heller, would be proud. If I’d actually had the nerve. Which I didn’t.
Instead I went with my other standby: “Gosh officer, I thought the speedometer was in kilometers. I thought I was going 95 kilometres per hour”—and it worked. Of course this time we were in a Toyota compact and not the convertible Mustang from the year before (see photo), which probably helped. If I’ve got one complaint, it’s that Palm Springs can be very dark at night—it gets dark early and quick in the winter months, around 5 p.m.—and there are no streetlights except at intersections in many areas. In fact, many of the same roadways that appear pitch black on either side at night turn out to have beautifully manicured flora by light of day. My guess is they spend their streetlight money on landscaping instead. There’s never snow, of course, although you may have to deal with the odd sandstorm. But finding your way around? That’s easy. Now, if only I could find the classic rock station in this darn rental.
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HEALTH
DENTAL HEALTH A deeper look into the efficiency of floss BY DR. BRUNO LEMAY, DMD
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he Associated Press recently published a valuable report about the weak evidentiary basis for flossing as a way to reduce plaque and tooth decay and to prevent gum disease. In response, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology acknowledged the lack of evidence but said their recommendations stands; flossing helps. But the AP article is less about floss and more about how medicine backs up its recommendations. What does it mean to have good evidence that something we do actually works? The AP is right: The evidence for the efficiency of floss is not great. Floss is a 19th Century invention. Flossing recommendations are based on assumptions; that it removes plaque from between teeth and gums and that since plaque leads to tooth decay and gum disease, flossing should improve or prevent these conditions. But this is largely anecdotal and does not rise to the standard we have for medical
treatments in the 21st century. Academic rigor has changed in the past several decades. Anecdotal evidence and tradition have given way to â&#x20AC;&#x153;evidence-based medicine,â&#x20AC;? which arises from well designed, controlled studies. Once angina sufferers had surgery to tie the mammary artery, evidence found this dangerous and unnecessary. Now, diet, exercise and relatively inexpensive medicines are used. Peptic ulcers required stress reduction and avoidance of spicy food until thorough evidence showed that the most common cause was bacteria. New studies are continually published, improving what we know about a host of medical conditions and making treatment more effective and efficient. The Cochrane Library, the gold standard in assessing medical research, has analyzed the evidence for flossing. Cochrane says there is
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HEALTH <<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40 “some evidence” that flossing reduces the mild, reversible form of gum disease known as gingivitis, “weak, very unreliable evidence” that flossing plus brushing reduces plaque and no evidence for tooth decay prevention. Terms such as “weak” and “every unreliable” have specific meanings directed at the quality of the studies that were conducted. The basis of evidence-based medicine is properly designed research protocols. Cochrane finds that even the best flossing studies have flaws, ranging from poor controls, and gaps in the dental assessments of subjects or too-short study periods. These flaws weaken studies and the results are, in turn, weak. We are left with little strong evidence of the efficiency of flossing. I could not tell you why, exactly, flossing research suffers so much, but I have my suspicions. Good studies are expensive; there is no fortune and glory to be found in flossing. Flossing is inexpensive and a relatively easy habit to adopt, carrying no risk, so research doesn’t carry a potential “big win” such as eliminating an unnecessary surgery or transforming pharmaceutical regimes. Perhaps studies of flossing end up relegated to the lower levels of academics, where standards aren’t as rigorous. Regardless, the public and the profession are left with anecdotes and weak evidence. And maybe that just seems good enough. It is worth emphasizing that, as Cochrane reports, we have some evidence that floss helps to reduce gingivitis. In turn, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, though it doesn’t necessarily do so. But periodontal disease is always preceded by gingivitis, which is the loss of the tissues that support the teeth, particularly bone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2012 that about half of Americans over 30 and more than 70 percent over 65 have some form of periodontitis-the more advanced, damaging type of gum disease-making it one
of the most common diseases in the United States. Periodontitis is irreversible, making prevention that much more critical. For an individual patient, treatment can be expensive and nationally the cost is extraordinary. Like the efficiency of flossing, the exact dollar amount is unknown, but an attempt to calculate it was published in the journal Periodontology 2000. In 1999, the authors calculate, U.S. dentists performed $9.9 billion worth of preventative care for periodontal disease and $4.4 billion worth of treatment. In 2016 dollars, that’s $14.3 billion and $6.4 billion. And this ignores the cost of tooth loss from periodontal disease. Healthcare professions are obliged to develop evidence for what we do, ensuring that all we recommend to our patients is supported by high-quality research. We should be studying flossing, just as we should be studying all aspects of improving dental health. In spite of the weak evidence, flossing remains a low-risk high-reward habit. So until we have stronger, better-designed studies, we are left with the dental version of Pascal’s wager; if flossing is truly beneficial, then you win by flossing. That’s not really good enough, but at the moment it’s all we have. Dr. Bruno Lemay, a native of Quebec, is the sole owner of Desert Dental Alternatives. Dr. Lemay has a fellowship from the California Implant Institute and is the founder of CMI Institute (The Canadian Mini-Implant Institute). CMI specializes in the education and training of dentists throughout Canada and California in the mini-implant technique that Dr. Lemay has utilized and improved since 2001. Desert Dental Alternatives is located at 69-450 Ramon Road in Cathedral City, (760) 324-4450, desertdentalalternatives.com.
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FINANCE
TAXFACTS Many Canadian Snowbirds will need to procure a U.S. taxpayer ID number. But why? And how? BY MICHAEL W. BROOKS, ESQ.
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any Canadians visit the United States frequently and never need (or even want) a United States Taxpayer ID Number (a U.S. “ITIN”). While that may work for some people, if you are a Canadian who purchases U.S. real estate, you will almost certainly need a U.S. ITIN at some point. And when the day comes when you do need a U.S. ITIN, knowing how to quickly procure this identifying number will be critical to your wallet and to your peace of mind. I explain below.
What is a U.S. ITIN? A U.S., ITIN is an identifying number assigned to an individual by the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS). A Canadian (or any non-U.S.
citizen/ resident) will need an ITIN if that person is required to complete a U.S. tax return, amongst other reasons. Note that Americans don’t need ITINs, because they are assigned social security numbers at birth.
Canadians Need to Complete a U.S. Tax Return When They Sell U.S. Real Estate (or Forfeit a Lot of Money to the IRS). Recall that all non-U.S. citizen/ residents (including Canadians) who sell U.S. real estate are generally subject to a mandatory withholding tax of 15 percent or 10
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FINANCE <<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43 percent of the real estate’s sales price, payable to the IRS at the time of closing. So the purchaser of a U.S. house from a Canadian seller must send into the IRS $40,000 of the $400,000 sales price, and not pay that amount to the Canadian seller. Take note: The $40,000 is not the real tax which the Canadian owes the IRS; it is better thought of as security deposit which the IRS will hold onto temporarily to ensure the Canadian snowbird will pay the real tax. The real tax is based on gain in the property at sale. For example, if a few years ago the Canadian bought the U.S. house for $300,000, and now is selling it for $400,000, the real (federal) tax owed by the Canadian, assuming a general 15 percent capital gains rate is $15,000. Note the Canadian seller now has every incentive to complete a U.S. tax return (an IRS Form 1040NR) in the calendar year after the sale to get a refund—the difference between the $40,000 withholding tax the IRS has and the real tax of $15,000 = $25,000 of $25,000. Now the really prepared Canadian could circumvent this problem by applying for a “withholding certificate” prior to the close of the sale of real
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estate. In that case, the 10 percent withholding payment likely will remain at that the escrow office while the IRS determines whether the Canadian can pay $15,000 to the ITS (the real tax) instead of $40,000 (the withholding tax). If the IRS agrees (likely a couple months or so after the close), the escrow office will forward
the $25,000 to the Canadian seller and send in the $15,000 to the IRS. Finally, note that if the Canadian seller never files a U.S. tax return (or applies for a withholding certificate), the IRS will be only too happy keep the entire $40,000 (thanks for the gift to the IRS Mr. or Mrs. Canadian). Here’s the important note: whether it’s
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FINANCE completing a U.S. tax return the year the sale of the U.S. real estate, or completing a request for a withholding certificate—to avoid the 10 percent going into the IRS altogether—the IRS requires the Canadian snowbird to first obtain a U.S. ITIN. If the Canadian Snowbird does not obtain a U.S. ITIN, they will never get a refund of the 10 percent withholding tax paid to the IRS.
Canadian wants to be super-organized and get the ITIN before the real estate, they really can’t. One possible work-around this problem for the Canadian might be to open an interest bearing U.S. bank account and have the bank write a letter to the IRS stating the ITIN was needed for the Canadian to report interest on amounts deposited in a U.S, bank
What is the Application Process to Obtain a U.S. Individual Taxpayer ID Number?
Finally, To Get an ITIN, the Canadian Must Get His or Her Passport Certified—And Now That Can Be Accomplished in the Desert.
The application to obtain a U.S. ITIN is the IRS Form W-7. The IRS Form W-7 requires the applicant to inform the IRS why he or she wants an ITIN. You will note it is not sufficient to state “I’m a Canadian and I plan on selling a U.S. house one day,” is not a sufficient reason for the IRS to issue you an ITIN. The earliest the IRS will issue any non-U.S. citizen/ resident an ITIN (in the home sale context) = is at the time of home sale, and not before. On the Form W-7, the applicant must either attach a copy of the actual real estate sale agreement, or a copy of the tax return (reporting the tax from the sale), if after the sale. So even if the
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Finally, note that that Canadian will have to identify himself sufficiently to the IRS before they will issue an ITIN. The best way to do that is to send in a certified copy of your passport with your IRS Form W-7to the IRS. To have your passport certified used to mean Canadians in the Desert would either have to drive to the Canadian consulate in Los Angeles, where the consulate would certify the copy of the passport, or get the passport certified back in a governmental office back in Canada on their next trip back home. But Domestic and International Real Estate Closing Tax Services (“DIRECTS”),
a tax firm in Palm Desert, has personnel who have been granted status an IRS acceptance agent. IRS acceptance agents are permitted by the IRS to certify foreign country passports. So for Canadians who need their passport certified because they need a U.S. ITIN, call DIRECTS at (760) 346-6140. No longer are trips to Los Angeles or back home to Canada required to obtain a certified copy of a passport. Michael W. Brooks is a cross-border attorney at the Palm Springs tax attorney and can be reached at 760-898-3413 or at michael@directsllp.com. The information contained in this presentation is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. Michael W. Brooks and DIRECTS expressly disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this article.
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DINING
Coachella Valley’s vibrant ag idustry generates remarkable ripple effects. Ready to reap the benefits?
W
hile Riverside County’s Coachella Valley has a well-deserved reputation as a year-round playground, few visitors realize the region is also one of the nation’s top producing agricultural centers. Agriculture in Riverside County is a massive industry. The region is home to more than 1,200 farms, and agriculture accounts for more than 15,000 jobs, with a total economic impact of $3.5 billion for the county. “We have the best quality and variety of produce in the country,” says Gregorio Calderin, the executive chef of King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs. “I’ve worked in many other places and never seen the variety you can get here.” From the county’s famed dates to grapefruit and leafy green to goat cheese and honey, local
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farmers are harvesting bountiful flavors which means nearly every meal in the Oasis offers an element of “Farm to Table.” If you are looking to create your own edible tour of Greater Palm Springs, take note: Below are a few establishments on the area’s foodie trail, all of which offer a great exploration of the region’s bounty.
Day One Shields Date Garden: More than 95 percent of the country’s dates come from Greater Palm Springs, so a visit to a date farm is a fitting kickoff for your Oasis foodie adventure. At Shield’s date garden, you can sample nearly a dozen varieties, enjoy the garden’s palm tree views and sip
on the quintessential Coachella Valley treat: the date shake. Also not to be missed? A free viewing of the cheeky film, “Romance and Sex Life of the Date.” Indio, shieldsdategarden.com. Madison Street Produce: Visitors are just a few feet from the fields that produce the strawberries, tomatoes, squash and other produce sold at this roadside stand. Madison Street Produce has been selling its freshly picked fruits and veggies at the corner of Highway 111 and Madison Street since 2000. Indio, madisonstproduce.com. Morgan’s in the Desert, La Quinta: Local seasonal ingredients and a breathtaking hacienda-style setting make Morgan’s in the Desert unforgettable. Chef Jimmy Schmidt, a James
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DINING Beard Award winner, is credited with pioneering the local farm-to-table scene, thanks to his seasonal menus which feature offerings from the area’s farmers. Dishes pair perfectly with the restaurant’s West Coast wine list. La Quinta, morgansinthedesert.com.
Day Two Cheeky’s: Every Wednesday, chef-owner Tara Lazar debuts a new menu at this chic brunch spot, which reflect the freshest offerings from local farmers. From heirloom tomatoes to arugula, produce is locally sourced, while eggs are organic and the beef grass-fed. The local ingredients are then creatively combined into fresh new takes on familiar breakfast and lunch fare. Palm Springs, eatatcheekys.com. Chicken Ranch: This isn’t your run-of-themill chicken joint. With a focus on healthy eating, Chicken Ranch’s rotisserie birds are locally sourced from Gone Straw Farms. Plus, all the side dishes--like the famed beet and goat cheese salad—are sourced directly from the local Certified Farmers Market in Palm Springs. Wash down your meal with a locally brewed craft beer
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from Coachella Valley Brewing Company. Palm Springs, eatchickenranch.com. King’s Highway, Ace Hotel & Swim Club: King’s Highway, once a local Denny’s, has become a popular desert eatery. Executive Chef Gregorio Calderin has designed a menu that honors Greater Palm Springs desert heritage by paying tribute to modern desert cuisine. While the menu includes culinary favorites from such desert locations as Mexico, the Middle East and Northern Africa, the menu utilizes foods from as close to home as possible. Palm Springs, acehotel.com. Birba: Another locally focused dining experience from restaurateur Tara Lazar, Birba delights with its romantic patio where guests enjoy pizza pies and homemade pastas. Crusts are handcrafted in a traditional or gluten-free style, while toppings are all sourced locally. The pastas are also filled with local finds such as goat cheese and citrus. Palm Springs, birbaps.com. Workshop Kitchen + Bar: An architectural delight thanks to its clean, industrial ambiance, Workshop Kitchen + Bar designs its menus around the seasonal offerings of local farms. Here,
New American cuisine plays with local offerings like honey, mustard greens and dates, while the cocktail menu features handcrafted creations muddled with local fruits and house-made syrups. And Don’t Miss: Greater Palm Springs Craft Beer Experiences Coachella Valley Brewing Company: The hand-crafted beer at Coachella Valley Brewing Company’s Thousand Palms brewery shine, in part because of their use of local ingredients. Try Desert Swarm, made with local coriander, kumquats and honey or the Palms to Pines triple IPA, brewed with locally gathered spruce tips. Thousand Palms, cvbco.com. La Quinta Brewing Company: Enjoy a locally brewed beer at La Quinta Brewing Company’s Old Town La Quinta taproom or Palm Desert brewery. Award-winning favorites include the Poolside Blonde and Indian Canyon IPA, but don’t miss the Koffi Porter, brewed with locally roasted coffee beans from koffi. La Quinta, Palm Desert, laquintabrewing.com.
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