COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT | JULY 2019
Helping the Community
PAGE 11
VOL. 7 | NO. 7
After almost closing 18 months ago, the CREATE Center for the Arts is expanding—and thriving BY STEPHEN BERGER
2 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
DON MCLEAN IAN ANDERSON PRESENTS
JETHRO TULL
JUL 13
GERARDO ORTIZ
50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
JUL 5
MARY J. BLIGE AUG 10
JUL 27
LANCE BURTON AUG 17
ALSO ON SALE BOZ SCAGGS AUG 23
BRIAN WILSON AND THE ZOMBIES SEPT 1
BRYAN ADAMS SEPT 13
DOOBIE BROTHERS SEPT 14
HOWIE MANDEL AUG 3
FREE LIVE TRIBUTE BAND EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT 7:30PM - MIDNIGHT
800.827.2946 www.FantasySpringsResort.com Management reserves all rights.
FANT-51170 CVI FullPg Jul19.indd CVIndependent.com
1
ALWAYS LIVE, ALWAYS FREE, ALWAYS OUTDOORS MUST BE 18 TO ROCK 6/20/19 11:03 AM
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 3
JULY 2019
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Mailing address: 31855 Date Palm Drive, No. 3-263 Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 904-4208 www.cvindependent.com
Editor/Publisher Jimmy Boegle Outgoing Assistant Editor Brian Blueskye Incoming staff writer Kevin Fitzgerald coveR and feature design Beth Allen Contributors Stephen Berger, Max Cannon, Kevin Carlow, Katie Finn, Bill Frost, Bonnie Gilgallon, Robin Goins, Bob Grimm, Michael Grimm, Alex Harrington, Dwight Hendricks, Valerie-Jean (VJ) Hume, Judy Lin, Matt King, Keith Knight, Brett Newton, Dan Perkins, Guillermo Prieto, Anita Rufus, Jen Sorenson, Robert Victor The Coachella Valley Independent print edition is published every month. All content is ©2019 and may not be published or reprinted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. The Independent is available free of charge throughout the Coachella Valley, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $5 by calling (760) 904-4208. The Independent may be distributed only by the Independent’s authorized distributors. The Independent is a proud member and/or supporter of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, CalMatters, Get Tested Coachella Valley, the Local Independent Online News Publishers, the Desert Business Association, the LGBT Community Center of the Desert, and the Desert Ad Fed.
In the spring of 2013, my friend Shann Carr invited me to brunch. Shann at the time was the volunteer coordinator at the LGBT Community Center of the Desert, and I was just putting the finishing touches, if memory serves, on the first print edition of the Independent. The brunch—on the patio of the late, lamented Twin Palms Bistro and Lounge—was primarily for Shann’s volunteers, a group of fantastic people Shann thought I should get to know. At that brunch, Shann introduced me to a music blogger by the name of Brian Blueskye. We chatted a bit, and he expressed interest in doing some freelancing for the Independent. In the six years since, Brian became the Independent’s first employee (besides myself). He grew as a writer and reporter, winning a national journalism award on his way to becoming the best music journalist in the Coachella Valley. This is the 72nd print edition of the Independent; he’s had multiple bylines 71 of them—all but that very first issue I was finishing up when I met him. I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention that he’s become one of my closest friends. Because of all this, Brian’s departure from the Independent is decidedly bittersweet: The Desert Sun has, quite wisely, hired him to be the paper’s new arts and entertainment reporter, on the heels of 40-year veteran Bruce Fessier’s retirement. On one hand, the Independent will deeply miss Brian’s work; he’s been such a vital part of the Independent’s DNA that he can’t be replaced. I also have deep concerns about The Desert Sun’s parent company, Gannett, in terms of both ethics and stability. But on the other hand, I am elated for Brian, because The Desert Sun is compensating him at a level that the Independent right now can not afford—at a level that Brian definitely deserves. While Brian will be missed within these pages, I am excited about the changes we’re making following his departure. Kevin Fitzgerald, whose byline has been appearing in the Independent for almost as long as Brian’s has, is taking our open staff position. Like Brian, Kevin has a national journalism award to his credit for his work in the Independent. While Brian primarily covered music, Kevin’s focus will be on news and features—meaning the Independent’s news coverage will get a decided boost in both quantity and quality. I am elated to welcome Kevin on board as the Independent’s second-ever employee. As for music and arts coverage, we’re bringing on some new regular freelancers to fill the void— and trust me, they’re going to do a fantastic job. While we’re still fleshing out these additions (drop me a line if you think you should be one of them), here’s info on two of them: Matt King, at the ripe old age of 17, will be covering music; in fact, his first piece, on The Regrettes, appears on Page 26. Don’t underestimate him because of his age; Matt is an excellent writer and musician who knows the local music scene well. As for our other addition: Watch CVIndependent.com and next month’s issue for the Independent debut of Andy Lara, a longtime music and culture writer who’s written for the Coachella Valley Arts Scene and LAist. We’ll have more news on these exciting changes soon. In the meantime, welcome to the July 2019 print edition of the Coachella Valley Independent. As always, thanks for reading. —Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com CVIndependent.com
4 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
MAKE THE EASY CHOICE
THE #1 CHOICE COMFORT AIR WE'RE #1 FOR A REASON
ASK US
ABOUT OUR 0% FINANCING
Awarded Best AC Repair Company By Coachella Valley Independent Up to $1000 Off + Special Financing On A New HVAC System HIGHEST QUALITY EQUIPMENT EXTENSIVE WARRANTIES
BEST PRICE GUARANTEED 24/7 LOCAL SUPPORT
SAVE UP TO
60% ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL*
LENNOX SIGNATURE SERIES SYSTEM
*SAVINGS AND RESULTS MAY VARY
CALL TODAY FOR DETAILS! CVIndependent.com
760.320.5800 comfortac.com
Four Reasons to Visit 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon—Palm Springs Today With today’s busy lifestyles, you may not have much time for yourself. Partners, jobs, kids, volunteer work and other commitments all seem to drag you in dozens of different directions 24/7. That’s why you need 18|8, the new men’s salon in Palm Springs, made just for busy working professionals like you. We can get you in today or when your schedule allows and free up your time for fun, friends and family. Want to hear more? Here are the top four reasons you need to visit Palm Springs’ 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon today. 1. 18|8 Is Conveniently Located We’re your neighborhood haircutter. You’ll find our convenient location a super convenient walk or drive away. Located downtown next to the Renaissance Hotel, you can swing by and relax with a quick cut or salon service—and look your best. 2. 18|8 Is the Perfect Break Life and work are stressful. While it’s tempting to not take time for yourself on a regular basis, you can walk away from the stresses of your life and into our relaxing 18|8 Palm Springs Men’s Salon environment. It’s a men’s salon made JUST for you. With a variety of services, from haircuts and grooming services to relaxing facials or MAN-icure/pedicures, you won’t be disappointed that you took a break to pamper yourself. 3. 18|8 Provides Quality Men’s Hair Salon Services in a Flash The professional stylists at 18|8 understand you want quality services but still have a limited amount of time in your day. Our salon professionals are experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. Just check out what our customers are already saying. We also keep our appointments on schedule and can offer a cut or other spa service within the time frame you need. Just let us know when you make your barbershop appointment, and we’ll make it happen. 4. 18|8 Has a Variety of Services You’ll Love Our world-class Palm Springs barbershop will amaze you not only with our friendly, professional service and relaxing atmosphere; we’ll wow you with the variety of services we offer. Sure, you can grab one of our signature Executive Style Haircuts, no problem. But if your hair is already trim, and you still need a break, come over for a rejuvenating men’s facial or scalp treatment to revitalize your skin. Perhaps you are in need of a professional shave or some beard coloring? Waxing? Even a MAN-icure or pedicure can be a lunchtime treat. You Choose the Fifth Reason to Visit 18|8 Clear your schedule right now, and make your appointment today at Palm Springs’ favorite neighborhood barbershop. You’ll find the fifth reason and many more to get to 18|8 Men’s Salon on your next lunch break. Maybe it will be our new client special? You can use our convenient online appointment form at eighteeneight. com/palm-springs-ca, or call us today at (760) 904-0434. It will be one lunch appointment you won’t want to miss.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 5
JULY 2019
OPINION OPINION
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS P
BY ANITA RUFUS
at Kaplan, of Palm Desert, is determined to make a difference in the lives of Coachella Valley residents suffering from dementia—and the loved ones caring for them. The oldest of six girls, Kaplan, 71, remembers her father, an attorney, ran the household “like a courtroom. I think he was afraid of making wrong decisions, having six girls to raise. He did teach me that anything I wanted, I could have it, but I’d have to work for it. He’d say, ‘Nobody’s going to give it to you,’ “My mom was a physical therapist who always told me that regardless of what I did growing up, she knew I was a good person—that even if she might be disappointed in what I did, it was only ‘because I know you’re better than that.’ nurses, social workers, therapists, activity “My folks were both devout Catholics, and directors and even a chef to brainstorm ideas I went to Catholic schools all the way through about what was needed in the Coachella Valley. my first two years of college. I then spent my “We felt it was important to establish a local last two years at a public university, majoring place that could offer the kind of programs in sociology.” people really need. The national Alzheimer’s Born and raised in San Jose, Kaplan met Association raises money and focuses on her husband while she was attending school research to find a cure, but caregivers— in Santa Barbara. Her husband at the time primarily spouses and children—need help was a helicopter pilot, working for private with what they’re facing on a day-to-day basis. companies. We began offering programs in January 2018.” “I started out working in the insurance ACV offers an eight-week program that industry, working a day shift and going to meets each Friday, “Traveling the Journey school at night,” she says. “My husband was Together,” where patients and caregivers working the night shift. He used to work on a spend one hour together, and then spend an ‘time on/time off’ schedule, and we were both hour apart. Patients get stimulating activities used to having time apart and enjoying the while caregivers learn skills that can improve time we spent together. It’s the same now: We their adjustment to what is possible rather do different things that we each enjoy doing, than what is lost. Another program, “Club and we enjoy our time together as well.” Journey,” meets each Tuesday for three hours They married in 1970, so the arrangement and is focused on social interaction, as well has worked well. as activities like music, games, sing-alongs, “We settled in Seattle, my husband’s home exercise, bingo, conversation, crafts and more; turf, but eventually got tired of nine months it includes snacks and lunch. ACV also trains of rain,” she says. “We kept our house in caregivers and offers support groups. There is Seattle but spent summers here in the desert. no cost to participants. We came back each year, and after three “Even if someone hasn’t been officially years, we sold our house and have been here diagnosed,” says Kaplan, “the person living permanently since 1989.” with them can see what they are going The couple invested in two homes in Palm through, and needs help coping with the Springs that had been built for elder care. changes they’re encountering.” “Once we came to Palm Springs,” says What is the best way to find out if a Kaplan, “I envisioned that we’d just be taking dementia diagnosis is warranted? care of people who couldn’t live at home “The first stop should be a neurologist,” says anymore—but I was told we needed to take Kaplan. “A regular internist or primary caregiver care of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. can then follow up to monitor related medical I started doing research, and what I really care and oversee medications. There are druglearned is that the first residents you get will trial programs where companies are researching teach you everything you need to know.” drugs that can delay or minimize symptoms, but Kaplan went on to study gerontology at UC those drug trials have stringent requirements Riverside. about who can participate, and there’s a lot of “We sold the homes in 2004, and I became oversight needed, (like) keeping records (and) a consultant at Vista Cove in Rancho Mirage. monitoring ongoing testing. It’s not easy for the I also do a lot of volunteer work now with caregivers, and it may or may not help.” Alzheimer’s Coachella Valley, a nonprofit Kaplan says state and federal policies need organization that began in 2017,” she said; to adapt to an aging population. “We need to Kaplan was a co-founder and serves on the enact medical programs that cover stay-atboard. “We had a group including registered
Meet Pat Kaplan, a Palm Desert resident who co-founded a nonprofit that helps people with dementia care
home and long-term care,” she says. “Under Medicare, you get 21 days in a skilled nursing facility after a surgery or accident, but we need coverage for at-home care, and for daycare programs where a patient can get skilled care while their caregiver gets some time off knowing the patient is in a safe place. There are only two such places in the Coachella Valley, and lots of people just can’t afford it.” Pat Kaplan’s advice to anyone dealing with a loved one with symptoms of dementia: “You have to think creatively, and realize you don’t speak the same language the patient does. Obviously, you need a lot of patience, and there is a lot to learn about how to communicate effectively. Don’t buy into the stereotypes and negativity about people with cognitive impairment. “When someone has cancer, we know they didn’t choose that. It’s the same with dementia. Focus on the opportunities that are still there. Is dementia a horrible disease? Yes. But there’s still a person inside, and that’s what you need to focus on.” Pat Kaplan is focused on making a difference
Pat Kaplan.
in the Coachella Valley—and she is succeeding. Anita Rufus is also known as “The Lovable Liberal.” Her show That’s Life airs weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon on iHubradio, while The Lovable Liberal airs from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays. Email her at Anita@LovableLiberal.com. Know Your Neighbors appears every other Wednesday at CVIndependent.com.
Opens July 26!
CVIndependent.com
6 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
CVIndependent.com
JULY 2019
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 7
JULY 2019
NEWS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
WATER SAVIORS? I
An Orange County-based organization lands in the Coachella Valley and promises to help solve the area’s water woes
by kevin fitzgerald
n late March, a press release landed in inboxes announcing the launch of the Coachella Valley Waterkeeper organization. The release included some fairly inflammatory language about what the CVWK claimed were serious and ongoing aquifer-overdraft issues—and the failure to address Salton Sea degradation challenges. The CVWK, it seemed, was sailing into the Coachella Valley on a white warship to protect the environment and conserve water—two things, the release implied, had been dangerously mishandled by local and state stakeholders over the past decade or more. The CVWK, as a program being launched and supervised under the auspices of the Orange County Coastkeeper (OCCK) organization in Costa Mesa, is a member of the national essential to the Coachella Valley. And there’s Waterkeeper Alliance, based in New York and the Salton Sea, which is somewhere between headed up by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. On the an asset and a big liability. A lot must be done Waterkeeper Alliance website, you can find there, or it’s going to be catastrophic, not only this description of the CVWK and the valley: for the habitats there, but for the people, too.” “The rich history of Coachella Valley in the With so many local stakeholders working desert region of Riverside County, California, full-time already on these critical issues (albeit is embedded within the Whitewater River with less-than-completely successful results), watershed and the Coachella Valley aquifer what can the CVWK offer that will prove to be … Today, the Whitewater River continues the game-changer? to serve as a critical water resource that “It wouldn’t be responsible of me to go out replenishes the Coachella Valley aquifer—a to the Coachella Valley and disrespect people drinking source for 400,000 people, including who have been working on these issues for a the reservation for the Agua Caliente Band long time, and start saying, ‘We know what all of Cahuilla people, and 66,000 acres of the issues are, and we know all the solutions,’” farmland. Coachella Valley is also home to Brown said. “So we’ve been talking to a lot of a diverse array of animals and plant species people out there. We are trying to learn. We are that are now threatened by degradation of trying to be respectful of other organizations water quality caused by urban and agricultural that have been doing work for a long time, development. The river, aquifer and Salton particularly on the Salton Sea. We absolutely Sea, to which it drains, suffer from a legacy feel that we can be an added voice. If it takes of poor development practices, antiquated pressure in Sacramento or in Washington, D.C., infrastructure insufficient for the area’s we can help out with that. Over the years, I’ve current and future growth, pollution from seen a lot of the proposals and ideas on how to agricultural return flow and unpermitted fix (the Salton Sea). I’ve watched many millions concentrated animal feeding operations, of dollars being spent without anyone turning industrial runoff, and aquifer overdrafting.” a shovel of dirt or anything. There seem to be We wondered: Who were these people from concrete plans, but if they don’t get moving, Orange County who were convinced they and they don’t get funded, we’re running out could drop into the midst of our dusty valley of time before it becomes a health issue for and solve all of our water-related problems? the people there and all the way down the For answers, we reached out to Garry Brown, Interstate 10 corridor.” the founder and president of the Orange As a first step toward proving its County Coastkeeper, the parent entity of the commitment to the Coachella Valley, at the new CVWK. start of June, Brown and the OCCK hired “OCCK is celebrating its 20th anniversary, recent Peace Corps veteran Nina Waszak as the and what we wanted to do is try to help out in associate director and on-the-ground program the Coachella Valley, because I’ve always had leader. During a recent phone interview, a soft place in my heart for it,” he said. “I love Waszak discussed her plan of action. the area. But all areas have water problems “My No. 1 priority right now is gaining and issues. … While I can’t sit here and tell you visibility within the communities of the that we have a defined body of work that we want to do, we’re out there now talking to a lot Coachella Valley,” Waszak said. “I’ve been working on putting together a list of other of people and listening. nonprofits or organizations who are not just “Obviously, there’s the Whitewater River working with water issues, but are working and everything that pertains to it and the similarly along the lines as we are. These are wash, and the value (those resources) bring. people I can collaborate with, because there are It’s a source for the aquifer which is incredibly
Nina Waszak, the associate director of the new Coachella Valley Waterkeeper organization, recently returned from a stint as a Peace Corps volunteer. kevin fitzgerald
a lot of great organizations doing a lot of work focused on water, especially the Salton Sea. I’ve talked with the National Parks Conservation Association, and they gave me some good tips about what’s going on here. Also, a lot of my job right now is learning about the local issues. As far as the Indian tribes, we would love to collaborate with the Agua Caliente (Band of Cahuilla Indians), but I’m still working on getting in contact with them. I do have some contacts with the Torres Martinez reservation in Thermal, which is working on a wetlandsrestoration project at the Salton Sea.” While in the Peace Corps, Waszak served in a remote indigenous community in Panama where they had their own language, culture and form of dress. “I lived with them and learned their language,” Waszak said. “Also, because of the nature of where I lived, there wasn’t any potable water year-round, so everything I did was in the river. I bathed there, washed my clothes, washed my dishes there. … So I really learned to have an appreciation for water and what we have here in the States. That (experience) plays an interesting role in this position I have now, because I can see the importance of water and the fact that here in the Coachella Valley, there are still water issues, particularly in the eastern valley with potable-water sources.
“As a Peace Corps volunteer, my job was to hear what the community needed and then use my resources and my knowledge to bridge that gap and help them get what they needed. I’m definitely using that idea in this job.” For his part, Brown appreciates the lonely role Waszak will be playing for a while. “She’s going to be alone out there for the next few months, and yet she has a whole backup (team) here at the OCCK,” he said. “We have professional educators, attorneys, accounting people and media-publicity people she can rely on to help build her program. On another front, at over 40 high schools in the Costa Mesa region, we show kids where water comes from, besides the faucet, and where it goes, besides the drain. We pay for buses and take them on field trips to show them facilities that are dealing with water. These are all activities that we’ll soon be looking to incorporate in our program out there.” Brown asked that those of us in the Coachella Valley give him, Waszak and their team a chance. “When I started (the OCCK) 20 years ago, I didn’t know where it was going to wind up,” he said. “But we’ve been able to compile a long list of achievements and wins. I just want to extend that out to the Coachella Valley and help by being part of the team that makes things better out there.” CVIndependent.com
8 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
NEWS
YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK D
by JUDY LIN, CALMATTERS
espite speculation about bold moves—in a far-left direction, even for this blue state—Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative Democrats actually landed a budget that’s surgical about new taxing and spending while still keeping promises to help poor Californians and working families. Under the $214.8 billion spending plan, the state inched closer to universal health coverage, expanding Medi-Cal to all low-income young adults regardless of immigration status. State lawmakers also charted a course to increase tax credits to the working poor and boost subsidies to middle-income Californians to buy health coverage. There were significant investments in early education and housing, while a portion of the surplus was diverted to pay down pension liabilities. While Democrats began the year with a surplus of ideas for taxing Californians, only a few audiology, optical, podiatry, speech therapy and strategic levies survived the negotiation incontinence creams had been taken away. process, specifically a fine on individuals who don’t have health insurance under a Obamacare Lives: A $695 State state mandate. There’s even a little tax relief: Mandate to Carry Health Coverage Parents, for instance, will get a temporary tax Starting next year, California will join New exemption on diapers. Jersey, Vermont and the District of Columbia in One hitch? The devil is in the details, some requiring residents carry health coverage or face which have yet to be worked out. Though a $695 state penalty—a fine that will go up each Democrats met their deadline for a balanced year with inflation. spending plan, most of the underlying policy to The state individual mandate aims to replace enact the budget wasn’t hashed out—and may the federal one that Republicans repealed in not be for a while. Call it a learning curve: This their effort to dismantle the Affordable Care was the new governor’s first time negotiating with seasoned legislative leaders who know how Act. The administration says California needs to act, because without a mandate, the number to count votes. Look for more action in coming of Californians without coverage—10.4 percent trailer bills. in 2016—will go back up. Separately, a study Here’s what you need to know about conducted by the University of California California’s new budget—including maybe, just estimated the uninsurance rate will rise to 12.9 maybe, the first steps toward the establishment percent by 2023, or 4.4 million people, without of a four-year college in the Coachella Valley. state action. Money raised from the penalties, about $450 Yes to Health Care for million over three years, will be used to give Undocumented Young Adults bigger subsidies to those who purchase private The Legislature agreed to the governor’s plan to insurance through the state’s health coverage expand Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program exchange, Covered California. for low-income people, to young adults ages Newsom and lawmakers hope to expand 19-25. It’s a step toward offering free health assistance to 190,000 middle-income care to all undocumented adults since the state Californians making between $48,000 to already makes Medi-Cal available to children $72,000 a year, according to Health Access regardless of immigration status. California, a health advocacy group. The Senate had proposed going further by offering Medi-Cal to undocumented seniors Fear of Recall = Not Many New Taxes 65 and older. However, none of the leaders The budget includes a plan to impose a fee— backed offering health care to all low-income that still needs to be voted on—of no more immigrants. than 80 cents a month on each telephone line The state expects an estimated 90,000 to help digitize the state’s 911 system, which is young adults could gain coverage when the still analog. The next-generation system would benefit begins next year. Already, 76,000 have improve call delivery, better location data and registered for a limited version of Medi-Cal incoming text capability. that covers emergency services and prenatal Other than that and the health-care mandate, care available to low-income people regardless lawmakers opted against most of the new taxes of immigration status. The price tag for this proposed early in the session. In fact, California expansion? About $98 million a year. parents and women will get a sales tax It’s worth noting the state also affirmed its exemption on diapers and menstrual products commitment to restoring optional Medi-Cal (though only for two years). benefits. During the recession, coverage for CVIndependent.com
Reading between the lines of California’s new $215 billion budget
Notably rejected, given the state’s current $21.5 billion surplus, was Newsom’s push for a 95-cent tax on most residential water bills to fund-clean-drinking water initiatives in the Central Valley. Instead, the Legislature worked out a deal to clean up toxic water by diverting money generated from big polluters under the state’s cap-and-trade program. Some environmental groups questioned using clean-air money to pay for drinking water, but supporters reasoned that water is being contaminated with arsenic and other toxic chemicals from the heavy use of fertilizers, so it makes sense to draw the $100 million for cleanup from the agriculture industry’s portion of the greenhouse gas fund. One issue that still needs to be resolved is whether California will conform its tax code to match federal changes made by Republicans in 2017. Newsom is relying on the projected $1.7 billion increase in net revenue from that to expand the state’s earned income tax credit, the centerpiece of his anti-poverty agenda. Assembly Democrats in swing districts are skittish about limiting deductions and losses that can be claimed by some businesses. They know the fate of former Sen. Josh Newman, who was recalled from his Orange County seat after voting to raise California’s gas tax. Tax conformity requires a two-thirds vote in the Legislature to pass, so the pressure is on. Paying Debt and Rainy-Day Saving Lawmakers embraced the governor’s proposal to use some of the surplus to make extra pension payments, a step Newsom says is necessary to tame the state’s $256 billion retirement liability for state workers and teachers. The Legislature approved supplemental payments of $3 billion to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and $1.1 billion to the California State Teachers’ Retirement System for the state’s portion of unfunded liability. To relieve school districts across the state, the Legislature will contribute a total of $3.15 billion toward paying down their liabilities and reducing their payroll contribution rates. One difference is where it will go. Previously, Newsom had all the extra payments going to the teachers’ pension fund—a reaction, in part, to teachers strikes that erupted as he took office. Now a portion of that money will be doled out to CalPERS. The change was made in recognition that while teachers are members of CalSTRS, many other school employees from janitors to bus drivers belong in the state’s other public-employee pension fund.
San Francisco Assemblyman Phil Ting, who chairs the Assembly budget committee, says California’s new budget is fiscally responsible while helping working families. Judy Lin/CALmatters
Besides paying down California’s “wall of debt,” as former Gov. Jerry Brown called it, the state is shoring up for a downturn—or in Newsom-speak, “building budget resiliency.” The new budget carries a roughly $20 billion reserve from several rainy-day funds. This amount, while hefty, would be easily wiped away in a downturn. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the state would need as much as $40 billion to cover the budget in a moderate recession. Big Spending on Housing With new commitments topping $2 billion, the budget represents the most important action the governor has taken so far on housing and homelessness. The lion’s share will target the state’s homeless population, including $650 million in grants for cities and counties to build and maintain emergency shelters, and $100 million for wrap-around care for the state’s most vulnerable residents. Another $500 million will go toward quintupling the size of the state’s affordable housing financing fund, plus hundreds of millions earmarked for cities to update their often-outdated housing plans. While lawmakers and Newsom have agreed to cut big checks, it’s not clear who’ll get the money, and with what strings attached. Bigcity mayors and lawmakers want homelessness grants directed towards the state’s largest 13 cities, while Newsom wants to spread out the money to include counties. Lending a Hand to Working Families Expanding California’s earned income tax credit has quickly become one of Newsom’s signature anti-poverty programs, because it gives a costof-living refund to low-income working families. Lawmakers are poised to triple the program from $400 million to $1.2 billion to provide a
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 9
JULY 2019
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS $1,000 refund for families with children under 6 and expand income eligibility from $24,950 to $30,000. Anti-poverty advocates had wanted Newsom to include undocumented workers who file with individual taxpayer identification numbers instead of Social Security numbers. That proposal did not make the final version of the budget. Still, the administration estimates the current expansion will increase the number of beneficiaries from 2 million to 3 million households. The budget also will make it easier for lowincome families with children to qualify for assistance, increasing the CalWORKs asset limit to $10,000 and the motor vehicle exemption to $25,000—changes that will allow people to save and hang on to cars that can get them to work. And parents of all incomes will get a longer paid family leave to care for new babies—eight weeks, up from the current six weeks, starting in July of next year. The goal will be to boost the benefit to 90 percent of most wages, up from the current maximum of 70 percent. The K-14 Kids Did All Right As required by law, the lion’s share of the budget goes to public schools, with nearly $102 billion in state money to be pumped into California classrooms and community colleges, plus another $389 million in a special reserve fund for schools. Though the figure is an alltime high, California is still viewed as lagging in per-pupil spending, in part because of the high cost of living. Democrats are also demanding more stringent oversight of charter schools, which can operate like private schools, tend to be nonunion and have proliferated in big cities such as Oakland and Los Angeles. Newsom proposed prohibiting charter schools from blocking or disenrolling special-education students who require more support for disabilities. Lawmakers readily embraced that change. The budget includes $300 million to build more kindergarten classrooms in an effort to boost full-day kindergarten programs. Newsom had initially proposed $750 million but that was reduced after a study found most partday kindergarten programs are in wealthier communities. After-school programs will get a $50 million boost over the $600 million or so the state is currently spending. The money will help cover the cost of minimum wage increases enacted during Brown’s tenure. So Did the Little Ones In emphasizing early education, Newsom and lawmakers agreed to expand day care and preschool slots by the thousands while investing in training for child care providers. Newsom gets $50 million in seed money to start child savings accounts for college and
post-secondary education. He initially asked that all of it go toward pilot projects with First 5 California and local governments, but the Legislature is designating $25 million to that. The other $25 million will create a state program with the Scholarshare program in the Treasurer’s Office. More Free College and Help for Student Parents Newsom and legislators delivered on a $45 million promise to fund a second year of tuitionfree community college for first-time, full-time students at campuses participating in the state’s College Promise program. Other big winners include students with children, who will be eligible to receive grants of up to $6,000 to help cover their families’ living expenses. The budget boosts by about 15,000 the number of competitive Cal Grants—a significant jump, but far less than the 400,000 qualified students who applied for the state scholarships last year and didn’t receive them. The University of California and California State University systems will receive money to increase enrollment, and waive tuition during the summer to help low-income students graduate faster. Lawmakers also set aside funds for campuses to combat hunger and homelessness, strengthen veterans resource centers, and provide more mental health counseling. Backers of the state’s controversial new online community college fended off an effort to slash the college’s funding, clearing the way to enroll its first class this fall. And CSU will get $4 million to study five possible locations for a new campus: Stockton, Chula Vista, San Mateo, Concord and Palm Desert. Lots for Police Training; a Little for Police Records Reflecting the Legislature’s focus this year on reducing police shootings, the budget includes $20 million to train police officers on de-escalation tactics, and how and when to use force. Outside the budget, bills to set a tougher standard for police to use deadly force and require more officer training are advancing through the Legislature, reflecting a compromise between civil rights advocates and law enforcement groups. Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s office will get $155,000 to implement the new state law he’d been resisting: making law-enforcement misconduct records public. Becerra will also have to report to the Legislature on how many requests his office processes, and how much time is spent on that.
EIGHT SECRETS ON HOW ATTRACTIVE LIPS WILL IMPROVE YOUR LIFE
By Shonda Chase, FNP Nurse Practitioner, Co-owner, Artistic Director and Advanced Aesethetic Injector at Revive Wellness Centers in Palm Springs and Torrance, and Medweight, Lasers and Wellness Center in Irvine
May and June’s Secrets revealed eight �ps to select a great aesthe�c prac�ce. If you’ve found a great prac�ce, here’s what they can help you can accomplish for your lips with dermal fillers. A�rac�ve lips usually have an upper to lower ra�o of 1:1.618. In simpler terms, this means our lower lip needs to be about 1.6 �mes larger than our upper lip for our lips be a�rac�ve and contribute to our overall appearance. This 1:1.6 ra�o is called the “Golden Ra�o.” This ra�o is also used by architects to create perfect rectangular rooms that are 1.618 �mes longer than they are wide. When you’re in a Golden Ra�o room, you feel more comfortable than when you’re in rooms not built to this scale. When we have “Golden Ra�o” lips, we can turn more heads. Not all lips are created equal—but now we can all have be�er lips with some perfectly placed dermal fillers. Here are eight secrets that will help you understand how important lips are to your appearance and well-being: Secret No. 1: Lips make women look more fer�le. (It’s built in to our subconscious to be a�racted to fer�le people.) Secret No. 2: A�rac�ve lips can improve our overall appearance. Secret No. 3: A�rac�ve lips will induce smiles from others. Secret No. 4: A�rac�ve lips will help you look happier. Secret No. 5: A�rac�ve lips can help you feel happier. Secret No. 6: A�rac�ve lips will help you make a be�er first impression. Secret No. 7: A�rac�ve lips can help improve perioral lines. Secret No. 8: A�rac�ve lips can help improve your confidence. Don’t hesitate to call your awesome aesthe�c provider to have your “Golden Ra�o” lips improve at least eight aspects of your life. You can email your individual ques�ons to Shonda Chase FNP or Allan Y. Wu MD, Revive’s cosme�c surgeon, at info@revivecenter.com.
CALmatters reporters Matt Levin, Felicia Mello and Laurel Rosenhall contributed to this report. CALmatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics. CVIndependent.com
10 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
NEWS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
JULY ASTRONOMY I
This sky chart is drawn for latitude 34 degrees north, but may be used in southern U.S. and northern Mexico. N
By Robert Victor
n July, watch Saturn follow Jupiter into the evening sky. Witness a complete lunar cycle from beginning to end, as the best season for Milky Way evening viewing gets under way. On July 9, the Earth overtakes Saturn, and the planet appears at opposition, 180 degrees from the sun, and visible all night: In the southeast at dusk, highest in the south in middle of night, and in the southwest at dawn. We overtook Jupiter 29 days earlier, on June 10. Each is a worthy showpiece for telescopic viewing: Jupiter, with dark cloud belts parallel to its equator, and four bright satellites discovered by Galileo in 1610; and Saturn, with rings now tipped a generous 24 degrees from edgewise. As we overtake them, both planets retrograde—go west against background stars, by just more than 2 degrees in July. So they stay 31 degrees apart all month, with Jupiter creeping closer to Antares, and Saturn backing twilight glow, Regulus, heart of Leo. toward the Teapot of Sagittarius. Saturn passes The Milky Way in a dark sky, from the 1.1 degrees north of the third-magnitude star Cygnus Star Cloud along the Swan’s neck within Pi in the “Teaspoon” of Sagittarius on July 18. the Summer Triangle, down through the Great An entire lunation—new moon to new Rift—clouds of dust obscuring the stars behind moon—fits into July with a day to spare. In and dividing the Milky Way into two streams, bright dawn twilight on July 1, an old crescent with “clouds of steam” appearing to billow out moon, some 31 hours before new, appears of the spout of the Teapot of Sagittarius—is an in the east-northeast, 5 degrees to the upper inspiring sight all should experience! The best right of Venus. We’re getting our last views dates for Milky Way viewing in evening hours of Venus before superior conjunction on Aug. this summer are through July 3, after end of 13. On July 1, Venus is 12 degrees from the twilight; July 4-6, after evening moonset; July sun, and rises 50 minutes before sunup; by the 21-Aug. 2, after twilight; Aug. 3-5, after evening 31st, these numbers shrink to 4 degrees, and moonset; Aug. 20-31, after end of twilight; and about 20 minutes. Sept. 1-2, after evening moonset. After a total solar eclipse in the South Pacific, Follow the moon on July evenings. A waxing Chile and Argentina on July 2, we in California crescent moon passes just 2-3 degrees to will see a young crescent moon very low in the the upper right of Regulus on July 5. After west-northwest at dusk on July 3. The moon’s passing first-quarter phase while below the age will be 32-33 hours. You’ll probably need horizon early on July 9, a slightly gibbous binoculars to see Mars (magnitude +1.8) and moon appears 7 degrees to the upper left of Mercury (magnitude +1.4) 3.8 degrees apart, Spica that evening. On the evening of July within 2 degrees and 5 degrees of the upper 12, find Jupiter 9 degrees to the moon’s lower left of the moon. These planets are in their last left, and Antares 8 degrees below a fat gibbous days of visibility, appearing lower nightly, with moon. On the next evening, July 13, the moon Mercury dropping faster than Mars, and fading will appear 4-5 degrees to the left of Jupiter, to equal Mars by July 6. Mercury will pass while Saturn will appear within 27 degrees to inferior conjunction, nearly between Earth and the the moon’s lower left. On July 14, the moon sun, on July 21. Mercury, in its crescent phases, appears 17 degrees to the lower left of Jupiter is faint, because, unlike Venus, it is cloudless, and 14 degrees to the upper left of Saturn. On and we see its surface, where features cast July 15, the nearly full moon will appear only shadows, dimming Mercury’s total brightness. 1-2 degrees to the right of Saturn. On July 16 Dominating the evening sky this summer at dusk, the moon, six hours past full, appears and well into autumn are the two giant planets 11 degrees to the lower left of Saturn. of our solar system. On July evenings, find Observe in mornings to follow the moon steady, bright Jupiter in the southeast to south for rest of July. In brightening dawn twilight at dusk, with Saturn 31 degrees to its lower left, on the 16th, the moon, not quite full, appears and twinkling red Antares, heart of Scorpius, 2 degrees to the upper left of Saturn, low in 8.5 degrees to 6.8 degrees to Jupiter’s right/ the southwest to west-southwest. By July lower right. Also, look for the Summer Triangle 25, the waning moon has passed last quarter of Vega, Altair and Deneb in the northeast phase, and appears slightly less than half full to east, rising higher as the month progresses; in the southeast. On July 27, the crescent golden Arcturus and blue-white Spica well up moon will appear in the east, with the Pleiades in the southwestern quadrant of the sky; and cluster 9 degrees to the upper left, and bright in the west, sinking into the west-northwest Aldebaran, eye of Taurus, within 7 degrees to CVIndependent.com
Saturn and Jupiter are your hosts
Planets and Bright Stars in Evening Mid-Twilight for evening sky-viewing this month For July, 2019
July's evening sky chart. ROBERT D. MILLER
Castor Pollux
Deneb
Mars
15 1 8 8
1 Mercury
Vega
E
Altair Regulus
Arcturus
W
Spica 1
8
Saturn 15 22
29
1
8
Jupiter 15 22 29
Antares
Evening mid-twilight occurs
o the moon’s when lowerSun left. Look early enough, before is 9 below horizon. July 1: too 46 minutes sunset. the sky brightens much,after to enjoy these fields 15: 46Stars " " the" Hyades cluster through binoculars. of 31: 44 " " " can be seen between the moon and Aldebaran that morning. By late in July, Orion’s shoulder, red Betelgeuse, and his foot, blue Rigel, can be spotted low in the east, with his three-star belt between them. On July 28, the crescent moon appears 7-8 degrees to the lower left of Aldebaran. On the 29th, a beautiful, thinner crescent moon with earthshine will appear 14 degrees to the upper left of Betelgeuse. On July 30, look for the last, easy crescent low in eastnortheast, with the Gemini Twins—Pollux 4.5 degrees below Castor—11-12 degrees to the left of the moon. In your July predawn forays, look for the Summer Triangle well up in the west to westnorthwest; the Mother Goat star Capella in the northeast; and Fomalhaut, mouth of the Southern Fish, in the south to south-southwest.
S
Stereographic Projection
Note the stars, and slow-moving Saturn, are in Map by Robert D. Miller about the same positions they’ll occupy in the evening sky in December, several months hence. Check the website of the Astronomical Society of the Desert at www.astrorx.org for dates and times of our evening star parties. Sawmill Trailhead, our high-altitude site (elevation 4,000 feet), will have its next monthly sessions starting at dusk on Saturdays, July 27 and Aug. 31. You can pre-register for one of the Stargazing Parties offered several times each month at the Rancho Mirage Library Observatory at www. ranchomiragelibrary.org/observatory.html. Wishing you clear skies! Robert C. Victor was a staff astronomer at Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University. He is now retired and enjoys providing sky watching opportunities for a variety of groups in the Coachella Valley.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 11
JULY 2019
Helping the Community After almost closing 18 months ago, the CREATE Center for the Arts is expanding—and thriving
By Fitzgerald BY Kevin STEPHEN BERGER
“We want to grow and evolve as an organization so that we can enrich and empower our community,” Mumm said. Of course, Mumm is not alone; CREATE’s mission has been helped along by its new chief administrative officer, Robert Mann. Mann is a writer and former TV-commercial director who most recently was a healthcare administrator; he leads a coalition advocating for the support of those suffering from addiction and mental illness. He returned to the desert last April and offered to help CREATE with branding and strengthening its ties to the community. He also wants to create a filmmaking studio at the center, so he can share his passions for storytelling and bringing those stories to life
bout 18 months ago, I volunteered with the CREATE Center for the Arts for a week to see what it was all about. The fledgling nonprofit was approaching its first anniversary in its inaugural home, subleasing space in a former thrift store on Highway 111 in Palm Desert. The members and students were still reeling from the sudden death of founding board member Susan Smith Evans; in fact, one of my first tasks was taking down memorial retrospective of CREATE Center founder and director Debra Ann Mumm (helping hold the check, wearing a blue Evans’ paintings. CREATE T-shirt) joins representatives of the Berger Foundation and others to celebrate the surprise Soon after, the company the CREATE $10,000 grant. Center was leasing space from closed— and the center was suddenly without a home. The future of the organization was unsure; through film. Mumm’s two sons have also found a place in the organization. Brice Williamson runs funding and support were a constant source of anxiety. the onsite Aquarius Art Supply Store. The shop specializes in art supplies not usually Mumm—the center’s founder and director—announced CREATE was moving. She found in regular art-supply stores or big-box craft stores. asked everyone involved with the center to bring their cars, trucks and dollies, because “We carry fine high-end art supplies but try to remain accessible for everyone,” a lease for a space had been signed, and they had to move. he said. “There are less-expensive items for students—and we offer a discount to all Mumm’s dedication to her mission—to enrich her community through the arts— students, either high school or college, and also have discounts for CREATE Center coupled with her tenacity and her laser-focused vision of the future, pulled the young members. organization through the crisis. Today, the fruits of her labor, and that of other “As much as possible, we carry American-made products. I think that’s important. CREATE board members and volunteers, is evident. The transformation is astounding. We have watercolors from Daniel Smith in Seattle. Our oil paint comes from Gamblin in Mumm—a longtime leading figure in the local arts community, thanks to her Venus Studios Art Supply store and studio, which she closed to run CREATE—described some Oregon. Our Golden Acrylics come with a terrific online support system. Our canvases are all from American-grown cotton from a company called Fredrix.” of the changes that have occurred since the move 18 months ago. Brice Williamson compared creating art to creating a meal. “We moved into a new space last January—we added more space. We now have “I cook. That’s my creative outlet,” he said. “It’s hard to cook without the right dedicated studio spaces,” Mumm said. “There’s an art-supply store on location. We have ingredients. This may be a tiny space, but I can order nearly anything for our a screen-printing studio dedicated to the memory of Susan Evans, and a printmaking customers.” studio that uses only nontoxic inks, which is unique to the valley. There’s a tech studio Mumm’s other son, Brady Williamson, runs the tech studio. The 3-D printer is that is the only virtual-reality art studio in the area. You can draw or paint in virtual capable of printing objects up to the size of an average shoe box. He said all the reality and even sculpt. You can then 3-D-print your sculpture. materials used are plant-based and contain no harmful chemicals. Objects can be “We’re developing a whole fiber program—knitting, weaving, spinning; we’re printed in any color, including wood tones, stone colorations or metal colorations. The planning an exhibition for the fall. Our goal is to make tools and equipment accessible settings are variable and require some learning and practice. for a wide range of disciplines that might be too expensive or take up too much space Brady Williamson also demonstrated the much-more-intuitive virtual-reality for most people. We believe that sharing and collaboration bring positive results. program. With the click of a button, you are transported out of the desert and into “Making art is a vulnerable act. Being in that state brings people together in a another realm—like floating in deep space, with planets, stars, galaxies and nebulas closer way.” stretching endlessly in every direction. Then the real fun begins: With controls in both Mumm said CREATE’s expansion allows the organization to host events and private hands, you can select colors, brush strokes and special effects—to draw or paint your parties. own universe. The results can be photographed or made into short videos; they can “We can do unique events that demonstrate virtual reality and 3-D printing. Groups also be created on the 3-D printer. can print T-shirts, tie-dye and engage in team-building. We can seat 80 people or do CREATE has come an amazingly long way since its existence-jeopardizing upheaval a cocktails for up to 150. … And we’re just getting started.” year and a half ago. While the budget remains tight, CREATE’s revenues have doubled over the last “We’re a young organization, and we started with nothing,” she said. Nothing, that year—and Mumm plans on doubling them again this year. Her long-term goal of a is, except for a vision, persistence, a lot of hard work—and an overriding passion for permanent home for the CREATE Center now seems within reach. art. The center recently received a surprise spotlight grant of $10,000 from the Berger Foundation (no relation to me) to expand the summer children’s programs and do some renovations. Yet other future plans include adding woodworking and metal-crafts Create Center for the Arts is located at 73733 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 100, in Palm Desert. For more information, call 760-834-8318, or visit createcenterforthearts.org. studios, and overhauling CREATE’s social-media program. CVIndependent.com
12 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
CVI SPOTLIGHT: JULY 2019 Thank You, Janis: Tony Award Nominee Mary Bridget Davies Comes to the Copa to Sing ’80s Songs
M
ary Bridget Davies nabbed the lead role in a 2005 touring production of the Janis Joplin musical Love, Janis—and that would eventually help lead her to Broadway, and a 2014 Tony Award nomination when she once again played Joplin in A Night With Janis Joplin. She has also toured Europe with Janis Joplin’s band, Big Brother and the Holding Company. While it’s possible some Joplin music will make its way into the show, expect to hear hits from the ’80s when she joins her high school friend Ryan Sudick for Shady in the 80’s at the Copa on Saturday, July 6. During a recent phone interview, the Cleveland native said she still lives in the area—specifically in the hip neighborhood known as Lakewood. “Everybody has to live in Lakewood; I think it’s right of passage,” Davies said. “As a rule, everyone in the Cleveland area in their early 20s has to live there. When I was on Broadway, people would ask me, ‘Oh, you’re from Cleveland?’ I’m a ‘west sider,’ which is rare. It was either Lakewood or the east side of Cleveland.” Davies’ parents introduced her to Joplin’s music. She explained how she learned she was able to sing like the legendary singer, who died in 1970 at the age of 27. “It was surreal,” Davies said. “It was my parents’ music, so it was on by default throughout my entire childhood. I dressed up as Janis Joplin for Halloween … and everyone thought I was Elton John. It was the ’90s, and no one really knew (who she was). People were seriously like, ‘What is this? Is this like Elton John?’ and I was like, ‘No! It’s Janis Joplin, man!’ … Ugh! I felt so stupid. … It’s not my actual singing voice; my actual singing voice is much smoother, but I can get that gravel and huskiness in my voice. I remember
singing along to it with my mom. What an odd gift to have. I never thought I’d use that in my life—and it got me to Broadway. It’s pretty amazing.” A Night With Janis is Davies’ only Broadway show to date—but Davies said she hopes that changes soon. “I grew up theatrically trained, a competitive dancer, and on the whole American Idol track of ‘WE’RE ALL GOING TO BE IN SHOWBIZ!’” she said. “I knew I was going to Broadway, because I was an arrogant 15-year-old who thought I knew everything at that age. … A Night With Janis Joplin is my only Broadway credit so far, but I’m digging in. I was just in New York doing some business meetings, because we’re going to tour the show again, but I love it on Broadway, and I would die to be in a different show, expand and show off these other gifts.” Davies said touring with Joplin’s old band was a surreal experience. “I was 26 years old and playing with Big Brother and the Holding Company at the New Morning club in Paris and going to the top of the Eiffel Tower the next day. I couldn’t have been luckier,” she said. “I’m very grateful for these opportunities, and there is no way I would have gotten to do them on my own. I had my own band, and still do this to day. But I got to see a lot of life and culture because of them and because of Janis. So I lucked out.” Given all of her Janis Joplin cred … why is she doing an ’80s show in Palm Springs? “It’s my childhood soundtrack. It’s nostalgic, but it’s still so good,” she said. “It’s very good material, and we’ve played it before. Ryan (Sudick) just moved out there a few years ago, and this is like our memories growing up as kids. Everyone wants to see something come back. Everything comes around again every 25 to 30 years.
Show this ad, and get one free Moxie Palm Springs appetizer!
Show this ad; buy one Broken Yolk entree, and get the second free! CVIndependent.com
Broken Yolk Cafe • Moxie Palm Springs 262 S. Palm Canyon Drive Broken Yolk Cafe La Quinta 78430 Highway 111
Mary Bridget Davies. Paul Undersinger
“It’s just a good time. When we do our shows, it’s not, ‘Hey, look how good we are!’ It’s, ‘Hey, how good are you feeling?’ I want to make everyone happy. We don’t just do carbon-copy versions of the songs; we put our own little spin on them. We demo-ed a little bit of it at a private house party in Palm Springs back in January, and everyone ate it up. We thought we should share it with everyone, so that’s what we’re doing.” The heat during the post-Fourth of July weekend doesn’t worry her at all, Davies said.
“For everyone who doesn’t leave for Fourth of July weekend: What are you doing on Saturday night? Come to the Copa! Eat at Tropicale, and then come on over.” Mary Bridget Davies and Ryan Sudick will perform Shady in the 80’s at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 6, at the Copa, 244 E. Amado Road, in Palm Springs. Tickets are $15 to $35. For more information, call 760-866-0021, or visit www. facebook.com/events/419420605571381. —Brian Blueskye
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 13
JULY 2019
ARTS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/ARTS-AND-CULTURE
SHOWS FOR THE COMMUNITY The Encore Theatre District wants to present affordable productions with a message
T
By bonnie gilgallon
here’s a new entry in the Coachella Valley theater scene: Meet the Encore Theatre District. Encore began in February 2017, when artistic director Tiffanie Patscheck and her son, Jeremiah Rhoads, took the first steps toward making their dream— presenting financially accessible theater with a message—into reality. The nonprofit company’s first production was a staged reading of Lydia, in September 2017. Written by Octavio Solis, it explores the experience of a Mexican-American family living on the Texas-Mexico border and trying to live their own version of the American dream. Patscheck says the play perfectly fit the company’s mission statement, which is “integrating diversity through the performing arts and inspiring the surrounding community.” Encore recently closed its second, 20182019 season with Falling, the story of a family struggling to raise their autistic son. The company partnered up with the Coachella Valley Autism Society of America, and Patscheck says the partnership helped the company set the proper tone for Falling— which earned rave reviews. Social relevance is a key element in the plays Encore chooses to do, Patscheck says. She and her son have so far shared the directing duties. Encore is always looking for interesting plays—as well as a musical they could sink their teeth into, provided the company finds the proper sponsor.
“We don’t want to do what everyone else is doing,” Patscheck says. Because of Encore’s community focus and the ample amount of talent in the Coachella Valley, Encore only casts local actors. “There’s no need to look elsewhere!” she says. Encore has been presenting its shows at the Black Box at Palm Springs High School, but Patscheck says she hopes the company can find a permanent home in the future. Like most local theater companies, Encore relies heavily on donations to stay up and running, and to keep ticket prices low ($20 in advance, and $25 at the door). Patscheck, who began performing when she was 5 years old, says audiences for Encore’s productions have been enthusiastic, but small, and she’d love to see more public support. Encore’s 2019-2020 season is slated to include an all-female series of one acts; an “avant-garde, minimalist” version of Alice in Wonderland; and 14, a piece regarding 14 immigrants who died in Yuma, Ariz. Patscheck said Encore is planning individual auditions for each show rather than season auditions. “We embrace odd, funny, sometimes uncomfortable productions in a minimalistic way,” Patscheck says. “Our directors and actors create the illusion for the audience, and we hope to continue to bring the whole community into our silly little world.”
Find Us/Follow Us!
To find out more about Encore Theatre Company, visit www.facebook.com/encoretheatredistrict.
@GayDesertGuide www.GayDesertGuide.LGBT
the pride of the valley Listen @ KGAY1065.com
@ILoveGayPS
A scene from Encore’s recent production of Falling.
CVIndependent.com
14 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
FOOD & DRINK
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
ON COCKTAILS H
With the proper knowledge and technique, anybody can make perfect heat-busting drinks
BY kevin carlow
ot, isn’t it? Well, don’t fret; I am here to help. This month, I thought I would give you some basic tips and tricks to beat the heat—cocktail-wise, at least. The most common question I ask guests at the bar is: “Shaken and citrusy, or stirred and boozy?” Why? Well, most people generally think of drinks as sweet or not sweet, which is understandable, based on the checkered history of cocktails in the last 70 years, but not really helpful when it comes to getting you into a cocktail you’ll love. If you went into a restaurant and told the server, “Nothing too salty,” without explaining you have hypertension or something, the server may think, “OK, these people think our chef isn’t good.” If you say to me, “Nothing too sweet,” I get it, but I also can’t help thinking that you think I suck at making drinks. My attitude on my better days is, to paraphrase one famous wine-maker, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” But I digress. Most of the guys (and some ladies) will answer, “Well, I want it boozy!” Of course you do, but you clearly didn’t grok what I meant. Most people, when it’s 105, actually want a citrusy and shaken cocktail—and don’t worry; it will be plenty boozy. That being said, a stirred drink can be wonderful on a hot day if prepared correctly. Let’s take the classic gin martini, for example. For the coldest and best martini, you need ice. That sounds trite, but most home bartenders (and some “pros”) don’t use enough ice when stirring a martini. Fill that baby up—like two-thirds of the stirring glass. Invest in something nice, or order a graduated Pyrex pitcher from your favorite internet monopoly; they look nerdy, and they’re cheap to boot. Also, never make two martinis in the same pitcher; and have different ice on hand for different drinks. Here comes the science, people. Ice, depending on how it’s cut, has different properties when used in cocktails. If you make a martini with crushed ice, due to the increased surface area of the ice, you’ll get a watered-down mess. Make a martini with one cube, and you’ll need to stir forever to achieve
a properly chilled and diluted drink. What you want are evenly sized cubes, like from a classic ice tray, or in a pinch, the bags of ice from a convenience store. (If you’re looking for extra credit, get a block, and hammer it into 1- to 2-inch cubes.) Fill the glass past half after adding the desired ingredients, and use your senses to know when the drink is ready. A good guide is trusting your stir: When the ice and liquids start settling into their comfortable free states, the drink is ready. It’s as cold as it’s going to be. Practicing your stir not only makes you look cool, but also helps you make a better drink. When your pitcher gets cold on the outside, and the stir becomes silky-smooth, you’re done. If you do want to use the fancy big cubes, stir your cocktail over smaller ice first to get it colder than a text breakup, and then strain over the big cube. Keep your stemware in the freezer while you prepare your martini as well; it looks great and helps the chill. Some people who come into the bar tell me they keep their gin in the freezer for martinis, which is fine if you want to just drink cold, undiluted gin—but that ain’t no martini, sir. Water is an ingredient. A good compromise is one I read in Japanese bar-hero Kazuo Uyeda’s book: Keep it in the fridge instead. That way, you still get some dilution, but a stiffer and colder drink. The vermouth should always be in the
fridge, and you should be using it. These days, when it comes to gin or whiskey, “Skipping the vermouth is uncouth”—copyright me. Oh, about those vodka martinis: Skip the vermouth; add olive brine; no judgement. If you stir, you’ll get a silkier drink; if you shake, you’ll get a colder, but more-watery finished product. It’s a matter of preference, and the fridge trick still applies. Now, for the citrusy stuff. The first thing you’re going to need is what I call “basic sour.” Feel free to experiment a bit here. Start with a cup of fresh lemon or lime juice, and a cup of 1:1 simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water by volume or weight), depending on the desired drink. Let’s use lime, and say it’s a daiquiri. Using 2 ounces of rum, add an ounce of lime to the shaker and a half-ounce of the simple. Shake it really well, until the shaker frosts up, and pour. It might taste too tart, so make one with 3/4 of an ounce of simple. Try it with an ounce of simple as well, for comparison; I have seen recipes using that spec, mostly from liquor brands, for some reason, but it’s a little sweet for my tastes. Play around with fine sugar, too! We use simple at bars for convenience, but a powdered sugar (not the kind you’d use for frosting with the corn starch, but the super-fine stuff) daiquiri is divine. Once you have your proportions, you have a tool in your tool-set. Want a Collins? Use gin and lemon with your fancy new techniques, and put it in a tall glass with soda water. How about a mojito? Just add mint to the daiquiri recipe; give it a light shake with crushed ice (for Pete’s sake, don’t abuse the mint too much), and add soda in a tall glass. The list is nearly endless. Margaritas are an important exception: They use a “daisy” template, which is (and, again, play around with it) two parts spirit, one part orange liqueur of your
award-winning
3-course
feast $1999
5 aPPEtizErS 14 EntréES 7 dESSErtS!
EvEry day aftEr 11am SUnday aftEr 3Pm PER PERSON PLUS TAX
five-star
4-course menus
CVIndependent.com
******
Early Bird SPEcial
3pm– 5pm 99
$16
PER PERSON PLUS TAX
5 superb soups 7 amazing appetizers & salads 17 exciting entrées, 11 decadent desserts
$29
99
/
$39
99
*
preference, one part fresh lime, and a little sugar or simple. Find your preferred proportions, and have the best margarita on the block— but if you add orange juice, I’ll disown you. A cool, delicious Poor Pepé— essentially a pisco and açaí About planter’s punch. Kevin Carlow crushed ice … did you know you can get it at Sonic? Well, you can. Just don’t use it for everything. I know, it’s super fun, and everyone goes nuts when they see it, but it’s not fit for a gin-andtonic or other highball-style drinks where the carbonation matters. That includes the Collins, but the mojito loves crushed ice. So do tiki drinks in general (and when I finally do a real tiki column, we’ll get into that). I’ll finish with a shameless plug: I have uploaded videos on my Cryptic Cocktails blog (crypticcocktails.com) showing you how to make a perfectly cold and balanced martini, as well as a daiquiri, featuring two of the best bartenders in Palm Springs, as a companion piece to this column. There is also some stuff on there you might like that doesn’t fit the parameters of On Cocktails; do check it out if you can’t get enough cocktail nerdery! Kevin Carlow is a bartender at Truss and Twine, and can be reached at CrypticCocktails@gmail.com.
award-winning
breakfast 8 –11 am
am EvEry day
lunch & dinner from
11am
“THE BEST BRUNCH in CALIFORNIA!” namEd lUlU onE of thE
Best 100 restaurants for Brunch in America!
sundaY brunch from 11am $19 99 –3Pm
PER PERSON PLUS TAX
Champagne, Mimosa $5.99 w/ refills (3)
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 15
JULY 2019
FOOD & DRINK
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
VINE SOCIAL
JASON DAVID
Even if you’re not a fan of white wines, there are plenty of wines you can savor over the summer
HAIR STUDIO
W
every year. And while Beaujolais Nouveau might be akin to California’s white zinfandel, it, too, has a time and a place where it can be a fun beverage of choice. That said, real Beaujolais is so much more than that young and fruity rendition of gamay. There are 10 crus in Beaujolais, each making a serious wine with its own unique characteristics. Some of my favorites are Chateau Thivin from Brouilly, Marcel Lapierre from Morgon (the Raisins Gaulois is a household staple around here), and Guy Breton’s gamay from Regnie. The best part of these delicious wines is that they are meant to be consumed slightly chilled. If that isn’t enough, I’ll up the ante and tell you the cherry on top is that these wines have few to no additives, are lower in alcohol, and have almost no tannins. The result is an easy-drinking, dare I say gulpable wine that is the perfect beverage for friends, barbecues and pool parties. If easy-drinking, lighter reds aren’t your bag, don’t despair: I have just the thing for all you hearty red-wine drinkers out there … and it’s called Tannat. This signature grape of Uruguay was relatively unheard of a few years ago. It originally hails from the Southwest region of France, and just like malbec, which also originally comes from southern France, it was producing harsh, tannic, difficult-toswallow wines. It wasn’t until the grape reached South America that it found its true home. And, like malbec, tannat creates wines that are deeply pigmented, rich and full-bodied, with opulent aromas of blueberries, dark chocolate and licorice. Is your mouth watering yet? It’s also one of the “healthiest” red wines on the market due to its exceptionally high levels of resveratrol. Bodegas Garzon has set the bar high for tannat from Uruguay due to its state-ofthe-art winery, no-expense-spared winemaking team, and meticulous farming practices. What’s more is that because it’s still relatively under the
By Katie finn
LOVE YOUR HAIR
e have entered the temperature ugh zone, where the only thing anyone can talk about is how disgusting it is outside. Yes, the next few months will be miserable, but as my Canadian grandmother used to say, “The desert is hot, but at least I don’t have to shovel the sand.” While it’s sweltering outside, the idea of popping open your favorite bottle of cabernet might seem repugnant. And maybe you’re the type of person doesn’tClub love and whiteCook wine …Street so what’s a wineCountry lover to do? Palm De sert The answer: Have no fear! I have your summer wine to-do list right here—and it even includes a rich, brooding and intense red. which760-340-5959 is sourced from two old vine vineyards: One of my favorite summer sippers is made the dry-farmed Sani vineyard, planted in by an unlikely duo from the Central Coast of 1981 in Dry Creek, Sonoma, and the original www.jasondavidhairstudio.net California. Union Sacre is the brainchild of rootstock Reamer vineyard, planted in 1975 Xavier Arnaudin, a Wine and Spirit Education south of Sacramento. Owners, grape-growers Trust-certified, oenology-degree-holding, and vintners Alex Pitts and Marty Winters are ex-boxer-turned-winemaker from France; not professionally trained winemakers. They and Philip Muzzy, a self-taught designer from were, however, professionally trained chefs who Michigan who lived in his van before becoming met while working at Cyrus in Sonoma under Xavier’s business partner. Unlikely, right? But the careful direction of famed chef Douglas together, they have more than 25 years of Keane. The irony here is that a chef’s purpose experience working at Central Coast wineries— is to create a dish by manipulating ingredients, and it shows. The Belle de Nuit gewurztraminer adding a little of this and a little of that until might be the most luminous expression of this it tastes just right. That couldn’t be further varietal I’ve ever tasted. On the nose, it’s full from what they’re doing as winemakers: They of ripe lychee fruit and rose petals, but on the simply allow the grapes to do their thing— palate, it’s bone-dry and crisp, with an almostnothing added, tweaked or manipulated. No wiry tinge of grapefruity zing racing down the fining; no filtration; and the wine undergoes back. This is the kind of wine that will make wild fermentation. The result is a glorious, lowyou rethink everything you thought you knew alcohol wine bursting with key lime, passion about gewurztraminer. It ferments on its skins fruit and melon. for about 30 hours, which imparts the most Now, for you red-drinkers who think you have beautiful pale copper color you’ve ever seen. to give up the stemmed glass in the melting Chenin blanc is one of my favorite varietals, months: I assure you, that’s not the case! In fact, and I think it’s tragically underrated. It’s the there are several red wines that are meant to be ultimate chameleon, ranging in style from chilled and are perfect for our summer. sweet to sparkling to mouth-puckeringly dry, Gamay is the signature grape of the so there is a chenin blanc for everybody. In the Beaujolais region of France, and up until summer, I love the citrusy, tart styles that wake around 10 years ago, most people would have your mouth up and beg for that summer peachonly associated that region with Beaujolais and-arugula salad. My chenin blanc du jour is Nouveau, that grapey, fun and simple wine the Maitre de Chai “Kierkegaard” chenin blanc, released the third Thursday of November
award-winning
3-course
feast $1999
5 aPPEtizErS 14 EntréES 7 dESSErtS!
EvEry day aftEr 11am SUnday aftEr 3Pm PER PERSON PLUS TAX
five-star
4-course menus
******
Early Bird SPEcial
3pm– 5pm 99
$16
PER PERSON PLUS TAX
5 superb soups 7 amazing appetizers & salads 17 exciting entrées, 11 decadent desserts
$29
99
/
$39
99
*
radar, you can get this stellar wine less than $20 a bottle at most places. Tannat really shines when it’s chilled down for about 20 minutes prior to opening, which means you can have your fullthrottled red wine when it’s hot—and drink it, too. Last but not least, I would be remiss if I didn’t include the party-perfect Matthiasson “Tendu” red. I cannot think of a get-together I’ve hosted in recent memory that did not include several liter bottles of this incredible juice. Don’t let the crown-cap closure and clear liter bottle fool you into thinking this is cheap jug wine. This delicious blend of barbera, aglianico and montepulciano is crafted by “winemaker of the year” and Napa demigod, Steve Matthiasson and was modeled after the easy-drinking wines he experienced in the sidewalk bistros of France and Italy. This wine was made for those long summer nights, eating al fresco, playing bocce ball in St. Helena with friends. In short, it’s a sophisticated wine that’s meant to be drunk like a beer, when you don’t want a beer, but are craving wine. Yes, please! There is an expression in France that has been adopted here in California—glou glou—which basically means glug glug, or down the hatch. My hope is that these glou glou wines inspire you to have more fun. Not all wine needs to be swirled, and pontificated, and analyzed. Sometimes wine is just a drink—a very good drink. Katie Finn can be reached at katiefinnwine@gmail.com. award-winning
breakfast 8 –11 am
am EvEry day
lunch & dinner from
11am
“THE BEST BRUNCH in CALIFORNIA!” namEd lUlU onE of thE
Best 100 restaurants for Brunch in America!
sundaY brunch from 11am $19 99 –3Pm
PER PERSON PLUS TAX
Champagne, Mimosa $5.99 w/ refills (3)
CVIndependent.com
16 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
CVIndependent.com
JULY 2019
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 17
JULY 2019
FOOD & DRINK
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
CAESAR CERVISIA G
A tour of Firestone Walker proves why it continues to be one of the country’s best craft breweries
By brett newton
ather ’round, kids, and I will regale you with a tale of a lion and a bear who came together many years ago for one purpose: making beer. It all began around 1995. The big microbrewers at the time were Sierra Nevada and Samuel Adams, while long-gone up-and-comers like Pete’s Wicked Ale were also making a splash. Most people had no idea what a stout or an IPA was. The aforementioned bear’s name is Adam Firestone, member of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and their vineyards; the lion is his brother-in-law David Walker, an Englishman who wanted a taste of home while living in California. Both were in the wine industry before opening Firestone Walker the tour started were gone. (If you’re not Brewing Company with a humble 24-barrel envious of me yet, just keep reading.) We system. In 2001, they were able to buy out a met a legendary character of Firestone’s professional-size facility from SLO Brewing history, Miguel Ibarra. After introducing Company (even though it was actually Miguel (with a wry smile), Walker held up his located in Paso Robles), which had filed for hands—which had nine digits rather than bankruptcy. It is still home to Firestone the usual 10. Miguel joined him in showing Walker Brewing Company, but with a wee bit the same amount. Everyone was clearly in of expansion through the intermittent years. on the joke, seeing as Walker spent the next But I am getting ahead of myself. few minutes summarizing the ways in which On a gorgeous late spring day before Miguel operated the earliest incarnation of the start of the annual Firestone Walker the brewery virtually on his own, sleeping on Invitational, I was honored to be escorted location between shifts. throughout the brewery compound by none Further back in the same warehouse was other than the lion himself, David Walker. He a series of barrels interconnected via tubes. greeted us private-tour recipients individually, This is part of how the DBA (Double Barrel introducing himself and then calling for us to Ale) is made. It takes as its inspiration the walk across the street to the Visitor’s Center tradition English cask ales, and Walker freely to begin the tour. Equipped with safety admits it was a way he could get the proper glasses, we marched upstairs to the top of experience of his beloved Bass Ale closer to the newly installed, $15 million brewhouse, home. Other beers surpassed it in popularity with 200-barrel tanks, one of which is solely over time, but you can still find it in their used to make the best-selling 805 Blonde taprooms in its unfiltered state, if you wish to Ale in 24-hour shifts, and which was under sample it for yourself. construction when I was there the year before. Next, we bypassed a long row of pallets of After explaining the origins of the brewery empty cans stacked about two stories high and its journey from 24 barrels to what is and entered the next building in the series, projected for 2019 to be 500,000 barrels (1 containing finished packages of their beer in barrel = 31 gallons), he led us down into the various forms. It is here we stumbled across belly of the brewery, through a space at the the path of brewmaster Matt Brynildson, bottom of some of the tanks and into a cold who was coincidentally looking in on his room where a labyrinth of pipes terminates. Oaktoberfest barrels in the same room. Matt This is the older part of the brewery; Walker told us how they were doing a traditional emphasized this by leading us into their old lagering of their Märzen over the summer. walk-in cooler that they kept in operation Happily, he stayed with us through the next to remind them of their humbler origins. processing room and into a truly magical These are typically my favorite parts of many brewery tours due to the alluring smell of hop place: The Barrel Room. A brief word about Firestone’s barrel pellets all around—and this was no different. program, straight from my brain and taste Onward we trod into the next building buds: It’s insanely good. From the barrelin the compound. This one contained the selecting progress (overseen by Eric Ponce), packaging lines where the machinery moved to the masterful blending of their vaunted ceaselessly to get the product into bottles, Anniversary ales, and the choices of beers cans and boxes. David walked over to the that enter the barrels, it’s no surprise you canning line and grabbed cold cans of the can easily identify a barrel-aged beer from latest in their Luponic Distortion IPA series Firestone by taste alone. I promise you: This for everyone in the group. This was great is no easy feat, and they are proud of it. timing, as the beers we’d grabbed before
Firestone Walker’s barrel room. Brett Newton
Finally, we walked up a flight of stairs to our tour’s termination. I asked how many actual barrels they had in the room, and Walker replied, “At the moment, about 2,000. But at the most, we’ll have only 3,000 at any given time. Despite our growth, we like to be able to keep a close eye on every barrel we have on hand and its contents.” Brynildson then added that no one is allowed to move any barrel unless the aforementioned Miguel Ibarra is informed. It’s no wonder you can taste the character in any of their barrel-aged beers. The tour ended with the opening of some bottles of their Napa Parabola. It’s a version of their Parabola imperial stout blended together after aging in various red wine barrels. What’s surprising is how much of the chocolate flavor in the beer is brought out despite what I expected to be a winedominated flavor. Finally, Firestone does a collaboration every year to commemorate their incredible
Firestone Walker Invitational beer festival. I discussed my 2018 visit in a column last year, and I make it a point to get tickets and go every year. This year’s beer was with Cigar City Brewing out of Tampa, Fla.: Los Leñadores is an imperial brown ale aged in high rye bourbon barrels and infused with African and Brazilian hardwood spirals. It was teeming with almond and pistachio flavors to go with the nutty, chocolate flavors of the beer. Suffice it to say, I was impressed by the tour and continue to be impressed by Firestone—and that was only the beginning of my festival weekend. I told you the envy was coming. Brett Newton is a certified cicerone (like a sommelier for beer) and homebrewer who has mostly lived in the Coachella Valley since 1988. He currently works at the Coachella Valley Brewing Co. taproom in Thousand Palms. He can be reached at caesarcervisia@gmail.com. CVIndependent.com
18 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
FOOD & DRINK INDY ENDORSEMENT
the
This place is called a “bistro,” but I’ll call it what it really is — the best dang pizza I’ve ever had — Palm Springs Life
This month’s treats: Peking duck and a French dip with tater tots By Jimmy Boegle
Downtown
CVIndependent.com
Palm Springs
WHAT The Peking duck WHERE Palm Tree Palace, 79660 Highway 111, La Quinta HOW MUCH $18 half, $35.95 whole CONTACT 760-289-6633; www.facebook.com/ Palm-tree-palace-399335637531079 WHY It’s savory nirvana. As I write this, I’ve just finished my second batch of leftovers from my visit to Palm Tree Palace, a newish Chinese-food restaurant in La Quinta—and I’m ready to declare that Palm Tree Palace’s Peking duck is easily one of the tastiest dishes I’ve ever had in the Coachella Valley. I stopped in for a late Saturday dinner after reading rave after rave about the place on Facebook. I ordered the wor wonton soup (a downright reasonable $8.95) as a starter, and the half-duck as my entree, knowing full well that this would be too much food for li’l ol’ me, and that leftovers would be involved. The soup was endorsement-worthy in and of itself. It was perfectly prepared. The broth was flavorful, and none of the ingredients were overcooked; the vegetables still had some firmness, and the meats and shrimp were plump and moist. As I finished the soup, one of the servers brought out the half-duck … and I instantly realized how truly ridiculous this order was for one person: The half duck was HUGE. As the server began cutting pieces off, she told me this duck was a little larger than normal … but still. After preparing a plate for me, she offered to take the rest to the back to cut up and put in a to-go box; I thanked her profusely. The duck came with fresh buns, as well as scallions and hoisin sauce. I took a bun and put sauce, scallions and skin-on duck inside; I then took a bite. Wow. Just wow. I loved the duck at the restaurant. It was great for dinner the next day … and it was splendid for lunch the day after that. It’s official: Palm Tree Palace is my new favorite Chinese-food restaurant. It’s so, so good.
WHAT The French dip with tots WHERE Revel Public House, 140 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs HOW MUCH $15.50 at lunch CONTACT 760-325-9464; revelps.com WHY It’s a perfectly put-together sandwich. The French dip sandwich, despite the name, is not at all French—it was actually born right here in Southern California, a little more than a century ago, at a downtown Los Angeles restaurant. The exact place of birth is a matter of debate; both Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet and Philippe’s claim the invention. While I have no idea which of those two restaurants deserves the credit, I do know that Revel Public House in downtown Palm Springs deserves the credit for having the best French dip I’ve had in the Coachella Valley. Two things make the sandwich at Revel so gosh-darned good. First, the ingredients are fantastic: Owner Mindy Reed uses McLean’s all-natural roast beef, as well as a particularly tasty Swiss cheese. Second: The sandwich is assembled and prepared perfectly. Rather than just slapping the ingredients between two French-roll slices and throwing it on the plate, the folks in Revel’s kitchen press the sandwich, so it’s easy to hold, dip and devour. The horseradish mayo that comes with it is fantastic; as for the au jus, it could have been a little stronger on my recent visit—although the sandwich was great despite this tiny flaw. The sandwich normally comes with either cole slaw, fries, roasted potatoes or quinoa, but I recommend forking out the extra $2.50 and throwing the diet (even further) out the window so you can get the tater tots. The Revel kitchen prepares the tots perfectly: They’re crisp, crunchy and addictive. (The tots are also available on their own, topped with cheese and pulled barbecue pork, if you want to completely annihilate the diet.) I can hear some of you retorting: “A hot sandwich? In the summer? Are you mad?!” No, I just love delicious, well-prepared food—and Revel’s French dip is a tasty, pleasing choice no matter the weather.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 19
JULY 2019
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
Restaurant NEWS BITES By Jimmy Boegle CELEBRITY BARTENDER ROB FLOYD’S ‘COCKTAIL THEATRE’ COMING TO TRIO RESTAURANT Rob Floyd is one of the world’s most renowned cocktail creators. He’s a regular on the Bar Rescue TV show; he’s designed cocktail programs for some of the biggest cruise lines; he’s performed at some of Las Vegas’ most impressive hotel-casinos; and he travels the world as a consultant for bars and restaurants. So why is he taking time out of his crazy-busy schedule to bring his Cocktail Theatre live show to TRIO Restaurant, in the middle of scorching-hot July? It’s because, he says, he loves Palm Springs. “I can’t wait to get here,” he said during a recent lunch at TRIO. “Any excuse.” Cocktail Theatre will arrive at TRIO, 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive, for two shows on Saturday, July 6—one at 6 p.m., and another at 9 p.m. Floyd said his interactive show takes a historical and theatrical approach to cocktails. He’ll tell the stories behind various drinks, from the 1600s up through the molecular-gastronomy era. Audience-goers will get to try five different drinks during the show, which runs just a little longer than an hour. I asked Floyd what makes a cocktail great. His response: He treats creating a cocktail like a good artist creates a painting—except instead of colors, he uses ingredients. “I use just a couple of primary colors, that are just gorgeous, and one or two accent colors that are just beautiful,” he said. Of course, a lot of people can’t or don’t drink alcohol, for all sorts of excellent reasons—and many bartenders completely disregard this demographic. Fortunately, Floyd does not—and that’s why his show includes “zero-proof cocktails” for those who don’t imbibe. In fact, he estimates that up to 20 percent of his show attendees don’t drink. Tickets to Cocktail Theatre are $62.50; a VIP meet-and-greet package along with the 6 p.m. show is $80, and includes a special cocktail created by Floyd. For tickets or more information, visit triopalmsprings.com. IN BRIEF Workshop Kitchen + Bar, located at 800 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, will soon have a sister restaurant in Los Angeles. According to Eater Los Angeles, chef/owner Michael Beckman has bought the space currently housing Odys + Penelope, at 127 S. La Brea Ave., with plans of turning it into Workshop; expect it to open sometime next year. … One of the west valley’s best sandwich joints is moving to a larger space—although customers will still get to park in the same place: The Sandwich Spot is moving from its tiny home at 240 N. Palm Canyon Ave., in Palm Springs, into the old Tipper’s Gourmet Marketplace space, in the Henry Frank Arcade, at 276 N. Palm Canyon Drive. The move should be effective on July 1; call 760778-7900 with questions. … Coming soon to the old Elephant Bar space at 73833 Highway 111, in Palm Desert: The BaBaLoo Lounge. It’ll be the second location of the Peruvianand Cuban-fare joint; the original spot is in Lake Havasu, Ariz. Watch www.facebook.com/ BabalooLounge for updates. … The new managing partner at the retooled Persimmon Bistro at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive, in Palm Springs, has a familiar name: It’s Arthur Vasquez, who used to run Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse in Rancho Mirage. Congrats, art! Visit www.facebook.com/persimmonbistro to learn more. … Congratulations to the bar at Melvyn’s, located at the Ingleside Inn, at 200 W. Ramon Road, in downtown Palm Springs! Esquire magazine just named it one of the 27 Best Bars in America for 2019. … Coming soon to the space that used to house Maxcy’s Grill in the Ralph’s shopping center at 425 S. Sunrise Way, in Palm Springs: Asadero Los Corrales. It appears this will be the third location for this Sinaloa-style Mexican eatery, joining restaurants in La Quinta and Coachella. We learned this news because we happened to drive by and see the new sign; we will keep you posted as we learn more. … Congrats to the folks at La Quinta Brewing Co., who have announced the construction of a new, larger brewing location near Interstate 10 and Cook Street. The brewery—which opened its doors in 2013 at 77917 Wildcat Drive, in Palm Desert— also operates successful taprooms in Palm Springs and La Quinta. The new location is slated to include food and an outside beer garden; keep your fingers crossed for an opening late next year. Watch www.facebook.com/LaQuintaBrewingCo for updates. CVIndependent.com
20 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
22 23 24 25
Folk-rock songwriting legend Don McLean comes to Fantasy Springs The YIP YOPS, now a duo, continue to reach for the stars Chris Shiflett comes to Pappy and Harriet’s to share his ‘Hard Lessons’ After a couple of years away from the scene, Drop Mob looks to grow and evolve
www.cvindependent.com/music
The Regrettes bring a youthful brand of hard-hitting punk/alternative rock to Pappy and Harriet’s
26 CVIndependent.com
THE MODERN TEEN’S SOUNDTRACK
Photo by claire marie vogel
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 21
JULY 2019
The Blueskye REPORT JULY 2019 By Brian Blueskye
Jethro Tull
July and August are the slowest months for entertainment in the Coachella Valley, with multiple venues on hiatus—but the casinos and Pappy and Harriet’s are still offering plenty of great events. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino has a fabulous Independence Day week slate. At 9 p.m., Wednesday, July 3, enjoy a free Independence Day Fireworks Show. The fireworks will be blasting off from the Eagle Falls Golf Course, and The Eagle 106.9 will be playing some great songs to accompany them. Admission is free. At 8 p.m., Friday, July 5, enjoy the rocking flute-driven tunes of Jethro Tull. The band has extended its 50th Anniversary Tour, and considering the band rivaled the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Elton John in its early years, you won’t want to miss this one. Tickets are $59 to $129. Later in the month, at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 27, Mexican singer-songwriter Gerardo Ortiz will return to Fantasy Springs. The 29-yearold was actually born in Pasadena, and he has two Grammy Award nominations to his credit. Tickets are $39 to $89. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 760342-5000; www.fantasyspringsresort.com. Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage is offering a busy July calendar. At 8 p.m., Saturday, July 13, Hotel California: A Salute to The Eagles will take the stage. Hotel California is an Eagles tribute band that has been performing for 30 years and is known for masterfully replicating the sounds of the Eagles songs you love. Tickets are $25 to $35. At 8 p.m., Friday, July 19, check out The Ultimate E.L.O. Experience: A New World Record. This is an Electric Light Orchestra tribute, including the lights and all of the string arrangements. Tickets are $25 to $35. At 8 p.m., Friday, July 26, enjoy ’80s R&B and pop at the Freestyle Jam, featuring Stevie B, Trinere, Nu Shooz, Debbie Deb and Connie. These were some of the biggest names in ’80s pop and are often sampled or remixed in today’s digital era. Tickets are $40 to $60. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-999-1995; www.hotwatercasino.com.
Spotlight 29 is hosting a couple of hot July events. At 8 p.m., Saturday, July 20, the Spanish Comedy Slam will take place. The show will feature performances from Alex Reymundo, who recently had his own Comedy Central special; Luz Pazos, a former beauty queen from Peru who has performed at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles and appeared on PBS’ First Nations Comedy Experience; Rene Garcia, who has performed with Tommy Davidson, Ron White and Bill Bellamy; Carlos Rodriguez, a Sacramento native who has been voted the Best Comic by the Sacramento News & Review; and Anthony K, another Sacramento resident who has a one-hour special available on Spotify and Google Play. Tickets are $20 to $35. At 8 p.m., Saturday, July 27, go back four decades during the ’70s Soul Jam, featuring performances by Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes and The Stylistics, as well as Mr. Dyn-o-Mite himself, Jimmie “JJ” Walker. Tickets are $39 to $59. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella; 760-775-5566; www.spotlight29.com. Morongo Casino Resort Spa is hosting some great July events. At 9 p.m., Saturday, July 6, country star Lee Greenwood will be appearing. One of his biggest hits is his 1984 song “God Bless the U.S.A.” In fact, a lot of his material is ’Merica themed, to give you those July 4th feels. Tickets are $29 to $39. At 9 p.m., Friday, July 12, Chicano rock-band Los Lonely Boys will be performing. The South Texas trio was a staple of contemporary radio in the mid-2000s with “Heaven” and “More Than Love.” Tickets are $55 to $65. Morongo Casino Resort Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 800-252-4499; www. morongocasinoresort.com. Pappy and Harriet’s has a packed schedule; here are a just a few shows you may want to consider. At 9 p.m., Friday, July 5, Welsh musician and producer Cate Le Bon will be performing. Le Bon has toured with acts such as St. Vincent, Perfume Genius and John Grant—if that says something in regard to her talents. While she has a rock sound, she also goes into folk and pop territory. Tickets are $18. At 9 p.m., Saturday, July 20, up-and-coming country performer Gethen Jenkins will take the stage. Jenkins’ bio reads like a character out of a bad ass adventure novel—born in the West Virginia, raised in a rural Indian village in Alaska, a stint in the U.S. Marines, etc. He’s performed with the Marshall Tucker Band, Wanda Jackson and others. Tickets are $15. At 9 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, on the eve of what will be the 15th and final Campout, Camper Van Beethoven frontman David Lowery will be performing solo; Peter Case will also take the stage. Tickets are $25. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; 760-3655956; www.pappyandharriets.com.
TRUSCULPT ID SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! TruSculpt ID permanently reduces stubborn fat by 25% with one, pain-free treatment.
Judge for yourself. ID results a�er one treatment. Revive has new ID prices and discounts! Show this ad and get $100 off per area Expires 7/31/2019 650 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way: (760) 325-4800 Torrance Ofice: (310) 375-7599 Irvine Office: (949) 586-9904 www.revivecenter.com CVIndependent.com
22 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
MUSIC
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
UNRECONSTRUCTED ’50s MAN
Folk-rock songwriting legend Don McLean comes to Fantasy Springs
By Brian Blueskye
W
hat do you get when you take ’50s-style rock ’n’ roll and meld it with folk-music songwriting? The answer: You get Don McLean. The man—best known, of course, for his wildly successful 1971 single “American Pie”—last year released his first new studio album in nine years, Botanical Gardens. McLean will be stopping by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, past recordings. July 13. “I don’t really pay attention to what the McLean—a Palm Desert resident—has times are like—and that’s part of my problem,” called Botanical Gardens his “most reflective” McLean said. “I’m sort of an unreconstructed album, saying the title uses gardens as a ’50s man. I live in my own world and try to tell metaphor for heaven, in the context of life the truth, but also try to realize what people and death. During a recent phone interview, are going through. I keep one eye on where McLean said Botanical Gardens may be his final people are at, but most of the time, I invent original album. song ideas that I think are wonderful. I have “I may do one more, but I don’t know,” fun trying to make those things happen. What McLean said. “I’m at the end of the road as far I do is I fuse old-fashioned popular music as writing and recording. I think I have fairly and rock ’n’ roll, like Elvis Presley and Gene interesting songwriting ideas that other people Vincent, and folk music. I try to find a feeling can use.” that I want to get, an emotion of some sort, The material on Botanical Gardens is and then I try to get it so when I hear a song, beautiful, and it doesn’t stray too far from his the emotion comes back to me.”
Homemade NY Style Pizza • Burgers Hot Dogs • Sandwiches • Salads • Appetizers Beer • Wine • Cocktails Happy hour daily 2-7 p.m., all day/nite Tuesday Nightly entertainment • Open at 11:30 a.m. daily 74360 Highway 111, Palm Desert • (760) 636-5220 www.facebook.com/HoodBarAndPizza CVIndependent.com
Don McLean.
McLean returned to Nashville to record Botanical Gardens. “I started (recording in Nashville) in 1978, and I immediately had hit records,” McLean said. “I worked with a guy named Larry Butler, and he was brilliant. Unfortunately, he passed away. I didn’t want to go to Nashville, because I was more into Los Angeles or New York, where there was a whole different music scene. The Nashville thing seemed to be pretty cookie-cutter, and I didn’t want that sound. What I found when I got there was they were all so happy to do new things—anything but country. They were just excited about doing Chain Lightning,” McLean’s 1978 album. “In the studios (in Nashville), I have it together. Everyone knows what’s going on, and they’re swinging with it. In New York, they have a lot of attitude, and the studio musicians have their heads up their asses sometimes thinking they know everything. But these guys in Nashville do know everything and act as if they heard this idea for the first time when you tell them. I ended up recording there for the past 35 years, and it had everything I wanted.” At a benefit show in 2018 for UCLA Health and Teen Cancer America, McLean performed a cover of his hit song “Vincent” with Ed Sheeran. “(Ed) is really a remarkable fellow, because he seems impervious to his success, his ego and the pressures that are all around him; he’s like a Cheshire cat,” McLean said. “He’s very mellow and asked me if we could do this. It took two seconds of rehearsal and worked out perfectly. He’s done it his own way, and I applaud him.”
“American Pie” has been covered and parodied many, many times. However, McLean said one of his favorite covers of his music was actually of “The Grave,” done by another legendary artist back in 2003. “I want songs to be useful for people. That’s the folk side of things. ‘American Pie’ has had so many brilliant parodies, and it’s unbelievable,” McLean said. “I sit there and read these things, (wondering) how people make these things up; it’s terrific! I’m always interested in hearing those. I think one of my proudest moments was when George Michael did ‘The Grave’ to protest the war in Iraq, because no one else had the balls to stand up and say, ‘No! This is wrong!’ But he did, and he sang that song. I was so proud of him and the fact he used my song.” While McLean is at an age when many people are pondering retirement, he said he still loves the thrill of a tour, even if his show at Fantasy Springs is just a short drive from home. “I love to get set for the next gig, the next plane flight, and I don’t do well sitting around for too long,” he said. “I get too antsy. For me to do what I did as a kid—playing for a whole week in a nightclub—I think I’d have to hang myself, and I couldn’t do it now. I can’t go to the same place every night and do it again. But I can say that I’m in very good shape; I have a great band; and we’re going to kick some ass.” Don McLean will perform at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 13, at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, in Indio. Tickets are $29 to $59. For tickets or more information, call 760342-5000, or visit www.fantasyspringsresort.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 23
JULY 2019
MUSIC
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
HEAD DOWN AND WORK I
The YIP YOPS, now a duo, continue to reach for the stars
By Brian Blueskye
t’s been a long and winding road for the YIP YOPS, a band many touted as the Next Big Thing to come out of the Coachella Valley. It all started when the members of the band were still in high school, and the band won a spot to play at the 2014 Tachevah Block Party in Palm Springs. The band then signed a contract with a management group that later fell apart; recorded an album with famed local producer Ronnie King that the band members went on We decided that playing as a duo was the best to disavow; and crossed playing Coachella off way to move forward. We’re both really excited their bucket lists in 2017. about it.” However, as the summer of 2019 arrived, Van Winkle said the material will probably the community had not heard much from the not sound very different. YIP YOPS as of late, with no new releases and “We’re still playing the same songs in the few local shows. same structure with the same lyrics,” Van However, never fear: The YIP YOPS are alive Winkle said. “I think that the songs, because and well … albeit at half their former size: The I’ve written all the ones we play—they all come band recently announced both keyboardist/ from the same place. In that respect, I wouldn’t guitarist Mari Brossfield and bassist Jacob say it’s changed as much as it’s evolved.” Gutierrez had left the band, after completing Brossfield and Gutierrez left the band to a Monday night residency at The Echo in focus on their college educations; Murakami Los Angeles. The two remaining members, said he and Van Winkle supported them in frontman Ison Van Winkle and drummer making that decision. Ross Murakami, recently sat down with the “We’re still great friends,” Murakami said. Independent in Indian Wells, where Van Winkle “It has nothing to do with anything other than filled us in on what was going on. where your hearts are at. Our hearts are in “We’re writing, recording and trying to the music, and it just has to be that way. But develop ourselves more and more,” Van Winkle I think anytime someone makes a decision to said. “We obviously had some great milestones move toward something that will make them over the past couple of years that we hit and happier in what they are doing, they should we’re proud of, but the goal is still the same: absolutely do it. That’s what that was. Play bigger shows, and run with bigger artists. “Since then, I feel like the band has really I feel like we have a certain head-down-andshifted to where it hasn’t ever felt as good as it work mentality.” feels now.” Murakami added that the band has been Despite all the highs and lows, Van Winkle working hard to expand its name beyond the said there’s nothing they would have done Coachella Valley. differently. “The writing has always been constant,” “It’s so easy to look back on it and think, Murakami said. “… I don’t know how it’s ‘Oh, we could have done that,’ or some shit like possible with all the things going on, whether that,” Van Winkle said. “I always think if it got it’s touring or music videos and all these other us to this point, I don’t see the need to change things we need to work on. The ideas are still much. Going through all these experiences is being fleshed out and written, and new music what got us to this point. Going through the is always there, and it’s building up behind us. good times and the not-so-good times is what The main thing we’ve been doing specifically shaped us. If we didn’t have those experiences, for the past couple of years or so has been we wouldn’t see it the same way as we do now.” creating a buzz in other markets. That’s been When I first met the YIP YOPS back in 2014 the focus point. We have pretty big goals in at Ison Van Winkle’s house, he showed me mind, and they are not going to be achieved by material that he had recorded on his computer. sticking around in one market. Expansion is His father, Tony, told me Ison could sit there always on our minds.” all night long working on material. Mari Brossfield and Jacob Gutierrez played “That hasn’t changed,” Murakami said with a their last show with the YIP YOPS at The laugh. “He’s still doing that.” Satellite in Los Angeles back in December. Van Winkle explained: “To me, it’s like a first “Basically, the next day, we started this next love. You’re almost obsessed with it, and you’re phase where we started reworking everything,” so attached to it. I can’t imagine not doing it.” Murakami said. “Every song that we play live When you look at the social media accounts is now reworked and revamped to fit a duo. for the band, it appears that Van Winkle is
The YIP YOPS.
aspiring to become some sort of fashion icon; his wardrobe looks like a mixture of the clothes from any recent Gucci runway show and a ’70s thrift-store rocker. It’s a long way from the early days when the entire band would wear hazmat suits and sunglasses onstage. “I like to wear certain things, and if I like a certain thing, I’ll wear it,” Van Winkle explained. “It’s not a master plan or anything; it just happens. Some days are better than others, and we try to keep Instagram (posts) to the better days of fashion and try to hide the bad decisions.” What can we expect from the YIP YOPS near future? “We’re hoping that we can get a show or two locally this year,” Van Winkle said. “We miss playing here, and the struggle has been finding the right venue to play at. Other than that, we’re going to continue to play shows in Los Angeles and Orange County, and we
have a few festivals lined up in October and November. We’re taking advantage of those opportunities to do more touring and hook up with local bands. “Musically, as we speak, we’re continuing to write and record. We’re ready to release, but we want to be smart about it and have enough (material) … so that we can build momentum. We have to think like that, because we’re doing it all ourselves. It’s literally just us, and that goes for recording, and I’ve been spending most of the past six months developing my skills to where we don’t have to go to a studio to record and can take the bedroom-pop approach. We can record as many songs as we can and do whatever we want—and make it sound just as good as in a studio. There’s so much freedom.” For more information, visit www.facebook.com/yipyops. CVIndependent.com
24 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
MUSIC
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
KICK-ASS COUNTRY ROCK
Chris Shiflett comes to Pappy and Harriet’s to share his ‘Hard Lessons’
By Brian Blueskye
C
hris Shiflett’s new album, Hard Lessons, proves that he’s onto something with his highenergy, kick-ass rock-country sound. After touring with the Foo Fighters behind the band’s 2017 release, Concrete and Gold, Shiflett released Hard Lessons in June and announced a four-date record-release tour—and one of those dates is Friday, July 12, at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. During a recent phone interview before he week,” he said. “… If I’m not in the studio, I’m was scheduled to go back to Europe with the back where I’m staying, making little tweaks Foo Fighters, Shiflett discussed how Hard on the lyrics or working out the guitar parts. Lessons was recorded in Nashville during a “If I had been home during that time— hectic time. home is very busy. I’m married, and I have “I made this record in the middle of a Foo three kids. My kids are either teenagers or Fighters tour schedule,” Shiflett said. “We about to be teenagers, so life is very busy at toured behind Concrete and Gold for about a home. Touring and going to record records is year and a half, and in the middle of all that, almost a more-relaxed environment for me if we had a week or two off, I’d head out to nowadays.” Nashville. It was kind of nuts.” In the past, his solo records have offered Shiflett said that he enjoys heading into the more of an Americana or Bakersfield sound, studio, even in the middle of a tour. but Hard Lessons is a Telecaster-plugged-into“When I go out to Nashville to record, I a-Marshall-JCM800 blast of country-rock tend to feel pretty single-minded about it. I from beginning to end. jump in the studio, and I’ll be in the studio all “It’s definitely a louder record than the
TAKE THE INDEPENDENT CHALLENGE 1. Peruse the Independent. Look at the quality of the writing, the layout, the topics, etc. 2. Do the same with any other local publication. 3. Compare. CVIndependent.com
Chris Shiflett. Brantley Gutierrez
last one; that’s for sure,” he said. “I think on one hand, that was certainly the influence of (producer) Dave Cobb, and he was pushing me in that direction. It also lends itself to having more fun when I go out and play these songs live. It works a little better in that environment, at least for me.” While many country music fans are at odds with Nashville’s powerful grip on mainstream country music, Shiflett he respects the people working behind the scenes. “(East Beach Records and Tapes) put out my record, and they are based out of Nashville, and they are wonderful. As far as the mainstream Nashville stuff goes, I have no experience in that scene,” Shiflett said. “I’ve never been in a band that sounds like that, and I don’t exist within that. I have a lot of friends out there who work in that world in one capacity or another. I find that a lot of the people who work behind the scenes and the studio musicians have deep musical tastes. They’re cool and hard-working musicians just trying to get by. I have a lot of respect for people just trying to make a living through their craft, because it’s not easy.” The Foo Fighters announced a hiatus in 2016—and it turned out to be a joke. In fact, the band has been busier than ever. “We wrapped up touring for the last record in the fall. This year was intended to be a bit of a break, and it is by Foo Fighters standards, but we’re still doing shows,” Shiflett said. “We’re leaving to Europe to do some festivals, and then we’re going back over there in August to do a bunch more festivals. It’s not
crazy busy, but we’re still playing.” When I brought up the subject of Me First and the Gimme Gimmes—a supergroup Shiflett played in with Spike Slawson of Swingin’ Utters, Joey Cape and Dave Raun of Lagwagon, and Fat Mike of NOFX—he explained he was no longer involved. “For a really long time, it was always the same five of us when it came time to record,” he said. “But Spike and his wife, who have both taken over the band, decided to start releasing music that I wasn’t on. That was a line in the sand for me. … It was always important to me that it stayed as the original five on the recordings, and that went out the window. That’s the end of my involvement in that.” Shiflett said he’s happy to be returning to Pappy and Harriet’s for one of his four summer shows. “I’m viewing these dates as my recordrelease shows,” he said. “We haven’t officially announced them yet, but I’ll have more shows coming up. Touring is always tough, because it’s the most time-consuming part of what we do. Time is the thing I have the least amount of to spare. Pappy and Harriet’s is one of my favorite venues in the whole world. The shows there are always great.” Chris Shiflett will perform with Jade Jackson at 9 p.m., Friday, July 12, at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, in Pioneertown. Tickets are $15. For tickets or more information, call 760-365-5956, or visit pappyandharriets.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 25
JULY 2019
MUSIC
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
HIP-ROCK IS BACK W
By Brian Blueskye
hen I talked to the members of Drop Mob about 2 1/2 years ago, they were working on a new album and playing shows regularly. Then … it seemed as if the locally renowned rap-metal band dropped out of the scene. But in June, the band posted a video on Facebook showing a practice—and announcing Drop Mob’s return. I recently dropped in during one of Drop to start learning.” Mob’s rehearsals at guitarist David Burk’s home Burk expressed excitement about having Burk in Indio. Burk explained why Drop Mob had join the band. been inactive. “I knew this was going to be a game-changer,” “You need to take a break sometimes,” Burk Burk said. “I knew he was a technical drummer. said. “I needed to take care of some personal I knew that I could throw shit at him, and he’d stuff. But I kept in touch with everybody. I put it together. I’m pretty stoked, because I never let anybody not know my intentions, but know I can push my horizons now. And he I knew I had to step away and get some personal comes from a big fucking band. They were going things back in order.” to be the next big thing.” Vocalist Gabe Perez said that he and bassist Perez, who comes from a hip-hop Steve Zepeda came back hungry, but there was background, said he’s needed to start working one issue the band needed to resolve. harder since the band got back together. “Dave called me up one day and said, ‘Hey, “The second practice, they were talking and let’s play. Oh, we need a drummer, though,’” were like, ‘It’s in 4/4,’ and to me—I’m the least Perez said. of the musicians here,” Perez said. “It’s like Perez reached out to former Remnants of they’re speaking fucking Japanese, and I don’t Man drummer Alex Milward, who had also been know what they are talking about. But they tell absent from the local-music scene. me about breakdowns and stuff, and I’m like, “I dropped Alex a message and was like, ‘OK, cool, now I know what you’re talking about.’ ‘Hey, man, you playing again? Want to come They all push each other and then look at me, jam with us? If you like it, that’s cool. If and then I push myself, and we start coming up you don’t like it, that’s cool. We’ll see what with ideas. happens,’” Perez said. “He came and jammed “What I’m dropping is still hip-hop and with us twice and said, ‘I’m in.’” metal mixed. It’s not traditional rap, and it’s not Milward said he was hesitant to respond to screaming rap. They push me to adjust myself, Perez’s offer at first. and my songwriting is getting better and better “After Remnants split up, my drum kit went every time.” into storage, and it stayed there,” Milward said. Drop Mob is planning to pick up where “I had just pulled it out and got it set up to start they left off—including making that longworking on my chops again. But I told Gabe, delayed album. ‘Have Dave send me three tracks … and just “Now that we’ve got Alex, the plan is to his guitar parts.’ Four weeks later, we have five speed that process up ten-fold,” Burk said. “We songs that we can rehearse today, and five more haven’t all spoken about it, but financially, I’m on the backlog just waiting to be learned. In in a better position right now to where I want about a week, I had a full set list worth of music to do it right. I want to go somewhere where money isn’t going to be so much of an object and just nail out the songs and kill it. It’s hard when you only have a little bit of money, and you’re doing this and that, and going here and there. It’s like trying to put a puzzle together when you don’t have all the pieces, and money is the final fucking piece in everything. I think it’s important to have a good product.” The members of Drop Mob said they’re open to even more additions to the band. “I think it’s important to have some different flavors and dynamics,” Burk said. “I want things to be heavy and melodic. It’s a little hard on the big guy (Perez) over here. I’d love to find a Drop Mob. brian blueskye
After a couple of years away from the scene, Drop Mop Mob looks to grow and evolve
female vocalist. To me, it’s a big deal as to how it looks on the band, because I’ve felt like we’ve always been an underdog band.” Burk then pointed to the band’s CV Music Award. “For Christ’s sake, we’re ‘Drop Mop’ over there!” he said. “It’s hilarious, but at the same time, we won that.” Perez hopes that whoever they get will make Drop Mob sound like something no one has ever heard before.
“We’d like to get someone who can also write and somebody where if we hear them sing, we go, ‘Dude, I know I’ll be able to collaborate,’” Perez said. “That’s the biggest thing: I want to be able to collaborate and do something that doesn’t sound like Linkin Park, given we’re doing our own metal. I don’t call it nu-metal anymore; I call it ‘hip-rock.’” For more information on Drop Mob, visit www. facebook.com/dropmob760.
CVIndependent.com
26 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
MUSIC MODERN TEEN’S SOUNDTRACK
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
The Regrettes bring a youthful brand of hard-hitting punk/alternative rock to Pappy and Harriet’s
By MATT KING
T
he Regrettes have in youth achieved what most musicians spend their entire lives trying to achieve. The band, which has more than 250,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, earlier this year completed a European stadium tour. Debut album Feel Your Feelings Fool! achieved critical acclaim in 2017, and follow-up How Do You Love? is scheduled for an Aug. 9 release. The four young adults in the Los Angeleshope for the best, just go for it, and learn from based punk/alternative-rock band are creating experience with each show. … To see all of that the soundtrack for the lives of teenagers was so exciting and inspiring.” everywhere—and the band will be kicking off The Regrettes did not have a lot of time to its latest U.S. tour on Friday, July 19, at all-ages prepare. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. “The craziest thing about that tour was Frontwoman Lydia Night talked about that we found out we were going on it six days opening for Twenty One Pilots during a before it started, so that was pretty fucking European tour earlier this year. nuts,” Night said. “That was an insane experience, something The band is starting off its tour in that I never would predict to happen so soon, Pioneertown, in part because Night has a lot of or just at all,” Night said. “Playing in front of personal experience at Pappy and Harriet’s. that many people is something that you can’t “Pappy’s is somewhere I actually started really prepare for. (Opening for) a band that doing open mics at, when I was 9 or 10, really size, you just don’t know what’s coming at young,” she said. “My dad owns a hotel out all. You just have to hop in with both feet and there, and Joshua Tree has been a big part
The
CENTER Helping LGBTQ People Along Their Way Wherever you are in life’s journey, find connections and programs at The LGBT Community Center of the Desert. Safety Net | Empowerment | Physical Health Mental Health | Social & Fun | Life Enrichment
The
CENTER OUR MISSION: Creating vibrant community by helping LGBTQ people along their way.
THE COMMUNITY
FOOD BANK
CVIndependent.com
THE MCDONALD/WRIGHT BUILDING 1301 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 3rd Floor | Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-416-7790 | www.thecenterps.org
THE SCOTT HINES
@ THE CENTER
The Regrettes. Claire Marie Vogel
of my life as a musician. I remember walking around with a tip jar at Pappy’s after doing open mics and shows on the indoor stage. Playing on the outdoor stage has always been a goal and dream of mine, so the fact that we’re playing there is so special to me and really exciting.” Night is 18 years old; I’m a 17-year-old musician (I also got my start at Pappy and Harriet’s, coincidentally), so I was curious to hear her thoughts on the treatment of younger bands at 21-and-older shows. “Yeah, it’s so frustrating,” she said. “It hasn’t happened in so long, since we’ve gotten bigger, but in my old band, which was a two-piece, there were a lot of shows we’d play that weren’t all-ages, and they’d be weird about us even being in the venue before playing, which just made no sense to me. We’d have to wait outside or go kill time before the show and be escorted to the stage, always with X’s on our hand.” One of The Regrettes’ standout tracks, “Seashore,” mentions getting looked down upon because of a young age: “You’re talkin’ to me like I’m dumb / Well I’ve got news; I’ve got a lot to say / There’s nothing you can do to take that away.” Night said she’s learned how to deal with people treating her differently due to her age. “It used to be something that was just talked about in press or media. People sometimes do, but not nearly as much now,” she said. “It’s more of other bands approaching us or people at venues approaching us. It hasn’t been in-your-face disrespectful, but there’s an underlying tone, because there are three
women who are all pretty young. Sometimes people approach us like they’re more knowledgeable about our gear, or about the way a show is run, and we’re like, ‘Actually, we’ve been touring for a very long time. Thank you very much, but we know how to work our amps.’ But honestly, it doesn’t happen too often, and we’re pretty good at avoiding it and standing up for ourselves.” Many Regrettes songs cover the emotions and insecurities teenagers face; Night said she hopes the songs serve as consolation. “I just speak on things I know about and am experiencing,” she said. “… I’m just a very honest songwriter, and stuff that’s being talked about in our music is from a truthful place. I think it’s important as an artist to take a stand like that when writing music. … I like doing that, because it lets others know that it’s OK to be confident in those feelings and emotions, whatever they’re going through.” The band’s three newest singles—“I Dare You,” “Pumpkin” and “Dress Up”—offer more of an alternative-rock feel, in contrast to the punk-heavy songs on Feel Your Feelings Fool! Night said to expect more of this on How Do You Love? “It’s more of a mix of Blondie/’80s pop meets early Strokes meets Regrettes,” she said. The Regrettes will perform with Hot Flash Heat Wave at 9 p.m., Friday July 19, at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, in Pioneertown. Tickets are $15. For tickets or more information, call 760-365-5956, or visit pappyandharriets.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 27
JULY 2019
MUSIC
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
KEEP IT TOGETHER W
By Brian Blueskye
hen Guster went to Calgary to record the band’s new album, Look Alive, producer Leo Abrahams made it very clear: “The world doesn’t need another fucking Beatles pastiche!” Guster, known for quirky folk rock and pop songs, has constantly evolved since the band started in 1991—now fusing colder sounds with the usual warmer sounds. Look Alive is by far Guster’s most bizarre and darkest album so far—and it’s brilliant. For the first time, Guster will be appearing at to venture to Canada in the middle of winter. Pappy and Harriet’s, on Saturday, July 13. “We were booked at a studio in El Paso, Texas, During an interview with frontman Ryan called the Sonic Ranch. Leo is from England. Miller, he agreed that Look Alive is the band’s About two weeks before, he said, ‘I’m having most distinct album to date. trouble finding my visa, you guys.’ So we had “I think if you saw us back in the ’90s or to scramble and go to Canada. … We did a few when we opened for Barenaked Ladies, and weeks in Calgary and a week in Montreal. Then you’re just sort of plugging back in, it’s a pretty the visa issue was sorted out, and we did about massive shift,” Miller said. “But I think every a week in New York, and we also did a week in record is a different approach. This is the eighth Los Angeles.” record for us, and I don’t think we approached Guster was once known for a sound with any of those records the same way. They were just two guitars and bongo drums. Miller said all super-informed by songwriting situations, he is happy with how the band has evolved instrumentation, and a lot by our producers. over the years. This one was really different; all of them have “When I play the new stuff, it’s the most been different. But this one feels like more of a fun for me when we’re out on tour. But we just definitive statement.” did this NPR show, and we really stripped it Miller said Abrahams was an appealing choice back to two acoustic guitars and a drum kit. to produce the album for a number of reasons. We can present ourselves that way still, but I “We talked to a few different producers think we tire of those textures and rhythms before we started it, and he said something over the course of a set. It’s really hard to be pretty interesting about how all of our records dynamic that way. I’ve seen few shows where have a warm vintage feel, and that we were it’s just dudes with acoustic guitars, and it feels super-cool Paul McCartney kind of dudes, compelling. Neil Young might be the exception. I and that we love The Band and The Kinks,” think at this point in our career, the reason that he said. “But he said, ‘I’m more interested in we’re still able to keep going is because we keep cold and icy sounds.’ I think that was really it challenging and changing it for ourselves. I intriguing to us. It’s not like we wanted to don’t think we’d still be a band after 26-plus chase the zeitgeist or be like, ‘This is the hit years if we would have stayed in the same lane.” sounds that the kids are listening to!’ We’re Miller shared an amusing story from the very avid listeners and consumers of music, band’s touring experiences in the ’90s. too. I listened to a James Blake record and was “There was an infamous show at a very like, ‘Whoa, what is this?’ I think there was corporate festival that was put together … a purposeful idea of how we would approach like it was done by someone who has never this, and we gelled really quick with Leo.” put on a concert before—like, ‘Let’s get the When the recording sessions began, they had biggest names in music and put them on a festival together,’” Miller said. “It was us, The Tragically Hip, Barenaked Ladies, Limp Bizkit, and probably Metallica or something. It was sponsored by Oldsmobile. There was this huge Oldsmobile banner behind us, and they were showing commercials. I was freaking out, given I was in my 20s and was like, ‘I don’t know, man. This doesn’t feel right.’ Gord Downie from The Tragically Hip was there, and we were on the same label, and I told him about how I didn’t feel right about it and asked him what I should do. He said, ‘Speak your heart, Ryan.’ I said something into the microphone and got in a trouble with the people who were supposed to Guster. Alysse Gafkjen
Guster brings a darker sound to the band’s Pappy and Harriet’s debut
pay us, and it was documented in papers like the Chicago Tribune. That was some real lowhanging fruit for sure.” Miller said one of his favorite things to do while on tour is check out the Atlas Obscura website for odd things to see in each place— and, of course, Pappy and Harriet’s is listed. “I celebrated my 40th birthday there,” Miller said. “I took a few friends of mine from Los Angeles, and that was our first stop. I have crazy stories from that weekend. (Performing
there) has been on the bucket list for a long time. It just ended up being part of a weirdo West Coast run that we’ve had in our dreams for a while.” Guster will perform with Kolars at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 13, at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, in Pioneertown. Tickets are $31. For tickets or more information, call 760-365-5956, or visit www. pappyandharriets.com.
A FINANCIAL PLANNING & INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FIRM
YOUR FIDUCIARY ADVISOR
DESERT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION'S 2019 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and get acquainted with an independent, Fee-Only financial planning firm located here in the Coachella Valley. Allow us to show you the benefits that result from a financial plan tailored to your specific retirement needs.
CoMPass rose FiNaNCiaL PLaNNiNG 760-322-5200 • www.compassrosefp.com
333 N Palm Canyon Dr, Suite 112-A, Palm Springs, CA 92262
CVIndependent.com
28 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
MUSIC
JULY 2019
Billie Eilish. She’s labeled as a singersongwriter?
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
LUCKY 13
the
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? The Doors with Jim Morrison (RIP) and Ray Manzarek (RIP). I saw Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger play a concert celebrating the 40th anniversary of L.A. Woman. They played the entire album. It was great!
Meet the drummer for Avenida Music and the Hive Minds, and Empty Seat’s guitarist
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure? Jewel.
story and photos By Brian Blueskye I would love to have seen Queen with Freddie Mercury.
What’s your favorite music venue? The Hood Bar and Pizza.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure? Definitely emo music! Panic! at the Disco, Fall Out Boy, and Thirty Seconds to Mars—stuff like that.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? “I’ve got another confession to make. I’m your fool,” Foo Fighters, “Best of You.”
What’s your favorite music venue? That’s a tie. I love the Big Rock Pub for the sound clarity when I perform there, but I love the La Quinta Brewing Company for the intimate vibe. You’re in a room and can really look all the fans in the eye. That’s really cool.
NAME Sean Poe GROUPS Avenida Music, Hive Minds MORE INFO Readers of the Independent voted for Avenida Music as the Best Local Band in the 2018-2019 Best of Coachella Valley. Behind the drums is Sean Poe, who also plays in the Hive Minds. Poe is a fascinating drummer to watch, given his technical prowess and jazz-inspired style. For more information on Avenida Music, visit www.littlestreetmusic. com or www.facebook.com/littlestreetmusic; For more on the Hive Minds, visit www. hivemindsmusic.com. What was the first concert you attended? I went to a bunch of concerts growing up, but the first concert I chose to go to was Avenged Sevenfold. What was the first album you owned? Green Day, American Idiot. What bands are you listening to right now? I’ve been listening to the Gorillaz, The 1975, Young the Giant, Dave Matthews Band, and a lot of Miles Davis. What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get? I don’t really understand the whole mumblerap thing. What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? CVIndependent.com
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? “I wish they all could be California girls,” The Beach Boys, “California Girls.” What band or artist changed your life? The most life-changing artist is actually a Southern California cover band called Helicopter. I went to the bar and saw them playing, and they let me get up and play with them, even though I didn’t play drums yet. It was the first time I played anything other than marching-band or orchestra music, and it completely shifted the direction of my life! We played “Rocky Mountain Way” by Joe Walsh. I’m forever grateful to those dudes. You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? I’d ask Dave Matthews: “How do you keep every show fresh and different after all these years and countless relentless tours?” What song would you like played at your funeral? Oingo Boingo, “Dead Man’s Party.” Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? Miles Davis, Kind of Blue. What song should everyone listen to right now? The Dave Matthews Band covering “All Along the Watchtower.” I saw them play it live recently, and it gave me chills.
NAME Anthony Ferrer GROUP Empty Seat MORE INFO After a hiatus from the local music scene, Empty Seat is back. Fronted by Red, a powerful female vocalist, the band melds alternative rock and punk. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/emptyseatband. The band’s guitarist is Anthony Ferrer. What was the first concert you attended? Incubus, right before they released “Pardon Me.” The lead singer, Brandon Boyd, sold me his own merch at the time. I could tell they were gonna get big. What was the first album you owned? Pearl Jam, Ten. What bands are you listening to right now? Mona, Le Butcherettes, Radiohead, Ramones, David Bowie, Foo Fighters, The Cure, Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings of Leon, The Strokes, and The Dead Weather. What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
What band or artist changed your life? Jim Morrison and The Doors. I found out through their music that music is art; it’s poetry; it’s a live unexpected experience that is much like life. With my music, I stand behind the vision to be different, be original and deliver it to the people as a gift. It’s not mine anymore after I play it. It is for the people to enjoy. Bob Marley and the Wailers are a huge inspiration, too. You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? Jimmy Page: “What is … the amp that you most favor when jamming at home, and can you describe what it is that makes it so?” What song would you like played at your funeral? “Echoes,” Pink Floyd. Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? Prince and the Revolution, Purple Rain. What song should everyone listen to right now? Empty Seat, “Fizz Pop.”
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 29
JULY 2019
CANNABIS IN THE CV
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
LEADING THE WEED WAY by robin goins
An artist’s rendering of a portion of the Coachillin’ Canna-Business Park, being built in Desert Hot Springs. Coachillin’ Facebook
wineries with tasting rooms—could lead to an explosion in job growth. The city is home to about 300 cannabis-industry jobs today, but Tyson Ranch alone could bring in 1,000 jobs, and the massive proposed Coachillin’ CannaBusiness Park could be home to more than 2,400 new jobs once it’s built out. What does this mean for the Coachella Valley? It means that for the first time in many years, people may actually want to drive into Desert Hot Springs for both enjoyment and employment. The economic future is bright for Desert Hot Springs and the Coachella Valley as a whole.
Desert Hot Springs calls itself as “The Spa City,” but has struggled since its heyday to attract the tourism that the mineral waters once did. Matas said marijuana is helping change that. “The spas are revitalizing, and those spas bought during the tech era by people with technical backgrounds are now being purchased with cannabis in mind, and will be once again much-desired tourist destinations,” Matas said. These new and improved resorts include “bud and breakfast” or “soak and smoke” accommodations. Thanks also to Desert Hot Springs’ great views, Matas said, the city should once again become a place to enjoy the hot water and relax, with a focus on health and wellness. The spas, new facilities and proposed consumption locations—modeled after
Robin Goins is a business consultant for DR.G Consulting and works extensively in the cannabis industry in the Coachella Valley. For more information, visit www.drrobingoins.com.
www.GayAndLesbianPages.com SPECIAL THANK YOU!
FREE • SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Defending Marriage Equality! It’s The Law! Your Family Hardware Store Since 1947!
EUROWÜRX
Hardware • Electrical • Plumbing Locksmith • Screens Glass - Repairs & Custom Orders Drywall • Computer Color Paint Matching & Much Much More!!
the truth in european automotive tuning Audi – BMW – Mini – VW All Factory Scheduled Maintenance APR, Neuspeed, BBS, Bilstein, Brembo Our Technicians are Former Dealer Techs Over 40 Years of Combined Experience
EMIL’S
HARDWARE
COX PAINT
Shop Online @ www.EmilsHardware.com
SINCE 1945
Free Shipping on Ship to Store Orders!
We Carry Environmentally Friendly Paints
(310) 839-8571
509 South Victory Blvd. • Burbank, CA 91502 vic@eurowurx.com
2525 South Robertson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90034
www.EurowurxAutoBurbank.com
Entrance on Corner of Robertson Blvd. & Beverlywood St. (1 Mile South of Pico Blvd. or 1/2 Mile North of Santa Monica Freeway Exit)
Marc Berton, Agent
YOUR HOME TOWN VETERNARIAN
Insurance Lic. #: 0630665
Bus: 818-905-1911 Toll Free: 800-924-4459 Bus: 323-872-0482
MEDICINE - SURGERY - DENTAL CARE - FLEA CONTROL - X-RAYS
HOLLYWOOD CAT & DOG HOSPITAL
W
N S
Fountain
Lexington
www.marcberton.com
1146 N. La Brea, LA 90038 (North of Santa Monica Blvd.) Across the Street from McDonald’s on La Brea Supporting the Gay Community
We all feel the same commitment to care for our families. Helping you meet your insurance needs is part of my commitment to you.
Queen Adjustable Bed
20
%
So Comfortable, You’ll Never Count These Guys Again.™
OFF
All Serta products with this coupon
HOT BUY
$
Not good with any other discounts.
Self Storage 760-318-9166 www.palmspringsselfstorage.com
50 BUSINESS
$
PLUS YEARS IN
599
We don’t need Holidays, Gimmicks or Package Deals... “Just Everyday Low Prices”
Starting and ending at the steps of L.A. City Hall
Limit 2 per customer
818.766.4289
aidswalk.net
Special thanks to Essential Gay & Lesbian Directory
310.641.8259
Mon-Fri Mon-Fri10am8-pm 10am-8pm Sat • Sun 10am6-pm Sat10am7-pm 10am-7pm • Sun 10am-6pm
WEBSITE: WWW.ALSDISCOUNTFURNITURE.COM
www.SHGEsq.com
Custom-Designed Cakes for All Occasions
318-9166
7 6 0
Fall 2017
www.palmspringsselfstorage.com
RV Units - 13’ x 50’ & Up to 90’ x 60’ Warehouse Size Units Purchase or Lease Starting at $97,500 Washer & Dryers Ice Machine Limited RV Supplies
BENEFITING
213.201.WALK
3690 Airport Center Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-318-1105 Right next to Palm Springs Airport Self Storage
Created and produced by MZA Events. AIDS Walk Founder/Senior Organizer: Craig R. Miller. © MZA Events, 2017
7601 Goddard Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90045-3219
Queen Mattress
NORTH HOLLYWOOD (NOHO Art District) - 4900 Lankershim Boulevard
Gourmet Cupcakes, Chocolates and Other Tantalizing Desserts
Palm Springs Wine Storage
3950 Airport Center Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264
WALK
OCT. 15, 2017
399
The Best Buy Seal and other licensed materials are registered certification marks and trademarks of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used under license. For award information, visit ConsumersDigest.com.
AL’S DISCOUNT FURNITURE 1-800-RING-ALS •
Cake and Art “The Edible Art Experience”
Temperature & Humidity Controlled 55 - 58 Degrees 70% Humidity Controlled Access Deliveries upon Request
EMPOWERMENT • EXCELLENCE • EMPATHY • EFFECTIVENESS
Visit our website at: www.CakeandArt.com 8709 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.657.8694 order@cakeandart.com
Celebrate your day to remember surrounded by your closest friends and family and leave the details to us. Palm Springs has ideal wedding weather and the Riviera Palm Springs is the perfect backdrop, offering luxurious and contemporary indoor and outdoor weddings.
OurGayApp.com
GLPages.com
Proudly Representing the LGBT Community and Everyone for Equal Justice for Over 30 Years
• Adoptions • Child Visitation • Divorce • Litigation • Restraining Order
• Asset Divisions • Child Custody/Support • Alternative Dispute Resolution • Dissolutions • Domestic Partnerships • Real Property Divisions • Pre/Post Nuptial Agreements • Estate Planning • Mediation/Negotiation • Wills & Trusts
Equality and justice using our laws and court systems demands representation by an experienced legal representative who knows the law, understands the application of the law, and that is capable of overcoming legal inequities that sometimes exist for Community members. Using my legal experience, knowledge of the court system and dedication to justice for all, I lead my clients through family law litigation, negotiation, and collaborative agreements. In addition my office provides mediation and alternative dispute resolution, custody advice, and other valuable services to address client’s individual legal needs.
Los Angeles, Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties
(323) 680-0210 • (805) 643-1671 • (805) 660-8066 Vivian Lee Arber M.S./M.P.S. • Alternative Dispute Resolution • (805) 746-4586 www.DivorceCalif.com
B.G Loan & Jewelry ..................................13 years Cal Pet Crematory .................................... 13 Years Ed’s Coffee Shop .......................................13 years Eurosport German Auto Performance ...13 years Greg Cash Tax Plus ................................... 13 Years Hollywood Cat & Dog Hospital ............... 13 Years Hollywood Divers .................................... 13 Years Jeffrey Greathouse Attorney ................... 13 Years Sea View Optometric ............................... 13 Years Signal Hill Pet Hospital ............................ 13 Years Twenty Four 7 Cleaning ........................... 13 Years Canyon Interiors ...................................... 12 Years Cox Paints ................................................. 12 Years Done Right Discount Flooring ................ 12 Years Emil’s Hardware ....................................... 12 Years Gregory Cason Psychologist ................... 12 Years JR Hardware Sash & Door ........................ 12 Years KFK Jewelers ............................................. 12 Years Marc Berton Insurance ............................ 12 Years North Hollywood Hardware .................... 12 Years Paragon Cleaners ..................................... 12 Years Rush Hour Jewelery .................................. 12 Years Stuart Garrison Attorney .........................12 Years The Mail Box ............................................. 12 Years Venice Beach Suites ................................. 12 Years Abe’s Garage Door ................................... 11 Years Alcid Hair Design ..................................... 11 Years Animal Dermatology ............................... 11 Years Barak Chiropratic ..................................... 11 Years Dana Bruce Attorney ............................... 11 Years Elliott Salter Pawnshop ........................... 11 Years Jaguar Car Service ................................... 11 Years Japanese Auto Center .............................. 11 Years Larry’s Custom Furniture ......................... 11 Years Max Muscle of Long Beach ...................... 11 Years New England Divers ................................. 11 Years Santa Monica Yoga ................................... 11 Years
Say “I do” in your style. 1600 North Indian Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.8311 rivierapalmsprings.com
Plug and go without worries till your next trip
NOBODY TAKES CARE OF YOU LIKE STATE FARM®.
Open 7 Days a Week
JULY
At State Farm® you get a competitive rate and an agent dedicated to helping you get the coverage that’s right for you and the discounts you deserve. I’d love to take care of you too. Call me today.
Client Testimony - “It may sound dramatic but I owe my legal motherhood to David Moore. During a tenuous legal time, I began working with him in 2005. His attentiveness to my queer identity, my relationship with my daughter and family dynamics assured me in a way for which I will be forever grateful.” Frankie Travis “non-bio” mother
Se habla español
State Farm, Bloomington, IL
Palm Springs Airport Individually Alarmed Units 24 Hour Video Surveillance Gated On-Site Security Environmentally Controlled Wine Storage Air Conditioned Units Same Staff for Past 12 Years Best Gate Hours in Town 6am - 10 pm Open 7 days a Weeks
Law Office of David Lee Moore
Spectrum Quality Paint Woodkote
Kelly-Moore Paint
• Wrongful Termination • Employment Discrimination/Harassment • Workers’ Compensation • Sexual Harassment • Work Place Civil Rights Issues • Serious Personal Injury Please e-mail your concerns or questions at: shg@shgesq.com
12 Months Same as Cash!
As Low As
Proudly Serving Our Community Since 1982 ‘Sustaining Donor’ LA LGBT Center
Pratt & Lambert Purdy
Farrow & Ball Fine Paints of Europe Frescatti Modern Masters
Over 30 Years of Dedicated Trial Experience on Your Side
Civil Trial Practice
CALL ME TODAY.
• Auto • Business • Life • Homeowners
Featuring These Fine Paint Products: Benjamin Moore Donald Kaufman Color
Law Offices of
Stuart H. Garrison
Queen Mattress Starting at
0907504
AIDS
310.838.2284 Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30 - 5:30 Saturday 7:00 - 4:30
www.coxpaint.com
Same Sex
Santa Monica
DR. PAUL GIRGIS, D.V.M.
(323) 469-3000 www.HollywoodCatDog.com
LOS ANGELES
Cox Paint - Culver City 11153 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 (1/2 Block East of Sepulveda)
310.393.7208 Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30 - 5:30 Saturday 7:00 - 5:00
Family $199 is why we do it all.
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®
Sunset
E
Sycamore
Detroit
FULL BOARDING FACILITIES • LOW COST VACCINATIONS ON WED. & SAT. • SPAY • NEUTER BATHING • ULTRASOUND • MICRO CHIPPING • LASER THERAPY • X-RAY • SURGERY • DENTAL IN-HOME EUTHANASIA • HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL Come See Our Newly Remodeled Hospital!
Call For Doctor’s Hours
Cox Paint - Santa Monica 1130 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Corner of 12th St.)
CERTIFIED SERVICE & REPAIR
Like Us on Facebook for Upcoming Sales and Special Offers
ONE ON ONE SPECIALIZED CARE
FULL SERVICE VETERINARY CLINIC
Office Hours: Mon-Sat: 8am – 6pm Sun: Closed
Specialist in Custom Blended Colors Two Convenient Westside Locations:
818.843.4400
MON-FRI 8AM-5:30PM • SAT 8AM-5PM • SUN 9AM-1PM
Highland
he Coachella Valley continues to grow as a cannabis destination—and no city is more prepared to reap the benefits than Desert Hot Springs. The city has experienced an often-turbulent history, but when it comes to cannabis, it’s been the little city that could, because of its proactiveness and foresight in realizing the potential it has, because of what it has—land, and lots of it, as well as a natural mineral aquifer. Given that the state of Colorado just announced it had brought in $1 billion in revenue since marijuana legalization there in 2014, the potential for tax revenues is huge. Most people in the Coachella Valley rarely go into DHS, given its reputation and its location on the opposite side of Interstate 10. In its heyday of the 1960s and 1970s, Desert Hot Springs was large-scale cultivation and dispensary sites. known for its restaurants and mineral spas; Eighteen are in the process of construction people came from around the world to enjoy permitting; 12 are under construction; 21 are the waters. However, in the 1990s, the city operational and producing tax revenue. These began to morph from a retirement community locations range in size from 2,000 square feet into a city of commuting working-class to more than 1 million square feet. people—making the city less than attractive “In the next two years, we have 51 projects economically. we expect to be producing and have seen $1 Desert Hot Springs’ mayor, Scott Matas, million in cannabis construction in the last was born and raised in the city and has seen year,” Matas said. “By 2021, we expect to see it change dramatically during his lifetime. The $3 million in tax revenue, and by 2025, we city has filed for bankruptcy—and almost expect to see $5 to $6 million coming from did a second time; those financial challenges these 51 operating locations within the city.” motivated DHS to take part in the formation One of the largest—and most fascinating— of cannabis-cultivation policy for the state proposed projects is Tyson Ranch. The of California. The city at one point not long massive resort is slated to include glamping ago had literally $400 in the bank, and more (glamorous camping), the world’s largest lazy than 70 percent of the city’s voters decided river, a high-end hotel, a large event facility to approve dispensaries and large-scale for conventions, a “university” dedicated to cultivation facilities. education about cannabis cultivation, and The city’s first cultivation facility was sports stadiums. It’s slated to be built over the Canndescent; when it opened three years next decade, and plans for the glamping facility ago, it was the first in Southern California. should be soon submitted to the city—with a Since then, the cannabis landscape has grown groundbreaking following not long after. dramatically: There are currently 78 approved
N. La Brea
T
Desert Hot Springs is poised to reap the benefits of being a haven for marijuana businesses
2018
$75 - 4 Wheel Alignments $50 - 2 Wheel Alignments (Most cars) Car - Truck - Boat - RV
Auto Fire Business Life • Health
Kristin Brinkema Agent
$26.75 + Cert. 3449 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. • Signal Hill, CA 90755
Toll Free 877-226-2668 Fax 562-597-0249
www.signalhillpethospital.com
850 Colorado Blvd, Suite 204 Eagle Rock, CA 90041-1733
Ragi Boctor, D.V.M. Mirette Attalla, D.V.M.
323-256-2251
Complete Service Hospital & Boarding Facility General Medicine • Internal Medicine • Orthopedic Surgery General Surgery • Laser Surgery • Dentistry • Radiology • Ultrasound
Fax 323-256-6339
www.kbrinkema.com kristin.brinkema.c8o8@statefarm.com
• Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic on Wednesdays • Low Cost Vaccinations Every Day Extended Hours for Easier Drop Off/Pick Up Mon-Fri. 7am-7pm • Sat. 7am-4pm • Sun. 9am-4pm
Most Cars from 1996 to Today Not valid with other offers.
Coupon Required $30 off regular price. Most cars & light trucks
$50 OFF Not valid with other offers. Coupon Required
$50 off regular price. Most cars & light trucks
$40 OFF
$50 OFF
Transmission Service
Brake Service
Not valid with other offers. Coupon Required
Not valid with other offers. Coupon Required
$40 off regular price. Most cars & light trucks
$50 off regular price. Most cars & light trucks
$24.95
FREE Inspections
AC Service & Inspection
• FREE Tire Inspection • FREE Belt & Hose Inspection • FREE All Fluid Inspection • FREE Brake Inspection • FREE Estimates on Repair Jobs • FREE Filter Inspection • FREE Body Work Estimates
OIL CHANGE SPECIAL
• Oil Drain & Fill • Perform Multipoint Inspection • Including Filter & 5 Quarts Oil • $5 Extra for Each Additional Quart • Syntetic Extra • On most cars
(323) 462-8383 • (323) 462-2764 1787 North Highland Ave. Hollywood, CA 90028
www.FSARepair.com
Support Those Who Support Our Rights!!
2017-2018 www.GLPages.com
SERVING THE LESBIAN, GAY, BI-SEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY
13th Edition
Facebook.com/GayYellowBook Twitter.com/GayYellowPages YouTube.com/GayYellowBook
CVIndependent.com
30 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
OPINION SAVAGE LOVE
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION
I WANT GOOD SEX! BY DAN SAVAGE
I
’m a straight cis woman in my early 40s and a single mother. I have not dated or hooked up with anyone in years. While I miss dating, the biggest issue right now is that my sex drive is off the charts. While watching porn and masturbating once my child goes to sleep helps, I really want to get well and truly fucked by a guy who knows what he’s doing. I could likely go to a bar or on Tinder and find a man for a one-night stand, but I’m hesitant to do that. To add to my complicated backstory, I have a history of childhood sexual abuse and have had only two partners in my whole life, one of whom was abusive. My past sexual forays have not been particularly satisfying, in part due to my lack of experience and comfort indicating what I do/do not like, as well as some dissociation during the actual act. I keep especially in the United States, where thinking it would be easier to find a sex worker to advertising on the web is far more difficult.” “scratch the itch,” as presumably, a male sex worker SESTA/FOSTA—the “Stop Enabling Sex would be more open, sex-positive and skilled. But Traffickers Act/Fight Online Sex Trafficking I have no idea how I might go about it or what the Act”—is a 2018 law that was crafted, backers procedure or etiquette is, and I am fearful that I said (backers lied), to fight sex trafficking. It could get arrested, given the illegality of soliciting in made it a crime for web platforms to knowingly my conservative Southern state. Getting in trouble or unknowingly allow someone to post a could have devastating effects on my life, and I sex ad. The law is so vague that platforms would definitely lose my job. I am trying to weigh like Craigslist, Tumblr and Facebook purged the pros and cons, but I feel out of my depth. Any sexually explicit content in an effort to prevent advice for a gal who wants to get fucked but is not sex workers from basically being online at sure how to make that happen in a safe-ish space? all. SESTA/FOSTA’s backers claim they want to protect women—and only women—but Single Mom Absolutely Stupid Horny in reality, pushing sex workers out of online spaces (where they could more effectively “In the recent past, the answer would have been screen clients, share safety tips with each other ‘Google,’” said John Oh, a Sydney-based male and organize politically) made sex work more sex worker for women. “But in a post-SESTA/ dangerous, not less, and has led to more sex FOSTA world, that route is now unreliable— trafficking, not less.
We’re Doing Business with PRIDE in the Coachella Valley. Our 250 members support equality – and they support you! See what our members have to offer at desertbusiness.org CVIndependent.com
Affiliate Chamber
I am a single mom who wants sex with a man who knows what he’s doing; is a sex worker an option? But one platform—one pilloried but still popular platform—is bucking the anti-sexworker/anti-sexually-explicit-content trend. “Twitter is still a (mostly) safe place for sex workers, and I have not heard of law enforcement using it to entrap potential clients,” said John. “So I believe that it is a reasonably safe place to anonymously research male sex workers. Many of us advertise there.” Since no one knows how long Twitter will allow sex workers to use its platform, you might want to get started on that search now, SMASH. And while sex work is work, and it’s work many people freely choose to do, not everyone is good at their job. Since your experiences with unpaid sex weren’t that great, I asked John for some tips on increasing your odds of finding a skilled male sex worker. “Sadly, in places where sex work is criminalized, it’s harder to find a suitable male sex worker,” said John, “especially for someone who needs extra special care due to trauma. I expect that for SMASH, traveling to a place where sex work is not criminalized would not be practical, but that might be an option for others.” If traveling to Australia, where John lives and where he’s been doing sex work for nine years (legally, as sex work is decriminalized in his state of New South Wales, and legalized in much of the rest of Australia), is unrealistic, John suggests chatting with sex workers in your area—but not, at least at first, the male ones. “Her best option may be to talk to female sex workers on Twitter and ask them for a recommendation,” said John. You can find John Oh on Twitter @ JohnOhOfSydney.
feel for who’s likely to react positively and who’s not (and a few canceled gym memberships along the way to show for it). And I’d say $20 would be fair. It’s not the full cost of replacing the shoes—he’s a shoe perv, not a fin sub—but it’s enough to be worth your while, and it reflects the value of your old shoes. Not on the open market, but to him. A straight couple I know that “dabbles” in kink recently visited a famous leather/fetish/bondage store with deep ties to San Francisco’s gay community. (Mr. S Leather, not that it’s important.) They purchased some simple bondage implements that they could just have easily ordered online from any number of stores that aren’t institutions in the gay BDSM subculture. I don’t think straight people should be barging into spaces that aren’t theirs to purchase items that were not created for them. I am not gay myself, but I try to be a good ally, and part of being a good ally is holding other straight people accountable. Respect Queer Space
Smelling Nikes Entertains A Kinky Senior
You’ve got to be kidding me with this shit, RQS. Donald Trump banned trans people from the military; the Trump administration has made it legal for doctors and EMTs to refuse to treat queer people; they’re allowing federally funded adoption agencies to discriminate against same-sex couples; and they just shut down promising research into a cure for HIV (much to the delight of religious conservatives, who have always and still want us dead). And heaping insult on injury, RQS, Donald Fucking Trump “celebrated” Pride Month with a tweet—and you’re not only worried about a straight couple buying a little gear in a gay leather/fetish/ bondage shop, but you’re coming to me with this shit expecting praise? If a couple of straight people wandering into a gay-owned business that’s legally obligated not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation—a law that protects queer people, too—is what you’re wasting your time on right now, RQS, with everything that’s going on, you’re a shit ally and a worse human being. Just to make sure it was OK with Mr. S, I shared your letter with general manager Jonathan Schroder, who said: “We are owned by gay men and very explicitly market to gay men. But everyone is welcome here. We’re happy there are straight people who feel comfortable shopping here.”
It was definitely a risky ask, SNEAKS, but you’re probably not the first guy he’s approached. I imagine he has a hard-earned
Read Savage Love every Wednesday at CVIndependent.com; mail@savagelove.net; @ fakedansavage on Twitter; ITMFA.org.
An older guy at my gym tentatively inquired if he could ask me an “inappropriate question.” I told him he could. I’m straight; he’s pretty obviously gay; and I figured he was going to hit on me. Then he said the question was “sexual in nature” and asked if I was sure it was OK. I said yes. He asked if he could buy the shoes I wear to the gym once they’re worn out. I know why someone would want my old shoes— he’s obviously masturbating with them—and that’s fine; everyone’s got their weird thing (myself included). Two quick questions: Isn’t what he did risky? (I could easily see some other guy reacting badly.) And how much should I charge?
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 31
JULY 2019
OPINION COMICS & JONESIN’ CROSSWORD
“It’s the Big One”—a sizeable pair. By Matt Jones
Pulled Pork and Cinnamon Roll Days (not at the same time, ew) Across 43 Thank U, ___ (Grande 1 What “x” may mean album) 6 Web presence? 45 Office note 10 Hunk of granite 46 Reason to use 14 “___ It Goes” sunscreen 15 “Mighty Bruins” is their 48 Perks (up) fight song 50 Network that revived 16 Lake Titicaca neighbor the CBS show Press 17 Meals provided at Your Luck meetings, sometimes 51 Salad that traditionally 19 Z, on some graphs has anchovies 20 The Lord of the Rings 53 French automaker that actress Tyler turned 100 in March 21 Comprehended 57 Alex’s Jeopardy! 23 Allowed predecessor 24 Touches down 58 Ingredient in some 26 Interstellar dust cloud margaritas 28 2004 Google event, 61 Voting “aye” briefly 62 Bit of dust 29 Casablanca star 64 Magnifying glass 31 Tagliatelle, e.g. component 34 Hawaii’s “Gathering 66 One with a laptop Place” 67 Additive in some 35 Current measurements tissues 38 All Things Considered 68 Blunt host Shapiro 69 It comes twice after 39 Oversized candy that “Que” in a song includes paraffin 70 “Monstrous” loch 42 Mo. with National 71 Theater capacity
Down 1 Small Indian hand drum 2 How doughnuts are often prepared 3 Year that Mary Tudor was born, in Roman numerals 4 Adult ed. course 5 Left-hander 6 Penguin projectiles? 7 Have a hankering 8 Remote valley 9 Relaxing 10 Massage place 11 Comic book villain introduced in 1940 12 Flounder’s friend 13 “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check” rapper Rhymes 18 Treaty that turns 70 in 2019 22 “Big Read” gp. 25 “Vamoose, varmint!” 27 Frat guy, probably 29 Soothing ointments 30 Cedar Point’s location 31 Frying need 32 “What ___ you thinking?” 33 Like none of the words in this clue, uncharacteristically
34 Beasts of burden 36 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road label 37 Animal Farm setting 40 Cheese in a wrapper 41 Underlying themes 44 “Whether ___ nobler in the mind ...” 47 DVD player predecessor 49 Batman Forever actor Kilmer 50 Senator’s assistant 51 L’Etranger novelist 52 Got up 53 Some areas in The Legend of Zelda 54 Nixon in China, for one 55 Dadaist painter Max 56 Mr. Potato Head parts 59 Underground burrower 60 Space chimp of 1961 63 Major time period 65 Go Set a Watchman author © 2019 Matt Jones Find the answers in the “About” section of CVIndependent.com!
CVIndependent.com
32 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
JULY 2019
Deals available ONLY in the Independent Market in July
Get a $25 gift card to Lulu California Bistro for 25 percent off!
Get a $25 certificate to Broken Yolk for $12.50—a savings of 50 percent!
Get a $25 gift Get a $25 gift card to Moxie Palm certificate to Shabu Shabu Zen Springs for $12.50— a savings of for $12.50—a savings 50 percent! of 50 percent!
Get a $25 gift card to Acqua California Bistro for 25 percent off!
Get a $25 gift card to Fresh Juice Bar for $15—a savings of 40 percent!
Deals available only at CVIndependent.com. Limited quantities. Look for more deals to be added during the month! Want your business in the Independent Market? Call 760-904-4208, or email jimmy@cvindependent.com.
CVIndependent.com
PALM SPRINGS RESTAURANT. BAR. NIGHTCLUB.
Get a $20 gift certificate to the Village Pub for 50 percent off!
Get a $40 gift certificate to Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill for $20, or a $20 gift certificate for $10—a savings of 50 percent!
Get a $25 gift certificate to Brickworks Bistro for 25 percent off!
Get a $40 gift certificate to Johannes for $20, or a $20 gift certificate for $10—a savings of 50 percent!
Get a $25 gift certificate to Eight4Nine for 25 percent off!