Coachella Valley Independent May 2018

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT | MAY 2018

VOL. 6 | NO. 5

E U L C O N E V A H E L P O E P G ‘YOUN HIS THAT T IS HOWED’ WE LIV

CLEVE JONES, being h onored

at Harvey Milk Di the ver Breakfa st, look sity s back on a lif e of act ivism — and exp resses co about t he futu ncern re.

By Bria n

PAGE 1 3

Bluesk ye

2 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

TRAIN

JUANES

LEWIS BLACK

MAY 5

MAY 13

MAY 11

JUL 7 JUL 13 JUL 21 AUG 18 AUG 31

VIP MEET & GREET RAY “BOOM BOOM” MANCINI

MAY 26

MAY 19

JUN 29

MAY 17

CAFÉ TACVBA

EARTH, WIND & FIRE

JUN 23

LIVE BOXING

PANDORA & YURI LITTLE BIG TOWN MICHAEL MCDONALD COUNTING CROWS PITBULL ROGER DALTREY PETER FRAMPTON

TOM JONES MAY 25

BILLY IDOL

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED JUN 16

MAY 27

FREE LIVE TRIBUTE BAND 7:30PM - MIDNIGHT

800.827.2946

ALWAYS LIVE, ALWAYS FREE, ALWAYS OUTDOORS ■

www.FantasySpringsResort.com

MUST BE 18 TO ROCK

Exit I-10 at Golf Center Parkway Must be 21 to play in casino. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino reserves the right to modify or cancel any promotion at any time.

CVIndependent.com FANT-50478 CVI FullPg May18.indd

1

4/18/18 10:58 AM

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 3

MAY 2018

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 Assistant Editor Brian Blueskye Advertising sales Robyn Tanzer coveR and feature design Mark Duebner Design Contributors Stephen Berger, Max Cannon, Kevin Carlow, Charles Drabkin, Katie Finn, Kevin Fitzgerald, Bill Frost, Bonnie Gilgallon, Bob Grimm, Michael Grimm, Dwight Hendricks, Valerie-Jean (VJ) Hume, Brane Jevric, Keith Knight, Brett Newton, Dan Perkins, Guillermo Prieto, Laurel Rosenhall, Anita Rufus, Jen Sorenson, Robert Victor, Baynard Woods The Coachella Valley Independent print edition is published every month.

All content is ©2018 and may not be published or reprinted in any form without the written permission of the publisher.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 $1 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.

The last month has been crazy for those of us here at the Coachella Valley Independent.

Brian Blueskye has been busy dealing with all the musical craziness April brings to the valley—including those really big festivals out in Indio that you may have heard of. He also talked to activist and organizer Cleve Jones for this month’s great cover story, which I encourage you to read on Page 13.

Meanwhile, as my injured arm has healed (trust me, folks—dislocating one’s elbow is not very fun), I’ve been busy with my usual newspaper duties. I also took a trip to San Francisco to see Jamiroquai, one of my all-time-favorite bands (that’s one thing crossed off the ol’ bucket list!), and I joined some of my fellow alternativenewspaper publishers at an all-expenses-paid conference in Whistler, British Columbia, put on by a company called Maven.

I have been in the journalism business for more than two decades, and I can assure you that publishers aren’t often offered allexpenses-paid, no-strings-attached trips to luxury hotels at five-star resorts. OK, it never happens. That’s why my dozen or so alternative-newspaper colleagues and I were baffled by the whole thing as we gathered— with another 300 or so conference-goers—in Whistler on April 11.

Over the next two days, we learned a little more about Maven. From the Maven website, themaven.net: “Maven is a coalition of mavens operating on a shared digital publishing, advertising and distribution platform, unified under a single media brand. … Dozens of award-winning journalists, best-selling authors, top analysts, important causes and foundations are bringing their organizations to Maven’s coalition of elite content channels.”

It turns out co-founder James Heckman (a veteran of Yahoo!, Fox Interactive Media, Scout and Rivals.com) and his team want to unite as many independent publishers as possible— content providers who have been burned by Facebook and Google’s ever-changing policies and algorithms—under one figurative roof.

While the Maven coalition members maintain their brand, identity and ownership (at least I think they do), they share technology and distribution, and become part of one large entity that, in theory, will be attractive to national advertisers. Heckman told us that he doesn’t think small, independent publishers can survive in the online world on their own. Hmm. Maven claims 90 million monthly unique users as of now, and wants to at least double that.

So … where do the Independent and other alternative-newspaper publishers fit into all of this? I honestly don’t know. I do know we have a lot of questions, and we’re working on getting answers.

Regardless … you can count on the Independent being around for a good, long while—as long as you and our other fantastic readers, advertisers and supporters continue to read, advertise and support us.

Welcome to the May 2018 print edition of the Coachella Valley Independent. Thanks for reading, and don’t hesitate to email me if you have comments or questions.

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

CVIndependent.com

MAY 2018

JUNE 1, 2018

SUPPORTING DESERT AIDS PROJECT

4 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

YES SHE CANNE! ETHYLINA CANNE HOSTS THE 5TH ANNUAL

QUEEN OF THE DESERT TICKETS AT DESERTAIDSPROJECT.ORG/EVENTS

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 5

MAY 2018

OPINION OPINION

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS I

BY ANITA RUFUS

’m starting a new streaming-radio gig on iHub Radio (ihubradio.com), That’s Life, after 10 years of doing a call-in talk-show about politics (which I’ll still be doing on iHub as well). That’s Life will be an hour-long show airing weekdays that explores the things that make us all able to relate to each other—subjects like, “Did you ever see your father cry?” or, “What’s the worst job you ever had?”

Well, that covers two shows during my first week. I admit that I’ve struggled to come up with ideas that span all cultures and ages, and will lead to an entertaining daily show.

This brings us to the amazing group of seniors who attend the weekly You Don’t Have to Be Hemingway writing club; I have written about them before. The group recently held its sixth twicea-year “recital,” led by creative director Helen Klein, whose idea it was to start this group. Other participants were residents Phyllis Tucker, mistakes along the way. She recognized the introduced by Helen as the queen of Las Serenas, beauty in all of life, and love, and asked, “Who the Palm Desert residential complex where the would want to live without it?” group meets; Jean Ashworth, once with NASA; She also expressed her humorous side with Karyn Marmo, whom Helen describes simply “Rudolph’s Resignation Letter,” about the redas “very funny”; multilingual Rosie Nathan; and nosed icon deciding to take a position with Janet Arnot, “grandma deluxe and aerospace another herd. aficionado.”

Helen Klein wrote “Vertically Challenged,” Although they are not professional authors, about her own efforts to transcend being an these women produce stories, memoirs and ever-shrinking short woman. “Everyone is taller poetry that are touching, revealing, humorous than me,” she lamented, “but I think about and enlightening. Most of the writing is done in the list of ‘shorties’ including Harriet Tubman response to “prompts” that Helen proposes— (civil rights pioneer), Charlotte Bronte (of topics like, “What is your best memory?”; “What the famous literary family), Clara Barton (the do you wish you had known when you were nurse who started the American Red Cross), younger?”; “Do you remember something you and John Hancock (a leading patriot during the gave away that you wish you had kept?”; and American Revolution and the first governor of “Imagine three figurines, a bowl, and a lace doily, Massachusetts).” Good company to be in. She then write a story about it.” completed her story with, “Now if I could only You know … prompts that are rather similar to find something to wear!” the topics that will be covered on my radio show.

Jean Ashworth has recollections of a simpler One of the most touching readings was by life growing up in rural Canada in “And They Phyllis Tucker, “Basking in Beauty,” about the Call It Progress.” Jean considered what her beauty of the innocence of a child bringing grandparents might think of how life has the promise of a better tomorrow; the beauty changed. “I don’t think after having seven of friendship and being part of the older children that my grandmother would have generation; and what is learned from making thought much of Viagra!”

Rosie Nathan wrote about “A Big Stack of Records” she once found, noting that everything will die one day, but music will live eternally.

Another of her stories was “Surprise, Surprise,” about a man suffering color-blindness who finds sunglasses with “magic lenses” and cries with pure joy when he finds himself in a technicolor wonderland.

Karyn Marmo penned a three-part account of “Passing the Baton,” involving a dog for which “Everyone is taller than me, but I think about the she was baby-sitting … and her husband’s efforts list of ‘shorties’ including Harriet Tubman (civil to buy the dog. “I didn’t want another dog. It rights pioneer, pictured), Charlotte Bronte (of the famous literary family), Clara Barton (the nurse looked like a small sheep with no hair. At the who started the American Red Cross), and John vet, it took a split second for the dog to need to Hancock,” wrote You Don’t Have to Be Hemingway member Helen Klein, in “Vertically Challenged.” be muzzled, looking like a miniature Hannibal

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION

A seniors’ writing club inspires ideas for Anita’s brand-new Internet radio show

Lecter.” By part three, “The little dog I swear I didn’t want is now the little dog I love.”

Janet Arnot’s contributions included “It’s the Pits,” recounting the time the gorgeous love of her life had just proposed … to her sister.

“There he is,” she recounted. “I want to be swept up by him, the man of my dreams. I look across the room and see them holding hands and then he gets down on one knee. This isn’t how I pictured it.”

Helen closed the recital with “Say What?”

“I consider myself a pretty nice person, a good-natured, even-tempered individual, but sometimes I get really pissed off! I may be in my 90s, but I certainly have all my faculties.” She then proceeded to rap!

These women—with their imaginations, energy and talent—are inspirations to me, especially now that I need a broad, all-

encompassing subject five days a week. Some questions I’ve come up with so far came straight from “Hemingway” prompts: “Who have you always wished you looked like?”

“What was your first time away from home, and how did you handle it?”

“What’s the most disturbing call you’ve ever received?”

“What was it like where you grew up?”

“What’s your favorite memory?”

I have my own story for every question. If you do as well, call me when I’m on the air at iHub Radio, and let’s talk.

Anita Rufus is also known as “The Lovable Liberal” Email her at Anita@LovableLiberal.com. Know Your Neighbors appears every other Wednesday at CVIndependent.com.

Life Is Not

Perfect But Your

Hair Can Be. Country Club and Cook Palm Desert 760-340-5959 jasondavidhairstudio.net

CVIndependent.com

6 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

NEWS SELECTING OUR SUPERVISOR O

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

V. Manuel Perez and Jan Harnik compete for the Riverside County District 4 seat—with the top vote-getter on June 5 winning outright

By evin fitzgerald

n May 9, 2017, Gov. Jerry Brown appointed former state assemblymember V. Manuel Perez to serve the remainder of the term of the late John Benoit, the Riverside County District 4 supervisor.

On June 5, Perez will attempt to hold on to the seat, but he’s facing a formidable challenge from Palm Desert City Councilmember Jan Harnik. While June 5 is considered the primary election, these two experienced Coachella Valley politicos will get no primary testing ground— because in their two-person race, one of them will almost certainly get a majority of the vote, avoiding a general-election contest and getting elected to a new four-year term.

“I think it’s important that people realize the magnitude of what this (campaign) means for the 4th District and for the county of Riverside as a whole,” Perez said during a recent phone interview. “This is the first time in years that we will see an (almost) new Board of Supervisors, and (it could be) a very diverse group, which I think is important to recognize.

“I am running because I’ve always felt a deep sense of responsibility to public service, and that dates back to me growing up as a kid on the east side of the Coachella Valley. But I’m also running because I believe that we need to have a voice that unites both sides of the valley. I believe I can do that.”

Perez is a Democrat, while Harnik is a Republican—but the supervisors’ seat is considered nonpartisan.

“I’m fortunate that I’ve always worked in nonpartisan positions,” Harnik said during a recent phone interview. “So my job has always been to do what’s best and to approach issues with logic and common sense—and, in fact, what is attractive to me in the supervisor position is exactly that. It’s nonpartisan, but, yes, I will carry my values. Yes, I am fiscally conservative, and I don’t believe in spending more than you have. But I don’t have to listen to somebody at the party and at a higher level telling me what is best.”

We asked each candidate about the most pressing issues they’d like to address.

“We have to make sure that we provide public safety in an effective manner,” Harnik said. “That’s the high-quality public safety that, I think, people deserve—but I think we have to get the budget in order before we can do much. The budget is $5.5 billion, and the revenue for that budget is $5.22 billion.

Running in the red is unsustainable, and doing things like voting to spend $40 million on an outside consulting firm (KPMG, in this case) to find efficiencies and see how the county can spend their money better is a bad idea. Bringing in outside agencies to do those kinds of things are simply done now when people don’t want to make the tough CVIndependent.com

decisions. … I will not shy away from tough decisions.”

Perez identified a host of critical concerns held by various segments of the county’s voters.

“I think the top issues to deal with are homelessness and behavioral-health efforts; continuing to support our veterans; and obviously, our economy and jobs are a major concern, as well as quality-of-life issues such as the Salton Sea, air pollution and asthma rates, infrastructure including sidewalks, and safe routes to schools,” Perez said.

Perez touted his governing experience and skills.

“What I think sets me apart from my opponent is not only do I have the education—having attended local schools, being a (University of California at Riverside) graduate, and then going off to Harvard University and coming back home—but I also have experience in policymaking, (on the) local city council, school board, and especially at the state level,” Perez said. “I learned how to connect the dots. I’m able to pick up the phone and call the speaker (of the California State Assembly) on a specific issue, and I’m able to text (Assemblymember) Eduardo Garcia or (U.S. Representative) Dr. Raul Ruiz and ask them how are we going to deliver a message to pass the Desert Healthcare District expansion so that we can get it in front of the voters. I think my opponent can’t compare to that—not that I’m better than her, but I’ve been very fortunate to hold these positions in my career.”

Both candidates have amassed considerable campaign chests. As of Dec. 31, Perez reported roughly $552,000 in donations, while Harnik showed close to $400,000, which included a $20,000 posthumous donation made by the John Benoit campaign fund. When we spoke with Perez in April, he updated his fundraising total to roughly $730,000.

“We knew early on that this was going to be a very expensive campaign,” Perez said.

Left: Jan Harnik. Right: V. Manuel Perez.

We asked both candidates whether it was appropriate that they were receiving funds from donors who list their addresses as being not just outside of Riverside County— but completely out of state. The year-end reports showed nearly 3 percent of Perez’s contributions came from out of state, as did 5.4 percent of Harnik’s.

“I did notice that she had quite a lot of contributions from throughout the U.S., and it’s perfectly legal, so OK,” Perez said. “If I had access to all those individuals, I would probably be doing the same thing. I will say, though, that Riverside County is a bit antiquated when it comes to the rules around fundraising.”

Harnik said the large number of donors she has is evidence of her appeal.

“I hope you noticed how many donations I have; I have far more donors, because these are real people donating to me,” she said.

“Now, the issue with the geography: Keep in mind that a lot of these people will say, ‘Well, I don’t vote here, so why would I donate to your campaign?’ Quite often, my answer is, ‘Because you own a home here, and you bought here because you like the quality of life here. You may not vote here. You may

vote somewhere else because you’re only here three, four or five months a year, but you want to maintain the quality of life, and you want to protect your investment.’”

We asked the candidates if they had a specific message they wanted to share with voters.

“Never in close to eight years on the City Council have I missed a City Council meeting,” Harnik said. “That’s a great example of my work ethic. I work hard, and I come to every meeting prepared. I believe in this region, and I do believe there are some things that we really have to look at differently than we have. I can do that. I have the energy. I have the work ethic, and I’ll show up.”

Perez said: “I’m very honored to be in this role, and I don’t take it for granted. I know that people really loved former Supervisor John Benoit. I know I have to continue some of his legacy, and I have to create my own. I get that. It may not seem either sexy or specific, but I’m proud of the fact that we’ve been able to pass and carry policy, and keep staff as well as hire new staff to keep the momentum going (while) learning the nuances of the infrastructure at the Riverside County level. It’s a lot of work.”

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 7

MAY 2018

NEWS

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

ASSERTING SOVEREIGNTY The Agua Caliente tribe says it may ignore the

MAKE THE EASY CHOICE

THE #1 CHOICE COMFORT AIR

vacation-rental ban, if passed, on land it owns

T

BY BRANE JEVRIC

he Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians made it perfectly clear to the city of Palm Springs: The tribe strongly objects to Measure C, the ballot initiative that would effectively ban vacation rentals, which will be decided on by Palm Springs voters on June 5.

“The tribe is concerned that this ban is onerous and unnecessary restriction of the use of allotted trust land,” said the letter from Tom Davis, tribe’s chief planning and development officer, hand-delivered to City Manager David Ready. “The complete prohibition of vacation rentals in R1 zones is an extreme action that will likely only serve to drive this activity ‘underground.’”

According to city records, approximately 770 of the 1,986 permitted short-term vacation rentals are on tribal land. As a sovereign nation, the tribe does not need to implement any of Palm Springs’ ordinances when it comes to properties built on its reservation.

After sharing the letter with me, Davis— who started working for the tribe more than a quarter-century ago, when current Chairman Jeff Grubbe was still in high school—agreed to an email interview.

What is the main concern for the tribe regarding the possible ban on short-term rentals in Palm Springs?

The tribe believes that a total ban on shortterm vacation rentals is overly restrictive and, in certain cases, contrary to the principle of highest and best use of allotted trust land.

What are the tribe’s legal options?

Land-use regulation is under the tribe’s sovereign authority. However, allotted trust lands in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage and parts of the county are subject to our land-use agreements with those jurisdictions. These land-use agreements allow for local jurisdictions to regulate land use, and all decisions are appealable to the Tribal Council for final decision.

On a brighter note, the tribe just announced plans for a new downtown Palm Springs cultural center.

The tribe invites the community to its groundbreaking at 9 a.m., Friday, May 11, of its new 5.8-acre cultural center in the heart of downtown Palm Springs that celebrates the Tom Davis, the chief history, culture planning and development and traditions officer of the Agua Caliente of the Agua Band of Cahuilla Indians.

WE'RE #1 FOR A REASON

ASK US

ABOUT OUR 0% FINANCING

Caliente people. … The groundbreaking will be at the corner of Indian Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way, and kicks off a twoyear construction cycle to build a new cultural museum; an Agua Caliente Spa and Bathhouse that celebrates the tribe’s ancient Agua Caliente hot mineral spring; a gathering plaza; gardens; and an Oasis Trail. The project is on target to open in 2020.

Simultaneously, the tribe is making plans for an expansion of the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage. More on that?

The tribal environmental impact report will study the potential environmental impacts of an expansion of the resort that may include expanding the gaming area by up to 58,000 square feet; meeting space by up to 41,000 square feet; the food, beverage and retail space by 25,000 square feet; and the development of up to 310 new hotel rooms in 364,000 square feet of hotel space. About 120,000 square feet of new commercial space is also being considered to the south of the resort. Like any environmental analyses, the tribe’s environmental report will study the maximum development potential and use that information to refine the project.

There are also plans for a new casino in Cathedral City.

The tribe proposes to build a gaming facility and ancillary amenities on land that it owns contiguous to the tribe’s reservation within the city of Cathedral City. … The tribe proposes to develop and operate a gaming facility and ancillary amenities on the project site, which has been previously developed.

The proposed project is planned to be designed and constructed in multiple phases and ultimately consists of the development of a casino, parking, bars, restaurants, retail and mixed-use space, and tribal government office space.

Awarded Best AC Repair Company

By Coachella Valley Independent Up to $1000 Off + Special Financing On A New HVAC System HIGHEST QUALITY EQUIPMENT EXTENSIVE WARRANTIES

BEST PRICE GUARANTEED 24/7 LOCAL SUPPORT

SAVE UP TO

60% ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL*

LENNOX SIGNATURE SERIES SYSTEM

*SAVINGS AND RESULTS MAY VARY

CALL TODAY FOR DETAILS!

760.320.5800 comfortac.com CVIndependent.com

8 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

INJECTABLE SKINCARE SECRETS

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

People have become terribly inpa�ent to see progress with their aesthe�c medical and skincare treatments. Viewers are used to seeing plas�c-surgery reality TV shows reveal a pa�ent’s botched repair results in 60 minutes—when the surgery takes 5-8 hours, and final results take 3-6 months for healing.

Instagram compresses a 30-minute treatment into a 20-second �me-lapse video so o�en that people have come to believe medical providers should be able to undo years of damage in one 60-minute appointment.

To make ma�ers even worse, many pa�ents leave the medical-grade skincare products on the counter of their aesthe�c prac�ce and head to the department makeup counter, believing that a non-medical-grade product will accomplish the same results as a medical product.

What most people don’t know is that our skin does a fantas�c job of keeping almost everything outside of us. To get quick “reality TV” results, you need to inject skincare products beneath your skin. Even hyaluronic acid, which is the basis of most injectable fillers, produces no long-term effect when applied topically.

Injectable Skin Care Secret No. 1: Injec�ng dermal filler under the skin gives skin a wonderful glow that no topical product can ever accomplish on its own. We usually inject dermal filler to reduce wrinkles. When we inject a similar kind of filler under the skin, it changes the outer reflec�vity characteris�cs of our skin and helps it become more radiant and glowing.

Injectable Skin Care Secret No. 2: Radio-frequency treatments s�mulate new collagen and elas�n bonds in the area treated for �ghter and smoother skin.

Injectable Skin Care Secret No. 3: Injectable skin care lasts much longer, and is much more effec�ve than any topical product.

Glowing, radiant skin from injectables is soon to become the new must-have—a luxury everyone can enjoy.

Next month, I’ll share more secrets about how to get the best results and most value for your aesthe�c treatments.

MAY 2018

HARVEY MILK Diversity Breakfast Coachella Valley FRIDAY | MAY 18, 2018 | 9:30-11AM |

The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Coalition invites you to join us for the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast 2018.

Order Tickets Now Online!

Founding Members

BE A PART OF THIS ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY EVENT. WWW.BIT.LY/MILKPS TABLE SALES NOW OPEN TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

CONTACT RON DEHARTE 760.416.8700 or Ron@pspride.org for details & information about sponsorship opportunities.

Honoring

Harvey B. Milk Leadership Award

CLEVE JONES Human rights activist, author, founder of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Harvey B. Milk Legacy Award MANDY CARTER Co-founder of the National Black Justice Coalition and Southerners On New Ground Welcome From Washington D.C.

SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN

Special Performance By GARRETT HOY

Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Boyd & Lisett Haigler Robert Farran

Media Sponsors

Platinum Gold

COACHELLA VALLE Y INDEPENDENT

SEE EVENT DETAILS @ WWW.HARVEYMILK.US

CVIndependent.com

th

Anniversary of the assassination of Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone

PS CONVENTION CENTER

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

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

40

COMMEMORATING

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 9

MAY 2018

NEWS DEMOCRACY IN CRISIS W

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

While the national press drools over Trump gossip, local battles over policing and civil rights go largely unnoticed

By baynard woods

hen reporter April Ryan asked Trump Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders about the failure of authorities in Louisiana to charge the officers who killed Alton Sterling for selling CDs—only days after the police-involved shooting of Stephon Clark in Sacramento—Sanders did the thing that white people have always done to justify killing black people: resort to “local control” or “states’ rights.”

“Certainly a terrible incident, this is something that is a local matter, and that’s something that we feel should be left up to local authorities at this time,” Sanders said.

Maybe another reporter—maybe even a white reporter, because, you know, white reporters can also ask about police killing black people—could have backed her up: “You mean local in the same way that Jefferson Davis did or that George Wallace did?”

But all of the heroes in the White House press corps remained silent. So Ryan asked again. “But how does he feel about that? He was strongly behind police. He supports police as much as America does, but wants to weed out bad policing. What does he say about weeding out bad policing when you continue to see these kinds of situations occurring over and over again?” she asked.

Sanders again invoked a states’ rights argument. “Certainly we want to make sure that all law enforcement is carrying out the letter of the law. The president’s very supportive of law enforcement, but at the same time in these specific cases, in these specific instances, those would be left up to local authorities and (are) not something for the federal government to weigh into,” she said.

If you take that apart, you see that the president supports the cops. And at the same time that he supports them, he doesn’t want to weigh in on anything bad they do.

Which equals: He supports them. It is as unambiguous as a dog whistle can be. And, in fact, his Justice Department, run by Klanloving weed-hater Jeff Sessions, declined to press charges against the officers who killed Sterling back in May. But most of the national press didn’t want to recognize the dog whistle, because to them, Sanders was right. For them, those were “local stories.” And they aren’t interested in local stories.

Neither are their white liberal audiences.

There was a noted sigh of relief when the dominant “woke” hashtag shifted from #BlackLivesMatter, which forced us white people to question our privilege, to #Resistance, which means as long as you aren’t as terrible as Trump, then you are OK. Why, nationally, aren’t we talking in the same way about the Movement for Black Lives

and the disproportionate number of African Americans killed by police? In order to get a sense of this, I called up civil rights activist DeRay Mckesson, who came to prominence for tweeting out the uprising in Ferguson after the killing of Mike Brown by Officer Darren Wilson.

“When I think about how I have changed in the last three or four years—like my lens towards analyzing what’s going on—it is that I now understand better the concrete structures in place that exist to almost guarantee officers don’t be held accountable,” said Mckesson, who now hosts the popular podcast Pod Save the People.

Mckesson said that when he went to Ferguson or protested in Baltimore, he didn’t understand those structures—which are largely local.

“When you look at things like Stephon Clark’s killing … it is unlikely for the officers to be held accountable even if you get a good attorney general (or) you get a good prosecutor. The laws and the court precedents are not on our side. The laws in California are not on our side. The policies and the practices at the local level are not on our side,” he said.

But, especially under the Trump DOJ, Mckesson believes that most change will also happen on that level. “There are 18,000 police departments, and most of the change is local.

So we believe that if we get a fraction of the largest police departments to create structural change, that will actually ripple across the other ones,” he said.

This ripple effect would work because of the “best practices” doctrine that allows a few endowed institutes or think tanks to design policy not only for policing, but for most industries.

“You change some of the big ones, it will hopefully lead to change in some of the other ones, but this is really local,” Mckesson said, both echoing Sanders’ deflection and turning it back on her.

Still, he recognizes that, in a situation like the Gun Trace Task Force trial in Baltimore, where eight cops were charged by the feds with widespread corruption, no one on a local

DeRay Mckesson (left): “I now understand better the concrete structures in place that exist to almost guarantee officers don’t be held accountable.” BAYNARD WOODS

level was equipped to deal with it. “It was surprising; it was like the layers and layers of people and city government that had to know about this and chose to do nothing,” he said.

“There was no mechanism at the city or state level that was there to do anything.”

This is the paradox. The right has, for a long time, seen the fight as local. They have been taking over school boards and other minor positions. But now that Trump is attempting to destroy much of the federal government, the serious work of the left is going to have to turn largely local, while all of the #Resistance pats themselves on the back as they wait for Mueller to save them. Or Stormy Daniels.

Meanwhile, local newsrooms are gutted every day, and the national news is just not interested in the local fights. Because they are obsessed with Trump.

“Donald Trump handles these nitwit

reporters with a new and most disgraceful form of bribery,” the great reporter Jimmy Breslin, who died last year, wrote in 1990.

He saw what was happening. “The scandal in journalism in our time is that ethics have disintegrated to the point where Donald Trump took over news reporters in this city with the art of the return phone call.”

Trump no longer returns the calls. He doesn’t have to. He has Twitter, and we have all become suckers, obsessing over a national soap opera, where the real change—for good and ill—is happening under our noses, in our own towns.

Baynard Woods is a reporter for the Real News Network and the founder of Democracy in Crisis, a project of alternative newspapers across the country. Email: baynard@therealnews.com.

Twitter: @baynardwoods.

CVIndependent.com

10 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

NEWS GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER? C

By laurel rosenhall, calmatters

ops have a lot of pull in the California Capitol, and over the decades, that’s added up to this startling reality: The Golden State now goes further than many states in terms of protecting police from public scrutiny.

It’s a stark contrast to the state’s “left coast” image. But even with a statehouse controlled entirely

by Democrats, California laws are friendlier to law enforcement—and less transparent to the public— than those in Wisconsin and Florida, states with Republican governors and legislatures.

One explanation is that politicians from both parties seek police endorsements to help them sway voters. Polling from last year showed that twothirds of Californians think their local police are doing a good job controlling crime.

Another is that labor unions representing officers donate generously to elect officials at every level of government. Three major statewide law enforcement groups—the Peace Officers Research Association of California, the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association and the California Correctional Peace Officers Association—together poured $5.7 million into California political campaigns in the last election cycle.

As cities across the nation were roiled by police killings in recent years, the Legislature quietly killed proposals to create more police accountability. Now, as California’s capital city responds to the killing of Stephon Clark—the unarmed black man shot on March 18 by Sacramento police, who seemingly mistook the cellphone he held for a gun—some of those failed bills are being re-introduced.

California police shot 162 people dead last year, according to a tally by The Washington Post—which means the state has 16 percent of the nation’s killings by police, but only 12 percent of its population. Activists with the Black Lives Matter movement say legislation now proposed in California is “many years behind” and that Democrats in the Legislature have not been responsive to black communities on police issues.

Police unions see it differently: Reactionary legislators propose unworkable bills, and then law enforcement helps them understand why the bills are bad ideas.

Here are three ways in which California law protects police more than some states do—and one proposed law that would give it the nation’s toughest standard to justify using deadly force.

California keeps police misconduct records secret In most states, the public has at least some access to records that detail misconduct by police officers. Not so in California.

The Golden State is among 23 states that do not make information on the discipline of CVIndependent.com

police officers available through a public-records request—and one of just three states with laws specifically making police personnel records confidential, according to an investigation by New York public radio WNYC. The secrecy—which dates back to a law Gov. Jerry Brown signed in 1978—makes it nearly impossible for Californians to know if the police who patrol their streets have ever been disciplined for excessive use of force.

“Law enforcement is the only public-employee group for which we have no access to the records.

(With) every other employment category, you pretty much have full access under the Public Records Act,” said state Sen. Nancy Skinner, a Berkeley Democrat. “Good policing requires community trust.”

Her Senate Bill 1421 would make officers’ records public in three situations: when they fire a gun or use force resulting in serious injury or death; when they’ve engaged in sexual assault on the job; or when they’ve been dishonest in investigating a crime, such as by filing false reports or concealing evidence.

Similar legislation failed in 2016, facing stiff opposition from law enforcement groups. It’s too soon to say if Skinner’s bill will meet the same fate; while some law-enforcement groups oppose the measure, at least one police group says it’s working to find common ground with her.

“We are trying to find how we can release some information once it’s gone through its administrative process or the courts,” said Brian Marvel, a San Diego officer who is president of the Peace Officers Research Association.

California lets local law enforcement police themselves When police kill, it’s generally up to the local district attorney’s office to determine if it’s a crime. But sometimes they rely on investigations conducted by the cop’s own department, and research has shown that prosecutors rarely file criminal charges against officers involved in on-the-job shootings.

Police say that’s because the vast majority of their shootings are legally justified, done only when officers perceive an imminent threat.

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

California shields police from scrutiny more than most states—but a proposed new law would change that

Critics say it’s because cops and prosecutors, who work together closely and spend money to help each other win elections, are too cozy.

Four other states require that a state agency—instead of local prosecutors—conduct the investigation when police conduct results in death. In California, lawmakers have rejected the idea twice. But Sacramento Democratic Assemblyman Kevin McCarty—spurred on by the recent announcement that Sacramento police asked the state Attorney General to investigate the death of Stephon Clark—plans to re-introduce a bill requiring the state Justice Department to investigate deaths and serious injury caused by police.

Police opposed McCarty’s bill last year, saying people who mistrust local law enforcement are unlikely to have more confidence in state-level authorities. And they challenge the assumption that investigators can’t set aside their personal relationships to conduct a fair inquiry.

California has no power to revoke a cop’s certification State law says that anyone convicted of a felony cannot serve in law enforcement. Beyond that, though, California’s system for getting rid of bad cops is highly decentralized. The state has more than 600 law-enforcement agencies, and each one can decide if—short of a felony conviction— an officer’s misconduct is a firing offense.

It’s the opposite of how most of the country regulates police, according to research by Roger Goldman, a retired professor at the Saint Louis University School of Law. He said that 45 states have a centralized system for revoking an officer’s professional certification—and most of them do it for less than a felony conviction.

It wasn’t always like this. California used to allow its law-enforcement regulatory agency— known as the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training—to yank a cop’s certification. But in 2003, police unions lobbied the Legislature to take away that power, and Gov. Gray Davis signed the bill.

Though Goldman contends that the lack of such a system makes it easier for bad cops in California to bounce from one department to another, state officials disagree. They argue that police departments here can do a background check on anyone they’re considering hiring and find out if they’ve been fired for misconduct.

“Just because California doesn’t have a process, per se, like other states (to) rescind or cancel a certificate or license, (that) doesn’t mean California takes that lightly,” said Dave Althausen, spokesman for the state regulatory

Protesters upset about the shooting of Stephon Clark rally outside of the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. BYRONDA LYONS/calmatters

agency.

It has a database that tracks every sworn officer in the state, he said, including when they were hired by a department and under what circumstances they left. But, Althausen acknowledged, there’s no requirement that agencies check the database when hiring.

And yet: California is now considering the nation’s toughest standards for use of deadly force In 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police use of force is justified whenever a “reasonable officer” in the same circumstance would do the same, setting the legal standard now used in every state. It’s one reason so few cops are convicted of crimes when they kill—jurors must consider whether a reasonable officer perceiving the same threat would make the same split-second decision. If so, the killing is legally justified.

California lawmakers will consider a bill this year that would make California the only state in the nation to set a different standard— one supporters believe will make it easier to hold police accountable. Under Assembly Bill 931, police could only use deadly force when “necessary” to prevent injury or death in the context of the officer’s entire encounter with a suspect—not just the moment before firing his gun. Killing would only be legally justified if other tactics, such as warnings or de-escalation, were not possible instead.

Police warn that the “necessary” standard might discourage police from going into dangerous situations where their help is needed.

“It would be a colossal hindrance to law enforcement in this state,” said Marvel. “It would take away our ability to react efficiently and effectively. Officers will be thinking, ‘Should I really be doing this? Should I run away?’”

CALmatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics; read an expanded version of this story there.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 11

MAY 2018

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

S

Fountain

www.marcberton.com

We all feel the same commitment to care for our families. Helping you meet your insurance needs is part of my commitment to you.

Lexington

DR. PAUL GIRGIS, D.V.M.

(323) 469-3000 1146 N. La Brea, LA 90038 (North of Santa Monica Blvd.)

Across the Street from McDonald’s on La Brea Supporting the Gay Community

20%

$

As Low As

Proudly Serving Our Community Since 1982 ‘Sustaining Donor’ LA LGBT Center

Self Storage 760-318-9166 www.palmspringsselfstorage.com

So Comfortable, You’ll Never Count

HOT BUY

399

$

50 BUSINESS

PLUS YEARS IN

599

We don’t need Holidays, Gimmicks or Package Deals...

“Just Everyday Low Prices”

Limit 2 per customer

EMPOWERMENT • EXCELLENCE • EMPATHY • EFFECTIVENESS

310.641.8259

NORTH HOLLYWOOD (NOHO Art District) - 4900 Lankershim Boulevard

818.766.4289

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

“The Edible Art Experience”

Gourmet Cupcakes, Chocolates and Other Tantalizing Desserts Custom-Designed Cakes for All Occasions Visit our website at: www.CakeandArt.com 8709 Santa Monica Blvd.

318-9166

7 6 0

Fall 2017

www.palmspringsselfstorage.com

West Hollywood, CA 90069

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

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

Law Office of David Lee Moore

7601 Goddard Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90045-3219

Queen Mattress

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 •

Temperature & Humidity Controlled 55 - 58 Degrees 70% Humidity Controlled Access Deliveries upon Request

aidswalk.net

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

EST B D amble VOTE Place

to G

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

Cake and Art

Palm Springs Wine Storage

3950 Airport Center Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264

BENEFITING

Special thanks to Essential Gay & Lesbian Directory

Spectrum Quality 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

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

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

Starting and ending at the steps of L.A. City Hall

213.201.WALK

OCT. 15, 2017

Purdy Woodkote

Kelly-Moore Paint

Stuart H. Garrison Over 30 Years of Dedicated Trial Experience on Your Side

These Guys Again.™

OFF

Not good with any other discounts.

• Auto • Business • Life • Homeowners

Donald Kaufman Color Farrow & Ball Fine Paints of Europe Frescatti Modern Masters

Law Offices of

Queen Mattress Starting at

All Serta products with this coupon

CALL ME TODAY.

Palm Springs Airport

WALK

310.838.2284 Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30 - 5:30 Saturday 7:00 - 4:30

Pratt & Lambert

Civil Trial Practice

Queen Adjustable Bed

0907504

AIDS

310.393.7208 Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30 - 5:30 Saturday 7:00 - 5:00

Featuring These Fine Paint Products: Benjamin Moore

www.coxpaint.com

Same Sex

12 Months Same as Cash!

Santa Monica

www.HollywoodCatDog.com

LOS ANGELES

Cox Paint - Culver City 11153 Washington Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90232 (1/2 Block East of Sepulveda)

Family $199 is why we do it all.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

Sunset

E

Highland

N

N. La Brea

W

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

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

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

Solar Q&A

I know I should explore solar, but I’ve been procrastinating. What will motivate me to take the next step?

The best motivation should be the savings you can expect with solar. In exchange for just a little bit of your time, you can reduce your average electric bill anywhere from 25-50 percent—and just keep that money in your pocket each month. Then you can take your time deciding what to do with the savings!

If you decide to move forward quickly, your system can be up and running before the huge summer bills hit. If you lease, you’ll enjoy no money down; free installation; and, with Renova and SunPower, fixed payments for 20 years, which means as electric prices continue to go up, your savings will increase as well!

OK—pretty good points. Anything else?

Yep! The full 30 percent Federal Tax Credit is still in full effect until the end of 2019. If you purchase, you receive the Tax Credit to lower the cost of your

system, and if you lease, the company you lease from takes it, lowering your monthly payment. Solar companies also have some panels in stock now that were here before components and/or panels were subject to the new tariff—so that means you have great pricing right now.

Wow. How much time are we talking?

Give Renova a call, and we’ll look at your roof while you’re on the phone and give you an initial evaluation.

Assuming things look good, a site survey at your home will collect detailed information about roof dimensions, tilt and shade, as well as a few other items, like the condition of your electric panel.

We can also get on the phone with you and SCE to get your past usage; that, combined with the site survey, will allow us to create a precise, customized proposal that will show you exact costs and savings.

That’s it! If you decide to move forward, installation takes only 2-3 days, depending on the size of your system.

THE

CHAMBER

GREATER COACHELLA VALLEY

2015 & 2017 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

COACHELLA’S BEST KEPT SECRET 84-001 Avenue 54, Coachella CA. | augustinecasino.com

Paid advertisement brought to you by CVIndependent.com

12 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

NEWS

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

MAY ASTRONOMY

This month kicks off a special time for

Planets and Bright Stars in Evening Mid-Twilight viewing our fellow members For May, 2018 of the solar system 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

T

wo planets far outshine all the stars this month. May through June, Venus, at magnitude -4 in the west-northwest at dusk, attains peak altitude of its current apparition and sets a maximum of 2.6 hours after sunset.

Jupiter—magnitude -2.5, its brightest of the year—passes opposition to the sun and all-night visibility on May 8. Watch it climb from very low in the east-southeast at dusk on May 1 to 30 degrees up in the southeast by month’s end.

Next in brilliance at dusk in May are blue-white Sirius (magnitude -1.4) until its departure in the west-southwest, and three zero-magnitude stars: golden-orange Arcturus, high in the east to east-southeast; blue-white Vega, rising into view in the northeast; and yellow Capella, sinking in northwest. the western twilight glow: Rigel, Aldebaran, In the morning: Jupiter, in the westSirius and Betelgeuse. southwest at dawn, is easily the brightest May 3 at dawn: Saturn is 16 degrees, and morning “star” until it drops out late in the Mars 32 degrees, to the east (left) of the moon. month. It sets 4-5 minutes earlier each morning, Through a telescope, the phase of Mars matches so you can still catch it at month’s end simply the moon’s this morning, 88 percent. by looking before dawn starts to brighten. Next May 4 at dawn: Saturn is 4 degrees to the left is Mars, hovering in the south while doubling of the moon. A telescope shows Saturn’s rings in brightness from magnitude -0.4 to -1.2. tipped nearly 26 degrees from edgewise.

Ranking after Mars are Arcturus, sinking in the Sunday, May 6, at dawn: Mars is 3 degrees to west to west-northwest; Vega, just northwest the lower right of the moon. Can you detect the of overhead; and Saturn, 15 to 28 degrees bright South Polar Cap, or its cloud cover? west of Mars. Other stars visible include Altair May 7 at dawn: The moon, just over half full, and Deneb, completing the nearly overhead is approaching last-quarter phase. Note Mars 14 Summer Triangle with Vega; Antares, low in the degrees to the moon’s right. southwest, below the line joining Jupiter and May 8 at dawn: The moon, in the southeast, Saturn; and Fomalhaut, low in the southeast. is less than 90 degrees west of the sun, so it Mercury, brightening slowly from magnitude has passed last-quarter phase and appears as a +0.4 to -0.6 May 1-21, is very low in the east to fat crescent. Find Mars 26 degrees west of the east-northeast in dawn twilight. moon. All night: Jupiter is at opposition and May through July 2018 is a special time for visible from dusk until dawn. planets! On the morning of May 1, Spaceship May 9 at dusk: Venus and Jupiter are within Earth is heading toward a direction in space 150 degrees and closing. about 17 degrees east (left) of Mars. As our May 12 at dawn: The last-day crescent moon planet follows its nearly circular orbit around is above the horizon one hour before sunrise, the sun, we will overtake all three bright outer just north of east, 5 degrees up. Dusk: Venus planets within 79 days, the shortest interval passes 4 degrees south (to the lower left) of since 1984, and shortest until 2078. second-magnitude Elnath (Beta Tauri, Bull’s For events at dawn, we suggest viewing at northern horn) tonight and tomorrow. least one hour before sunrise. For events at Sunday, May 13: Look about 40 minutes dusk, look one hour after sunset. before sunrise to catch the 5-percent crescent Tuesday, May 1, at dawn: The moon is in old moon just risen 5 degrees north of east. the southwest, just past full, with Jupiter 9 May 13-21 at dusk: Look for the reddegrees to its lower right. Mars and Saturn are supergiant star Betelgeuse, shoulder of Orion, 15 degrees apart in the south. Mercury is rising 18 degrees to the lower left of Venus. If you look just north of east. daily at same stage of twilight, Betelgeuse will May 2, at dawn: Antares is 8 degrees to the appear about 1 degrees lower each evening. On lower left of the moon. Jupiter 21 is degrees what date will you last spot it? to the moon’s lower right. Dusk: Aldebaran, May 16 at dusk: The first crescent moon, 4 eye of Taurus, is 6 degrees to the lower left of percent full, is low in the west-northwest, 11 Venus. Binoculars show the Hyades star cluster degrees below Venus. in same field as Aldebaran. Together, they form May 17 at dusk: The crescent moon, 10 the head of the Bull. percent full, is within 7 degrees to the left of Before this month is over, we’ll lose our views Venus and slightly higher. Telescopes show of four of winter’s bright stars as they sink into Venus 84 percent full.

CVIndependent.com

May's evening sky chart.

ROBERT D. MILLER

Deneb

Vega

Venus 15 22 81 29

Capella

Aldebaran Arcturus

E

Castor Pollux

W Betelgeuse

Regulus Rigel

Procyon 1

8

Antares

Spica 15

22

Sirius

29

Jupiter

Evening mid-twilight occurs

May 18 atwhen dusk: starshorizon.

Pollux and Sun“Twin” is 9o below 1: 43 minutes after sunset.

Castor are May 4.5 degrees apart, 10-13 degrees 15: 44 " moon. " " Venus is 18 to the upper right of the 31: 46 " " " degrees to the moon’s lower right. Procyon is 16 degrees to the moon’s left and a little lower.

May 19 at dusk: The twins are 11-16 degrees right of the moon. Procyon is 16 degrees to the moon’s lower left. After dark: Binoculars show the Beehive star cluster within 6 degrees to the moon’s upper left.

May 21 at dusk: The first-quarter moon is half full. Regulus, heart of Leo, is a degree to the moon’s lower right.

May 23: It’s the first day Saturn rises before Venus sets, but only by 5 minutes.

May 25 at dusk: Spica in Virgo is within 7 degrees to the lower right of the waxing gibbous moon.

Sunday, May 27, at dusk: The moon is in the southeast, with Jupiter 6 degrees to its lower right.

S

Stereographic Projection

May 31 at dusk: Venus Jupiter appear Mapand

by Robert D. Miller 120 degrees apart tonight.

The website of the Astronomical Society of the Desert (www.astrorx.org) has a listing of our evening star parties. The primary, more accessible location is at the Visitor Center of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument (on Highway 74, within 4 miles south of Highway 111 in Palm Desert).

Our last sky viewing session for the season at that location is scheduled on Saturday, May 19, from 8 to 10 p.m. Sawmill Trailhead, our highaltitude site (elevation 4,000 feet), will have a star party starting at dusk on Saturday, May 12.

Star parties there will continue monthly.

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 // 13

MAY 2018

Cleve Jones, being honored at the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, looks back on a life of activism— and expresses concern about the future

Today, he continues to speak out—and will be honored with the Harvey B. Milk Leadership Award of the Coachella Valley at the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast on Friday, May 18.

The critically acclaimed 2008 film Milk, and the 2017 ABC miniseries When We Rise—which was based on Jones’ memoir—have featured portrayals of Jones and his role as an activist and organizer. In fact, portions of When We Rise take place in Palm Springs, where Jones used to live.

“One thing that’s interesting about Palm Springs is that when we look around the country, and also in Canada and Europe, we see that the traditional ‘gayborhoods,’ like the Castro in San Francisco, are going away,” Jones said. “One of the few exceptions to this seems to be in Palm Springs, which is getting gayer and gayer.

“Palm Springs is different from the ‘gayborhoods’ as we used to understand them, because Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley really don’t offer the educational and job opportunities that were available for our younger people in places like San Francisco, Boston and Seattle. It is very much an LGBT senior community.”

As an organizer for LGBT equality—and currently as a labor organizer for hospitality workers’ union UNITE HERE—Jones said it has never been easy to organize people.

“People have their lives,” he said. “Most of us lead very complicated and busy lives. Getting people to take the time to focus on political issues and organize is always a challenge.

“I think when people realize we are really under attack, we do respond. I think we’re facing so many different issues that it’s hard to get people to focus—especially when you look at the occupant of the White House.”

I mentioned that some people have even been hesitant to even engage in simple boycotts of antiLGBT businesses.

“I think that boycotts can be very effective, but the real challenge with a boycott is that it’s not enough to say, ‘Let’s boycott Chick-fil-A!’ You need to put resources into that,” Jones said. “I’ve been involved in a lot of boycotts related to the labor movement that have been very successful, but that’s because we’ve had staff and resources to drive the boycott. Online organizing can be very shallow.

People who think they’re changing the world by clicking on an online petition are deluded. Real change takes real work.”

The assassination of San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone at San Francisco City Hall in November 1978 took place just a week after the horrifying Peoples Temple massacre in Guyana. (The Peoples Temple’s headquarters were in San Francisco.) Jones was an intern at City Hall when Milk and Moscone were killed by fellow Supervisor Dan White; he said the difficult times the city faced after those tragedies have never been appropriately depicted, not even in Milk.

“It was a long, cold, dark winter—about a thousand San Franciscans were murdered in Guyana with the Peoples Temple, and then the assassinations,” Jones said. “I still get depressed every November. It was very difficult. I was still quite young and had just turned 24, and I had never seen a dead person until I saw Harvey’s body on the floor. Looking back on it, I was in shock for months.

I have very few memories of that winter, and I think it’s because I was so devastated and in shock.”

The dramatizations of himself and Harvey Milk in films and TV are important, Jones said.

“It’s kind of surreal at times. I was very lucky with Emile Hirsch, that’s for sure,” Jones said with a laugh; Hirsh played Jones in Milk. “I appreciate that people are very kind to me. Most Americans get their information nowadays from popular culture. We all have a tendency to sneer at Hollywood, but we all line up to go to the movies. We sneer at television, but we’re glued to it. There’s no question in my mind that Harvey Milk was being forgotten—I know that with certainty he was being forgotten—until that film came out, and Sean Penn won an Oscar. I think it’s important that Harvey’s story be known. For me, it’s a little weird sometimes having these kind-of fictionalized representations of my life, but I think it’s all useful.”

Jones came up with the idea for the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt in 1985. Today, the internationally recognized memorial to those who died of AIDS weighs an estimated 54 tons. Jones said he had no idea the quilt would become so iconic—and would be around for such a long time.

“We created it originally as a one-time thing for the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in October 1987,” he said. “Once we saw it … and once the world saw it, we decided that it became clear this would have to go on. We ended up on the front page of every newspaper in the world. People began writing to us and sending us more panels. It was quite an extraordinary experience.”

Jones is concerned there’s a problem with reaching younger LGBT people and encouraging them to study and understand the history of the community.

“There’s a terrible generation gap,” he said. “Part of it is because so many of my generation died, and I think the generation that followed immediately are people who are now in their 40s and 50s, and they were struggling with their own coming-out experiences and were so horrified by what they saw. I spoke to so many people who came out during that period. Even though they might be HIVnegative and didn’t experience losing all their friends, they were extremely traumatized, because gay men were dying by the tens of thousands.

“Of course, none of this is taught in most schools. There are some school districts who have included it in their curriculum, but the majority of young people are never exposed to LGBTQ history. I’ve actually had young people in my neighborhood accuse me of exaggerating when I talk about what the death toll was. Someone told me we hadn’t really lost 20,000 people in my neighborhood—but we did. I’m also amazed by how many young people don’t realize that being gay was criminalized, and it’s a problem to me that not many people know that. I came out during the era where consensual sex between two gay adults was a felony. I remember when it was illegal for us to dance. Young people have no clue that this is how we lived—but don’t single out gay people.

Americans in general have little to no respect for history.”

In these days of Donald Trump and a Republican Party whose leaders oppose equal LGBT rights, and with a history in which President Ronald Reagan was chillingly silent for years regarding the AIDS epidemic, I asked Jones if the GOP had ever done anything right regarding LGBT equality or HIV/AIDS. “I think that back in the day, there were a handful of Republican members of Congress who did the right thing on HIV and AIDS—and, of course, today’s Republican Party is nothing like the Republican Party under Bush or even Reagan,” Jones said. “The Republican Party today is a fascist party, and that’s all there is to it. They’re fascists. Even today, anyone who supports Trump or the Republicans in Congress are fascists. I don’t care if they’re gay, straight or whatever—they’re fascists.”

I asked Jones if he thinks there could be any positive societal change in the near future. He laughed.

“I hope so,” he said.

The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Coachella Valley takes place at 9:30 a.m., Friday, May 18, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros. Tickets are $65. For tickets or more information, visit www.facebook.com/Desert.Milk.

CVIndependent.com

14 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

CVI SPOTLIGHT: MAY 2018 Break Out the Picnic Gear: Street Food Cinema Comes to La Quinta

L

ive music. Food trucks. Massive “Beast” slobber … and baseball, circa 1962. That’s what you’ll find at Street Food Cinema, coming to La Quinta Park on Saturday, May 26.

Street Food Cinema began in Los Angeles in 2012. What is it, exactly? It’s a fun, affordable outside evening activity combining music, food and a classic movie, to which you can take your entire family—without it becoming an expensive, burdensome dread for everyone. It’s like the old drive-in, except you’re not stuck in the back of your dad’s old car with speakers that squeak.

Steve Allison is one the co-founders—his wife, Heather Hope-Allison, is the other—of the Street Food Cinema.

“Our season runs from April to the last week in October,” Steve Allison said. “The majority of these events is in and around L.A.; we do 60 events in a six-month period. In 2016, we

started to expand, doing events in Phoenix and San Diego. Now we’re coming out to the valley to expand and share our vision.

“This is the first time we have co-branded with a city: This summer, we’re partnering with the city of La Quinta.”

What should we expect if we have never been to one of these events?

“The gates open at 5:30 p.m. When you enter, the screen and food trucks will be ready,” Allison said. “First, you’ll set up camp and drop your blankets in the field in front of the screen. Then go and hit the food trucks, and enjoy the live music that is playing. There will be a comedic emcee who will keep the activities moving through the night. You can take your dinner back to your picnic spot and eat, or you can go play games. There will be a giant Jenga, sponsored cornhole stations, and more outdoor games. At 6:30, the emcee introduces the band.”

By the way, that band will be The Flusters, the reigning Best of Coachella Valley Best Local Band, as voted on by readers of this fine publication.

Allison continued: “Then the emcee will start an audience game. …These games usually have the theme of the movie of the night. The emcee will provide the play-byplay, and after the winner receives their trophy, the movie will start,” at 8:30 p.m.

The movie on May 26 will be The Sandlot, a 1993 classic about the adventures of a young group of friends who learn about life, love and baseball during the summer of 1962. Of course, the film also features the Beast, the amazing slobbering pooch!

Speaking of dogs: This is a family-friendly event, and that includes four-legged family members. If you do bring dogs, remember baggies to pick up after them. Oh, and leave the tall-backed chairs at home; chairs can be

only 6 inches or less off the ground.

“If you want to bring your own snacks or food, you’re welcome to,” Allison said. “That is an easy way to make it even more affordable.”

Where’s the best place to sit?

“We have a 50-foot production-value screen and 12 state-of-the-art speakers,” Allison said, “so you’ll be able to see and hear where ever you sit, and it will sound the same. Everybody is guaranteed to have a great experience.”

Street Food Cinema begins at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 26, at La Quinta Park, 78468 Westward Ho Drive. Advance tickets are $10, or $7 for children ages 6 to 12; kids 5 and younger get in for free, and family four-packs of tickets are $30. Tickets are $3 more at the door beginning at 6 p.m., if any remain. For tickets or more information, visit www. streetfoodcinema.com/the-sandlot-lq.

—Dwight Hendricks

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

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 15

MAY 2018

From Botox to Cosmetic Surgery and Everything in Between

Before A FINANCIAL PLANNING & INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FIRM

YOUR FIDUCIARY ADVISOR 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.

After

Look younger with no telltale scar with Neograft at Revive.

Read our reviews and call to book your appointment.

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

353 S. Palm Canyon Dr. (760) 325-4800 Torrance Office: (310) 375-7599 Irvine Office: (949) 586-9904 www.revivecenter.com

Ranked #60 in the nation for advanced medical aesthetics CVIndependent.com

16 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

ARTS & CULTURE

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/ARTS-AND-CULTURE

FROM MARS TO ‘RENT’ AND BEYOND By jimmy boegle

F

or lovers of the performing arts who reside in the Coachella Valley, Christmas figuratively comes in April every year—because that’s when the McCallum Theatre announces what gifts it is bringing to town during the upcoming season.

To overextend this tortured metaphor … that makes Mitch Gershenfeld Santa Claus, sort of, as the McCallum president and CEO is the sleighmaster (OK, this metaphor is officially finished) who books the theater’s shows each season—a task he’s now accomplished for some 19 years.

“Every time I finish booking the season, I tell my wife, ‘I am afraid this is not going to be as good of a season as last year was,’” Gershenfeld said. “But, honestly, this is going to be a very good season.”

The 2018-2019 roster includes names both new and familiar to the McCallum: Singers from Jackie Evancho to Bernadette Peters to Willie Nelson, plus six performances by the Ten Tenors; traveling Broadway shows including Rent, Jersey Boys, Spamalot, Evita, The Wizard of Oz and Something Rotten; comedy greats like Lily Tomlin and Bob Newhart; and the triedand-true McCallum series, including Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel, Fitz’s Jazz Cafe, and Gershenfeld’s own “Mitch’s Picks.”

When I asked Gershenfeld which shows excited him the most, he mentioned Savion Glover’s All FuNKD’ Up, scheduled to come to the McCallum on March 30, 2019.

“Savion is not only the greatest living tap dancer; he’s such an incredible artist,” Gershenfeld said. “He’s taken tap beyond what anyone else has done before.” All FuNKD’ Up will feature a six-piece band and a full company of dancers.

Gershenfeld said he’s also looking forward

The

CENTER

Mission

Creating vibrant community by helping LGBTQ people along their way.

Vision

Thriving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, living authentically in supportive, inclusive communities.

THE SCOTT HINES

THE COMMUNITY

FOOD BANK

The

CENTER

@ THE CENTER

The McDonald/Wright Building 1301 N. Palm Canyon Dr., 3rd Floor | Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-416-7790 | www.thecenterps.org

CVIndependent.com Ctr_Ad_CVI_Generic_4(8612) x 4(7399)_0817_a2.indd

1

8/29/17 10:13 AM

The McCallum Theatre announces its 2018-2019 season

to a series coming to the McCallum for the first time: National Geographic Live will bring scientists, photographers and other great minds to the theater for Exploring Mars (Jan. 21); Coral Kingdoms and Empires of Ice (Feb. 18); and Capturing the Impossible (March 18). The Exploring Mars lecture, in particular, should be exciting, as it’ll feature Kobie Boykins, the NASA mechanical engineer who’s had a hand in numerous discoveries about the red planet—including the revelation that there was once water on Mars.

“This is a program that’s been around for many years, as a series in a lot of cities,” Gershenfeld said. “It works very well in a theater.”

For the fifth year in a row, Gershenfeld has highlighted five shows as “Mitch’s Picks”— concerts Gershenfeld personally recommends, even if the performers are not household names. They include Spanish guitarist Pablo Sainz Villegas’ Americano (March 4); BRAVO Amici, a “popera” group featuring three tenors and two divas (March 11); Piaf! Le Spectacle, a show telling the singing great’s life story via music and heretofore unseen photos—entirely in French (March 26); and Asere!, a celebration of Cuban dance and music featuring the Havana Cuba All-Stars (April 3).

And then there’s Blokelahoma! (March 29) starring Toby Francis, a former member of the Ten Tenors who also starred in the Australian production of Kinky Boots. He became a friend of Gershenfeld during Francis’ time in the Ten Tenors—the most popular act ever to grace the McCallum stage. Gershenfeld said Francis told him about Blokelahoma!—Francis’ story about being a “good Austrian bloke” who grew up with a love of Broadway musicals—when they enjoyed dinner in Sydney last June.

“I basically said, you have to do this show at the McCallum,” Gershenfeld recalled.

Per usual, McCallum’s schedule is packed with an unimaginably wide variety of singers, humorists and performers, ranging from comedian and Orange Is the New Black star Lea DeLaria returning to her jazz roots (Nov. 8) to LeAnn Rimes doing a Christmas show (Dec. 15) to concerts by prolific songwriter Paul Anka (Jan. 31 and Feb. 1).

Traveling Broadway shows are a McCallum staple, and the 2018-2019 slate includes a lot of classics and old favorites. The one exception: Something Rotten! (April 5-7), which ended its initial Broadway run on Jan. 1, 2017.

“It’s such a fun story,” Gershenfeld said. “It

Something Rotten! arrives at the McCallum Theatre April 5-7, 2019.

takes place in Shakespeare’s time; he’s literally a rock star.”

The story centers on two brothers who are playwrights struggling to compete with the great Shakespeare. They visit a soothsayer named Nostradamus—the nephew of the famous one—and wind up inventing this new thing called a “musical.”

Gershenfeld said booking shows at the McCallum presents unique challenges in terms of timing—with rare exceptions, the theater goes dark out of necessity from May through September—and size; at 1,100 seats, the medium-sized venue is simply too small to meet the budgetary requirements of some grand productions, like Wicked.

“There will be no Hamilton here in my lifetime,” he said with a laugh.

Despite these challenges, the McCallum consistently makes Pollstar’s annual list of the Top 100 theaters in terms of ticket sales, because dark nights are rare in the spring— and because Gershenfeld books shows that he knows will sell well.

He’s hoping a change to the way the McCallum sells tickets may make sales even better. In past years, the McCallum only sold “subscriptions” for the upcoming year during the late spring and summer months. This year, tickets for all currently booked shows are already on sale.

Gershenfeld said he was looking forward to the 2018-2019 season, as the 2017-2018 season comes to an end.

“This has been a great season,” he said. “It’s been better than the last two years, and the shows have been well-attended.”

For tickets or more information, including the complete McCallum Theatre schedule, call 760340-2787; or visit www.mccallumtheatre.com.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 17

MAY 2018

ARTS & CULTURE

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/ARTS-AND-CULTURE

THE ART OF AN ICON S

By stephen berger

ir Winston Churchill is an iconic giant. He was a renowned statesman, a two-time British prime minister, a Nobel Prize-winning author—and perhaps even a savior of Western civilization.

However, most people don’t know he was also a painter—and few have had the chance to see his art. This makes The Paintings of Sir Winston Churchill, on display at Heather James Fine Art in Palm Desert through May 30, a rare treat.

Churchill (Nov. 30, 1874-Jan. 24, 1965) was born into one of the great aristocratic families of Great Britain, the Spencers; another Spencer was Princess Diana. His father was a politician, and his mother was an American-born British socialite. Winston joined the British Army and was elected to Parliament in 1900.

Churchill began painting in 1915, after stepping down as the political head of the British Navy. He was a self-taught artist, but because of his stature, he was able to befriend many of the top British painters.

He was always modest about his work—but successfully entered several competitions under assumed names.

He painted in the Impressionist style and preferred to paint outdoors. It’s estimated that he produced about 500 paintings over a

40-year period. He never sold his work and only gave paintings as gifts to his friends and relatives. Most of his work remains in the museum at Chartwell. There are a few pieces in other museums, with the remaining paintings in private collections, including those of Queen Elizabeth II, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower.

The value of Churchill’s art has risen dramatically over the years. A painting originally given to Clare Booth Luce, “Chartwell Landscape With Sheep,” sold for 1 million pounds in 2007.

“Although painting was just a hobby, Churchill learned new skills which he used in his political and diplomatic life,” said Duncan Sandys, a great-grandson of Winston Churchill, according to a Heather James news release. “It gave him a sanctuary during adversity and, I believe, made him more effective in 1940 as Hitler prepared to invade Britain.”

The 11 paintings on display at Heather James Fine Art are from the 1920s to 1940s, from the collection of the late Julian Sandys, Churchill’s eldest grandchild and Duncan’s father.

I asked Chip Tom, a curator for Heather James Fine Art, how the exhibit came to the valley.

“The exhibit came about from a local

“On the Var” by Sir Winston Churchill, oil on canvas, 30 by 25 inches. Collection of the family of the late Julian Sandys; © Churchill Heritage Limited, Heather James Fine Art.

Heather James Fine Art offers a rare chance to experience paintings by Sir Winston Churchill

desert person introducing us to the Churchill family,” Tom said. “We have been working with the family for about 6 months in trying to organize bringing the paintings to the desert.”

Tom said the response to the exhibit has been fantastic. “Part of the mission of Heather James Fine Art is to bring worldclass, museum-quality work to the desert communities and make it available to the public,” he said. “This is for everyone in the valley. We’re not a museum, but you can come and enjoy great art, and there is no entry fee.”

I made several visits to the gallery to spend some time with these paintings. The hand of the artist is palpable; they are very honest works. There are areas that speak of technical brilliance and artistic insight, but Churchill doesn’t try to hide the struggle and frustration when he didn’t get it quite right.

As an amateur painter myself, I found this encouraging.

There are nine landscapes, a seascape and

a still life in the collection. “On the Var,” from 1935, is the largest and most polished. It reads as a tribute to Cezanne—but there is an area in the foreground, depicting a small stream, that was obviously problematic for Churchill.

In “Lake Near Breccles in Autumn,” also painted in the 1930s, he had no such problem: The surface and reflections of the water are rendered in confident and fluid brushstrokes reminiscent of Monet’s waterlilies.

We will never know exactly how painting influenced Churchill’s role as a statesman, leader and writer. However, we do know painting was important enough to him that once he picked up a brush, he never traveled without his paint box, canvases and easel.

The exhibit The Paintings of Sir William Churchill is on display through Wednesday, May 30, at Heather James Fine Art, 45188 Portola Ave., in Palm Desert. For more information, call 760-346-8926, or visit www.heatherjames.com.

Opening May 25!

Downtown Cathedral City 36850 Pickfair St. 760-328-7100

See it all in comfort!

For current show listings, times and tickets, visit DPlaceEntertainment.com CVIndependent.com

18 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

FOOD & DRINK

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK

DESERT CICERONE BY brett Newton

I

am a craft-beer lover who doesn’t just like hazy IPAs or pastry-inspired stouts, so I revel in being introduced to new flavors and flavor combinations when I can. However, this has both good and bad consequences.

Every so often, I try a beer that transcends all of its flavors and becomes a kind of liquid symphony. Then there are times when I can’t believe the brewery allowed the beer I’m tasting to ever leave its doors.

I need to be careful here and state the Butterscotch or buttered popcorn: This obvious: If you love a beer, that’s great. is my old nemesis diacetyl. This is a byproduct Continue doing so, and don’t let anything I of fermentation initially before it goes into a say—or anything anyone says—rob you of secondary phase where the yeast cleans it up. that love. You might like it because of its flaws, Certain English styles allow for low levels of or perhaps you didn’t perceive them as such. this, and it can sometimes be pleasant (or so However, if you would like to train your I’m told—I despise this off-flavor wherever I palate to be a more-reliable detector of offcome across it), but for the most part, it means flavors in beer, follow me, and see what you a full, healthy fermentation did not occur. can pick up next time you’re at your local Occasionally, this flavor can arise alongside brewery. I’ll break down some common offa vinegar-like flavor to indicate a possible flavors by their descriptors and then explain infection in the beer line. When at high levels, why it might be there. I will attempt to do diacetyl will also cause the beer to have a this without being too dry or pedantic. Wish slicker mouthfeel. As much as I dislike this me luck! flavor when I encounter it in beer, I have seen FOLLOW US:.

r i s t o r a n t e family owned and operated | since 1976

Enjoy great classic delicious Italian food with flair as Johnny’s sons, grandsons and nephews continue the family tradition, perfectly executing the family recipes and delighting celebrities and locals with a dining experience that is amazing.

Frank Sinatra himself was a regular at this Italian restaurant, where the chairman’s two favorite dishes – the Steak Sinatra and Linguini Clams are still on the menu. patio dining | full bar | bar menu private dining | groups Open for Dinner Nightly at 5 p.m.

(Closed Sundays)

PHOTO BY GREGG FELSEN

Reservations can be made through our website on OpenTable.

Voted “Best Italian Restaurant”

by Palm Springs Life Readers

“Johnny Costa was once chef for Frank Sinatra”

Voted One of the Top Three “Best of the Valley Italian Restaurant”

by The Desert Magazine Readers

FI

N ALI S

440 S. Palm Canyon Dr. (between Ramon and Baristo), Palm Springs, CA 92262

760-325-4556 | JohnnyCostasPalmSprings.com CVIndependent.com

T

Good beer offers the palate many great flavors … and then there’s not-so-great beer

it put to good use in a beer by Southern Tier Brewing Company called Creme Brulee.

Green apple or rotting apple: Similar to diacetyl, acetaldehyde is a byproduct of primary fermentation and gets cleaned up as long as the yeast is given enough time.

Vegetal, cooked cabbage or cooked corn: Dimethyl sulfide (or DMS, because that is way easier to say) is as gross as the descriptors sound. Not that cabbage or corn is disgusting—but would you drink juice made from them? This can have a number of causes, but I find it most often in hoppy beers. It makes the beer an instant drain-pour for me.

Paint thinner or nail-polish remover: Oh, yes. Over-stressed yeast (usually at higherthan-normal fermentation temperatures combined with oxidation) can cause a beer to become solvent-like. There’s no getting around it, either; you can’t cover this one up.

Skunk: The first sip of beer I can remember was of my Canadian dad’s Moosehead Lager. I remember it pretty clearly—because it tasted like fizzy skunk spray. For good reason, too; the compound causing that flavor is called mercaptan and is the chemical in skunk spray.

Light is beer’s enemy; UV light rays react with compounds in the hops and create that distinctive off-flavor. If a beer is sitting on a shelf in clear, green or blue bottles … keep walking. Even with brown bottles, after a while, that beer is destined to become lightstruck. This is one reason why the market is being flooded with canned craft beers, and I don’t see that trend slowing at all.

Oxidation: I use the term instead of the descriptor, because this one has a lot of range. Mostly, an oxidized beer will give off flavors and aromas of paper or wet cardboard—associated with stale beer. It can even resemble decaying vegetables. A wellaged beer, however, can have very pleasant oxidized notes of honey or sherry. Brewers go to great lengths to package their beer with as little free oxygen inside as possible, but it’s always there, and you run the risk of it overtaking your bottled or canned beer the longer you take to enjoy it. Lower temperatures and darkness slow this process down, so age your beer accordingly.

Medicinal, smoky or plastic: Yeast is such an interesting life form. It’s ubiquitous in our environment and is highly survivable and adaptable. Brewing yeast strains are no different. Whole dissertations have been written on fermentation. Some of the more enjoyable compounds that emerge in varying

degrees from fermentation are esters and phenols. If you’ve had Belgian ales or perhaps a German hefeweizen, you are already familiar with them. Esters can produce a wide range of fruity flavors such as banana, bubblegum, citrus or pomegranate. Phenols have their own range that includes clove and white pepper— but this is the light side of phenols. The dark side can come out when the yeast is in a more-stressful environment and throws out highly medicinal (think “bandage”), smoky or plasticky aromas and flavors.

Astringency: This is a sensation more than a flavor, but it’s often indicative of a flawed process. Overly steeped or milled grains are a common culprit, as is overhopping. If you’ve ever had a red wine or tea that was steeped too long, and it seemed to suck all the moisture out of your tongue as it passed over, you’ve experienced astringency.

Tannins (usually from the husks of grain) and polyphenols (usually from hops) should be mitigated as much as possible so that your beer is refreshing and doesn’t require you to alternate sips of water to compensate.

Lest you think these don’t show up very often, I’ve experienced each one of these at least once in the past three months. Here’s a tip for tasting that can help you discern subtle flavors in anything: After you swallow the beer, exhale through your nose with your mouth closed. You have a separate olfactory sense called the retronasal system, and it can pick up things your orthonasal system (your nostrils and mouth) might have missed.

Yeah, you’re right, I just got dry and pedantic. How to fix that?

WHO WANTS TO SHOTGUN A BEER?!

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 desertcicerone@gmail.com.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 19

MAY 2018

award-winning

breakfast 8 –11 am

from

11am

award-winning

3-course

5 appEtizErs 13 EntréEs 6 dEssErts!

feast *

L U L U PA L M S P R I N G S . C O M

$19

EvEry day aftEr 11am

new!

99 per person

AT T H E R I V E R , R A N C H O M I R A G E 760 862-9800 ACQ UA R A N C H O M I R AG E .CO M

Lulu’s new sister restaurant in Rancho Mirage Same great menus and great fun!

3pm– 5pm 99

$16

per person

5 superb soups, 8 amazing appetizers and salads, 15 exciting entrées, 8 decadent desserts 99 / 99

$39

the best all-day

& 11

Best 100 restaurants for Brunch in America!

—— F O R B E S , L A T I M E S

sunday brunch from 11am $19 99 –3pm

per person

Champagne, Mimosa $4.99 w/ refills

Early Bird spEcial

4-course menus $29

namEd lulu onE of thE

Saturday too! wEEkEnd Brunch at acqua

five-star

CALIFORNIA BISTRO

—— T R I P P I N G . C O M

am EvEry day

lunch & dinner

D O W N T O W N PA L M S P R I N G S 760 327-LULU (5858)

“THE BEST BRUNCH in CALIFORNIA!”

happy hour am – closing

“BESTS” AWARDED TO

LULU & ACQUA

caterer breakfast sunday brunch happy hour dinner deal continental dining international dining american dining

california cuisine casual dining outdoor dining romantic dinner vegetarian/gluten-free earthy eats late night dining watering hole/bar cocktail menu craft cocktail classic cocktail margarita martini pet friendly dining

lulu catEring and EvEnts

LULUPSCATERING.COM 76 0 5 37- 0 0 4 8

B E S T C AT E R E R

CVIndependent.com

20 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

FOOD & DRINK

ON COCKTAILS

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK

Want to make great drinks at home?

Here’s what you’ll need to get started

By Kevin Carlow

I

t’s been high season around the Coachella Valley, so the last few months have left me with little energy to explore cocktail programs in the area. I did manage to squeeze in a brief trip to San Diego, where I checked in at an old favorite and a new one: Polite Provisions in North Park, and the Sycamore Den in Normal Heights, respectively. Be sure to add those to your San Diego list.

Since I don’t have a lot of local imbibing to discuss, I’ll tackle one of the most frequent topics people ask me about—the setup of home cocktail bars. I know from experience how daunting and expensive it can be to try to replicate the cocktail-bar experience at home, so I put some serious thought into how to make drinks like a pro at home … without breaking the bank.

My wheelhouse is classic and modern-classic cocktails, so while I might down the road give advice on setting up, say, a tiki bar, I will call in some to run around to estate sales and thrift stores or experts for that one. That being said, even if you anything, but what you put your drinks into is are a tiki enthusiast, I recommend starting with nearly as important as what you put into your a classic cocktail setup first. If you can’t balance drinks. This isn’t just Instagram culture talking a drink with four ingredients, I have little hope here; if you don’t appreciate proper glassware, you can do so with seven or more! you need to ask yourself whether you’re a Also … forgive me for not covering tequila cocktail lover, or simply a drunk. (No judgment and mezcal this time around; that is another here, though.) can of worms (no pun intended) I will save for There is a proper glass for every drink— another time. sometimes more than one: Nice, double oldThe first purchase I suggest might be fashioned buckets, Collins glasses for highballs surprising to some, but hear me out: Invest in and such, classic stemmed coupes for daisies some nice glassware. I am not saying you need and sours, the “martini glass” (everyone’s

Drag Bingo every Tuesday Live music every Friday and Saturday Great drinks and food everyday 74360 Highway 111, Palm Desert • (760) 636-5220 www.facebook.com/HoodBarAndPizza CVIndependent.com

favorite), and some Nick and Nora glasses for extra credit would be an excellent start. If you decide to hit thrift shops and don’t care about matching sets, you can do this on the cheap.

Some smaller liquor stores will sell branded glasses that came in unsold gift packs rather cheaply. I’m unsure of the ethicality of this, but some of that stuff is pretty nice.

Next, you’ll need some equipment—and if you don’t have a well-stocked shop nearby, you might need to go online. While this isn’t a paid endorsement (I wish!), I generally use Cocktail Kingdom (cocktailkingdom.com) for my stuff.

You’ll want a couple of sets of shaker tins— Japanese-made tins are used by most craft people I know. Thinking about purchasing some very mid-century-modern-looking three-piece jobs? Those aren’t very functional. If you want to procure some and have the cash to burn, go ahead; just leave them as decoration.

You will want to get a couple of nice jiggers, though. I recommend 2-ounce and 3/4-ounce Japanese-style (tall conical) ones, although Leopolds look cool and generally have all the quarter-ounce steps on the 2-ounce jigger if you don’t want to buy two. I find the Japanese ones more precise in my experience, though.

Remember, 2 ounces is all the way to the edge—no cheating! Be sure to invest in quality Hawthorne strainers and a nice weighted spoon for stirring; you’ll thank me later. Feel free to skip the julep strainers; I never use them, to be honest. A fine strainer for sours and other shaken cocktails is a must-have for cocktail-barquality drinks.

Lastly, equipment-wise, you can use Pyrex lab beakers as cocktail pitchers. They are cheap online and look nerdy-chic.

Consider one more set of tools, depending on your level of commitment: An ice pick lets you raise your ice game by chiseling block ice into glorious, clear, glassy magic.

I nearly forgot the juicer! Unless you want to use store-bought juice—and you don’t—get yourself a hinged hand juicer for lemons and limes, and something no-frills for grapefruits and oranges. This will open up a world of delicious daiquiris, sours and other citrusy delights. You can squeeze to order at home— and that’s a luxury we don’t have at a busy bar.

You likely already have a usable peeler.

So … why all of this before discussing spirits?

Aren’t great spirits the key to great cocktails?

Well … not really. Good spirits help, but there is rarely a reason to go over $30 on a base spirit (London dry gin, bourbon, cognac, rye, etc.). Pick up one each of those, and if you must, vodka.

That will get the ball rolling. Save money in the

budget for good “sweet” and “dry” vermouth, and for Pete’s sake, refrigerate when not using.

Triple sec, curaçao and bitters are next in importance; get good ones (Combier/Cointreau, Grand Marnier/Pierre Ferrand, Campari/Gran Classico are respective examples of quality ones).

You’ll need Angostura bitters as well, and might want orange and Peychaud’s too.

Now we can make some serious drinks— negronis and all the variations; old fashioneds; martinis and manhattans; sidecars; daisies; and sours, just to name a few.

Soon, though, you or your friends will start wanting Last Words, or Paper Planes, maybe Corpse Revivers or even Mezcal Corpse Revivers (perish the thought), and you will need to start stocking the various amari, cordials and fortified wines. One by one, you can add Aperol, Averna, Fernet, the Chartreuse green and yellow, Lillet and Suze, and …

Wait. This was supposed to be “how to set up a home bar on the cheap.” While you can make a ton of cocktails quite well at home after a basic investment in equipment and supplies, chances are you will catch the bug and end up dropping a ton of money on this project as you go—which is not the worst way to spend disposable income if you have the passion.

Of course, if this seems daunting, you can always come and see me. A $12 cocktail sounds a little more reasonable now, no?

Kevin Carlow is a bartender at Truss and Twine, and can be reached at krcarlow@gmail.com.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 21

MAY 2018

FOOD & DRINK

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK

VINE SOCIAL JASON DAVID

If your sommelier is just recommending expensive bottles of wine … he or she is not doing his or her job

HAIR STUDIO

W

By KatieLOVE finn YOUR

HAIR

hen I took my first sommelier exam 15 years ago (gasp!), it’s safe to say that most people didn’t know what a sommelier was. In fact, I once told someone I was a sommelier, and not being familiar with that word, he was convinced I was trying to tell him I was Country Club and Cook Street Somalian.

Fast-forward over the years, and we’ve seen the emergencePalm of the De foodie sertculture, the globalization of wine, and the idea of a sommelier going from obscurity to the mainstream. Hell, there’s even a movie that put this odd little profession of nerds in the Hollywood spotlight.

760-340-5959 But even with sommeliers garnering more recognition and even a little notoriety, I can’t help but wonder if people really know what it is that www.jasondavidhairstudio.net really don’t have an answer. On one hand, yes, if we do. What does it mean to be a sommelier? you have the means and desire to spend $4,000 Sometimes I think even people in our industry on a bottle of wine that you will probably never have forgotten what our purpose is. drink, because chances are, you’re looking at For me, being a somm has always translated this as a collectible—much like someone buying to wine education, and because I’ve made it a vintage car that they will never drive. It’s not my mission to get as many people drinking as about practicality or function; it’s about owning much weird wine as possible, I always encourage something very few people can lay claim to. questions at my tastings—and I get lots and On the other hand … no way. The very idea is lots of them. In my mind, they’re all valid (No, absurd, especially given that wine does, indeed, really!), because to me, there’s nothing worse have a shelf life. The whole purpose of wine is than a self-proclaimed “wine expert” who won’t enjoyment, and if you are purchasing a bottle of ask questions about what he doesn’t know, Screaming Eagle, and plan on pulling the cork because he thinks he should already know. and gleefully sipping it to your heart’s content, However, some questions are better than could it possibly bring you more joy than if the others. Dare I say … some are more intriguing bottle cost you $400? Or $40? Many would than others? argue … no.

At a recent wine dinner, I had the But as far as a sommelier is concerned, the opportunity to answer one of my all-timeanswer should be: “Who cares?” The truth is, favorite questions. I was blabbing on and on wines like Screaming Eagle, Harlan and Opus about quality to value ratios, and seeking out One bore me. There is no denying they are great wines for the price, and finding “hidden exceptional; they are rare, perfectly crafted, gems” when I heard this: shining examples of what Napa is capable of, So, do you think a wine like Screaming Eagle is and anyone who buys a bottle should expect worth its price? nothing less. If you’re spending $500 on a bottle I love these questions so much, because they of California cabernet, there’s no crap-shoot involved: You can pat yourself on the back and rest assured the wine you’ve purchased will be stellar. If I recommend a bottle of Cliff Lede’s Poetry, Dalla Valle’s Maya or Shafer’s Hillside Select, have I really done my job … or do these wines just make my job easy?

I like to think that a sommelier’s purpose is to do what the consumer cannot: We are the flavor-finders, the value-hunters, and the detective of wine secrets. We know how to identify a great bottle of wine, from a great producer, who’s using quality fruit under strict confidentiality from a famous vineyard. Maybe it’s a wine from a region that’s up and coming.

Maybe it’s a varietal that is making a comeback or fell into obscurity. Maybe it’s a side project from a famous winemaker who started a new label just for the fun it. Our job is to find the wine that’s $20, but drinks like it’s a $75 bottle.

Our job is to find your perfect bottle of wine.

The beauty is: Those wines are everywhere!

The Fortnight cabernet, made by Napa legend Charles Hendricks, which we featured at our wine dinner at Cooking With Class, is a perfect example. Charles has made wine everywhere from Viader to Regusci, and now makes this fun side project in Calistoga with his friends at T-Vine. It’s labeled “California,” because from one year to the next, the fruit sources will be different. The varietal blend will be different. But the outcome is consistent: It’s a wine less than $20 that is downright delicious.

The Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti is the best wine deal going at Costco as of this writing. I have a case of this in my “cellar” at all times.

This is one of the most notable producers in Piedmont, Italy, and this barbera is juicy and ripe, with the perfect amount of acidity, body and fruit. This is the epitome of the Tuesdaynight-with-homemade-spaghetti wine. Did I mention it’s $8.99 a bottle?

How about a deliciously drinkable pinot noir

from Macedonia? I’m willing to bet you’ve never had a wine from Macedonia before. I recently grabbed a bottle of the Macedon pinot noir from Whole Foods and spent $15. I went home and drank it with some prosciutto and a triplecream brie. ’Nuff said.

Being a sommelier is all about the love of wine. We’re here so the consumer doesn’t get ripped off (ideally). We are matchmakers. We find the right wine for the right person. We save you time, money and the frustration of another disappointing bottle. We offer up wildly new and exciting bottles from grapes you didn’t even know existed. And we will happily give you your security-blanket bottle of cabernet.

I am lucky. I love what I do. Now, sit back, relax … and just trust me.

Katie Finn is a certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine with more than 15 years in the wine industry. She can be reached at katiefinnwine@gmail.com.

Experience Award-winning, Modern European Cuisine

Creative Chef Johannes Bacher

Voted “Best Chefs America”

Voted “Best Continental Restaurant”, “Best Martini”, and “Best Romantic Dining” by Palm Springs Life Readers.

BECOME A FAN ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/JohannesRestaurant

J O N E D WA R D S

johannespalmsprings.com

OPEN FOR DINNER AT 5 PM | CLOSED MONDAYS | PRIVATE DINING | AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS | SPECIAL EVENTS

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

(760) 778-0017

CVIndependent.com

22 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK

Restaurant NEWS BITES

By Jimmy Boegle

ōKIŚ TACO ŐESDAYS Ś ŚATŚŌE

Ś Ś.Ś0ALMŚ#ANYON

CVIndependent.com

Ś4ACOS

ANDŚAŚ

-AIŚ4AI

I Ś

NEW: TEMECULA’S SNOW AND CRAB BRINGS SHAVED ICE, CAJUN SEAFOOD TO PALM SPRINGS I was driving south down Sunrise Way past Tahquitz Canyon Way when I saw the words on the south end of the building that houses the 99 Cents Only store: SNOW and CRAB. Hmm. I was intrigued. I love crab, after all, and as for snow … well, I wasn’t sure about that. So, I decided to investigate.

Here’s what I found: Snow and Crab is a new-to-Palm Springs restaurant—the first one is in Temecula—and the “crab” part of the name refers to, well, crab, as well as other Cajun-style seafood on offer: snow crab legs, king crab legs, whole blue and Dungeness crabs, clams, mussels, wild-caught shrimp, catfish, and both fresh and fresh-frozen crawfish. Basically … you choose your catch; your flavor (Cajun, scampi, lemon pepper or full house); your spiciness level; and your extras, if desired (hot Louisiana smoked sausage, potatoes, sausage or corn on the cob).

Soups, salads, sides, appetizers and several “chef’s specialties,” as well as desserts, fill out the menu. Yum. As for “snow” … that refers to the shaved ice concoctions available, like the “Let It Snow”: milky shaved ice topped with marshmallow and shredded coconut. Boba smoothies, flavored teas and other specialty drinks may also be ordered.

I decided Snow and Crab warranted some in-person investigation, so I dropped in for a recent lunch. I am dealing with an injured-but-healing left arm, so I decided to save the more hands-on seafood for another time, and instead ordered a “chef’s specialty,” the fried catfish tray with fries ($12), along with the garlic-bread appetizer ($3). Both were tasty—and the amount of catfish and fresh-cut large fries was substantial enough that I could have made two meals out of it. (I said “could have.” Hey, I was hungry.)

The person who helped me during my mid-April visit said Snow and Crab is still in its softopening phase, so menu tweaks and additions are possible.

Snow and Crab looks like an exciting, unique addition to the area food scene. It’s located at 186 S. Sunrise Way, in Palm Springs. For more information, call 760-218-6056, or visit www. snowandcrab.com.

IN BRIEF A new restaurant has opened at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Persimmon Bistro comes from Candice Held and Tristan Gittens, the owners of Palm Springs’ Frankinbun; according to a news release, Persimmon serves “rustic, eclectic cuisine with a twist in a unique café setting on the edge of the museum’s sculpture garden … combining fantastical wallpaper design and chic comfort food.” The “jungle to table” restaurant serves coffee, tea, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, salads, soups and sandwiches, as well as a few “delicacies” like charcuterie and French desserts. Persimmon Bistro is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day but Wednesday at 101 N. Museum Drive, in Palm Springs; visit www.persimmonbistro.com for details. … A couple of Facebook friends have been singing the praises of a brand-new place—and by “brand new,” we mean “opened on April 14”—at 3700 E. Vista Chino, at Gene Autry Trail, in Palm Springs. It’s called Paul, and the place serves food and great drinks, often served by someone named Paul, starting at 4 p.m. every day but Tuesday. That’s all we know for now; watch www.facebook.com/ PaulPalmSprings for more details. … If you like either Lucha Libre wrestling or tacos—and if you don’t like at least one of those two things, something’s very wrong with you—head to Morongo Casino Resort Spa, at 49500 Seminole Drive, in Cabazon, on Saturday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the second annual Morongo Taco Fest. More than two-dozen SoCal taco-makers will be present selling $2 tacos, while music, tequila-tastings, a hot-pepper-eating contest and a “Tiny Taco Dog Beauty Pageant” (!) takes place. Admission is $10; get more details and tickets at www.morongocasinoresort.com. … A brand-new—and gorgeous—Koffi has opened in Kaptur Plaza, located at 650 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, in downtown Palm Springs. This is the fourth Koffi location—three of which are in Palm Springs, with the fourth in Rancho Mirage. More info at www. kofficoffee.com. … Now open at The River, at 71800 Highway 111, Suite A116, in Rancho Mirage: MidiCi, The Neapolitan Pizza Company, a national chain restaurant serving food made with “mostly non-GMO” ingredients, along with beer and wine. More info at www.mymidici.com. …

Coming soon to downtown Palm Springs: a new La Quinta Brewing Co. Taproom, at 301 N. Palm Canyon Drive, across from the Hyatt and beneath Café Europa/JusTapas. Watch www.facebook. com/LQBCPalmSpringsTaproom for updates.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 23

MAY 2018

the

FOOD & DRINK INDY ENDORSEMENT This month’s treats: savory crepes in Cathedral City, and avocado fries in Palm Desert

By Jimmy Boegle

WHAT The Porto crepe WHERE Lala’s Waffles Crepes and Shakes, 34041 Date Palm Drive, Suite E, Cathedral City HOW MUCH $8.35 CONTACT 760-202-3443; www.eatlalas.com WHY It’s a treat you don’t find often.

Let’s be honest with ourselves for a moment: What if you heard a new Mexican restaurant was opening near you? Would you be excited— even if you had reason to believe that new Mexican restaurant was going to be really, really good?

Probably not—because the Coachella Valley is already home to a wide variety of Mexican joints serving up all sorts of yummy eats.

Right?

Well … what if you heard a new restaurant had opened near you that serves crepes—both savory and sweet varieties—as well as waffles?

Would you be excited? Well, when I heard about the opening of Lala’s Waffles Crepes and Shakes, I was certainly excited— because Lala’s is offering something fairly unique.

After all, how many restaurants in town do you know of that focus on crepes?

And, yes, the fare at Lala’s is really, really good. On a recent lunch visit, I decided to try a savory crepe: the Porto, with ham, Provolone and Swiss cheeses, and mushrooms—all topped with a chipotle sauce. It was delicious— made fresh with quality ingredients—and surprisingly filling. I wanted a touch of sweet with my savory, so I decided to wash it down with Lala’s strawberry horchata ($4 for 24 ounces), which was so tasty and refreshing that it, in and of itself, was endorsement-worthy.

On my next visit, I plan on jumping to the sweet side of things to try the Frida ($8.50), with dulce de leche spread, strawberries, coconut flakes, bananas, whipped cream and pistachio ice cream—offered as either a crepe or a waffle. Wow. I strongly advise you to go to Lala’s. Support a local business. Try something unique. Your taste buds will be glad you did.

WHAT The avocado fries WHERE Grill-a-Burger, 73091 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert HOW MUCH $8.95 CONTACT 760-346-8170; www.grill-a-burger.com WHY The rich mix of crunch and creamy.

I love avocados. They’re delicious; they’re good for you; and they’re interesting. (For example: Did you know the avocado is technically a berry? Really!)

Plus, avocados gave the world guacamole.

Enough said.

Given my love for avocados, it should come as no surprise that on a recent trip to Grill-a-Burger—the highly regarded and somewhat famous (thank you, Diners, DriveIns and Dives) Palm Desert restaurant—with friend and colleague Kevin, I simply had to try the avocado fries.

While I have enjoyed avocado in a variety of ways, I’d never tried it fried before. Here’s how that works: The good folks at Grill-a-Burger take fresh avocado wedges, dip them in beer batter, coat them in Panko bread crumbs, deepfry ’em, and then add a little sea salt.

The resulting “fry” is a revelation: It’s sweet, savory, crunchy, creamy and oh-so-delicious.

The first bite almost overwhelms the mouth (in a good way), because of the wide variety of flavors and textures arriving all at once.

A word of caution: The avocado fries are rather filling. Our server warned Kevin and me that we’d have more than enough food after each ordering a burger and splitting the avocado fries, but we went ahead and also got an order of the 50/50—half french fries and half onion rings. We barely touched ’em.

Grill-a-Burger has earned a number of accolades during its decade-plus of existence, thanks to the restaurant’s quality (including fresh-baked buns and all-natural USDA beef sans hormones and antibiotics), variety (30 different burgers, along with mini-burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, milkshakes and malts—plus beer and wine!) and fantastic service.

If you’ve never been to Grill-a-Burger … go.

If you have been to Grill-a-Burger, but you’ve never tried the avocado fries … go. Trust me.

Now Open!

CVIndependent.com

24 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

25 25 27 27

Al Rossi’s goal: make Rap with meaning—that’s also popular in clubs Frank Eats the Floor battles for respect as the band improves the lucky 13: meet the drummer for brightener the lucky 13: bassist glen pavan and gayc/dc return to the hood

The Blueskye REPORT may 2018

By Brian Blueskye

www.cvindependent.com/music

A FESTIVE FESTIVAL Godspeed You, Black Emperor!

The Joshua Tree Music Festival brings quality world music and more to a beautiful setting

26 guillermo prieto/irockphotos.com

CVIndependent.com

That time of year is upon us when we say our temporary goodbyes to the snowbirds—and the valley becomes a lot quieter. However, there are still shows that’ll be just as hot as the weather will be.

Alas, the McCallum Theatre goes dark during the summer months—but there are still a handful of great events there in May. At 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 9, everyone’s favorite comedy/parody rocker, Weird Al Yankovic, will be performing. Weird Al has brilliantly spoofed many great pop, rock and rap songs through the years, and starred in his own “successful failure” of a movie, UHF. Speaking of which, Emo Philips, who played Joe Earley in UHF, will also be appearing. Tickets are $37 to $87. At 7 p.m., Saturday, May 12, singer-songwriter and actress Melissa Manchester will take the stage with the Coachella Valley Symphony. She’s released numerous albums since the early ’70s, and appeared in television shows such as Blossom and films such as For the Boys. Tickets are $27 to $67. At 4 p.m., Sunday, May 13, 70 high school music students from throughout the Coachella Valley will perform as part of the 2018 All-Valley High School Honor Band. This is the thirdannual concert, for which students must audition in front of College of the Desert faculty members to perform. Tickets are $10. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert; 760-3402787; www.mccallumtheatre.com.

May is flat-out hot with spectacular events at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. At 8 p.m., Saturday, May 5, Train will be performing.

The band arrived with its debut album in 1998, scoring a hit with “Meet Virginia,” and then found it on the very top of the charts in 2010 with “Hey, Soul Sister.” Tickets are $69 to $129.

At 8 p.m., Saturday, May 19, legendary R&B outfit Earth, Wind and Fire will be performing.

Although frontman Maurice White passed away in 2016, Earth, Wind and Fire remains as popular as ever. It is one band every music-lover should experience live at least once; tickets are $49 to $79. And now the highlight: At 8 p.m., Sunday, May 27, ’80s rock icon and badass Billy Idol will take the stage. Idol’s mainstream success was well-deserved … but there was a punkrocker inside of him who always needed to be unleashed—and that side of him comes out at

continued on Page 26

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 25

MAY 2018

MUSIC

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC

RAP FOR THOUGHT

THESE PASSIONATE YOUNGSTERS Frank Eats the Floor battles for respect as the band improves its already-impressive sound

Al Rossi’s goal is to make music with meaning—that’s also popular in the clubs

R

By Brian Blueskye

ap music is arguably the most popular music genre in America—but it’s been slow to take hold in the local music scene.

However, that’s starting to change—and one of the artists leading the way is Al Rossi. He’s quickly picking up followers on Spotify; his music shows clarity and quality—attributes of possible future hits.

During a recent interview, Rossi explained where he’s at in terms of his music.

“I’ve been doing music for the last eight years,” Rossi said. “Now I’ve been taking it more seriously since I’ve been getting a lot of new listeners, and people are starting to know who I am now. It runs in my blood. A lot of my older cousins had word play and some substance. Today’s music is their own little projects among their friends, nothing but beats. It’s not really lyrical. Now all and I picked it up. My grandfather was a blues they want to do is talk down on the legends that musician, and I have a bunch of equipment I started rap. You can’t talk down on who helped don’t even know how to use, because he gave it build this platform that we’re able to work on. to us. He would do little tours around the South “I’m all about clarity. I want to make sure … and he got back into doing church music. the vocals sound right. This EP I put out cost Music runs in my family.” me quite a bit, because I paid to be in a good Rossi said most of the local rap music is studio and use a good microphone. … The guy coming from the East Valley.

I mess with is out of Palm Desert, Tariq Beats, “There are not a whole lot of venues, but the works with rap artists and has even made beats ones who really give us support are the Red for Chris Brown, and he’s not really being seen Barn, who do some hip-hop stuff; The Hood yet, but he’s made a lot of impact. He might Bar and Pizza, who do some hip-hop stuff; and not have that No. 1 track on the charts, but we have Sol Nightclub in Coachella, and they’re he’s on a lot of people’s albums, and you’ll find really open to a lot of music, and they have a his name in small print in the album credits.” lot of good people working there,” Rossi said.

I asked Rossi if he feels that the artistic sides “Those are our central spots that really support of songwriting are sometimes sacrificed for our scene. Not too many places in Palm Springs success or plays. (support us), but I have gotten a little bit of “The club scene is popping right now. I make play in Palm Springs. Copa Nightclub spins my things club-friendly. It’s catering to that party records, and a DJ who goes to Zeldas will spin life, and that’s what’s in right now,” he said. “If some of my records.” you can get mainstream in the club, you’re solid Rossi said he doesn’t relate to much of the in a lot of spots. I talk a little bit about my life current chart-topping rap music. and stuff that’s relative. I want people to play “It’s a little too simple to me right now. The my music, and that’s where my focus is now. old ’90s music would give you some food for Everybody is chasing a catchy hook, chorus and thought—always talking about what’s going a bouncing beat, and that’s all it comes down on,” he said. “Now it’s just competitive and to—but if you hear rap music on the radio, about nothing. It’s too basic for me. I like a little you’re probably changing the station, because they aren’t saying anything.”

Al Rossi said he’s found some comradery in the local scene.

“Thr3 Strykes are my boys. We work with the same producer, Tariq Beats,” Rossi said. “You can hear similarities working with the same person. I went to school with them, too. I’ve known them for a long time. I like J. Patron and have done a couple of tours with him before.

Tiptoe Stallone out of Indio is one of my go-to people. When I’ve had questions about music, he shoots me in the right direction.”

Al Rossi.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ alros3rd.

F

By Brian Blueskye

rank Eats the Floor stands out in two ways.

First: It is one of the strangest band names in our local music scene. Second: The young members show as much passion for music as anyone else in our local music scene.

We aren’t kidding when we say “young”: Bassist and lead vocalist Matt King and guitarist Aleks Romo are both in high school, while guitarist Joseph Beltran and drummer Frank Altamirano are in their first year of college.

So, what’s up with the name? During a recent interview, Altamirano explained it.

“Joe (Beltran) and I used to be in a band called The Power Strangers. It was literally just us two, and we sort of became this passion project that Frank Eats the Floor would invite other people to come on board,” Altamirano explained. “In our junior year of high school, we found some members who were willing to commit. We needed a name, and we learned that The Power Strangers was already taken, so we went through this really long and elaborate band-name generator that we found online. It asked a question about who was the leader, and I didn’t want to take King said. “We spent eight hours up there one full responsibility for this, but I finally bit the day last summer. We know him through the bullet and said I was the leader. One of the guys in Sleazy Cortez. None of us slept the options it gave us was Frank Eats the Floor.” night before, so we were a little groggy. We It has not been easy to be a band full of recorded five songs, and it was a fun time. members who are not yet 21.

We’re thinking about recording the other songs “The venues are the hardest part, but I feel this summer.” like we’ve been doing a good job,” King said.

The members admit they’re still trying to “It’s hard to say, ‘Hey, we’d love to play this figure out how to build their sound. show!’ and they come back and ask, ‘Cool!

“Here’s how that works: We play at gigs, What’s your age?’ It’s like, ‘Really man?’ It’s and we notice how different we play. We go to kind of degrading in a way. Just hear our practice and notice how different we play than music. It doesn’t matter what age we are.”

Altamirano said their ages have made it hard when we’re in the studio,” Beltran said. “We took note that when we play live, we play at for the band to command respect. a faster tempo. Me and Aleks were listening “One of the problems we had when it was to the guitar, and they’re not synched up, just me and Joe was being taken seriously,” and there’s one slightly off beat. We have to said Altamirano. “While we are kids, we’re also touch it up and add a few things. We realized really passionate about what we do, and we we polished some of the songs and that we’re take this seriously.” more consistent in how we play some of the One of the band’s standout songs is “School songs than others.”

Food Sucks.” Beltran explained the song.

Still, the members said they’re proud of how “Every time we play that song, it’s a lot of far they’ve come. fun,” Beltran said. “I look at everyone’s faces, “The first time we invited Matt to jam with and Franky is smiling; Matt is smiling; and us, he played one note for the entire song,” Aleks is smiling. It’s a fun song. There’s a lot of Altamirano said. “He had just gotten his bass anger behind it, too. The way it was composed and had only been playing for a few months. was Matt was having the worst day of his life; He played open E for every song. … The Frank was having relationship problems; and chemistry is there, and I love it. When I fill in I was just kinda there the whole time and was for other bands or jam with other people, it like, ‘All right, guys! Let’s make music.’ Matt doesn’t feel the same or as good as jamming actually wrote most of it.” with these guys.”

Frank Eats the Floor recently released a four-song EP. For more information, visit frankeatsthefloorfetf.

“Jerry Whiting at Room 9 Recording in bandcamp.com.

Redlands did it, and his studio is in his house,” CVIndependent.com

26 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

MUSIC A RELAXED SETTING

The Blueskye REPORT continued from Page 24

times. Tickets are $59 to $99. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 760-342-5000; www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa has a great May schedule. At 8 p.m., Thursday, May 17, former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar will be performing with his band The Circle.

That band includes drummer Jason Bonham (son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham), bassist Michael Anthony (of Van Halen) and longtime Hagar guitarist Vic Johnson. Hagar was a successful solo artist in his own right before temporarily replacing David Lee Roth. Tickets are $95 to $125. At 8 p.m., Friday, May 18, enjoy a double bill from Tower of Power and Average White Band. There’s a lot of truth in Tower of Power’s name, as it is one of the most powerful R&B bands in music history. Average White Band may have a funny name, but it is one of the bestknown names in funk music, most remembered for “Pick Up the Pieces.” Tickets are $45 to $65.

At 8 p.m., Saturday, May 26, husband-and-wife Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will be performing.

Benatar and Giraldo married in 1982, and have been performing together at times ever since.

Tickets are $55 to $75. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-999-1995; www.hotwatercasino.com.

Spotlight 29 has a fun Cinco de Mayo event: At 8 p.m., Saturday, May 5, enjoy performances

by Nacho “Nash” Bustillos, Mariachi Serenata Mexicana and DJ Morales. Tickets are $10.

Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella; 760-775-5566; www.spotlight29.com.

Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace is showing no signs of a post-Coachella/ Stagecoach hangover, with a packed May. At 8:30 p.m., Sunday, May 20, X bassist John Doe will be performing a solo set. John Doe’s performance at Stagecoach last year impressed me; he’s a fantastic songwriter, and his style of performance will go over well at Pappy and Harriet’s. Also on the bill: J. Micah Nelson (son of Willie, performing as Particle Kid), and Feisty Heart. Tickets are $20. At 9 p.m., Thursday, May 24, punk/ska band Fishbone will rock Pappy’s. If you’ve never seen Fishbone, you have no idea what you’re missing. Nearly the entire original lineup is back. This is going to be a highenergy show in a small setting, and you’ll love it. Tickets are $30. At 8 p.m., Friday, May 25, the instrumental band Godspeed You! Black Emperor will perform outdoors. Godspeed’s “songs” are not songs in the classical sense; they are long and evolving jams that go to some dark and psychedelic places. Tickets are $40.

Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; 760-365-5956; www.pappyandharriets.com.

The Copa Room Palm Springs is hosting the return of a longtime favorite. At 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, May 25 and 26; and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, May 27, comedy and music duo Amy and Freddy will be performing. Tickets are $25 to $35. Copa Palm Springs, 244 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs; 760-866-0021; www.coparoomtickets.com.

CVIndependent.com

A

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC

The Joshua Tree Music Festival brings quality music and more to a beautiful, intimate place

By Brian Blueskye

fter the Empire Polo Club is cleaned up following Coachella and Stagecoach, it’s time for music-lovers to turn toward the high desert—and the Joshua Tree Music Festival, with the first of its two annual iterations taking place May 17-20.

The spring festival will feature performances by record producer and DJ Adam Freeland; Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles; Con Brio; and many others. Local artists participating include Gene Evaro Jr., The Desert Rhythm Project, and Myshkin.

The festival has grown increasingly popular in its 15 years of existence, but it has kept its smaller scale, as well as its focus on creativity, day, it comes down to the fact that I don’t have community and arts education for attendees money,” English said. “It’s always challenging to of all ages. produce it every time. I’ve never had investors During a recent interview with founder or corporate sponsors; that was a real challenge Barnett English, he told me how he came up at the beginning—and (it is) even now, because with the idea to do a festival at the Joshua we pour back into it and make it better each Tree Lake Campground. time. The good thing about that is it forced “For 25 years, I’ve been traveling to music us to be creative and not overdo it. The result festivals, and every season, I go to as many as is the festival grew organically over the years.

25 to 30 festivals with my coffee business,” It grew because people showed up with their English said. “I’ve been doing that since the friends and thought, ‘Five of our friends will summer of 1993, mainly on the West Coast love this, so let’s bring them next time.’ It and every Coachella. I happened to come up to really grew that way versus having a $500,000 this campground here in Joshua Tree in 2002, advertising budget and bringing in thousands and drove in at night not seeing anything. of people who didn’t know each other.

When I woke up and saw it, I said, ‘Wow, this “The constant challenge of being betterwould be a great place for a music festival.’ organized is always a fun game, and you can Literally, within six months, I moved here, and always improve at it. I’m constantly learning we had our first festival. Luckily, I was naive still.” and went ahead and did it.”

English talked about a couple of notable The Joshua Tree Music Festival includes recent performances. world-music acts in each lineup; English said “Every festival, there are some it’s important to be diverse. performances that strike a note for some “I’ve always been a huge music fan, reason,” he said. “… This one we had last year fiendishly collecting music and hoping to hear from South Korea called Jambinai almost the next favorite song ever since I was 10,” he scared people at the beginning, because said. “A good 45 years of that, and after going they’re atonal, and then go into heavy metal to all these festivals, you realize that a lot of and play these classical music instruments. them sound the same, or it’s just one certain It was so bizarre, but the whole place was in type of music performed by white men. I think tears, because they loved it so much. Last diversity is important, along with keeping it month, they were on worldwide TV closing interesting and unique.” out the Winter Olympics, nine months later.

Since its inception, the festival has utilized “We also had DakhaBrakha from Ukraine. members of the community to take part and They were playing classical instruments, too, help with logistics. but all electrified, and it made for a one-of-a“Community is our main focus, and that kind sound. I still have people e-mailing me includes people working on the festival, every asking, ‘Are they coming back?’” too,” English said. “I might be responsible English said he thinks the backdrop of the for taking out the garbage, but there are festival makes it better. hundreds of people who help build the place “It has something to do with the wide-open and paint it, and all the vendors; that really space and the wide-open sky,” Barrett said. makes the whole thing better. We really are all “It’s like … your mind is free of the clutter that connected.” you might have in the city, where you have the All music festivals face the challenges electrical eyes in the buildings and the cars. of finances and getting the word out—but I think people just exhale when they come the Joshua Tree Music Festival does things up here and are physically more relaxed and differently. open. I also see that in the performers when “From the very beginning, and even to this they’re up onstage. When they come out here,

A photo from a previous Joshua Tree Music Festival. guillermo prieto/irockphotos.net

the performances are 10,000 times better than when I saw them a few months prior at another festival. It comes through in the performance, which is awesome.”

The different atmosphere at the Joshua Tree Music Festival also draws a wider variety of attendees.

“We actually have a lot of people who attend that don’t really go to festivals,” English said.

“They don’t like crowds. They aren’t up for paying a fortune to wait in line, be hot and bothered, and be squeezed into a campground.

I get it. I’ve reached a certain age where I’m not into that, either. When you come here, it’s a totally relaxed vibe and atmosphere. There’s plenty of room to camp, and everything is within walking distance. I think that is a great appeal, with the music being as high-grade as any festival, but in an intimate setting.”

The Joshua Tree Music Festival takes place Thursday, May 17, through Sunday, May 20, at the Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground, 2601 Sunfair Road, in Joshua Tree. A four-day pass is $180; discounts and single-day passes are available. For tickets or more information, visit www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 27

MAY 2018

MUSIC

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC

the

LUCKY 13

Meet the drummer for Brightener, and the bassist/master of confetti for GayC/DC

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

I haven’t seen Death Cab for Cutie yet, but they are on my musical bucket list.

Elias Texel

NAME Elias Texel GROUP Brightener MORE INFO Local band Brightener had been on a bit of a hiatus, but the band has started to resurface recently, including the CV Independent Presents show at The Hood Bar and Pizza with Haunted Summer in April. Behind the drums of Brightener is Elias Texel, who recently got engaged to his girlfriend, Ashley. For more information, visit brightener.bandcamp.com.

What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

“The Sound” by The 1975. I never listen to it around people I know. Ugh, I can’t escape it!

What’s your favorite music venue?

I really love the Troubadour in Los Angeles.

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

“I farted in a can and stirred it with my finger singin’ oh da da da da da da oh dada dada, threw it out the window,” “Heart It Races,” Dr. Dog.

What was the first concert you attended?

Whoa, it was actually an MxPx concert! Ha ha! I was in fourth-grade and went with my best bud and his older brother. We were amazed.

What band or artist changed your life?

Snarky Puppy. A whole new world of possibilities with music opened for me when I started listening to them.

What was the first album you owned?

The first album I remember buying was Sum 41’s All Killer No Filler. Really got my 11-year-old angst going.

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

Brian Blade: “Will you give me some of your powers?”

What bands are you listening to right now?

I’ve been listening to A LOT of Future Islands.

Also: Dr. Dog, MewithoutYou, Joyce Manor, Flying Lotus, and Phoenix.

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

People won’t like me for this, but Lana Del Rey.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

“Life Is a Highway,” Tom Cochrane.

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

Menos el Oso, Minus the Bear.

What song should everyone listen to right now?

Go listen to “Compromised” by Tim Atlas. I’ve had it on repeat for the last couple of weeks.

NAME Glen Pavan GROUP GayC/DC MORE INFO Bassist Glen Pavan is a show of his own. Not only is he the bassist for the fabulous all-gay AC/DC themed rock band; he’s also the master of confetti and shenanigans. GayC/DC will be returning to The Hood Bar and Pizza for an encore CV Independent Presents show on Saturday, May 5. For more info, visit www. facebook.com/gaycdcband.

What was the first concert you attended?

The Stray Cats at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, N.J., perhaps on their first tour, in 1982.

What was the first album you owned?

It’s hard to pinpoint, as my oldest siblings and cousin were all teenagers when I was born, and I would get their hand-me-down records. I had a collection of Beatles, Cheap Trick, The Cars, Devo, Meatloaf, The Knack, The Police, ELO, Blondie and KISS albums.

What bands are you listening to right now?

I’m turning people onto the Italian band Giuda (pronounced “Judah”). They look like a pub band but play the most authentic glitter rock.

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

I love the look, the talent, and the camp of the wave (like what I did there?) of “yacht rock” cover bands playing around now, but those songs were boring and neutered then, and remain boring and neutered now.

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

I wish I could have seen The Who in 1970, around their performances at the Isle of Wight Festival, or the Live at Leeds/Hull shows.

What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

Hard-rock/heavy-metal Christmas music. It’s just so silly and happy and totally rocks.

What’s your favorite music venue?

When performing: Any outdoor stage. We are the best-looking band in the daylight!

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

I keep coming back to “Be All, End All” by Anthrax. It encourages me to stay motivated while still being realistic, and to never feel sorry for myself; and it reminds me that while I can’t control everything that happens in my life, I can control my reactions.

What band or artist changed your life?

As I’d expect most kids from the ’70s to answer, it’d be KISS. You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?

I’d like to ask just what kept the original Runaways from reuniting before drummer Sandy West passed away.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

My funeral won’t be sorrowful about me being gone; it’ll be about celebrating my friendships and my efforts to live life as largely (ha ha, fat joke) as I could with the time I had. Hence, you all get to hear Rush’s “1812 Overture” live, with cannons. And confetti. And fabulous gift bags.

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

Bat Out of Hell, Meat Loaf. It blows my mind as much now as it did when it came out.

What song should everyone listen to right now?

“Dick Around” by Sparks. It’s so grandiose.

CVIndependent.com

28 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

CANNABIS IN THE CV

NEW SUPER SILVER HAZE

Sativa 24.8% THC

BLACK DOMINA

Indica 26.4% THC

SUPER SOUR DIESEL

Sativa 26.8% THC

501st OG

Indica 26.6% THC

COOKING WITH WEED

STRAINS

Delivering Quality product to: PALM SPRINGS and all surrounding areas.

EPT W ACCRDS WE NO CA IT D E CR

Special of the Month!

Fire OG or Skywalker OG 5 Jumbo PreRolls, Over 6 Grams Total, All For Only $40.00!

10 Jumbo PreRolls, Over 12 Grams Total, All For Only $75.00!

All in Raw Rolling Papers and Filters

Please see our entire menu at:

CVIndependent.com

S

Making your own cannabisinfused oil isn’t easy—but it can be worth the time and money

BY CHARLES DRABKIN

pending an afternoon or evening cooking with friends feeds both hunger and the soul—and adding cannabis to the mix can add a whole other layer of sociability and relaxation.

For many home cooks, the idea of first creating cannabis oil or butter, and then making edibles, can seem daunting. In theory, you could simply throw some raw flower into any dish— but doing so would not fully activate the THC, and it would probably leave you with some funkytasting food. Beyond the time and work involved, the inconsistency of marijuana strength and the amount (and, therefore, the expense) of marijuana it can take lead most people to decide to consume only prepackaged edibles. I think is a shame.

If you have never cooked with cannabis, there are a few things you need to know before you begin. Let’s start with how much cannabis you want to use: A limited amount of cannabinoids—the active ingredients in the marijuana plant that include both CBD and THC—will dissolve in the oil. (By the way, in this piece, we’re using the words oil, butter and fat interchangeably.) By adding too much weed to your oil, you are simply wasting money and product. An ounce of cannabis infused into 16 ounces of butter or oil will give you a potent product that can later be cut with more fat as necessary. For my favorite lemon loaf, for instance, I use about two tablespoons of cannabis butter, and four tablespoons of regular butter.

Before using cannabis oil in a recipe, it must first be decarboxylated, a process that makes the THC into a substance that has intoxicating effects—not unlike how fermentation changes grape juice into wine. Heat is the fastest and most-effective method for creating this effect. So, when making cannabis-infused oil, temperature is vital: If your oil is too cool, the cannabinoids will either not all be released, or not released at all. If it’s too hot, you will vaporize your cannabinoids, losing potency and money.

Many people begin this process in a lowtemperature oven (245 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 30 minutes, mixing the buds every 10 minutes or so, before coarsely grinding and transferring the buds into a slow-cooker with the oil, at 160-200 degrees, for three hours.

But honestly … I hate this method. The time in the oven makes the entire house smell, which is not a major concern when we can have our doors and windows open—but come summer, when the house is shut up tight in 110-degreeplus temps, this is just not acceptable. Also: The amount of “active cooking” time is not practical for someone with a busy life. Finally, the unknowns around temperature make it

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

difficult to get a consistent product.

Luckily, there is a great solution: the consumer grade sous-vide machine. Home cooks everywhere are discovering the joys of the precise time and temperature offered with this bath-cooking method. A sous-vide machine—several great brands are on the market for less than $200, including the Anova, which I use—allows you to place a sealed bag or canning jar in a water bath, with that water holding within a degree plus or minus, for as long as you need. Obviously, there is an initial cost, but once you have the cooker, you can use it for all sorts of cooking projects—and you’ll save money in the long run, because you’ll be making better, moreconsistent oils.

You can “decarb” your flowers using a sealed bag under water, set to 203 degrees, for one hour. Then you coarse-grind the product, and place it and the fat in a sealed canning jar; put

that in a water bath set to 185 degrees for four hours—and you are done. The beauty of the sous-vide system is that it can run without being monitored, so feel free to run errands or take a nap.

Once you have infused your cannabis oil, you will need to strain it. If you aren’t fond of the herbaceously green flavor of most homemade cannabis butters, I recommend lining a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth, and letting gravity do the work. Don’t worry about getting every drop of oil out of the plant material; if you squeeze the cloth too hard, you will only succeed in getting lots of plant dust and chlorophyll in your oil, which gives it an off-putting flavor.

Even if you use the sous-vide machine, you’ll have spent a lot of time and energy making your lovely cannabis oil. Now it’s time to use it—but first, I recommend consuming a quarter-teaspoon of oil before you really start cooking; wait about an hour, and see how it affects you. You can then make some educated guesses about the dose that works for you.

Check out sousweed.com for lots of recipes.

The lemon cake mentioned at the beginning of this article is delicious when made with fresh lemons; I skip the medicated bitters and use limoncello.

Enjoy!

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 29

MAY 2018

Brian Blueskye and present

Find Us/Follow Us!

@ILoveGayPS

@GayDesertGuide

9 p.m., Saturday, May 5 The Hood Bar and Pizza 74360 Highway 111, Palm Desert

NO COVER! CVIndependent.com

30 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

OPINION SAVAGE LOVE

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION

I JUST WANNA GET LAID

BY DAN SAVAGE

I

’m a 36-year-old straight woman. I was sexually and physically abused as a kid, and raped in my early 20s. I have been seeing a great therapist for the last five years, and I am processing things and feeling better than I ever have. I was in a long-term relationship that ended about two years ago. I started dating this past year, but I’m not really clicking with anyone. I’ve had a lot of first dates, but nothing beyond that.

My problem is that I’d really love to get laid. The idea of casual sex and one-night stands sounds great— but in reality, moving that quickly with someone I don’t know or trust freaks me out, causes me to shut down, and prevents me from enjoying anything. Even thinking about going home with someone causes me to panic. When I was in a relationship, the sex was great. But now that I’m single, it seems like this big, scary thing. Is it possible to get laid without feeling freaked out?

Sexual Comfort And Reassurance Eludes Dame It is possible for you to get laid without feeling freaked out.

The answer—how you go home with someone without panicking—is so obvious, SCARED, that I’m guessing your therapist has already suggested it: Have sex with someone you know and trust. You didn’t have any issues having sex with your ex, because you knew and trusted him.

For your own emotional safety, and to avoid recovery setbacks, you’re going to have to find someone willing to get to know you—someone willing to make an emotional investment in you—before you can have sex again.

You’ve probably thought to yourself, “But everyone else is just jumping into bed

with strangers and having amazing sexual experiences!” And while it is true that many people are capable of doing just that, at least as many or more are incapable of having impulsive one-night stands, because they, too, have a history of trauma, or because they have other psychological, physical or logistical issues that make one-night stands impossible. (Some folks, of course, have no interest in one-night stands.)

Your trauma left you with this added burden, SCARED, and I don’t want to minimize your legitimate frustration or your anger. It sucks, and I fucking hate the people who victimized you. But it may help you feel a little better about having to make an investment in someone before becoming intimate—which really isn’t the worst thing in the world—if you can remind yourself that you aren’t alone. Demisexuals, other victims of trauma, people with bodyimage issues, people whose sexual interests

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

How can I enjoy casual sex while dealing with sexual traumas in my past?

are so stigmatized they don’t feel comfortable disclosing them to people they’ve just met—lots of people face the same challenge you do.

Something else to bear in mind: It’s not unheard of for someone re-entering the dating scene to have some difficulty making new connections at first. The trick is to keep going on dates until you finally click with someone.

In other words, SCARED, give yourself a break, and take your time. Also, don’t hesitate to tell the men you date that you need to get to know a person before jumping into bed with him.

That will scare some guys off, but only those guys who weren’t willing to get to know you— and those aren’t guys you would have felt safe fucking anyway, right? So be open and honest; keep going on those first dates; and eventually you’ll find yourself on a fifth date with a guy you can think about taking home without feeling panicked. Good luck.

This is about a girl, of course. Pros: She cannot hide her true feelings. Cons: Criminal, irascible, grandiose sense of self, racist, abstemious, selfcentered, anxious, moralist, monogamous, biased, denial as a defense mechanism, manipulative, liar, envious and ungrateful. She is also anthropologically and historically allocated in another temporal space continuum. And last but not least: She runs less quickly than me despite eight years age difference and her having the lungs of a 26-year-old nonsmoker. Thoughts?

Desperate Erotic Situation If someone is criminal, racist and dishonest— to say nothing of being allocated in another temporal space continuum (whatever the fuck that means)—I don’t see how “cannot hide her true feelings” lands on the “pro” side of the pro/con ledger. You shouldn’t want to be with a dishonest, moralizing bigot, DES, so the fact that this particular dishonest, moralizing bigot is incapable of hiding her truly repulsive feelings isn’t a reason to consider seeing her. Not being able to mask hateful feelings isn’t a redeeming quality—it’s the opposite.

My boyfriend and I love each other deeply, and the thought of breaking up devastates me. We also live together. I deeply regret it and am full of shame, but I impulsively went through his texts for the first time. I found out that for the past few months, he has been sexting and almost definitely hooking up with someone who I said I was not comfortable with. After our initial conversation about her (during which I expressed my discomfort), he never brought her up again. Had I known that he needed

her in his life this badly, I would have taken some time to sit with my feelings and figure out where my discomfort with her was coming from and tried to move through it. We are in an open relationship, but his relationship with her crosses what we determined as our “cheating” boundary: hiding a relationship.

How do I confess to what I did and confront him without it blowing up into a major mess?

Upset Girl Hopes Relationship Survives Snooping is always wrong, of course, except when the snooper discovers something they had a right to know. While there are definitely lessambiguous examples (cases where the snoopee was engaged in activities that put the snooper at risk), your boyfriend violating the boundaries of your open relationship rises to the level of “right to know.”

This is a major mess, UGHRS, and there’s no way to confront your boyfriend without risking a blowup. So tell him what you know and how you found out. You’ll be in a better position to assess whether you want this relationship to survive after you confess and confront.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Amateur filmmakers, porn-star wannabes, kinksters, regular folks and other creative types are hereby invited to make and submit short porn films— five minutes max—to the 14th Annual HUMP! Film Festival.

The 13th Annual HUMP! Film Festival is currently touring the country—go to humpfilmfest.com for more info—and the next HUMP! kicks off in November. HUMP! films can be hardcore, softcore, live action, animated, kinky, vanilla, straight, gay, lez, bi, trans, genderqueer—anything goes at HUMP! (Well, almost anything: No poop, no animals, no minors.) HUMP! is screened only in theaters; nothing is released online; and the filmmakers retain all rights. At HUMP! you can be a porn star for a weekend in a theater without having to be a porn star for eternity on the Internet!

There’s no charge to enter HUMP!; there’s $20,000 in cash prizes awarded to the filmmakers by audience ballot (including the $10,000 Best in Show Award!); and each filmmaker gets a percentage of every ticket sold on the HUMP! tour.

For more information, go to humpfilmfest. com/submit.

Read Savage Love every Wednesday at CVIndependent.com; mail@savagelove.net; @ fakedansavage on Twitter; ITMFA.org.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 31

MAY 2018

OPINION COMICS & JONESIN’ CROSSWORD

“Duty: Free”—here comes the freestyle puzzle

36 Calculus for dentists 40 Country east of Eritrea 43 Beethoven’s Third Across Symphony 1 Cart food served in a 44 Double-decker, e.g. soft corn tortilla 47 Cave ___ (“Beware of 11 Former U.N. dog,” to Caesar) Secretary General 49 Fur trader John Hammarskjöld Jacob 14 Phone-based games 50 Customary to the where quizzers often present play for cash prizes 53 Pivot on an axis 15 Oscar ___ Hoya 54 Make further 16 Like some geometric corrections curves 55 “Oh yeah? ___ who?”

17 Nasty 57 “And many more” 18 St. Tropez summer 58 Caprica actor Morales 19 Inventor Whitney 59 Popular request at a 20 Obtrude bar mitzvah 22 Solitary 63 “Okay” 24 “I’d like to speak to 64 Complete opposites your supervisor,” e.g. 65 Rolls over a house?

27 Dallas family name 66 Short religious 29 Flip option segment on old TV 30 Recombinant stuff broadcasts 31 They’re silent and deadly Down 33 “I Need a Dollar” 1 Island where singer Aloe ___ Napoleon died 35 Namibia’s neighbor 2 Be active in a game,

e.g.

3 Going from green to yellow, maybe 4 The day before the big day 5 Cork’s country, in Gaelic 6 Word after coffee or time 7 Follower of Lao-tzu 8 ___.de.ap (Black Eyed Peas member) 9 Cost-of-living stat 10 Swing to and fro 11 Lacking, with “of” 12 Novelist Lurie 13 Lead ore 15 Branch of govt.

21 Makeup with an applicator 23 “Hope you like it!”

25 Truck compartment 26 Feel unwell 28 Actor Johnny of The Big Bang Theory and Roseanne 32 TV host Bee and blues singer Fish, for two 34 Traverse 37 Golf club brand

38 Connection to a power supply 39 Uncommon example 41 Brian once of Roxy Music 42 Not quite improved?

44 Minimalist to the max 45 Depletes 46 Takes an oath 48 Be way off the mark 51 New Bohemians lead singer Brickell 52 Almost on the hour 56 Investigation Discovery host Paula 60 Hydrocarbon suffix 61 Open-reel tape precursor to VCRs (and similar, except for the letter for “tape”) 62 “I hadn’t thought of that” ©2018 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@ jonesincrosswords.com) Find the answers in the “About” section at CVIndependent.com!

CVIndependent.com

32 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT

MAY 2018

Deals available ONLY in the Independent Market as of May 1:

Get a gift certificate 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 certificate to Shabu Shabu Zen for $12.50—a savings of 50 percent!

Get a $25 gift certificate to Acqua California Bistro for 25 percent off!

Get a $25 certificate to Moxie Palm Springs for $12.50—a savings of 50 percent!

Get a $40 gift certificate to Johnny Costa's for $20, or a $20 gift certificate for $10—a savings of 50 percent!

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 card to Fresh Juice Bar for $15—a savings of 40 percent!

Get a $40 gift certificate to Johannes for $20, or a $20 gift certificate for $10—a savings of 50 percent!

Deals available only at CVIndependent.com.

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