Desert Local News August 16, 2009 Edition by Desert Local News

DESERT LOCAL NEWS ‘Weekly Review’ August 16, 2009

Election 2009 Kick-off

Candidates Interviews: Robert Bentley Yvonne Parks Russell Betts Scott Matas Jan Pye more to come...

Bella Monte Resort & Spa

The Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting at the elegant Bella Monte Resort and Spa. Photos by Bruce Montgomery

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ELECTION 2009 KICK - OFF DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA August 16, 2009

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Robert Bentley: Why DHS Needs Him

BY LESLIE ANDREWS DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALocal businessman Robert Bentley has once again thrown his hat into the ring of contenders for a Desert Hot Springs City Council position. This time, he believes that the city needs him. “They need someone who understands business, and I am the one lower taxes

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Bentley believes that all of the other candidates believe in excessive taxes and wasteful spending. Yet, he also believes that he could work with anybody on the council. “My chances are excellent,” he said, remembering how his 2007 mayoral campaign gave him more votes than incumbent Mayor Alex Bias. Having grown up in Desert Hot Springs, Bentley is a strong advocate for the youth. “What the parents and the kids want, I am fully in support of,” he said. “I see the problems that kids faced, like not having much to do around here. I want to make an effort to go out and talk to the youth.” He also believes that being a hero in the community is a positive thing.

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Police Department. “This city wants to do things that are not consistent with the way government functions. They want to continuously avoid those issues and want to spend more time with buying properties,” he added. “The object here is limited government. This will lead to a balanced budget.”

Robert Bentley, Candidate for City Council of Desert Hot Springs 2009 candidate. They’ve been on a borrowing spree for a year and a half now,” he said. In the past, Bentley served as a Public Safety Commissioner and he also has legal education. He feels that the Measure A Tax Increase was not sufficient enough for the city’s

More jobs could be created by lowering the business license fees, as Bentley described. “They raised them from $45 to $225,” he stated. “They make it so difficult with all that red tape here in Desert Hot Springs. All sorts of people want to do business here and when they see how high the fees are, they may not try out their ideas.” Bentley’s website is available to the public at HYPERLINK “http://www.electbentley.com” www.electbentley.com

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DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

launches ad campaign to entice California Business owners to move to Nevada BY STAFF

LAS VEGAS — rawing upon the state of California’s escalating budget deficit, high taxes and strict business regulations, the Nevada Development Authority (NDA) tomorrow will launch an advertising campaign that seeks to attract business owners to relocate to Southern Nevada. More so than in past years’ campaigns, NDA foresees many California businesses considering relocation due to the state’s current troubles. The campaign will highlight Nevada’s business-friendly attitude and the fact that business owners pay no corporate or personal income tax and have much lower workers’ compensation rates. “Just looking at the numbers, I don’t know why a California business owner would NOT relocate to Southern Nevada,” said Somer Hollingsworth, NDA president and CEO. “Business owners would be able to make more money, hire more employees, and buy more equipment. They could do more with their business in Nevada than they ever could in California.” The campaign comes on the heels of the California economic crisis in which the state faces a $26.3 billion budget deficit for which lawmakers have not provided a responsible solution and is projected to reach $42 billion over the next year. California has started issuing IOUs for a variety of payments it owes, but banks stopped accepting IOUs after July 17, 2009. The advertising campaign consists of television commercials and print advertisements that illustrate the contrast between California and Nevada’s business environments. It will be supported by publicity, grassroots and viral marketing efforts. For more information, visit HYPERLINK “http://www. move2vegas.biz” \t “_blank” www.move2vegas.biz or call 1-888466-8293 or 702-791-0000. About Nevada Development Authority The mission of the Nevada Development Authority is to attract, retain and expand the business base to enhance the overall socioeconomic development of Southern Nevada. Established in Las Vegas in 1956, the NDA is Southern Nevada’s largest economic development agency and contributes to the area’s prosperity by attracting new companies and assisting local companies in expansion projects. Courtesy PRNewswire

DHS ELECTION 2009 • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

Yvonne Parks: Hoping For A Second Time Around As Mayor

BY LESLIE ANDREWS DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CAIn 2007, the citizens of Desert Hot Springs elected their first female mayor. Nearly two years later, Yvonne Parks is seeking reelection. Desert Local News sits down with Mayor Parks and talks about all of the achievements she has made in her city and why she believes she should be elected once more. “Through my leadership, we’ve built a team. We’ve accomplished a lot in less than two years,” she says.

The length of the city council meetings have also shortened, going from allnighters to nothing lasting more than three and a half hours long. Parks’ leadership was responsible for making the meetings more progressive. Plus, she credits the staff she has worked with (City Manager Rick Daniels, Police Chief Pat Williams, etc) for the progress that has been made. “We are no longer the city with the worst crime in the Inland Empire,” she states.

For starters, at least 37 miles of roads in the city have been repaved. The parks, including Mission Springs, has

Parks wants to see more things achieved for Desert Hot Springs. She adds, “I want to see the downtown revitalized. I want to see the

The image of the city has made a turnaround, says Parks

Parks promises that this will be a clean campaign. “Most of

been renovated. Crime has been reduced by 30 percent and the police force has nearly doubled. “It’s been a great two years, but we’ve had to make a lot of tough decisions. I think it’s just extremely important that we maintain what we have,” Parks explains. “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”

streetscape completed with the halo intersection at Pierson and Palm. I want to see the Boys and Girls club completed, which will be a larger facility. I look forward to seeing an aquatic center for the high school kids. Our Annexation to the I-10 goes before LAFCO on September 24th.”

as she further describes how Desert Hot Springs has gone from the laughing stock of the Coachella Valley to becoming a progressive city like all others in the Inland Empire. “I’ve raised the status of our city. They now see Desert Hot Springs with a new eye,” she says. “We have a good working council.”

the people have been happy with what I have done as Mayor here,” she states. “I’m very willing to share, and it builds teamwork.”

Desert Hot Springs Mayor Yvonne Parks ~ Photo by Bruce Montgomery

The Race is on for the ‘Top ©

DHS ELECTION 2009 • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

Russell Betts: Betting On A Mayoral Position BY LESLIE ANDREWS DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CARussell Betts has been active in the city of Desert Hot Springs ever since he first arrived six years ago to settle down in Southern California. In 2007, he won a seat on the City Council after a long, hard campaign. Now he’s trying for a chance to get the top job on the council- the Mayor’s seat. Desert Local News speaks to Councilman Betts and gets down to the issues and the facts. “We’ve got the same effort going to return Desert Hot Springs to the people who live and work here and that their interests are looked after most,” Betts said. “The primary concern is to move the city forward.”

Betts and his wife, Meina decided to move to Desert Hot Springs during the “boom” times of the early 2000s, when a realtor talked them into buying a home there. “We had expectations that this city would rise up to the level and standards of the other Coachella Valley cities,” he said. But now that the economy is not in a “boom” time, Betts still agrees that the city has still maintained a balanced budget two years in a row. Still, housing prices could improve.

Desert Hot Springs City Councilman Russell Betts Photo by Bruce Montgomery

“We could do something to correct that, like making some beautifications. Palm Drive, our corridor, needs to look attractive.

has been done to get projects completed, like the new Boys and Girls club building

the people’s interests must be looked at carefully. Plus, the issues of the Parcel Tax and Art

People should think, ‘This looks like a nice community. Let’s have coffee and spend the night here.’ You need to do some housekeeping. These vacant lots with the weeds and trash are a concern. This town has got to look nice.”

coming in 2010. “We’ve made commitments to fixing the parks for the kids,” he adds, discussing how the city has made improvements to their soccer and baseball fields. “We also need to attract the couples who want to stroll through the parks and the hiking trails.”

In Public Places are essential to this campaign. “We’ve got to make smarter decisions,” he concluded. “The council’s doing good watching those finances, but still, every dollar must be guarded. Plus, we’ve got to get retail frontage along Highway 62 and Freeway 10.”

For the youth of the community, Betts says that a lot

Overall, Betts says that

Spot’ in Desert Hot Springs Betts and current Mayor Yvonne Parks get along very well, but they do have some differences. He adds, “I know the mayor has her difference in view of taxes, and it’s not right to pile the expense on the homeowners and the businesses that are trying to survive.”

Cool, Clear

EDITORIAL BY JOE MCKEE • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

Barbarians at the Gate?

Water

BY JOE MCKEE BY JOE MCKEE When my parents retired to Desert Hot Springs, my father jokingly threatened to “leave the day they install a traffic signal.” That was thirty years ago, and since then the town has changed. Because it is an inexpensive and expansive place to live, Desert Hot Springs has grown and become diverse. More young families and working people have been drawn to the City. However, too much has been made of the growth of one part of the population. As a matter of fact it was the centerpiece of a recent request for a tax to add additional police officers: parolees have been descending upon us like a plague of locusts. I first noticed this when our Mayor was quoted as saying 50 % of the people released in the county were coming to our town. That seemed a little high, so I called the local probation department. I learned that there are two divisions in the Coachella Valley. One in this end of the valley and one in Indio. Moreno Valley has six divisions and Riverside has four. Each division has approximately nine hundred parolees attached to it. A later article again quoted the Mayor and Police Chief as saying 50% of parolees in the valley were being released in Desert Hot Springs. I am willing to concede that the Mayor could have been misquoted in the first article. But, it seems to me the second claim is purposely inaccurate. The Mayor and Chief stated repeatedly that we didn’t have the resources to combat this invasion. Even though 87% of the crime in the city was committed by people not on parole, and generally the Parole Department is charged with supervising released

parolees. The addition of police to combat 13% of the crime is not a good plan. If the Mayor and Police Chief had said they were going to spend more resources on patrolling streets and neighborhoods I would have thought it was a reasonable argument. I’ll bet there have been more deaths, injuries, and property damage caused by vehicles and vandalism than all the crime attributed to parolees. (Also, I think the City gets a cut of the fines assessed by the traffic court.) Anyone who drives or walks in town knows how crazy traffic is and we’ve all noticed the vandalism of foreclosed homes and shuttered businesses. More than that, no one seems to care that they could be caught doing something wrong. However, raising taxes may be easier if the argument revolves around fending off unwholesome outsiders rather than grappling with real problems from within. It’s a fact that we have more people incarcerated in this country than are in jail in China. (There are three times the number of people in China and they are a brutal communist country.) Once released, where are these individuals supposed to go? How will they rebuild their lives as law abiding citizens without a little help and compassion from the rest of us? If we really must rid ourselves of parolees, I have a solution. Give them vouchers so they can afford to live in Rancho Mirage. That will get them out of town. ©

Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors.

One day, while listening to a local news outlet, a resident of the valley stated she was concerned about a low water usage landscaping project at the Palm Springs Airport. “ It is ugly, I hate the desert”. I think there are at least two. First, we don’t have the percentage of lawns and golf courses as other cities. Because we are a poor city, we don’t have the density of swimming pools either. Second, and more importantly, we accept that we live in the desert. We don’t try to make our city more like another, more moist place, than it is. After falling out of my chair, I spent some time thinking about her statement. We have lived many places. Each has had its’ own natural splendor. Some, like Michigan and Virginia, have been green and wet. Others, like Eastern Oregon and Saudi Arabia have been brown and dry. In my end of this valley we use much less water than the majority of the cities south of us. Why is that? Do we not shower as much as others? Don’t think that’s it. Do we drink less than our valley compatriots? If anything, we drink more tap water. So what is the difference? There is beauty in the desert. There are plants and animals that only exist in this ecosystem. Every time I see a roadrunner I marvel at a creature that we can only observe in a desert like ours. At first, when I heard the comment about the airport, I felt that the woman quoted should move someplace more to her liking. But, now I feel something else. Too, often we feel we can bend nature into a more perfect “Disneyland’ lifestyle. Even though every media outlet I know has had multiple reports on the water problems brought on by drought, here is a person that believes we should have cities with water used on lawns, fountains and swimming pools as if it were an infinite resource. Lake Mead is going to dry up in the next few years. We will have to decide if feeding people is more important than a swimming pool in every backyard. We live in a desert folks. Learn to enjoy it or we are all in a lot of trouble.

DESERTCOLUMN LOCAL NEWS • FEBRUARY 2009 August 16, 2009 MATT WEYUKER • DESERT LOCAL4,NEWS

5 7

t s u g Au 16th

STEREOPSIS Former DHS Mayor Matt Weyuker

BY MATT WEYUKER As you no doubt have noticed, the economic mess that the world, our country and state have been experiencing has not missed our valley. Beyond the Obama administration digging the nation’s multitrillion-dollars debt-hole deeper, the Federal Reserve printing another $1 trillion, (hyperinflation threat), and California’s whopping $26.8 billion deficit being heaped on the backs of the taxpayers and the cities – we have problems right here in spa city! The state “solved” its fiscal crisis by raising the sales tax, increasing autoregistration and other fees – but the crusher was when they literally stole from cities by “borrowing” two-years property-taxes, and taking billions from city redevelopment agencies – including valley cities. Prior to the fiscal pilfering, most California cities were experiencing an Old Italian malady – the dreaded “fundsalo!” A number of things as well as the state’s “picking-the-pockets” of the cities have brought about this revenue shortage. Because of the following: lower property values, creating fewer property-tax revenues; lower sales-tax and lower bedtax revenues, caused by the economic downturn; and less state revenue; coming into city coffers – almost all California cities have had trouble finding enough money to balance their budgets.

The cities of Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, and Cathedral City have been hard hit by these gloomy economic facts-of-life. This leads me to the gist of this column. Do you remember a one-time Palm Springs City Manager, and later interim Desert Hot Springs City Manager – Rob Parkins? In 2000, when our city was at its financial crossroads, the two of us were driving back from a Riverside County Supervisors meeting, when we started talking about the “what-ifs.” We tossed around a number of ideas – but the one that the two of us agreed would alleviate the growing financial strain on the west-valley cities, was a three-citymerger. Rob Parkins was well versed in the Palm Springs financial woes, having been the city’s CEO for over seven years – and as the valley’s Deputy County Administrator, he was knowledgeable about Desert Hot Spring and Cathedral City’s money problems. Former Palm Springs Mayor Kleindienst once told me that he was concerned that his city’s public safety department would “break-the-bank,” because it took approximately 45% of the city’s budgeted revenue – it is now at 50%. Cathedral City expends more than 40% of its limited funds on its police and fire departments. Desert Hot Springs can afford only 26 officers and a limited number of fire personnel, and spends about 70% of its budgeted revenues on public safety.

What I’m suggesting is this – that the three cities of Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, and Cathedral City appoint a “Blue Ribbon Committee” of concerned and informed business people, hoteliers, homeowners, and representatives of the three cities, to look into the feasibility of such a merger. They should look into all of the fiscal ramifications, (including individual municipal debt), the “nuts-and-bolts” of providing city services (including merging public safety capabilities), choosing and utilizing one City Hall, and all of the various municipal complexities. There are approximately 175 police officers employed by the composite 135,000 or so fulltime residents who live within the tri-city area. Attrition would take care of the officer overage, as the recommended officer-to-residents-ratio is 1-to-900. The improved public safety coverage would be especially effective to stem the rising crime problem in the three cities, as well as be cost efficient. Local governments are struggling to make ends meet. Plainly speaking, the status quo isn’t working, and something like this proposal has to be tried before we wake up and find this end of the valley has been overrun with more drug-infested gangs, illegals, and other crime-related thugs – and taken from “We-the-law-abiding-people.” ©

Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors.

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REAL ESTATE • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

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DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

Scott Matas: A Hometown Boy Seeking Another Term On The City Council

BY LESLIE ANDREWS DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CADesert Hot Springs City Councilman Scott Matas has been in the city all of his life. He has seen it change and grow during the years. Desert Local News sits down with Matas and talks with him discussing his goals and achievements while being a member of the city council. “We’ve accomplished all of them so far,” he said. “I want to run because I love my city.” Matas then remembered the old times, seeing all of the changes that have come and gone. “When I was a small child, this was a one cop town,” he remembers. “If you did something wrong, they would scold you.” He also remembers when there was only one elementary school in town, and he has also seen all three versions of the police department. Not to mention how he has seen a sleepy retirement community turn into a blue-collar working class city. He stated, “It hurts me when people talk badly about Desert Hot Springs.” Of course, Matas has seen the hard times the city has gone through, as they have alternated between having their own police

~Photo by Bruce Montgomery department and having to contract with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. During the 1990s, when there was only very few deputies on board, crime levels peaked as parolees from the Los Angeles area would seek a home in Desert Hot Springs, because of its affordability and at the time a lacking in police services. Then in 1997, the city stepped in and formed its own police department once more. “It took us many years to find the right police chief, and we finally did with Pat Williams,” Matas said, having been a Public Safety Commissioner for nearly three years. He then praised the Chief for his efforts in cleaning up the city’s image, with recent sweeps like the Operation Falling Sun phases. As a volunteer firefighter, Matas has also worked with the County Supervisors to help bring in another fire station in the West side of town, located near the Skyborne Housing Development. “Our master plan says we should have four or five fire stations in our city,” he said. “With stimulus money, we could build a new fire station, and a proposed police and fire substation for 20th and Palm once the annexations go through.”

Next month, the city of Desert Hot Springs will be breaking ground on a new Boys and Girls Club facility. “If we target the youth, create facilities for them, then they wouldn’t walk around the streets and create crime,” Matas added. “They would respect the place. You now will have a state-of-theart program. Our youth is very important to us.” He also mentioned how there are more kids interested in playing in the local parks than before when the parks were below standards. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and we need the developments,” he concluded. Overall, Matas believes that the achievements he made in the past two years will play a role in his reelection. “We got the I-10 annexation projects, the fire department and public safety going. I’ve also worked with the transportation and the homeless as well. We need to work on the 62 corridor as well. There is no service station out there between Cabazon and Morongo Valley. We have to brand Cabot’s museum and the city. We’re cleaning up the image. Now let’s bring the tourists back.”

God and Our Country DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

Editorial By Joe McKee

In one of the issues of this publication Matt Weyuker brings up the subject of God and the founding of our country. I do believe the Declaration of Independence mentions a creator, but if you do a little research about Jefferson you would find a deep belief in the separation of church and state. Jefferson wrote often about his belief that religion was an individual matter and should not be touched by the state. However, Mr. Weyukers’ statements about the creation of the Constitution are not true. He mentions Franklin’s suggestion that a Chaplin say a prayer at the beginning of each session. That indeed happened. The convention was having trouble moving forward and Franklin thought this might help. Every book I have ever read on this moment has stated his suggestion was not adopted. No prayers were ever said at the beginning of sessions. Moreover, there is no real mention of God in the Constitution.

It is understandable that a group of people with experience with a state religion would be careful to ensure the separation of church and state. The bloodshed and persecution that was experienced in England in the name of religion was well known to our founding fathers. The adoption of In God We Trust on the nations money supply was not a creation of the founding fathers. It was adopted after World War II during a time that we feared the atheist Soviet Union. I find this to be especially interesting. If you are a Christian you might want to look up what Jesus said about money. He believed in a separation of money and the state from religion (remember that render unto Caesar quote). The Pledge of Allegiance is even more interesting. It was penned by Francis Bellamy, a minister and Christian socialist, in 1892. It was originally” I pledge

allegiance to my flag and the republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. It was modified a number of times. The final version included “one nation under God” in 1954. I have nothing against any religion. In our country we have Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and others who are guaranteed by the Constitution the right to practice their faith. But, when the state is involved it mucks everything up. If we want to have a prayer in school, or at government meetings what prayer should be used? Should religions alternate? Most of the flack that is created about this matter believe a Christian prayer is what is required. We were, after all, founded by Christians. But, the genius of the founding fathers was their insistence that religion is not a matter for the state. Individuals have the right to believe, or not believe as THEY choose. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors.

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DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

Jan Pye:

DHS ELECTION 2009 • DESERT LOCAL NEWS Agust 16, 2009

Eyeing On Another Council Term DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CAJan Pye has been active with the city of Desert Hot Springs for fourteen years, serving on the City Council from 1999 to 2001 and then serving again after the resignation of Al Schmidt in 2009. Desert Local News sits down with Pye and talks about her big plans to continue the active leadership she has taken part in. “For me, it always feels good to do the right thing,” she said. “Basically, I’m going to continue to serve as a public servant and get the word out.” In 2001, Pye took a gamble and ran for mayor against then-incumbent Matt Weyuker but lost. However, she feels this time around more comfortable as simply a council member. “Obtaining my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree I would not have been able to do if I had remained on the council,” she adds. “I became a much smarter person. And besides, Yvonne (Parks) is doing a good job.” Pye came to Desert Hot Springs in 1995 from Los Angeles simply because she wanted her daughter to have a better education. “I didn’t want her to be a part of the Los Angeles public school system,” she mentioned. “Palm Springs Unified School District was one of the best and that is why I came here.” At that time, there was no police department. Immediately, Pye began taking part in the community, to help make things better. “It was nerve wrecking to not get home before dark. It was very

good that they began their own Police Department,” Pye said. Originally, she wanted to be a Public Safety Commissioner, but her application ended up being in the pile of City Council appointments, as thenCouncilwoman Kathy Smith resigned. She attended the meetings regularly, to make sure things were going right. Pye agrees that there should be more fire stations. “As you grow, your services need to grow as well. We’re very fortunate that we haven’t had multiple fires going on at the same time,” she mentions. Like all other candidates, Pye says that a good sized Boys and Girls Club is necessary for the city of Jan Pye Desert Hot Springs. Plus DHS Candidate for City Council having a movie theater in town would help too. “A ~Photo By Bruce Montgomery large part of our town are will always have the best value in real estate under the age of 18. If you have children busy with athletics and arts, housing. “We need to keep going in order to you have a great competition against the be ready, so that when the economy turns gangs,” she states. “Plus, having our senior over, people will seek us as a desirable center is good because seniors need to place to be. People are very nice and I’ve be active. We need to provide more for never lived in a city where people were so nice. We need to keep our eyes on the ball them.” and continue our progress.” Pye believes that Desert Hot Springs

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PALM SPRINGS OPERA • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

California Ballet Opera Performs its Summer Finale

STORY BY DENISE NEIL PHOTOS BY CATHY JARDINE Family and friends of the talented students from California Ballet Opera converged at the Indio Performing Arts Center near Palm Springs on Thursday, Aug. 13, for the Ballet’s Summer Finale. They came to support the students who range in ages from 10 to 21, as they showcased the fruits of labor from participating in the California Ballet Operas six-week summer program. The night promised to be one to remember for this east valley community. The show got under way with a brief introduction by Music Director Bob Rienhagen, Rob Rienhagen’s father and inspiration. It was clear that this was an intimate engagement parallel to a sort of graduation. It was touching to be there amongst the parents and friends with

video cameras and other devices meant to document this momentous occasion. The students appeared on stage donning white hats, which stood out against the backdrop of their black wardrobe. They stood in angled positions throughout the stage and then broke out the song, “One Singular Sensation.” Their voices were clear, strong and synchronized in pitch. If first impressions are truly important, these performers made a lasting one. The show moved on with soloists bellowing out songs such as, “Summertime Love,” “Murder” and even crowd pleasers from “The Sound of Music.” Channel Garcia was ultra impressive with her rendition of “‘Til There Was You” and they all could give “American Idol” a serious run for the money.

My personal favorite was the “It’s Raining Men” song sung by three of the lovely ladies and amplified by a memorable little dance number performed by Saveon Pollard. The students rounded off the finale with the most appropriate song for the occasion. They gathered on stage, sang and danced to “Fame,” and I can honestly say that the energy and talent that the students put forth brought tears to my eyes and an elevated texture to my skin. For more on the California Ballet Opera’s Summer Finale, go to www. palmspringsguides.com

DESERT LOCAL NEWS • August 16, 2009

PHOTOS BY CATHY JARDINE PHOTOS BY CATHY JARDINE

PALM SPRINGS ENTERTAINMENT • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

Celebrate All Things Woodstock at Woodstock.com DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

NEW YORK, /PRNewswire/ -Woodstock Ventures and Sony Music Entertainment have joined forces to create HYPERLINK “http://www.woodstock.com/” \t “_new” Woodstock.com, a revolutionary destination website for live music fans from every generation. A new social networking website devoted to the live music community, Woodstock.com debuted to artists, fans, music lovers and websurfers everywhere on Monday, June 1, and continues to grow. 40 years after the original HYPERLINK “http://www.woodstock.com/” \t “_new” Woodstock Festival drew a half a million music fans to upstate New York for four days of peace, love and understanding, Woodstock.com, the official website for the Woodstock community, is keeping those ideals alive 24-7 in a vital new online social networking community. Utilizing a clean and user-friendly aesthetic and interface, Woodstock.com is compatible with other online social networking sites and offers fans the opportunity to create their own Woodstock. com profile pages. With information on more than 130,000 events and more than 20,000 pieces of content on-hand at launch, Woodstock.com is the web’s most comprehensive live music community site, offering fans the inside story on local and national concerts, access to ticketing, artist’s forums, and the unique ability to connect with other fans, compare and review their concert experiences, rate bands and concerts, post their own photos from live events they’ve attended and much more. Woodstock.com offers a platform where fans can share their experiences from all of the Woodstock Festivals (‘69,’94 & ‘99) in addition to other live concert events. Woodstock.com is also premiering WikiStock, an interactive wiki-style encyclopedia of all things Woodstock, which will accept and incorporate contributions about the individual experiences visitors have had at Woodstock festivals over the years. HYPERLINK “http://www.woodstock. com/” \t “_new” Woodstock.com will present

forums to discuss environmental initiatives, social issues, and other current topics relevant to the Woodstock community. Visitors to the site can meet on a virtual

involvement and social awareness, will define the Woodstock Nation on a new frontier as the promoters of that pivotal event in Aug. 1969 set out to bring their vision of the world to cyberspace,” wrote John W. Barry in his article on the site appearing in the Poughkeepsie Journal/ Associated Press. Woodstock.com has been created under the auspices of Michael Lang and Joel Rosenman, two of the founders of the Woodstock Festival. The launch of Woodstock.com is planned to coincide with the 40(th) anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, the historic weekend that showed the world how the youth of America could unite in peace and music. That spirit lives on at Woodstock.com, the ultimate Woodstock destination for the 21st century. Legacy Recordings has also released five double-CD packages celebrating the legends of Woodstock. Each ecofriendly, all-paper package will feature the remastered original album in an LP replica sleeve, alongside a second CD which features the artist’s complete Woodstock performance, all with previously unreleased tracks! Each title will be an individuallynumbered collectors edition, featuring a 16 x 24” poster of the artist captured in performance at Woodstock in 1969.

village green, a platform for developing initiatives about global warming, carbon emissions, and responsible energy use. A special interactive portion of the site will make clear to the world which issues are of the greatest importance to the Woodstock community. The site will be the ultimate source for all things Woodstock -- exclusive interviews, guest editors, previously unreleased artifacts, audio-visual content, rare photographs and other memorabilia with an online store offering a wide variety of goods including fine art prints of neverbefore-seen photography, music, film, collectables, apparel and books. “Three pillars of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, live music, community

JEFFERSON AIRPLANE - Volunteers: Woodstock Experience 2CD (RCA/Legacy) JANIS JOPLIN - I Got Dem ‘Ol Kozmic Blues Again Mama!: Woodstock Experience 2CD (Columbia/Legacy) SANTANA - Santana: Woodstock Experience 2CD (Columbia/Legacy) SLY & THE FAMILY STONE - Stand!: Woodstock Experience 2CD (Epic/Legacy) JOHNNY WINTER - Johnny Winter: Woodstock Experience 2CD (Epic/Legacy) HYPERLINK “http://www.woodstock. com/” \t “_new” http://www.woodstock.com/ HYPERLINK “http://www. legacyrecordings.com/” \t “_new” http:// www.legacyrecordings.com/

Bella Monte Hot Sp DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

BELLA MONTE Mgrs Patrick Sturgeon and Michael Gray

Russ Augustine with Linda Blake

Judy Bowman and Russ Martin

BELLA MONTE Open House Bruce Abney, Judy Bowman, Dr Ross, Steve Abney, Jeff Bowman

DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

prings Resort & Spa.

The Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting at the elegant Bella Monte Resort and Spa. Bella Monte is a smoke free, pet free, adult only resort located at 68-111 Calle Las Tiendas, Desert Hot Springs. www. bellamonteresort.com; (760)6765125. Patrick Jude Sturgeon is General manager, Michael D. Gray is the assistant GM and Spa Coordinator; and Deborah Saveigart is Assistant GM - Marketing.

BY STAFF A new business opened its doors in Desert Hot Springs. On hand were city officials and members of the chamber of commerce that sponsored a ribbon cutting event for Bella Monte Hot Springs Resort & Spa. The most commonly used words to describe the new property by all in attendance were â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is really nice.â&#x20AC;? There were no formal speeches. The property is magnificent. Everything is new and done perfectly. It spoke for itself and said all that could be said. No words could match the views or the splendor. The Belle

Monte is what must rightfully be described as the finest new resort in the Palm Springs area. On hand from the city was Mayor Yvonne Parks, Councilman and Hoteliers Association liaison Russell Betts and Public Safety Commissioner Russ Martin. Other dignitaries present were Chamber President Eric Pontius and Chamber Board member Russ Augustine. All focused on what was really important, the addition of the Belle Monte Hot Springs Resort & Spa to a collection of award winning spa resorts

in Desert Hot Springs. From the upper deck of the Belle Monte is an unobstructed view of Mt. San Jacinto. The view looks across a natural hot mineral water swimming pool and a hot water soaking pool. The view is the same from the lobby. A lower deck and guest rooms have a separate courtyard that is an even more private retreat. The Belle Monte Hot Springs Resort and Spa is located at 68111 Calle Las Tiendas, Desert Hot Springs, California. For reservations, call 760-676-5125

Call Alex Bias V.P. Marketing and Advertisement 760.464.4470

DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

Mini golf offers family fun for all ages

There is nothing easy about trying to plan a family vacation. Besides the challenge of figuring out where to go, there is the ever-present concern of finding age-appropriate activities for the entire family. A classic activity that has stood the test of time around the country - and sometimes can be forgotten during the vacation planning process - is miniature golf. While for some it may not be the sole reason for choosing a destination, it is an activity that never fails to please once travelers arrive at their vacation spot. Many of the country’s top miniature golf courses were originally built in tourist destination areas such as Myrtle Beach, S.C., which is considered the unofficial “Miniature Golf Capitol of the World.” There are as many as 50 courses on Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand, which is located on the southeast coastline of sunny South Carolina, and with more than 14 million tourists visiting each year, the facilities are always busy. “Mini golf is great no matter your age, athletic ability or golf skills,” says Bob Detwiler of the popular Hawaiian Village course in Myrtle Beach, “It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, and may even spark some friendly competition during your family vacation.” A versatile and diverting activity for any age, miniature golf is perfect for multigenerational travel groups, family gatherings, and even couples. Its affordability adds value to the vacation and is great entertainment for everyone. Nearly all of the Myrtle Beach area’s mini golf courses

are meticulously landscaped and adorned with tropical plants and flowers throughout warmweather months. But it’s each course’s unique theme that sets them apart from mini golf courses found anywhere else. From man-eating dinosaurs and 40-foot tall lava-spewing

volcanoes, to high seas adventures aboard pirate ships, the area’s mini golf courses offer a variety of options in ultra-thematic environments. Some vacationers have even come to enjoy mini golf so much that they’ve taken up the activity as a competitive sport. Each year Myrtle Beach’s Hawaiian Village plays host to the Masters National ProMiniGolf Championship in October when a slew of top mini golfers compete for the green jacket of ProMiniGolf. “People are very intrigued by mini golf; there is a clear connection between the sport and happy memories associated with it,” notes Detwiler. “More than 80 people participate in the Masters every year not only because it is competitive, but also because it’s simply enjoyable and amusing for all who play.” For more information on the mini golf possibilities or to request a visitor’s guide in Myrtle Beach, go to www. visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1. Courtesy of ARAcontent

DHS COMMUNITY â&#x20AC;˘ DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009 Free blood pressure checks

Various service providers met with seniors and other citizens of Desert Hot Springs at the Senior Center on August 12, 2009. Besides information there were such services as blood pressure checks and bone density scans. Photos by Bruce Montgomery

Animal Samaritans Volunteers ~All photos by Bruce Montgomery

Birgit Phillips from SafeHouse of the Desert

Senior Center Health Fair in DHS August 12, 2009

Connie Taylor talking with Paula Kennedy of Gildaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club

Channel 2 news interviews

Mary with MD Care healthplan

Dan with MD Care healthplan

t ’ n s e o d d i r b y h a t g o l n i r a i t a s p Re have to co

BY STAFF ARA The government backed “Cash for Clunkers” rebate program helped dealers sell off 2009 models, and a wave of new vehicles is coming in anticipation of the federal mandate that cars average 35.5 mpg by 2016. If you haven’t updated your vehicle in years, it will be more important than ever to analyze your needs and wants before you buy. The choice is much more complicated than simply picking a small, mid-size, or large vehicle. If you’re considering a hybrid, you might be happy to hear the reality behind some common myths about the dependability of dual-powered vehicles. Fleets of Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrid taxis in Vancouver, San Francisco, and New York City have reliably been in service for more than 200,000 miles. The first generation Toyota and Honda hybrids were introduced more than a decade ago and there are definitely thousands of satisfied hybrid owners. Another misconception of gas-electric hybrid vehicles is that they are expensive to maintain. With the exception of the hybrid’s battery system, there is some crossover in

parts between hybrids and gas-powered vehicles. The batteries in a hybrid or electric vehicle don’t get better with age. No one expects the batteries in a 15-year-old electric razor to still hold a charge, and the same will probably be true for a 15-year-old hybrid vehicle. Hybrid batteries are typically covered by at least an eight-year warranty. The replacement cost for new nickel-metal hydride Prius batteries keeps dropping, but a new battery pack still costs around $2,000. A check of the RockAuto.com online auto parts catalog shows hybrids often share fuel injectors, oxygen sensors, water pumps, brake pads, shock absorbers, air conditioners and other commonly replaced parts with conventional, gasoline-powered models. Hybrids do have unique and expensive parts like the Prius’ $3,700 power inverter, but RockAuto.com shows routine repairs and maintenance for a hybrid do not always have to cost more. The RockAuto.com Repair Index automatically pulls prices from the company’s vast auto parts catalog based

on year, make, model and type of part. It’s a quick, easy way to compare parts costs for different models and the results can be surprising. While some cars may be appealing because they are better for the environment or great on gas savings, for the average driver some fully electric cars may not be worth the cost to purchase or maintain. A new lithium ion battery pack for the fully-electric Tesla Roadster - with a sticker price of $101,500 - costs around $36,000. New 100 percent electric vehicles by Chevrolet, Chrysler, Nissan and Mini will have lithium battery packs that cost more than $10,000. A battery pack’s limited shelf life means a fully electric or even a gaselectric hybrid might not be the best choice for a retiree planning to drive 3,000 miles a year for 20 years and then pass the vehicle down to a favorite grandchild. For more information on the availability of parts without the expense of getting repairs done only at the dealership, go to www.rockauto.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent

BY STAFF ARA Diabetes is becoming more and more prevalent in Hispanic populations in the United States, according to 2008 statistics from the National Institutes of Health. This trend has serious health implications because of the increased prevalence, the greater number of risk factors and the greater incidence of complications. In general, Hispanics are diagnosed with diabetes at twice the rate of Caucasian Americans, and about 7 percent have undiagnosed diabetes. More than 10 percent of Hispanics in the United States older than 20 have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to the NIH. Among Hispanics, diabetes prevalence rates are 8.2 percent for Cubans, 11.9 percent for Mexican Americans and 12.6 percent for Puerto Ricans. One of the most common questions people with diabetes ask is “Can we eat sugar?” The answer is “yes”, but in moderation. The recommended diet for people with diabetes has changed in the past decade. Diabetics now learn about and can enjoy less restrictive diets. Diabetes experts say that diabetics can include sugar as part of the carbohydrates allotted in their

Diabetes on the rise among Hispanics overall diets. However, diabetic diets still need to be personalized. Patients with diabetes need to consider their medication, age, height, weight, blood sugar levels, physical activity and carbohydrate intake recommendations as they plan their diets. One way to continue enjoying “sweet” foods is to include non-nutritive sweeteners in the diet, but the role of these ingredients often is not well understood by consumers. “My clients often have questions about aspartame safety and other non-nutritive sweeteners,” says Ximena Jimenez, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. “I reassure them that while there is an unusual amount of misinformation on the Internet about aspartame, it probably is one of the most thoroughly researched food ingredients available today and it is approved by the FDA.” Aspartame contains almost no calories compared to regular sugar and is a very simple ingredient that breaks down to two amino acids and a small amount of methanol. Each of these components is also found naturally in common foods, including meats and dairy products, fruits

and vegetables. (For more information, visit http://www.aboutaspartame.com/ professional/index.asp.) The American Diabetes Association stands behind the safety of low-calorie sweeteners including aspartame, sucralose, “ace K,” saccharin and “reb A.” You’ll find these in many food products such as diet soda, baked products, light yogurt and sugarless candy. These sweeteners, which are only needed in tiny amounts, can reduce or replace sugars and calories in foods and beverages, offering people with diabetes greater variety and flexibility with their total carbohydrate intake. People with diabetes are more likely to comply with a healthful meal plan when they are able to eat foods that they enjoy. With governments and leading health care organizations around the world encouraging everyone to reduce the amount of sugar consumed, the role of low-calorie sweeteners in diets likely will be increasingly important. To learn more about living with diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association’s Web site at www.Diabetes.org. Courtesy of ARAcontent

CALIFORNIA WELLNESS • DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

Three reasons you need a last will

BY STAFF ARA If you’ve been paying attention to celebrity news, you’ve probably noticed several cases where courts are tied up with relatives and lawyers fighting over estates, children and money. One reason these cases take time - and money - to be resolved is because of the absence of an updated will. No matter how young, healthy, wealthy or prepared for retirement you are, you can’t predict what will happen in the future. But you can make your wishes for the future known, especially those that involve your family after your death. A last will could be the most important document you ever sign. Without one, the courts determine what happens to your assets - and your minor children - when you die. “Individuals of all ages and stages in life need to think about and create a will so their final wishes are followed,” says Brian Liu, co-founder and chairman of LegalZoom.com. “Having a last will is very important for families. This protects loved ones and reduces - or even eliminates confusion during a very difficult time.”

Here are three reasons everyone should organize a last will: 1. Children. If you have minor

children, you need to specify

guardians. A will allows you - and not court system - to determine who would best care for your children and raise them the way you would rear them.

2. Property. Recording your wishes for the distribution of your assets and property not only ensures that your decisions are honored but it can also help your family avoid destructive conflicts over these issues. 3. Final decisions. Grieving the loss of a loved one is hard enough to handle. Sparing your loved ones the stress and anxiety of determining how you would like to be honored and remembered can be avoided with a will. Preparing a last will isn’t difficult, and services like LegalZoom.com make the process easier and affordable. LegalZoom helps you create reliable legal documents from your home or office. Simply answer a few questions online and your documents will be prepared within 48 hours. Your answers are reviewed for consistency and common mistakes, and the company guarantees your satisfaction. By completing a last will online and keeping it updated, you can have all of your final wishes followed, and save your family plenty of stress. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Fall fashion trends

DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

Looking for insight into what your college student wants to wear to school this fall? Want them to fit in with their peers, but still look respectable? Want to know the secrets to saving a buck? The Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising students and instructors at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale offer some advice and insight on fall fashion trends. “Global cultures influence the colorful mosaic of fall ‘09, creating a new universal attitude,” says Chelsea Rousso, a fashion design instructor at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. “Through a mixture of motifs, layering occurs, allowing for uniqueness and individuality. Deep ethnic colors and patterns are appearing on scarves, skirts and knit dresses worn over leggings or textured tights. These ‘boho’ looks capture the relaxed approach to the easy-does-it mind-set.” Rousso, who is currently writing a book on fashion forecasting, has more than 20 years experience as a designer and design director in the New York fashion world, including Datiani. As business in the early ‘90s was changing, she developed the concept for an artisan-inspired collection called Earth Song, clothing with natural and earthy appeal that was sold to stores and catalogs throughout the United States. “I am now committed to ‘giving back’ through teaching,” she says. Recent graduates of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Fashion programs have their own opinions on fall fashion. “College students think about finding themselves,” says Karlee Smith, who received a bachelor’s of science degree in fashion merchandising and immediately went to work at the VF Corporation in Atlanta, Ga., as Vassarette merchandiser. “In essence, they create their own trends. At least most do who care to be unique. Even if they are on a budget, college students can find affordable clothes and accessories at places like Forever 21, Zara and Express.” Smith’s classmate Elana Bloom concurs with making your own fashion statements and that college students care about their clothes. “I do think college students still think about fashion when they dress for class. Although, I do not think fashion is what is determined in their mind when they are shopping for their class attire,” she says. Comfort, convenience and chic

expert advice from those who know

are ideal for a college student who faces long days schelpping books, laptops, and other college necessities. Let’s face it, can a girl walk up three flights of stairs in 4-inch platforms and make it without breaking a sweat or falling? “Today less is more and being chic is not being bedazzled or wearing ultra tight clothing,” Bloom adds. “It is about accessorizing your bamboo cotton sweat outfit. Attraction is all in the hair, makeup and the accessories. Who has time to put together a three-piece outfit at 6 a.m. for an 8 a.m. class? Throw on a comfy cute sweat suit by Pink Lotus or a cotton maxi dress by Lani, Havianas sandals, beaded bracelets, sunnies and a quick blow dry to the hair and you’re ready to go.” Rousso agrees that when it comes to accessorizing, students are keen. “They are adding interest to their outfits by using bright pops of color to a neutral palette of black and grey,” she says. “From shoes to sweaters or necklaces to handbags, the intense hues are adding color excitement. Crimson red, associated with strength, desire and power is being worn by girls and guys in jackets, bags and accessories.” Jeans - a college fashion staple - are also getting an updated look this season. Rousso continues, “The looks for denim this season include skinny jean silhouettes along with more relaxed shapes that are cinched at the ankle - often tucked into gladiator sandals or boots. Denim is light in color, distressed and embellished with studs and embroideries - a flashback to the

‘80s.” Bloom also suggests Nordstrom’s B.P section and Target as places to find affordable accessories. “Wide headbands or scarves used as headbands, chunky beads and rings, and fun play jewelry embellish any outfit. I also think everyone should accessorize with a nice manicure and pedicure. This always gives a mini makeover.” Both Bloom and Smith share more than their fashionable interests. They were the first two high school teens to win full scholarships in The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition in 2006. They decided that Fort Lauderdale was the shared destination to pursue their design and merchandising goals. They met for the first time in New York at the scholarship presentation and have been making news ever since. Smith is originally from Simi Valley, Calif., and a graduate of South Forsyth High School, in Cumming, Ga. Bloom, of Boca Raton, Fla., is a graduate of Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Fla. To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz. The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes. edu) is a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals. Courtesy of ARAcontent

DESERT LOCAL NEWS August 16, 2009

Business