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JANUARY 2026
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 staff writer Kevin Fitzgerald coveR and feature design Dennis Wodzisz Contributors Haleemon Anderson, Melissa Daniels, Charles Drabkin, Katie Finn, Bill Frost, Bonnie Gilgallon, Bob Grimm, Terry Huber, Valerie-Jean (VJ) Hume, Clay Jones, Matt Jones, Matt King, Keith Knight, Brett Newton, Greg Niemann, Jeffrey Norman, Dan Perkins, Theresa Sama, Jen Sorensen, Robert Victor, Eleanor Whitney The Coachella Valley Independent print edition is published every month. All content is ©2025-2026 and may not be published or reprinted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. The Independent is available free of charge throughout the Coachella Valley, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $5 by calling (760) 904-4208. The Independent may be distributed only by the Independent’s authorized distributors. The Independent is a proud member and/ or supporter of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, the California Newspaper Publishers Association, CalMatters, DAP Health, the Local Independent Online News Publishers, the Desert Business Association, and the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
A year ago in this space, I wrote that—as Donald Trump was preparing to begin his second term as president—I was deeply concerned about the diminishing state of press freedoms in the United States. That concern was justified. In his first 11-plus months back in the White House, Trump and his administration have made it crystal clear that they’re interested in power and glorification, and have no interest in even pretending to believe in the First Amendment. I could fill this space, and then some, with a list of all of the steps they’ve taken to diminish press freedoms, from the Pentagonaccess policies to 60 Minutes to the Jimmy Kimmel debacle—but if you’ve been paying attention, you already know about all of these things. Instead, I’d like to discuss something you may not know about: the removal of a single word from a government website, and what that signifies. Tom Jones, a senior media writer for the Poynter Institute, wrote in a Dec. 18 commentary: If you went to the Federal Communications Commission website first thing Wednesday morning, you would have read the following: “An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations.” Note the word: independent. However, if you went to the FCC website a little bit after noon Eastern time on Wednesday, you would have seen this: “A U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations.” Notice which word is missing: independent. … So what happened? Why did the FCC say it was “independent” one moment and then have that word removed the next? Because FCC chair Brendan Carr, in fiery testimony during a Senate committee hearing, said the FCC was not independent. In other words: The FCC answers to Trump, and must do his bidding—even if that means, for example, going after a talk-show host or news program that said something the president didn’t like. Trump is not just using the federal government to go after media sources he dislikes; he’s also continuing to use the courts—most recently suing BBC for $10 billion (!) because of a bad edit in a preelection documentary. Even though BBC admitted the mistake and apologized, and even though the edit clearly had no effect on the election results, he filed this insane lawsuit. In a CNN story, Bob Corn-Revere, chief counsel at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, said the suit “does not have any legal basis, either on defamation or jurisdictional grounds. This is nothing more than the president’s latest effort to intimidate media companies that he sees as adversarial to his administration.” As we head into 2026, all Americans who care about free speech—Republicans, Democrats, independents, all Americans— need to pay attention. Trump is following the power-consolidation playbook laid out by dictators he admittedly admires, like Hungary’s Viktor Orban. Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court have made it clear that they won’t stop Trump, and as a result, the First Amendment is in serious trouble. Welcome to the January 2026 print edition of the Coachella Valley Independent—our 150th print edition, by the way. As always, thanks for reading. —Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com CVIndependent.com
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OPINION OPINION
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION
HIKING WITH T T
BY THERESA SAMA
here’s no better new year’s resolution than embarking on a fitness challenge and embracing the beauty that the Coachella Valley’s trails have to offer. With crisp winter air, dramatic desert landscapes and exciting new trails, January is the perfect time to lace up your hiking shoes and get outside. Start the new year with a new adventure at the Whitewater Preserve: the Tukut Trail! Named after the Cahuilla word for “bobcat,” the Tukut Trail is the newest addition to the Whitewater Preserve, which spans more than 2,800 acres—nestled within the Sand to Snow National Monument—and is managed by the Wildlands Conservancy. This amazing and secluded trailhead offers seasonal overflow parking, shaded picnic tables and a dog-waste station. Although there are no could make for a colorful hiking adventure. restrooms located here, nor is there running The preserve is located off Whitewater Canwater (you can find these elsewhere within the yon Road, about five miles north of Interstate preserve), the trailhead is a perfect spot for a 10 at the Whitewater exit. The Tukut Trail is rest and a picnic following a day of adventure on the left about a half-mile before reaching with your favorite hiking buddies, including the Visitor Center, before the river crossing. fur babies—dogs are welcome here, but must The Tukut Trail sign clearly states that the gate be kept on-leash throughout the preserve. At a moderate 3.5 to 4 miles, the Tukut Trail closes at 4:30 p.m., but don’t chance it—be back at your car before dark. Also, the trail may connects to the newly reopened Canyon View close temporarily when conditions are unsafe Loop. But it doesn’t stop there—it also interor to protect wildlife; check ahead at wildsects with the Pacific Crest Trail, which travels landsconservancy.org/preserves/whitewater. through the Whitewater Preserve. As always, remember to pack out your trash; The Tukut Trail begins with a rocky ridge stay on designated paths; and observe wildlife climb, consisting of switchbacks and an ascent from a respectable distance. Be safe; have the of nearly 800 feet. The trail then plateaus 10 Desert Hiking Essentials with you (www. and offers breathtaking scenic views of the desertmountains.org/hiking/#desert-essenmountainous San Jacinto and San Gorgonio tials); and bring more water than you should wilderness regions, as well as the surrounding need, at least one or two liters per hour. As a canyon vistas—with the rushing Whitewater general rule, when my water gets to the halfRiver flowing below. The trail then descends way point, I turn around (or make sure that with switchbacks into the riverbed, where you I’m to the halfway point on a loop trail). can follow your way back to the start with sevAnother great adventure at the Whitewater eral water crossings. If you time it just right, Preserve—and a hidden gem—is the Toutain you may catch a glimpse of the endangered Canyon and Waterfall hike. You can start this peninsular bighorn sheep that often hang out hike from the Tukut Trailhead (to save almost in the area, along with bobcats and a variety a half-mile) or from the main parking lot at of endangered birds such as the southwestern the Whitewater Preserve. It’s a moderate 2.5 willow flycatcher and least Bell’s vireo. Wildmiles each way (5 miles round trip) and follows flowers will most likely be blooming as well. a stream through shaded cottonwood and sycI’ve already seen a few blooms popping up in amore groves before ending at a picturesque this area recently—and if we get more rain, it
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Start the new year outdoors with a hike on a new trail at the Whitewater Preserve
EVERY DROP COUNTS!
A river crossing point within Whitewater Canyon. Theresa Sama
waterfall. From the Canyon Overlook Trail, you’ll follow the PCT south to a plateau at almost 900 feet in elevation, where you will then follow a gradual descent off-trail into Toutain Canyon to the waterfall. Expect multiple stream crossings and rugged terrain—hiking poles are recommended for all of these hikes. There are no permits required to hike in the Whitewater Preserve—and parking is free. One more note: January marks the beginning of coyote-mating season in the Coachella Valley. While sightings are common, hikers should exercise extra caution, as coyotes become more active and territorial during this time. Keep pets leashed (and close) at all times. Stay alert, and make noise to avoid surprise encounters. Coyotes play a vital role in the desert ecosystem; respecting their space ensures safety for both humans and wildlife.
Upcoming Events
• The Palm Springs Health Run and Wellness Festival takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, at Ruth Hardy Park, at 700 Tamarisk Road, in Palm Springs. This is one of Southern California’s largest health and wellness events, with a 5K and 10K (both USA Track and Field-certified), a 1K fun run for participants younger than 12, and a bike ride (not a race). Registration includes a shirt, a backpack, Townie Bagels, coffee, protein and
fruit snacks, and finisher medals. Registration is not required to enjoy the free Wellness Festival, with booths providing giveaways, services and nationally recognized fitness experts showcasing the latest in nutrition and exercise techniques. There’s also a blood drive, a rock-climbing wall, aerial performers and more! This event benefits two outstanding local nonprofit organizations: Martha’s Village and Kitchen, and Palm Springs Frontrunners and Walkers. It will be fun for the entire family! See more detailed information and register at palmspringshealthrun.com. The Palm Desert Half Marathon and 5K starts at 7 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 15 (though packet pickup and registration starts at 5:30 a.m., and also runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the day before) at Civic Center Park, at 43900 San Pablo Ave., in Palm Desert: Come run/walk what’s billed as the valley’s only half marathon, plus a family-friendly 5K and a kids’ 1K race. It’s flat, fast and fun—perfect for runners looking to set a personal best. The half-marathon will kick off at 7 a.m., and the 5K will start at 7:30 a.m. The 1K run for kids up to 13 years old starts at 10 a.m. Half-marathon and 5K participants will receive a race shirt, a finisher’s medal and post-race food. The kids’ race participants will receive a finisher medal and post-race food. Register and learn more at www.palmdeserthalfmarathon.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 5
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New isn’t always Best Re-Love the ™ Pre-Loved
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OPINION OPINION
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS T
BY BONNIE GILGALLON
om Del Ruth was born under unusual circumstances. His parents, Roy Del Ruth and Winnie Lightner, were both highly successful people in the film business. In 1942, his father was married to someone else when he had an affair with Lightner, which resulted in the pregnancy. To avoid scandal, Lightner was shipped to San Bernardino, where Tom was born in a hospital under a different name. Later, when he moved back to Los Angeles, the birth certificate was adjusted to indicate he was born there, and to reflect his true name. His father was a well-known director, and his mother (the two later married) was a musical comedy star on Broadway who did more than 10 films before retiring. All of Del Ruth’s neighbors and friends were in the film industry in one form or another. tor went to their trailers to announce that the Around 1948, when he was about 6, Del stars were wanted on set, both women stepped Ruth started accompanying his father to out the door in the exact same black-and-white movie sets, including The Babe Ruth Story. He dress. Words were exchanged, and I was condeveloped a keen interest in film, particularly cerned the two would actually come to blows. photography. As he grew up, Del Ruth started Raquel ultimately put on a different dress. realizing how complex the job of director of Things were often tense on the set for the photography really was, and how integral it remainder of the film.” was to the story. Del Ruth worked several times with Clint While still in high school, Del Ruth took a Eastwood. One day, on the set of The Outlaw part-time job at Warner Bros. as a messenger. Josie Wales, they needed to get a close-up shot After graduation and a four-year stint in the of Eastwood riding his horse. Army, Del Ruth took another messenger job, “The angle they wanted required me to sit this time at Disney Studios. backwards on the front of the saddle, while “After 6 months, I was selected for a manClint leaned back, to allow enough room ager training program,” he said. “It was a between the camera and Clint’s face,” Del Ruth great experience—I spent one month in every said. “As they started rolling, Clint slowly department, including editorial, animation, camera, wardrobe, hairdressing, props, produc- started leaning to his left. Holding the camera, I followed, and eventually we both fell off the tion and special visual effects.” horse—with Clint still in the frame.” Once he completed the program, Del Ruth As a cinematographer, Del Ruth said: “My was made an assistant director at Disney. He job is to produce the visuals that the director did a couple of films and television shows, and I have come up with for the look of the then freelanced as an assistant director with film—in terms of the emotional impact of a couple of other studios. He really wanted these particular shots, and what that would to become a cameraman and join the union, mean for the story. I achieve that through but the union was difficult to get into at the either composition or in conjunction with time. Del Ruth wrote a letter and was invited lighting. I work very closely with the producto come and speak to Herb Aller, the business tion designer in creating this environment in agent for the Cinematographers Guild (Local which the characters exist. … (The cinematog600) at the time. They hit it off once they rapher, the production designer and the coslearned they were both military veterans. Del tume designer), all three of us, are responsible Ruth joined the union—and his career behind for the look of the film. I’m responsible for the camera took off. capturing it. I have the final say as far as colorDel Ruth has about 150 film credits, includation and density of the film.” ing memorable films like Butch Cassidy and the Del Ruth says one of the films he’s proudSundance Kid and Planet of the Apes. est of is Stand by Me, directed by the late Rob He worked on Myra Breckenridge, starring Mae West and Raquel Welch. While most actor’s Reiner. Del Ruth said it can be difficult working with kids. trailers are outside, on this film, West and “It’s like trying to keep puppies in a basket— Welch had trailers on the soundstage, adjacent they keep jumping out,” he said. “But they to each other. Each trailer had a little front yard with a small picket fence. West had a stipulation were also fun. I particularly liked the story. The in her contract that no other cast member could cinematography I conjured for that particular picture was slightly contemporary but also harwear a combination of black and white in a forkened back to a different time. I achieved that mal setting, because that was her trademark. with color and the filters that I used. “ “Raquel was not having any of that,” Del Along the way, Del Ruth was nominated Ruth said. “One day, when the assistant direcCVIndependent.com
Meet Tom Del Ruth, living the good life in La Quinta after a long, successful career behind the camera in Hollywood
Tom Del Ruth: “The studio heads of old were showmen—like Barnum and Bailey. But conglomerates got involved, and now the studios are simply value added to the corporation.”
for seven Emmy Awards, and won two for his work on The West Wing. He’s also won four awards from the American Society of Cinematographers. “Being appreciated by your peers is very pleasant,” he said. Del Ruth retired in 2009 to Palm Springs, exhausted from the film-making experience, which often requires 80-hour work weeks. Standing on his feet with a camera so much left Del Ruth with a bad back, but he said it was all worth it in the end. “A hundred years from now, my name will still be on the screen,” he said. Now Del Ruth is happy to support his wife of 45 years, Patricia, who is an actress, producer and writer. He’s her sounding board and enjoys reading lines with her when she’s rehearsing a play. As for advice he would give a young person hoping for a career in cinematography, Del Ruth suggests going to a highly rated film school, like New York University, the University of Southern California, UCLA or Stanford— if they can get in. Besides receiving excellent
training, “You develop the association with other students who will ultimately move up within the business and can help you,” he said. He also recommends volunteering as a production assistant on independent films, which can lead to paying gigs. Del Ruth describes this moment in the movie business as particularly difficult. “The studio heads of old were showmen— like Barnum and Bailey,” he said. “But conglomerates got involved, and now the studios are simply value added to the corporation, which dictates to the creative people what they should be doing. That does not work well.” Del Ruth’s words of wisdom for aspiring filmmakers seem fitting for all of us: “Try to be imaginative and interesting enough that you will be remembered.” Bonnie Gilgallon has written theater reviews for the Independent since 2013. She hosts a digital interview show, The Desert Scene, which can be heard on www.thedesertscene.com and viewed on Mutual Broadcasting’s YouTube channel. Learn more at bonnie-g.com.
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JANUARY 2026
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NEWS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
CREATING SHADE A
The goal of the Eastern Coachella Valley Shade Equity Master Plan is to help lowincome farmworkers and their families stay cool
by KEVIN FITZGERALD
ccording to Riverside County statistics, 66 people died due to heat-related illnesses in 2024—up from 34 in 2023, 49 in 2022, and 63 in 2021. In 2024 alone, there were 1,627 recorded emergency-department visits in the county due to heat-related illnesses. Christian Rodriguez Ceja is a community principal at the Coachella office of the Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI), a nonprofit with the website for the California Climate Change expertise in “partnering with people in Assessment, Inland Deserts Region, “The inland under-resourced communities to build healthideserts region in Southern California is getting er, more connected neighborhoods and cities.” hotter because of climate change. Heatwaves He said the story of heat-related illnesses goes happen more often, and the temperatures well beyond these statistics. during the day and night are getting higher. … “There are farmworkers in the eastern Now, the area regularly has more than 100 days Coachella Valley who go off to work in the each year with temperatures above 100°F, and summer mornings and work under these very there are about two extra weeks each summer hot conditions, and their bodies are not able when it’s over 110°F compared to years ago. to regulate the heat. And then they return to Nights aren’t cooling down as much, either, a home that might not be well-insulated and making it harder for people to stay comfortable. might not have proper cooling equipment. So … The Coachella Valley will keep getting hotter again, they’re unable to regulate their body because of climate change. By around 2050, temperature. What we know, and what the summers there might be 6 to 10 degrees hotter science tells us, is that when you can’t reguthan they used to be. By the end of the century, late your body heat, it does some really nasty temperatures could be 8 to 14 degrees hotter if things to your body.” pollution continues. This means that a summer The team at KDI obtained $644,411 in day that’s usually around 110°F could feel as hot funding at the start of 2024, thanks to a grant as 118 to 120°F. All this extra heat means more from the Governor’s Office of Planning and health risks for people living there.” Research (now called the Governor’s Office of KDI’s Coachella office is one of four that Land Use and Climate Innovation). The money the architectural design firm has established was designated to support a community outglobally; the others are in Los Angeles, Stockreach effort and a heat-impact study as the holm, Sweden and Nairobi, Kenya. Founded in first steps toward the creation of an Eastern 2006 by six students from the Harvard GradCoachella Valley Shade Equity Master Plan. uate School of Design, KDI has helps design, KDI partnered with UCy LA’s Luskin Center facilitate and organize input in disadvantaged for Innovation, the Riverside University Health communities for a variety of climate-related System (RUHS) and local community memprojects. bers with the Oasis Leadership Committee “KDI is a is a nonprofit design and urban (OLC), with the goal of improving the quality planning firm,” Rodriguez Ceja said. “We are of life for low-income farmworkers and their mission-driven, and we do work in communifamilies in the eastern Coachella Valley. The ties of color, low-income communities, disadmaster plan will provide a roadmap for the vantaged communities. Our goal is to use the creation of much-needed shaded public spaces, discipline of urban planning and urban design primarily in and around the unincorporated to support … creating healthier communities. communities of North Shore, Mecca, Oasis and So when we started talking with residents Thermal. The remediation strategies under around North Shore, shade was a big priority.” consideration include utilizing natural means KDI has been involved in various east valley such as planting trees, and the construction of projects since the early 2010s. An Aug. 29, shade structures at various spots where resi2024, article in the Landscape Architecture dents congregate. Magazine reported that one of KDI’s earliest “We’re not trying to shade conditions for successful projects was at “St. Anthony’s Trail120 degrees,” Christian Rodriguez Ceja said. er Park (which) opened in 2013 along Highway “That would be ridiculous. There’s a point 111 near Mecca. Created in partnership with where it’s really just unhealthy for people to be the Pueblo Unido Community Development outdoors in extreme heat, but (these shaded Corporation, it followed the highly particiareas) are intended to be havens to escape the patory process that the team used in Kenya: harsh conditions of our desert.” research, workshops and listening. Residents The need for shade is only intensifying as were asked to envision and codesign a place temperatures continue to rise. According to that reflected their basic needs while allowing CVIndependent.com
The Kounkuey Design Initiative helped facilitate funding, community input and design of the North Shore Community Park. Michael Todoran, HAPS Agency
for cultural dreaming. The result is what KDI calls a ‘Productive Public Space’ and includes a wooden stage for performances and play, raised beds for growing fruit and vegetables, and a shade structure. A similar call and response shaped a more recent project, Oasis del Desierto Park. The first phase opened in 2021 and includes a soccer field, a playground, and restrooms. Located across the street from a trailer park in Oasis, it serves the farmworkers and their families who live there.” From 2016-2021, KDI drove the creation of the Somos Oasis 14-acre productive public park, which combines exercise and recreational facilities with carefully designed planting and green infrastructure. That experience formed the foundation of an expanding relationship with the aforementioned Oasis Leadership Committee (OLC), a group of “residents who were very much involved in the regional planning and were interested in having us help them become a more formalized advocacy group,” Rodriguez Ceja said. The shade structure project is, in part, the result of KDI’s work with other organizations on a mobility/transportation plan for Riverside County. “We started engaging residents around the types of active transportation needs, and challenges with public transit,” Rodriguez Ceja said.
“… SunLine (Transit Agency), which was very involved in the conversations and a consistent stakeholder throughout all of the engagement during the mobility planning for the eastern Coachella Valley, was very interested in exploring what a response to these communities could be. … As we were designing this with the OLC, they started asking, ‘What about shade everywhere else? We like the idea of providing shade for bus stops and bus shelters, but we’re hot everywhere else. We’re hot at work; we’re hot at school; we’re hot at our parks; we’re hot at home. Is there anything that can be done about shade (in those environments)?’ … That is really how the idea for a shade master plan came about.” In 2019, KDI began partnering with the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation to conduct a heat-impact study in Oasis. “In 2019, we hired the OLC to be brought on as an engagement partner,” Rodriguez Ceja said. “They supported the data collection that was going on in Oasis with Arizona State University and UCLA, by putting up heat sensors, both outside and inside homes, and (by taking) out the medium-rated temperature monitoring robot called ‘Marty.’ This was the first time we started really diving into the current conditions of heat, extreme heat, medium radiant temperature and thermal comfort for this
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community.” This, in 2022, led to the installation of a new bus-stop shade-structure prototype in Oasis—yet another precursor to the Coachella Valley Shade Equity Master Plan. “From my understanding, this would be the first rural shade plan,” Rodriguez Ceja said. “Most of the work that we’ve been reviewing is centered around more dense urban areas. Initially, we set out to make sure that we were asking the right questions as part of our guiding engagement. In order to do that we worked directly with the Oasis Leadership Committee.” Work on the plan is continuing as the calendar turns from 2025 to 2026. “What we have been doing with the community engagement process is understanding … people’s thermal comfort,” Rodriguez Ceja said. “Our threshold is different at different ages, and (within) different demographics. … We wanted to understand what that threshold of thermal comfort is in the eastern Coachella Valley. What are the types of activities that people are performing, and where are they performing these? Then, how can a plan maximize use of these sites? So we’ve taken different sites throughout the entire eastern Coachella Valley, including Mecca, North Shore, Oasis and Thermal, and we’ve done these analyses, and at this point, we’re developing recommendations.”
Barring any delays, by the end of 2026— after the finished plan has been shared with and commented upon by the OLC, community members and other stakeholders—KDI will present the Coachella Valley Shade Equity Master Plan to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors for final approval. Then, construction of the initial phase of these shade structures and/or tree plantings will get under way. “We’ve been in ongoing conversations with folks at the Desert Recreation District, folks at the county’s planning department, at SunLine Transit … and at CVUSD (Coachella Valley Unified School District),” Rodriguez Ceja said. “We’ve talked to a lot of different agencies and special districts who ultimately would inherit this (plan), and be asked to help with the implementation. Part of what we’re doing through this process is identifying funding mechanisms and sources for these types of projects, and how they can be integrated into things that already are happening. For example, we spoke to CVUSD and discovered they’re about to publish their facilities master plan. In that conversation, we said, ‘How wonderful would it be if we could integrate some of these recommendations?’ … We’re finding synergies across many of the conversations we’re having with the various agencies, departments and districts.”
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NEWS
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CV HISTORY V
Before it received federal protection, Joshua Tree National Park was a rather wild place
by greg niemann
oted the Best Recreational Area by Independent readers in the latest Best of Coachella Valley poll, Joshua Tree National Park is a wonderland of giant boulders and unique desert flora and fauna. The park’s endemic namesake, the Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), features spikey arms stretching skyward; they help give an ethereal feel to the distinctive landscape. The tree itself was named by Mormon setlater became the park. The Lost Horse Mine tlers who crossed the Mojave Desert in the was the most successful, producing gold and mid-1800s. The Joshua Tree’s unique shape silver worth about $5 million in today’s dollars. reminded them of a biblical story in which JoshLocal ranchers dug wells and built rainwater ua reached his hands up to the sky in prayer. catchments called “tanks,” such as White Tank Joshua Tree National Park sprawls over and Barker Dam, built by Charles Omar Barker portions of two major North American desin 1900. Barker had come to Southern Califorerts—the higher-elevation Mojave Desert and nia in 1883 seeking a more healthful climate. the lower-lying Colorado Desert, a sub-region He settled in Banning, where he served as of the larger Sonoran Desert. The change in president and manager of the Banning Water elevation takes visitors from one distinctive Company; he was also a miner and cattleman. ecosystem to another, with the Little San BerHis original Barker Dam was later improved nardino Mountains separating the park from by William F. “Bill” Keys, another local ranchthe Coachella Valley er who continued cattle-grazing in the park The western Mojave Desert is the habitat of through 1945. Barker Dam was added to the the Joshua tree. In addition to Joshua tree forNational Register of Historic Places in 1975. ests (which are found above 2,000 feet in elevation), the western park includes numerous The Story of Bill Keys huge loose boulders that have attracted rock Keys was born in 1879 and left home at the climbers and scrambling enthusiasts. There are age of 15 to begin working at mills, mines also campgrounds, picnic areas and numerous and cattle ranches. In 1910, Keys arrived in hiking trails. The lower-elevation eastern part the Twentynine Palms area, where he was of the park features different flora, including employed at the Desert Queen Mine as custoocotillo, desert saltbush, yucca and cholla cacdian and assayer. After the owner’s death, Keys tus. There are several interesting sites in the gained possession of the mine as payment for lower desert, including the Cholla Cactus Garback wages. In 1917, he filed on an 80-acre den and the Ocotillo Patch. homestead under the Homestead Act and The first known occupants of Joshua Tree began to build a ranch in the area of the mine. were hunters called the Pintos who lived in He soon married Frances May Lawton, and the the area between 8,000 and 4,000 BCE. Later, couple had seven children between 1919 and other groups of indigenous peoples—including 1931, three of whom died during childhood. the Serrano, Cahuilla and Chemehuevi—lived Eventually, the Keys’ homestead included in small villages, most notably in the Oasis of a ranch house, a store, two schoolhouses, Mara area near the park’s north entrance. outhouses, sheds, a stamp mill, a corral, a The first known European sightings of Josh- supply yard, an orchard, a windmill, irrigation ua trees were by Pedro Fages, who led a Spansystems, rock retaining walls and a cemetery. ish expedition into the area in 1772, looking Today, the National Park Service offers rangfor deserters from the Spanish Army. In 1826, er-guided walking tours of the ranch. explorer Jedediah Smith led a group of AmeriKeys became renowned for an unfortunate can fur trappers along the nearby Mojave Trail, incident: He was convicted of manslaughter for and other Americans soon followed. shooting fellow rancher Worth Bagley over a By the 1870s,white settlers began placing land- and water-access dispute. cattle in the land that now makes up the park. Bagley, a former deputy sheriff, was known The cattle attracted a gang of rustlers who to be confrontational and had been blocking moved into the region near the Oasis of Mara in access to roads that Keys used. On May 11, 1888. Led by brothers James B. and William S. 1943, Bagley allegedly ambushed Keys, and McHaney, they hid stolen cattle in a box canyon during the altercation, Keys fatally shot Bagley. at what is now known as Cow Camp, which was While pleading self-defense, Keys was convictlater used as a line camp for cattle ranchers. ed of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years Along with the cattle ranchers came the in prison. While serving time in San Quentin miners. Between the 1860s and the 1940s, State Prison, his wife contacted lawyer/mysminers worked about 300 pit mines in what tery writer Erle Stanley Gardner, a frequent CVIndependent.com
William Keys re-enacting the scene of the fatal shooting of Worth Bagley. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Joshua Tree visitor and friend, who found enough inconsistencies in the case to get Keys paroled. Keys was released on Oct. 25, 1948, and received a full pardon by Gov. Goodwin Knight in 1956. He returned to his Desert Queen Ranch, where he died in 1969. To mark the site of the 1943 shootout, Keys placed a stone inscribed, “Here is where Worth Bagley bit the dust at the hand of W.F. Keys, May 11, 1943.” The original stone, vandalized in 2014, is now preserved in the Joshua Tree National Park museum, with a metal replica at the site. The metal replica is on the Wall Street Mill trail, one of numerous trails in the park.
Minerva Hoyt’s Conservation Efforts
In the early 1920s, people began venturing into the area in automobiles—and truckloads of desert plants were being carted off to be sold for a growing landscaping industry. Attention became focused on the deserts thanks to Pasadena socialite Minerva Hoyt, who created the International Desert Conservation League. Her lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., led to President Franklin Roosevelt declaring the Joshua Tree area as a national monument in 1936.
Hoyt has been memorialized with a mural at the park’s visitor center in Twentynine Palms, painted in 2014, and a nearby plaque. Each year, the Joshua Tree National Park Association gives out the Minerva Hamilton Hoyt Desert Conservation Award to someone who has worked to preserve the desert. In 2012, one of the park’s peaks was renamed Mount Minerva Hoyt. The monument was redesignated as Joshua Tree National Park in 1994 as part of the California Desert Protection Act. In signing the bill, President Bill Clinton said, “The broad vistas, the rugged mountain ranges, and the evidence of the human past are treasures that merit protection on behalf of the American people.” Encompassing a total area of 1,242 square miles, Joshua Tree National Park is slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island. Today, 3 million annual visitors make it the 11th-most-visited U.S. national park (of 63). Sources for this article include Walking California’s Desert Parks by John McKinney (Harper Collins, 1996); “William Keys,” by Meghan Barrett Cousino, National Registry of Exonerations, University of Michigan Law School; and William F. Keys of Joshua Tree National Park by Thomas Crochetiere (2023).
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JANUARY 2026
NEWS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
JANUARY ASTRONOMY
Planets and Bright Evening It’s aStars greatinmonth toMid-Twilight view For January, 2026
L
By Robert Victor
the solar system’s giant planets
This sky chart is drawn for latitude 34 degrees north, but may be used in southern U.S. and northern Mexico. N
January's evening sky
ineups of planets have often attracted attention for their supposed effects on human chart. affairs—and for several days in early January, five solar system bodies are arranged in a ROBERT D. MILLER nearly straight line in space, in the order Mars-Venus-sun-Earth-Jupiter. But as seen from Earth, conditions for viewing Venus and Mars are now very poor, because those planets are in conjunction on the far side of the sun—Venus on Jan. 6, and Mars on Jan. 9—and lost in the solar glare for many weeks. (Mercury even gets into the act, passing beyond the sun just a bit later, on Jan. 21.) Since Venus’ progress around its orbit is faster than Earth’s, it Pollux Castor will emerge into the western sky at dusk. 1 Mars’ orbital progress, like that of all the planets more distant from the sun, is slower than Earth’s. As a consequence, Mars will emerge centered on its opposition of Jan. 9-10. During Vega Capella 8 into the eastern sky at dawn. January alone, Jupiter shifts 4° westward. The For Jupiter, on the other hand, observing change is easy to see with the unaided eye by 15 conditions during January are ideal. On the noting the shape of the triangle Jupiter forms Deneb Jupiter 22 night of Jan. 9-10, Jupiter stands at oppowith the nearby “Twin” stars, Pollux and Cas29 Procyon sition, 180° from the sun, and is above the tor. Also, watch for several evenings around Betelgeuse horizon all night. Look for the brilliant planet Jan. 19, when Jupiter passes within 0.5° north Aldebaran E W shining at magnitude -2.7—brighter than any of the 3.5-magnitude star Delta in Gemini. Altair nighttime star—low in the east-northeast at The Pleiades, or Seven Sisters star cluster, dusk, highest in the south in the middle of the is one of the most enjoyable stellar sights night, and low in the west-northwest at dawn. through a pair of binoculars. In the same field, Rigel 29 All the other giant planets can also be look for a pair of stars 21’ (0.35°) apart, within 15 22 8 1 observed at nightfall. Saturn is easy for unaid5° south of the Pleiades. They are 13 and 14 Sirius Saturn ed eye; at magnitude +1.1, it appears as the Tauri, magnitudes 5.7 and 6.1. On Jan. 1, the brightest “star” in the southwestern sky. Ura5.6-magnitude planet Uranus is closely southnus, at magnitude 5.7, is easily seen in binocuwest of the two stars. lars 5° south of the Pleiades cluster, and closely Follow the moon at dawn: In the western Fomalhaut southwest of 13 and 14 Tauri, a pair of stars sky on the mornings of Jan. 3 and 4, the full or of magnitude 5.7 and 6.1, about one-third of a nearly full moon appears near Jupiter, Pollux degree apart. Neptune, at magnitude 7.9, is a and Castor, and on Jan. 6, at 87 percent, near much greater challenge, but it’s just 3.4° to 1.7° Regulus. On Jan. 10, a last quarter moon, from Saturn this month. half full, appears to the right of Spica, and On Jan. 6, when Saturn passes closest to the next morning, a 41 percent fat crescent the south-southeast of 20 Psc, it is equidistant appears to Spica’s lower left. On Jan. 14, a 16 from 20 and 24 Psc, 0.9° from each. Also that percent moon appears close to the upper right S night, find Neptune 3.2° to the northeast of of Antares. Evening mid-twilight occursclimbs when rapidly Stereographic Projection the horizon, the waxing crescent horns of Taurus, the Bull. Bright stars south the Sunsky is 9° below thenight horizon. Map byFomalhaut, Robert D. Miller Saturn and 1.6° north-northwest of 29 Psc. Besides the bright zodiacal markers the up the western from one to the next. of the zodiac at dusk include the Jan. 1: 43 minutes after sunset. On Jan. 18, as twilight ends, Saturn appears moon encounters during its two weeks in the On Jan. 22, the 18 percent moon is within 6° to bright star roughly below Saturn; Betelgeuse 15: 43 " " " within 2’ (arcminutes) from the 5.9-magnitude morning sky, look for Capella, sinking in the the lower right and Rigel, the two bright stars flanking the 31:of41Saturn; " "on the " next evening, star 24 Piscium, and closes the gap between northwest to lower right of Jupiter-Pollux-Cas- it’s at 27 percent, and nearly 10° above Saturn. 3-star belt of Orion, the Hunter; and Sirius them as the evening progresses. The star 24 tor; and Procyon, sinking low in the west, to On Jan. 25, the first quarter moon, half full and Procyon, the two dog stars following Orion Psc, marking the neck of the Turtle, is located the lower left of Jupiter. Watch the eastern and 90° from the sun, is just below the compact across the sky and forming the equilateral Win1.3° from 20 Psc and 1.5° from 27 Psc, on a line morning sky for the emergence of Altair, to obtuse triangle of Alpha, Beta and Gamma in ter Triangle with Betelgeuse, his shoulder. joining them. Saturn’s rings are gradually tipthe lower right of Vega and Deneb, completAries, of magnitudes 2, 3 and 4. On Jan. 27, the The Astronomical Society of the Desert will ping more into view; they’re 1° from edgewise ing the Summer Triangle with them. 71 percent moon is only 3° from the Pleiades. host a star party on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Sawon Jan. 1, to 2.2° on Jan. 31, and 1.6° from Follow the moon at dusk: On the evening of A line joining Jupiter and Saturn extended mill Trailhead, a site in the Santa Rosa Mounedgewise on this night, when 24 Psc will appear Jan. 2, look for bright Jupiter and the “Twin” toward both horizons pretty well marks the tains at elevation 4,000 feet; and on Saturday, close to the planet’s disk in the same high-powstars Pollux and Castor to the lower left of the position of the ecliptic, or plane of Earth’s orbit. Jan. 24, at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto er field. Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, is much full moon. The moon rises later each night, and The sun, moon and planets are always found Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. fainter than the star and will appear east of you can shift your lunar viewing times to the within 9° of this line, and usually much closer, For more information, visit astrorx.org. the planet that evening. Traveling in its 16-day morning, until the moon returns to the evening within a belt of constellations called the zodiorbit, Titan will appear farthest east of the plan- sky on Jan. 19. About 30-40 minutes after sunac. In January’s early evening sky, the bright Robert Victor originated the Abrams Planetarium et on Jan. 21, and farthest west on Jan. 29. set, from a viewing spot with little obstruction stars north of this belt include the Summer monthly Sky Calendar in October 1968 and still It’s fun to follow the changing position of toward the west-southwest, try for the slender 2 Triangle of Vega, Deneb and Altair, in west to helps produce an occasional issue. He enjoys being Jupiter against the background stars of Gemini percent crescent, 44° to the lower right of Satwest-northwest at dusk early in the month; and outdoors sharing the beauty of the night sky and as it retrogrades a total of 10° in four months, urn. With the zodiacal band steeply inclined to Capella, in the northeastern sky, north of the other wonders of nature. CVIndependent.com
12 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
After several turbulent years, College of the Desert gets back on track—and pledges to eventually offer a tuition-free education to anyone who lives in the Coachella Valley By Kevin Fitzgerald
T
he 2026 edition of the annual Stepping Out for COD fundraiser will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage’s Cahuilla Ballroom—and this year, College of the Desert is raising funds to, among other things, meet a pledge to eventually offer free tuition to anyone and everyone who lives in the Coachella Valley, regardless of age Coachella or income.Valley Derby Girls “What we will be focusing on is our ‘plEDGE for All’ campaign,” said COD Superintendent and President Val Martinez Garcia during a recent interview with the Independent. “Our goal is to ensure that every student from the Coachella Valley receives a tuition-free education here at College of the Desert. It’s a heavy lift—maybe like a moonshot, in a lot of ways—but we feel very fortunate to be part of this community. “It’s a very giving community. It’s very committed to the students and the families here, so we believe we’re going to be able to generate enough support to make this a reality. Also, we have a large and amazing (College of the Desert) Foundation where we were able to get some great gifts, and we know that they’ll be continuing, along with all the rest of the federal, state and other scholarship aid that’s available to our students. We’re just really excited about this ‘Stepping Out,’ because it’s not only showcasing who we are as a college, but it’s really showcasing for the rest of the state what’s possible if a community comes together.” The college plans on phasing in the “plEDGE for All” program. Since 2017, COD has offered a tuition-free education to local high school graduates. In the fall of 2026, the college plans to add returning COD students with 30+ units, noncredit workforce learners, first-responder trainees, residents with a high school equivalency, and veterans to the tuition-free list. “We’ve seen the success of plEDGE” Martinez Garcia said, “and that was only for firsttime freshmen coming out of high school. … Our success rates have been just amazing, so we thought, ‘You know what? This program was never meant to be a one-off, right?’ It was always meant to be a staged approach to increasing to ‘plEDGE for All.’ Then we thought, ‘Well, instead of talking about it, why don’t we do it?’” Martinez Garcia pointed to the California Master Plan for Higher Education, which was CVIndependent.com
JANUARY 2026
enacted in 1960, as a motivating factor. At the time, the top one-eighth of graduating high school seniors were guaranteed a spot, tuition-free, at a University of California school; the top one-third would be able to enter the California State University System, also tuition-free; and all other students could attend junior colleges, later re-named community colleges. “It talks about how every student from a California high school will receive free higher education,” he said. “They developed a three-tier system: CSU, UC and community colleges. Well, the CSU is not close to that anymore; that dream is long gone. UC (as a system) has more access to California students, but it’s still far away from that free tuition. So we (community colleges) are seen as the last stronghold of that dream. … I believe strongly that it is our job to fulfill that promise the state made, and to maintain it, especially in the environment that we have now, where there are so many jobs being opened up that require a higher level of education or more training.” Martinez Garcia said he knows a lot of students have forgone college because of the expense. “Students and families pause those dreams, those desires to better their families, because of financial concerns,” he said. “So if we can roll that (insecurity) back and alleviate that, then they can pursue their dreams, those aspirations, get trained and go into those jobs. I believe strongly that will not only expand our workforce, but it will improve the communities we live in.”
PROTECTING DEI
In March, the COD Board of Trustees established campus-wide protocols for dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, should they come on campus—in an effort to make sure all students feel safe.
More than 70 percent of the students at College of the Desert are Hispanic or Spanishspeaking, and Martinez Garcia said he’s seen the effects the draconian federal immigration policies have had on faculty members and students. “From where I sit, I see it. … I see the pain in (students’) eyes as they talk about their situation,” Martinez Garcia said. “I see the strain in the way they stand and their body movements. I see the toll that it’s taking, because I’ve lived it. I’m not undocumented, but I grew up in a farmworker community, and my grandmother was a farm laborer. I remember seeing the truck pull up with all the farmworkers coming out of them. So, I understand that lifestyle; I understand that community. I’d seen that fear before in the ’80s, when there was a lot of deportation going on in the Central Valley. … I can see that same look in my students’ eyes, or in the eyes of our faculty, and it saddens me they have to live in fear. But I am very proud to know that College of the Desert stands behind all of our students, regardless of where they come from, or their backgrounds. We believe that it’s our role to ensure they have a safe space for education, and that they’re supported—and that’s what we look to do.” One piece of good news at the college is a recent increase in student-enrollment numbers, which had been depressed since the COVID-19 pandemic years. “We’re up 11% over last year already,” Martinez Garcia said, “so we’re back to our pre-pandemic numbers, which is very exciting for us. That really solidifies our college in the sense that our funding is stable … and our staffing levels are stable. What that means is our students are being given the best opportunity to be able to fulfill their dreams, their aspirations and their career goals, by a committed faculty.” The superintendent pushed back on an age-old criticism of the country’s community
A student gathers personal supplies provided by the Foster Youth Center at College of the Desert. Photo courtesy of College of the Desert
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and imagining myself maybe playing for the Renegades one day. That’s what really excites me about the buildings. They’re not just steel and concrete.”
OVERCOMING ACCREDITATION ISSUES
colleges. “I know there’s a long-held belief that you don’t send your child to community college, because it’s not academically as challenging as the UC or the CSU (systems),” Martinez Garcia said. “That’s totally not true, especially because we’re in alignment with the CSU and the UC with many of our courses, and our course rigor. But, more importantly, when you are being taught by individuals who grew up in the valley … and maybe have gone to COD (themselves), the way that they care about and mentor our students on a personal level is a lot different. So, from an academic perspective, we’re flying high and doing some amazing things, but also that (results from) our faculty really caring about our students.” Bucking the current anti-DEI trend, Martinez Garcia said the school makes sure it pays special attention to the needs of diverse student demographic groups by supporting multiple support centers on the main Palm Desert campus, including the Foster Youth Center, the Black Student Success Center, and the LGBTQ Center. He pointed to the Foster Youth Center as being particularly vital and successful. “We’re really happy with that particular center, because it allows us to partner with our local high schools, and also with the county and other private services … around the valley that are serving our students who were in the foster-youth system,” he said. “When they exit that system, typically, there’s no place for them to go. They rarely have stable housing or jobs, so what our center does is help bridge that move for them, along with (aid from) private organizations or the county. … It’s one of our larger centers, funding-wise. When I talk to the students typically found in that center, they tell me how much they appreciate the work of our staff and our faculty in the center. But more importantly, they appreciate the space, because it does give them solid footing in a life that may be a little bit chaotic.”
A PERIOD OF EXPANSION
College of the Desert is currently in the midst of a growth spurt, headlined by construction on the new Palm Springs campus, which is slated to open in 2027. “Palm Springs is doing really well,” Martinez Garcia said. “You can see steel being erected everywhere. Then you can go by Roadrunner Motors (an under-construction automotive-education facility in Cathedral City) and see the different grading that’s gone on there. In Indio, we finished with the Child Development Center and our expansion building, as well as our renovation of our original building in Indio. Then, of course, if you go through our (main Palm Desert) campus, you’ll see our science building being renovated, and then the new stadium project (due to open in the fall of 2026). All that is on target. “What I’m most excited about is the fact that when our students and our families drive past these frame structures, they can imagine themselves being a student at Palm Springs, or at Roadrunner Motors, or walking into the new buildings at Indio, or even stepping on the football or soccer field here at the main campus. That brings me such excitement, because those buildings represent hope. They represent a path forward.” Martinez Garcia talked about his own community college experience, at Bakersfield College. “I went (to the college) when I was 7 years old, and I got to walk on the football stadium during a YSO soccer event at the halftime of the homecoming (football game),” he said. “I remember that feeling of being on the ‘college’ campus, and I always had a connection to Bakersfield College throughout the rest of my middle school and high school experience. Then I ended up at that community college, where I kind of found myself. It goes back to that moment of walking on that stadium field
“
“
The College of the Desert’s Roadrunner football and soccer stadium is undergoing a major renovation on the Palm Desert campus. Photo courtesy of College of the Desert
College of the Desert is operating under the dark cloud of a rocky accreditation effort in 2024, under Laura Hope, the former superintendent and president. For various reasons, including much-publicized dissention among the Board of Trustees, COD failed qualify for the customary eight-year accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). Instead, COD was granted just an 18-month extension, with a re-evaluation scheduled for March 2026. Martinez Garcia said he’s confident that COD is back on the right track. “The commission will be revisiting us in the late spring, and we have been in consistent communication with the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. But more importantly, our board (has done) everything that the ACCJC has required, and more. They’ve gone to, literally, tens and tens of trainings. They’ve traveled
to trainings across the country to be better board members. … Also, they’re united in believing their role is to support the college and set a direction, and then support that direction. They’ve done that. This board has been outstanding. … I’ve seen other colleges in the same situation we were in, and they did a lot less. They tried to maintain the status quo as much as possible. This board just decided they were going to dive into this and really transform who they were.” Martinez Garcia is entering his second year as COD’s superintendent and president; he got the interim job in December 2024, and shed the “interim” tag in May 2025. He’s been employed by COD since February 2023—and said he’s elated to be where he is today. “I’m very fortunate, blessed, you could say, to be a part of this college and this community. Being the president is just like icing on the cake,” Martinez Garcia said. “… I view my role as CEO (to be) somebody who is no different than anyone else on this campus. We are all after the same thing, and that is to serve our students and to ensure that they complete their degrees, or accomplish whatever their reason was for coming to us. We’re responsible for their education, and we’re also responsible for the improvement of the communities around the Coachella Valley.”
Students and families
pause those dreams, those desires to better their
families, because of financial concerns. So if we can roll
that (insecurity) back and
alleviate that, then they can pursue their dreams, those
aspirations, get trained and go into those jobs.
—Val Martinez Garcia College of the Desert superintendent and president
CVIndependent.com
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JANUARY 2026
DO-GOODER GREAT MUSIC FOR TOUGH TIMES F
Well in the Desert revamps its annual concert fundraiser in an effort to meet increased need
By Matt KinG
or years, Well in the Desert—a nonprofit that provides meals and other services to those in need—hosted Desert Jam, a benefit concert featuring local musicians, some of whom performed tribute sets. For 2026, the event is being tweaked into the Wishing Well Benefit Concert, which will take the flair, fun and fundraising of Desert Jam, and present it in a more intimate way. Alongside live auctions, a silent auction, a champagne reception and raffles, the event will feature musical performances by Yve Evans, Chris Bennett, just couldn’t do it, so we’re throwing in with Patrice Morris, Tony Grandberry, Brian Scott, Oscar’s in Palm Springs. We’re going to help Bonnie G., Gregg Marx, Eve Holmes and Kevin them out and supply food for the homeless on Tokarz. The locals doing special tribute sets are Christmas morning. It’s heartbreaking we can’t Kristi King (as Doris Day), Lisa Lynn Morgan do what we usually do, and that’ll be the first (as Patsy Cline) and Frank DiSalvo (as Frank time in 20 years we haven’t done it.” Sinatra). Bella Da Ball is set to host. The Wishing Well Benefit Concert hopes to The Wishing Well Benefit Concert will take combat the lack of financial support with stelplace at 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 12, at the Mislar musical performances. sion Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. “We’re hoping that this benefit will be a suc“We’re aiming to get back to the format of it cess, because we’re trying to do it all,” Frankbeing a benefit concert, instead of just being a son said. “People will be generous at the event, concert that serves food and then raises money and hopefully we’ll have enough funds that on the side,” said Eric Frankson, a Well in the will be raised that we can go on for three, four Desert board member, during a recent phone or five months without having to sweat much. interview. “What we’re trying to do is bring the That’s the goal.” fun back into it. We’ve gotten rid of the 40-foot Frankson said his desire to better underdance floor, and we got rid of the 40-foot stage. stand and help unhoused individuals led to his It’s going to be a much smaller stage.” commitment to Well in the Desert. With the rebrand comes a drop in the price “I wanted to try to figure out why the homefor tickets—in part because the organization is less situation was happening, and what I could in desperate need of support. do,” he said. “I got involved with bags of tooth“(Well in the Desert) are the guys who you brushes and toothpaste and bandages and go to if you had nothing, and you were starvsocks, and then it went to other little things. ing, and you had woken up from a fentanyl Finally, the bags were getting so darn big that binge, and you were beaten up and bloody and I got into handing out sleeping bags, and that naked,” Frankson said. “Imagine the worst of turned into tents and clothes, and then finally, the worst; you’d crawl to us first, and we clean it ended up with bikes.” you up and get you clothed, and then we get Frankson explained that he started repairing a hot meal inside you and send a second one bikes to help a volunteer who was using a bike with you, and (help you) find direction. When to deliver lunches to people living under the I started about four years ago, it was about bridges. 100 to 120 people a day, and we’re now up to “I asked him how he stopped, because he 150 to 250 a day. We’ve topped out at more didn’t have brakes,” Frankson said. “He said, than 300 a couple of times, so the numbers are ‘I don’t.’ I went home and went online and just growing and growing, and yet the support bought … a bike trailer, and he went from the last couple of years has been really tough. (delivering) a dozen meals up to about 80 Between the pandemic and people just sort of meals a day. One of the guys on the street tightening up their wallets, it’s been a real chal- helped me start fixing up the bikes, and three lenge to make sure that we can feed those who years later, I just delivered my 280th bicycle can’t feed themselves. yesterday.” “Through the entire pandemic, we did not Frankson said anyone with a desire to help miss one day of feeding. We have not missed a can do so. single day of feeding people for 25 years.” “Some people are doing well enough that The past year has been so tough that the they can help out, but they don’t know how to nonprofit’s Christmas plans had to change. help out,” he said. “I didn’t know how to help “Usually we supply 1,000 meals, and 600 out, and because I threw myself into it, I’ve kids with toys and everything else,” Frankson become sort of the point of the spear on a lot said shortly before Christmas. “(This year), we of it. (People) want to help out; they just don’t CVIndependent.com
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Yve Evans is one of the performers at the Wishing Well Benefit Concert.
know how, and that’s where contributing to the Well in the Desert comes in.” This year’s benefit will honor Dan Gore, owner of Oscar’s Palm Springs, who, in mid-November, started a GoFundMe to benefit Oscar’s, which has been struggling financially. “He stepped forward at the beginning of the year, when no one else would, and helped us find a place to cook and serve the food,” Frankson said. “He was willing to stand up for us and stand up against the forces that really don’t want any of this in their backyard. They want it gone, but he stood up and he said, ‘You can use our place.’ He’s going through a rough time. … Being a restaurant owner nowadays—talk about one of the worst jobs you could possibly have, but because he was willing to stand up and be with us, we are standing by him. I told the board when I first joined, ‘If you do things for the right reasons, the right things will happen,’ and that’s going to happen with Oscar’s, too. I really believe that.” Raising funds through music is just one example of the power the art form has, especially in trying times.
“I sit twice a week with a lady who’s 87 years old at a piano. They realized that she could pluck out melodies on the piano, although she never had a lesson,” Frankson said. “We sit twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, on a piano bench, and she can play dozens and dozens and dozens of songs, and you don’t know why she would know them. She can play ‘Piano Man’ by Billy Joel, or some John Denver. … That’s the power of music. The last thing you will remember if you ever get Alzheimer’s or dementia will be the music of your life, because it’s stored in a little part of your right frontal lobe that nothing else is stored in except your humor. Your ability to tell jokes and laugh, and the ability to remember music, are really the last things to go with an Alzheimer’s person. That’s the silver lining to something that’s so awful.” The Wishing Well Benefit Concert will take place at 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 12, at the Mission Hills Country Club, at 34600 Mission Hills Drive, in Rancho Mirage. Tickets are $50 without dinner, and $150 with dinner. For tickets and more information, visit www.wellinthedesert.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 15
JANUARY 2026
DO-GOODER The Nonprofit
SCENE
January 2026
GROUND BROKEN ON PALM SPRINGS AIDS MEMORIAL
The Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Task Force conducted a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 1 at the future home of the memorial in the Palm Springs Downtown Park. Held on World AIDS Day, the ceremony featured brief remarks about the importance of this project and how the future site will be a community space dedicated to remembrance, reflection and healing. More than 200 community members were present, including Palm Springs Chief of Police Andy Mills and former City Councilmember Lisa Middleton. They heard from Dan Spencer, the Task Force founder and spokesperson; Phillip K. Smith III, the memorial’s designer; and Palm Springs City Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein. At the event, participants were able to observe a scale model of the memorial. Construction on the much-anticipated memorial is expected to commence in January. “The Palm Springs AIDS Memorial will give residents and visitors a place to gather, share stories, and reflect on the impact of HIV/AIDS,” Spencer said. “This important memorial will be a space for all to remember and celebrate those we’ve lost while also acknowledging the support of long-term survivors, family members and caregivers. I am thrilled that after many years of planning and fundraising, we have now broken ground on the memorial’s site. While the fabrication and construc-
tion-coordination work on the memorial continues, we are continuing to raise $275,000 to complete the project.” During his remarks, Spencer noted: “Just a few days ago, our government declared there is no World AIDS day. They are attempting to erase history and erase the people we have loved and lost, and dim the support of those we continue to love. Having experienced the 1980s when the president waited four years to acknowledge AIDS, we know that SILENCE = DEATH. We cannot let this happen in our loving, supportive and inclusive community.” The contractor, Tom Rice Construction, has already met with the city onsite at the Downtown Park for future construction coordination. The project has completed its preliminary engineering review by the city of Palm Springs, with drawing and design support for civil engineering from MSA Consulting; structural engineering from Rbhu Engineering; and overall project oversight and coordination by Kizy Art Production, working closely with the artist. Renderings of the memorial and a comprehensive description of the physical structure and the accompanying virtual site may be found at presentation.psaidsmemorial.org. Large chunks of marble for the memorial’s three vertical ovals have been identified by the quarry in Sardinia, Italy, and will soon be delivered to the Task Force’s stone fabrication team, Garfagnana Innovazione. The aluminum fabricator, Active Alloys, has created several successful and beautiful mock-ups that align with the core reflective intentions for the memorial experience. The Palm Springs AIDS Memorial is a gift to the city by the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Task Force and commemorates the many lives lost to AIDS while honoring the caregivers and survivors in the community. The idea of the memorial was designed pro bono by award-winning artist Phillip K. Smith III. Called “Well of Love,” the memorial shares three simple messages: Forever Remembered, Forever Loved and Forever Celebrated. It will be a gathering place for love, in much the same way that Palm Springs was a gathering place for those with HIV/AIDS early in the pandemic. It will serve as a lasting tribute to the past while inspiring a future rooted in compassion and unity. The Task Force is in the final phase of fundraising and welcomes donations at all levels of support, which can be made at psaidsmemorial.org/communityleadership-donor-tiers. The Task Force has partnered with DAP Health to act as the fiscal processing agent for 501(c) (3) donations to the memorial. —Submitted on behalf of the nonprofit by Bob Bogard CVIndependent.com
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ARTS & CULTURE
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TIKI CELEBRATED T
Matt Marble, of ‘Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour,’ puts together a weekend of cocktails, surf rock and more
By Matt King
he host of a popular tiki-centric YouTube show is producing a weekend of music and drinks in Palm Springs. Matt “Spike” Marble is hosting The Breezeway Getaway, a get-together for fans of surf rock, cocktails, tiki culture and his webseries Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour. More than 4 million people have tuned in to watch the tiki connoisseur re-create iconic drinks, explore famous bars and interview drink-makers from across the world. He has more than a few videos about the rich tiki culture of Palm Springs, including a rating of course you can,’” he said. “It started as kind of all three local tiki haunts. of an impromptu get-together, and I told peoThe Breezeway Getaway will celebrate the ple that we’re going to be doing it, and before I three tiki spots in Palm Springs. On top of knew it, we sold out the hotel in two days. All cocktails all weekend long, the event will feaof a sudden, people are coming in from Europe ture a vendor village and live music from Marand coming from across the country, and I was ble’s band, The Hula Girls, along with other like, ‘I’d better have something for them to be notable acts in the surf/rockabilly space such entertained by.’ as Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys, Swingin’ “I fell into turning it into a festival. I have Coconuts, The Volcanics, Hilo Hi-Flyers, The seven bands booked, and a whole vendor vilHexxers and The Centuries. lage with 20-plus vendors that are going to be The Breezeway Getaway will take place from involved, and then room parties throughout Friday, Jan. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 25, at the the hotel.” Caliente Tropics Hotel in Palm Springs. The Breezeway Getaway will join other During a recent phone interview, Marble tiki-weekender events that happen in Palm said that even though the event will be hosted Springs such as Tiki Caliente, an event enterat Caliente Tropics, home of The Reef tiki bar, ing its 17th year that almost always sells out. the opening night of the Breezeway Getaway Marble hopes that The Breezeway Getaway will will also feature drinks from Bootlegger Tiki add some variety to local tiki celebrations, and and the Tonga Hut place more of an emphasis on modern tiki-ad“We’ve actually been able to get all three of jacent music. the tiki bars in Palm Springs together for the “(At Tiki Caliente), if you booked a hotel Friday-night welcoming party, and each bar room the year before, then you get preference is going to be presenting their own cocktail,” to book your room again, so it kind of guarMarble said. “It’s really exciting, especially antees a sellout every year,” he said. “I think with Bootlegger, who hasn’t been part of that it’s a great concept, but I also think it kind of in all these years. This is the first time Bootlimits the people who can go. My intention is legger is really going to be participating in a to make this thing so that hopefully it rotates tiki thing.” through guests every year, and it’s a little bit Bootlegger Tiki is one of the most iconic more of a rock ’n’ roll, rockabilly, punk-rock Palm Springs tiki spots, as the bar is located in kind of event.” the same space as the Don the Beachcomber Marble is bringing some of his labelmates restaurant that opened in 1953. It was this from Hi-Tide Recordings to perform in Palm Don the Beachcomber location, which attractSprings, including Big Sandy, “a legend in ed celebrities like Frank Sinatra, that helped Orange County rockabilly.” mark Palm Springs as a tiki hotspot. “I have been to a lot of these tiki weekend“There’s a little bit of a history there, but ers, and I’ve always thought that there are they’re under new ownership now, and the great bands, but where is that headliner that guy’s super-passionate about participating I’m really dying to see?” Marble said. “For me, more in the local tiki world,” Marble said. Big Sandy is that, and I already have ideas for Marble got the idea to host a weekend of the following years—trying to bring ‘big’ small fun in Palm Springs during Spike’s Breezeway bands to the pool deck there at the Tropics.” Cocktail Cruise, a get-together for fans of the Fans of Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour will show and tiki culture, hosted at sea. be treated to a meet-and-greet with Marble “I found myself out floating around in the and stars from the show, as well as a special Bahamas with a bunch of fans of the show, and Q&A session. I go, ‘Do you guys think that we could sell out “We’re talking about doing a panel with the Caliente Tropics Resort Hotel?’ My buddy people who have been on my show,” he said. Scott, who was sitting next to me, goes, ‘Yeah, “There are some recurring characters who have CVIndependent.com
Matt “Spike” Marble: “The great thing about the Caliente Tropics hotel is that the (customers) are all enthusiastic, so that means that they end up having their own bars in their own rooms, and people travel from room to room.”
become a part of the YouTube show, so it’ll be more of a Q&A than a live show. The intention is just allowing people to ask questions about the show.” Marble is confident that, after getting a bunch of likeminded fans of cocktails and music together, “the event will guide itself.” “The whole thing, aside from the organization of the bands and the bar situation, I’m just going to see what happens,” Marble said. Marble looks forward to what guests of the festival will get up to in between the event’s scheduling. “The great thing about the Caliente Tropics hotel is that the (customers) are all enthusiastic, so that means that they end up having their own bars in their own rooms, and people travel from room to room,” Marble said. “It’s not exactly a sanctioned part of the event, but people create their own fun outside of the
planned events.” As of this writing, there are still tickets left in the Cocktail Club Pass tier, which includes a limited-edition Breezeway Getaway tiki mug that resembles the tiki found at the Tropics. “The Tropics was built in 1963 by Ken Kimes, and the tiki that is on the pool deck used to be 20 feet tall,” Marble said. “Over the years, they just kind of degrade, because even out in the desert, the wood rots. All that’s left is this giant head, so that’s what the tiki mug depicts—this guy’s giant head with his tongue hanging out.” The Breezeway Getaway will take place from Friday, Jan. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Caliente Tropics, at 411 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. General admission tickets are $150. For tickets and more information, visit www. breezewaycocktailhour.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 17
JANUARY 2026
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OFF THE CUFF F
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood return to the desert for a night of improv hilarity
By Matt King
or most people, the thought of stepping onstage in front a big crowd with no script or plan is terrifying. For Colin Mochrie, doing so has made him a living improv-comedy legend. Mochrie and Brad Sherwood became popular thanks to the long-running TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, where they joined other cast members in comedic improv games. After multiple runs of the show, both in the United Kingdom and United States, Mochrie and Sherwood are on tour, taking with them those same improv games, mixing hilarity and audience participation into a mini-version of Whose Line. Mochrie joked. “During COVID—which, of You can catch Colin Mochrie and Brad Shercourse, was a horrible time—I really enjoyed it, wood at the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs on because I was home for two years straight, just Friday, Jan. 23. hanging out and puttering and reconnecting During a recent phone interview, Mochrie with my wife. That’s where I started to think said that being able to travel the globe thanks about making sure there’s more of a balance. to a silly theatrical artform is “shocking.” At that point, it was crazy. I was doing two “I’m just constantly reminded how lucky I tours, and I was also shooting a movie in Utah am that this British show came out of nowhere and shooting a TV show, and it was just too and showcased the one thing that could make much. I don’t think it’s good for my work to me money, and gave me a career,” Mochrie overextend like that, so I’m trying to be more said. “I’m very grateful that Whose Line has aware of that.” allowed us to tour. We’ve gone around the Mochrie is also filling his time with various world doing this, so it’s been great.” TV appearances. I chatted with Mochrie in May 2024, before “I’m a semi-regular in a show called Murdoch he and Sherwood last visited the desert. Mysteries, which is a big show here in Canada,” During the interview, he said he felt the need he said. “Little guest spots on TV shows come to keep attempting things outside of his comup, and there are other improv groups that I fort zone, stating, “I think to get comfortable work with, just to sort of keep me on my toes. in improv can be very dangerous.” When … I really don’t know from one moment to the Mochrie isn’t touring with Sherwood, he’s next what’s going on, but I’m enjoying it.” involved with Hyprov, where he leads improv Whose Line Is It Anyway? created a series of games with a group of freshly hypnotized audi- hilarious moments across its multiple-decade ence members. run. Clips of these moments circulate on social “Working with people who I don’t know media, attaching a “forever” quality to a spontook me back to basics,” he said. “I can’t make taneous artform. any assumptions here. I truly have to listen “The beauty and the curse of improv is, once to everything that’s going on and live in the it’s gone, it’s gone—except for Whose Line, moment and work with whatever they give me. because it was filmed,” Mochrie said. “There I think it’s actually made me a better listener, have been times where I’ll be switching chanand made my improv a little sharper, too. At nels, and I’ll see a Whose Line, and I’ll watch, the age where everything else is getting a little and I go, ‘Oh, that was a great joke,’ and I have duller, the mind is getting slightly sharper.” no recollection of it whatsoever. There have Mochrie is frequently on the road with Sher- been a couple of things where I thought, ‘Oh, wood or with Hyprov, but said that at the age that was really good. That actually could have of 68, he’s now trying to slow down a bit. been written and could have showed up in any “I am getting older, weirdly,” he joked. “Trav- standups.’” el is becoming a thing. I’ve had a little bit of In terms of a favorite moment from the physical things with arthritis, so I’m trying to show, Mochrie said his mind is filled with pull back. I don’t think I could ever fully retire, “warm feelings and blurry memories,” but he because I still enjoy doing both shows. I still did recall one special episode. enjoy all the people involved in the shows I do, “The only scene I sort of remember full-on so it’s just, for me, (a need) to take a little more is the one with Richard Simmons, because peocare of myself and make it less grueling.” ple keep sending it to me, like I’m sitting in the The forced downtime during the COVID-19 dark watching my glory days,” Mochrie joked. pandemic caused Mochrie to rethink his busy “I love that scene, in that Richard was just so schedule. committed to it. I truly believe it is one of the “I enjoy being home, and I love my wife, funniest things that’s ever been on television, and she still enjoys me for whatever reason,” and it’s all due to Richard Simmons and his CVIndependent.com
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Colin Mochrie: “I’m just constantly reminded how lucky I am that this British show came out of nowhere and showcased the one thing that could make me money, and gave me a career.” Helen Tansey
commitment.” Mochrie talked about some of his favorite special guests. “We had Robin Williams on the show, and we had Sid Caesar do a part of a show; he was one of the guys I really looked up to. To have him on the show was amazing,” he said. “There was a guy, (Brett Dier), a lovely, lovely guy, and he was great, incredibly committed, and very funny. Sometimes the show suffered a little when we had guest stars on, but he rose to the occasion and did great.” Mochrie is the king of memorable goofy lines from the show, like “Tapioca!”; “Meow!”; “an arctic tern”; and “nice pants!” “I didn’t realize I had so many catchphrases,” he said. “People were yelling (these phrases) at me and I go, ‘I’m sorry, I have no idea what you’re talking about.’ It’s just weird, and it’s usually one word, like, ‘Tapioca!’ I’ve heard it enough so I know what it is, but there are others that people yell out and I go, ‘Are you sure that was me?’” Catchphrases aside, the Whose Line crew
quickly realized the impact the show was having on audiences. The large fanbase of the show helped revive Whose Line after getting cancelled in 2003. In 2013, the show began producing new episodes thanks to an online surge, and the most recent season ended in late 2024. “When Brad and I were a good 10 years into our tour, we saw our audience was getting younger, and it’s because people were catching up with the show on YouTube,” Mochrie said. “These people who weren’t born when we were doing the show with Drew (Carey, host of the original U.S. run) were watching it and getting on board with it, and it was because of that, that they brought it back on The CW. I’m hoping, in another 10 years, the next generation will see us—and keep it going for a little while longer.” Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood will perform at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, at the Plaza Theatre, at 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Tickets start at $69.90. For tickets and more information, visit www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 19
JANUARY 2026
DECEMBER JAN 14 - FEB 3 - 21 1 68510 East Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 760-296-2966 ext 101 CVRep.org
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CAESAR CERVISIA I
By brett newton
recently cruised up to Twentynine Palms—with fresh, cool air coming in, as I carefully avoided speed traps—to meet with Mike Usher, co-owner alongside his wife, Liz, of Grnd Sqrl. Grnd Sqrl (pronounced “ground squirrel”) offers “a funky and delicious dose of memorable food and drink for those (who) need it,” according to the website. If you haven’t heard of it before, you’ve been deprived of a wonderful gustatorial experience within driving distance of the Coachella Valley. Grnd Sqrl is focused on interesting takes on normal bar food like burgers and sandwiches, while also offering soups and weekly specials. All of this exists alongside a tap list with a selection of beers you aren’t likely to otherwise find year of high school in Yucca Valley, at the locally—now or in the foreseeable future. same time as Mike was a senior in Twentynine Mike and his wife, Liz, met when they were Palms. However, they didn’t meet at that time. part of Ballast Point Brewing’s opening in Pettersson met his future wife there, moved Miramar. Mike was later part of the opening back to Europe with her while attending of North Park Beer Company as well. Shortly culinary school, and worked at top restaurants after we sat down, we began lamenting about in Manhattan and Los Angeles—but then what seems to be the ever-encroaching death of came the COVID-19 shutdowns. The couple, craft-beer bars (even though there are still a few with their first child, moved back to the high legends standing strong, like Churchill’s in San desert to be closer to his wife’s family. Marcos, O’Brien’s in San Diego, and the latest, Meanwhile, Mike and Liz put out an ad for Bavarian-themed Bock, in the former San Diego the chef position at Grnd Sqrl—and Pettersson location of the great Hamilton’s Tavern). We was the literal first applicant. They spoke, also discussed the great breweries which played discovered their connection, and realized they such a large part in both of our lives that have shared a vision for the menu. The rest is history. all fallen from grace in the past decade. Mike opened a can of a Solaris Beer and There’s another piece of the Grnd Sqrl Blending’s fresh hop IPA (a brewery I raved puzzle: chef Joel Pettersson, who came on about in a recent column), and out came an board in the beginning thanks to a wild twist assortment of pickled vegetables (pickled beets of fate. Pettersson was a foreign-exchange be praised!) and a cup of a delicious tomato student from Sweden who went to his senior bisque.
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You’ll find one of the desert’s best tap lists in Thousand Palms at Grnd Sqrl
Grnd Sqrl owner Mike Usher wants to eventually host a “course” that looks at different beer styles, where attendees discuss everything from the history to the ingredients, all while eating food paired with the beers.
Later, Mike grabbed the last can of Hop-Fu! IPA, from North Park Beer Co., from the beer fridge and told me that his original intention for Grnd Sqrl was to have bar service only (à la the San Diego giants mentioned above), but that it organically became a table-service spot because of the space he found on the corner of 29 Palms Highway and Desert Queen Avenue. At this point, Chef Joel brought out The Jalla. Pronounced “ya-la,” it’s a sandwich inspired by a falafel shop in Malmo, Sweden— Pettersson’s hometown, which has a relatively large population of Iraqis and Iranians. Falafel, halloumi cheese, harissa tahini and more are stacked on a bun—and the result is absolutely gorgeous in flavor. It’s hard to get good falafel in the desert, so I jumped at the chance and was absolutely pleased with the choice. Mike confided in me that it was a bit of a gamble for the bar to not carry Bud Light and the like, for locals and Marines. But considering his vision, and that he also owns 29 Palms Beer Co. just down the highway (which I covered in a column from earlier this year), the decision became much easier to only carry craft. He wanted a place where locals could try something new on occasion when it comes to craft beer (or Bivouac Cider—which I also covered in this space—and seltzers as well as non-alcoholic options). Sure, he’ll have something similar to a light lager, but made at
his brewery. As far as I can tell, he’s succeeded in that, and he also has the best tap list in the high and low desert areas combined. I asked about plans for future beer dinners or events. Mike expressed his desire for not only dinners, but also a “course” where they dive into a few different beer styles and discuss everything from the history to the ingredients, all while eating food paired with the beers. I told him about the legend that was Beer School years ago at the great Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert and my fervent wish to see something like that locally once again. If anything like that goes down, you will find me there. The thing that impressed me most was the vibe of the place. Then I remembered a remark by Mike: “This place has soul.” I have to agree. From the mural on an outside wall to the unassuming yet hip interior, the place indeed has soul. If I lived closer, I could easily see myself spending more time than I should at the bar, chatting nerdily about craft beer or whatever else. I would love to see a place like this closer to me in the Coachella Valley, but in lieu of that, I will have to make some more trips up Route 62 to Grnd Sqrl. Check it out—and definitely try The Jalla. Grnd Sqrl is located at 73471 Twentynine Palms Highway, in Twentynine Palms. Learn more at grndsqrl29p.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 21
JANUARY 2026
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Instead of forgetting wine in January, let’s talk about forgotten grapes
By Katie finn Our 250 members support equality – and they support you!
anuary has a funny way of making people feel like they need to apologize for December. Suddenly everyone is “resetting,” “cleansing” and pretending they didn’t just spend a month happily sipping bubbles. Wine gets lumped into the category of things from which we’re told we should probably take a break, alongside sugar, carbs and joy. But what if, instead of forgetting about wine in January, we used this quieter month to explore the forgotten grapes? See what our members You know the ones. They do not have cult followings or three-digit price tags. They do not Chamber have to offer atdon’t even have theirAffiliate roll off the tongues at parties as “must-try” wines. They own menu category—often relegated to “other reds.” Yet these Musar, in of all places Lebanon, has long used desertbusiness.org grapes are some of the most delicious, versatile Cinsault to create soulful wines with depth and comforting wines you can drink, especially and history. In South Africa, the Sadie Family in the winter. has shown that Cinsault can be refined and January should be their moment. The holcomplex while still feeling alive in the glass. It iday crowds have thinned; the calendar has is the kind of wine that works just as well on slowed; and our palates are ready for somea patio in the late afternoon as it does at the thing interesting but not exhausting. Forgotdinner table. ten grapes thrive in this space. Nero d’Avola often gets pigeonholed as rusForgotten does not mean obscure for tic, but that does the grape a disservice. This obscurity’s sake. These are grapes that once is one of Sicily’s great treasures, offering bold played major roles in classic regions, but were flavor without heaviness, and richness without quietly overshadowed by trendier varieties, or fatigue. Expect ripe black cherry, plum, a hint simply never got the marketing budget they of cocoa and a savory Mediterranean edge deserved. They tend to be more affordable and that makes it shine with tomato-based dishes, food-friendly, are often lower in alcohol, and roasted vegetables and grilled sausages. Proare made by producers who care deeply about ducers like Gulfi helped re-define what Sicilian place over prestige. They offer something wine could be, focusing on elegance and terroir January desperately needs: honest pleasure rather than power. Donnafugata delivers polwithout excess. ished yet expressive examples, while Occhipinti Carignan is a perfect example of a grape crafts soulful, low-intervention wines that with a long memory and a fresh future. For feel alive and deeply connected to place. Nero decades, it had a reputation problem—planted d’Avola brings warmth without weight, perfect everywhere, cropped heavily, and blamed for for evenings when the temperature dips just a lot of forgettable wine. In the right hands, enough to justify turning on the oven. especially from old vines, Carignan is a revelaCabernet Franc lives in the long shadow tion. Bright red fruit, savory herbs, subtle spice of cabernet sauvignon, which is unfortunate, and refreshing acidity make it rustic without because it is one of the most charming and being rough. It loves soups, stews, roast chickfood-friendly red grapes in the world. Lighter en and the kind of slow, comforting meals that on its feet and more aromatic, cabernet Franc make sense when desert nights finally cool brings notes of red currant, raspberry, subtle down. Producers like Domaine de Fontsainte green herbs and gentle earthiness that make in France show just how fresh and honest food taste better. It pairs beautifully with Carignan can be, while Ridge Vineyards in roasted chicken, mushrooms, lentils and the California has long used it to add structure and kind of cozy winter dishes that still feel approsoul to their blends. Carignan does not shout. priate in a region where winter means sweaters It shows up, does its job beautifully and leaves at night and sunshine during the day. In the you wanting another glass. Loire Valley, producers like Olga Raffault and Cinsault is another grape that has spent Bernard Baudry have been crafting benchmark most of its life in supporting roles, quietly cabernet Franc for generations, showing its blended and rarely celebrated on its own. grace and longevity. Closer to home, Lang and When given the spotlight, it is floral, silky, Reed has proven that cabernet Franc thrives in red-fruited and effortlessly drinkable. This is California when treated with respect. This is a the wine you open while cooking and suddenly wine for people who love red wine but do not realize you have poured half the bottle without want to feel weighed down. thinking about it. Light without being thin, Barbera may be the ultimate people’s wine. and gentle without being boring, Cinsault feels For generations, it has quietly fueled Italian like a deep breath after December. Château dinner tables without ever becoming trendy.
For generations, Barbera has quietly fueled Italian dinner tables without ever becoming trendy.
High in acidity, low in tannin and endlessly drinkable, Barbera is made for relaxing January nights. It works with tomato sauce, pizza, leftovers and casual meals that come together without much planning. Producers like Albino Rocca and Vietti craft vibrant, joyful Barberas with precision and polish, while Braida offers richer styles that still keep the grape’s signature lift. Barbera exists to be enjoyed, not analyzed, which feels especially welcome after a month of overthinking everything. January does not need restriction. It needs intention. This is the month to drink better, not necessarily less—to open one bottle you are genuinely excited about instead of three you feel indifferent toward. To choose wines that pair with real food, real evenings and real life. Forgotten grapes fit this mindset perfectly.
They are often made with restraint, meant to be enjoyed at the table, and priced so you can explore without guilt or anxiety. Spending smarter on wine does not mean spending more; it means choosing bottles with character, balance and a sense of place. Forgotten grapes remind us why we fell in love with wine in the first place—not for the hype or the labels, but for the quiet joy of discovery. This year, let January be about drinking with intention, curiosity and a little grace. If you ask me, that sounds like a pretty wonderful way to start the year. Katie Finn is a certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine with two decades in the wine industry. She can be reached at katiefinnwine@ gmail.com. CVIndependent.com
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This month’s menu features two Coachella Valley staples: a date shake and a tamale By Jimmy Boegle
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WHAT Original date shake WHERE Makka Living Foods, 2465 E. Palm Canyon Drive, No. 1005, Palm Springs HOW MUCH $15 (20 ounces) CONTACT 760-808-8007 WHY It’s a delicious shake. For myriad reasons, I am not sure I could ever be a vegetarian. One reason: I love meat, a love that was ingrained in me from an early age, as I grew up on a cattle ranch. Another reason: While I admire the heck out of people who choose to give up meat, I’ve watched the vegans/ vegetarians in my life choke down far too many mediocre restaurant meals over the years. All of this was on my mind when one of the aforementioned vegetarians my life— Robert Victor, our longtime astronomy scribe—invited me to lunch a new vegan restaurant, called Makka Living Foods, tucked between Chipotle and Jersey Mike’s in a Palm Springs shopping center. Makka offers a variety of bowls starring oats, acai, matcha and pitaya, along with soups, date shakes, smoothies and “plant based protein entrées.” At our weekday lunch—when Bob and I disconcertingly had the entire place to ourselves throughout the meal—I ordered the modern falafel bowl ($20) and an original date shake. Bob also ordered the falafel bowl, and he was a fan—he devoured the whole thing. I, on the other hand, was reminded yet again why I’d have difficulty regularly eating vegan. While I had some pleasant bites, the overall combination of falafel, hummus, guacamole, roasted vegetables, forbidden rice and Greek mixed-leaf salad, served with tahini sauce, was somehow bland. As for the date shake … now, that’s a different story: It was delicious, and I guzzled it down. The mixture of almond milk, bananas, coconut crème, vanilla extract and dates was fantastic. It was thinner than most “shakes,” but, boy, did it taste good. The next time I am at Makka, I’ll likely skip the plant-based protein entrées in favor of one of the fruit-forward bowls—but I’ll definitely be ordering another date shake.
WHAT Birria tamale with egg WHERE Outside the Masa, 3905 Clinton St., No. 5, Indio HOW MUCH $9 with egg, as shown CONTACT 760-578-6247; outsidethemasa.com WHY The birria. Three years ago, the Independent interviewed Outside the Masa co-founder Juan Carlos. Outside the Masa debuted at the Indio International Tamale Festival in 2017, and later began regularly winning trophies at the event. “We started from a pop-up and then a food truck, and now we’re looking into getting a brick-and-mortar,” Carlos said at the time. In September, that brick-and-mortar location finally opened its doors—and to nobody’s surprise, Outside the Masa took home another first-place award at the Tamale Fest in December. I loooove tamales, yet I’d not yet tried Outside the Masa’s food, so the hubby and I headed to the restaurant for a recent Saturday lunch. Birria is the undisputed star at Outside the Masa. Other than two cheese-forward kids’ entrées, the regular menu offers tamales, chilaquiles, tacos, quesadillas, fries and nachos, all with birria. That’s it. The hubby ordered the chilaquiles with green sauce ($15), while I—of course—ordered the tamal, with an egg ($9). We also ordered the nachos ($14) to share. I quickly learned there’s a reason the birria is the star at Outside the Masa: It’s fantastic. 10/10, no notes. Our only complaint was that with each of the three dishes we ordered, the birria was added on top of the rest of the food, not mixed in. This was not a problem with the chilaquiles or the tamal, but it made it difficult to get a proper, all-inclusive bite of the nachos. The hubby enjoyed his chilaquiles, while the tamal was heavenly. It’s an “open-style” tamal, topped with the birria, a touch of consommé, onion, cilantro and the optional egg. This was a filling lunch for just $9—and where else can you get a filling lunch for single digits these days? To repeat: 10/10, no notes.
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Restaurant NEWS BITES By charles drabkin FIRST, A MINI-ENDORSEMENT Although I don’t usually use this space to endorse restaurants, I need to give a shout-out to the newly opened Bougainvillea Fresh Cuisine, in the former Guacamole’s, at 555 S. Sunrise Way, Suite 108, in Palm Springs. This tiny restaurant, with less than 40 seats, is making some incredibly delicious food with a ton of heart (and butter). The house-made pastas were perfectly cooked, and the fried calamari was tender, with a surprising cucumber citrus sauce. I’ve only eaten there once, when I sat at the chef’s counter and was regaled by Chef Alex, his son and his nephew’s stories about their food inspirations, but Bougainvillea has the potential to become a Palm Springs institution. Learn more at bougainvilleacuisine.com. TWO COOL JANUARY EVENTS TASTE, On the Mark’s Food and Beverage Festival, is returning to the SHAG House, at 660 S. Compadre Road, in Palm Springs, from noon to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17. A ticket gets you unlimited tastes of many of the delicious products available at On the Mark, plus craft beer and small-producer wines. General-admission tickets for the afternoon (noon to 2 p.m.) are $125, while VIP “evening” tickets (from 3 to 5:30 p.m.) are $150. All tickets include a commemorative glass created by the artist SHAG. Get tickets via Eventbrite. Billed as the largest pinot noir-tasting event in Southern California, Passion 4 Pinot returns to the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa, at 41000 Bob Hope Drive, in Rancho Mirage, on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30 and 31 (the winemaker dinners on the 29th are already sold out), with a lineup of producers, seminars and the grand tasting. Tickets for the blind-tasting masterclass on Friday are $135, and tickets for the grand tasting on Saturday start at $165. Find out more at palmspringspinotfest.com. IN BRIEF Cathedral City recently approved a new ordinance allowing food trucks on private property. TKB Bakery and Deli, the well-known Indio-based sandwich spot, is the first to take advantage of the opportunity by serving lunch every Friday at the Tesla dealership, at 68080 Perez Road, in Cathedral City. The city promoted the food truck as being “powered by a Cybertruck.” Given the current political climate, it’s no surprise this has sparked some online controversy. The city of Rancho Mirage has brought back its Shop Local Card promotion. When you purchase a Shop Local Card, you’ll receive an additional 50% bonus card to boost your spending power at participating local businesses, including many restaurants. Bonus cards are available on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out. For more information and to purchase cards, visit bit.ly/3Sbqzmx. If you love burgers, head to Palm Desert for Project Burger, at 77682 Springfield Lane. Their selection of sandwiches, salads, tacos and smash burgers is impressive, with a variety of unique toppings, including pork belly and truffle cream. The blacked brioche bun is downright Instagrammable. Learn more at www.instagram.com/project_burgerpd. The family behind Felipe’s Palm Springs, El Patio, El Tacolgado and several other restaurants has expanded their culinary empire into the former home of The Alibi, at 369 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. After a few months of delays, Sunset, a restaurant serving California cuisine—think sand sabs, short ribs, Caprese salad, etc.—has opened on the ground floor for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The restaurant’s interior looks gorgeous based on the photos posted online. Learn more at socalsunsetps.com. News if you’re a fan of fried chicken (and who isn’t?): Angry Chickz has opened its first Coachella Valley location, at 79124 Highway 111, Suite 103, in La Quinta. The Nashville-style hot-chicken brand that started in East Hollywood has expanded across Southern California, with locations also in Arizona and Nevada. You decide how spicy you want your chicken, from country (mild) to angry (you must sign a waiver). Check out angrychickz.com. Finally: Beloved Palm Springs staple Billy Reed’s, at 1800 N. Palm Canyon Drive, is for sale, so the owners can step into a well-deserved retirement. The asking price is $7.5 million, but whoever buys it, should they keep things basically the same, will be the hero to many a peach pie fan here in the Coachella Valley. Have food or restaurant news? Email foodnews@cvindependent.com.
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Thousands of Coachella Valley Independent readers and News Channel 3 viewers voted in this year’s Best of Coachella Valley readers’ poll—and they selected the Purple Room as the winner of Best Bar Ambiance and finalist in four categories:
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EUREKA DAY is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service imprint. www.dramatists.com | Dezart Performs is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit.
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MUSIC
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DESERT TALES S
‘Live From Joshua Tree’ features 10 people telling eight-minute stories about our local landscape
By matt king
elect people from all walks of life are invited to step onstage and sing, dance or narrate an original story about the desert, as part of a fundraiser. “Live From Joshua Tree,” hosted at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, is an evening of stories and songs that celebrates the multifaceted nature of our local landscape; showcases and empowers those who share a story; and raises funds for Mil-Tree, a local veteran-focused nonprofit. Beth Allen, Sarah Bliss, Annie Connole, Montelle picks the lineup every year, and Gretchen Grunt, Casey Kiernan, Andrea Kline, tries to not have any repeats. Brian O’Hare, Liz Meyer, Kennedy Verrett and “The stories range from hilarious to touchPalo Xanto are all set to participate this year. ing to sad, and every year is different,” she The event will take place at 7 p.m., Saturday, said. “I curated by just picking people who I Jan. 31, inside the Sanctuary Building at the intuitively feel would be good for the show. I Joshua Tree Retreat Center. There will also be try to be diverse in my choosing, and I don’t a ticketed livestream available. tell them what to write, but I tell them how During an interview with host Cheryl Monlong it can go: They have eight minutes to tell, telle, she discussed the history of the event, dance or sing their desert story.” which was formerly called “Desert Stories.” “Live From Joshua Tree” often features, “The reason that I started it was because in alongside accomplished musicians and per2006, my house burned down in Burns Canyon formers, people who have never spoken in in Pioneertown,” Montelle said. “I started the public before. event in 2007 at the Hi-Desert Cultural Cen“I’m very particular, and I really produce it,” ter in the playhouse, because I had published Montelle said. “It’s not just ‘get up in front of a a story called ‘Fire Dance’ about losing my mic, and read off of your iPhone.’ I work with house. It started out as a spoken-word event, each artist who has never performed before and then I would add at least two musicians to so that they go up at the end of the sentence the roster. The game is that you have to tell a and not down, so we can hear it. Usually perdesert story, sing a desert story, dance a desert formers know what to do. I do pick writers; I story, recite a desert poem, or (do) something do pick musicians; but I also pick people in the about the desert, and it doesn’t have to be community who just have a story. One year, we about the high desert.” had Eric Burdon from The Animals do it. It’s a The musicians featured at this event are small community up here, but it is more than locals Beth Allen and Palo Xanto, and composan arts community up here. … In this show, I er Kennedy Verrett. have two veterans represented. It’s important “(Verrett) has done a lot with the Harrison now, since it’s a military event, that we hear House music venue in Joshua Tree,” Montelle from the veterans.” said. “He is an amazing composer, but he’s Beth Allen, a local musician in bands like from Portland, Ore., so he comes back and Hot Patooties and ALiEN PROBE, is one of the forth to Joshua Tree all the time.” participants this year. She shared the event Montelle is also the founder and co-execuflier on Facebook with the caption, “I am tive director of Mil-Tree, a Joshua Tree-based excited and nervous; this will be my first time nonprofit that helps veterans adjust to civilian performing a story … sans instruments! Very life. The Mil-Tree site explains: “Our programhonored to be part of this event.” ming allows veterans, servicemembers and “I’ve actually never gone to one of these the community to participate in creative and events in person, but you can buy a ticket impactful programs, events and retreats with online and watch it online, and it doesn’t have the goal of ending veteran isolation.” to be the night of the event, so I bought them Said Montelle: “Mil-Tree brings veterans, and then watched them when I could,” Allen active duty (military members) and civilians said during a recent phone interview. “I’ve had together through art programming, dialogue, a lot of friends who participated, and I’ve just creative entrepreneurship and sharing experireally, really enjoyed the stories, and they’re ences. This is a fundraiser for this organization all very heartfelt. Some of them made me cry. that I founded. I did Desert Stories at the They were really good. I always had this little playhouse from 2007 to 2019, but it was time wish inside of me of, ‘I hope I get asked to do to move on. My nonprofit was gaining its own this someday.’” momentum, and I felt that I should be raising Even her though performances—with her money for that.” loud and screamy punk band Hot Patooties,
Beth Allen: “I am excited and nervous; this will be my first time performing a story … sans instruments!”
and her otherworldly narrations in an astronaut costume with ALiEN PROBE—would suggest otherwise, Allen still gets nervous onstage. She describes the thought of performing without a full band or guitar as a “push” out of her comfort zone. “Aside from giving presentations at work and fronting bands, I’ve never stood up and told a story,” she said. “I’m nervous. I had this dirt bike teacher who said, ‘You have to get out of your comfort zone in order to grow. You can dirt bike around slowly and carefully, but you have to be a little scared, or you’re never going to push yourself to the next level.’ I think that applies to a lot of things in life.” Allen intended to just do a spoken-word story, but after some feedback from Montelle, she’s including an a cappella version of one of her songs. “When Cheryl asked me, I think she thought I was going to do a song,” Allen said. “Some people do music, but that isn’t what I wanted to do; I wanted to tell a story. When I sent her my draft, I think she was a little disappointed, and she was like, ‘Oh, I thought you were going to do a song,’ and I said, ‘I don’t really want to do that, but I have a song that would kind of fit in with my story, and I could sing a little part of a cappella’—which was completely scary, because I don’t do that. I had to take some of the story out to put that in, and she liked it.”
Allen shared a tidbit about her story. “If you had told me 30 years ago I’d be living in the desert, I would have just been like, ‘No fucking way,’” she said. “It would never have been something I would ever think I would do. The story is sort of about how it evolved, and how much I love it here. I was always a water person. All my vacations were to Hawaii, to Costa Rica, anywhere with rivers and lakes, so the thought of the desert is just like, ‘What?’ You just never know where life will take you.” Allen has an impressive writing resume, including some contributions to the Coachella Valley Independent. She will combine her love of writing, and a disdain for poetry, into her performance. “I would rather sing a cappella terribly than read it like a poem,” she said. “(Poetry) just makes me cringe. It kind of flowed out of me. … I’m relieved. I was stressed, because I had six months to write it, and I just wanted to get it all out, get it done, so then I would feel better about it.” “Live From Joshua Tree” will take place at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, inside the Sanctuary Building at Joshua Tree Retreat Center, at 59700 Twentynine Palms Highway, in Joshua Tree. Tickets to the event start at $33.61, and livestream passes are $22.65. Veterans get in for free. For tickets or more information, visit www.mil-tree.org. CVIndependent.com
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DESERT MUSIC MYSTERIES A
The Brant Bjork Trio prepares to play a relatively rare desert show, at Pappy and Harriet’s
By Matt King
local legend is performing a hometown show after a lengthy European tour. The Brant Bjork Trio is set to perform at Pappy and Harriet’s on Sunday, Jan. 11. Bjork’s songwriting and drumming helped Kyuss, a band he co-founded, launch our desert into rock-music stardom. Thanks to Kyuss, the term “desert rock” is known worldwide, and Bjork, alongside a generation of Coachella Valley rockers, helped solidify what became known as the Palm Desert Scene. it’s the jazz enthusiast in me. I feel like my After stints in bands like Fu Manchu and music translates better in intimate settings, Mondo Generator, Bjork has performed with and Pappy’s is great for that, so I’ve always other desert-rock icons under the names loved playing Pappy’s. … When I first started Brant Bjork and the Bros, Brant Bjork and the going to Pappy’s, and then playing there, it Low Desert Punk Band, and his latest, Brant hadn’t yet become what it is today. It was still Bjork Trio, featuring Bjork on guitar/vocals, just a desert venue and a desert destination, Mario “Boomer” Lalli on bass, and Mike and very much catering to the locals. … Then Amster on drums. over the years, word gets out, and all of a sudDuring a recent phone interview, Bjork den, you’ve got Paul McCartney playing there.” recalled fond memories of performing at Pappy Even though it’s been decades since Bjork and Harriet’s, including a time when the band cut his teeth playing around the desert, he still played through a heavy rainstorm. revels in performing among the creosote and “It was the night of a really, really intense the mountains. rain that flooded the whole high desert,” Bjork “I love playing hometown shows with familsaid. “It was really kind of amazing. Water iar faces and friends who I’ve known my whole came in and just dumped. A lot of the crowd life,” he said. “That’s where our music comes was kind of stuck at Pappy’s, because there was from. That’s where it started, and that’s where no way to get off the hill. It was pretty wild. it ultimately belongs.” We ended up getting a hotel in Yucca Valley, Bjork would perform in the desert more because we couldn’t even make the remaining frequently if there were a larger number of five-mile drive to my place in Joshua Tree.” appropriate venues. The struggle for a consisHundreds of legends and stars have graced tent music venue with a few-hundred-person the Pappy’s stage, yet only a few dozen concert capacity in the low desert, specifically Indio, posters hang on the walls inside the venue—and has persisted throughout Bjork’s entire music Brant Bjork and the Bros is the subject of one of career, from the short-lived success of Mario those posters. A few months ago, Bjork released Lalli’s Rhythm and Brews in the ’90s, to the Live in the High Desert, a live album Brant Bjork successful yet recently shuttered Little Street and the Bros recorded at Pappy’s in 2009. Music Hall. “That sat on my shelf for many years,” “Boom (Lalli) and I talk about this all the Bjork said. “I remember why we decided to time, and we would love to play the low desert record that night, but I don’t remember why more regularly, but it’s just hard,” he said. we decided to shelve it. The planets aligned, “There are not really solid venues that are in and we were like, ‘Now’s the time.’ It’s kind of line with what we need and want in terms of coincidental that we’re fixing to do Pappy’s in bringing our music to our friends and famJanuary, not long after that release.” ily in the low desert. … I know The Hood is Bjork can personally attest that Pappy and there, and we’ve had some great shows there, Harriet’s “has a magic.” but sometimes it’s a bit of a struggle to get “As a performer, you want to have a nice people motivated on the other side of the connection with the audience, and obviously, fence for shows to happen, which is, to be there’s the musical connection and the vibraperfectly honest, a little frustrating, because tional, but there’s also a physical connection,” we know there are a lot of people in the low he said. “The stage is close to the ground, and desert who want to see some rock shows that the people are right up on you. It’s a nice, intiwe definitely want to play.” mate situation, and I enjoy that. I really like After generations of music success in the being a club performer. I get off on playing Coachella Valley, from the Rat Pack to the dessome of the bigger shows; whether they’re ert rock scene to the Coachella Valley Music outdoor festivals or theaters or concert halls, and Arts Festival, the ratio of music love to those are always a rush. But ultimately, I like music support is unbalanced. Bjork calls it “one playing clubs. Man, I like that intimacy. I think of the world’s great mysteries.” CVIndependent.com
The Brant Bjork Trio.
“We’ve just kind of accepted it as the low-desert fate. It’s just what we have to deal with,” he said. The Brant Bjork Trio’s 2024 album, Once Upon a Time in the Desert, features Bjork’s laidback, groovy desert guitar riffs intertwined beautifully with Lalli’s thunderous, fuzz-filled, melodic basslines. It’s an immaculate combination by two desert-rock legends, and a YouTube comment on a live performance video of the Brant Bjork Trio reads, “This could be the greatest desert rock lineup of all time.” “Mario Lalli was the name I heard as a kid in terms of who was responsible and who was the gatekeeper,” Bjork said. “For me, he was
the ring leader, and I wanted to join the circus. When I discovered him, he was in Across the River at the time, and it was really exciting to know that there was someone in the desert who was spearheading a punk-rock movement. I was given this information by older guys in my neighborhood who had a punk band that I would go watch rehearse, and that alone was already exciting—but to learn that there were other punk bands in the desert, in a small little scene that was happening, was incredible. “I eventually found my way into a band, and my first proper show was at a nightclub at Palm Springs called Adrian’s, and our band opened up for Mario’s band. It was his first
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The Venue REPORT project right after Across the River had broken up, which was called Inglenook at the time, but it would eventually turn into Yawning Man. He liked my band, and he invited us over to his ‘Chihuahua house’ in the cove to record us, and we’ve been friends ever since. He’s the musical big brother I never had, but needed and got, so I cherish the relationship.” It took them more than two decades to be in a band together, but the wait was definitely worth it. “It goes without saying that I was hungry and ready to jam with Boomer on any project,” Bjork said. “We’ve played so many times over the years and collaborated, but he’s a powerful artist in his own writing, and needs to be doing his own thing and steering his own ship. Like most of my musical adventures, there was no game plan. I got an offer to do a solo show around the time we were winding down Stöner, and I didn’t have a solo band together at that moment. Boom was like, ‘Yeah, let’s take this gig; I’ll play bass,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, fuck, that’d be killer.’” Once Upon a Time in the Desert marked the first release by Brant Bjork’s Duna Records label since 2006. On the Duna site, Bjork writes, “Duna Records was and will continue to be my personal record label that is a home for all things creative amongst myself and others (who) are close to me.” “We released our first Duna release in 2002,” Bjork said. “We went for a handful of years, and it was really good, and it was successful. I was running it with my then-girlfriend, and we broke up, and I just decided to shelf the label for a while. … I wanted to start putting out my own records again. I became a father in 2010 and had a couple of boys, and I was slammed when I was at home—rightfully so, being a parent. The concept of me releasing my own records and what that entails, I just didn’t have the time for it, but things changed, and I’m now able to do that. I always want to put out my own stuff.” To Bjork, releasing his own material on his own label is “synonymous with my love and my motivation to play music.” “I grew up in the ’80s, so my record collection was independent punk-rock stuff, so it wasn’t my lifelong goal to go out and play music that sounded like Minor Threat or Black Flag, although I love those bands,” he said. “I wanted to play my music, and I certainly wanted to take what they did as far as starting their own labels and putting out their own music. They were autonomous to enable that, the ability to oversee their craft and their art, so that was always there from the beginning.” Brant Bjork Trio is set to perform at 9 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 11, at Pappy and Harriet’s, at 53688 Pioneertown Road, in Pioneertown. Warm Uncle is set to open. Tickets are $31.86. For tickets and more information, visit pappyandharriets.com.
January 2026 By matt king
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
Liz Callaway
Happy new year! January means a fresh start, new beginnings, great weather—and an even greater slate of local entertainment! Acrisure Arena hosts college hockey, boxing and comedy! On Friday, Jan. 2, and Saturday, Jan. 3, the Cactus Cup brings four collegiate hockey teams to the desert for some thrilling bouts! On Friday, catch University of Massachusetts Lowell vs. Minnesota State University Mankato (3:30 p.m.) and St. Cloud State vs. Yale (at 7 p.m.); the losers and winners will face off on Saturday at 3:30 and 7 p.m., respectively. Tickets start at $20.95 per day, or $31.25 for a two-day pass. At 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16, put up your dukes for Golden Boy Boxing. Don’t miss matches like Alexis “Lex” Rocha against Raul “El Cugár” Curiel, and Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores vs. Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chavez. Tickets start at $54.95. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, comedian Katt Williams will bring his legendary wit to the desert. Tickets start at $84.85. Acrisure Arena, 75702 Varner Road, Palm Desert; 888-695-8778; www.acrisurearena.com. The Plaza Theatre is off to the races! At 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, enjoy a musical blast from the past with a performance by Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, the band’s original vocalist. Tickets start at $62.95. Bring the kids to Palm Springs for Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical, happening at 9:30 a.m. and noon, Thursday, Jan. 15. Don’t miss the classic children’s book come to life in a feathery-musical fashion! Tickets are $10. At 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20, actress/vocalist Liz Callaway takes part in Pops at the Plaza with an evening of music and storytelling. Tickets start at $57.70. At 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, musical parody Spamilton will mix hilarity and highenergy song and dance. Tickets start at $46.05. continued on Next page
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The Venue REPORT continued from page 27 At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30, famous folk voice Don McLean, known for “American Pie” and other hits, is set to perform. Tickets start at $74.55. Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-593-5818; www. palmspringsplazatheatre.com. Fantasy Springs hosts fighting and fun music! At 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, enjoy the SoCal Battle of the Badges, a charity boxing event in which police officers, firefighters, correctional officers and military personnel spar off to raise funds for Cops 4 Kids and Communities. Tickets start at $27.50. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, move your feet to another double-serving of Motown legends The Temptations and The Four Tops. Tickets start at $62.50. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, the Regional Mexican sound is on full display, so enjoy a double dose of banda from El Flaco and Julio Preciado. Tickets start at $72.50. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30, Yachtley Crew tackle high-energy performances of soft-rock hits known as “yacht rock.” Tickets start at $42.25. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 760-342-5000; www. fantasyspringsresort.com. The McCallum Theatre is starting another busy year; here are some highlights from their January calendar. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 2, and Saturday, Jan. 3; and 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 4, catch three intimate shows with legendary pop and jazz vocalist Paul Anka. Tickets start at $83. At 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8, witness, before your very eyes, The Magic of Jen Kramer, an exhilarating magic show from the International Magicians Society’s “Female Magician of the Year.” Tickets start at $37. At 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14, keep your eyes on the skies, as The Peking Acrobats bring high-flying acrobatic energy to Palm Desert. Tickets start at $63. At 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 18, all cat-lovers need to get themselves to the McCallum for Wild Cats Revealed, a feline-focused speaking event with National Geographic explorer/ photographer Sandesh Kadur. Tickets start
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at $48. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, enjoy an evening of piano mastery from the Jussen Brothers, as they tackle Debussy, Mozart and more, in partnership with the Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic. Tickets start at $58. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert; 760-340-2787; www. mccallumtheatre.com. Morongo Casino is hosting some cool concerts! At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, catch a rare acoustic performance from heavy rock act Daughtry. Tickets start at. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, Jalisco, Mexico’s own La Original Banda Maguey, with their innovative techno-banda style, are set to perform. Tickets start at $68.50. Morongo Casino Resort Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 800-252-4499; www.morongocasinoresort.com. Spotlight 29 features Latin, laughs and legends! At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, sing along to corrido kings Los Rieleros del Norte after an opening performance from one of Mexico’s most beloved comedians, La Chupitos. Tickets start at $43.95. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, experience some Sinaloa sounds from Hijos de Barrón. Tickets start at $33.65. Step back in time and enjoy some soul icons when The Whispers and Morris Day and the Time team up for a night of R&B and funk at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24. Tickets start at $59.40. Honest Goodness Comedy Fridays welcome Frazer Smith (Jan. 2), Stoner Rob (Jan. 9), MC Raider (Jan. 16), Paul Rodriguez (Jan. 23) and Shaun Latham (Jan. 30). Tickets start from $17.32 to $33.84. You must be 18+ to attend. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella; 760-775-5566; www.spotlight29.com. Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage has a busy month, so here are some notable events. At 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, singer/ songwriter and movie-theme-maker Melissa Manchester is teaming up with The Desert Symphony for a night of extraordinary tunes! Tickets start at $69.42. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16, the “Godmother of Soul” Patti LaBelle
heads to the desert for a legendary night of R&B hits. Tickets start at $65.74. At 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 29, you might be a redneck if you don’t go see Jeff Foxworthy and his unique and comedic Southern wit. Tickets start at $49.23. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30, the desert moon will “Shine” a little brighter when ’90s rockers Collective Soul come to town. Tickets start at $49.23. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, don’t miss your chance to see country star Brad Paisley in a relatively intimate fashion. Tickets start at $111.15. Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-9991995; www.aguacalientecasinos.com. The new year brings more blues, old-school music, comedy and more to Agua Caliente Palm Springs. A musical time-capsule show, this time dedicated to the year 1984, will take place at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 2, and feature performances from Tod Macofsky and Siobhan Velarde. Tickets for this show start at $22.11, available at eventspalmsprings. com. Desert Blues Revival Wednesdays feature folk and country from Kimberly Cofer and the Tumbleweeds (Jan. 7) an Elvis birthday celebration from The Gand Band (Jan. 14), guitar mastery from Laurie Morvan Band (Jan. 21) and a celebration of Bay Area funk bands from Funk Monks (Jan. 28). Shows are at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $17.85 to $22.11, available at eventspalmsprings. com. Carousel Thursdays feature folk and blues from Adam Moezinia’s Folk Element Trio (Jan. 8), jazzy classic-rock covers from Nutty (Jan. 15), vintage soul from The Urban Renewal Project (Jan. 22) and soothing jazz from Crystal Lewis (Jan. 29). Shows are at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $17.85, available at eventspalmsprings.com. Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs; 888-999-1995; www. aguacalientecasinos.com. Here are some highlights from another star-studded month at Pappy and Harriet’s. At 9:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9, new-wave sensation Missing Persons bring those early ’80s MTV hits to the desert. Local electronicpop queen Jesika von Rabbit is set to open. Tickets are $42.74. At 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, Orange County punk legends D.I. will ignite the Pioneertown Palace into sweaty fits of moshing! Tickets are $26.68. At 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, garage-rockers Together Pangea will headline an evening of crunchy guitar and high-energy jams. The High Curbs and Purest Form will open. At 9 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20, the high desert celebrates folk and country with modern twang sensation Vincent Neil Emerson. William Prince will open the show. Tickets are $30.83. At 9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 29, punk legends Black Flag head to the desert with
their new lineup, featuring original member Greg Ginn (age 71) and three new musicians all under the age of 22. Tickets are $54.14. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; 760-228-2222; www.pappyandharriets.com. Mojave Gold is hosting a variety of musical events to kick off 2026. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 2, the banjo-playing Nora Brown and fiddler Stephanie Coleman join forces for a moving night of music. Tickets are $24. At 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16, Sam Blasucci, whom you may know from rock band Mapache, visits the desert performing piano-based songs from his solo record. Tickets are $15.31 in advance. At 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 29, stoner-rock band Temptress will head to the land of desert rock for a night of badass riffs and fuzz-filled rock. Local bands Warm Uncle and Hammer of the Ozz are set to open. The show is free! At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, country-folk singer Hayes Carll brings plain-spoken vocals over rootsy songwriting. Tickets are $28.96 in advance. Mojave Gold, 56193 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley; 442-205-0192; mojavegolddesert.com. Oscar’s in Palm Springs is hosting a few non-residency events. At 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16, Steven Brinberg transforms into Barbra Streisand for Simply Barbra, a show honoring the star with real singing! Tickets start at $39.95. At 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21, jazz vocalist Jack Donahue will host a cabaret show filled with great songs. Tickets start at $35. At 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30, drag diva Miss Bouvèé, from the film Big Easy Queens, presents Big Bawdy Bouvèé, a night of songs, hilarity and more. Tickets start at $44.95. Shows include a food and drink minimum. Oscar’s Palm Springs, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs; 760-325-1188; oscarspalmsprings.com/events. The Purple Room in Palm Springs hosts more fun weekends! At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9, and Saturday, Jan. 10, 17-time Billboard Top 20 artist Debby Holiday will pay tribute to music icon Tina Turner and other soul legends. Tickets are $56. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16, and Saturday, Jan. 17, enjoy a tribute show that combines musical salutes to both Liberace and Liza. Tickets start at $56. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, and Saturday, Jan. 24, local favorite Chadwick Johnson pays homage to Burt Bacharach and Quincy Jones. Tickets start at $45.70. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30, and Saturday, Jan. 31, Broadway star Lillias White brings her magnificent voice to town for two special evenings. Tickets start at $61.15. All ticketed shows include dinner reservations two hours before showtime. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-322-4422; www.purpleroompalmsprings.com.
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MUSIC
the
LUCKY 13
Get to better know two music greats playing in January in the high desert by matt king shoegaze, “bedroom” pop or outlaw country. It’s cool, I suppose, just not really my thing. Maybe one day. What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? Minutemen in ’85, Poison Idea in ’91, James Brown in 1970, Black Sabbath in 1970 … there are literally too many bands I wish I could’ve seen.
Harper King
NAME Nick Aguilar GROUP Frankie and the Witch Fingers MORE INFO With loud and crunchy guitars, deep effects-heavy grooves, and a rowdy stage show, Frankie and the Witch Fingers have become one of the most notable faces in the current era of proto-punk rockers. Listen to a song like “Futurephobic” to hear how the group can effortlessly combine wild, glitchy and trippy sounds with a strong, addicting musical structure! Catch Frankie and the Witch Fingers at Pappy and Harriet’s at 9:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 2. What was the first concert you attended? Rush! I was 9 years old, 2007, Snakes & Arrows Tour. My dad took me. The first time I ever caught a whiff of marijuana, and the first time I really knew that I wanted to be a drummer. RIP Neil (Pearl). What was the first album you owned? Hmmm … well, digitally speaking, probably Moving Pictures by Rush on iTunes. (Shocking, I know.) On vinyl, I think the first few I bought at once were Led Zeppelin, Physical Graffiti; Iggy and the Stooges, Raw Power; Rolling Stones, Some Girls; and a few more I genuinely can’t remember. What bands are you listening to right now? I’ve been listening to a lot of AIR (the French band), Steve Kuhn, Idris Muhammad, Sunny and the Sunliners, Los Saicos, The Meters, Fela Kuti, Keith Mansfield, Gwen McCrae, DEVO, The Kinks, and Augustus Pablo. What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get? To be completely honest, I’m not super big into CVIndependent.com
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure? I don’t really have guilty pleasures. I’ve always hated that term, but bands that I genuinely like that people give me shit for the most are probably Sublime, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oasis, and the Smiths. What’s your favorite music venue? There are so many that I love to play and see shows at. I love Pappy and Harriet’s, obviously, inside and out, The Grog Shop in Cleveland, The Church in Philadelphia, The Chapel in San Francisco, Lido Club in Berlin, Troubadour in Hollywood, The Teragram in L.A., The Casbah in San Diego, Doornroosje in Nijmegen, La Maroquinerie in Paris … sorry, I can’t pick just one favorite. What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? “Maybe after he’s gone, she’ll come back, love me again,” “Maybe After He’s Gone,” The Zombies. What band or artist changed your life? The Minutemen. When I discovered them at 12 years old, they opened up my world to not just punk, but music in general. Everything positive that’s happened in my life of music is because of them. You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? Claude Coleman, the drummer of Ween: “How the fuck do you play all of that complicated shit barefoot?” What song would you like played at your funeral? “It’ll Never Be Over For Me” by Thee Midniters, or “Holy Thursday” by David Axelrod.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? Double Nickels on the Dime by the Minutemen. What song should everyone listen to right now? “Point That Thing Somewhere Else” by The Clean. NAME Jim Ward GROUPS At the Drive-In, Sparta MORE INFO Few musicians have earned the status that Jim Ward has. Explosive live performances (including the occasional throwing of furniture) helped launch posthardcore band At the Drive-In into rock stardom. Ward then went on to front Sparta, trading the chaos for a more straightforward, yet still bangin’ brand of rock. He’s also an accomplished solo musician, and he’s be embarking on a solo tour supporting folk artist William Elliott Whitmore. Catch the pair at Mojave Gold at 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24. What was the first concert you attended? I went to see Robert Plant when I was 12. We lived in Albuquerque for a couple of years, and my parents took me. I was so scared that somebody was going to make me do “the drugs.” What was the first album you owned? The thing that I fell in love with first was big band, and I was really into Benny Goodman. My first beginning of collecting stuff, or having my own CD player in my room, was Benny Goodman’s Greatest Hits, which was a couple of years of obsessiveness, and then somebody gave me Subhumans’ From the Cradle to the Grave LP, and that changed my direction in life. What bands are you listening to right now? I’m sort of in this Fontaines D.C., Idles, Turnstile, Mannequin Pussy era. I’m just watching this generation, watching the bands that are breaking through, and I find it so fascinating. What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get? The evolution of emo, some of it gets a little confusing to me, and I think part of that is just because it’s a generational thing. … You feel shitty being the old guy at the show who’s just like, “I don’t fucking get it.” What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? The Clash. If I could take a trip through time and space, that would probably be the band that I’d want to see in a shitty, small club. What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure? I have always been pretty good about not thinking of it as a guilty pleasure, but when At the Drive-In was getting big, we were doing interviews where I was like, “Man, this Nelly Furtado record is awesome,” and people around me were like, “Shut up.” Right now, I’m
John Carluccio
thoroughly, thoroughly enjoying and impressed by Olivia Rodrigo and this generation of unabashed equality in music and pop music, and their ability to sort of weave in between subcultures, and their lyrics being honest and unashamed. I just think it’s so powerful. What’s your favorite music venue? The Troubadour and the Bowery Ballroom are my two favorite venues to play forever. We’ve had so many life-changing moments at the Troubadour. What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? One of my favorite lyrics ever is, “I woke up this morning / With a piece of past caught in my throat / And then I choked.” It’s (“For Want Of” by) Rites of Spring, Guy (Picciotto)’s band before Fugazi. What band or artist changed your life? The hardest part of my life was navigating the success of the band that I was in, and trying to figure it out. There are so many bad people in this industry, and there are so many people who are so ready to take advantage of you, and I was lucky enough to be around Josh Homme at a time when he basically was like an older brother to me. I always refer to him as my rock sponsor. You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? I would like to, if I was able to, sit down with John Lennon and ask him how he navigated being John Lennon, if that makes sense. He’s stuck in time; there’s no evolution of him. Paul McCartney has turned into rock ’n’ roll’s favorite dad or favorite uncle, but John Lennon is stuck. What song would you like played at your funeral? I immediately go to “Fairytale of New York,” with Shane McGowan singing while I’m lying there. Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? In this case, I try to throw a tiny monkey wrench into it and say if I could selectively pick between Piano Man and The Stranger, then that would be my favorite album of all time. What song should everyone listen to right now? “I Never Came” by Queens of the Stone Age.
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JANUARY 2026
OPINION COMICS & JONESIN’ CROSSWORD
“Piece Out”—get on board. By Matt Jones
40. Secret agent 41. Place to repair a two-wheeler 45. Foot, in Latin Across 46. Melodic passages 1. Ludacris genre 47. Word after 4. Boorish ones occupational or 9. Cornfield birds speech 14. Old French gold coin 51. Make over 15. Couldn’t avoid it 52. Very perceptive 16. Like notebook paper 54. Get ___ the crack of 17. Adam Scott/Ken dawn Marino comedy series 57. Extremely about caterers 58. Persevere 19. “RRR” setting 61. “To reiterate ...” 20. Resigned noise 62. Riverbank critter 21. Hotel professional 63. “Educated Guess” 23. Yankee nickname singer DiFranco beginning in 2004 64. Sagal of Married … 26. Furnace feeders With Children 27. Northernmost 65. Actress Davis of The Oregon city Babadook 30. Wimbledon unit 66. Abbr. stamped on a 31. Recognize from a bounced check picture, perhaps 34. It runs Down Under Down 37. Affected 1. Agents mannerisms 2. Palm berry 38. Night before 3. Middle ground 39. Quark’s place 4. A little short
5. Wee fellow 6. What those with anosmia cannot detect 7. USAF stealth planes 8. “I was ___ prepared for this!” 9. Sachin Tendulkar’s sport 10. Small creek 11. More advanced, in a way 12. Fish dams 13. Badlands Natl. Park site 18. Judo moves 22. Dance recklessly 24. Sphere 25. Crafty letters 27. Aliases, for short 28. Little cut 29. “Hey, wait ___!” 32. Dartmouth or Brown, e.g. 33. Hyperpop band 100 ___ 34. Cuisine with doro wat and shekla tibs 35. Io, for one 36. Diamond officials
39. Paired together 41. Prepare 42. Babette’s Feast author Dinesen 43. 8 1/2” x 11” paper size, briefly 44. “Able was I ___ I saw Elba” 45. The Dick Van Dyke Show surname 47. Arkansas River city 48. Try to swat 49. “Orange” tea 50. Chucks, slangily 52. Drink brand with a bunny mascot 53. Brooklyn team 55. Miller and Richards, for two 56. Pre-weekend sentiment 59. Louvre Pyramid architect 60. Test for college srs. © 2025 Matt Jones Find the answers in the “About” section at CVIndependent.com!
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