VOL.14 | NO. 10 | october 2026
The season brings manageable temperatures, a lot of great things to do—and an important election.
Learn more inside!
Inside the fight to revive care and restore trust in a community’s ER
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OCTOBER 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 writerS Nova Blanco-Rico, Kevin Fitzgerald, Matt King, coveR and feature design Maria Ratinova 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, Keith Knight, Cat Makino, Maggie Miles, 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 All content is 2026 and may not be published or reprinted in any form without the written permission of the publisher.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.
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I recently went to the Independent News Sustainability Summit (hosted by the Local Independent Online News Publishers)—and at every session I attended, artificial intelligence came up. Some sessions discussed how to effectively use it to streamline operations; others touched on the myriad ethical issues that AI presents— especially when it’s used in editorial operations. However, all of the sessions touched on the same theme: While AI can be useful, it can’t be trusted. Todd Stauffer, my friend and colleague who serves as the executive director of AAN Publishers (Association of Alternative Newsmedia), halfjokingly proposed that instead of artificial intelligence, it should be called artificial intern. After all, most interns can be useful at doing certain tasks—but everything they do should be supervised and thoroughly checked for errors. Meanwhile, an increasing number of recent news stories have covered another way in which AI can’t be trusted: If we’re not careful, it could kill us all. On Sept. 16, The New York Times published a story headlined “OpenAI Discloses Six New Incidents of ‘Concerning’ A.I. Behavior.” The lede: OpenAI on Wednesday disclosed six new instances in which artificial intelligence systems hid mistakes, made up data and moved files onto the open internet without permission, amid an ongoing industrywide debate about A.I. safety. The San Francisco company revealed what it said was the “unexpected or concerning” behavior of its A.I. models as part of a new framework for reporting “misalignment,” which is when the goals or actions of A.I. systems diverge from human intentions and values. OpenAI said it did not believe the industry “has solved alignment and monitoring to a sufficient degree to continue responsibly scaling at maximum speed for much longer.” Decisions about how A.I. should advance, the company said, must rest on evidence that people outside the labs building it “can examine for themselves.” The disclosures land amid intensifying scrutiny over whether A.I. development needs to be slowed to address the technology’s potential dangers. The escalating debate was driven partly by OpenAI’s systems going rogue earlier this year and attacking the A.I. start-up Hugging Face. OpenAI was not aware of the hack until it was informed by Hugging Face weeks later. On Sept. 11, Wired magazine ran a story with the eye-catching headline “Why So Many AI Researchers Think the Machines Could Kill Everyone.” A snippet: The panic has intensified in recent weeks. Genuinely stunning advances in AI capabilities—an OpenAI model solved a centuries-old math problem in a matter of hours—have come amid a rash of security incidents that saw swarms of agents break free from containment to hack into other systems. Those concerns reached a fever pitch this week after researcher Jacob Coxon announced his resignation from Anthropic while warning that AI firms are “racing straight to self-improving superintelligence and gambling with our lives.” A senior Anthropic leader—who works on AI safety—piped up with a similarly blunt assessment: “We really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans! I personally think it is >10% within the next decade.” Because of these increasing concerns, Congress has immediately gone to work on addressing the problem. HA HA HA HA HA! Just kidding! As CNBC reported on Sept. 17, “The House of Representatives adjourned Wednesday, leaving Washington and almost certainly punting action on a ballooning artificial intelligence crisis until after November’s midterm election.” Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom— seeing an opportunity to score political points as Congress does absolutely nothing—told Politico on Sept. 17 that he planned to address AI worries before he leaves office in January. “His plans, he said, could take the form of a special session, executive action or steps by state agencies under their existing authority,” Politico reported. Whatever happens, those of us here at the Independent will keep you posted—at least until our robot overlords kill us all. Welcome to the October 2026 print edition of the Coachella Valley Independent. As always, thanks for reading. —Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 3
OCTOBER 2026
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OCTOBER 2026
OPINION OPINION
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION
HIKING WITH T Y
Cactus to Clouds has two meanings: One’s an epic hike; the other is a fantastic local nonprofit
BY THERESA SAMA
ou may have heard of Cactus to Clouds, perhaps the most challenging yet rewarding hike, not just locally—but in the entire United States, starting at the Palm Springs Art Museum and concluding 10,300 feet higher at San Jacinto Peak. It’s less likely that you’ve heard of the CactusToCloud Institute, a local nonprofit formed in 2021 as a project by four friends—certified California Naturalists and UC Climate Stewards—who share a passion for the California desert. I recently connected with Colin Barrows, a Coachella Valley naturalist and the secretary of the CactusToCloud Institute. He explained that the organization’s name is not directly related to the Cactus to Clouds hiking trail; instead, the name reflects the dramatic elevational changes found throughout the region and serves as a remindand not just via hikes, but via educational and er of the diverse environments that make the experimental events. desert so unique. The institute offers monthly events during Desert Sands and Sky Islands is a flagship the fall, winter and spring such as sketching, initiative of the CactusToCloud Institute, in journaling workshops and bio-blitzing, where partnership with the University of Califorpeople come together to find and identify as nia, to help residents better understand and many flora and fauna species as possible in a connect with the natural landscapes of the short time within a specific area. Last spring, desert through educational courses, hands-on the institute collaborated with the Native learning and community engagement activities American Land Conservancy to bio-blitz at designed to foster an appreciation of public one of the local preserves while looking at pollands. The program includes courses including: linating insects. They had an expert from UC • Climate Stewards (www.cactustocloud. Riverside talk about insects while they enjoyed org/climate): This course, taking place this fall, the natural surroundings, hiking a mile or so focuses on making a difference in one’s own life and looking at butterflies, bees, etc. by gaining a deep understanding of climate sciDuring the hottest months, CactusToCloud ence, policy and solutions. Although the applimay organize sunrise walks and other cooler cation deadline has passed for this year, you activities. Check www.cactustocloud.org and can check out the website (and social media) to the institute’s social-media channels to stay in learn more and put it on your list for next year. the loop and learn more. California Naturalist (www.cactustocloud. org/naturalist): This course, taking place in the peaking of cooler activities: Mid-October to spring, is an opportunity to learn about the mid-November is the prime time to do the history and ecology of Southern California’s infamous Cactus to Clouds hike. deserts—including public lands, national monBarrows completed this long, grueling and uments and national parks—and how they dangerous hike once in April; he called it an can be better protected. Participants will gain unforgettable accomplishment. Now, when hands-on field experience with outdoor eduoffering advice to others, he cautiously recomcation and community science while actively mends, “Do as I say, not as I do,” and instead being involved in environmental stewardship. going closer to the end of October, as it should As Barrows pointed out, “It’s more of lookbe cooler, before any chance of snow—but ing at the big-picture relationships between “keep a close eye on the weather, and be prepeople, plants and animals. Think of the conpared for changing conditions,” he warned. nection between going for a hike, the trails we While spring conditions may seem ideal, Barhike on, to the food we eat.” rows noted that snow and ice can still be presWhile there is a fee for these courses, scholent at higher elevations, creating hazardous arships and payment plans are available. conditions for unprepared hikers. Barrows said the CactusToCloud Institute is There have been multiple fatalities and unique because it offers opportunities for folks numerous heat-related rescues from this trail to get out and appreciate wildlife and plants— over the years, often on the lower, exposed
S
The final quarter-mile climb to the top of San Jacinto Peak is basically boulder-jumping. Pictured here is my hiking/running buddy Lisa Acosta making her way to the top of the peak. Theresa Sama
section of the Skyline Trail, which is where Barrows said he had the toughest time, even with a 4 a.m. start from the Palm Springs Art Museum Trailhead. He was packing six liters of water—that’s heavy stuff—in addition to everything else. “After a couple hours, the trail was sun-exposed and, it was hot,” he said. Despite its challenges, the hike offers amazing beauty. Barrows described the section along the Skyline Trail around 4,000 feet in elevation as one of his favorites. I couldn’t agree more. I think this area is known as Flat Rock—it’s where the views begin to open, with breathtaking panoramic sights high above Palm Springs; you can see the entire Coachella Valley and far beyond. It makes for a great scenic stop and resting/snack point before the steep climb into Long Valley. This was the most memorable part of the trail for me when I hiked it from the desert floor to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Mountain Station some years back—that, and the section where you see the tram cars. I remember them being so close, yet so far away. The most memorable experience for Barrows during his trek was his stop at Mountain
Station to regroup—and enjoy a big plate of nachos, smothered in melted cheese, with a beer—before continuing up the mountain to San Jacinto Peak. Then, he went back down to Mountain Station to catch the tram to the valley floor. In addition to following the lists of dessert essentials (www.desertmountains.org/hiking/#desert-essentials) and things to know before hiking higher elevations (www.fs.usda. gov/visit/know-before-you-go/hiking), be sure to follow these tips for this hike: • Be in the best shape of your life. • Acclimate! Spend time in higher elevation one to two weeks before doing the hike. • Bring six liters of water. • Bring extra clothing to layer. • Bring a headlamp with backup batteries. • Stay on marked trails. • Have a map and a plan, and always let someone know where you’re going. Don’t forget to let them know you’re off the trail and safe when you’re done. Learn more at www.alltrails.com/trail/us/ california/skyline-trail-cactus-to-clouds and hikingguy.com/hikes/cactus-to-clouds.
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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 5
OCTOBER 2026
OPINION OPINION
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS T
Meet Indio resident Stella Espinoza, who turned a devastating health diagnosis into a way to help others
BY BONNIE GILGALLON
he late actor Christopher Reeve once said, “When the unthinkable happens, the lighthouse is hope. Once we choose hope, everything is possible.” After Stella Espinoza began to lose her vision at the age of 37, she decided to choose hope—and that’s made all the difference. Born and raised in Indio, Espinoza has a lot of family in the area; her parents still live in the house where she grew up. As a young girl, she dreamed of a career in the medical field. “I went to school for medical assisting, and completed that program in 1998,” she said. “I was in the field of women’s health—up until the time I had to stop working in 2019.” Motherhood came early for Espinoza. She had her first child at 16, and by the time she was 21, disease to her. she was a single mother of two. Everyone has vessels behind their eyes Espinoza’s eye issues began in 2013. that fill with and expel fluid. With glauco“I was a contact lens-wearer, and to get them ma patients, those vessels don’t release that renewed, I had to see my eye doctor every year, fluid, which applies pressure to the nerves at which I did,” she said. “… At the time, the medthe back of the eye. That prolonged pressure ical office I worked in was transitioning from causes damage. Glaucoma is usually diagnosed paper charts to electronic medical records.” when patients are over 65. There was a lot of training involved, which “That’s when reality hit, and I realized, ‘This meant a lot of time staring at a computer is going to be my life,’” she said. “I don’t have screen. “Initially, I chalked up my vision issues vision in my right eye. I can tell you if the to tired eyes. I hadn’t been used to looking at lights are on or off, and I can see a little bit the computer for eight hours a day,” she said. of movement. My left eye at the time was a She tried changing her contact lenses and lot better. I was able to drive and to continue even switching to glasses, but nothing worked. working. Then in 2019, things got worse, and “It got to the point where when I covered one driving became difficult.” eye, my vision was OK, but when I covered the That’s when Espinoza’s doctor told her she other one, I couldn’t see anything. That promptshould stop working. Espinoza’s employers had ed me to go see my eye doctor at Costco. When made accommodations for her up to that point. I went in for the exam, he said, ‘Your pressures “I was moved from the back office to the are unbelievably high—you’re not leaving here.’” front, because I didn’t feel comfortable workThe doctor put in eye drops, and then she ing with medication dosages and syringes,” she had to wait for an hour. The doctor re-checked said. “They gave me a larger computer screen everything, and he still wasn’t comfortable and a large-print keyboard, but that wasn’t with her leaving. Espinoza ended up staying enough. I quit work, and in December 2019, I there for 3 1/2 hours. relinquished my driver’s license.” The eye doctor recommended she see a Not long before she gave up driving, somespecialist, which is where she found herself the one told Espinoza about the Braille Institute following Monday afternoon. It was there she in Rancho Mirage. She was reluctant to go, was told she had glaucoma. because thinking about Braille made her situ“I was very naive. It was the furthest thing ation all too real. On her first visit, she could from my mind,” she said. “I was 37; no one in not make herself go into the building. my family had any history of vision issues. I “I sat in the parking lot and cried,” she said. “I said, ‘OK, well, what do we have to do to get it was just not ready, so I left. I ended up doing the fixed? Pills Drops? Surgery?’” same thing seven times. At one point, my son Espinoza’s daughter had just turned 21 and was in college; her son had just graduated was in town visiting, and I asked him to take me from high school and was about to go into the to the Braille Institute, thinking that I’d have the nerve to go in if someone was with me.” Air Force. Because she had a lot of responsiThe receptionist was on the phone, so Espibilities, she wanted to get the vision problem noza and her son had to wait. When she saw taken care of. posters of people with guide dogs and canes, “That’s when they told me there was there’s she got overwhelmed and once again left. nothing they could do. ‘It’s irreversible, and is What Espinoza didn’t know was that her son only going to get worse from here,’” she said had given the receptionist his mother’s contact her doctor told her. information. She got a call from the institute Espinoza didn’t believe him, and she conlater that day, which opened the door to her sulted three other doctors. The fourth doctor, taking classes there. a woman, finally took the time to explain the
Stella Espinoza: “I have a huge support system here in the desert—siblings, aunts, uncles, you name it. They’re terrific, but they can’t relate to my situation. The Braille Institute became my community.”
“I have a huge support system here in the desert—siblings, aunts, uncles, you name it,” she said. “They’re terrific, but they can’t relate to my situation. The Braille Institute became my community. Being around people who knew exactly how I was feeling—all the trials and tribulations, from picking out matching socks, to cleaning the house—was wonderful.” At the end of 2020, one of Espinoza’s instructors asked her if she’d be interested in hosting a peer support group. She said yes; that group continues to meet every Monday. “They always thank me for hosting classes, but I don’t think they realize how much it helps me,” she said. Since becoming involved with the Braille Institute, doors have opened for Espinoza. “I’ve been invited to speak at several events,” she said. “I was involved in the groundbreak-
ing ceremony for our new facility in May, and I’ve done a few television interviews, etc. Back when I had to stop driving and working in women’s health care, I wondered what my life’s purpose was. I dug myself in to a bit of a black hole for about a month.” Espinoza said the journey has taught her a lot of patience and grace—and that it’s OK to ask for help. “What I’d love for people to take from my story is to remember to pull from within, and to realize just how strong they really are,” she said. 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. CVIndependent.com
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www.DPMGCR.com
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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 7
OCTOBER 2026
NEWS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
INFORMATION IN JEOPARDY A
by Nova Blanco-Rico
fter 20 years of serving the Coachella Valley, Health Assessment and Research for Communities, aka HARC, will close at the end of the year due to a lack of funding. The nonprofit specializes in health research and has published seven triennial local studies, called the Coachella Valley Community Health Survey, regarding health-care use, food insecurity and other community needs. The our community, strengthen grant proposals organization said it has helped other local and secure funding,” said Doug Morin, execuorganizations bring in more than $14 million tive director at Coachella Valley Volunteers in in funding over the years by providing data Medicine, in a statement. “Losing access to this that pinpointed critical needs in the region. local data would create a significant gap for The nonprofit’s annual budget has been organizations like ours. Reliable community between $1.1 million and $1.4 million in recent health data helps us make informed decisions years, but the bank accounts are now virtually and demonstrate needs to funders and comempty. Jenna LeComte-Hinely, HARC’s chief munity partners.” executive officer, said the organization isn’t Kraig Johnson, executive director of Jewish closing because of one issue, but rather a culmiFamily Service of the Desert, said in a statenation of economic setbacks over the last two ment that the organization relies heavily on years—government funding cuts, a struggling HARC’s data. economy and grants falling through. HARC has “Almost all grant applications include a already laid off more than half of its staff and is needs-assessment section. … Applicants are now looking for an organization to take over the asked to describe unmet needs proposed,” Community Health Survey. Johnson said. “Any ‘expenses’ related to HARC “Our data is evidence for organizations to data generation are greatly outnumbered by request funding,” LeComte-Hinely said. “It’s grant dollars awarded and, most importantly, one thing to ask for money to fix a problem, the creation or continuation of services that but another to say, ‘There is a problem; here is many of our neighbors rely on.” evidence. Help fund us to fix it.’” Without HARC, Johnson said, his organizaHARC was established in 2006 to expand tion will need to shuffle resources to generate upon the Coachella Valley’s meager health data on its own, or offer less-compelling needs data. The large triennial health surveys identiassessments in grant applications. fied the area’s health needs and gave insights LeComte-Hinely said the data told stories into locals’ quality of life. that weren’t widely known before. “We’ve used (HARC) to better understand “People hear Palm Springs and think rich the health-care needs of uninsured adults in white guys playing golf,” LeComte-Hinely said.
Local health-research organization HARC is closing—and nonprofits that depended on HARC’s data are worried
“But HARC’s data shows that thousands of seniors are food insecure.” This information helped one organizer acquire funding for Meals on Wheels, a program that delivers food to needy seniors, she added. HARC has struggled to earn revenue through its consulting work. One client was the federal Office of Health Equity, for which HARC conducted assessment surveys for regarding violence prevention, opioid overdoses and COVID-19 needs. “Then at the federal level, funding cuts for these types of preventative programs led to no money trickling down to us,” LeComte-Hinely said. HARC was in the running for a grant with the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, which was offering funds to research clinical trials in rural areas, Lecomte-Hinely said. “We created this beautiful proposal, and we were selected, but (the agency) wanted a cohort … hoping to have five or six projects,” Lecomte-Hinely said. “Since we were the only ones recommended for funding, they withdrew
the entire call.” Because the organization was unable to raise at least $500,000 to reach financial stability, the HARC board decided in August to dissolve the nonprofit. The remaining three-person team is working part-time to finish contracts. LeComte-Hinley said they are still reaching out to organizations to take on the Coachella Valley Community Health Survey; for now, they are speaking to the county health department and United Way 211; any transfer would also include training. The hope is to wrap up the transition by the end of the year, LeComte-Honely added. “We looked at organizations who are invested in our region the same way we are,” LeComte-Hinley said. “One of my biggest fears is for our work to languish on some (hard drive) in somebody’s desk.” Nova Blanco-Rico is a California Local News Fellow who covers Coachella Valley health and health organizations for the Independent. He can be reached at nbrico@cvindependent.com.
The Health Assessment and Research for Communities team included, from left to right: Amairani Ramos, Casey Leier, Theresa Sama, Nichole Long, Daniel Polk and Jenna LeComte-Hinley. Photo courtesy of HARC
CVIndependent.com
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NEWS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
CANDIDATE Q&A O
by KEVIN FITZGERALD
n March 24, Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez pleaded guilty to a felony conflict-of-interest charge related to his mayoral duties—permanently barring him from holding public office in California. On April 22, the City Council appointed one of its own, Frank Figueroa, to serve as interim mayor. On Nov. 3, Coachella voters will select policies that promote healthier, more sustainbetween four candidates to serve a two-year able communities. Jesus has contributed to term—Figueroa, City Councilmember Denise major legislative efforts advancing California’s Delgado, and residents Jesus Gonzalez and climate goals. He played a key role in ProposiFrancisco Molina. tion 4 (2024), a $10 billion climate resources According to Delgado’s campaign website, bond. … He also contributed to AB 1373 “Denise was raised in Coachella and attended (2023), which established central procurement Peter Pendleton Elementary School, Bobby for offshore wind and geothermal, securing Duke Middle School, and Coachella Valley High long-term investments in grid reliability and School. … At the age of 20, Denise, a single decarbonization. Additionally, Jesus has been pregnant mother, relocated from Coachella actively involved in Salton Sea restoration and to Belcamp, Md., achieving a better wage and Lithium Valley policy, balancing sustainable advancement opportunities to provide for lithium extraction with environmental protecher soon to be born daughter, Abril.” It was tion to support California’s clean energy transia position with Saks Fifth Avenue that took tion. … He holds a B.A. in political science and her to Maryland, and in ensuing years, she public policy from Pitzer College and obtained worked for Ace Hardware and Target as well. a master of public administration at the UniShe attended Strayer University in Maryland, versity of Southern California in June 2026.” an online university, and graduated with a (Also worth noting: Gonzalez and Vicente bachelor’s degree in economics. She returned Zamora, a candidate for the Coachella City to school to teach and earn a master’s degree Council, launched a recall attempt of Delgado in secondary education from Grand Canyon and Councilmember Yadira Perez over the University. She’s currently working on her secCity Council’s agreement with the Stronghold ond master’s degree, in local government, at data-center development.) the University of Southern California. Francisco “Frankie” Molina is the final canFrank Figueroa, a Coachella City Council didate. His LinkedIn profile says: “I’m drawn to member since 2022, is the first openly gay problems that are hard, ambiguous, and worth candidate to be elected in the city. Now 33, solving. The industry doesn’t matter to me. Figueroa has served on the Borrego Health If the problem is interesting and the upside board of trustees and the DAP Health board is real, I’m in.” Since 2020, he has started of directors. He has more than a decade of two companies. The first, Gold-Minded LLC, experience in higher-education administration, founded originally in 2020 as a music record serving in multiple finance-related roles in label, was re-established earlier this year as the University of California system. According a holding company managing subsidiaries in to his UC Riverside website profile, “Figueroa electrical services and technology. In January, holds a doctor of education in organizational Molina launched Coachella Valley Home Reset, leadership from the University of Massachua household service provider; he’s held a varisetts Global, a master of public administraety of other jobs. tion from California Baptist University, and The Independent reached out to the four a bachelor of arts in Latin American studies candidates to ask each of them the same slate and political science from the University of of seven questions—and we talked to three of California, Riverside. Currently, he is serving the candidates. The exception was Denise Delas academic resource manager in the College of gado. Although her campaign manager agreed Natural and Agricultural Sciences at UC Riverto a date and time for a phone interview, no side.” He is also the current board secretary for one answered the phone at the appointed time. the Friends of the Children-Coachella Valley. Multiple calls, a text and an email went unanJesus “Kino” Gonzalez’s LinkedIn profile swered for three days, when the Independent states, in part, “Jesus Ahkin Gonzalez is a pubreceived an email from a man who identified lic policy professional with experience in the himself as the new campaign manager. He California Legislature, county government, and apologized for Delgado’s failure to make hercampaign leadership. As the public policy lead self available, and then requested that we send for Blue Zones Coachella, he works to advance the set of questions for pre-interview. After CVIndependent.com
Four candidates hope to become Coachella’s mayor—and help move the city past a scandal we told him that was against the Independent’s policy, we never heard back. Here are the answers, edited for space, from the other three candidates to two of those seven questions. Read the candidates’ entire answers (mostly) to all seven questions at CVIndependent.com.
Frank Figueroa What are the two most pressing issues facing city of Coachella residents? If elected, how do you hope to address them? Currently, one of the biggest issues is transparency in local government, and residents’ trust in local government. Second of all, it’s the economic development and growth of the city. But I think the big piece is the economic development and growth of the city. But, for me, it’s: How do we make precise economic development post-data center and electricity issues? Economic development and infrastructure is a combined piece, because you can’t have one without the other. Why do you believe that your life experience makes you the best qualified candidate to be the mayor of Coachella? You know, Kevin, I grew up in Coachella. I first grew up in Thermal … on K.K. Larson and Corky Larson’s farm on Avenue 56 in Thermal, and then I moved to Coachella. I grew up in Coachella, and my family grew up here. We’ve been farmworkers. So, I can say I started from a mobile home park (and rose) to the mayor’s office. I’ve seen that whole trajectory of what it is like to live in Coachella, and what are residents really looking for in a leader post-scandal, post everything. Residents want someone who truly knows who they are. You know, Coachella is changing every day, and it’s new people coming in. But, for someone like myself and my lived experience, how do we get from being farmworkers to being able to move on to that trajectory? I’m the only candidate who has a Ph.D. I’m the only candidate who has this lived experience, (and) I’m a public servant through and through. I worked for the state, and for the University of California, and I understand everyone’s money is very important to them. When their taxpayer dollars are being spent in the wrong places, they want to know what’s going on. I think for me, I have a steady, humble approach. I’m focused on the fundamentals of keeping the city’s finances in order, maintaining infrastructure, and making sure that residents feel heard at City Hall. For me, that’s really who I am, and what I bring
Frank Figueroa.
to the table. I’ve seen it. I grew up in it, and I know what some people face day in and day out, living paycheck to paycheck. But really, I’m looking at the future. What is Coachella going to look like in the next 20 years? I know that I’m running for a two-year term, but those two years can make a big impact on what Coachella looks like in the next decade.
Jesus “Kino” Gonzalez What are the two most pressing issues facing city of Coachella residents? If elected, how do you hope to address them? The biggest issue for me is our weak budget outlook. We have a lack of development, and our budget is shrinking every year. So, for me, I want to make sure that we stimulate development; we stimulate the economy; and that we bring jobs to Coachella. So, I would say the first issue for me is the budget, and how do I fix that issue? How do I stimulate our budget, stimulate our economy? We bring in jobs, and we bring in responsible development, with public benefit agreements as well. … In the city of Coachella, we’re spending all of our money in other cities. We’re building up other cities’ infrastructure. We’re helping to bolster their tax bases, while our budget is getting worse every single year. We’ve had the same leadership there that doesn’t have a vision on how to move the city forward. It ties into my second issue, which is making sure that we fix our infrastructure, our streets, our roads, that we build bridges to encourage development, and (we) make sure we have the
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 9
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SEPTEMBER 2026 | By Paulina Sammert of the council—excluding (Juan) Martinez, because he wasn’t here—are also negligent and incompetent. They got us into the data center proposal project with Stronghold, and in that At some point, nearly every familydocument, The Homekind teamadversarial is bringingterms there are so many to thethat city. Although over the faces a difficult conversation. vision to$250 Palmmillion Desert with term of years is aproposed good chunkhomes, of change for its30 first two An aging parent who has always the city of Coachella, I think that the environHomekind on Fairway and been independent begins to mental impact and the financial impact that it Homekind on Portola. need more help, and families find would have had on the community would not have made that a worthy investment. themselves asking a question HOME FIRST TheAnext important thing … is affordable that is both practical and The Homekind is homes. … When we lookmodel at minimum wage deeply personal: jobs, and we look at the prices of homes, intentionally small. Rather than huge senior gap in that. There’s a huge gap living campus Where do I want my mom or dad there’saalarge purchasing for someone dozenspower or hundreds of who’s to live if they can no longer safelyin thatwith working, one, two, even three jobs. … And, in residents, each Palm Desert home live on their own? order in order to build affordable homes, we is designed for approximately For the team behind Homekind need electricity. 15 seniors residential setting. So this ties backin toamy previous issue, that Care, that question is the our leadership at the city of Coachella, specifWith fewer residents, caregivers beginning of something bigger. ically the mayor and the council, are negligent have the opportunity to know each Homekind comes from founder and incompetent, because if they knew this, Jesus “Kino” Gonzalez. (then)person why didindividually. they approve aResidents data center Rafael Carrillo’s experience treasured belongings, proper infrastructure for small businesses, that’s can goingbring to take away electricity from us thinking about the future of his and (we) make sure that individuals can access being share able to meals build, or even sustain, homes? around a table, enjoy ownand aging father andwe what kind of the city safely, make sure that provide outdoor spaces and maintain the environment hethere. wants for him. HisWhy do you believe that your life them the proper ways to get routines and choices that make answer isn’t a large senior living experience makes you the best qualified them who they are. Why do you believeor that life complex anyour institutional setting.candidate to be the mayor of Coachella? experience makes you the best qualified I’ve worked as an electrician from the age of 12, candidate to be the mayor of Coachella? all the way up until now. I have a ton of experiWell, the reality is, out of the candidates who ence in the construction area. … I’m currently ... are there, I’m the most educated. I went to getting my MBA in entrepreneurship. … I also Claremont in Claremont, Calif., which is one have a generative AI certificate from College of of the best policy institutions in the country. the Desert. … Also, I am studying data engineerAnd I also went to USC Price, which is top 10 ing. So, I bring all of this knowledge and experiin public admin and public policy. Another ence to the city of Coachella. I am an entreprething is I’ve worked on monumental bills at the neur, and I think that’s what the city needs. The California state capitol for three years in the city needs somebody who is able to handle the Assembly and the Senate. I worked on Proporisky situation that we’re in, and I have the skill It’s abrought beautiful home. sition 4, which home a lot of money set and the tools to be able to lead the city out homes are for parks, clean water and the Salton Sea. I’ve of theThe situation andthemselves into a renaissance. A comfortable bedroom filled with designed to fit into their moved the needle on issues like the data center familiar belongings. Home-cooked Palm Desert neighborhoods, in Coachella and senior transportation. I feel around a dining table. A like I’m themeals most well-equipped, well-educated with residential architecture, person to get the joband done. The two othertopeogarden a shady place sit attractive landscaping and ple who areoutside. running,Caregivers they’ve had chances to who know quiet outdoor spaces. get a lot of your these name, things done. reallyand havehow your They routines Homekind on Portola, for example, no vision, no leadership, and that’s why we’re you like your coffee. seeing the city where it’s at right now—in a is designed as a single-story bad position fiscally, (and) in a bad Most importantly, it’sposition a place that residential-style home with infrastructure-wise. still feels like home. 15 private suites, shared family
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME: A New Approach to Senior Care in Palm Desert
Francisco “Frankie” Molina Care, That vision is Homekind
and dining spaces, shaded seating, walking paths and gardens.
What are the twocare mostbuilt pressing issues senior around a simple facing city of Coachella residents? If “Families First” philosophy: elected, how do you hope to address them? create the kindissue of place The first and most pressing to me,you and want for someone you love. for the residents of Coachella, is that I’ve discovered that our former mayor is corrupt, negligent and incompetent. Our current mayor is also negligent and incompetent. And the rest
The goal is simple: professional care in a place that feels like home.
a new approach to residential
CARE THAT MEETS PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE Homekind is designed for seniors who need help with daily life but don’t require a skilled nursing facility. The model provides around-the-clock care and assistance with everyday needs, along with meals, housekeeping, activities and coordination with outside healthcare providers. But good care is about more than services. Someone may need help getting dressed but still wants to choose their own clothes. Another resident may need medication assistance but still enjoys tending a garden or having coffee outside every morning. Growing older shouldn’t mean losing the small choices and familiar routines that make life your own.
PART OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
That includes maintaining the properties beautifully, carefully managing parking and deliveries, keeping operations quiet and being responsive to neighbors. Homekind isn’t bringing an institution into a neighborhood. It’s bringing professional care into a home. Homekind on Fairway and Homekind on Portola are the first two homes in that vision, with plans to eventually create a small network of residential care homes in Palm Desert. For local families, that means another option for keeping Mom or Dad close to the community, doctors, friends and family they already know. Homekind starts with a very personal question: What do we want for our own parents? The answer is a beautiful home, excellent care, familiar routines, good food, gardens and sunshine, and people who genuinely care. Because caring for an aging parent isn’t simply about finding a place for them to live. It’s about finding a place where they can still feel at home.
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Palm Desert is a community where many people choose to spend their retirement years, and as our population ages, local families need more choices for the people they love. Homekind believes residential care can be part of that solution and part of a neighborhood.
The small-home model has a different footprint than a traditional senior living facility. Residents generally don’t drive. Visitors come periodically, staffing follows predictable shifts, routine services occur during daytime hours and evenings remain quiet. The Homekind team also understands that becoming part of a neighborhood means being a good neighbor.
From our family to yours, that’s the vision behind Homekind Care.
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Francisco “Frankie” Molina.
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CANDIDATE Q&A A
a pleasant place to be, even during the heat of the summer.
by KEVIN FITZGERALD
fter more than seven years of political drama, district-based elections have been fully enacted in Palm Desert—and on Nov. 3, residents in the city’s District 4 and District 5 will select their representatives for the first time. These districts have been represented by the last of the council members who were elected under the former at-large structure. In District 4, incumbent Evan Trubee, a in need. While attending Indiana University, local business owner, will face challenger Jonahe co-founded HAVOC (HIV/AIDS Volunteer thon Polly, a geoscientist and auditor. Outreach Coalition). He worked with homeless Trubee was involved in a brief but culturally youth in Chicago, and while in San Francisco, explosive controversy last year, spurred by he spent several years managing a rental-subDistrict 2 Councilmember Joe Pradetto, who sidy program for people with disabilities. Polly called to rescind a city resolution to hang bancurrently works as a technical manager and susners on City Hall’s walls in support of LGBTQ+ tainability auditor, evaluating the sustainability pride each November. At the Dec. 16, 2025, of and greenhouse gas emissions from major council meeting, Trubee and District 3 City biofuel, recycled-carbon fuel and sustainable Councilmember Gina Nestande joined Pradetaviation fuel projects across North America. to in allowing the proposal to come before the The Independent recently spoke with both full council. After a valley-wide backlash, four candidates and asked them the same set of council members, including Trubee, refused to six questions. Here are the answers to two second the proposal, thus preventing a direct of those questions, edited only for grammar, vote. Those same four then voted to support a clarity and style. Read the full answers to all six motion to maintain the city’s current policies; questions at CVIndependent.com. Pradetto was opposed. According to a Desert Sun article, Trubee Jonathon Polly said “he shares Pradetto’s ‘vision’ for a utopia of ‘one love’ that doesn’t have any need to What are the two most pressing issues recognize cultural differences. ‘Unfortunately, facing Palm Desert’s District 4 residents, I don’t think we’re there yet,’ Trubee said. ‘I or the city as a whole? How would you know there’s a community that needs that work to address those issues? banner and needs those celebrations to feel Basically, I see that District 4 residents have safe and welcome in our city.’” many of the same issues that Palm Desert as Since 1998, Trubee has owned Big Wheel a whole does. So, I’m going to start there. One Tours. According to his Palm Desert City key thing I think is really important for us to Council biography and other sources, it’s a focus on is emergency preparedness—being 14-employee business that introduces 10,000ready for the next crisis, being prepared for the plus visitors a year to the desert through bikclimate change impacts (like) extreme storms ing, hiking and travel experiences. A graduate likely coming with the coming super El Nino. I of Muhlenberg College with a bachelor’s degree think there’s more work there to be done, and I in American history, Trubee has served on the think that’s going to be a key thing. Palm Springs Hospitality Association board, More specifically in our district, what I’ve is active in the Palm Desert Area Chamber of heard from voters is that there’s a lack of Commerce, serves on the board of Visit Greatresponsiveness. So I think that it would be er Palm Springs, coaches youth sports, and good for us to be improving communication leads his neighborhood HOA. A Coachella Valand responsiveness between the residents here ley resident for some 32 years, Trubee and his in this district and City Hall. I’m hopeful that wife, Kristen, have raised three children here the district elections will allow (for) that, and since moving from New Jersey. we’ll actually have a representative who lives in His opponent is Jonathon Polly. Polly’s camthe district and is hopefully more responsive to paign website says he earned a bachelor’s degree those concerns. in public administration from Indiana University, and a decade later, pursued a master’s degree What makes you the best qualified canin applied geoscience at San Francisco State didate to be the District 4 City Council University. He later became lead teacher at Alta member for the next four years? Vista School in San Francisco, where he taught Actually, I would say the current incumbent fourth and fifth-grade science, mathematics has basically made it known that he is not and technology. Polly has lent his expertise wanting to represent all residents, and someto a variety of causes and groups of people thing that I would like to do is make sure that CVIndependent.com
Palm Desert’s District 4 residents have a choice: Retain the City Council incumbent, or select a new voice?
Evan Trubee
Jonathon Polly.
all residents, not just those who he’s deemed worthy, are actually represented. He pursued something at the end of last year that was kind of a ban on pride banners, which I think actually gave the city a black eye. It brought some bad press to Palm Desert, and that’s not something that we should really be focused on. I think the focus should instead be on the needs of the residents’ quality of life—maintaining the wonderful things that make Palm Desert a great place to live and work. So, my focus would be on making sure that all residents have a voice, increasing the opportunities for residents to have their voices heard, and not to kind of single out certain groups to limit their participation in government—or, to single them out for something that is not actually focused on the quality of life for residents. I also have a science background. I feel that both my science background and my auditing experience are valuable. I think I’m going to bring the mind of a scientist and the keen eye of an auditor to do the job. I’m hopeful that having that … experience is going to put us in a better position to respond to the needs of the city, especially with things like the emergency-preparedness issues that I think are really important for us. I would like to see us become more climate resilient. That’s actually a way to address lots of public-health concerns, infrastructure concerns, capability (and) being able to actually have walkable neighborhoods, even in the heat of the summer—having a city that is more attractive year-round. That would actually drum up extra business—having people want to be here, because the city is actually
What are the two most pressing issues facing Palm Desert’s District 4 residents, or the city as a whole? How would you work to address those issues? We’ll go District 4 first, if you don’t mind, and I’ll kind of treat (them) as two separate questions. … For District 4, I think there’s a bit of an infrastructure problem we have to address, which is some flooding, basically where the street curbs and the flood control need to be upgraded in the areas that we basically took over when it was formerly Bermuda Dunes. The city took it over, and we need to upgrade some of the curbing and flood control. That’s going to happen over time, and that’s just a small portion of District 4 down toward the Palm Desert Country Club area. Then in the residential real estate zoned area, there are about 80 to 90 homes (where) short-term rentals are allowed. … That’s the only sort of dispute (over) policy … where residents have had any sort dispute or anything that I’ve seen. But honestly, it seems like we’ve kind of reached a resolution (there) where the residents have worked it out themselves, so we may not need to touch that one. But those are the only two sort of areas of concern that I’ve seen in District 4. Otherwise, I think the residents in District 4 are enjoying all the same wonderful qualities of life that everybody else in Palm Desert is. Crime is down; our city’s prosperous and happy. … The streets are clean, well maintained, good parks. So, I think, besides those two minor issues, we’re looking pretty good. With the entire city, it’s just a matter of keeping costs under control—you know, costs are escalating for every single project, and making sure we understand that. Say a project goes from design to build in one or two years. In that one- or two-year process, I’ve seen cost estimates escalate 30%, 40%, 50%. I’m thinking of the library in particular, and so we’re going to have to be very, very cognizant of that. … We did a 10-year look into the future (with) our finance department. Our whole finance team is incredible. We did about a 10-year kind of look into the crystal ball, and it looks like starting in years 7, 8, 9, 10, we run the risk of running an operational deficit. So, we have to keep that in mind with current decision-making. We don’t want to saddle future residents and councils with an operational deficit, which is not the Palm Des-
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OCTOBER 2026
Evan Trubee with his wife, Kristen.
ert way. We run a balanced budget and surplus. So, we need to look at every spending, every project, under that lens. What makes you the best qualified candidate to be the District 4 City Council
member for the next four years? I’m very proud of the track record of my first four years. Like I said, crime is down. We ended this year with a $10 million budget surplus. We’re pursuing the Vision Zero strategy (to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and create safer streets). We’re really focusing on the basics, which is a prosperous, safe, clean city. Once you have those three things in order, really, that is what attracts future residents, and attracts future growth (and) future development. I’m really, really proud of those accomplishments. … I’m really, really proud of the Zero Blight program that we’re pursuing (designed to quickly address graffiti, abandoned carts, illegal dumping, and other visible deterioration). I think we’ve instilled that ethos over the last four years in our decision-making on council, and we’re going to … move forward with the same kind of policy-making decisions. I’ve lived here 30 years. I employ 14 people in my business in the city. I mean, I’m a stakeholder. I’m one of the producers who produces sales tax revenue for the city as well. So, I’ve got a vested interest. I’ve got skin in the game. I’ve raised my three kids here. I’ve got deep roots, and I understand the city. And I think we’ve had some great success the first four years that I want to build on.
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The Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians almost disappeared—but today, it’s a force in the east valley
by greg niemann
he Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians is one of the smallest tribes in the United States, with only seven current adult members—but it has made a significant impact on the Coachella Valley. The Augustine band, one of the nine Cahuilla tribes, was among the early inhabitants of the Coachella Valley. In the mid-1800s, 22 Desert Vee Vee Augustine were approved by the ComCahuilla villages were recorded on the valley mission of Indian Affairs to claim the Augusfloor, with an estimated population of 15,000 tine Reservation. people. During the 1800s, the Augustine tribe In the 1970s, the tribe consisted of only one and its fellow Cahuilla bands were decimated adult member, Roberta Ann Augustine. Born by disease, especially a smallpox outbreak in in 1937, Roberta Ann was the great-grand1863 that killed more than 80 percent of the daughter of Captain Vee-Vee. She had left the population. desert for the Los Angeles area, where she and In 1856, United States Land Office surHerman Grady John Martin had three chilveyors noted on their maps that the Cahuilla dren: Mary Ann, Gregory and Herbert. village in what is now the city of Coachella Roberta Ann passed away in 1987. Mary was inhabited by the Augustine Band. The Ann—born in 1964 and raised by her non-Caband’s name came from Chief/Captain Veehuilla grandmother—and her siblings was Vee Augustine, born in 1820. He and his wife, unaware of their heritage. In 1988, armed with Maria Levi Augustine, their children and othknowledge and verification of their genealogy, ers were living in what is now Coachella. the Martin siblings set about to re-establish On Dec. 29, 1891, the 540-acre Augustine the tribe. The three signed a resolution setting Reservation was formalized by an executive up the General Council of the Augustine Band order of Congress. The reservation was later of Mission Indians in 1988; Mary Ann became extended to 600 acres, or almost one square tribal chairperson. mile. Tragedy struck a few years later: In 1994, The Augustine band struggled, with many Gregory and Herbert were killed in a gang-releaving the area—and by the mid-1900s, the lated shooting, leaving Mary Ann Green (née band was down to only 11 members. On April Martin) as the sole adult member of the band. 13, 1956, those 11 surviving descendants of However, she was determined to continue the Augustine legacy. Under Mary Ann Green, the band resettled their reservation. Left vacant for decades, the land had become an environmental eyesore and was used as a trash heap. After a monumental cleanup, the reservation was finally resettled in 1996. Mary Ann had been granted custody of her four nephews and nieces, who, with her own children, became the nucleus of the Augustine Band. With the guidance of relatives in other tribes, Martin began reconnecting with Augustine history, and its customs and traditions. She established rules, regulations, policies and other procedures. She also developed plans for education, health care and housing. She also led the way in getting a casino built on the reservation. She teamed with a Las Vegas management company, Paragon Gaming, and they established the $16 million, 34,000-square-foot Augustine Casino, which opened on July 18, 2002. Today, it primarily remains a locals’ casino, featuring 730 slot machines and a popular restaurant called Seven Feathers. In 2008, the tribe established the AugusMary Ann Green. Photo courtesy of the Augustine Band of tine Solar Energy Park, an operation which Cahuilla Indians CVIndependent.com
The band’s name came from Chief/Captain Vee-Vee Augustine, born in 1820. He and his wife, Maria Levi Augustine, their children and others were living in what is now Coachella. Photo courtesy of the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians
sustainably generates enough energy for the equivalent of 500 homes and provides most of the power for tribal businesses. The Augustine Band later established the Temalpakh Farms, an organic vegetable farm on the tribal reservation, just south of the Augustine Casino. Temalpakh Farms got its name from the Cahuilla word “temalpakh,” which means “from the earth.” Work on farm was started in 2012, and today, goods produced at the farm are sold around the valley. Upon entering the farm, visitors encounter Seven Feathers Hill, which features seven eight-foot feather sculptures made from recycled tires. The feathers represent the tribe’s seven generations as well as the seven adult tribal members. Green became ill with cancer in 2016, and her daughter, Amanda Augustine Vance, who had been vice chair, became the tribal chairperson. Vance later said in an interview with The Desert Sun, “The final months were grueling. I was not only running the government, and making sure my mom was going to her appointments—I was pregnant with my third child and still going to school.” Mary Ann Green died on Jan. 8, 2017; she was buried at the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians’ Tribal Cemetery. Vance is also the CEO of Synergy Blue, a slot-machine company based in Las Vegas
that is mostly owned by the tribe. Vance, her husband and their six children also oversee Temalpakh Farms. The presence of the Augustine Band is both historic and economically important: The presence of the Augustine Casino has increased property values and sparked a more robust economy in the eastern Coachella Valley. Nearly all of the Augustine Band’s 400 employees reside in and around the city of Coachella. Since its opening, Augustine Casino has paid nearly $200 million in total salaries and wages, which have gone back into the local economy. The tribe says it has made about $2 million in charitable donations, in addition to a $2 million contribution to the 2015 Avenue 54 roadway-improvement project. That’s a lot of impact from a band that nearly faded from existence. Sources for this article include The Cahuilla Indians, by Harry James (Malki Museum Press, 1960); “How one of America’s smallest Indian tribes bounced back from the brink of dying out,” by Ricardo Lopez, The Desert Sun, May 2, 2019; “How One of the Smallest Tribal Nations in the U.S. Is Redefining Sustainable Living,” by Karthika Gupta, Vogue, Sept. 28, 2023; the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians website (tribe. augustinetribe-nsn.gov); and aaregistry.org/ story/mary-ann-green-born.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 13
OCTOBER 2026
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OCTOBER ASTRONOMY
JustStars threeinplanets easily Planets and Bright Eveningare Mid-Twilight For October, 2026 visible this month—but you can see This sky chart is drawn for latitude 34 degrees north, but may be used in southern U.S. and northern Mexico.
D
By Robert Victor
others if you know where to look N
October's evening sky
Ven us
uring October, only three planets can be easily spotted with the unaided eye. chart. Saturn is visible all night on Oct. 3 and 4, as Earth passes between the sun and the ROBERT D. MILLER Capella ringed planet—so it then appears in the night sky at opposition, nearly 180° from the sun. At dusk, find Saturn gradually ascending from the east into the east-southeast, while fading slightly from magnitude +0.3 to +0.5. At dawn, find Saturn descending in the west, reaching the horizon by mid-month. You can still view Saturn in the morning by looking at least 2 1/2 hours before sunup at month’s end. The two other planets are bright Jupiter, near magnitude -2.0, and Mars, near magnitude +1.0. During morning twilight, find them well up in the east to southeast, nearly 18° apart on Oct. 1, shrinking to within 6° at month’s end. Mars now During Oct. 1-7, Venus sets 51 to 32 minutes is shifting eastward against the stars by 0.6° to after sunset in Palm Springs. You’ll need an 0.5° per day. It’ll be very interesting to follow unobstructed view to the left of the sunset direcwith binoculars for a few days before and after tion and very clear skies—plus binoculars would Deneb Oct. 11, when the red planet passes through help! Binoculars will reveal the crescent phase of the Beehive, a cluster of stars of magnitude 6 Venus, which thins from 14 percent to 9 percent Vega Arcturus and fainter. The star Regulus, heart of Leo, the during the first week. Can you spot Mercury 1 E W Lion, is not far east of the pair of planets. Watch 5° to the upper right of Venus on Oct. 6? The 8 15 Jupiter creep slowly toward Regulus this month, moon’s pairing with Venus on Oct. 11 will set so 22 Saturn 29 closing the distance from 10.5° to less than 6°. soon after sunset that it is not likely to be seen. Altair There’ll be many striking gatherings involvThe pairing of the crescent moon with Aning Mars, Jupiter and Regulus in the coming tares low in the southwest at dusk on Oct. 14 1 months, to be illustrated in the Abrams Planewill be very pleasing for binoculars. Watch the Mercury 8 tarium Sky Calendar (available by subscription gibbous moon skip above Saturn on the eve15 1 for $12 per year, from abramsplanetarium. nings of Oct. 23 and 24. The full moon occurs 22 natsci.msu.edu/sky-calendar) and described in on Sunday night, Oct. 25. After nightfall on Antares future editions of this column. Oct. 27, watch the waning gibbous moon rise Fomalhaut The moon opens October in the morning just to the lower left of the Pleiades cluster and sky in gibbous phase, about 10° from Aldebapull away for the rest of the night. ran, eye of Taurus. On Oct. 3, it’s in Gemini, at On Saturday morning, Oct. 31, there’s a long last-quarter phase, half full, and 90°, or a quarlist of wonders worth getting up before dawn to ter-circle, west of the sun. The next morning, see. About 2 1/2 hours before sunrise, denizens Oct. 4, the moon stands as a fat crescent, 5° to 7° of the desert in and around the Coachella Valley from the “Twin” stars, Pollux and Castor. On can spot Canopus, the second-brightest star, Oct. 5, the waning crescent stands to the lower reaching its high point, 3°-4° up, directly south. S left of Mars and very close to the Beehive clusBlue-white Sirius, the brightest star, reaches mid-twilight occurs Stereographic Projection as twilightEvening brightens at the end of when October. In passed inferior conjunction, nearly between Sunfrom is 9° Sirius, below the Map24, by Robert D.just Miller ter. Using binoculars, can you see any of its stars its high point, 40° up, 21-22 minutes later. Both clockwise the order thehorizon. remaining stars Earth and the sun, on Oct. and has beOct. 1: 39 minutes after sunset. in the glare of the moon? On the morning of of these stars are outshone by steady, bright, of the Hexagon are Procyon, Pollux (closely gun what will become a spectacular appearance 15: 40 " " " Tuesday, Oct. 6, as seen from western U.S., the yellowish Jupiter, high in the eastern sky. This accompanied by 1.6), Caas a morning “star.” Watch Venus make a tight 31: Castor, 40 " of" magnitude " crescent moon stands with its earth-lit upper morning, Jupiter stands midway between two pella (the “Mother Goat” star in the northwest), loop around the star Spica in November as both edge close to the lower left of Jupiter. Farther companion objects: red Mars, to its upper right, Aldebaran, Rigel and back to Sirius. Betelgeuse rise higher into a dark predawn sky. east in the U.S., the moon occults, or covers, Juand blue-white Regulus, to Jupiter’s lower left. lies inside the Winter Hexagon. The Astronomical Society of the Desert will piter, but here, even as they rise some four hours The three bodies stand in a slightly bent line at As twilight brightens, watch for the rising host a star party on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the before sunrise, the event is already over. If you intervals of just less than 6°. of the stars Arcturus, the bear-watcher, in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Narise that early, watch the moon gradually pull As twilight just gets under way on Oct. 31, the east-northeast, followed by Spica, the spike of tional Monument Visitor Center; and Saturday, away from Jupiter until dawn. Using binoculars, waning gibbous moon, two-thirds full, reaches grain, in the east-southeast. If you first locate Oct. 10, at Sawmill Trailhead, a site in the Sancan you still spot Jupiter at sunrise? its high point just south of overhead. Pollux and the Big Dipper standing on its handle in the ta Rosa Mountains at elevation 4,000 feet. For At dawn on Oct. 7, the moon appears beCastor stand 5°-7° to its north. In the southnortheast, extend its curved handle to “follow more information, visit astrorx.org. low Regulus. The crescent is visible for two west stands Orion, the Hunter, immediately the arc to Arcturus, and drive a spike to Spica.” additional mornings, but you’ll need to look in recognizable by his three-starred belt with red As twilight brightens further, watch for the risRobert Victor was a staff astronomer at Abrams brighter twilight to see the thin, old 1 percent Betelgeuse above and blue-white Rigel below. ing of brilliant Venus, just 3.7° to the lower right Planetarium at Michigan State University. He is crescent on Oct. 9, within 27 hours before the Extend the belt to the left to Sirius, the Dog of Spica. By the time Venus appears, you’ll probnow retired and enjoys promoting sky watching to new moon. Star, and to the right to reddish Aldebaran, the ably need binoculars to see Spica, but Venus will folks of all ages in and around Palm Springs and Venus shines at magnitude -4 or brighter, eye of Taurus, the Bull. A huge oval or hexagon remain in view until nearly sunrise. A telescope East Lansing, Mich. Robert Miller, who provided but is still difficult to see, as it appears not far of stars, comprising six stars of first-magnitude and even a pair of binoculars will reveal Venus the twilight charts, did graduate work in planefrom the sun. The best chances to catch it in the or brighter (and a seventh within), has just as a thin crescent, just 2 percent full and a full tarium science and later astronomy and computer evening sky occur near the start of the month. entirely crossed into the western half of the sky arcminute (1/60 of a degree) in diameter. Venus science at Michigan State University. CVIndependent.com
16 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
OCTOBER 2026
ARTS
LIVE ON STAGE!
HOW BODIES RELATE
Michael Childers’ ‘Naked Yoga’ exhibition will raise funds for yoga teacher-training scholarships
2026-2027 SEASON
L
Single tickets on sale August 1! CVREP.ORG
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/ARTS-AND-CULTURE
by CAT MAKINO
egendary photographer Michael Childers has assembled an exhibition of more than 30 nude yoga photographs—images that inspire awe. The Naked Yoga exhibition will be at the Stephen Richard Baumbach Gallery in Palm Springs from Friday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 25. The funds from sales of prints will go toward advanced yoga teacher-training scholarships, according to Stephanie Hartshorn Eley, of PACT Yoga. Childers, a longtime Coachella Valley resident who was born in North Carolina, has photographed people for more than 200 magazine covers, including GQ, New York, Esquire, Los Angeles, Elle, Life and both English and Italian Vogue. He has created more than 100 film posters for major motion picture studios and has worked as a “I had a French printer from Paris, who was photographer on many films, including Grease, living in L.A. for a couple of years,” Childers Marathon Man, The Year of Living Dangerously, said. “He did all the printing on special French Coal Miner’s Daughter, Pennies From Heaven, paper, one of a kind, that produced a soft silHammett and Endless Love. While Childers is houette. When I saw it, it took my breath away.” best known for his celebrity photos, yoga also Childers, who spent much of his life around caught Childers’ eye. the dance world in New York and London, said “I’ve seen several yoga photos on how they of dancers: “They have superior body awarecan contort their bodies into stances and poses ness, extreme flexibility and expressive movethat nobody else has ever seen—and this is ment control. And you know what? As I probed what Michael did. It all worked,” said Bauminto every dancer, they all did yoga.” bach, a photographer and fine art printer who The nude photos are tastefully done. “I didn’t owns the gallery hosting the show. “These want anything sexual,” Childers said. “If (an photos are beyond Michael’s celebrity ones. image is) sexual, it’s in your mind, not in my It shows a side of Michael we’ve never seen mind. I wanted gorgeous positions and shapes, before, a different facet of him. His prime and to see how men and women’s bodies could emphasis has always been on people—celebrimold in these wonderful yoga poses, and how ties like Ringo Starr—but this shows he’s got their bodies relate to each other through yoga.” chops. (He’s) a good, solid photographer, and Yoga can change one’s mind and readjust that’s what we want to show.” mindsets, Childers said. To make sure the poses were correct, “It counterbalances the damage we’re getting Childers used dancers and yoga practitioners, from the algorithms, Facebook and all these as well as a yoga teacher-choreographer. These things that we didn’t have 15 years ago,” Childers models can hold challenging shapes with presaid. “It builds up the immune system, is good cise alignment, making a yoga pose look powfor the joints, is good for anti-cancer things.” erful on camera. He then developed the photoChilders recently had hip-replacement graphs in a darkroom without any AI or digital surgery due to an accident, but he’s back to enhancements, according to Baumbach. practicing yoga—chair yoga, for now—every Childers took the photos over a two-year Thursday with his teacher, Scott Cole, an interperiod in his Los Angeles studio. It is sculpnational fitness expert and mobility master. tural photography, playing with light and Childers said he loves newer types of yoga, human form. like hot yoga and steam yoga. “I couldn’t ever stop,” Childers said. “Why? I truly love it. It clears my mind from all the pain or angst or worrying—great blocs of spiritual freedom. … Yoga is an integration of love of life. It opens up the ceiling and lets the inner light in.”
68510 East Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 760-296-2966 ext 101 CVRep.org An image (cropped) from Childers’ Naked Yoga series.
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Naked Yoga, an exhibition of photos by Michael Childers, will be on display with special events from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23; 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24; and 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25, at Stephen Richard Baumbach Gallery, at 4116 Matthew Drive, in Palm Springs. Admission is free, but RSVPs are required for the Oct. 25 event. For more information, visit www.pactyoga.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 17
OCTOBER 2026
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF DESERT PRIDE
NOVEMBER 6-8, 2026 DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS FREE • ALL ARE WELCOME
pspride.org
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18 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
OCTOBER 2026
A Beauty that Endures: Native Painting, Ritual, and Resilience in the 20th Century
OCTOBER 3, 2026 – MAY 30, 2027 Agua Caliente Cultural Museum • Palm Springs, California
Narciso Abeyta (Ha-So-De) Diné (Navajo)
Directing Guests 1940 Tempera on paper Courtesy of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, The University of Oklahoma, Norman; Museum purchase, 1940
Tony Abeyta (Diné/Navajo), Curator Photo by Wes Cunningham
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C H A N G I N G G A L L E RY accmuseum.org
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 19
OCTOBER 2026
FILM & TV BEYOND MAUDE AND DOROTHY B
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MOVIES
The Palm Springs Cultural Center hosts the world premiere of ‘Bea Arthur: The Documentary’
By CAT MAKINO
ea Arthur had a specific dream as a child: “My dream was to become a very small blonde movie star like Ida Lupino and those other women I saw up there on the screen during the Depression.” Of course, Arthur went on to become a star, winning a Tony Award for Mame on Broadway, and winning Emmy Awards for her iconic roles on Maude and The Golden Girls. But she quickly outgrew the idea of being petite—she was 5 foot 9 by the time she was 12—and her hair obstinately refused to turn blonde. “She was taller in school than everyone Arthur is the subject of a new film, Bea else,” Watt said. “Her family was one of the Arthur: The Documentary—“I’ve Done Everything only Jewish families living in Cambridge, Md., but Porn,” directed and produced by Dan Watt. It and being in theater at 20 years old, she had a will make its world premiere at the Palm Springs lot of gay friends.” Cultural Center on Saturday, Oct. 3. Arthur became a TV star when Norman Watt was Arthur’s personal assistant for six Lear created her iconic character Maude Findyears before she died of cancer in 2009, and lay, who first appeared on All in the Family her family spokesman afterward. The film before getting her own show a year later. Lear shows never-before-seen interviews with the first saw her perform in the off-Broadway notoriously private Bea Arthur, focusing on play Shoestring Revue in 1955, and recognized her career and life starting in 1947, when she her sharp comedic wit and commanding presmoved to New York City and studied drama at ence. As the story goes, Lear told her, “You’re The New School. very talented, and one day, I’m going to write “It taught her not only to be a better actress, a part for you.” Sixteen years later, he wrote but also a better human being,” Watt said of the part of Maude. Arthur quipped, “What her studies in New York. “She started reading the hell took you so long?” newspapers from cover to cover, so she knew “People think Bea was ‘discovered’ at 49 what was going on in the world, a practice years old when she got the role of Maude, but she continued until she passed away. She was she trained for over 30 years playing Kathealways interested in what was going on in the rina in The Taming of the Shrew, and the lead world and loved having good conversations.” in two (classical) Greek plays,” Watt says. The film includes conversations with “People know her as a comedic genius, but she friends, colleagues and collaborators from telegot her start in drama, including Greenwich vision, Broadway, off-Broadway and cabaret— Village’s Cherry Lane Theatre. Arthur and plus interviews with her. her then-husband, Gene Saks, an actor and “I made this film to celebrate her legacy for director, became influential early members of decades of fiercely supporting the LGBTQ+ the off-Broadway theater community. Arthur’s community,” Watt said. “So in every city we are career officially took off with her critical breakhaving a screening in, a portion of the proceeds through as Lucy Brown in the 1954 (Broadwill go to a local LGBTQ+ nonprofit, including way) run of The Threepenny Opera. Oak Grove Sanctuary in Palm Springs, and the “Bea was always working and getting in front Ali Forney Center in New York City.” of an audience to hone her craft, no matter the Arthur left $300,000 in her will to the Ali part,” Watt continued. “Her timing and her honForney Center, which enabled them to buy esty were unmistakable onscreen and off.” a brownstone and turn it into apartments Watt remembers Arthur as grounded. She for queer youth who are disowned by their loved being at home with her two sons and families and have nowhere to go. Oak Grove her dogs, growing roses, cooking and throwing Sanctuary provides safe, transitional housing dinner parties. When she did go out, her many and resources to LGBTQ+ foster youth as they fans adored her. move to adulthood at age 18. “We used to go to her favorite restaurant in Arthur remained involved in LGBTQ+ causSanta Monica,” Watt said. “People very rarely es at a time when other celebrities refused recognized her, because she didn’t do anything because of the risk to their careers. She sang to draw attention to herself, but once she with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, started talking, you could see everyone sit up hosted many events and galas, and helped raise tall and go, ‘Wait a minute. I know that voice; funds—even after her death. why do I know that voice?’ Heads would start She knew what it was like to be an outsider, turning around, then some would come over.” Watt said. She wasn’t fazed by her fame, Watt said.
An image from Bea Arthur: The Documentary—“I’ve Done Everything but Porn.”
“I asked Bea if we should go around the side door,” Watt said. “She always said, ‘No. They want to meet Bea Arthur, Dorothy or Maude, and this might be their first and only chance to meet me.’ Bea could be hilariously brassy and always got those parts, but she was also fearless, sensitive, shy and deeply compassionate.” Matt Berman agrees. The acclaimed theater lighting and sound designer, stage manager and tour manager worked with Arthur on her one-woman show on Broadway, Just Between Friends, in 2002. The collection of stories and songs—with composer, pianist and Bea’s best friend, Billy Goldenberg—is based on her life and career. Berman appears in Bea Arthur: The Documentary—“I’ve Done Everything but Porn.” Berman said Arthur was always ready to listen, and she treated all people equally. That
helped her tackle sensitive subjects in her sitcoms like abortion, alcoholism, domestic abuse, mental health, divorce and politics. Berman said Arthur was his matron of honor at his wedding in Amsterdam. “She schlepped there, at 83 years old, and after the ceremony, rented a canal boat from the Pulitzer Hotel, where she was staying, for all of us—my husband’s parents, my parents and Billy Goldenberg—so all of us would have a nice day out,” Berman said. The world premiere of Bea Arthur: The Documentary—“I’ve Done Everything but Porn” will take place at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, at 2300 E. Baristo Road, in Palm Springs. Tickets start at $27.35, available via Eventbrite. CVIndependent.com
20 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
OCTOBER 2026
"Contigo, hasta en cada sombra"
10TH ANNUAL
EAST COACHELLA VALLEY PRIDE FESTIVAL SAT, OCTOBER 24, 3-8PM Coachella Library Park & Gardens
FREE FAMILY & YOUTH EVENT COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR LOCAL ENTERTAINERS LOCAL VENDORS ¡Y MÁS! ECVP is a FREE, ALL-AGES Pride celebration and resource fair for local youth and families. @thecentercoachella @ecvpride CVIndependent.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 21
OCTOBER 2026
FOOD & DRINK
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
CAESAR CERVISIA A
Our beer scribe visits the world of the best-selling beers in the U.S.—light lagers
By brett newton
t the end of the year, it will be nine years that I have written this column. I have had many wonderful opportunities to showcase beer, where it’s made and where it’s served; I’ve had a platform to vent frustration and educate; and I’ve had an excuse to taste some of the best beverages around. So there is something I can put off no longer … I must submit. It’s time, gentle reader, for me to wade into the American light-lager category—but I will not be touching lips to glasses containing craft-beer versions of the aforementioned style. Nay, I will only be trying the kind of beer people in my dad’s generation would have reached for (except that my dad is Canadian and drank Moosehead). Today, I’m only trying the stuff tors (chief of which seems to be an increase made by the large conglomerates dedicated to in non-drinkers), you can still find it almost pumping out the exact same experience for everywhere. everyone, everywhere. I have to be honest here: It’s hard to get First, some history is in order. This style excited about a style with descriptors in the was originally brewed by the former Rheingold Beer Judge Certification Program’s guide such Brewery of Philadelphia in the 1960s, with as “designed to appeal to as broad a range of marketing promoting the light lager as “diet the general public as possible. Strong flavors beer.” Perhaps predictably, it failed. In the are a fault,” and “very light (sometimes watery) 1970s, along came Miller Brewing Company, body. Very highly carbonated with a slight carwhich purchased the recipe from Rheingold bonic bite on the tongue.” That said, I promise and devised a much-cleverer marketing stratI will do my best. egy: The beer was sold as Miller Lite, with a One quick note: I tried everything that campaign, featuring athletes, advertising a “less follows by pouring the beer into a cold mug, filling” beer. If you’re of a certain age, you can because these light lagers are almost univerlikely remember any number of commercials sally served ice-cold. As part of my Cicerone with people arguing between “tastes great” and certification, I learned that cold numbs taste “less filling.” It was obviously a success. Other buds. Coincidence? Since it is the summer, the breweries followed suit. beer naturally warmed a little so I could actuWhich brings us to the present. While the ally taste it. style has taken a little dip due to many facMiller Lite seemed like the most logical place
The best-selling beer in the United States is usually served cold for a good reason. Cerib-stock.adobe.com
to start. I got an aroma of crackers (not unlike saltines) and a taste that was slightly sweet, and a little rice-like, with a finish that was bone-dry. As it warmed a little, the rice flavor left, but everything else stayed pretty similar. It’s hard to be offended by such light flavors— and that is entirely the point, I suppose. An inauspicious beginning, but when you don’t expect much, sometimes you can be surprised. Bud Light was the best-selling beer in the U.S. until the culture wars found a target and took it down a couple of pegs. Let’s forget the mindless political tribalism and try the actual beer. I’ll just put what I wrote in my notes about it here: “Honestly, I’m having a hard time tasting anything. This is as close to a seltzer as beer gets maybe, with a very faint grain aroma and a slightly bitter finish, faintly sweet, and somewhat crisp. When not as cold: a little corn flakes note, but still not much flavor. Maybe a hay quality, but it’s faint.” It’s really hard to see what anyone would actually like about this beer, but that’s why these huge beverage conglomerates spend a shocking amount of money on marketing—they have to. Michelob Ultra is the current best-selling beer in the U.S.—which makes the aforementioned controversy very amusing, because it is owned by Bud Light’s parent company, AB InBev (with the AB standing for Anheuser-Busch). In 2002, Michelob practically launched this as a low-carb sports drink, and they still market it this way. Now, don’t get me wrong—I have imbibed more than one light beer in my life. I recently had an English-style dark mild named Tradition at Smog City Brewing, which came in at 3.5% alcohol by volume but had a somewhat porter-like
flavor and a beautiful, rich mouthfeel. I even brewed a lager many years ago in collaboration with two friends—we split up and fermented it using different yeast strains. Mine ended up at 3.8%, but we all agreed it was the best one. I do not expect the Ultra to thrill me similarly, but let’s give it an honest try. As with all of the others in this category, the color is very pale, like straw. However, they somehow managed to fit more flavor into this than all of the others I’ve tried. We’re not talking about anything major here—it’s still a light lager, after all. But if your taste buds squint hard enough, they can get a German malt flavor. You may even get a decent sense of a bitter backbone (although this is generally from the lack of sweetness, not necessarily any extra hops). This one does, however, fall off the hardest when the temperature rises. The heat allows one to get a good gander at the “wizard” behind the curtain, not unlike when you try fast food at any temperature other than hot. Thus concludes my look into a world that I don’t really visit often. These fall under the heading of beers that I would not choose to have willingly. I’d rather have a Modelo if we’re talking about something not as light, but not heavy, either, and containing much more of that German malt flavor that I so love. If this will serve you as a guide, however, then cheers to you—and may your light beer never become warm. Brett Newton is a certified cicerone (like a sommelier for beer) and homebrewer who has mostly lived in the Coachella Valley since 1988. He can be reached at caesarcervisia@gmail.com. CVIndependent.com
22 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
OCTOBER 2026
While the mental health crisis grows across the country, we’ve put our minds — and resources — to solving it here.
According to Eisenhower Health’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment, our area’s No. 1 need is mental health. To address this, Eisenhower has created our area’s most robust behavioral health program. In addition to our recently completed expansion of the Eisenhower Behavioral Health clinic, we are currently: • Expanding our senior adult intensive outpatient program (IOP) • Recruiting more psychiatrists and therapists • Adding a psychiatric residency program to train tomorrow’s best doctors • Offering additional group therapy sessions • Exploring additional programs and treatment modalities such as partial hospitalization, electro convulsive therapy (ECT), maternal mental health care, and other services
Learn more at EisenhowerHealth.org or call 760-837-8767.
Rancho Mirage ~ Palm Springs ~ La Quinta
EisenhowerHealth.org CVIndependent.com
760-837-8767
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 23
OCTOBER 2026
FOOD & DRINK
VINE SOCIAL T
By Katie finn
here is pumpkin-spice wine. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, especially if you were having a nice day. Pumpkin spice has escaped the latte, breached containment and infiltrated everything from breakfast cereal to dog treats. Apparently, wine was the logical next victim. Because nothing says centuries of viticultural tradition quite like asking, “Would this pinot grigio be better if it tasted faintly of a craft store in October?” But fall is not a flavor. It is certainly not one The best wines for our version of autumn flavor—and it does not require cinnamon. have texture, spice and earthiness without Here in the Coachella Valley, fall allows us excessive weight. They acknowledge the season to start living differently. It arrives when the without ignoring the thermometer. You don’t overnight low finally begins with a seven; the need a formal tasting or an elaborate dinner. patio furniture stops functioning as a griddle; Open something textured, earthy and alive; and familiar faces start reappearing at the put a few glasses on the table; and invite somegrocery store. one to stay awhile. Wine fits into these moments beautifulStart with godello, particularly the Alvarly—not because it tastes like pumpkin pie, but edos-Hobbs Godello from Ribeira Sacra in because it has always belonged at the table. northwestern Spain. You may have not heard Maybe fall was never supposed to taste like of godello, but it’s positioned to be your new cinnamon. Maybe it tastes like whatever is in favorite white. The wine has enough texture your glass when everyone finally wants to sit to satisfy the part of you craving something outside again. richer, while its bright acidity keeps everything October is also the month of Come Over energetic. Pair it with roasted chicken, mushOctober, a campaign built around the idea room risotto, seafood paella or grilled fish. It that wine is meant to be shared. Its message feels like fall without requiring you to pretend feels particularly relevant at a time when wine it is cold outside. is increasingly flattened into a single categoGrenache blanc offers a similar bridge ry: alcohol. between seasons. Priest Ranch grows its Wine contains alcohol, and alcohol can cause version on the hillside vineyards of Somerston harm. We don’t need to argue otherwise or Estate in Napa Valley. Aromas of citrus, pear pretend wine is a health food to recognize that and honeysuckle lead into green apple, white context matters. There is an enormous differpeach and a subtle mineral note. Try it with ence between alcohol abuse and two friends roasted cauliflower, grilled pork, blackened splitting a bottle over dinner. Yet much of the shrimp tacos or something with a little spice. current anti-alcohol conversation strips away This is white wine wearing a light cardigan— every distinction: quantity, frequency, setting, not a parka. intention and whether that glass is accompaFor red wine, país deserves far more attennied by food, conversation and other people. tion than it receives. The grape traveled Reducing wine entirely to its alcohol content from Spain to the Americas centuries ago is like discussing food entirely in terms of caloand became foundational to Chilean wine. ries. The numbers matter, but they don’t tell the J. Bouchon’s País Salvaje comes from old, whole story. Food and wine also carry memory, wild-growing vines in Chile’s Maule region, place, tradition and human connection. Wine some of which climb among native trees rather is agriculture and craftsmanship, but it is also than standing obediently in vineyard rows. hospitality—a reason to pull up another chair, The wine smells of wild strawberry, cherpass a plate and stay a little longer. ry, flowers and dry earth. It is fresh, lightly That is the most compelling part of Come rustic and especially charming with a slight Over October. It isn’t about drinking more or chill. Think of it like pinot noir with a Spanish defending consumption for its own sake. It accent. País has history, character and earthiis about remembering that wine is at its best ness, but it doesn’t feel remotely heavy. when it is part of something larger than itself. Then there is barbera, one of the great food The timing feels especially appropriate here, wines of northern Italy. Vietti’s Barbera d’Aswhen the desert starts to come alive again, and ti Trevìe comes from the hills of Piedmont and there is a genuine feeling of excitement for the offers sour cherry, red plum, a touch of vanilla months to come. and plenty of mouthwatering acidity. Its tannins
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Certain wines are perfect for fall in the Coachella Valley—and none of them contain pumpkin spice are soft, which means you get the depth and comfort of red wine without the palate-gripping structure of something more imposing. Barbera is practically begging for pizza, tomato-based pasta, sausage, mushrooms or a bowl of minestrone. It is proof that a wine can be cozy without being enormous. Finally, consider a Rhône-style red from California: Land of Saints makes a grenache-syrah-mourvèdre blend from Santa Barbara County that’s layered with flavors of Bing cherry, pomegranate, pepper and dried herbs, with the brightness and moderate weight that make Rhône grapes so well suited to our climate. Give it a slight chill, and pour it with grilled sausages, roast chicken, lamb or mushroom flatbread. These wines taste like fruit, flowers, herbs, stones, earth and the places from which they come. Their autumnal character comes from texture and savory complexity—not sweetness or artificial flavoring. That is how we do fall in the Coachella Val-
ley: a little lighter, a little later and quite possibly in sandals. It is an open door, an extra chair and a bottle placed in the middle of the table. You can leave the pumpkin spice to the latte. Wine already knows how to taste like fall. 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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OCTOBER 2026
the
FOOD & DRINK INDY ENDORSEMENT On this month’s menu: smash burgers, as well as chicken tenders and waffles! By Jimmy Boegle
In theaters on Oct. 23!
CVIndependent.com
WHAT Double smash burger WHERE Mark’s Burgers, 68718 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 201, Cathedral City HOW MUCH $15.95 CONTACT 442-268-5505; marksburgersofficial.com WHY It’s seasoned! When it comes to most restaurant hamburgers, I have a beef. (Pun intended. My apologies.) Far too many restaurants refuse to sufficiently season their burgers. Maybe they’re concerned about over-working the meat and making the burgers tough. Perhaps they figure the condiments will do the heavy lifting in terms of flavor. Whatever the reason, I STRONGLY disapprove. Proper amounts of seasoning—salt and pepper will do, although at home, I add a bit of garlic powder and onion powder—enhances the flavor of the beef, and makes a burger SO much better. Anyway … we recently made our first visit to Mark’s Burgers—which opened last fall in Cathedral City—and I am happy to report that the good folks there properly season their burgers. Mark’s is a smash burger joint. Smash burgers have thinner, and presumably crispier, patties—but oftentimes, those patties can be dry. Thankfully, the cooks at Mark’s know what they’re doing, so their burgers both taste great and have a proper texture—no dryness! Mark’s also offers chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, wings, tacos and salads, as well as a couple of veggie burgers and, of course, fries. For dessert? Milkshakes! Mark’s has table service, so you don’t have to stand at a counter, and you can order beer and wine, if you please. If you go after seeing a movie at Mary Pickford Is D’Place, save your ticket, and you can get 10 percent off! The double smash burger we had during our visit was so delicious, the hubby needed to return just a few days later to have another. This is evidence that properly seasoned burgers can be addictive … who knew?
WHAT “Cluckin’ Hot and Sweet Waffles” with two eggs WHERE Toast’d in PS, 190 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs HOW MUCH $26 CONTACT 442-268-5525; toastdinps.com WHY It’s both savory and sweet. When it comes to breakfast, I generally prefer savory over sweet. Waffles, pancakes and French toast are fine … but bacon, sausage and over-medium eggs are SO much better. When the hubby and I went to breakfast at Toast’d, however, I was craving a little something sweet with the savory—so I ordered the “Cluckin’ Hot and Sweet Waffles,” described on the menu as “sweet pearl sugar waffle, crispy golden chicken, drizzled with spicy hot honey, served with a side of fresh fruit.” I added two over-medium eggs, because, y’know, breakfast. I was a surprised by the plate that was delivered to my table. For one thing, there was no fruit; instead, the plate had lettuce with dressing. I was also surprised that the “crispy golden chicken” came in the form of chicken tenders. Hmm. I took a bite of a chicken tender, and thankfully, it was delicious—moist and wellseasoned, with just a touch sweetness from honey. (Alas, there was no hint of “spicy hot” to be found.) Next, I took a bite of a waffle … and OMG. It was perfect: crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and delicious. In addition to a variety of breakfast fare, both sweet and savory, Toast’d offers salads and sandwiches on its “day menu.” The “nite menu” includes many of the same things (including breakfast dishes like the “Cluckin’ Hot and Sweet Waffles”!) plus “pizza breads” and a handful of other dishes. If you’re a night owl, or you’re hitting the clubs, take note: Toast’d is open until midnight or 2 a.m., depending on the day. The food is clever and tasty. The place is cute. It’s open late! What more could someone want from a Palm Springs restaurant?
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 25
OCTOBER 2026
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
Restaurant NEWS BITES By charles drabkin
2 Restaurants. Unlimited Flavors. Proudly supporting and serving our community
CONGRATULATIONS, JOHNNY COSTA’S! I want to start by saying congratulations to Johnny Costa’s Ristorante, which is celebrating 50 years in business! This restaurant has been a staple in the Coachella Valley and a favorite of luminaries such as Frank Sinatra—and my parents! If you’re unfamiliar somehow, Johnny Costa’s is located 440 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Learn more at johnnycostaspalmsprings.com. GET YOUR BRAIN FREEZE-AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES READY San Diego’s popular Scoop Ice Cream Festival made its debut in Palm Springs last year—and it is returning from noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Downtown Park. More than 20 local makers of ice cream, gelato and paleta are signed up to make the day after Halloween even sweeter. The $38.25 ticket includes 10 2-ounce tastings (that is 20 ounces of ice cream!), plus entertainment and activities. To sweeten the deal, the proceeds are being donated to the LGBTQ+ Center’s Community Food Bank. Learn more and buy tickets at scoopsandiego.org/scoop-palm-springs. IN BRIEF Palm Springs is moving toward new rules that would allow all cannabis consumption lounges to serve food, offer live entertainment and hold ticketed events. According to our friends at The Palm Springs Post, the proposed regulations will allow lounges to host up to 24 ticketed events per year, as part of an effort to support the industry. The City Council unanimously advanced the changes, which still must complete the city’s approval process before taking effect. Alice B. has been replaced by a new concept at Living Out, at 1122 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. When Alice B. went on its summer hiatus, its space was taken over by Gertie’s Salon and Bar—and Gertie’s will remain there permanently. Not to worry: Gertie’s is still serving the phenomenal biscuits, which are also available to take home frozen. Get details at gertiespalmsprings.com. Last month, we reported that Big Juice would be opening in the new Cotino development in Rancho Mirage; the announcement implied that the place is connected to the Big Juice Bar in Cathedral City and La Quinta. Now it appears another location is coming to the Thompson Palm Springs, at 414 N. Palm Canyon Drive. See the full menu at bigjuicebarcafe.com. Ashley Stein, the owner of Saffron Restaurant and Lounge (at 1107 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs), announced on social media that the restaurant will close on Oct. 3, with plans to reopen in several months in a larger, yet-to-be-announced location, with a new menu and covered parking. The move follows a much-publicized dispute between Saffron and the restaurant’s landlord. Stein claimed the landlord wanted them to take down a LGBTQ+ pride poster; the landlord responded that the dispute involved lease requirements—and a large amount of unpaid rent. Watch www.saffronps.com for updates. Popular micro-bakery Con Amor, Nina y Leon is opening a brick-and-mortar shop in the former home of Over the Rainbow, at 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 150, in Palm Springs. Meanwhile, their weekly pastry boxes—with treats like fig olive cake and raspberry chocolate tarts—are available on their website. Order those pastry boxes or learn more at conamorninayleon.com. J’s Deli, the much-acclaimed Jewish deli in Palm Desert (and the maker of some of the best bagel chips I’ve ever had), closed last year—but owners have announced plans to reopen on Sept. 19 at 73655 El Paseo, in Palm Desert. Learn more at www.j-sdeli.com. The Pin Kitchen and Bar has opened at 83040 Avenue 42, in Indio, at The Lights at Indio. It offers sandwiches, flatbreads, and a late-night menu, including a “fry flight”! See the full menu at indiogolf.com/dining. Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, part of a Florida-based diner chain, has finally opened at 79892 Highway 111, in La Quinta—and the reviews so far are very good. Find out more at kekes.com. Xanti’s Coffee closed its location at The Shops at Palm Desert earlier this year, with plans to reopen in Coachella. In the meantime, Xanti’s has opened a location in Indio at 45810 Fargo St., in the space previously occupied by Daily Grind. Learn more at xantiscoffee.com. Finally, The Red Lobster in Palm Desert has permanently closed. Have food or restaurant news? Reach out: foodnews@cvindependent.com.
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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 27
OCTOBER 2026
MUSIC
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GREAT MUSIC FOR THE MASSES T
Thanks to a grant, Twentynine Palms is leveling up public concert offerings
By Matt King
he Levitt AMP Twentynine Palms Music Series is one of the newest local music events. After Twentynine Palms was awarded a three-year grant from the Levitt Foundation—a nonprofit that brings free, live music offerings to underused outdoor public spaces—the city is providing high-level concerts for the community. The Levitt AMP Twentynine Palms Music Series returns this fall, with live music offerings every Saturday from Sept. 26 through Oct. 24 year for three years,” she said. “We chose the at Freedom Plaza. For more information, visit spring and fall seasons, because it’s very hot up www.29palmsmusic.org. here in the high desert in the summer.” During a recent interview with Audrey PhilThe application was selected as one of the pot, chair of the 29 Palms Music Committee, top 100, which qualified it for the public voting she explained how she became involved. phase. Twentynine Palms went on to place “When I moved to Twentynine Palms in 12th out of more than 300 applicants thanks 2023, somewhere early in my time living here, to sponsorship from the Basin Wide FounI saw something posted on Facebook from dation, a mini-grant from the Levitt Foundathe Twentynine Palms tourism board, and tion—and “dogged determination.” they were looking for people to volunteer to “The Levitt Foundation gave us a mini-grant review the grant proposals that they receive,” to do the voting phase, before we became a Philpot said. “Having been an event producer grantee, and we had T-shirts with the QR code for over 30 years, I thought I had something to for voting, and we were out everywhere,” Philcontribute in terms of looking at grant applipot said. “There was a voting period of a week, cations and seeing if they seemed reasonable and little Twentynine Palms, with a population or not. … I participated for three cycles on that of about 26,000, including the Marines, came grant-evaluation subcommittee, and during in No. 12. … We were everywhere. If there was that time, I got an idea about what was really any event that was happening in the city, we needed in Twentynine Palms: What I realized were there with our T-shirts and our cards. was we needed a signature event, something We boosted the posts on social media. We did that occurs regularly and can really be linked everything we could to get people to vote for with the identity of the city.” us, and it worked.” A year later, Philpot learned about the The first round of concerts took place this national Levitt AMP Music Series program, past spring. which provides multi-year matching grants to “We had two months to put this all together, bring big music to smaller to mid-sized cities. because we started our concerts in April, and She said the foundation was a “perfect fit for Levitt’s conference for all the grantees—where Twentynine Palms.” they tell you everything that you need to “I contacted my friend Anna Stump, who do—was in February,” Philpot said. “We had was, at that time, the head of the city Public been notified earlier than that, at the end of Arts Advisory Committee, and I went to speak November, that we were going to receive the to the PAAC about the possibility of getting this grant, but we didn’t get a lot of information Levitt grant,” she said. “We were a year ahead of about what Levitt expected us to do. In Januschedule at that time, because the grant applica- ary, we started meeting as a committee, and we tion period opened in May of 2025, but we were started figuring out who we’d like to have, so ready, because we had gone out and started the committee as a whole was responsible for talking to people about this grant, and we had the spring concert series.” attracted some attention by then. We had a Heading into the fall series, Philpot and little committee of myself, Anna Stump, a fellow company started a music advisory subcommitnamed Jordan Ash and then another fellow by tee to handle booking and other duties. the name of Remo Packer.” “‘Many’ of the three people who are on the They submitted an application to Levitt to committee were also amongst those who wrote host spring and fall concerts at the Freedom letters of support for us, and they are musiPlaza, a public outdoor stage in downtown cians of some note here in the high desert who Twentynine Palms. have connections with the entire music com“We did research on the demographics of munity up here,” she said. “They are an active the city, got letters of support from various part of making the selections for the 2027 and groups to submit with our grant proposal, and 2028 concert series.” submitted a grant to produce 10 concerts a The 29 Palms Music Committee is pulling
Spring and fall concert series are coming to Freedom Plaza for at least three years, thanks to the Levitt AMP grant.
out all the stops for the upcoming fall concerts to succeed. “We did very respectably during the spring season, and now—with an increasing emphasis on promotion, marketing, public relations and buying advertising on the local radio station—we’re looking at expanding our reach,” Philpot said. “We have a very aggressive strategy of putting posters and fliers everywhere, so that wherever people go, in the high desert and even in the low desert, we’ve got some outlets there. We are doing things with L.A.-based media, and some with San Diego-based media as well, so we have these concentric circles where we’re trying to reach people who would be interested in coming to the events. We’re also working with community organizations, community nonprofits, and giving them the opportunity to have a table at the event and bring their members to get the word out.” As the concert series grows and becomes the signature event Philpot and her partners intended, she said she’s determined to keep the events going. “The goal is to have the Levitt Foundation renew our grant, because they do renew these grants for the cities that produce great concerts,” she said. “The Levitt Foundation is coming here on Sept. 26 to have a site visit, and they evaluate how we’re doing, and they make recommendations. I must say that working with the Levitt Foundation is a real plea-
sure. They are tremendously supportive. They have all kinds of workshops that they hold throughout the year on different issues that you confront in terms of producing concerts, and everything from booking, dealing with arts-management companies, negotiating contracts, how to do fundraising, and how to make your site safe. They offer all this support free of charge to the grantees. It is a great honor to be a Levitt grantee—and there is nobody who is going to get a grant within 50 miles of us, so we are really serving the entire high and low desert in terms of producing these events. We want to let a lot of people know about it.” The Levitt AMP Twentynine Palms Music Series will always be free to attend. “It’s free for anybody who wants to come, wherever they’re from,” Philpot said. “You don’t need a ticket ahead of time; you just need to show up with your folding chair or blanket. There are food vendors there at the concert, or you could bring a picnic with you if you want. The idea is to encourage people to come to sit with their friends and have an enjoyable night out under the stars—high vibes under the high desert sky.” The Levitt AMP Twentynine Palms Music Series takes place at 7 p.m., Saturdays, from Sept. 26 through Oct. 24, at Freedom Plaza, at 6547 Freedom Way. Admission is free. Learn more at www.29palmsmusic.org. CVIndependent.com
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MUSIC
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
HEAVY ROCK VIBE D
By Matt King
erek Jordan Gregg is one of the desert’s most prominent singer-songwriters. Equipped with a looper pedal, Gregg performs at a number of local restaurants and venues, showcasing his songwriting skills with everything from feel-good pop to heart-wrenching ballads to badass blues. He’s won multiple local awards and is one of the busiest local musicians. Now, Gregg is returning to the band scene. Before his solo career, Gregg’s high-energy poprock outfit the Hive Minds was the talk of the Thanks to musical chemistry and trust, the town—and nine years after the end of the Avant Garden trio have been able to craft new Hive Minds, Gregg has formed Avant Garden. material almost effortlessly. Alongside drummer Sean Poe and bassist Gene “It’s just three of us, and we are all holding Beavers, Gregg is moving from solo work into down our parts,” Gregg said. “Gene and Sean a more collaborative, heavy-rock trio. You can have a communication, and then I respond to catch Avant Garden on Monday, Oct. 12, at that with my guitar, and then I can write lyrics Agua Caliente Cathedral City. on top of that. It feels like a band when it’s “When I came into town, I did a little solo written.” thing, but I got a lot more attention playing While the Hive Minds’ songs were brighter with Sean Poe as the Hive Minds,” Gregg said and bluesy, Avant Garden is tapping into darkduring a recent phone interview. “That kind er, more-complex sonics. of concluded naturally, and we started playing “I would say the influences from the old with other projects, so then I just started playstuff were a lot more contemporary, mellow ing everywhere solo, doing the loop show. That and a little bit too squeaky-clean,” he said. really got my name well-known.” “This is, I don’t want to say gritty, but there’s Gregg’s branding became focused around his a lot of darkness to it. There’s a little bit of full name, at the behest of his late manager. grunge to it; there are polyrhythms; there are “I started getting scouted by a manager, Cat interesting chord voicings. Sean and Gene can Badger,” Gregg said. “… She was my guardian do this cool push-pull thing that I just come angel. She saved my freaking life, and she passed out of nowhere to work with. We just try to two years ago, but it was her plan—it was kind make unique stuff. I’ve been trying to explain of marketing-oriented—to go by my full name the sound, and it’s a little bit difficult, but I instead of a band name. … I had so many difwould say it’s like Nirvana meets The Police ferent styles of music that I wanted to do at the meets Oingo Boingo.” time, and she just thought it was wiser to put it While Avant Garden has been performing under the Derek Jordan Gregg umbrella.” Beavers and Poe played live with Gregg under the ‘Derek Jordan Gregg’ name, but Gregg wanted the trio to have a separate identity. “I prefer bands,” Gregg said. “… I don’t really like the idea of people just walking around with my name on their shirt, or thinking like, ‘Yeah, you want this Derek shirt?’ I like to be a part of a musical ensemble. It’s not so much about me and my face–it’s about the sound.” Gregg said Beavers and Poe have added so much nuance and musical excitement to what had been his solo material. “I’ve been working with Gene for a little while, so he started putting in this edge,” Gregg said. “It’s a little bit John Paul Jones, but it’s really his own thing. That started adding an edge that you can hear as far back as ‘Blue’ on the solo record, which is probably the newest solo song written. (That song) felt like it wanted to be for a band … but the difference between, like, that and an old Hive Minds song like ‘Paradise’ is night and day. You wouldn’t even think the same person was singing.” Avant Garden. CVIndependent.com
A well-known local songwriter starts different chapter with a new band
throughout 2026, the band’s first single, “Evelyn,” will be released in October. It’s a menacing alt-rock anthem, about a dangerous spider queen, with haunting melodies and eerie guitar tones. Gregg said the song is a “good starting point for what the band sounds like.” Full disclosure: The song will be part of the Halloween compilation album I organize, It Came From the Desert, Vol. 4. Gregg said the seasonal album was the “kick in the ass” the group needed to start releasing music, and start having a brand and social media for Avant Garden. “It’s so funny how sometimes you just have to kick yourself in the ass,” he said. “You don’t have to wait for all the things to fall into place before you start making something tangible. Sometimes, I’m like, ‘I have to wait until all the bricks are in place,’ or, ‘I have to wait to have a music video to release a song.’” As Gregg begins to balance his professional solo gigs with the new band, he reflected on his commitment to artistic integrity. “My dad plays covers,” Gregg said. “For me, at first, it was like, ‘I’m not going to play any of the typical songs. I’m going to play a bunch of covers you don’t know and a bunch of my original music.’ It started to feel a little bit selfish … and as I started to grow up, I stopped being so jaded. I’m not a cover band; I do my solo loop show, and as I went through addiction, as I came out the other side, (I was) grateful for every moment. Taking a little bit of time out of my day to pay my bills with gigs is easy-peasy,
and I’ve become a great musician doing it.” Gregg is able to maintain his artistry even when doing covers thanks to his looper show, as songs get crafted out of looping sounds made just by his guitar. “The looper allows me to have a fresh, raw, organic take every single time,” he said. “People ask me, ‘You can just save that so that you could cue it up instantly, right?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, and defeat the entire point.’ I’m doing it to not do backing tracks. I want it to be different. I want it to be an expression of the real moment.” Gregg is excited about the variety of music opportunities ahead of him. “I want to play my music, and I want to play with my band,” he said. “I want to have a group that does my more acoustic, folky stuff, and I want to be in Avant Garden and tear the roof off. I would rather, pretty much, never do a cover again, and I’m also kind of very cynical about the music industry. … I would rather do it this way and be underground and get by and make dope music that I like and maybe not even play as many gigs as I hope for the rest of my fricking life before I put on a mask and did something that was not true to myself.” Avant Garden will perform at 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 12, at Agua Caliente Cathedral City, at 68960 E. Palm Canyon Drive. The event is free, but you must be 21+. For more information, visit www.aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-special/ live-local-bands.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 29
OCTOBER 2026
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30 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
OCTOBER 2026
MUSIC
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PHYSICAL MUSIC MECCA U
By Matt King
p on the Sun Records, the newest record shop in Yucca Valley, is a vinyl-lovers dream! There are thousands of titles, deep shelves for every music genre you can think of, plenty of original presses—and a solid selection of local music. You can also add to your cassette collection, browse posters and VHS tapes, and even test-drive records at the shop’s listening station. The shop has quickly become a home for listening parties and in-store performances from both local and touring artists. At 7 p.m., Satness since moving here, selling at record fairs urday, Oct. 17, you can catch MSHR and The and working at various places, so I got to know Tenses perform. the community, and I got to know people’s Owner Jay Martin opened the doors of Up buying habits—what they liked, and what on the Sun several months ago, but he’s been they didn’t like, from both a local and a tourist in love with the desert for a decade. standpoint,” he said. “When the opportunity “I was living in Portland, Ore., and something arose at the end of last year to open a store, I popped up on social media about a concert felt pretty good about it, especially knowing at Pappy and Harriet’s that just sounded so that I had 40 years’ worth of records that amazing that I wanted to be there,” Martin said I could draw from, plus a pretty extensive during a recent phone interview. “I told my knowledge of new releases and distributors girlfriend that I was going to go ahead and book where I could augment my personal collection it, and hope that she wouldn’t be pissed, and with more contemporary stuff.” thankfully, she was stoked. We ended up bookIn just a few short months, Up on the ing flights, Airbnbs, cars and show tickets, and Sun has become a go-to spot for the music came down here—and that show was the High community. Desert Overdose show that was on New Year’s “The community support has been incrediEve in 2016. It was Melvins, OFF! and Redd ble,” Martin said. “Local bands are wanting to do Kross, and we came down here for 10 days.” in-stores here, whether they’re listening parties While the world-famous Pappy and Harriet’s or playing, and customers who live within a mile and punk legends lured Martin and his girlradius of the shop can walk down here and do friend to the Mojave, the sights and sounds of some grocery shopping, come in and get some the desert turned the pair into residents. records, and then go home and enjoy those. I “The first night, we stayed in Joshua Tree, have also had really great responses from tourand the rest of the time, we stayed here in ists from Los Angeles, from around the country, Yucca Valley,” Martin said. “In that 10-day and from around the world.” time, we put over 1,000 miles on our rental One of the notable parts of the record store car, and really just kind of fell in love with the is the record-listening station, which allows whole area, both the high desert and the low customers to listen to records before purchasdesert. We spent time in Palm Springs, Niland, ing them. Salvation Mountain, the Salton Sea, etc.” “There’s nothing worse than going into a Martin was drawn to the record business, in record store and seeing a record and potentially part, to shrink his gigantic collection. not being able to hear it,” Martin said. “Nowa“I’ve been collecting records for about 40 days, people can pull up songs on their phone years, since I was 17, and I have a total love through Spotify or Bandcamp or anything, but for music, both recorded and live,” he said. “I there’s nothing like actually picking that record spent a little bit of time in college, and then I up, sitting down at the turntable, dropping spent some time screen printing, and then I the needle, putting the headphones on, and spent a bunch of time in the corporate world checking out the actual record that you hope revolving around screen printing and whatnot. to buy. I am, to my knowledge, the only one in From 1988 until 2023, I was collecting and in the high desert that has a listening station. I’d the corporate world, and I was wanting to get be willing to bet that there aren’t too terribly out of the rat race. I decided, ‘Why don’t I go many of them in the low desert as well. It’s ahead and just open a store and start selling something I grew up with, as far as going to off my collection?’ And that’s what I did about record stores myself in the ’80s and ’90s, and I three months ago.” just wanted to bring back that vibe.” Martin learned a lot about the local music Martin’s goals for Up on the Sun, beyond scene, and the desert’s tastes, in the years being a successful record store, involve being before he opened Up on the Sun. “very community minded, and a proponent for “I had spent some time in the record busimusicians who are here in our valley.” CVIndependent.com
A new record store in the high desert backs up an impressive collection with community support
Up on the Sun Records is open six days a week, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. “The only day off is Tuesday, and even then, my phone number is on the business-hours sign, so if you came down here, and I was closed, and you called me, and I was close by, I’d come down and meet you, or we could just set up an appointment,” said owner Jay Martin.
“I want to be able to offer the opportunity for bands that do have records out to have a listening party here, or to perform live here, or both,” he said. “A couple weeks ago, Ryan Güt came in, and we listened to the record, and then he set up his guitar and played some songs and talked to people about his recording process and whatnot. I want to be able to do that for anyone and everyone who comes through the door and expresses an interest in it. I really want to be here for the community, and I try to do that with the hours that I keep: eight hours a day, six days a week, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The only day off is Tuesday, and even then, my phone number is on the business-hours sign, so if you came down here, and
I was closed, and you called me, and I was close by, I’d come down and meet you, or we could just set up an appointment.” Whether you’re in search of some specific wax, or you’re a local wanting to simply peruse shelves, you’re welcome at Up on the Sun. “If there’s ever something you’re looking for that I don’t have, obviously I’ll look to special order it one way or another, and if you’re a band, bring your record in, and I’d love to carry it and support it, and highlight it to people, especially tourists who come in who are looking for local music,” he said. For more information, visit www.instagram.com/ up_on_the_sun_records.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 31
OCTOBER 2026
MUSIC RETURN OF THE BETHS
T
By Matt King
he Beths, a loud yet lovely band out of Auckland, New Zealand, have charmed global audiences with delightful decibel-pushing earworms. Their most popular songs, “Future Me Hates Me” and “Expert in a Dying Field,” balance shoegaze guitar-shredding with sweet, euphonious vocal melodies. Catchy pop choruses and memorable guitar lines unite across the band’s catalogue, resulting in a perfect mix of heavy and harmonious. The band will return to North America this everything is part of the enjoyment.” fall, and instead of touring in support of an The band’s show at Pappy and Harriet’s is album, The Beths will celebrate their 12-year one of two California dates on a month-long catalogue with the By Request tour. As the title tour that also heads to Fort Collins, Colo., suggests, every show’s set will be determined Gainesville, Fla., and Sayreville, N.J., among by audience requests, meaning songs from other cities. Stokes said The Beths enjoy visitthe band’s debut EP, Warm Blood (2016); their ing places beyond the big cities. latest LP, Straight Line Was a Lie (2025); and “The ability to keep touring is part of why everything in between is on the table! The we keep coming back to America. It’s just this final date of the By Request tour in the U.S. is huge place of people who love music everyThursday, Oct. 15, at Pappy and Harriet’s. where,” she said. “For us, there’s a certain cycle “There’ll be various different ways to make when you release an album, and you do these requests at the show,” said lead vocalist/rhythm big shows around the album release, and you guitarist Elizabeth Stokes during a recent phone hit the biggest cities, but it’s so satisfying then interview. “I’m sure that the format of the show to be able to come back and hit a whole bunch will be kind of tweaked as we go. By Pappy and of other cities that are still quite big. You can Harriet’s, which is one of the last shows, it’ll be tour for six weeks, and then come back and locked in. It’ll be spontaneous requests from tour for another six weeks. people, so we will go in every night without a “Speaking as someone who lives in New Zeaset list and then build the set list together as a land, I find it really meaningful when an artist group with the audience.” does come all the way down here. You do get The Beths first performed a crowd-chosen excited, because you know how hard it is, so setlist at Bonnaroo in 2023. After their main it is meaningful for me when we go to a place set, the band hosted an intimate show inside a that people don’t get to very often. It means smaller venue on the festival grounds. a lot for the people there—and not everybody “Our sound guy was just wandering around lives in the big cities.” with a microphone and asking people what Are there any songs Stokes is hoping to hear they wanted to hear, and if we knew it, shouted out during the By Request tour? we would play it, and if we didn’t, then we “We haven’t been playing ‘Best Laid Plans’ wouldn’t play it,” Stokes said. “That was our or ‘Ark of the Covenant,’ which are the deeper first time trying something like that, and it cuts on the new record, so I guess I’m hoping was really fun. It’s kind of taking that and turning it into the whole show, with a bit more prep. We’re doing homework and learning all the songs that we haven’t played for a while, and trying to be able to play, hypothetically, everything in our discography.” Some crowd favorites are muscle memory at this point, while other tracks, both new and old, are “a bit ropey.” Stokes said the varied comfort levels make the By Request tour all the more exciting. “There’s almost like a live, improvised theater element to it,” she said. “The show that you get every night is going to be very different, and we’re going to be as well-prepared as we can, but sometimes we might get a little bit stumped, but I think that’s all part of the fun. We do take great pleasure in being a band and Chicago. Jeff Ray playing together, and the unpredictability of
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
The Venue REPORT
The New Zealand psychedelicpop rockers head to the States on a wildly unique tour
October 2026
that people might request those—but I also just want people to request what they genuinely want to hear,” she said. “I feel like there can be a bit of a ‘Gotta catch ’em all’ mentality sometimes with set lists, where it’s like, ‘It’s not that I particularly want this song; it’s just that I haven’t heard this one yet.’ I feel like you should go with what your heart wants to hear. That’s what I want people to request.” As the political climate worsens, international bands have had more problems entering the country for tours. Thankfully, The Beths had no troubles bringing their sonics stateside, and Stokes said the band is always happy to be in the United States. “From the outside, America looks terrifying, but once we get inside to the spaces that we’re inhabiting and the people who we’re around, it’s very much good people who are just trying to do nice things and be kind to each other,” Stokes said. “I know that there’s a lot going on, but you have to part what you’re seeing from the outside with what day-to-day life looks like.” The vibe is always on the rise when The Beths are in town, as their poppy mix of radiant ragers is sure to uplift any crowd, and eliminate the stressors of society. “It’s nice to be in 2026,” Stokes said. “To be in rooms with other people, like real people, feels meaningful. (The desert) is such a beautiful part of the country, a beautiful part of the world. We’re excited to come back.” The Beths will perform at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, at Pappy ay Harriet’s, at 53688 Pioneertown Road, in Pioneertown. Chelsea Jade will open. Tickets start at $38.60. For tickets and more information, visit pappyandharriets.com.
By matt king
The B-52’s
Happy October! It’s the best month of the year, as temps start to dwindle; Halloween vibes emerge; and the desert’s entertainment scene explodes! Here’s a sampling of the month’s local fun. In addition to the icy return of Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey, Acrisure Arena is hosting music and wrestling! At 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, the high-flying action of WWE returns to town. Don’t miss energetic wrestling from the best in the entertainment business! Tickets start at $61.15. At 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, celebrate Halloween with weird music icons The B-52’s and Devo! The two iconic acts are teaming up for a nonstop dance party. Tickets start at $53.40. Acrisure Arena, 75702 Varner Road, Palm Desert; 888695-8778; www.acrisurearena.com. Fantasy Springs has three headliner concerts. At 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, pay tribute to a rock icon with The Phil Collins Story. It’s part documentary, part concert and part mesmerizing tribute to the unforgettable singer and drummer. Tickets start at $42.50. At 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, two Latin and blues icons, Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys, team up for a night of Grammy Award-winning songs. Tickets start at $62.50. At 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25, romantic music force Marisela, known as the “Latin Madonna,” returns to the desert for another enchanting evening. Tickets start at $62.50. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 760-342-5000; www. fantasyspringsresort.com. Here are some highlights from a busy month at the Plaza Theatre. At 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, the bluesy, jazzy, folky vocalist/songwriter Rickie Lee Jones is set to perform cuts spanning a five-decade career. Tickets start at $79.05. Missing Dolly Parton? continued on next page CVIndependent.com
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At 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, tributes to Dolly, Lady Gaga, Tina Turner, Cher and Whitney Houston will grace the stage during Legendary Ladies. Tickets start at $51.95. Missing Tim Curry? At 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 11, the legendary Rocky Horror Picture Show (starring Curry as Dr. Frank N Furter) will be screened in 4k, alongside a live shadow cast and plenty of audience interaction. Nell Campbell, who plays Columbia, will host the event. Tickets start at $66.90. At 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, the long and winding music history of the desert will be celebrated at “Palm Springs, Tuned In: A Historic Retrospective on Music in the Coachella Valley.” Hear gems from the Rat Pack, sounds from the tribes, and tunes from acts that made Coachella fest famous. Tickets are $34.28. At 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18, alt rockers 10,000 Maniacs will share their famous jangle-pop jams. Tickets start at $76.50. Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-593-5818; www. palmspringsplazatheatre.com. The McCallum Theatre is back in full swing; here are some notable events. At 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, Pacifico Dance Company, a Mexican folklórico dance group, will showcase the sounds and steps of a beautiful country. Tickets start at $15. At 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 4, the ever-popular Keyboard Conversations series with Jeffrey Siegel returns with “The Glorious Musical Jewels of Beethoven and Schubert.” Tickets start at $39. At 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, ranchera music royalty Aída Cuevas celebrates a half-century of mariachi magic. Tickets start at $33.88. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, and 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18, colorful YouTube comedian Randy Rainbow brings poignant jokes and plenty of parodies to Palm Springs. Tickets start at $60. Catch & Juliet, a Shakespeare reimagining with plenty of pop music, at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, through Thursday, Oct. 29; 2 and 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31; and 1 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 1. Tickets start at $64. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert; 760-340-2787; www. mccallumtheatre.com. Morongo Casino is hosting a few big names. At 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, regional Mexican act Los Huracanes Del Norte celebrate the beauty of norteño music. Tickets started at $164.57 as of this writing. At 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, ’90s jam-band Blues Traveler will travel all the way to Cabazon, bringing with them some magical music. Tickets start at $57.75. At 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, ’90s rockers Fountains of Wayne have got it goin’ on, just like their hit “Stacy’s Mom.” Tickets start at $57.75. At 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, the reggae vibes and “Red Red Wine” will flow at the UB40 show. Tickets start at CVIndependent.com
$89.75. Morongo Casino Resort Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 800-252-4499; www. morongocasinoresort.com. Spotlight 29 has two headliner concerts. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, new jack swing legend Keith Sweat returns to Coachella for a sweaty night of sensual and sweet R&B hits. Tickets start at $59.40. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, catch cumbia in Coachella from Grupo Bryndis and Industria del Amor. Tickets start at $38.80. Honest Goodness Comedy Fridays roll on with Erik Escobar (Oct. 2), Eric Ochoa (Oct. 9), Shaena Rabbani (Oct. 16), Jeremiah Watkins (Oct. 23) and Los Digits (Oct. 30). Shows are at 8 p.m., and tickets start from $17.32 to $28.50; you must be 18+ to attend. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella; 760-775-5566; www. spotlight29.com. Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage is as busy as ever, so here are some events worth catching. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, New York’s finest, Jerry Seinfeld, brings his world-famous wit and humor to town. Tickets start at $138.70. At 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, “Wicked Game” hitmaker and rockabilly revitalist Chris Isaak is set to showcase his musical stylings. Tickets start at $71.60. At 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, classic rockers 38 Special bring 50 years of Southern rock to town. Tickets start at $45.40. At 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, Armenian singer Iveta Mukuchyan will share vocal prowess that transcends language barriers. Tickets start at $75. At 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, experience metal mania in Rancho Mirage with glam gladiators W.A.S.P. Tickets start at $50.23. At 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, experience the femme faces of heavy music at Ladies of Rock, an all-star show featuring sets from Lita Ford, Vixen and Orianthi. Tickets start at $51. Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32250 Bob Hope
Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-999-1995; www. aguacalientecasinos.com. The residencies are slowing down at Agua Caliente in Palm Springs. Desert Blues Revival Wednesdays conclude at the Cascade Lounge with guitar goddess Laurie Morvan Band (Oct. 7) and a tribute to music heroes with A Night of Neil Diamond and Linda Ronstadt (Oct. 14), Shows are at 7 p.m., and tickets start from $18.91 to $22.11. There were no scheduled Carousel Thursday events as of this writing. Tickets are $19.98. Tickets for all shows are available at eventspalmsprings. com. Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs; 888-999-1995; www.aguacalientecasinos.com. Spirit Animal, one of Palm Springs’ newest clubs, is getting busy, so here are some highlights. At 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, catch Billy L’Amour and the Love Notes as they honor the members of the 27 club with a selection of songs. Tickets start at $49.87. At 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, Tod Macofsky’s Time Capsule show returns, this time taking audiences back to 1966! Tickets start at $23.18. At 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, catch comedic cabaret, classic jazz and classy vibes from Toots McApplesauce. Tickets are $23.18. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, check out Hush-Hush, a vintage Halloween-themed cabaret show with creepy tunes from Bobbi DeCarlo. Tickets start at $23.18. At 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, witness Sloshed, a series in which actors get drunk or high—and then perform in a shadowcast. This edition will see the Sloshers make their way through The Lost Boys. Tickets are $23.18. Some shows include two cocktails with admission, and some shows are 18+ or 21+. Spirit Animal, 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 951-4940116; www.spiritanimalclub.com. Pappy and Harriet’s continues to bring
Marvelous Marilyn Maye
top-notch talent to the high desert! Here are some examples of their October stars! At 9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, grunge guys Toadies bring their amphibious sound around town! Tickets are $47.41. At 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 11, hard-rock heavyweights High on Fire showcase their Grammy Award-winning metal and sludge. Tickets start at $43.78. At 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 12, internationally loved indiefolk act Y La Bamba returns to the desert— and bandleader Luz Elena Mendoza will likely invite her favorite desert songstresses Giselle Woo and Janine Rivera to perform with her! Tickets are $31.86. At 9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, powerful pop-rockers Fastball will fire through their hooky anthems. Tickets are $31.86. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; 760-228-2222;www.pappyandharriets.com. Oscar’s has some potentially unforgettable events on their calendar. At 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, Los Angeles rockers Sapient Scar will shake up Palm Springs with their melodic grit. Tickets are $11.95. At 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, don’t miss Wrestling Is 4 the Dogs, a high-flying charity event with professional and micro wrestling—where you could adopt a dog ringside! Tickets are $39.95. At 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, the charity vibes continue with Mx Pineapple Cabaret, a night of music, drag and fun to raise funds for Pineapple Support, a therapy service for adult industry workers. The event is free to attend, but reserved and guaranteed seats start at $20. Some Oscar’s shows include a food/ drink minimum. Oscar’s Palm Springs, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs; 760-3251188; oscarspalmsprings.com. The Purple Room is back to dominating your weekends. At 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, through Saturday, Oct. 3, Purple Room favorite the Marvelous Marilyn Maye brings the best show led by a 98-year-old performer to town. Tickets start at $97.20. At 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9 and 10, romantic vocalist Anthony Nunziata returns, sharing a love for jazz, soul, pop and more. Tickets start at $50.85. At 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17, the Black Market Trust will energize hits of the past with their pop-jazz sensibilities. Tickets start at $56. At 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23 and 24, comedy-pop duo The Skivvies, who sing and joke around in their underwear, will perform songs from Rocky Horror. Tickets start at $50.85. At 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31, powerhouse jazz vocalist Meghan Murphy will showcase her divine skills and red hair! Tickets start at $50.85. All shows include dinner reservations two hours before show time. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-3224422; www.purpleroompalmsprings.com.
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MUSIC
through the heart. Also, Madonna’s Ray of Light album. For some reason, I go back to that, and it’s such a guilty pleasure.
the
LUCKY 13
Get to better know the epic lead singer of Halestorm, and the man behind the great music of ‘Hey Arnold!’ by matt king
Jimmy Fontaine
NAME Lzzy Hale GROUP Halestorm MORE INFO Lzzy Hale is a rock/metal badass! Known for her commanding vocals and guitar skills in the Grammy Award-winning band Halestorm, Hale offers emphatic screams, dramatic singing and nonstop energy throughout Halestorm’s catalogue, as Hale’s powerful voice lifts these moving metal ragers to the next level. Hits like “I Miss the Misery” and “Love Bites (So Do I)” are forces of rock nature. Halestorm is set to perform at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage. For tickets and more information, visit www.aguacalientecasinos.com. What was the first concert you attended? Technically, the first concert that I attended, when I was 2, was Cheap Trick with my parents right outside of Pennsylvania, but I don’t remember that. The first concert that I actually bought tickets to was Tool during the beginning of the Lateralus tour. It was awesome. What was the first album you owned? The first cassette tape that I bought was the single for “High Enough” by Damn Yankees, because it was in the $2 section of our local record store when CDs were coming in, and cassettes were out. I think Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits was the first album that I ended up getting.
What bands are you listening to right now? Dead Poet Society. The new stuff that they just put out is absolutely incredible and superdifferent, and has this fresh take on it. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I’m really in love with Prizefighter, the new Mumford and Sons album. What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get? People are going to hate me for this, but the pop-punk scene. It was never a part of my wheelhouse, and for some reason, even to this day, I don’t really dig into that. What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? Pretty much everybody who I grew up listening to that isn’t around anymore. I’m going to have to go back and say Zeppelin, right when they were first starting to emerge. I’ve seen footage of them performing live before anybody really knew what was going on, and the entire audience is so confused—and that would be so incredible to go and just witness. What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure? I have two. One is a contemporary Christian artist in the ’90s called Michael W. Smith. His songs are really cheesy, but they hit me right
What’s your favorite music venue? It’s kind of a small club, but The Machine Shop in Flint, Mich. I don’t know what’s up with that place, but every time we go there, it feels like home, and it kind of feels like you’re playing in Dad’s garage or something, and all your buddies are there. What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? There’s a Jason Isbell song, “If We Were Vampires,” that every single time that this line comes up—I don’t know what he does with second verses, but they always make me cry. In the second verse, he says, “If we were vampires and death was a joke / We’d go out on the sidewalk and smoke / Laugh at all the lovers and their plans / I wouldn’t feel the need to hold your hand / Maybe time running out is a gift / I’ll work hard ’til the end of my shift / And give you every second I can find / And hope it isn’t me who’s left behind.” This is talking about somebody leaving first. You love someone, and one of you is going to die first—it’s such a simple concept, but every single time, it breaks me open if it comes on in the car. What band or artist changed your life? I’m going to say Ronnie James Dio. We ended up, by a crazy fluke accident, getting thrown on Heaven and Hell’s last show ever with Ronnie, because it was right before Ronnie was diagnosed. We got to play this show, and he hung out with us all night, and he was like Uncle Ronnie. ... We watched him sign everything for everyone and take every picture, and then he still came back to our vehicle to say goodbye at the end of the night. I said something to the effect of, “Ronnie, we would have understood if you’re just tired, but thank you so much for taking the time for us and coming back,” and he wags a finger in my face, and he’s like, “Lzzy, this is a moment in time. You’re never going to remember all the places you play or the people that you meet, but they’re going to remember meeting you for the rest of their life.” You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? I’m going to have to go on the Janis Joplin route again, whereas I want to know what those parties were really like. What song would you like played at your funeral? Off the top of my head, “Another One Bites the Dust” would be hilarious, and add a little bit of comedic nature, but honestly, I feel like something more celebratory. I don’t necessarily want something sad. How about “Ballroom Blitz,” just to make anybody, especially certain members of my extended family, a little uncomfortable?
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? I’m going to have to go with Jeff Buckley’s Grace. If you had asked me 10 years ago, I would have picked Alice Cooper or something like that, but there’s something about Jeff Buckley’s Grace that, it doesn’t matter how much time has gone by, I still learn something new from it. What song should everyone listen to right now? I’m going to go back to the latest Dead Poet Society. They have a song called “Roach” that I think is awesome, and it will absolutely put you in a mood. It’s thick with vibe. NAME Jim Lang MORE INFO Hey Arnold!, the hilarious and charming cartoon that originally aired from 1996-2004, is remembered for its relatable themes—and rad music! The jazz-centric soundtrack provided the perfect jams for the zany characters. To celebrate 30 years of one of cable’s finest cartoons, composer Jim Lang, and his band the PS 118 All Stars, are hitting the road to perform the music of Hey Arnold! live! They’ll be at Pappy and Harriet’s at 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 26. Unfortunately, the show is sold out, but there’s a waitlist at pappyandharriets.com. What was the first concert you attended? There was an R&B artist named Edwin Starr back in the ’60s, and his one hit was a (song) called “Agent Double O Soul” back when James Bond was happening. I have no idea how this happened, but somehow, as a 13, 14-year-old, I got a call to go play keyboards with him. What was the first album you owned? Rhapsody in Blue/An American in Paris (George Gershwin). That was the first piece of music I ever listened to that just blew my head completely wide open. My folks had a copy of it, so that became my album. What bands are you listening to right now? Phoebe Bridgers’ new record is awesome. Phoebe actually went to school with my son, so I’ve known her for a long time. What an album! I’m a huge Snarky Puppy fan, and KNOWER, I’m crazy about. What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get? This is an incredibly stupid thing to say, because it just reveals profound ignorance on my part, but it took me a long time to come to rap music. I felt the whole gangsta thing was just culturally lost on me, and I didn’t get it for a long time until I got more curious about it, but eventually, I found artists who I really loved listening to, both from a musical point of view and also from a lyrical point of view. continued on next page CVIndependent.com
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CVINDEPENDENT.COM/SUPPORTERS Grettel Cortes
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? Stevie Wonder. What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure? Spike Jones, because it’s just so incredibly funny. My brother and I grew up watching The Three Stooges, and slapstick humor has always made me laugh so much. … Spike Jones is like musical slapstick. What’s your favorite music venue? There’s a great little bar called Justine’s in Frogtown in L.A., which is in my neighborhood where my studio is, and it’s one little tiny corner of the room. You can walk in there, and there’ll be a sax player and a drummer playing or something like that. Rooms like that, where there’s absolutely no pretense of any kind, and it’s just people making music and other people sitting there talking real loud and ignoring the music, that’s a really fun experience of music making. What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? Phrases tend to stick with me. In that category, it is a tie between Joni Mitchell, “The kind of crazy you get from too much choice,” and Leonard Cohen, “There is a crack in everything / That’s how the light gets in.” What band or artist changed your life? George Gershwin. “Rhapsody in Blue,” still to this day, I have a hard time listening to it without getting overwhelmed. You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? Herbie Hancock. He’s a meditator, and he has CVIndependent.com
a practice that he does, and I think I would ask him some kind of question about that: “What’s your practice for getting centered?” … “Herbie, what’s your practice for opening up and channeling all the elders, now that you’re an elder?” What song would you like played at your funeral? “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” When I was a kid, I went in the summers to this Methodist church up in Michigan. Back in the day, we sang all these songs out of the Methodist hymnal, so that church harmony is a big part of what’s in here, especially for a piano player. Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? The quick answer, and not a bad answer, is Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, just for how mind-blowing that experience was of listening to that record. I think that was the first day I ever smoked pot. How do you judge an album? Do you judge it on first listen, or do you judge it on how many times you’ve listened to it since? That album passes both those tests. What song should everyone listen to right now? A song from Hey Arnold! called “Look Up.” It was in one of the first three or four episodes, and a few years back, a woman named Manouchca Joseph from Florida made a version of it that she posted up on Instagram. It was just her singing the song a cappella, and I went and got the vocal from her and played piano under it. It’s up on YouTube. Craig Bartlett, who is the creator of Hey Arnold!, also made a video of him coloring a cartoon image to go with it. It’s a throwaway song, but it’s about how you’ve got to try to keep a good face on things.
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OPINION COMICS & JONESIN’ CROSSWORD
“The Little Sleep”—I’ll just vocal group) step away for a bit. 41. Japanese barberry By Matt Jones feature 42. ___-Potty (music Across festival amenity) 1. Audibly stunned 43. Response in court 6. Obstacle 45. Where wrecks may 10. Attempt lead to an x-ray? 14. Firenze’s ___ Vecchio 47. Close off 15. Beginning of a 50. Farm females Shakespearean 51. 2016 film whose soliloquy poster was updated 16. Luau tuber slightly in 2026 to fix 17. Introduction to the angle of a hand cooking? 53. One way to get 19. Chain selling around the U.S. meatballs (and other, 57. Subject of adulation larger things) 58. Forensic scientist’s 20. 300 setting findings 21. Happening 60. Golden Fleece ship 23. Tuesday offering? 61. Invisible glow 25. Museum guides 62. Cars singer Gary 26. Like random 63. Chips supplier whistling, say 64. Second-person 30. Southwest formation plural pronoun, to 31. Long-legged wader Pittsburgh residents 32. The “T” in GTA 6 65. Caught a little 34. Friend-o shuteye (which can 37. Cookware items be found in the four 38. Exhausted longest answers) 39. Curse 40. ___ Na Na (oldies
Down 35. Against 1. Alerts from HQ 36. Tilt to the side 2. Paltrow lifestyle 38. Exclamation after brand getting home 3. Black Beauty novelist 39. Full of oneself Sewell 41. Greenish-blue 4. First courses 42. Bugonia star Jesse 5. Motivator’s message 44. Colombian plains 6. ___-Foy, Quebec 46. Satirical horror7. Chicken Little denial metal band in giant 8. In ___ (trapped) foam costumes 9. Settle in 47. Related to a hipbone 10. Malt liquor hyped in 48. Pelvic bones ’90s hip-hop (and not 49. Tedious feeling the “man with seven 52. “Well, shucks” wives” town) 54. “The ___ of the 11. Dismantled Ancient Mariner” 12. “___ you the 55. “Take ___!” (coach’s cutest?” order) 13. Regatta entrants 56. The Simpsons news 18. Racing speed anchor Brockman 22. Rapper on Law & 59. Ciudad de la ___ Order: SVU (Equatorial Guinea’s 24. Bony prefix new capital, not to 26. Amts. in recipes be confused with 27. Monument Valley Bolivia’s) locale 28. It means never having © 2026 Matt Jones to say you’re sorry? 29. Like a 41-Across Find the answers in 33. “Rubber Duckie” the “About” section at singer CVIndependent.com!
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