By Angela Romeo
Part mid-century modern, part hippy chick tempered with flower child and wholly original, Odessa Christiana has created an art lifestyle.
“I cannot remember a time where I was not creating something and trying it sell it,” smiled Odessa. “I have always had this passion for art and fashion and of course, glamour!” Like many artists, Odessa began her...
By Janet McAfee
Lynnette Poole says, “I would have fostered a rescue dog sooner if I’d known what a wonderful experience it is!” Lynnette is pictured here with Tucker, one of the two dogs she is fostering for Loving All Animals.
The snowbirds that foster homeless animals have long left the Coachella Valley for cooler regions. Other foster parents are leaving...
By Robin E. Simmons
NOW PLAYING:
THE LEGEND OF TARZAN
One can be forgiven for assuming this iteration of “Tarzan” is an origin story. It is not. In fact, we meet the beloved fictional character after he and his wife Jane (Margot Robbie) have returned from the jungle. Author Edgar Rice Burroughs’ great action adventure story has been a best seller since...
By Heidi Simmons
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Everybody’s Fool
by Richard Russo
Fiction
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There is a certain allure to small town living. Knowing your neighbors, making a difference and building a community are appealing to many. But there are drawbacks if you love privacy and anonymity. In Richard Russo’s Everybody’s Fool (Knopf, 498 pages) a community’s survival hinges on overcoming its weaknesses and discovering its strengths.
The story...
By Bruce Cathcart
The Coachella Valley has seen its share of Boom and Bust growth cycles. It always seems that the bigger the Boom, the bigger the bust that inevitably follows. I personally have experienced the boom of the late seventies and the bust of the early 1980’s, the boom from 1986 to 1992 and the bust of the middle...
By Haddon Libby
The start of the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are only a few weeks away. Much focus has been put on the dangerous Zika virus that is spread by mosquitoes and the filthy conditions that many will have to compete in. As one example, thirty-two tons of dead fish will be pulled out of the...
By Dale Gribow
With July 4th on a Monday this year many of you may have joined your neighbors and partied all weekend. If you or a friend were drinking beers before and after the PS and PD fireworks, you may have already been stopped and offered a breath or blood test. IF you chose a breath test and BLEW into...
Drowning incidents are dramatically on the rise. “It happened just like that,” is what these parents say, and then their loved one can never be brought back.
Drowning is preventable. Here are some tips for your agency on getting started:
What can you do to prevent drowning incidents?
Follow the ABC’s of water safety: A = Adult Supervision. Assign an adult Water Watcher...
By Andrea Carter
Now in its 8th year, ACT for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) invites the Coachella Valley to support local valley residents living with MS by attending its annual Jazz It Up summer fundraiser, scheduled for Sunday, July 10, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Indian Wells Golf Resort Pavilion, located at 44-500 Indian Wells Lane in Indian Wells.
The evening will...
By Flint Wheeler
One of the Olympic stadiums just had its water and lights cut off because of unpaid bills. The builder for two other venues has had to lay off workers and hasn't paid suppliers.
Cutbacks All Around
Athletes are also feeling the crunch. Davilani Cruz, a member of Brazil's national taekwondo team, says a monthly stipend provided by Brazil's Ministry...
Week of July 7
© Copyright 2016 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Events in the coming week may trick your mind and tweak your heart. They might mess with your messiah complex and wreak havoc on your habits. But I bet they will also energize your muses and add melodic magic to your mysteries. They will slow you down in...
By Jenny Wallis
Dear Jenny,
I’ve been with my boyfriend for five years. After the first year together we graduated college and he got a great job. We’ve been long distance ever since! I want to be supportive and I am really proud of him, but I am not sure how much longer I can do long distance. We’ve briefly talked...
By Sunny Simon
Writing a book review is a daunting task. I detest writing them, but love reading them. Not so with my friend Lynne, an author, a blogger, a motivational speaker, and someone I can always tap into her for advice on writing or social media. We are connected on Goodreads, a free website for book lovers. I am...
By Tracy Dietlin
Get ready to suit up Coachella Valley because the first ever Comic Con Palm Springs is just around the corner. Tickets are available now for all of the other events except the VIP Stan Lee dinner which has already SOLD OUT!! While the desert has many other large festivals and events that drive tourists to the desert,...
By Craig Michaels
The month of July is typically one of the hotter months of the year for the Coachella Valley. It’s also a month when we celebrate the independence of our country. What better way to say ‘Thank you’ to our military personal then a free to the top of the Palm Springs Arial Tramway to cool off. The...
This holiday weekend, enjoy all summer has to offer by lounging poolside in Palm Springs while watching the fireworks display or check-out the sand sculptors at the Spa Resort Casino’s beachside paradise. Every Thursday: Villagefest downtown Palm Springs, June 30
Spend the evening strolling down Palm Springs most famous street, Palm Canyon Drive as hundreds of vendors from around...
By Heidi Simmons
“One week is not enough. There is so much more I wish I could see. It goes by too quickly,” said a visitor in line to enjoy an afternoon program of short films at the Camelot Theater in Palm Springs. Her frustration is not because she can’t get tickets, but a fear that she’s missing something –...
By Heidi Simmons
“This movie came from an idea I had when I was a student in film school,” said Sinisa Dragin, writer, director and editor of the short film “Sorry.” “I was working on a project that was postponed and thought, almost like a joke, I should go ahead and make the movie.”
Dragin is Serbian and lives in Romania. ...
By Noe Gutierrez
On July 16th at 8 p.m. at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California, Brian Regan will be performing his unique brand of stand-up storytelling and physical comedy to an expected sell-out crowd. There are still tickets available for purchase as low as $55. You can purchase at www. hotwatercasino.com.
Coachella Valley...
By Morgan James
From a simple violin accent player to a visionary musical movement founder, Bri Cherry hopes to be a spark that incites worldwide personal growth. Her new project, BRI CHERRY & The Boys, has not yet officially kicked off, but looks promising in fulfilling Bri's goals of innovative inspiration. The band's music is rooted in Bri's powerfully vivid...
By Slim Man
Have you ever made a joke and nobody laughed?
I have. But only once! I am normally incredibly funny—most of the time unintentionally. But I’ve launched a few bombs here and there. It happens.
About two years ago, I was introducing a young sax player at a Palm Springs jazz jam put on by Patte Purcell—who usually writes this...
By Eleni P. Austin
50 years after their debut, the Monkees’ new album, Good Times hit the Billboard charts at #8. Pretty good for a band that has been written off as pre-packaged and manufactured when they first arrived on the scene in 1966.
Inspired by the success of the Beatles, budding filmmakers Bob Rafelson and Burt Schneider (who went on...
By Angela Romeo
To walk in the shoes of Artist Linda Carmella Sibio would be an artistic journey filled with self –awareness and self-acceptance.
Linda was born in West Virginia. After the death of her father and the institutionalization of her mother, Linda was sent to an orphanage. Drawing became a coping mechanism for her. She attended Ohio University, where she...
By Janet McAfee
We humans cheerfully celebrate our nation’s Independence Day this week with fun, food, and fireworks. As we barbeque in the backyard with friends, it might be tempting to include our four-legged family members. However, the 4th of July is the worst day of the year for our canine and feline friends. The loud noise from fireworks is...
By Rick Riozza
Last time we started a game plan to experience lesser known wines—particularly very refreshing whites, which are none-the-less an excellent buy, as they are reasonably priced and absolutely tasty.
This time around, let’s do some more delving as we throw in a little bubbly, and, even a red that can take a chill and still provide quaffing pleasure.
Sometime...
By Morgan James
As I’m sitting in a high comfy booth watching the game across multiple screens, a table of older gentlemen, lift their glasses as they smile across the room in camaraderie. A young couple strolls in the door waving at the gentlemen in recognition. A middle aged group of patrons seated across the room laugh aloud with the...
By Robin E. SImmons
NOW PLAYING:
INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE
As America’s Independence Day nears, it’s not all a celebration of fireworks, picnics and hot dogs. Thanks to satellite engineer Dave Larson (Jeff Goldblum in fine form), the big news is that a gargantuan, 3,000 mile-wide space ship is approaching earth. This news is pretty much déjà vu for all the good but...
By Heidi Simmons
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Some Possible Solutions
by Helen Phillips
Stories
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Everyday life is filled with challenges. Too often we become jaded and our world is reduced to a simple routine with occasional drama now and then. Even with bumps in the road, we only want to quickly get back to “normal.” Some Possible Solutions by Helen Phillips (Henry Holt, 224 pages) shows how...
By Haddon Libby
Interdependence or independence? This is the issue that the United Kingdom voted on June 23rd. While we all recognize the beneficial value to working as part of a group, giving up independence is a tough sacrifice for most of us. When those in control take actions that make our individual lives tougher, we often rebel.
After the American...
By Dale Gribow
The law arguably wins every time. This is because whether you are found guilty or not guilty you still lose. A defendant loses time and money from: 1. Being arrested; 2. Going to court multiple times; 3. Posting Bail; 4. Retaining a lawyer; 5. Loss of earnings; 6. Dealing with the stress it places on your life.
Thus...
It’s hot, it’s dry, it’s the 4th of July! These words make fire officials cringe says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. It will be a long three-day 4th of July weekend and the fire department needs your help!
We have a lot of resources and personnel out fighting fires. Fire danger is extremely high and fire officials recommend everyone attend public fireworks...
By Doug Morin
Executive Director - CV Volunteers In Medicine, Indio, CA
Summer in the Coachella Valley has its charms, but once the temperature rises into the 110 degree area and beyond, there are some serious health issues that we need to be aware of. Heat exhaustion is an illness that can occur after you've been exposed to high temperatures, and...
By Flint Wheeler
If for no other reason than the unpredictability of injuries, the NFL win total over/under props traditionally include a few misfires. Last year, for example, the Cowboys’ number was initially set by the Bovada sportsbook at 9.5 (they won four) and the Ravens at 9 (they won 5). It works the other way, too, when the league’s...
Week of June 30
© Copyright 2016 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): During winter, some bears spend months hibernating. Their body temperatures and heart rates drop. They breathe drowsily. Their movements are minimal. Many hummingbirds engage in a similar slow-down -- but they do it every single night. By day they are among the most manic creatures on earth, flapping...
By: Bronwyn Ison
Often times we have heard someone say, “I'm just going through something right now." When we hear these words, we have a tendency to refrain from inquiring what the person in experiencing. Why? Generally, we believe the person must be going through something adverse. Have you contemplated someone is going through something, translates into a poor experience?
Truly,...
By Sunny Simon
The other day I created this post on Facebook. “You are an adult to your inner child. Give yourself permission to eat ice cream for breakfast... in your cowgirl boots.” Judging by the likes and comments, this little ditty delighted a number of friends. Like me, they probably sometimes tire of being an adult. Not only is...
By Heidi Simmons
Perhaps the best part of being in the CV during summer is the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival. It provides the perfect summer activity: A cool theater with even cooler events and entertainment.
Over 54 countries and 328 films will showcase at the Camelot Theater beginning Tuesday, June 21 thru Monday, June 27
This festival offers attendees an...
The Palm Springs International ShortFest (June 21-27) is best known for its award-winning short films, but each year the Festival also welcomes a long guest list of filmmakers and industry attendees for the ShortFest Forums of panels and roundtables. New this year, the Forums will kick off with a Tech Day, in partnership with UC-Riverside, focusing on VR, online...
By Heidi Simmons
Hooking up with the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival this election year is “60 Seconds to Impact,” a really short film competition focusing on why people choose to vote.
In 60 seconds or less, filmmakers are challenged to create non-partisan films that motivate and inspire voters to participate in the up-coming November 2016 election.
Submissions opened May 5th...
LOCAL FAVORITE SEASONAL CONCERT SERIES IN FULL SWING:
THE ROCK YARD AT FANTASY SPRINGS 2016 LINEUP IS A HUGE HIT
The Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino has become the premiere setting for live rock ‘n’ roll music in the Coachella Valley, developing a following of fans that recognize the venue as their favorite source of live rock music –...
By Slim Man
I left Palm Springs on Father’s Day.
When I left it was 100 degrees, and that was at 9 AM. It would go all the way up to 120. Not a bad time to get out of town. My destination? Laguna.
When I walked into Marc Antoine’s house, he was sitting on the couch playing guitar. Full disclosure—Marc is...
By Morgan James
Venus and the Traps is an East Valley band, growing rapidly in popularity throughout the Coachella Valley and spilling outside its borders. A roller-coaster of emotion spitting from the tongues and fingers of these passionate musicians while their enthusiastic fans sing along, consumed by each lyric. Venus and the Traps consists of lead singer/guitarist Perla Martinez, bassist...
By Esther Sanchez
The Coachella Valley has become a notorious hub and breeding ground for artists of all sorts; one of the most underrated and least known on the scene is 21 year-old R&B vocalist and aspiring actress, Porsia Camille. Considering the sheer vocal talent, obvious physical beauty and charming personality she possesses, there is little doubt in my mind...
By Eleni P. Austin
“Jenny said when she was just five years old there was nothin’ happenin’ at all,
everytime she puts on a radio station there was nothin’ goin’ on at all, not at all.
Then one fine mornin she puts on a New York station, you know she don’t believe what she heard at all.
She started shakin’ to that fine, fine music you know her life was...
By Rebecca Pikus
Great art is sometimes found in the most unlikely of places – and this is the case with the spectacular, dazzling sculptures of Craig Zeigler. Zeigler's sculptures were actually discovered in the storefront of Regal Plastics in Cathedral City, CA by Maris Kazaks, the brilliant Director and Curator of Rebecca Fine Art Gallery. Zeigler had never shown...
By Angela Romeo
Jilda Schwartz is like a breath of fresh air. Capturing moments is what art does and Jilda has found a way to capture decades.
Jilda is a graduate of Art Center College of Design, Pasadena.CA. She has worked as an art director and illustrator in film, television and print, and has taught painting, drawing and mixed media at...
By Janet McAfee
The two Spaniels entered Loving All Animals’ dog rescue program on the same day, May 13, 2016. The dramatic differences between the two animals make for an interesting juxtaposition. At the time, we did not realize that one would play a role in saving the life of the other.
Finn is a 4-month-old bouncing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,...
By Rick Riozza
No one gets a heads-up on the summertime heat more than we desert dwellers.
And for a lot of us who travel about, we’re always meeting and greeting people who simply can’t believe that wine actually pours in our summer desert and that we can quaff joyously with the best of them in the heat.
Well—of course we’re not...
By Morgan James
Since opening in 2002, Koffi has proudly become a staple in the Coachella Valley boasting two locations in Palm Springs, one in Rancho Mirage, and one just recently introduced espresso bar inside of Miramonte in Indian Wells. Freshly roasted organic coffee, a warm inviting atmosphere and a local, community minded spirit, are just a few of the...
By Robin E.Simmons
NOW PLAYING:
The always-popular PS International ShortFest is here and this year’s crop of 327 unique films from all over the world is outstanding. There’s truly something for everyone in this masterful collection of short stories loosely grouped by subject matter.
This year’s star-studded shorts feature Academy Award® winners and nominees, as well as film and television stars including...
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