valley woman august/september 2014

Aug/Sept 2014 Volume 1 iSSue 2

COMPLIMENTARY YOUR DESERT LIFESTYLE

CERTIFIED SPECIALIST

Twins find successin candy business

NEw ThIS ISSUE: small business column

Lisa Wherry knows her

vines, wines

JTnP classesFor women

Free, cheap Things To do in socal

how To keep self-confidence

choices, choices, choices:What to do in a day in Los Angeles

August - September | Valley Woman 3www.ValleyWoman.net

FROM OUR EDITOR

IN THIS ISSUE

Publisher on target media

Editor Jamie lee pricer

[email protected]

Contributing Writers Angel J. Cardoz, pamela Bieri,

timothy m. Jochen, m.D., lydia Kremer, Jorie parr, pam price

Sales Manager Anthony Aniasco (760) 668-2226

[email protected]

Production Bendani publishing

Client Services Manager Kristy mangum

(760) 668-2226 [email protected]

oN tArget meDiA 1001 S. palm Canyon Drive #217

palm Springs, CA 92264 (760) 668-2226

www.valleywoman.net

Submit your news and ideas to [email protected]

every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this publication. Valley Woman cannot guarantee the accu-racy of information provided by advertisers, organizations or individual contributors.

With our first issue (June, July) under our belts, Valley Wom-an continues to grow.

We welcome a new regular columnist, Angel Cardoz, direc-tor of the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center. it’s an agency, which hasn’t gotten as much attention as it deserves, with a strong track record of assisting socially and econom-ically disadvantaged business owners, or those who want to enter into business, who often lack the network or resources to realize the dream of business success. His first column can be found on page 5; in future issues you’ll find it in Dollars, our business section.

lydia Kremer, an established Coachella Valley writer and publicist, has joined our corral of contributing writers. She and two other writers (Jorie parr and me) describe what to do on a one-day trip in los Angeles. Kremer focuses on archi-tecture, parr delights in Venice and i’ve set up a busy itinerary

for age 10 and up visitors. Foodies all, we have great advice on where to eat.

our website, www.valleywoman.net, is up and running. And we are on Facebook. Check them to see what’s new, and the calendars of activities that we update regularly.

We’re proud of another sign of success — our advertising base doubled in one issue.

As always, if you have ideas or thoughts to share with Valley Woman, please contact us at [email protected]

please look forward to our october issue — that’s when Valley Woman becomes a monthly publication — for more stories about women who achieve and how they did that, and more tips to help make you happier and healthier and your life more fulfilling.

Jamie lee pricer, editor [email protected]

A special arrangement between Valley Woman and the Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines Festival means 5 readers have a chance to win 2 free tickets to the 2014 festival on Sunday, August 17th.

To win your free tickets, read and enjoy this current issue of Valley Woman, then call us with the answer to the trivia question below:

what are the aBcde’s for a personal monthly skin check for moles?

The first 5 readers to call our office at (760) 668-2226, with the correct answer, will win.

Best of luck!

Free TickeTs For Valley

Woman readers! Profile lisa Wherry is one of few women in Southern California who holds Certified Specialist of Wine title.

Introducingthinking about starting a business? Heed advice from the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center.

CurrentAccomplished women make news; Joshua tree National park offers classes just for women; rm mayor leads charge for getting involved; How to make a quick kid treat with seasonal fruit; A few free or cheap things for kids or anyone to do; learn how to turn off a gas meter; Chef tara lazar reshapes uptown palm Springs; palm Desert City Hall show features two women artists

LooksShopping in cool idyllwild; updating your summer looks

DollarsYoung twin sister entrepreneurs launch successful candy business

Body and MindDon’t forget your sunscreen; tips on how to be yourself; Dancing can make you healthier; Calendar

Escapethree versions of a day trip in to los Angeles

Calendar

4

14

21

6

5

6

12

14

16

21

22 “Liminal Spaces” by Elizabeth Chandler

4 August - September | Valley Woman www.ValleyWoman.net

A sought-after expert around the Desert’s restaurant scene is Lisa Wherry, Certified Specialist of Wine, who, as an account

manager with The Estates Group/Young’s Market, is the go-to gal when it comes to wholesale fine wines and teaching staff how to sell it.

One of only a few women in Southern California who are CSW, a credential awarded by the Wine Society of Ameri-ca, Wherry has enjoyed a 23-year long career in the wine business.

She started out to be a journalist, and her B.A. in communications from the Uni-versity of Colorado gives her an edge in marketing skills. Working in restaurants during her college days gave her a taste for the hospitality industry; and as a rep for an early satellite TV company, she acquired solid sales experience.

But it was helping her parents in a Bay Area winery that piqued her interest and launched her in an unexpected, but re-warding career. As retirees, her parents managed the shipping department, wine club and tasting rooms for the former Congress Springs Winery, a direct wine grower/shipper.

Certified Specialist of WineLiSA WhErrY knOWS hEr VinES, WinES AnD ViTiCULTUrE

By Pamela Bieri

South Africa, Australia. We needed to know their label and licensing laws and growing regions.

in the United States, wines are labeled by varietal or blend. in Europe, they are by region – like Cote du rhone and Burgundy in France, or the rioja area in Spain.

Also, we needed to know differences in laws about sustainable and organically grown grapes, as well as bio-dynamic farming principles, originally developed in 1926 by rudolf Stiner. Bio dynamics goes by lunar planting in relation to the stars and moon; it’s all natural and goes back to the soil. Small batch and Europe-an wines are grown that way.

if you grow sustainably, you are not allowed to spray pesticides. Organic prac-tices are even more rigorous, very expen-sive, and hard to control. The requirements for 100 percent organic labeling also include organic buildings and no sulfites at all; it’s a lot harder. That’s why organic wines are more expensive.

While i didn’t need the credential to be an account manager at Young’s, i can better recommend to customers wines by varietal, country, or style of their wine list, and cost – as well as their food concept.

i can select wines by region or style, like when we plan a winemaker dinner or wine tastings.

What is the difference between a sommelier and a CSW?

A sommelier is more tableside, making recommendations to the guest, based on the menu and the restaurant’s wine list.

As a CSW and wholesale distributor account manager with The Estates Group, Young’s fine wine division, i’m tasked to sell to restaurants, wine bars, gourmet and boutique shops – independent retail-ers – not chains like Costco.

i help stores with their displays, shelving and how to pour wine. At restaurants, i offer wait staff basic education -- Wine 101 -- how to open a bottle, different grapes or varietals, and how to describe the wines to customers and recommend them with dishes.

For example, red wines are full bodied or light. What would you have with a T-bone steak? Ask the guest ahead of time what they are ordering before suggest-ing a wine. Probably 75 percent to 80 percent would order a full bodied wine. i teach servers how to select and recom-mend wines.

What is your sales territory? i am part of the inland Empire and

north San Diego team. i call on accounts in the desert, and share the area with Mark Sullivan, who handles part of Palm Desert and east. i cover most of the west valley, idyllwild, Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear, with four or five accounts there. We are the second largest wholesale

wine distributers on the West Coast. Arizona is also a market for us, too.

We help manage the inventory for our customers. While i specialize in fine wines, i also assist customers by taking full liquor orders, dealing with both the liquor department and wine managers on the other side. it just streamlines it to handle both sometimes.

How do you keep up-to-date with new wineries and products?

We take trips to the wine country for hands-on education with the winemaker or production staff. We go once a year to the central coast or northern Califor-nia’s napa/Sonoma and up to Oregon and Washington; sometimes to France and italy. And we also do trade shows around the region with our wineries pour-ing for our customers to make decisions on their wine lists and programs.

i also learn what’s happening in the wine industry with publications like the Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Decant-er Magazine, and Wine Advocate. For example, you learn the difference between an italian table wine for $10 versus a super Tuscan, highly acclaimed for $30.

What about your job do you like best? i’m not in management because i don’t

like to put pressure on the sales staff under me; it’s not just about numbers. At Young’s, you have your own territory to run; it’s a fine line, not so structured to work as i work. i’m able to be more focused.

You are president of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, Palm Springs. Tell us about that.

Les Dames is an international orga-nization of women professionals in the hospitality, culinary and tourism industries. We support women with scholarships going on to higher education in the industry, and also have a Green Tables initiative that supports garden programs in local schools. Our Palm Springs chapter currently supports four local young wom-en who are at colleges and universities throughout the country.

i first heard about Les Dames when i called on Zola nichols (co-owner of Desert Discount Wines & Deli) who is still a customer. Costa, her husband, really got me to join. i’ve been a member seven or eight years. At that time, Zola was also a member of the national board, and president when our chapter hosted the national convention.

When i first joined, i just observed. Then as i got more involved with the Food & Wine Palm Desert, our members got involved and volunteered at the event. Three years ago i was voted to the board as vice president and now president.

Contact Lisa at The Estates Group, (800) 627-6787, [email protected]

in 1991, Wherry moved down to South-ern California to work for Young’s Market, first as a merchandiser for chain stores and supermarkets, but soon was moved up as a general market sales representative to sell wines and spirits to hotels, bars and restau-rants, and then was promoted as one of the first account managers to The Estates Group to concentrate on educating and selling fine wines.

We caught up with Wherry at Catalan Mediterranean Cuisine in rancho Mirage, one of her clients who sources intriguing Spanish and Euro-pean wines to pair with their creative tapas and dinner menu.

What does it take to earn a Certified Specialist of Wine credential?

CSW is the first level credential; next is Certified Wine Expert (CWE), then Master of Wines (MW).

i studied and then took a 100-ques-tion, multiple-choice test on the world’s major wine regions and genealogy, how they grow, what diseases they can get, and wine practices --- how wines are harvested, fermented and bottled.

We had to know AVA – American Viti-culture Areas – how many in California, Washington, Oregon – and regions in Europe – France, Germany, italy ---

Lisa Wherry takes a breather from her sale duties as Certified Specialist of Wine and enjoys wine and tapas at Catalan Mediterranean Cuisine in Rancho Mirage. Photo by Pamela Bieri

June - July | Valley Woman 5www.ValleyWoman.net

Revive Wellness Centers

Palm Springs 353 S. Palm Canyon Drive (760) 325-4800Torrance 22330 Hawthorne Blvd. Suite J (310) 375-7599

www.revivecenter.com

Where Magic Happens

Botox*

Advanced Dermal Fillers + Voluma Lift

CO2 Smartskin & Viva Skin Tightening

Venus For Skin Tightening & Cellulite

Laser Hair Removal

Hyperpigmentation

Rosacea & Acne

Clinical Skincare

CoolSculpting to Freeze Fat

Hot Pack Massage

And So Much More!

Call us now for the $5/unit* Botox Manufacturer’s

Summer Steal

* Botox manufacturer’s summer price special for all patients who are new to Revive. 30u minimum / 44u maximum per person. Additional units priced @ $10/u. Manufacturer’s Exp. August 28, 2014 or while limited supplies last.

Before After

The K.I.S.S. approach to business planning

Most people agree that business planning is an important part of starting a business; however, few actually complete the business plan writing process.

This is not surprising, as many people find the process tedious, confusing, and time consuming.

Unfortunately, the lack of planning often leads to unsuccessful ventures. According to the Small Business Administration, about 50 percent of small businesses close within five years, and most business failures can be attributed to lack of planning.

Business planning doesn’t have to be a laborious task; quite the opposite, it can be simple, practical and revealing. What’s more, unless you are seeking financing, it doesn’t even have to be a formal business plan. Simply, it should answer five key questions:

1. Is this the right time to enter the market? Entrepreneurs should avoid businesses where there is limited or no market need, customers are unable or unwilling to pay, there is intense competition or poor profit margins and the potential threats outweigh the opportunities.

2. How will I attract and maintain customers? Customers are the lifeblood of any business, and it literally pays to know your customers inside out. Make sure you know who they are, what they need, where they live and what they think. This will help you define the right marketing message and utilize the right set of marketing tools.

3. How will I minimize cost? increasing revenue, per question number 2, is only half the equation; owners also need to reduce cost in order to maximize profits. Small business owners can leverage technology, incorporate proper inventory management systems, select a cost effective facility and develop systems and procedures to help reduce cost. Of course, developing a budget, tracking expenses, and making adjustments are also important.

4. Do I have enough cash? The old expression “cash is king” certainly

By Angel J. Cardozholds true in small business. Make sure you know how much you need, when you need it, and where you are going to get it. There is nothing worse for a small business than running out of cash, as it can be extremely difficult to access funds. So make sure you plan ahead.

5. Do I have the right people in the right place? Start by assessing your own strengths and weaknesses. Make sure you have experience working in the industry, as the lack thereof can often lead to dire business challenges; such as, relying

created, approved loans, businesses started and jobs retained. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s of business administration degree in finance.

The Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center’s mission is to counsel, teach, encourage, and inspire, women busi-ness owners at every stage of devel-opment and expansion. It has a strong track record of assisting socially and economically disadvantaged business owners who often lack the network or resources to realize the dream of busi-ness success. 77-806 Flora Road, #A, Palm Desert. (760) 345-9200, www.cvwbc.org

INTRODUcINg

too heavily on others, inability to secure financing, or a lack of an adequate business network.

Answering these five questions can save you time, money, and future headaches. Many businesses fail, not because the owners don’t work hard, but because they are unaware of external forces and fail to plan and act accordingly.

Angel J. Cardoz is director of the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center. During his career, Cardoz has counseled more than 500 clients, trained more than 1,300 workshop participants and has implemented several entrepreneurial programs that resulted in new jobs


cURRENT

Sharon Brown-Welty, the former associate director of the doctoral program in educational leadership at

Fresno State University, is the new dean of Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus. Brown-Welty, who joined Fresno State in 1993, served in a number of positions there, including as dean of graduate studies, department chair of educational research and administration and associate vice president for academic affairs.

Robin St. Louis of Palm Desert won Painter of the Year honors from the Coachella Valley Watercolor Society at its final meeting of the season. Coachella Valley resident Kathleen Scoggin was voted Field Mouse of the Year by the Plein Air Painters.

Tourism industry workers honored this summer at the 14th annual Best of the Best Golden Palm Awards included:

Nichole Gregg, Ace hotel & Swim Club, Lodging 51 rooms or more Front of house; Maria Vargas, Casa Cody inn, Lodging 51 rooms or more heart of the house; Paula Johnson, McCLean Company rentals, Lodging 50 rooms of less Front of house; Sonia Baltazar, Vacation Palm Springs, Vacation home & Condo rentals heart of house; Grindella Boyzo, kaiser Grille, restaurant Front of house; Kirsti Alexander, riviera Palm Springs, retail Person of the Year; and Shanna Ensley, Palm Springs international Film Festival, Attractions Employee of the Year.

Teachers of the Year were recognized at a breakfast at Two Bunch Palms resort by the Desert hot Springs Chamber of Commerce. They are: Gabby Pena Silva, Bella Vista Elementary; Susan Diaz-Cueva, Two Bunch Palms Elementary; Julie Marko, Julius Carsini Elementary; Christeena Lozano, Painted hills Middle; and Linda Wire, Cabot Yerxa Elementary.

Teachers and staff members of the year from all three Coachella Valley school districts earned Golden Apple Awards from the Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce in a ceremony at UltraStar Mary Pickford Cinemas, Cathedral City. They are: Paula Clark, Desert hot Springs high security officer; Jessica Pack, James Workman Middle School teacher; Elaine Robertson, Superintendent’s executive assistant; Deborah Applebaum, Cathedral City high counselor; and Dr. Anne Kalisek, Desert hot Springs high principal.

in another teacher award, Palm Springs high’s Deborah Cormier was named the riverside San Bernardino County Math Teachers Association’s math teacher of the year.

Shawn Shepherd is the new director of development of The Living Desert and will direct special events, charitable and

campaign donations, corporate sponsorships and grantsmanship activities. Previously, she served as the Western U.S. Director of Major and Planned Giving for the American Lung Association, managing major and

noTed

Fit, fun & fabulous! Come join the fun! M-F 9:15am, M-Th 6:00pm, Sat 8:30am

Jazzercise Palm Desert PDCC Association Building 77800 California Drive 760.880.8547 [email protected]

Offer valid for new customers. Auto-pay registration required. Other restrictions may apply.

No Joining Fee

planned giving activities in 13 states. Shepherd holds the following degrees: Ph.D. ABD, The University of new Mexico; M.A., Washington State University; M.Ed., The University of Vermont; and a B.S. from indiana State University.

Patti Park, formerly Angel View’s director of administration, has been promoted to chief operating officer. her responsibilities include providing

24-hour residential nursing care to children and adults with developmental disabilities in 19 group homes; oversight of the Angel View Day Program for adults with developmental disabilities; budget and administrative office operations; and human resource for Angel View’s 260 healthcare workers. Prior to her work at Angel View, Park was a regional administrator for the Department of Social and health Services in Washington state.

Maureen Erbe has been appointed to the eight-person Modernism Week Board of Directors. She is principal and creative director of Erbe Design, a marketing communications and branding firm she founded more than 25 years ago in South Pasadena. She is also a partner in revisioned homes, a residential architectural restoration company, and renovated two Alexander homes. She and the homes appeared in the film, “Mid-Century Moderns: The homes That Define Palm Springs.”

ALA’s Leadership Training institute honored nine local community members for excellence in community leadership and service at the 5th

annual Above & Beyond Awards at the indian Wells Golf resort. Women receiving the awards are:

Andrea Aranda of Palm Desert, a riverside County social worker who was instrumental in creating Faith in Motion, an initiative in the

county connecting faith based groups with the county’s social service agency.

Lynn Moriarty of Palm Desert, former executive director of Shelter from the Storm, who founded the Edra Blixseth Community Counseling Center, the

Florence rigdon Long Term Transitional housing Program, and the emergency shelter-based indian Wells Medical Clinic.

Brenda Ayon Verduzco of Coachella, a lawyer, whose community service includes the One

Justice Program, a legal clinic to help immigrant youth file their Deferred Action Children Arrivals applications; the Young Lawyers Program, a mentoring program for inner-city children; and the rotaract Club.


cURRENT

Brain poWer

Lorraine Becker. Courtesy photo

Call 7 days a week 8am - 11pm EST Promo Code: MB0614

1-800-971-3548CALL NOW - LIMITED TIME SAVINGS!

YOU Choose The Deal!

For 3 months.

OVER 30 PREMIUMMOVIE CHANNELS

Offer subject to change based on premium movie channel availability.

CALL TODAY -INSTALLED TODAY!

SAME DAY INSTALLATIONIN UP TO 6 ROOMS

Where available.

Promotional Packages Starting At

CHOOSE ONE OF THESE GREAT OPTIONS!

moPromotional

Packages Starting At...

DISH TODAY!Upgrade to

✔ NO Term Contract.✔ NO Credit Check.✔ NO Commitment.

Credit Check.

Join Without a Contract!

Not eligible for promotional pricing

Commercial-Free TV

Available with qualifying packages. Monthly DVR and receiver fees apply.

*Feature must be enabled by customer.

Get a Hopper from DISH and instantly skip commercials*

FOR 12 MONTHSNot eligible for Hopper or HD.

Starting At...

Important Terms and Conditions: Promotional O�ers: Require activation of new qualifying DISH service. All prices, fees, charges, packages, programming, features, functionality and o�ers subject to change without notice. After 12-month promotional period, then-current everyday monthly price applies and is subject to change. ETF: If you cancel service during �rst 24 months, early termination fee of $20 for each month remaining applies. Activation fee may apply. Additional Requirements: Hopper: Monthly fees: DVR service, $12; Joey, $7, Super Joey, $10. With Prime Time Anytime the AutoHop features available with playback the next day of select primetime shows on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC - Both features are subject to availability. Requires Super Joey to record 8 shows at once. Recording hours may vary; 2000 hours based on SD programming. Equipment comparison based on equipment available from major TV providers as of 6/13/14. Watching live and recorded TV anywhere requires an internet connected, Sling-enabled DVR and compatible mobile device. HD Free for 24 Months: Additional $10/mo HD fee waived for �rst 24 months. After promotional period, then-current everyday monthly price applies and is subject to change. Premium Channels: 3-month premium o�er value is $165; after 3 months, then-current everyday monthly prices applies and are subject to change. Blockbuster @Home requires Internet to stream content. HD-only channels not available with select packages. Installation/Equipment Requirements: Free Standard Professional Installation only. Leased equipment must be returned to DISH upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Upfront and additional monthly fees may apply. Miscellaneous: O�ers available for new and quali�ed former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. State reimbursement charges may apply. Additional restrictions and taxes may apply. O�ers end 1/16/15. © 2014 DISH Network L. L. C. All rights reserved. HBO®, Cinemax® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box O�ce, Inc. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. STARZ and related channels and service marks are property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. All new customers are subject to a one-time processing fee.

AddHigh-Speed Internet as low as ...

where available

By Sara Everett

By popular request, the Desert institute, the educational arm of the Joshua Tree national Park Association, has added two new classes just for women to its fall catalog of classes.

The association operates the bookstores at Joshua Tree national Park’s four visitor centers and assists with preservation, education, historical and scientific programs at JTnP.

A brief nature hike will kick off the first new class, October’s “Journey to Artistry in Joshua Tree national Park.” Artist Valohna Wynn will lead this one-day workshop that focuses on journaling, visualization and meditation, group discussions and tribal dance movements. it is “designed to inspire creativity, self-esteem and personal empowerment for women of all ages,” says the Desert institute’s fall course catalog.

rebecca Lowry, instructor for the second new class, november’s “rough n’ ready Girl’s Desert Camping Weekend,” designed her two-day excursion with wilderness independence in mind. her field class will offer skill-building activities, from setting up camp, to memorizing the handiest knots, to mastering the art of building a fire. Women in her class will explore trails, learn through hands-on instruction, enjoy the stars and conversation and leave with honed camping skills.

JTNP to offer more classes just for women

Women’s Fall Field classes

Oct. 25: “Journey to Artistry in Joshua Tree national Park,” instructor artist Valohna Wynn. Meets at Black rock Visitor Center, Yucca Valley. hike level is easy. $60-$70, plus $20 materials fee.

Nov. 22-23: “The rough n’ ready Girl’s Desert Camping Workshop,” instructor artist rebecca Lowry. Meet at Joshua Tree Visitor Center, overnight camping at Lost horse Campsite. For women 21 years plus only. hike level is moderate. $110-$120.

Dec. 6-7: “Women’s “Get-Away Weekend,” yoga instructor Caryn Davidson, national Park Service ranger Laurie Green, certified interpretive guide. Meet at Joshua Tree Visitor Center, optional overnight camping at Lost horse Campsite. hike level is moderate. $110-$120.

For more information: Desert Institute Joshua Tree National Park (760) 367-5535 www.joshuatree.org, [email protected]

A third class just for women, the popular “Women’s Getaway Weekend,” returns in December. it includes optional camping in a secluded campground, hiking, yoga practice, journaling, basic navigation, desert survival training and a night around the campfire.

Desert institute courses and experiences are taught by experts in their fields and include professors, naturalists, scientists, noted photographers, writers, historians and artists. They are assisted by a trained volunteer team.

The other 35 classes this fall cover learning about night sky photography, geology, insects, snakes and lichens and desert survival; cooking gourmet meals over a campfire; guided hikes throughout the park; and activities for families among other topics. Sara Everett is a Mission Continues Fellow at the Joshua Tree National Park Association and a Desert Institute volunteer since January.


cURRENT

make iT yourselFgiVing and caring

Doesn’t score at soccer games, but fruit leather easy to make

By Jamie Lee Pricer

here’s a soccer mom fruit leather recipe – passed down an array of lawn chairs on the sidelines. The timing was perfect. We’d been bantering back and forth about the best obligatory treats to bring for the kids (all boys in this case) and when they should eat – half time or after the game, or both. Team parents are assigned to share the “bring the treats” chore.

Lots of hydration -- water, juice boxes or some sport drink or the other, no question.

A scan of treat choices in picnic baskets wasn’t that varied really – chips and granola bars were the most popular. But in a look to healthier choices some parents brought sliced oranges. Let’s just say my homemade fruit leather was never near the top of the chart of favorites. What boy is going to willingly take a fruit roll over Doritos?

One season, to the envy of all the other teams, one parent set up a shade structure and barbecued ribs. Turns out he owned a catering company. At that point my fruit leather seemed very inadequate.

however, this recipe is easy and fun to make, enjoyed by all ages. it’s one of my “clean out the refrigerator” recipes – you can use most any non-citrus fruit. it smells divine when baking.

Fruit leather2 cups strawberries, bananas, blueberries, or a combination of these

or other non-citrus fruits2 teaspoons lemon juice2-3 tablespoons sugar

Wash and chop the fruit. Puree in a blender until smooth. Add lemon juice and sugar and blend.Spread as thinly as possible on a non-stick baking sheet. (11 x 15 jelly roll pan works best.)Bake at 225° about 25 minutes, or until set. Cool. Peel off the cookie sheet. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap. it’s important to spread the fruit leather mix as thinly and evenly as possible

before baking.

If you have a quick-to-make recipe to share, please send it to [email protected]

Dear Dr. Rita

I’m 48 years old, and am getting hot flashes several times a week. My periods are a little irregular. Is this menopause, and what can I do? -Hot in Desert Hot Springs

Dear “Hot in Desert Hot Springs”, Menopause is the complete absence of periods for a consecutive 12 months. Your hot flashes and change in the pattern of your periods indicate you’re in Perimenopause, which means your ovaries are starting to slow down, and are erratically producing less estrogen. The herb black cohosh helps alleviate the hot flashes for many women. If this doesn’t help, ask your doctor about taking progesterone at bedtime.

All the best on your journey to wellness, Dr. Rita

Rita J. Stec, MD, ABIHMWomen’s Wellness, Internal MedicineBoard Certified Integrative Holistic MedicineAuthor: “A Woman’s Home Health Companion”

43585 Monterey Ave. #3, Palm Desert, CA 92260

760-773-5063 | www.RitaJStecMD.com [email protected]

Ask Dr. Rita!

rancho Mirage Mayor iris Smotrich, who’s only been in office since June, wants to get residents involved in community activities.

Among her top priorities, she says, “is the goal of building a happy and healthy community by encouraging residential participation...”

So, she’s started a bi-monthly electronic newsletter listing opportunities.

Smotrich suggests things residents can do to get involved:

Occasionally attend a City Council meeting. The rancho Mirage Council meets at 1 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month at City hall.

Use the Rancho Mirage Public Library. Find out more about the Library’s many free programs and services at www.ranchomiragelibrary.org.

Watch RMTV - Rancho Mirage Television, it can be found at Channel 17 on your television dial.

Check out www.RanchoMirageCA.gov and www.RelaxRanchoMirage.com for information about the city.

Take advantage of city events and activities such as this summer’s Dine rancho Mirage promotion.

She also reminds residents to “prepare for possible problems associated with earthquakes, fires, floods, chemical spills on our highways and rail system,” noting that “not all of us are properly prepared to care for ourselves, our pets, our property and our neighbors” if a catastrophic event occurred.

The city’s Emergency Preparedness Commission can provide printed materials and speakers to assist residents with an Emergency Preparedness Awareness Program before a disaster occurs.

First, residents can:•BecomeaRanchoMirageEmergencyPreparednessCommissioneror

Volunteer. Meetings are held at 2:30 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday of the month.•Prepareyourselfandyourneighbors...especiallyifyourneighborsare

disabled or have pets.•BecomeCERT(CommunityEmergencyResponseTeam)trainedbytaking

a 24- hour course that is free for rancho Mirage residents through a city-funded reimbursement program.

•Encourageresidentsandneighborstobesuppliedwithextra,non-perishablefoods and medications for themselves and their pets.

•Anchorheavyandlargeitemstowalls.Adheresmallitemstosurfaceswithmuseum putty or a quake-hold product.

•Visitwww.RanchoMiragePreparedness.orgforinformationaboutemergencypreparedness.

Contact Britt Wilson at (760) 324-4511, [email protected], about emer-gency preparedness or CERT training. The mayor welcomes your input on any issue at [email protected].

New mayor wants Rancho Mirage folks to get involved, prepare for disasters


cURRENT

do iT yourselF

Don’t let that gas meter stump you; it’s easy to turn off the gas in an emergency

kids

As summer wraps up, everyone can still have a blast

Bellatrix 75-200 Classic Club Blvd PD CA 92211 760.601.3690

By Jamie Lee Pricer

kids tired of summer camp, conquered all their video games and driving you nuts because they say they are bored?

Typical. it’s the last slog before school starts across the valley – some in August, others in early September.

What to do in those last few weeks? here are some activity ideas that are good for now or later, some just for kids, but others for families or for anyone who wants to get out and about.

Make sure you call ahead as dates and programs can change.Bowling for kids Palm Springs Lanes offers two free games daily at specific times for kids ages 15 and under, but you have to rent shoes. 68-051 ramon road, Cathedral City. (760) 324-8204 register at www.kidsbowlfree.com. Crafts Michaels craft stores schedule creative craft project sessions for kids ages 3 and up every 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturdays. Cost is $2 per child. www.Michaels.com/eventsFactory tours Go to www.factorytoursusa.com for a list of dozens of factory tours in California. here are some: Angel Stadium and Dodger Stadium, Bates nut Farm in Valley Center (great picnic spot), Cuban Cigar Factory in San Diego (well, maybe not for the kids!), Fender Musical instruments in Corona, Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, the world’s biggest open pit borate mine in Boron and Dryden Flight research Center in Edwards. Call before you plan a trip. Listings may not be regularly updated. Fishing Got the gear and the urge but no license? no problem. A license is not necessary on a “no fish license day” in public bodies of water. The next one in California is Sept. 6. www.takemefishing.org/nfbwHow-to workshops Lowe’s and home Depot both offer free workshops for kids. Lowe’s clinics run from 10 to11 a.m. Saturday. kids ages 5 and older must be accompanied by a parent. They’ll build a wooden project to take home with a free apron. register at Lowes.comhome Depot’s workshops are for kids ages 5 to 12 from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. kids will take home their project with a certificate of achievement and a workshop apron. register at homedepot.com/workshops.in both cases, call ahead to make sure the stores in the Coachella Valley are offering workshops on specific Saturdays. Movies Through Aug. 22 you can take kids to the movies for 50 cents at Ultra Star Mary Pickford Cinemas. A different movie is shown each week. Doors open at 9, the movie screens at 9:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. August movies are “Alvin & The Chipmunks-Chipwrecked,” Aug. 4-8; “Despicable Me 2,” Aug. 11-15 and “The LEGO Movie,” Aug. 18-22. 36-850 Pickfair St., Cathedral City. (760) 328-0484, www.Ultrastarmovies.comStorytelling Storytelling with popular children’s books and free activities for kids ages 3-10 is offered from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday through Aug. 30 at Barnes & noble’s Children’s Books section, upper level, Westfield Palm Desert mall, 72-840 highway 111, Palm Desert. (760) 346-2121 (While kids do that on Saturday, you can slip over to the book store’s café at 11 a.m., meet with a nook specialist and get free advice on how to use the e-reader/media player tablet)Zumba You can give the kids a flavor of exercise usually directed at adults in Zumba kids classes from 10 to 10:50 a.m. Sundays through Aug. 31 at World Gym, lower level, Westfield Pam Desert mall. $5 per class. 72-840 highway111, Palm Desert. (760) 346-2121

By Jamie Lee Pricer

Born and raised in California, i’m well versed in the earthquake-safety mantra “duck, cover, hold,” have my combo earthquake-camping gear ready to go and figure my household can survive on its own for some days.

Sounds well-prepared, perhaps, but i have always been a bit uneasy about what do with the gas meter. Like many women, i could easily be alone at home should a major earthquake cause severe damage to the Coachella Valley. What would i do if the gas needs to be turned off?

now i know, thanks to a presentation by rancho Mirage on emergency preparedness in June. One of the speakers, 12-inch wrench-waving public affairs manager Deborah McGarrey, showed how to turn off the gas meter. it’s simple.Here’s a summary: •First,knowexactlywhereyourgasmeterislocated.•Second,donotturnoffgastoyourmeterunlessyousmellgas,hearthe

sound of gas escaping or see other signs of a leak. Once you turn it off, you have to call SoCalGas to turn it back on, to relight pilots and service appliances.

•Asyoufacethemeter,youwillseeapiperunningfromthegroundtothemeter. There is a shut-off valve running parallel with the pipe, about 6 to 8 inches above the ground. The valve is on top of a disc about the size of a quarter. Take a 12-inch or larger adjustable wrench and turn the valve ¼ turn in either direction, until the valve is crosswise to the pipe.Then contact the gas company at (800) 427-2200 or socalgas.com.


cURRENT

Wine and dine arT

START OR EXPAND YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Call (760) 345-9200 or email [email protected]

www.cvwbc.org

The Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center is a program of the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino. The program is partially funded by the Small Business Administration to help aspiring entrepreneurs start and expand their own business. CVWBC offers free and confidential one-on-one counseling and free and low-cost business training. Let us guide you... and free and low-cost business training. Let us guide you...

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Palm Desert gallery show stars paper artColorful, textured art pieces in an unusual medium by two Coachella Valley women are on display this season in “Paper Works” at the Palm Desert Community Gallery.

Both award-winning artists, Elizabeth Chandler and Maggie headrick, have established a specialty in paper art.

Abstract in nature, Desert hot Springs resident Chandler’s artwork is influenced by her interest in literature, the natural surroundings, and science. The prolific artist, 73, has shown her paintings extensively throughout Texas and California in solo and group exhibitions. She works in acrylic on both paper and canvas.

Chandler received a bachelor of fine arts degree from Stanford, and continued her art studies at the University of iowa, the University of Arizona and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. her works hang in corporate offices.

Since moving to the Coachella Valley in 2000, headrick’s art has been heavily influenced by the desert and mountain landscape. Created on handmade, recycled paper to which she applies additional colors, pulp, paint, dye, or imbedded materials and photographs, her work is also almost entirely abstract with occasional hints of representation.

headrick, 80, who lives in La Quinta, is also an alumna of Stanford University where she earned a master of arts degree. She was Artist in residence at The ruskin School, Oxford University, and took classes in art and history in London, new Delhi and Sydney.

headrick taught paper-making at SUnY-Buffalo and art history at Canisius College, also in Buffalo, n.Y.

her works have appeared in numerous exhibitions in Western new York, Pennsylvania, Palm Springs and Oxford.

iF YOU GO What: “Paper Works” exhibit by Elizabeth Chandler, Maggie headrickWhere: Palm Desert Community Gallery inside City hall, 73-510 Fred Waring DriveHours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., through Aug. 22information: (760) 346-0611, Ext. 644, www.palmdesertart.org

“Our Turbulent World” by Maggie Headrick (RIGHT the big ball)

Chef brings new energy to Palm Springs Uptown District

By Pamela Bieri

Tara Lazar, chef and owner of Cheeky’s, Birba, and JiAO restaurants and nearby Alcazar hotel, worked in San Francisco’s financial district for several years before returning to her native Palm Springs home. Three years ago, she and husband, Marco rossetti, bought and renovated the former Pepper Tree hotel creating Alcazar. The hotel is adjacent to Lazar’s popular downtown eateries on north Palm Canyon: Cheeky’s, a casual breakfast and lunch café, and next door, Birba’s, a Modernism garden restaurant. Across the street JiAO offers eclectic Asian tastes. Unifying themes of Lazar’s restaurants are ultra-fresh food, lots of

outdoor seating, and creative, re-purposed locations. What chef or mentor influenced you the most? My mother. She shopped every day for our dinner so it was always fresh;

she made everything from scratch. The only can she used was Progresso chopped tomatoes, and she started chopping onions and garlic even before she knew what she was making for dinner.

What one piece of kitchen equipment would you never give up, other than your knives?

Tongs What do you cook at home? A lot of pasta because we don’t serve it at the restaurants. Also, the only

short cooking training i had was with these old ladies in Bologna, italy, and i like to channel them when i fancy a good home-cooked meal.

What was your biggest boo-boo? Biggest regret was stepping off the cooking line and reprimanding a

customer for being difficult. he was having a meltdown because we had forgotten a garnish on the salad and was unrelenting to one of our servers. The entire restaurant went dead silent and everyone looked up at me like i was the devil. Lesson learned: Don’t fight fire with fire.

What do you see on the horizon in ingredient trends? Less meat eating. i think the veggie-to-meat ratio will change so people are

eating smaller portions of meat. The next health fanaticism will be lecithin-free instead of gluten-free. And new trends will be for fermented foods -- pickles, sauerkraut, yogurts.

Tara LazarPhoto by David Richey


LET’S ORGANIZE NOWNew Client Special _ 20% OFF 1st Day

(760) 899-5444www.letsorganizenow.biz

Member of Professional Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)LICENSED • BONDED • INS URED

Let us do what we do best! Whether here for the season or year-round, let us assist

you with your home & office. We can organize your kitchen,closets/drawers, garage, create, mantain & organize officefiles, create emergency supplies & SO MUCH MORE!

cURRENT

arT

Artist Susanna Schulten embraces the desert’s art and nature sceneBy Jorie Parr

At three years old, Susanna Schulten pulled a book down from her parents’ shelves. it was on the German Expressionist Artist Max Beckmann. She loved it.

And so it was destined that she would grow up to be an artist herself. But first she had to be a movie star. As a teenager in the 1990s, the Berlin-born beauty starred in two films for German TV. She dropped out of the scene to go to art school, even spurning a 5-year soap opera contract. “i’d do it now moneywise.” She laughs.

Schulten, who maintains studios in downtown Los Angeles and Joshua Tree, has become an important participant in the Coachella Valley art scene this past year. She’s been artist of the month (last December) at the ArtBar salon, and she contributed to two group shows at Gallery 446, Palm Springs. Oct. 4 she’ll mount her first solo exhibit, “Looking for Wonder,” at 446.

Peter Frank, the well known art critic, teacher, historian and curator who has organized many theme and survey shows, in his own words, “helped Susanna and the gallery to organize the show.” Commenting on her art, he sees “a playful expression involved as much with the fantastical as with the emotional – very European in style and spirit but it has a universal appeal.”

Frank, also the author of many monographs and catalogs for one person and group exhibitions, will read a little of his poetry at the opening. “i like to play with the sounds of words and the images that result (sometimes by accident).”

Gallerist Dimitri halkidis of 446 says Schulten presents a modern view of expressionism, and “Susanna has a special way of drawing you into her wildest fantasies.”

Earlier this year, in February and March, her work traveled to Thailand, to show in a Bangkok/L.A. Cultural Affairs international Art Exchange exhibit. “it was pretty big.”

Deep in the desertA striking blonde usually seen leading Max, her lab/shepherd mix, Schulten

retains the star quality. She dotes on the dog. “i rescued him.” The animal was sickly when she found him, but then…“he put his paw on my shoulder.”

Each day she takes Max for a walk in the desert. “i like nature…wide open spaces. We see big tortoises. Coyotes.” She settles down afterwards to work on mostly large canvases. Some of the paintings are completely abstract, some mysteriously figurative.

her media include oil, acrylic, oil sticks, house paint, pastels, “anything you can paint with. i mix everything, sometimes on the same painting.” no, she says, “i don’t have the arrogance to preserve anything.”

A constellation of masters inspire her: Beckmann, Vasili kandinsky, Jean Dubuffet, Arshile Gorky, Antoni Tapies, Joseph Beuys, Mimmo Paladino, Sigmar Polke, Francis Bacon, Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Aside from 446, her other favorite valley galleries, all on El Paseo, Palm Desert are Melissa Morgan, rick royale and heather James.

If not art, then filmSince arriving in Los Angeles on a Berlin Film Festival scholarship in the

90s, Schulten has continued to act from time to time. For instance, she has worked with the influential playwright/teacher John Steppling in Padua Playwrights productions, notably “Faust,” at the turn of the century. And she continued her artistic association with Steppling, who lived in Yucca Valley until he relocated to norway in 2009.

Schulten, who holds masters of film, as well as of fine art in painting, from the Cologne Media School for Film and Fine Arts, still would like to write and develop documentaries. “it’s a great medium, if you can get the budget.”

She’s been a student of indie legend Monte hellman and aspires to come up with an entry in the Palm Springs international ShortFest. her filmmaker heroes: ingmar Bergman and Werner herzog. Schulten’s touch may be a dark sense of humor. “it’s my way of coping with the injustices of the world.”

having grown up in a home stacked with books, Schulten has never lost her taste for them. “i don’t want to spend too much time on my computer.” This day she is carrying around a paperback in German by the philosopher hannah Arendt to pull out between appointments. One of her new paintings is named “Metamorphosis,” after another esteemed author, Franz kafka.

iF YOU GOWhat: “Looking for Wonder” solo art exhibit by Susanna SchultenWhere: Gallery 446, 446 indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs When: Opening reception 6–10 p.m. Oct. 4. Show ends nov. 2 information: (760) 459-3142, www.gallery446.com

Artist Susanna Schulten says that since she has no family, she created one with her dog, Max. This installation, named “The Family Portrait,” includes her painting, “Metamor-phosis.” Schulten opens a solo show Oct. 4 at Gallery 446 in Palm Springs. Photo by Gordon Parr


LOOKS

it’s another world up there on the mountaintop at idyllwild. it’s cooler, some say by 30 degrees; perhaps they exaggerate. But not chilly. The townspeople seem to enjoy giving directions and advice to desert valley tourists, as we wander around the pine-shaded village.

First stop is the destination boutique, Prairie Dove, named for a covered-wagon traveling relative. Former international flight attendant Phyllis Currington-Brown carries feminine attire in sizes from, as she puts it, 3 months to 3X. Styles range from fluffy to strict, whatever your preference. Prices are doable.

regular fixtures are the shop dogs, Dawson and little Pixel. “When they’re not here my customers get upset.”

The proprietress recommended the nearby Mountain Paws as a destination pet store. Petless, i checked it out anyway and was glad i did. never saw so many decorated edibles.

Shopping retreatThErE’S MOrE TO iDYLLWiLD ThAn ThE COOL TEMPS

By Jorie Parr

by many Coachella Valley residents, and at the gallery it’s interesting to see examples of his various phases.

next door, Mountain Mike is a leather artisan who doesn’t fool around. he turns out tough guy jackets and chaps and moccasins, and his shop smells really good.

Across the street stands a lovely nursery, *Lily rock native Gardens, featuring drought-resistant plants. We talked to Bronwyn Jones about what would be appropriate for low-desert landscapes. We noticed the grape vines right away. Also there’s the brittle bush…and hooray, the hard-to-find matilija poppies. Something to beckon us back at the fall planting season.

Strolling up the road from the Visitor’s Center you encounter what is billed as a thrift store. But it seems to be more. it’s surrounded by objets trouvés displays, and inside the wares are more vintage than dreck.

kim Smith, the red-headed proprietress, spelled out the establishment name: idyllwild’s StopLight 4 Treasures “n” rusty Junk. her aim is to “help keep things out of our landfill.”

no visit to idyllwild would be complete without a stop at Lady of the Lake Soap Shoppe. Located on the second floor of the big brown “Fort” center town, it shows off a plethora of bars, from cute to artistic. At about $8 each, they make amusing gifts to carry back down the hill. By the way, this soap is long lasting.

now how about something to eat. Usually we drive up to the garlic-loving Café Aroma. There’s a pleasant terrace and often live music at the weekend. But this trip it was time to go to “the other best place,” restaurant Gastrognome. Seated on the shady deck, i ordered the Lily rock salad.* Baby greens, almonds and a disc of baked goat cheese. Extra

Above: Novelties from the Lady of the Lake Soap Shoppe at Idyllwild. Left: The Prairie Dove boutique in Idyllwild. Photos by Jorie Parr.

Apparently, the fanciful cookies are Ok for humans to eat, but most lose interest upon learning they lack sugar.

Along the way find Artspresso Gallery, run by a Palm Desert couple, Celeste Cuomo and Gerry (pronounced Gary) high. his paintings are collected

virgin olive oil and balsamic, were to the side, a classy touch. My friend ordered the Portabella mushroom sandwich, a generous handful finished off with a fork and knife.

next time there’s the new restaurant with localite Frank Ferro’s northern italian cuisine set to open across from Prairie Dove. Or the Swiss Fondue house. Currington-Brown likes their raclette (melted cheese) over potatoes.

*note: idyllwild takes pride in its indigenous yellow lemon lily and names everything after it. residents are also keen on their soaring rock, a butte that serves as a backdrop to the town.

iF YOU GO prairie dove 54-360 n. Circle Drive (951) 659-5518 mountain paws 54-380 n. Circle Drive (951) 468-4086 www.mtpaws.com artspresso gallery 54-380 n. Circle Drive (951) 659-6162 www.ghighart.com mountain mike 54-360 n. Circle Drive (951) 659-7779 www.mountainmikecustomleather.com lily rock native gardens 54-385 n. Circle Drive (952) 659-7064 [email protected] idyllwild’s stoplight 4 Treasures “n” rusty Junk “Sunshine yellow shack” at 51 Mile high Plaza, (951) 852-0568 lady of the lake soap shoppe 54-225 n. Circle Drive (951) 659-0115 restaurant gastrognome 54-381 ridge View Drive (951) 659-5055 www.gastrognome.com


LOOKS

Carol Adney invested in Swarovski crystal-adorned shades by Prada from One Stop Optical, Bermuda Dunes. When a friend responded to the statement

glasses with a laugh, “Just the reaction I was going for,” Adney says. A real estate agent, she has an

MFA in Fine Art. Photo by Gordon Parr

By Jorie Parr

Sunglasses, water bottles, hats or parasols – never leave home without them.

We don’t need a lecture from the ophthalmologist to know that sunglasses are as necessary to protect the eyes as sunblock crème is to protect the skin. if you can do without prescription lenses, then it’s easy, or easier, to build up a wardrobe of goggles to synch with every outfit. From outrageous to owlish, pick your frame(s).

About a quarter-century ago, when designer waters surfaced as a trend, it was all the thing to flaunt them in clever carriers. if memory serves, even such posh firms as Louis Vuitton made classy cages for the bottles. Two thrift-store finds are an all pearl (faux of course) cross-body number and a molded, pretend-leopard case. keep searching for alternatives to just hooking a flask to your darn belt.

An ancient garment if there ever was one, kimonos are all of a sudden chichi. But it’s bloody hot now, and some of us rebel at another layer. But if you could use a swimsuit coverup, or a guard against too-cold air conditioning, like in the movies, consider this classic wrap. Fast-fashion stores like Forever 21 often show kimonos, at least online.

hats attract attention, usually positive. They also ward off the rays that can give you cancer. Go for wide-brimmed beauties that will really do the job. Try to find real straw chapeaux, not those paper-derivative things put out these days.

But i just washed my hair, you say. And we know what hats clamped down on

damp tresses will do. Dents. That’s where parasols come in. Some

rain umbrellas even work Ok. Go ahead and twirl those

babies with the best of them.

Summer equipment for the desert woman

This contem-porary kimono (about $30) was found at Windsor in the Westfield Palm Desert Mall.Photo by Gordon Parr

Let your face take refuge under broad-brim hats such as these found at Prairie Dove boutique in Idyllwild. Photo by Jorie Parr

Vintage holders for the desert-ubiquitous water bottle. A faux leopard case and a faux pearl carrier. Photo by Gordon Parr


Now our electricitycomes from the sunand

John & Vickie Anast Dick Heckmann Rupert & Dori Smith

Call today (760) 568-3413

www.renovasolar.com


Call today (760) 568-3413local | brighter | better

Call today (760) 568-3413

www.renovasolar.com


Call today (760) 568-3413

www.renovasolar.com


RenovaSolar.com760-322-4011140 N. Luring Dr., Suite GPalm Springs, CA 92262

ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING SERVICES FOR SMALL BUSINESSESHelping you plan for a successful future

• Tax Preparation• Bookkeeping/QuickBooks• Small Business Consulting• Small Business Startup• Remote Office• Payroll

Services Include:

BEAN COUNTER BOOKKEEPING

Reasonable Rates Free

Consultation

DOLLARS

When you’re at J.W. Marriott Desert Springs resort in Palm Desert and you inhale the fragrance of chocolate,

caramel and marshmallow that means only one thing --- you are approaching the Sunnyland Chocolate Factory.

At age 21, twins already run successful chocolate business By Pamela Price

Owned and operated by 21-year-old twin sisters, Marina and katarina raicevic, the store opened in September 2011. That is where you’ll find the sisters hand-dipping chocolates daily, there are no short cuts here.

But there is a story behind these chocolates that reveals teamwork, family ties and perseverance. it’s all part of Marina and katarina’s recipe for success.

The girls’ parents arrived in the U.S. in 1991. Their mother was from russia and father from Montenegro, Serbia. The twins established their business with support from their parents every step of the way. That includes sharing recipes at home.

When younger, Marina and katrina were amazed at the marvelous desserts they discovered when traveling in Switzerland, italy and France. Those early impressions paved the road to chocolate for them. Barely out of high school, their fascination for sweets blossomed into a business. The twins are high achievers and when they put their talent and tenacity together failure was not an option

Sensory attack Who could resist the tempting trays

of chocolate neatly displayed and kept at a cool temperature throughout the summer?

Candy fans will find chocolate dipped dates, orange wedges, raspberries and

apricots resting comfortably between chocolate covered marshmallows, chocolate covered s’mores and turtles laced with caramel and pecans draped in dark or milk chocolate.

Every chocolate you see here is made fresh daily by the twins with the help of their mother and younger sister, Sophia.

Their chocolate menu is ideal for children, with chocolate covered Oreos, red licorice, marshmallows and graham crackers all dipped in milk chocolate. The price ranges from $6 to $9 per pound.

For nostalgic candy fans chocolate covered rice crispy treats come three to a box in dark milk or creamy white chocolate, with Oreos or sprinkles added.

Precisely spaced to display their delicious décor are caramel apples, the oversized Granny Smith variety. Sit tight now, here are the choices: Almond Swirl, Peanut, Butterfinger, Cheesecake Apple Pie, Cookies & Cream, hawaiian Delights and Strawberry Shortcake.

The twins are over the top with other choices such as the Firebird, Frankenstein, Easter Bunny, Cinco de Mayo and Frosty the Snowman caramel apples, all are $7.95 or $8.95. “We have a customized baseball caramel apple covered in white chocolate, and a Batman caramel apple coated in crushed graham cracker, the bat logo is drawn in deep dark chocolate.”

Twins Marina and Katarina Raicevic own and operate Sunnyland Chocolate Factory at J.W. Marriott Resort in Palm Desert, where they make all their products including dipped caramel apples. Photo by Dimitri Halkidis


Saturday 10-11 am Saturday 8-8:30 am Sunday 8:30-9 am

Need help TODAY? Call 760-422-0404 or go to

www.calelderlaw.com

Need a speaker for a meeting?

Call 760-422-0404

CALIFORNIA ELDER LAW CENTER - Offices in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Lakewood. • Se Habla Español

FREE WORKSHOPS FOR SENIORS

Tuesday, August 19 or September 9, 2014

10 AM & 2 PM Hampton Inn

74-900 Gerald Ford Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211

Accredited VA Elder Law Attorneys to serve you and your family. Both former presidents of the So. Cal. Chapter of AELA...both veterans... with more than 17 years of experience, Medi-Cal LTC Benefits, VA Benefits, avoiding probate with wills and trusts.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED • CALL 760-422-0404

YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY: AVOID PROBATE

AND LEGAL FEES...ACT NOW!

Sandra DiazMichael McGuire

• The VA will pay $24,650/year for care at home for Veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam, and their SPOUSES!

• Medi-Cal benefit worth $90,588/year will pay for long-term care in a nursing home!

• Legally Avoid Liens and Spend Down! Get the facts…protect yourself and your family!

• FREE Workshop & Forms• FREE Consultation with Elder Law Attorney if

you attend• FREE Long Term Care Grants/Subsidies

DOLLARS

Presentation is everything, the twins say. A caramel apple, whether smothered with pecans or peanuts, is boxed by hand with in a see-through cellophane window. The box is topped with a pretty apricot colored lily, also artistically handmade.

“We make everything from our caramel to our chocolate by hand daily for freshness and delicacy. Based on our experiences, we feel it is important to create interest, excitement, and unique taste with our products.

“We enjoy the catering and have created soft chocolates, caramel apples for birthday parties, weddings and sporting events.”

Special diet? no problem.

Candy fans with limited diets will find choices at Sunnyland.

“if you are in the food business, then it’s important to serve special items. We provide the needs of all clients from gluten-free to sugar-free products. As athletes (tennis players), we understand the needs of health, diet, and the issue of flavor. We are up front about this and can accommodate special requests.”

They contribute to the Barbara Sinatra Foundation in rancho Mirage, among other philanthropic organizations, as a “show of gratitude” for the consistent support and receptive welcome they say they have experienced in the Coachella Valley.

The twins recently delivered their chocolates in a dessert tray to a farewell party for the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.

Planning aheadMarina and katarina are ambitious,

but chocolate making is a slow process requiring practice and patience, not to mention precision. Yet, this is just one of the ingredients in their life. They enjoyed a successful career in prep tennis and now seek a master’s degree in accounting at Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert. They visualize

TWins’ adVice For success

1. Listen to the experts: Their strategy and experience can help you map your own success.

2. Set your goal: include a plan for product development, keep an open mind.

3. Maintain family unity and harmony: it is the most important ingredient for us.

4. Contribute to your community: Participate and support charity events.

5. Continue your professional education: Meet that challenge.

6. Diversify your products: We monitor trends in holidays and party themes.

their lives within 10 years as growing their chocolate business as certified public accountants.

Looking ahead, chocolate clusters, made to order with peanuts, pralines, almonds, cashews or macadamia in dark or milk chocolate are on the horizon, 12 to a box ($12.95) or the 24-piece size ( $23.95).

And then there are the Frozen Dipped Bananas ( $3.95 ) in the works, plus a few more innovative chocolate concepts tempting chocolate fans to the Sunnyland Chocolate Factory.

Of course, some customers walk in and leave with a krispy Paw, marshmallow dipped in handmade caramel rolled in rice krispy bits and coated in dark, milk or white chocolate, ($1.75), take a bite, make a U-turn back to the counter and move on to the Chocolate Covered Twinkies ($3.95). But that’s another story!

Sunnyland Chocolate FactoryJ.W. Marriott Desert Springs74-855 Country Club Drive, Rancho Mirage (760) 862-1589, www.SunnylandChocolateFactory.com

Covered in caramel, swirled in edible designs, Granny Smith apples are a specialty of Sunnyland Chocolate Factory. Photo by Dimitri Halkidis


BODY & MIND

My days of driving about in a convert-ible with the top down are over. Actually they were short lived, but as a Michigan native, i confess that i was not as careful about my early

Southern California sun exposure as i should have been.

Today i not only slather on the sun-screen, i wear a long-sleeve swim shirt and have started adding sun protective clothing to my wardrobe. Sun protective clothing, which blocks out 98 percent of UVA/UVB rays, is an excellent way to increase your sun protection.

Protecting yourself from skin cancer is the main reason to be diligent about ap-plying and reapplying your sunscreen. The statistics are sobering. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in

Slather on sunscreen and protect your skin

their lifetime. While most people know the risks of skin cancer, no one ever thinks it will happen to them.

Monthly skin checks For years, women have been remind-

ed to do a monthly self-breast exam. The same is true for your skin. Everyone should exam their skin on a regular basis and see a dermatologist if any suspicious spots are noticed.

You want to look for the ABCDEs of moles:

A = Asymmetry: is one side different from the other?

B = Border: Does the mole have an irregular border?

C = Color: What color is the mole? D = Diameter: is the mole larger

than a pencil eraser? E = Evolving: have you noticed

changes in a mole over time?

When performing a skin exam, you need to look everywhere including in

between your toes, behind your ears and on your scalp. You can use a mirror to see those hard-to-reach places or a partner could be helpful. in between toes and behind ears and the scalp also are prime spots that people often miss when applying sunscreen. if you’re not wearing a hat, powder sunscreen can protect your scalp.

Selecting sunscreen new FDA labeling requirements make it easier to choose an effective sunscreen. Products have to state how much pro-tection they provide and be scientifically tested to back up those claims.

Broad spectrum is the most import-ant thing to check. When the label proclaims a sunscreen to be broad spectrum that means it’s been tested and proven to protect from both UVA and UVB rays. it used to be labels simply stated an SPF number, but even a high SPF number only indicates a product’s protection from UVB --- the shorter wave-lengths responsible for sunburn.

You need protection from longer UVA wavelengths, too --- the ones that pen-etrate deeper and cause skin cancer, brown spots and wrinkling. For a sun-screen to claim it protects against skin cancer and not just sunburn, the FDA now requires it must offer broad-spec-trum protection.

Water resistance if you’re going to be swimming

or participating in an outdoor sport, definitely choose a water-resistant sunscreen. The more familiar terms “waterproof” or “sweatproof” on labels have been banned because the FDA

has determined them misleading. new regulations require that labels bearing the words “water-resistant” state how long you can expect to get the declared SPF level while swimming or sweating. Based on standardized testing, it’s either up to 40 or 80 minutes.

Chemical sunscreen vs. sunblock

There are even more factors to consider when selecting a sunscreen. Do you choose a chemical sunscreen or a physical sun block? Chemical sun-screens work by absorbing the UV rays. Physical sunscreens such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide reflect the light to keep the harmful rays away. Both chemical and physical sunscreens can be broad spectrum, just be sure to read the label.

Is SPF in makeup enough? There are some excellent formulations

available that include SPF, but you should still to use a dedicated sun-screen. if your makeup has sunscreen in it, just consider it another layer.

remember, proper use of sunscreen and sun protective clothing not only helps prevent skin cancer and sunburn, it can help keep you looking young as it protects against photo aging.

Timothy M. Jochen, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cos-metic dermatology at Contour Dermatology. He has offices in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs. Jochen is also an assistant clinical professor at USC where he has been named teacher of the year several years. He can be reached at (760) 416-6971 or www.contourderm.com.

YOU MAY PrEVEnT Skin CAnCEr AnD LOOk YOUnGEr

MIRA VlyWoman Ad Spa Summer of 79 4.8x6 071414.indd 1 7/14/14 5:05 PM


BODY & MIND

By Jorie Parr

“i’ve always knew i was different. i’ve always had the confidence to know who i am.”

That assurance manifests itself in her self-presentation. You can’t ignore karen Barone. The rancho Mirage artist with the minuscule figure has a big impact. The Cleopatra-type eye makeup, the cascade of fair-haired braids. The teeny silhouette adorned with karen-designed splendor.

“Some people love me. Some people shy away from me,” she tosses off with an it-doesn’t-matter shrug. When she gives speeches, at the Q & A the audience bombards her with questions. Like “i didn’t know i could actually talk to you.” her amiable manner, though, disarms.

if there ever was a close couple, it’s karen and Tony Barone. “neither of us fears anything. We’ll always be in the public eye.” As artists they’re best known for their colorful steel sculptures, usually of animals. Particularly r. hero, the Dalmatian that stands for fire fighters and has versions of himself all over the U.S. (With the sponsorship of Bunni and rick Benaron also of rancho Mirage.) They see r. hero as a Smokey the Bear of the new generation.

The Barones have a children’s book featuring r. hero coming out soon titled “Our hero – A Dog Tail Tale.” They already have a saucy adult picture book out called “Love Monsters Aren’t Scary…They’re Just Misunderstood.”

Asked about the inspiration for her maquillage, karen says yes, she’s very interested in early Egyptian styles. And mentions that she and Tony have traveled worldwide – even to new

Guinea – pursuing their intrigue with masks. Furthermore, they do know about makeup, having once headed Barone Cosmetics, a company considered the MAC of its day.

The Barones import a hairdresser to periodically rebraid karen’s tresses.

For her clothes, karen, has always been tiny, and has always had a seamstress. Almost since they came to the desert in 2005, she’s had the same dressmaker, whose identity is secret. She comes to the house three or four times a week to collaborate with karen, who designs the outfits. Tony puts in “it’s my job to keep the seamstress happy with pastries.”

This day karen sports a minifrock of shiny green pleather. She loves color. her most memorable creations are rarely worn twice and never in the same com-pany. karen says “i try to keep a diary of where i’ve worn them.” The apparel takes up very little room.

As for her painting garb. it’s “noth-ing.” Sometimes…jeans.

karen was glad to get away from the Midwest. (She still has a Chicago accent.) Adding winter layers was not becoming to her slight silhouette. “You look like a polar bear.” She loves sum-mer. here. “i have no fat on my bones.

“Yes i eat. A lot.” A vegan, she starts the day with a banana and peanut butter. Salad for lunch. And dinner she sees as “a reward for the day.” She has one glass of cabaret. The Barones dine several nights weekly at il Corso in Palm Desert. They pamper her with carrot roses on her pasta.

karen has a novel idea. it came to her in Paris, passing by a patisserie. Gazing at the beautiful confections was enough. “You can eat with your eyes.”

Self-confidence: Artist Karen Barone on how to be yourself

• One-On-One Fitness Training • TRX Suspension Training• Customized Nutrition Plans• Meditation Instruction• 5 Tibetan Rites

Call for FREE Fitness Consultation at our Rancho Mirage Studio

ATMAN 6 Week Body and Mind Transformation

760-392-1879www.JoshHedgecock.com

“You can change your life and...find your purpose and the power within You...”

PATRICIA CRAINE M.A, LM.F.T

Certified Relationship SpecialistThank you for my “Loving All Animals” Babies!

Author of “WENDYS CLUB...For Women Addicted to “Peter Pans” and How to Break the Addiction”

• POSITIVE PROBLEM SOLVING• RELATIONSHIP ISSUES• LIFE TRANSITIONS• STRESS - ANXIETY - DEPRESSION• PERSONAL GROWTH

Ph: 760-323-8016 EXT 5# Fax: 760-322-7652

patriciacraine.com2150 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way #3, Palm Springs 92264

THe Ten commandmenTs according To karen Barone

1. never follow. Always lead.

2. Be who you know you are and that is how others will see you.

3. Don’t live your life in pursuit of what others expect of you.

4. Care about what others think, but never care about what others say.

5. have the confidence it takes to hold your head high without concern for those who don’t know how to react to you.

6. Live your life selfishly free of satisfying others’ expectations and you will forever be an inspiration to those who know you.

7. Live your life with a purpose – and then forge your way through life to achieve it.

8. Live a life filled with love and laughter. As far as we know we only live once.

9. Always make every day worthy of it being given to you.

10. Always keep the tenth commandment open until you know for absolute sure what it should be.

Karen Barone with work-in-progress painting “Last One Out Of LA Turn Off The Lights” by Karen & Tony Barone. Photo by Peter Palladino


BODY & MIND

72-270 Hwy 111Palm Desert, CA 92260760-636-4177

The Buddy Plan2 for1

w/12 mo. contract

Zumba! • Yoga! • Strength & Stretch! • Body Pump’n!

BootyBarre! • Circuit! • Silver Sneakers

Classes |Cardio |Personal Training

LadiesWorkout

[email protected]

Dancing is one of the most satisfying forms of expression — a marriage of movement and music, both scripted and improvised. Young children introduced to music and rhythm is often compelled to move, simply because they are responding to how the music and beat make them feel.

There is an exhilaration and freedom that comes with dancing, and one of the greatest examples of this freedom grew out of jazz and jazz-inspired music during the 1920s and 30s.

One of the most famous dances of the swing era was an energetic, Afri-can-American inspired dance called the Lindy hop. Originating in harlem, the Lindy was a fusion of dances like the breakaway, the Charleston, the Texas Tommy and the hop. But the dance moves were as varied as the neigh-borhoods in which the dancers lived, influencing Lindy enthusiasts to create new moves like side flips, aerials and over the back throws. The sky was the limit as far as Lindy dancers were con-cerned, and their gymnastic-like moves rocked clubs and dance houses across the country.

Swing dance jargon and the names of dances vary, depending on location. Some of the more common names are: East Coast Swing; Shag (the Carolinas); Whip or Push (Texas); DC hand Dance (Washington, D.C.); and West Coast Swing, the official dance of California.swing dancing today

Swing dancing is alive and well throughout the United States and coun-tries around the world.

if you’re new to the dance world, consider taking dance lessons. Many

dance clubs provide weekly opportu-nities to dance for both members and guests with fees ranging from $5 to $10. Lessons, group and individual, are also available.

if you’re a veteran dancer, invite your friends to join you for swing dance outings and plan weekly or bi-weekly dance nights.

local dance newsLocal dance opportunities abound

in the Coachella Valley, including the Desert Swing Dance Club and Palm Springs Dancers. Each group has a Web site with information about weekly and holiday-themed dances. kkCali-fornia.com lists local dancing organi-zations and upcoming events. Some organizations offer complimentary group lessons prior to the evening’s dance time, and there are listings for private dance lessons as well.

Ann McGowan, president of the Desert Swing Dance Club, which focus-es on West Coast Swing, first started dancing as an outlet from her duties as a caregiver for her father who had Alzheimer’s.

“Dancing is a great way to meet people and to stay connected,” says McGowan. “You really listen to the music and get involved with it. You have to pay attention to your dance partner and to the dance signals. West Coast Swing is challenging, both physically and intellectually, stimulating your mind and body.”

McGowan says dancing is great ex-ercise and a healthy way to stay active.

“it’s just been a Godsend to me,” she says. “not only have i met extraordinarily

Get in the swing!DOn’T FOrGET ThAT DAnCinG iS GrEAT EXErCiSE.

By Deborah Liv Johnson, Courtesy of Eisenhower Medical Center

good friends but it has really helped my physicality. it’s great physical therapy for balance and aging issues.”dance at home

if you aren’t able to attend a dance club, practice your moves in the comfort of your home. if you tossed out your favorite swing music records, or if you never owned any in the first place, the

internet has a wealth of music from which to choose.

Clear an adequate space in your living room or other area — wooden floors are best — and move, move, move! Stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and stretch your muscles when you’re finished. Most of all, remember to enjoy yourself!

5 reasons To geT ouT on THe dance Floor

1. Dancing improves your balance and strengthens your muscles.

2. Dancing is good for your heart and lungs, and can be a great low-impact cardiovascular workout

3. Dancing is exercise for your brain and can improve cognitive ability.

4. Dancing is a social activity and staying engaged with others adds to your sense of wellbeing.

5. Dancing is a fun way to say in shape and keep your body healthy.

From “Interview for Health and Living”


BODY & MIND cALENDARongoingAquatic exercise: Palm Springs Swim Center, 405 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs. 9-10 a.m. Mon., Wed., Fri. through September. $3 per class. (760) 323-8278, www.palmsprings-ca.govGuided nature walks: Top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, week-ends through Labor Day. Free, 40-min-utes, by Mount San Jacinto State Park volunteers. Times posted at Mountain Station natural history Museum.Lunch and Lose: Short and long-term weight management. noon-1 p.m. Mondays. Annenberg Center for health Sciences at Eisenhower, 39-000 Bob hope Drive, rancho Mirage. Bring lunch or reserve $6 lunch. (760) 568-1234Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes Education: 3-4 p.m. every Monday, Probst Build-ing, Eisenhower Medical Center, 39-000 Bob hope Drive, rancho Mirage. Eisenhower George and Julia Argyros health Center, 45-280 Seeley Drive, La Quinta. Pre-register at (760) 773-1403, emc.org/calendarSwim: Fritz Burns Pool, Avenida Bermudas and Avenue 52, La Quinta. recreational swim noon-4 p.m. Mon.-Thu., Sat; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mon.-Thu. Lap swim for ages 16 and older, 7:30-9:30 a.m., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mon.-Thu.

$2, 15 and younger; $3, 16 and older. (760) 771-4347, www.la-quinta.orgSwim: Pam Desert Aquatic Center, 73-751 Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert. recreational swim 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Aug. 31. Lap swim, long and short course, 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. $2.50-$4 Palm Desert resident, $3.75-$6 nonresident. (760) 565-7467, www.desertymca.orgSwim: Palm Springs Swim Center, 405 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs. recre-ational swim 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., Sun. Adult lap swim 5:30-8:30 a.m., 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., Sun. $4 residents, $5 nonresidents, $3 kids ages 3-12. (760) 323-8278, www.palmsprings-ca.govSwim: Pawley Pool, 46-350 Jackson St., indio. recreational swim noon-3:30 p.m., 7-8:45 p.m. Mon.-Thu.; noon-3:45 p.m., 6-8:45 p.m. Fri.; noon-3:30 p.m., 4:30-8:30 p.m. Sat. $ 4 adults, $3 kids. (760) 342-5665, www.myrecreationdistric.comWater Aerobics: Fritz Burns Pool, Aveni-da Bermudas and Avenue 52, La Quinta. 8-8:45 a.m. Tues., Thu.; 6:30-7:15 p.m. Mon., Wed. Through Aug. 28. $6 per class. (760) 771-4347, www.la-quinta.org

augustHike: Ernie Maxwell Trail, idyllwild. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. interpretive hike lead by George raymond. From humber Park hike trail. hike rating easy to moderate, approximately 4-5 miles round trip. Elevation gain 500 feet. Must be 14 years old or older. Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Limited to 20 participants. rSVP: (760) 862-9984, www.desertmountains.org15 CPR, First Aid: With basic life support instruction. 10 a.m., College of the Desert, Public Safety Academy, room 15, 43-500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert. $95. (760) 775-742019 The Fact or Fiction? Popular Diet Myths: registered Dietitian Barbra Sas-sower dispels popular diet myths, mis-conceptions, provides tips to help you achieve your goals. Speakers include registered dietitian Barbra Sassower. 11 a.m.-noon, Annenberg Center for health Sciences, 39-000 Bob hope Drive, rancho Mirage. reservations re-quired by Aug. 19 at (760) 610-7205, [email protected] 23 Hike: Devils Slide Trail, idyllwild. interpretive hike lead by George raymond follows early ranching trail. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. From humber Park to Saddle Junction. hike rating moderate

to strenuous, about 6 miles round trip. Elevation gain 1,700 feet. Must be 14 years old or older. Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Limited to 20 participants. rSVP: (760) 862-9984, www.desertmountains.orgseptember6 Hike: Pacific Crest Trail, south side of highway 74. Great views of the Santa rosa reservation and Anza Borrego State Park. interpretive hike led by Bill Baker. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. From trail-head, hike trail towards Table Mountain area. hike rating is easy to moderate, approximately 5-6 miles round trip. Elevation gain 500 feet. Must be 14 years old or older. Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Limited to 20 participants. rSVP: (760) 862-9984. www.desertmountains.org20 Hike: South ridge Trail, idyllwild. Great vistas of Coachella-Garner-hemet Valleys. interpretive hike led by Bill Baker. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in idyllwild, take Saunders Meadow road and follow signs to trail-head. hike rating moderate to strenuous, approximately 8 miles round trip. Eleva-tion gain 2000 feet. Must be 14 years old or older. Minors must be accompa-nied by parent or guardian. Limited to 20 participants. rSVP: ( 760) 862-9984, www.desertmountains.org


EScAPE

Three writers, three different ways to experience a day in Los AngeleshiSTOriC DOWnTOWn By Lydia Kremer

Downtown Los Angeles has been having quite a renaissance of cultural/architectural preservation combined with dynamic redevelopment. This new energy makes it a fun day trip or weekend getaway from the Coachella Valley.

union station Start your adventure at the historic

75-year-old Union Station, widely regarded as one of the last of the great train stations in the U.S., and the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western U.S.

As you enter Union Station you’ll be swept up in its grand expanse and architecture -- a unique blend of

Spanish Colonial, Mission revival and Art Deco styles by the renowned father-son architect team of John and Donald Parkinson. Union Station was added to the national register of historic Places in november 1980.

Tours are available with docents.

olvera street

Across the street from Union Station, you’ll find the oldest section of Los Angeles and the site where the city was founded in 1781. its name then was nuestra Señora reina de Los Angeles, Spanish for Our Lady Queen of the Angels.

Stroll through the beautiful outdoor plaza, museums, historic buildings and Olvera Street, a traditional Mexican marketplace for shopping and dining with vendor stalls that offer a variety of items such as leather goods, imported crafts, and traditional Mexican wares.

angels Flight railway

While it lasts only a few minutes – it’s the shortest railway in the world at 298 feet – a trip on Angels Flight is memorable and you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity. it operates daily from 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m. and connects the Metro red Line Pershing Square station to Grand Avenue.

Historic architecture

Los Angeles is rich with landmarks that tell the history of the city’s storied past. From historic hotels to grand architectural works, there are numerous notable sights to see within walking distance from Union Station. if you plan to spend

more than a day on your downtown LA sojourn, an overnight stay at the famed Millennium Biltmore hotel is an ideal location. The Biltmore, which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary, has hosted countless luminaries such as President John F. kennedy, Cecil B. DeMille, Clark Gable and Bette Davis. it’s worth a visit, at least, to see historic photos along its hallways as well as its magnificent lobby that you may recognize from scores of films shot there.

Other notable historic architectural highlights to see are the 121-year-old Bradbury Building (tours of the building should be pre-arranged) and the Central Library, which has frequent art exhibitions free to the public.

Food for thought

Despite culinary trends that come and go, the town has several faves that have survived for decades, including Philippe the Original, the home of the self-proclaimed inventor of the French dip. Philippe (pronounced “phillee-pay”) is within a few blocks of Union Station, Olvera Street and Chinatown. it has been serving loyal patrons in Downtown since 1908 and sells about 3,000 beef, pork, lamb and turkey dip sandwiches a day.

Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St.; Olvera Street, 125 Paso de La Plaza, (213) 628-1274, olvera-street.com; Angel’s Flight, 351 S. Hill St., (213) 626-1901, angelsflight.com; Bradbury Building, 304 S. Broadway, (213) 626-1893; Philippe the Original, 1001 N. Alameda St., (213) 628-3781, www.philippe.com

Griffith Observatory. Photo courtesy of L.A. Tourism

Union Station, with Traxx restaurant at left. Photo courtesy of L.A. Tourism

Olvera Street. Photo courtesy of L.A. Tourism

Andrew Carnegie Library, Venice. Photo by Gordon Parr


Agua Serena Spa launches WELLNESS and REDEFINED Membership options, starting at $125 a month! Monthly Inclusions ( just to name a few): - 50 minute service - 4 day passes for spa and fitness facility and movement classes - 4 day passes to Oasis Pool - Complimentary consultation from The Medical and Skin Spa - 20% o� spa & salon service, spa boutique, Lantana Restaurant and much more REDEFINE your WELLNESSAll the inclusions of the Wellness plan along with customized options for your monthly membership ( just to name a few): - Barbering Services - Pedi or Mani - Waxing Services - The Medical and Skin Spa services - Personal Training Series For complete Membership inclusions and to sign up now call Agua Serena Spa at 760.674.4100, mention this ad and receive complimentary travel size products.

*Additional fees, terms and conditions do apply.

44-600 Indian Wells LaneIndian Wells, California, 92210, USA

p. +1.740.341.1000Facebook.com/HyattRegencyIndianWellsResort

EScAPE

DOn’T WASTE ThE DriVE By Jamie Lee Pricer

You can cram a lot in a day in Los Angeles, particularly if you get off to an early start.

This favorite itinerary with a lot of variety has been followed several times. having a second driver helps a lot – to L.A. and return to Palm Springs can turn into an 18-hour day.

movies, movies, moviesEveryone goes to the mad house at

Universal Studios, so skip that. instead start with the 2-hour Paramount Pictures Studio Tour. (The 4 ½-hour tour is too long for today.) Paramount is the longest operating and only remaining major studio in hollywood and even has a self-contained hospital, fire department, hair salon, dry cleaner and bank.

You ride in a shaded tour cart with a guide and get off several times to take a look at soundstages and the back lot spread over 65 acres. Close of the tour takes you through the Studio Store where you can buy the typical sort of kitsch and copies of your favorite Paramount movies.

Tours are every half hour between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. seven days a week. kids must be 10 years or older; no tots on this tour. reservations are required at www.paramountstudiotour.com

munchBy now it’s lunch time. head over

to the Farmer’s Market, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. here, with more than 100 restaurants, bakeries and groceries, everyone in your group can choose a different menu. Often called “a giant food court” with “great people watching,” choices run a full gamut from korean and italian

to barbecue and crepes to seafood and Spanish and Chinese to Cajun (Advice: A serving of anything at the Gumbo Pot will easily serve 2).

it’s been popular with the hollywood set since it opened in 1934, when it started as a true farmers market with a cluster of farmers selling produce from the back of their trucks. it’s open 7 days a week, with varying daily hours that are broad enough to grab a beignet for breakfast, a pizza for lunch and a fresh seafood platter for dinner.

star gazing it’s a short drive through

Griffith Park to its namesake observatory, which has probably the best planetarium in the world replete with all the latest digital doo-dads. Four

shows rotate daily. renovated and expanded to the

tune of $93 million between 2002 and 2006, the facility now features exhibit galleries covering too many aspects of astronomy, the universe and scientific matters to describe here; just know it’s fabulous. There’s so much to see and do, you could easily make the observatory a one-stop jaunt into L.A., so keep an eye on your watch.

Hollywood BowlYou simply can’t say you’re a true

Southern Californian if you haven’t been to the hollywood Bowl. The performance season runs through mid-September. A 1920s amphitheater, it has hosted major musical stars since and is rated as one of the top outdoor venues in the world. it’s the summer home of the L.A. Philharmonic.

An evening at the Bowl is soooo Southern California. Dress is casual. You can bring a picnic or buy dinner at a gourmet restaurant or snacks, sandwiches and wine at concession stands. Seating is in boxes, theater-style seats with cup holders or the famous benches, where the majority of the audience sits.

Great fun is the shows that end in a blast of fireworks (Aug. 15, 16 and Sept. 4 and 12-14).

P.S. Once you get out of the parking lot – that’s a beast -- it’s a quick drive from the Bowl to the 101 to interstate 10 and home to the Coachella Valley.

Paramount Pictures Studio: 5555 Melrose Ave., (323) 956-8398, www.paramount.com; Farmer’s Market: 3rd Street and Fairfax Ave-nue, (866) 933-9211, farmersmarketla.com; Griffith Observatory: 2800 E. Observation Road, (213) 473-0800, www.griffithobservato-ry.org; Hollywood Bowl: 2301 Highland Ave., (323) 850-2000, www.hollywoodbowl.com

DrEAM DAY in L.A. By Jodie Parr

The rose Café in Venice, is a destination coffee stop, and the perfect way to start the dream day in L.A. Oh, you can luxuriate in the outdoor (enclosed) patio with one of their inventive brunches. But just give me one of their savory scones with my decaf and i’m happy.

After breakfast, stroll down nearby Main Street as beautiful young people run or bike by. Snoop along shop windows and don’t miss the historic Andrew Carnegie Library, still a working concern. Also a lure: Abbott kinney Boulevard, with its cool boutiques and galleries, is just a few blocks south.

What do we go to L.A. for, but a strong dose of culture? And Los Angeles County Museum of Art boasts one of its best exhibits in several years, Van Gogh to kandinsky. As of Aug. 3, the modernist Marsden hartley: The German Paintings 1913-1915 show doubles the reason for visiting.

Dinner time projects you deep into noirish hollywood. A visit to the circa 1919 Musso & Frank Grill flashes back to another era. Alan k. rode, writer/film historian, says it’s “the last bastion of Old hollywood that remains virtually

Rose Cafe, Venice. Photo by Gordon ParrHollywood Bowl. Photo courtesy of L.A. Tourism unchanged after nearly a century. The

martinis remain as dry as the heart of a femme fatale.”

Too right. it’s on to the nearby Catalina Jazz Club to finish off the evening.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, (323) 857-6000; www.lacma.org; Musso & Frank Grill, 6667 Hollywood Blvd., (323) 467-7788; mussoandfrank.com; Rose Café & Market, 220 Rose Ave., Venice. (310) 399-0711, www.rosecafe.com


■ Affordable Styles For Every Budget!■ Includes Lifetime Written Warranty!■ Senior Discount And Financing!

ONE-DAY No Mess Installation!

Custom Measured,Manufactured &

InstalledTo Fit Your Existing Tub

& Shower Space!

OLD Bathroom TODAY,NEW Bathroom TOMORROW!

Call Now For FREE Details!800-492-8614

cALENDARBUSINESS….august12 Business breakfast: Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, 7 a.m., Desert Willow Golf resort, 38-995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert. $20-$30. (760) 346-6111, pdcc.org

14 Profit Connection Networking Lunch: noon, Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, 72-559 highway 111, Palm Desert. $15-$25. (760) 346-6111, pdcc.org

25 Walk-in Bankruptcy Help: By riverside Legal Aid, for people representing themselves in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Cathedral City Library, 33-520 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City. Free. (851) 682-7968, www.riversidelegalaid.org

26 Mixer: Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine, 5 p.m., 82-915 Avenue 48, Coachella. (760) 398-8089, coachellachamber.org

26 Mixer: Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce After hours, 5 p.m., Azul Tapas inspired Lounge & Patio, 369 n. Palm Can-yon Drive, Palm Springs. Free members, $15 guests. (760) 325-1577, pschamber.org

september3 SBDC Fireside Chat: By Small Business Development Center, 7:30 a.m., University of California, riverside, Palm Des-ert Graduate Center, 75-080 Frank Sinatra Drive. (760) 340-1575

october2 Business Expo: By Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce, Fantasy Springs resort Casino, 84-245 indio Springs Parkway, indio. $5. (760) 346-6111, pdacc.org

….BEFORE PLAyongoingPalm Springs Certified Farmers Market: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday. Pavilion Building (through Sept. 20, then it re-turns on Saturdays to Camelot Theatre Parking Lot, 2300 E. Baristo road), 401 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs. (760) 898-5250

COD Street Fair: 7 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Sunday. College of the Desert, 43-500 Mon-terey Ave., Palm Desert. (760) 340-1045, www.codstreetfair.net

Indio Open Air Market: 4-10 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday. riverside County Fairgrounds, 46-350 Arabia St., indio. (800) 222-7457

Palm Springs VillageFest: 7-10 p.m. Thursday. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, between Baristo and Amado roads. www.palmspringsvilagefest.com

august2, 3 “It’s Too Darn Hot:” Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus summer cabaret. 8 pm. Aug. 2, 3 p.m Aug. 3, Temple isaiah, 332 W. Alejo road, Palm Springs. (760) 219-2077, psgmc.com

6 Art Walk: Galleries, working studios, refreshments, live music. 6-9 p.m., Backstreet Art District, 2688 Cherokee Way, Palm Springs. www.backstreetartdistrict.com

16, 17 Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines: Two dozen bands featuring jazz, blues, r&B, gospel on 3 stages. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., idyllwild Arts campus, 52-500 Temecu-la Drive, idyllwild. $65, free parking with shuttles. (951) 500-4090, www.idyllwildjazz.com

16,30 Night Adventure in the Monument: Family event, bat survey starts at sunset, followed by scorpion hunt. Meet at Art Smith Trailhead Parking Lot on highway 74 just past entrance to Santa rosa & San Ja-cinto Mountains national Monument Visitor’s Center in south Palm Desert. rSVP: (760) 862-9984. More info: (760) 568-9918, www.desertmountains.org

23-24 5th annual Sausage & Beer Festival: Local beers, housemade sausag-es, family games and activities, traditional festival music. noon-7 p.m., highland Springs resort, 10-600 highland Springs Ave, Cherry Valley. (951)845-1151, www.hsresort.com

27 Red Hot Rhythm Rustlers: Family-oriented cowboy music. 7-8 p.m., rancho Mirage Public Library, 71-100 highway 111, rancho Mirage. Free. (760) 341-7323, www.ranchomiragelibrary.org

29 Gipsy Kings: 9 p.m., Agua Caliente Casino, resort, Spa, 32-250 Bob hope Drive, rancho Mirage. $65-$95. (760) 321-2000, www.hotwatercasino.com

30-31 Labor Day Weekend Family Fun: Speakers, crafts. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., idyllwild nature Center, 25-225 highway 243, idyllwild. (951) 659-3850, rivcoparks.org

september3 “Gate of Hell:” Japanese with English subtitles, in Best of Foreign Film Series. 2-4 p.m., rancho Mirage Public Library, 71-100 highway 111, rancho Mirage. Free. (760) 341-7323, www.ranchomiragelibrary.org

13,14 Palm Springs Cultural Art, Food & Wine Festival: Ethnically diverse artists, international food, boutique wineries, seminars, workshops, art demon-strations, music. renaissance Esmeralda Palm Springs, 888 E. Tahquitz Canyon Drive. $10, 2-day pass. (760) 413-2613, www.palmspringsculturalAFWF.com

13, 27 Night Adventure in the Monument: Family event, bat survey starts at sunset, followed by scorpion hunt. Meet at Art Smith Trailhead Parking Lot on highway 74 just past entrance to Santa rosa & San Ja-cinto Mountains national Monument Visitor’s Center in south Palm Desert. rSVP: (760) 862-9984. More info: (760) 568-9918, www.desertmountains.org

24 Palm Desert Certified Farmers Market: Opens for season until June 2015, fresh produce, cheese, bread, honey, nuts, eggs, olives, olive oil, flowers, chef demon-strations, live music. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce parking lot, 72-599 highway 111, Palm Desert. (760) 322-3521.

26 End of Summer Golf Tournament: By Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce, includes breakfast, range balls, tee prizes, beverages and snacks at selected holes,

lunch, raffle, awards. 7 a.m., Cimarron Golf course, 67-603 30th Ave., Cathedral City. (760) 770-6060, cathedralcitycc.com

28 La Quinta Certified Farmers Market: Opens for season until May 2015, fresh produce, cheese, bread, honey, nuts, eggs, olives, olive oil, flowers, chef demonstrations, live music. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Old Town La Quinta, 78-100 Main St., La Quinta. (760) 322-3521.

A show for theater patrons of all ages kicks off the 2014-15 McCallum Theatre season with a single performance of Aga-Boom at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 19. The 3rd Anniversary Family Fun Day starts at noon with a variety of food and family-friendly games and activities in front of the theater. Aga-Boom promises theatrical clowning, slapstick and physical comedy humor. You can buy single performance tickets on Sept. 16. $7-$20. mccallumtheatre.com

Is Earwax Blocking Your

Hearing?

Is Your Middle Ear the

Problem?

Are Sinus Problems

Affecting Your Hearing?

Trouble Understanding Voices?It may be hearing loss...

or it may be as simple as earwax buildup. We can find out!

FREE HEARING EXAMS*! CALL NOW!And BUY ONE GET ONE FREE BATTERIES during August & September!

Because of the comprehensive nature of the hearing evaluation, please call ahead for your special appointment.

Offer Expires 09/30/14Cannot be combined with other offers or previous purchases.

100% FULL DIGITAL Start 5

Entry-Level Digital Hearing Aid

WAS $2240NOW $1495

Up to 40dB loss.

Free Video Otoscopic Ear Canal InspectionIf you have trouble understanding speech we welcome you to have this Video Ear Inspection. We’ll look inside your ear with our tiny camera, giving you a complete inspection of your ear canal and eardrum to see if there’s a wax blockage problem or a condition which may require medical attention.

42-382 Bob Hope DriveRancho Mirage, CA

(760) 469-4940

78-206 Varner RoadPalm Desert, CA

(760) 469-4420

Advanced Hearing Systems

Se Habla Españolwww.advancedhearingranchomirage.com www.advancedhearingpalmdesert.com


BATTERIESBUY ONE GET ONE FREE!

During August & SeptemberLimit two 4-packs per person.

Let Us Take a Look!

We are committed to providing the highest possible quality of care for your vital sense of hearing. During Your Personalized Appointment You Will Receive:

• A complete visual and diagnostic hearing exam*. • A complete lifestyle assessment to understand your daily hearing environments. • A comprehensive counseling and aural rehabilitation program to maximize the benefit of your hearing aids. • Comprehensive warranty plans include: Unlimited cleanings and adjustments, loss protection up to

3 years, corrosion and moisture protection, remote fitting adjustments, free software updates for the life of your hearing aids.• Unlimited office visits and hearing aid evaluations while under warranty.

*To determine if amplification will help.


Hearing?


Problem?

Are Sinus Problems









WAS $2240NOW $1495

Up to 40dB loss.



(760) 469-4940


(760) 469-4420






Let Us Take a Look!






Hearing?


Problem?

Are Sinus Problems









WAS $2240NOW $1495

Up to 40dB loss.



(760) 469-4940


(760) 469-4420






Let Us Take a Look!






Hearing?


Problem?

Are Sinus Problems









WAS $2240NOW $1495

Up to 40dB loss.



(760) 469-4940


(760) 469-4420






Let Us Take a Look!





Coachella Valley’s First and Only Full Service Fertility CenterOur state-of-the-art fertility center continues to advance the treatment of infertility and provide compassionate care by fellowship trained and board certifi ed Reproductive Endocrinologists. We’ve treated thousands of couples achieving exceptional results. It is our goal to provide our patients with advanced infertility treatment options in a cost-effective manner. Our physicians and staff are committed to helping individuals fulfi ll the dream of parenthood.

• Egg Donation/Donor Insemination• Vasectomy Reversal/Tubal Reversal• Endometriosis & Fibroid Surgery• Surrogacy• Egg Freezing• Testicular Aspiration• Robotic Surgery• (IVF) In-Vitro Fertilization• (IUI) Intrauterine Insemination• In-house Semen Analysis

2013 Pregnancy Rates near the Best in the NationSuperior Delivery Rates

OUR MISSIONis to exceed our patients’ expectations with each step towards their dreams of parenthood,by providing advanced, comprehensive, and quality reproductive treatment in a nurturing and effi cient environment.

Maher AbdallahM.D., F.A.C.O.G

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Medical Director / Double Board Certifi ed

Miracles Made Daily

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call:

760.346.4334

AMERICAN REPRODUCTIVE CENTERS

1199 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

79-180 Corporate Center Drive Suite 102, La Quinta, CA 92253

AmReproductiveCtr_VWAug2014.indd 1 7/23/14 12:39 PM

valley woman august/september 2014

Documents

current issue of valley

issue thats

business section

dream of business success

writers jorie parr

writers angel

lydia kremer

free tickets