Boy Scouts on defensive over endangered plant

Posted: May 23rd, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: iSun, The Sidebar
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Biologist Andrea Edwards inspects a Dudley's lousewort along a trail at the Boy Scouts' Camp Pico Blanco south of Carmel, Calif. The Boy Scouts have cut down old-growth trees at the camp and trampled specimens of the rare plant. Erik Verduzco, Center for Investigative Reporting

Biologist Andrea Edwards inspects a Dudley's lousewort along a trail at the Boy Scouts' Camp Pico Blanco south of Carmel, Calif. The Boy Scouts have cut down old-growth trees at the camp and trampled specimens of the rare plant. Erik Verduzco, Center for Investigative Reporting

The Boy Scouts intolerance toward gays may be the most high-profile controversy involving the organization, but it isn’t the only one.

In California, “the organization also has compiled a poor record on environmental protection,” according to an investigation by the Center for Investigative Reporting.

The latest brouhaha in the Golden State centers around Dudley’s lousewort, an endangered flowering plant that grows in Camp Pico Blanco, a Boy Scout camp south of Monterey, Calif.

Kim Kuska, who has been expelled from the Boy Scouts, has a passion for the plant. Now the former biology teacher finds himself banned from the camp because of his efforts to save the plant.

“Kuska says he was kicked out for being a whistle-blower and exposing the Scouts’ environmental transgressions,” according to CIR.

That’s not all. The Boy Scouts also have been accused of clear-cutting forestland across the country, operating a dam that killed steelhead trout and cutting down trees in an old-growth forest without a permit, CIR found in its investigation.

For it’s part, the Boy Scouts acknowledge that “there have been some well-documented concerns,” according to CIR. They told CIR they are creating an environmental management plan for the camp.

Mamie Van Doren gives shout-out to Palm Springs gays, reprises memoir

Posted: May 9th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: LGBT Blog | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Actress and author Mamie Van Doren greets her star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. Submitted photo

Mamie Van Doren, who first made hearts race as a sex symbol in the 1950s, was given the ultimate stamp of approval for her latest project.

On the cover of her recently revised book, “Playing the Field: Sex, Stardom, Love, and Life in Hollywood,” is a compliment from legendary Playboy publisher and barometer for bombshell status Hugh Hefner.

“The cover of your autobiography is gorgeous,” Hef writes about the image of Van Doren wearing a clingy gold gown on a crimson background.

Van Doren added photos and other content for the recent incarnation, after a publisher who considered the original manuscript too risqué white-washed it. While there are plenty of anecdotes to qualify the tome as a kiss-and-tell, she says it has more merit than that.

“I’ve had a very good response to it,” Van Doren adds. “I just wanted to share what it was like in the ’50s and growing up in the ‘30s and ’40s.”

Van Doren with movie star Clark Gable. Submitted photo

A significant part of the story takes place in Palm Springs, where Van Doren was discovered by Howard Hughes as a 16-year-old contestant in a beauty pageant. She returns to the desert city Saturday, May 11, to meet fans and sign copies of her book at Just Fabulous in uptown (See details below). She recently discussed with Desert Outlook her thoughts on being a member of the goddess trilogy, an intriguing same-sex crush, and aging sexily.

How did you end up in Palm Springs at age 16?
My mom and I would go out there and we’d stay in a place called The Montecito. They had bungalows in those days — beautiful place. It had trees and a beautiful pool. There was the Miss Palm Springs contest coming up. I was asked to be in it. I really don’t want to, but my mother insisted. I didn’t dare not to. I was scared, even to be in a bathing suit. I was very shy in those days.
The contest was at the Chi Chi. Desi Arnaz was starring there. After he was through, we went on the stage, one at a time. It was a very big deal. The place was just packed. And I won. I didn’t realize that Mr. (Howard) Hughes happened to be in the audience, and he saw me. He owned RKO at that time. I got a call from RKO that he wanted to work with me. I did five movies with him.

You’re often mentioned as a part of the trilogy, in the company of Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. Did you know either of them?
I knew both of them quite well. Marilyn and I had the same acting coach for awhile. I did a movie with Jayne Mansfield. Her daughter, Mariska Hargitay, has called me and kind of wanted to know about her mother. That was very touching.
We were friends. Everybody tried to say that we didn’t like each other. That wasn’t the case at all. There was room for everybody in the business.

What’s your philosophy or approach to life?
I’ve become a Buddhist and it’s helped me considerably. Just one day at a time. I don’t look ahead that much. I don’t dwell on anything. I look after my health. I never did smoke. That’s very helpful.

What are the best and worst things about aging as a sex symbol?
There’s a lot of discrimination toward older people. Everybody puts people down after they get a certain age. When I was real young, I would notice that and I would say I would never do that. My mother lived to be in her mid-80s. She was very beautiful up to her last moment.
I try and survive and ignore the people who are that way. I stay away from badness. There’s a lot of that around. People today are not as kind as they used to be. I really miss that.

You’re very forthcoming in your recollections about Hollywood and your lovers. Is there anything in the book you had second thoughts about including?
No … Everything I said, I’m not sorry I said. It’s all true. It’s my life. I’ve been dedicating my life to entertainment, making (people) happy and making them feel good. That’s the journey that was chosen for me, I guess.

What prompted you to paraphrase one of your famous quotes: “It is possible that gentlemen also prefer gentlemen”?
It’s too good to deny. In my mind at that time, God only knows. … I could’ve been a lesbian, I think. I had a chance to enjoy Coco Chanel. I look at myself and say “Why did I turn that down?” She could’ve learned something from me. She adored me.

Van Doren with Palm Springs resident and entertainer Bob Hope. Submitted photo

You’ve been with your husband, Thomas Dixon, for a long time. For everyone looking for a good partner, what advice do you have?
We met in 1974 and we’ve hung out together ever since. It’s been a long time. Thomas came to me at the time I least expected. We were just friends. All of the sudden it blossomed into a relationship and then we got married. It’s hard to, say, look for someone. It’s very difficult to find him when you’re very young. It takes time. It took me until I was in my early 40s until I found the right one. I went through four marriages.

What’s your proudest professional achievement?
I never really stopped to think of it. Writing is the hardest because it’s tedious. It’s very fulfilling because sometimes when I can’t say things, I’ll write it. Acting, if I have the right person to work with, it’s great. I love working with the right people and getting the most out of it. I was lucky to have the experience of working with the best. And I’ve worked with the worst. I’ve had good coaching in my life. I’ve always had a nose for keeping myself out of trouble and meeting the right people. That’s really important in your life. People seem to get tangled up with the wrong *&^@#. You’ve got to be really smart to know who your friends really are. They’re far and few between. You really can’t trust anyone anymore.

What’s your fondest memory of your time in Palm Springs?
I got my star on your Walk of Stars there. It’s right next to Marilyn Monroe’s. It’s between Marilyn’s and Marlene Dietrich’s.
I always think of my mom when I’m there. It’s very nostalgic. I think about the Racquet Club and Howard Hughes. Palm Springs really hasn’t changed. It’s the same trees, the same everything. The people have changed. Luckily, a lot of gays are living there and they’ve made it look nice. It was deteriorating for awhile there.

What’s next for you?
I just finished a TV pilot. It’s called “Sawdust.” It’s about the circus and what it was like in the 1930s. … I’m the owner of a circus. The leading man would be Bob Mitchum’s son, Chris Mitchum.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Mamie Van Doren book signing

WHEN: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 11

WHERE: Just Fabulous, 515 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

INFO: www.bjustfabulous.com

 

Farm for sale

Posted: May 8th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Escape

Farm, the new French-inspired bistro in downtown Palm Springs, is for sale.

Yes, it just opened.

So why is Farm — the uber-cute and decidedly demur little French bistro in downtown Palm Springs — already for sale? BizBuySell, which is listing the restaurant at $395,000, simply listed “other business interest” as the reason for selling.

But lets hope the place stays open as a charming little find that’s sort of off the beaten path in the historic La Plaza shopping area off of Palm Canyon Drive. Farm serves up simple delicious stuff like French pressed coffee, omelets, croque-monsieurs and salads in rustic charm.

Yes, wondering down the little path past the Enchanted Garden Wedding Chapel, to a garden wall that I can’t recall having an actual sign displayed starts to feel a little like Provence, which is part of what makes this place such a cool find. In only a couple of months it has already racked beaucoup comments on TripAdvisor and Yelp, nearly all of them fawning.

“Overall, this restaurant is a ‘must do’ when looking for a high quality place for breakfast/lunch in downtown Palm Springs,” wrote one reviewer going by the name mmmfoodie. “It is planned to be open for dinner sometime in the near future and I hope I am one of the first patrons.”

 

Health care, health costs biggest retirement fears

Posted: May 7th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: iSun

Health problems and its costs are now the biggest retirement-related fears for Americans, according to a new retirement study by Merrill Lynch in partnership with Age Wave.

The results were gathered from a national survey of more than 6,300 people age 45 and older with questions on finances, medical care, home and community and more.

Serious health problems were named the biggest worry by 72 percent of respondents, followed by not being a burden on the family, running out of money to live comfortably, being lonely, not having a purpose, and having nothing to leave behind to family in their will.

The survey also found that 57 percent of retirees had retired earlier than they had expected. The primary reason for early retirement was not because of financial comfort, but instead, health problems.

Health care costs were ranked as the top financial worry, even more so among those with a higher income. Of those who make more than $250,000, 52 percent named health care expenses. Though it was still the biggest retirement concern for those who made less than that, 37 percent of them listed it as their top concern.

Only one in nine pre-retirees were “completely confident” in their ability to fund their retirement health care.

Retirees and pre-retirees over the age of 45 are worried about the future of government programs like Medicare, as well as the declining number of large companies offering health benefits to retirees, according to the Merrill Lynch report outlining the study.

Respondents put the most weight on health care advice, with 75 percent saying that, aside from “core financial advice,” it would be most valuable.

About 60 percent of the Coachella Valley’s residents fall into this age bracket of 45, with the largest group aged 65 or older, the 2010 Health Assessment Resource Center survey showed.

Do you worry about health problems or health care expenses after retirement? What are your thoughts on the survey results? Email me at Victoria.pelham@thedesertsun.com.

Teachers protest outside Desert Sands negotiations

Posted: May 7th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: iSun

While negotiators met inside the Desert Sands Unified headquarters on Monday, a small group of teachers gathered outside to protest a stalemate between the union and the district.

More than 200 teachers and supporters, each holding protest signs, lined the road outside the district office, said Mona Davidson, president of the Desert Sands Teachers Association. The union encouraged teachers to show their support outside the office after the school day was over, Davidson explained.

Teachers protest outside the Desert Sands Unified headquarters on Monday. Photos provided by Desert Sands Teachers Association.

Teachers protest outside the Desert Sands Unified headquarters on Monday. Photos provided by Desert Sands Teachers Association.

Teachers protest outside the Desert Sands Unified headquarters on Monday. Photos provided by Desert Sands Teachers Association.

Teachers protest outside the Desert Sands Unified headquarters on Monday. Photos provided by Desert Sands Teachers Association.

Here is what each protest sign said:

Respect teachers

Students first

Settle now!

Despite the signs, the district that the negotiation stalemate has nothing to do with a lack of respect.

During a previous interview, Sherry Johnstone, assistant superintendent for personnel, said the district is struggling through some of “the most difficult economic times any of us have ever seen.” Education funding has dropped year after year, she said.

“DSTA has called into question DSUSD’s ‘priorities,” Johnston wrote in an e-mail. “To be clear, students are first always, with their safety and education at the very top of the list.  DSUSD teachers are the best in the world!  We hold them in high regard.  We respect them, their professionalism and dedication to our children and families.”

The protest came on the same day that The Desert Sun published a front-page story about how the prolonged negotiations are impacting at least one local high school. In response to the stalemate, a majority of the teachers at Palm Desert High School have agreed to work to contract, which means to only perform the duties they are contractually obligated to do, and to boycott the school’s graduation. Teachers normally help supervise students during graduation.

The union negotiations have reached a stalemate due to a dispute over how much money the district will pay each teacher in response to the passage of Proposition 30, which California voters passed last year to stabilize education funding. Since the passage of the proposition, the district has offered to increase compensation by about $600 for each the 1,200 teachers in the union. The union wants that figure to increase to $1,000 per teacher.

 

The Battle for Sept. 14 for Timothy Bradley, Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez

Posted: May 6th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Boxing, Sports Blog | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

After Floyd Mayweather’s clinical victory over Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero on Saturday night, the focus now turns to when Mayweather’s next fight will be. Mayweather said he intends to fight on Sept. 14. With the close turn-around time, that’s a stretch for Mayweather, who fights infrequently. Also making it unlikely he’ll fight on Sept. 14 is a hand injury. Mayweather got X-rays, but there’s no word on the extent of the injury.

Already scheduled for Sept. 14 is Cathedral City’s Timothy Bradley defending his WBO welterweight title against Juan Manuel Marquez, who is trying to become the first boxer from Mexico to win world titles in five different weight classes. It will be a good pay-per-view fight. But promoter Bob Arum saidin online reports that  if Mayweather really does fight on Sept. 14, he would move Bradley-Marquez.

But after Saturday’s fight, should Bradley-Marquez move off that date? Mayweather earned a lopsided victory, and there’s not many boxers in the Golden Boy stables who figure to give Mayweather a challenge. There’s only one that people want to see and that’s Mayweather-Alvarez. Unlikely Mayweather would take on the big fighter. After that, there’s not many boxers who can make a Mayweather fight more intriguing than Bradley-Marquez. Amir Khan, who is fresh off his narrow victory over Coachella’s Julio Diaz, could a good fight to market, but it seems like a waste of the Mexican Independence Day weekend.

Things should shake out in the coming days to see where Floyd goes, and if Bradley-Marquez will stay on Sept. 14 or go.

WestJet flights authorized to have fewer attendants

Posted: May 6th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Escape

WestJet, the Canadian airline, has been granted an exemption by Canadian air officials to fly with fewer attendants.

 

WestJet flights may be a little less crowded. Though the extra room will probably be because of fewer crew members, not passengers.

WestJet today confirmed it has received an exemption from Transport Canada to the requirement for one flight attendant for every 40 passengers on board. The exemption, which is effective immediately, allows for one flight attendant for every 50 seats on board the aircraft.

“One flight attendant for every 50 seats is the accepted international practice and has been in place for decades around the world, said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO, in a statement. “This exemption will place us on a level regulatory playing field with U.S. and international carriers who fly in and out of Canada every day under these rules. Safety is a core value at WestJet and we commend the government for recognizing that there is a consistent level of safety operating under this ratio.”

WestJet is the popular — and profitable — Canadian airline flying daily flights into and out of Palm Springs International Airport to cities like Calgary and Vancouver.

Air hostess Pam Ann lands in Palm Desert

Posted: May 6th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: LGBT Blog | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

Caroline Reid as Pam Ann. Submitted photo

Sometimes as a journalist I get to interview people who make a lasting impression. I recently spoke with air hostess Pam Ann, the alter-ego of Australian comedian Caroline Reid, who’s appearing May 10 in “Cockpit!” at the McCallum in Palm Desert.

During our brief chat she was charming, funny, salty, smart, irreverent and, in her own words, “super geeky passionate.”

Here’s an excerpt:

How did the Pam Ann character come about?

PAM ANN: Through desperation of getting off the island of Australia. I had to come up with something to get off there and get to civilization. I wanted to do acting and I was really inspired by Sandra Bernhard. But I was awful at auditions and I could never get anything in the acting world. I thought the only way to get something was to do something myself.

I dressed up as this Pan American air hostess for a party. After a few drinks everyone kept saying “Pam Ann, Pam Ann, Pam Ann.”  I woke up and I thought … I’ve never really travelled either. I was always inspired by that era — like Palm Springs. To me, I love it because it has that ’60s chic-ness to it and the design. I just love that. Pam Ann is a throwback to the ’60s.

I was always told the show was style over substance. I thought it was a good thing. I was more excited about doing the posters and the outfits than the show.

What did you think when celebrities such as Cher, Elton John and Madonna made it known they were fans of yours?

It stopped though. I need a new one to add to the collection. Why didn’t Lady Gaga say something recently?

I’m from the suburbs of Australia. When I did the Cher tour — her manager is Australian — I rang my mom. She said, “Cher? What, the tribute act?” “No,” I said, “Cher Cher.”

All of it is always a shock to me. I still think about the Cher thing and think, Did that happen? I grew up with “The Sonny and Cher Show” in Australia.

Who makes you laugh harder than anyone?

You know what, my favorite comedian is Joan Rivers, of course. She’s continuously pushing the boundaries. I love her because she winds up those stupid *#@& who need it. Everyone is so offended today. Some people need to be shaken like a child. I like Joan Rivers.

I like Louis C.K. I think he’s great because he couldn’t give a #%*& and he says that to people. Justin Vivian Bond, I find ingeniously funny. I always have. He’s been a friend of mind for years. I find his whole reality amazing. He’s just one of the best storytellers and comics in the world today.

I went on a date yesterday with this guy and we had foie gras. He didn’t know what foie gras was. I said, “Foie gras is like the goose liver.” We’re walking toward the lake and there’s a goose. He pointed and said, “Look there’s an organ donor.” He wasn’t even trying to be funny. It was genius.

Is there anything more you want people to know about you?

Here’s a good quote: “I’d rather cry in a Rolls than be happy on a bike.” Patrizia Gucci said that in the back of a car on her way to prison after killing her husband.

IF YOU GO

What: Pam Ann in “Cockpit!”

When: 8 p.m. May 10

Where: McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert

Tickets: $45-$65

Info: (760) 340-2787, www.mccallumtheatre.com

Rep. Raul Ruiz will speak to Palm Springs Navy League; other vet groups set to meet

Posted: May 5th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: The Debrief | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Coachella Valley Airborne Association is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 6 at the American Legion Herman Granados Post 739, 44-200 Sun Gold St., Indio.

The group meets the first Monday of every month.

All airborne-qualified paratroopers are welcome to join.

Information: Ed Granados at (760) 398-6938 or Dick Gauthier at (910) 620-9485.

 

The China-Burma-India World War II veterans group has scheduled a breakfast social at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8 at Coco’s, 78-375 Varner Road, Palm Desert (located east of Washington Street, north of I-10).

“Everyone is invited whether you were ever in the service or not,” Earl Weichman said. “Come and hear our exciting, interesting stories. We are a great group … this willl probably be our last gathering until Wednesday, Sept. 11, same time, same place.”

For more information contact Weichman at (760) 771-8199.

 

An Inland Empire Aviation Roundtable event will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 at March Field Air Museum, 22550 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside.

Guest speaker, Ret. U.S. Navy Commander Chuck Sweeney, will talk about the Distinguished Flying Cross, the highest aviation medal and the fourth highest combat medal awarded by the U.S. military.

The Inland Empire Aviation Roundtable, sponsored by the March Field Air Museum, is dedicated to the local aviation and aerospace community.

The group’s monthly meetings are open to the public. Parking and admission are free.

Subjects include aviation and aerospace history, civil and military, and new developments in these fields.

For more information, call (951) 902-5949 or visit www.marchfield.org

 

The Palm Springs Navy League has scheduled a luncheon meeting for May 13 at Desert Falls Country Club, 1111 Desert Falls Parkway, Palm Desert.

Guest speaker is Congressman Raul Ruiz, D-Palm Desert.

Buffet lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Meeting starts at noon. Cost is $20.

The Navy League will host a social gathering at 6 p.m. on May 16 at The Cheesecake Factory, 71-800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage.

“We will also say bon voyage to Peter Knaust, our council president and general manager of Cheesecake (Factory),” said Navy League secretary John Easton, who is also the editor of “Masthead,” the group’s newsletter.

“Peter has been selected to establish Cheesecake Factory restaurants in the Middle East including Dubai. We are also looking for an outspoken and patriotic leader to replace Peter as council president. Step up and ‘do it.’”

For more information, contact Easton at (760) 272-8449.

 

The Iron Horse Marines Foundation will host its fifth annual Run for the Wall Flag Array at 8:30 a.m. on May 15 at the Wall Road I-10 overpass in North Palm Springs.

The event honors the approximately 300 motorcyclists traveling east from Los Angeles on a 10-day journey to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

Another group is taking a northern route across the U.S.

Also participating will be Marines from the Wounded Warrior Detachment, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms. The men from the detachment will hold American Flags in tribute to the cyclists, who are riding in memory of POWs and MIAs from World War II and all the wars and conflicts since that time.

Organizer Gary Olsen said the “rarely used overpass” is located west of Indian Canyon Drive as it crosses I-10. It can be accessed by turning west from Indian Canyon on either side of the freeway and traveling about two miles.

A fuel stop for the riders in scheduled at the TA Truck Stop, 46-155 Dillon Road, Coachella.

For more information, contact Olsen at garyolsen48@gmail.com

 

Mint Juleps and wine for the hatted at the Viceroy

Posted: May 3rd, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Escape

The poolside patio at the Viceroy Palm Springs. Courtesy photo.

May is a great month for millinery.What with the Kentucky Derby coming up and Mother’s Day around the bend, the month is just begging for a topper.

The Viceroy Palm Springs is riding this trend with complimentary mint juleps and bubbly for men and women in hats.

Come watch the Kentucky Derby over lunch and mint juleps on May 4, wear a traditional derby hat — fancy and bright for ladies or simple straw bowlers for gents — and receive a complimentary mint julep or chocolate mint julep with your prix fixe lunch. Citron at Viceroy Palm Springs will be serving hand-crafted mint juleps and chocolate mint juleps all day long and with chocolate mint grown and picked fresh from the hotel’s herb garden.

Or, come down for Mother’s Day for brunch and wearers of fine millinery will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or a mimosa with brunch. The brunch buffet has numerous selections ranging from organic omelets to smoked salmon and prime rib.