Congregating to Combat Hate: Temple Isaiah Hosts an Interfaith Service to Battle Racism, Antisemitism, Homophobia
March 26 2019
Antisemitism and other forms of racial hatred are on the rise—and Temple Isaiah in Palm Springs is taking a stand with the Interfaith Service to Stop Hate, taking place at 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 29.
During a recent phone interview, organizer Bob Weinstein explained the goal of the service.
“There’s been a tremendous spike in the hate of minorities, with Jews being shot dead in their houses of worship, and African Americans being persecuted in the streets,” Weinstein said. “Even in Palm Springs, we had an incident with the Black History Parade … where someone from the parade was attacked by a racist.
“The LGBT community is systematically being attacked. We have a very polarizing situation today where minorities are being viciously persecuted across the country and around the world. A Jewish person can’t walk down the streets of Paris without being attacked. What I wanted to do to combat this hate before it gets worse is partner up with local churches once a month … and have more of a brotherly service and try to get the pastors, temples and Baptist churches across the country to (tell) their congregations that hate and bigotry are not acceptable. We’d like to start this trend across the country.”
Weinstein said religious congregations are in a position to speak out against racial hatred.
“The base of the community is the community that goes to church or goes to a mosque,” he said. “Unless the leaders of these communities talk and teach their congregants that hate is not acceptable in our society, things could get worse. During the Nazi persecution of Jews in Europe during World War II, most of the churches remained silent, even though the church leaders were aware that Jews were being persecuted and murdered. You can’t have that today. You need to have the leaders of the community talk to their congregants and tell them, ‘This has to stop, and it’s not acceptable.’ We have to make a change for the better, and we have a capacity to do better.”
“The problem is it’s becoming more acceptable,” Weinstein said. “Antisemitism is out in the open. Attacking African Americans in the street has become more acceptable. These things cannot be acceptable in our society; otherwise, we’re going to end up in a civil war. That’s the bottom line. We have to stop it, and we have to deescalate the situation before it gets worse.”
The Southern Poverty Law Center estimates that there are at least 30 hate groups in Southern California.
“There have been a number of Nazi organizations and hate groups living in the Coachella Valley, and in the surrounding areas as well,” Weinstein said. “It’s always been a very conservative jurisdiction. Small pockets like Palm Springs are subject to periodic attacks like we had with George Zander a few years ago. We have to be on guard, and we have to fight back.”
The service at Temple Isaiah will include speakers including Congressman Raul Ruiz, Mayor Robert Moon, Palm Springs Councilmember Lisa Middleton, Palm Springs Councilmember Geoff Kors, and State Senator Jeff Stone.
“We’ll have speakers before the service from 6:30 to 7:30, and then at 7:30, we’ll have the service where our congregation will join the Baptist congregation in Palm Springs, Ajalon Baptist Church, an African American congregation, and their choir will join our cantor onstage, singing and praying together. We’ll be praying for peace and to stop the hate.”
Weinstein said Temple Isaiah has an important role to play in fighting for social justice in the Coachella Valley.
“Temple Isaiah has always been at the forefront of trying to seek justice not only for the Jewish community, but for minorities in general,” he said. “Many years ago, we had interfaith services with the African-American community and other communities throughout the Coachella Valley. We’re always trying to reach out. I think that not only should we reach out in this instance; we should try to set a trend for the rest of the country.”
The Interfaith Service to Stop Hate will take place at 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 29, at Temple Isaiah, 332 W. Alejo Road, in Palm Springs. Admission is free. For more information, call 760-325-2281, or visit www.templeisaiahps.com.
Chief Communicator: Cathedral City Police Head Travis Walker Marks a Busy First Year on the Job
December 24 2018
Cathedral City Police Chief Travis Walker stood tall—he’s 6 foot 4, after all—in December when he dedicated the Fallen Police Officer Memorial next to the police department building.
Among the speakers honoring the ultimate sacrifice by Officers David Vasquez and Jermaine Gibson—who lost their lives in 1988 and 2011, respectively—was Rep. Raul Ruiz. He was joined by representatives of other nearby law-enforcement agencies.
Walker unveiled the memorial along with the officers’ families. “We pray we’ll never have to add any new names to this memorial,” he said.
The memorial’s unveiling was the latest event in a busy first year as police chief for Walker, an accomplished law-enforcement veteran with 23 years in service—including a stint as the tactical commander during the 2015 mass shooting in San Bernardino.
During a recent interview with Chief Walker, we discussed topics ranging from the city’s recent removal of red-light cameras to his favorite basketball player, Magic Johnson.
“Magic was the best team player ever,” Walker said. “The game was not about him, but the team.”
Walker—the first black police chief in Cathedral City—said recent data shows the city has not been the site of any hate crimes since 2012.
“This is a very tolerant community for as diverse it is,” he said “… People may feel that there was a hate crime, but there are specific criteria that define truly what a hate crime is.”
Walker joined the Cathedral City Police Department as deputy police chief in 2016.
“I led a very blessed career that prepared me for making some decisions that you have to make from this office,” he said. “As law enforcement pros, we spend our careers preparing for different positions.”
One of the most buzzed-about ideas Walker implemented in his first year is the “police cab”—a decommissioned police cruiser painted as a half-police car, half-taxi cab that can be found on the streets of Cathedral City, sometimes parked in front of prominent local bars.
“We’re trying to give that final message. No matter how drunk you are, you still recognize the police car, and on the side of it is a statement: Chose your ride! Think before you drink!” Walker said. “You can get an Uber drive home for $10 to $15, or you can pick up a DUI that can cost $10,000 to $15,000!
“Sadly, the DUI drivers often don’t kill themselves; they kill innocent people.”
Walker said he’s proud of the fact that the city’s done so well at discouraging accidents that it did not receive extra grant money for DUI checkpoints this year.
“We did an effective job and work very hard, and we have reduced our traffic fatalities, so the funding is converted to another community,” he said.
That does not mean, however, that people are no longer driving drunk.
“No matter how much education you put out there about DUI … it’s still a struggle here in the community, and you still have drivers crashing under the influence,” Walker said.
Walker said he recommended the removal of the notorious and controversial red-light cameras that had been at three of Cathedral City’s busiest intersections
“I had motor officers who were sitting down and reviewing hundreds of images. For me, that’s not a good use of an officer’s time,” he said. “There is more going on throughout the city than at those intersections, and it was my recommendation to the City Council to remove the cameras—and we removed them.”
While Cathedral City has a reputation for gang violence, Walker said the city of 54,000—with a police force of 52 sworn officers—is heading in the right direction.
“Public safety has been a priority for the City Council and the city manager in recent years,” he said. “Year to date, we are already at (crime being) 10 percent down from last year.”
When I mentioned the 2015 San Bernardino terror attack, Walker said good training helped the police do their jobs. Sixteen people (including the two perpetrators) were killed, and 24 were injured in the mass shooting and attempted bombing.
“Dec. 2, 2015, was a tragic day that I wish had never happened … and I don’t think that day defines who I am today,” Walker said. “What made a difference that day was that I had good people who worked for me, and the training we received in dealing with an active shooter.”
Walker is a big believer in community engagement, including the use of social media.
“I’m big on marketing the work that the men and women of this organization do,” he said. “If you have a Twitter account or a Facebook account or an Instagram account, you can see that we’re very active, and we’re very engaged with the community. Social media … allows us to tell the story of the Cathedral City Police Department.”
Walker said it’s important the police department touts the positive—because it’s the negative that receives the vast majority of attention.
“There are many positive, comical, heartwarming stories that are not reported publicly—hence the department’s social media campaign,” he said. “… My Twitter feed (@CCPDWALKER) is my own feed; my Facebook (CCPDChiefWalker) and my Instagram (ccpdchiefwalker) are my own, but I have a staffer that does the social media for the department. It’s a sergeant, who as a part of his duty puts the department’s pics and stories out there on social media. He’s extremely engaging, extremely funny and extremely clever.”
Snapshot: The Best of Coachella Valley 2018-2019 Awards Show and Party, Dec. 12, Copa Nightclub (Updated With Video)
January 03 2019
More than 80 people came to the Copa Nightclub on Wednesday, Dec. 12, with one goal: to celebrate the people, businesses and organizations that make the Coachella Valley a fantastic place to call home.
The Coachella Valley Independent and Copa Nightclub sponsored the fifth annual Best of Coachella Valley Awards Show and Party, an event that honors the winners of the Independent's yearly readers' poll, which features almost 130 categories ranging from the best place to hike, to the valley's best restaurants, to the valley's best sex-toy shop. (Our readers say it's Skitzo Kitty, by the way.)
The biggest contingents at the party—hosted by Independent editor/publisher Jimmy Boegle, with help from assistant editor Brian Blueskye—came to celebrate Barbara Carpenter, voted Best Real Estate Agent for the second year in a row, and Augustine Casino, which took the top spot in a whopping seven categories.
After the awards were given out, Best Local Band winner Avenida Music delighted the audience with a full set.
Below is a gallery of photos from the event, taken by Kevin Fitzgerald. In the media section, find the welcome video from Rep. Raul Ruiz, as well as a video of the event, courtesy of Tantalum Films. (Originally published on Dec. 13; updated with video Jan. 3.)
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Augustine Casino
Augustine Casino
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Avenida Music
Avenida Music
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Barbara Carpenter
Barbara Carpenter
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Broken Yolk Cafe
Broken Yolk Cafe
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Copa Nightclub
Copa Nightclub
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Rep. Raul Ruiz's Office
Rep. Raul Ruiz's Office
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Escape Room Palm Springs
Escape Room Palm Springs
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Dr. Jim Cox
Dr. Jim Cox
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McCallum Theatre
McCallum Theatre
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Jammin' 99.5
Jammin' 99.5
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Urban Yoga
Urban Yoga
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Palm Springs Pride
Palm Springs Pride
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Revive Wellness Center
Revive Wellness Center
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Revivals/Desert AIDS Project
Revivals/Desert AIDS Project
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Skitzo Kitty
Skitzo Kitty
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The Tropicale
The Tropicale
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Palm Canyon Theatre
Palm Canyon Theatre
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The After Lashes
The After Lashes
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Sofia Enriquez
Sofia Enriquez
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Lulu and Acqua
Lulu and Acqua
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Fresh Juice Bar
Fresh Juice Bar
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Cord Media/Palm Springs Art Museum/Living Desert
Cord Media/Palm Springs Art Museum/Living Desert
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Desert Business Association and Image 360
Desert Business Association and Image 360
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Augustine Celebrates
Augustine Celebrates
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Smiles for the Best Real Estate Agent
Smiles for the Best Real Estate Agent
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General Air
General Air
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Bryan Gallo
Bryan Gallo
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The Hood Bar and Pizza
The Hood Bar and Pizza
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A Welcome From the Congressman
A Welcome From the Congressman
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That Logo
That Logo
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Avenida Performs
Avenida Performs
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Smile for the Camera
Smile for the Camera
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Enjoying the Party
Enjoying the Party
https://cvindependent.com/index.php/en-US/news/local-issues/itemlist/tag/raul%20ruiz#sigProId23cfc9ea17
Best of Coachella Valley 2018-2019: Readers' Picks
November 26 2018
This whole process started back in August, when voting began in the first round of the fifth annual Best of Coachella Valley readers’ poll.
Now, after three months, two rounds of voting and ballots from more than 1,300 people, we’ve come to the glorious end of the process: Here are the results of the Best of Coachella Valley 2018-2019!
From all of us here at the Independent: A huge, sincere thank you to all of the readers who voted. We realize that this is not an easy ballot to fill out—almost 130 categories is indeed a lot— but because you took the time to do so thoughtfully, the slate of winners and finalists presented here is truly impressive. It’s diverse; it’s valley-wide (even including representation of the high desert); and it shows how truly great the people, places, organizations and businesses are that call the Coachella Valley home.
Now, it’s time to celebrate. Please join us at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Copa Nightclub—your selection this year as Best Nightclub—244 E. Amado Road, in Palm Springs, for the Best of Coachella Valley Awards Party. All of the winners present will receive certificates and have an opportunity to say thank you; after that, your Best Local Band selection, Avenida Music, will take the stage and perform. I hope to see you there.
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists … and welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2018-2019!
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Arts
Best Art Gallery
CODA Gallery
Runners up:
2. Heather James Fine Art
3. Shag
4. Beatnik Lounge
5. Michael Weems Collection
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. The Show at Agua Caliente
3. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
4. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
5. The Hood Bar and Pizza
Best Outdoor Venue
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Empire Polo Club
3. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
4. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
5. Rancho Mirage Amphitheater
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. The Coachella Valley Art Scene
3. La Quinta Arts Foundation
4. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
5. CREATE Center for the Arts
Best Local Band
Avenida Music
Runners up:
2. Frank Eats the Floor
3. Mega Sun
4. The Flusters
5. Sunday Funeral
Best Local DJ
DJ Day
Runners up:
2. TIE
Alex Harrington
DJ PWee
4. Sugarfree
5.Pedro Le Bass
Best Local Musician
Matt King
Runners up:
2. Giselle Woo
3. John Stanley King
4. Justin Ledesma
5. Nick Hales
Best Local Visual Artist
Sofia Enriquez
Runners up:
2. Elena Bulatova
3. Nancy Worthington
4. Cristopher Cichocki
5. Marconi Calindas
Best Movie Theater
Century La Quinta and XD
Runners up:
2. Mary Pickford Is D’Place
3. Century The River and XD
4. TIE
Camelot Theatres
Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
2. Palm Springs Air Museum
3. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
4. Coachella Valley History Museum
5. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory Company
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Desert Ensemble Theatre Company
5. Coyote StageWorks
6. Dezart Performs
Life in the Valley
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group
Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Animal Shelter
3. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
4. Desert AIDS Project
5. L-Fund
Best Gym
World Gym
Runners up:
2. 24 Hour Fitness
3. EOS Fitness
4. Planet Fitness
5. In-Shape
Best Yoga
Urban Yoga
Runners up:
2. Power Yoga Palm Springs
3. Yoga Central
4. Bikram Yoga Plus
5. Bikram Yoga Palm Desert-El Paseo
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Springs Bowling Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes at Morongo
4. Yucca Bowl
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Gear Leather and Fetish
4. Q Trading Co.
Best Auto Repair
Ramona Tire and Service Center
Runners up:
2. Andy’s Auto Repair
3. Lou’s Automotive
4. Downtown Shell Palm Springs
5. Singh’s Automotive Repair
Best Car Wash
Quick Quack Car Wash
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Car Wash
3. Executive Car Wash
4. Airport Quick Car Wash
5. Desert 100 Percent Hand Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
Moller’s Garden Center
Runners up:
2. Vintage Nursery
3. Bob Williams Nursery
4. Lotus Garden Center
Best Pet Supplies
PetSmart
Runners up:
2. Petco
3. Bones ’n’ Scones
4. Pet Oasis
5. PoshPetCare
Best Annual Charity Event
Palm Springs Pride
Runners up:
2. Desert AIDS Walk (Desert AIDS Project)
3. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
4. Evening Under the Stars (AAP-Food Samaritans)
5. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (Desert AIDS Project)
Best Place to Gamble
Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. Morongo Casino Resort Spa
5. Spotlight 29
Best Local News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. KMIR Channel 6/NBC Palm Springs
3. CBS Local 2
Best Local TV News Personality
Bryan Gallo, KMIR Channel 6/NBC Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Karen Devine, KESQ News Channel 3
3. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
4. Bianca Rae, KESQ News Channel 3
5. Haley Clawson, KESQ News Channel 3
Best Radio Station
Jammin’ 99.5
Runners up:
2. Q102.3 Classic Rock
3. Mix 100.5
4. 93.7 KCLB
5. Big 106
Best Local Radio Personality
Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. Jeff Michaels, Q102.3/Big 106
3. Bill Feingold, KNews 94.3 FM
4. Randy Houston, The Big 106
5. Joey English, KGX 99.1 FM/920 AM
Best Bookstore
Barnes and Noble
Runners up:
2. TIE
Rancho Mirage Library Book Nook
The Book Rack La Quinta
4. Sagebrush Press
Best Retail Music/Video Store
The Record Alley
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectibles
3. Vista Music and Video
Best Comics/Games Shop
Game Stop
Runners up:
2. Desert Oasis Comics
3. Comic Asylum
4. HooDoo!
Best Hotel Pool
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Runners up:
2. The Saguaro
3. Riviera Palm Springs
4. Renaissance Palm Springs
5. Arrive
Best Urgent Care
Eisenhower Medical Center Urgent Care
Runners up:
2. Desert Oasis Urgent Care
3. Executive Urgent Care
4. TIE
Centro Medico Urgent Care
MedPost Urgent Care
Best Indoor Fun/Activity
Escape Room Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Get Air Trampoline Park
3. Laser Oasis
4. Desert Rocks Indoor Climbing Gym
Valley Professionals
Best Doctor
Dr. Lisa Bodon
Runners up:
2. Dr. Timothy Jochen
3. Dr. Amanda Curnock
4. Dr. Geoffrey Block
5. Gennady “Henry” Nosovitsky, PA
Best Eye Care
Milauskas Eye Institute
Runners up:
2. Dr. David Esquibel (Desert Vision)
3. Dr. Greg Evans (Evans Eyecare)
4. Old Town Optix and Optometry
Best Dentist/Orthodontist
Hospitality Dental and Orthodontics
Runners up:
2. Dr. Frank Hernandez (Hernandez Dental)
3. Dr. Larry Kunkle (Palm Desert Dental Center)
4. Dr. Natalie Le (Palm Springs Modern Dentistry)
5. Dr. Ray Cros (Cros Dental)
Best Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Mark Sofonio
Runners up:
2. Dr. Timothy Jochen
3. Dr. Suzanne Quardt
4. Dr. Natalie Driessen
Best Attorney
Walter Clark
Runners up:
2. Barbara Barrett
3. Christopher Heritage
4. Emily Benjamini
5. James Jackson
Best Air Conditioning Service
TIE
Comfort Air
General Air Conditioning
Runners up:
3. Nexgen Air Conditioning and Heating
4. Blair Heating and Air
5. On Call Air Conditioning and Heating
Best Personal Trainer
Jaime Jimenez
Runners up:
2. Brandon Wertz
3. Ted Guice
4. Francisco Serrato
Best Chiropractor
Jim Cox
Runners up:
2. Daryl Richardson
3. Nazemi Chiropractic
4. Vincent Savarese
Best Real Estate Agent
Barbara Carpenter
Runners up:
2. Bob Ross
3. Paul Zapala
4. Valery Neuman
5. Michael Benthall
Best Electrician
Desert Pro Electrical
Runners up:
2. Hegge Electrical Contractors
3. Electrician4Hire
4. Collins Electrical Services
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. La Quinta City Councilman Robert Radi
3. Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon
4. Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia
5. Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors
Fashion and Style
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Oooh La La
Runners up:
2. Bobby G’s
3. Trina Turk
4. Wil Stiles
5. Grayse
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Revivals
Runners up:
2. Angel View
3. Goodwill
4. Plato’s Closet
5. Unity Home
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Ashley HomeStore
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. West Elm
Best Antiques/Collectibles Store
Misty’s Consignments
Runners up:
2. Victoria’s Attic
3. The Estate Sale Co.
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
Tiffany and Co.
Runners up:
2. El Paseo Jewelers
3. Leeds and Son
4. Hephaestus
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Brush Palm Springs
3. Dishwater Blonde Salon
4. Wondercuts Inc.
5. Alankara, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
Runners up:
2. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa
3. Two Bunch Palms
4. Miracle Springs Resort and Spa
5. Feel Good Spa at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
Revive Wellness Center
Runners up:
2. Studio M Salon and Spa
3. Desert Serenity Float and Spa
4. Bliss Chakra Spa
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Indio Florist
3. The Flower Company
4. Mami’s Floral Boutique
5. Vaso Bello Celebrations
Best Tattoo Parlor
Bloodline Tattoo and Body Piercing
Runners up:
2. Anarchy and Ink Tattoo
3. Oasis Tattoo and Body Piercing
4. Strata Tattoo Lab
5. Solid Tattoo
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Milauskas Eye Institute
3. Desert Vision Optometry
4. America’s Best
5. Panache Optical Gallery
Outside!
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. Moorten’s Botanical Garden
4. Shields Date Garden
5. El Paseo
Best Place for Bicycling
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Creek Loop
3. Bear Creek Path (La Quinta)
4. Palm Canyon Epic
Best Recreation Area
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Top of the Tram)
3. Tahquitz Canyon
4. Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
5. Cathedral City Town Square
Best Hike
Bump and Grind Trail
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Canyon Trail
3. La Quinta Cove to Lake Cahuilla Trail
4. Ladder Canyon Trail
5. South Lykken Trail
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Demuth Park
5. Sunrise Park
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
3. Tri-A-Bike
4. BikeMan
5. Pedego Electric Bikes
Best Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5 Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Public Golf Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Country Club
3. SilverRock Resort
4. The Lights at Indio GC
5. Classic Club Golf
For the Kids
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Demuth Park
4. Ruth Hardy Park
5. Ironwood Park
Best Place to Buy Toys
Target
Runners up:
2. Walmart
3. Mr. G’s Toys and Expressions
4. The Lumpy Bunny
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. The Children’s Place
3. Carter’s
4. Gap
5. Crazy 8
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Shakey’s Pizza
3. Red Robin
4. Old Spaghetti Factory
5. Laser Oasis
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Boomers
3. Laser Oasis
4. Get Air Trampoline Park
5. Escape Room Palm Springs
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
3. Laser Oasis
4. Get Air Trampoline Park
5. Shakey’s Pizza
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Eureka!
4. TRIO Restaurant
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
3. Katherine King Catering and Special Events
4. TRIO/Liquid Catering
5. Lynn Hammond
Best Diner
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Goody’s Cafe
3. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
4. Rick’s Restaurant
5. Sunshine Café
Best Organic Food Store
Trader Joe’s
Runners up:
2. Sprouts Farmers Market
3. Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods
4. Whole Foods
5. Nature’s Health Food and Cafe
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Real Italian Deli
Best Custom Cakes
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Runners up:
2. Over the Rainbow
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
5. Jensen’s Foods
Best Desserts
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. Nothing Bundt Cakes
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. French Corner Café
5. Over the Rainbow
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Cold Stone Creamery
Runners up:
2. Ben and Jerry’s
3. Great Shakes
4. Lappert’s Ice Cream
5. Kreem
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Oasis Date Gardens
4. Great Shakes
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland
Runners up:
2. Tutti Frutti
3. Beach House
4. Jus Chillin’
5. Eddie’s Frozen Yogurt
Best Bakery
TKB Bakery and Deli
Runners up:
2. Aspen Mills
3. French Corner Café
4. Carousel Bakery
5. Peninsula Pastries
Best Barbecue
Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Runners up:
2. Jackalope Ranch
3. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
4. Smoke Tree BBQ
5. Zobo and Meester’s
Best Burgers
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
Tyler’s Burgers
Grill A Burger
Eureka!
Bongo Johnny’s
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
4. TIE
Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
Bongo Johnny’s
Best Sandwich
TKB Bakery and Deli
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
3. The Sandwich Spot
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Real Italian Deli
Best Pizza
Bill’s Pizza
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Blaze Pizza
4. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
5. Piero’s PizzaVino
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Wingstop
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
4. Smoke Tree BBQ
5. Jackalope Ranch
Best Bagels
Panera Bread
Runners up:
2. Townie Bagels
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Bristol Farms
Best Smoothies
TIE
Fresh Juice Bar
Jamba Juice
Runners up:
3. Juice It Up
4. Koffi
5. Palm Greens Café
Best Buffet
Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet Agua Caliente
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs
4. Oasis Buffet at Spa Resort Casino
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Local Coffee Roaster
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Coffee Co.
3. Joshua Tree Coffee Company
Best Coffee Shop
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. IW Coffee
4. Ristretto
5. Joey Palm Springs
6. Sip Coffee House and Juice Bar
Best Breakfast
Broken Yolk Café
Runners up:
2. Elmer’s
3. Wilma and Frieda’s
4. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
5. Rick’s Restaurant
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Acqua California Bistro
3. Kaiser Grille
4. TRIO Restaurant
5. Purple Palm Restaurant at the Colony Palms
Best Brunch
Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Wilma and Frieda’s
3. Broken Yolk Cafe
4. Escena Lounge and Grill
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Chinese
P.F. Chang’s
2. JOY at Fantasy Springs
3. City Wok
4. Bobby Mao’s Chinese Kitchen and Bar
5. New Fortune Asian Cuisine
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
3. Athena Gyro
4. Evzin Mediterranean Cuisine
5. Koutouki Greek Estiatoro
Best French
Le Vallauris Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Si Bon
3. L’Atelier Café
4. Cuistot Restaurant
5. Joey Palm Springs
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runners up:
2. India Oven
3. Sam’s Indian Food and Pizza
Best Italian
Nicolino’s Italian Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Ristorante Mamma Gina
3. Ciro’s Ristorante and Pizzeria
4. Il Corso
5. Venezia Restaurant and Pizzeria
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. Shogun Restaurant
4. Shabu Shabu Zen
5. Otori Japanese Cuisine
Best Korean
Maru Korean B.B.Q. and Grill
Runners up:
2. JOY at Fantasy Springs
3. Umami Seoul
Best Sushi
Dragon Sushi
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. Sam’s Sushi
4. Misaki Sushi and Grill
5. The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market and Grill
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Roy’s
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Runners up:
2. LG’s Prime Steakhouse
3. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
4. The Steakhouse at the Spa Resort Casino
5. Chop House at Jackalope Ranch
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. My Thai
3. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
4. Le Basil
5. Thai House
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Rooster and the Pig
3. 533 Viet Fusion
4. Fuzion Five
5. Watercress Vietnamese Bistro
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Palm Greens Café
3. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
4. Wildest Greens
5. Luscious Lorraine’s
Best Upscale Dining
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Morton’s The Steakhouse
3. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
4. Wally’s Desert Turtle
5. Johannes
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Spencer’s Restaurant
5. Copley’s on Palm Canyon
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Eureka!
4. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Mexican
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Rincon Norteno
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. La Tablita
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Rincon Norteno
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Pueblo Viejo
Best Burrito
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Chipotle
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Blanca
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. The Beer Hunter
4. Eureka!
5. Amigo Room at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Best Local Brewery
La Quinta Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Best Place to Play Billiards
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. The Beer Hunter
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Big Rock Pub
5. Red Barn
Best Cocktail Menu
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Tonga Hut
4. Seymour’s
5. Truss and Twine
Best Craft Cocktails
TRIO Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Bootlegger Tiki
3. Seymour’s
4. Purple Palm Restaurant at the Colony Palms
5. Truss and Twine
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar Palm Springs
3. Hunters
4. Blackbook
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Happy Hour
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza
3. La Quinta Cliffhouse
4. Lulu California Bistro
5. Jackalope Ranch
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. Red Barn
4. Plan B Live Entertainment and Cocktails
5. Score
Best Margarita
TIE
Las Casuelas Terraza
Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
Runners up:
3. Blue Coyote Grill
4. El Mirasol
5. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
Best Martini
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Purple Room Palm Springs
5. Zin American Bistro
Best Nightclub
Copa Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. The Nest
3. Zelda’s
4. Hunters
5. Costa’s Nightclub at the JW Marriott Desert Springs
Best Sports Bar
TIE
The Beer Hunter
Burgers and Beer
Runners up:
3. Big Rock Pub
4. Playoffs Sports Bar
5. Smokin’ Burgers
Best Wine Bar
Mastro’s Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. La Fe Wine Bar
3. Dead or Alive
4. Zin American Bistro
5. Counter Reformation at the Parker Palm Springs
Best Wine/Liquor Store
BevMo!
Runners up:
2. Total Wine and More
3. Desert Wines and Spirits (Go Deli)
4. The Wine Emporium
5. Larry’s Gourmet Market and Deli
Best Bar Ambiance
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Dead or Alive
4. Paul Bar/Food
5. Counter Reformation at the Parker Palm Springs
Best of Coachella Valley 2017-2018: Readers' Picks
November 27 2017
At long last … here are the results of the fourth annual Best of Coachella Valley readers' poll!
From all of us here at the Coachella Valley Independent, we’d like to thank the many, many readers who voted this year. The results, as you’ll see below, represent the amazing diversity of the Coachella Valley, with winners coming from all parts of the valley.
We’d also like you to come and celebrate with us! The Best of Coachella Valley 2017-2018 Awards Show and Celebration takes place Friday, Dec. 15, at The Hood Bar in Pizza in Palm Desert—this year’s winner for Best Dive Bar! The awards start at 6:30, and will be followed by a performance from Best Local Band winners The Flusters. The event will be followed by an after-party featuring Herbert, Sunday Funeral and Black Water Gospel.
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists … and welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2017-2018!
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Arts
Best Art Gallery
CODA Gallery
Runners up:
2. Shag
3. Melissa Morgan Fine Art
4. Hohmann Fine Art
5. J. Willott Gallery
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. The Show at Agua Caliente
3. The Hood Bar and Pizza
4. The Date Shed
5. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
Best Outdoor Venue
Empire Polo Club
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Indian Wells Tennis Garden
4. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
5. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. The Coachella Valley Art Scene
3. La Quinta Arts Foundation
4. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
5. CREATE Center for the Arts
Best Local Band
The Flusters
Runners up:
2. John Stanley King Band
3. Sunday Funeral
4. Drop Mob
5. The Hellions
Best Local DJ
DJ PWee
Runners up:
2. Jesika Von Rabbit
3. Alex Harrington
4. Alf Alpha
5. DJ Chub Jim
Best Local Musician
John Stanley King
Runners up:
2. Lisa Lynn Morgan
3. Dan Dillinger
4. Michael Keeth
5. Dave Burk
Best Local Visual Artist
TIE
Sofia Enriquez
Shag
Runners up:
3. Ryan Campbell
4. Cristopher Cichocki
5. Marconi Calindas
Best Movie Theater
Century La Quinta and XD
Runners up:
2. Mary Pickford Is D’Place
3. Century The River and XD
4. Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
5. Camelot Theatres
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Air Museum
3. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
4. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
5. La Quinta Museum
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Dezart Performs
5. Coyote StageWorks
Life in the Valley
Best Farmers’ Market
College of the Desert Street Fair
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Village Fest
3. Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market
4. Old Town La Quinta Certified Farmers’ Market
5. Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Runners up:
2. Desert AIDS Project
3. Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley
4. Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
5. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
6. AAP-Food Samaritans
Best Gym
World Gym
Runners up:
2. EOS Fitness
3. Planet Fitness
4. Palm Springs Fitness Center
5. In-Shape
Best Yoga Studio
Bikram Yoga Plus
Runners up:
2. Urban Yoga
3. Yoga Bliss
4. Power Yoga Palm Springs
5. Yoga Central
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Springs Bowling Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Yucca Bowl
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Gear Leather and Fetish
4. Q Trading Co.
5. Sensuality a Store for Her
Best Auto Repair
Andy’s Auto Repair
Runners up:
2. European Auto Service
3. Cam Stone’s Automotive
4. Singh’s Automotive Repair
5. OMAG Automotive
Best Car Wash
Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Car Wash
3. Airport Quick Car Wash
4. Indio Car Wash
5. Desert 100 Percent Hand Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
The Living Desert’s Palo Verde Garden Center
2. Moller’s Garden Center
3. Bob Williams Nursery
4. Vintage Nursery
5. Lotus Garden Center
Best Pet Supplies
Bones ’n’ Scones
Runners up:
2. Petco
3. PetSmart
4. Pet Oasis
5. Miriam’s Poochella Grooming
Best Annual Charity Event
Desert AIDS Walk (Desert AIDS Project)
Runners up:
2. Evening Under the Stars (AAP-Food Samaritans)
3. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
4. A Miracle on El Paseo (Bighorn Behind a Miracle)
5. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (Desert AIDS Project)
Best Place to Gamble
Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. Morongo Casino Resort Spa
5. Spotlight 29
Best Local TV News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. KMIR Channel 6
3. CBS Local 2
Best Local TV News Personality
Bianca Rae, KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
3. Karen Devine, KESQ News Channel 3
4. Gino Lamont, KMIR Channel 6
5. Bryan Gallo, KMIR Channel 6
Best Radio Station
Q 102.3 Classic Rock
Runners up:
2. Mix 100.5
3. Jammin 99.5 FM
4. Mod FM 107.3
5. K-News 94.3 FM
Best Local Radio Personality
Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. Jeff Michaels, Q 102.3/KPLM 106.1
3. Jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald, CV 104.3 FM
4. Joey English, KGX 99.1 FM/920 AM
5. Bill Feingold, K-News 94.3 FM
Best Bookstore
Barnes and Noble
Runners up:
2. Just Fabulous
3. Rancho Mirage Library Book Nook
4. The Book Rack La Quinta
Best Retail Music/Video Store
Record Alley
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectables
3. Best Buy
Best Comics/Games Shop
Desert Oasis Comics
Runners up:
2. Game Stop
3. HooDoo!
Best Hotel Pool
Riviera Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
3. Ace Hotel and Swim Club
4. Arrive
5. The Saguaro
Best Urgent Care
Eisenhower Medical Center Urgent Care
Runners up:
2. Desert Oasis Healthcare Immediate Care
3. VIP Urgent Care
4. MedPost Urgent Care (Desert Regional)
5. Premier Urgent Care
Valley Professionals
Best Doctor
Dr. Amanda Curnock
Runners up:
2. Dr. Timothy Jochen
3. Dr. Michael Hughes
4. Dr. Michael Jardula
Best Eye Doctor
Dr. Albert Milauskas
Runners up:
2. Dr. Camille Harrison
3. Dr. David Esquibel (Desert Vision)
4. Dr. Athena Brasfield (CV Optometry)
Best Dentist/Orthodontist
Dr. Larry Kunkle (Palm Desert Dental Center)
Runners up:
2. TIE
Dr. Rene Dell’Acqua
Dr. Frank Hernandez
4. Dr. Maria Aguilar (Mirage Lane Dentistry)
5. Dr. Duane Nishikubo
Best Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Timothy Jochen
Runners up:
2. Dr. Mark Sofonio
3. Dr. Scott Aaronson
4. Dr. Bruce Chisholm
5. Dr. Suzanne Quardt
Best Attorney
Walter Clark
Runners up:
2. Brian Harnik
3. David Humphrey
4. Christopher Heritage
5. J. John Anderholt III
Best Air Conditioner Repair
Comfort Air
Runners up:
2. Esser
3. General
4. All Seasons
5. Priority One
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Jim Cox
Runners up:
2. Nazemi Chiropractic
3. Dr. Kristen Bohnet
4. Dr. Paul Ross
Best Real Estate Agent
TIE
Barbara Carpenter
Brady Sandahl
Runners up:
3. Valery Neuman
4. Deirdre Coit
Best Electrician
Desert Pro Electrical
Runners up:
2. Electric Man
3. So-Cal Electric
4. Wired Up Electric
5. DCH Electric and Lighting
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Mayor Jan Harnik
3. Palm Springs Mayor Rob Moon
4. Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia
5. Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors
Fashion and Style
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Oooh La la
Runners up:
2. Trina Turk
3. Grayse
4. Blonde Clothing Boutique
5. Wil Stiles
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Revivals
Runners up:
2. Angel View
3. Goodwill
4. Plato’s Closet
5. The Fine Art of Design
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. West Elm
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. Erik’s Furniture
Best Antiques/Collectibles
The Estate Sale Co.
Runners up:
2. Misty’s Consignments
3. Victoria’s Attic
4. Sunny Dunes Antique Mall
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
Tiffany and Co.
Runners up:
2. El Paseo Jewelers
3. Leeds and Son
4. Robann’s Jewelers
5. B. Alsohns Jewelers
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Dishwater Blonde Salon
3. Alankara, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon
4. Josef Saliba
5. Jake Turner Salon
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
Two Bunch Palms
Runners up:
2. The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
3. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa
4. Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells
5. Well Spa (Miramonte)
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
TIE
Revive Wellness Center
Studio M Salon and Spa
Runners up:
3. Bighorn Golf Club
4. Massage Rx
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Jensen’s Foods
3. Rancho Mirage Florist
4. Palm Springs Florist
5. Lotus Garden Center
Best Tattoo Parlor
Bloodline Tattoo
Runners up:
2. Anarchy and Ink Tattoo
3. Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
4. Iron Palm Tattoo Parlour
5. Strata Tattoo Lab
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. LensCrafters
4. Panache Optical Gallery
5. CV Optometry
Outside!
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. El Paseo
4. Moorten’s Botanical Garden
5. Desert Healthcare District Wellness Park
Best Place for Bicycling
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
3. Bear Creek Path (La Quinta)
4. Highway 74
Best Recreation Area
Tahquitz Canyon
2. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
3. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Top of the Tram)
4. Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
Best Hike
Bump and Grind Trail
Runners up:
2. Ladder Canyon
3. The Cross Trail
4. South Lykken Trail
5. Art Smith Trail
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
2. Ruth Hardy Park
3. Rancho Mirage Community Park
4. La Quinta Civic Center Park
5. Ironwood Park
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5 Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Tri-A-Bike
3. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
4. BikeMan
5. Velo Bum Elite Cyclery
Best Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5 Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
4. Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis
Best Public Golf Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Runners up:
2. Indian Canyons Golf Resort
3. Indian Springs Golf Club
4. SilverRock Resort
5. Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
For the Kids
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. Ruth Hardy Park
3. La Quinta Civic Center Park
4. Ironwood Park
5. Dateland Park
Best Place to Buy Toys
Toys R Us
Runners up:
2. Uncle Don’s Hobbies
3. Mr. G’s for Kids
4. The Lumpy Bunny
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. The Children’s Place
3. The Lumpy Bunny
4. JadaBug’s Kids Boutique
5. Janie and Jack
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Red Robin
3. Old Spaghetti Factory
4. Shakey’s Pizza
5. Billy Reed’s
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Wet ’n’ Wild
3. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
4. Boomers
5. Laser Oasis
Best Place for a Birthday Party
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Chuck E. Cheese’s
3. Boomers
4. Laser Oasis
5. Shakey’s Pizza
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
5. Blaze Pizza
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. TRIO/Liquid Catering
4. Dash and a Handful
5. Lynn Hammond
Best Diner
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
4. John’s
5. Rick’s Restaurant
Best Organic Food Store
Whole Foods
Runners up:
2. Sprouts Farmers Market
3. Jensen’s Foods
4. Clark’s Nutrition
5. Bristol Farms
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. Manhattan in the Desert
3. TKB Bakery and Deli
4. Real Italian Deli
5. Bristol Farms
Best Custom Cakes
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
3. Jensen’s Foods
4. Pastry Swan Bakery
5. Exquisite Desserts
Best Desserts
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
3. Over the Rainbow
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Jake’s Palm Springs
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Great Shakes
Runners up:
2. Cold Stone Creamery
3. Lappert’s Ice Cream
4. Creamistry
5. Ice Cream and Shop(pe) at Arrive
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Great Shakes
Best Frozen Yogurt
TIE
Beach House
Jus Chillin’
Runners up:
3. Yogurtland
4. Tutti Frutti
5. Yogurt Island
Best Bakery
Aspen Mills
Runners up:
2. French Corner Café
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Frankie’s Italian Bakery
5. Peninsula Pastries
Best Barbecue
Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Smoke Tree BBQ
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Zobo and Meester’s
Best Burger
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Smokin’ Burgers
4. Tyler’s Burgers
5. Grill A Burger
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
5. TRIO Restaurant
Best Sandwich
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. The Sandwich Spot
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Aspen Mills
Best Pizza
Bill’s Pizza
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Blaze Pizza
4. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
5. Upper Crust Pizza
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Smokin’ Burgers
3. Wingstop
4. Smoke Tree BBQ
5. Kaiser Grille
Best Bagels
Townie Bagels
Runners up:
2. Bagel Bistro
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Manhattan in the Desert
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Jamba Juice
3. Luscious Lorraine’s
4. Koffi
5. Palm Greens Café
Best Buffet
Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet Agua Caliente
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs
4. Oasis Buffet at Spa Resort Casino
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Coffee Shop for Coffee
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. IW Coffee
4. Ristretto
5. Ernest Coffee
Best Coffee Shop for Hanging Out
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. IW Coffee
4. Ernest Coffee
5. Ristretto
Best Tea
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Koffi
4. Teavana
5. Panera Bread
Best Breakfast
Wilma and Frieda’s
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. Elmer’s
4. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
5. Cheeky’s
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Jake’s Palm Springs
4. Kaiser Grille
5. Acqua California Bistro
Best Brunch
Wilma and Frieda’s
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. The Tropicale
5. TRIO Restaurant
6. Jackalope Ranch
Best Chinese
P.F. Chang’s
Runners up:
2. JOY at Fantasy Springs
3. City Wok
4. New Fortune Asian Cuisine
5. China King
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Evzin Mediterranean Cuisine
3. Athena Gyro
4. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio
5. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
Best French
Le Vallauris Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Si Bon
3. Cuistot Restaurant
4. L’Atelier Café
5. Café des Beaux Arts
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runner up:
2. India Oven
Best Italian
Ristorante Mamma Gina
Runners up:
2. Mario’s Italian Café
3. Castelli’s
4. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
5. La Spiga Ristorante Italiano
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. Gyoro Gyoro Isakaya Japonaise
4. Joyce’s Sushi
5. Shabu Shabu Zen
Best Korean
JOY at Fantasy Springs
Runners up:
2. Maru Korean B.B.Q. and Grill
3. Umami Seoul
4. Domo Sushi
Best Sushi
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
Runners up:
2. Dragon Sushi
3. The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Edoko Sushi
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market and Grill
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Spencer’s Restaurant
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Runners up:
2. LG’s Prime Steakhouse
3. Mastro’s Steakhouse
4. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
5. Suillivan’s Steakhouse
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
3. Blue Orchid
4. My Thai
5. Thai House
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Rooster and the Pig
3. TIE
533 Viet Fusion
Watercress Vietnamese Bistro
5. Fuzion Five
Best Vegetarian
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Luscious Lorraine’s
3. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
4. Palm Greens Café
5. Nature’s Health Food and Cafe
Best Upscale Restaurant
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Le Vallauris Restaurant
3. Wally’s Desert Turtle
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Johannes
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Copley’s on Palm Canyon
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. TRIO Restaurant
4. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
5. Alicante
Best Mexican
Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. El Mirasol
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Loco Charlie’s
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Blue Coyote Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Mendoza
Best Burrito
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Taqueria Tlaquepaque
4. Casa Mendoza
5. La Perlita Mexican Food
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. The Beer Hunter
3. Burgers and Beer
4. Draughtsman
5. Eureka!
Best Local Brewery
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. The Hood Bar and Pizza
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Big Rock Pub
5. Red Barn
Best Cocktail Menu
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Eureka!
4. Dish Creative Cuisine
5. Seymour’s
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar
Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar
3. Hunters
4. Streetbar
5. Blackbook
Best Happy Hour
La Quinta Cliffhouse
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. The Tropicale
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. The Nest
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Red Barn
5. Plan B Live Entertainment and Cocktails
Best Margarita
Blue Coyote Grill
Runners up:
2. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Armando’s Dakota Bar and Grill
5. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
Best Martini
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. TRIO Restaurant
4. Zin American Bistro
5. Kaiser Grille
Best Nightclub
The Nest
Runners up:
2. Copa
3. Hunters
4. Zeldas
5. Bart Lounge
Best Sports Bar
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. Smokin’ Burgers
4. Big Rock Pub
5. Playoffs Sports Bar
Best Wine Bar
Zin American Bistro
Runners up:
2. Mastro’s Steakhouse
3. The Wine Emporium
4. Dead or Alive
5. La Rue Wine Bar
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. Costco
3. BevMo!
4. Desert Wines and Spirits (Go Deli)
5. The Wine Emporium
Best Bar Ambiance
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Big Rock Pub
3. Mastro’s Steakhouse
4. TRIO Restaurant
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017: Readers' Picks
November 28 2016
Here are the results of the third annual Best of Coachella Valley readers' poll!
An all-time-high number of people voted in both rounds this year—and the slate of winners and finalists represent all parts of the valley.
Come celebrate the winners with us during the Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017 Awards Show and Celebration, presented by Renova Solar. It will take place at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Copa Nightclub—this year's Best Nightclub winner.
Thanks to all of you who voted in this year's poll!
Welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017.
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ARTS
Best Art Gallery
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Runners up:
2. CODA
3. Heather James
4. Melissa Morgan
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. The Hood Bar and Pizza
4. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
5. The Date Shed
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Art Scene
3. McCallum Theatre
4. La Quinta Arts Foundation
5. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
Best Local Band
Venus and the Traps
Runners up:
2. The Flusters
3. Brightener
4. The Myx
5. War Drum
Best Local DJ
Alf Alpha
Runners up:
2. DJ Day
3. Alex Harrington
4. DJ Pwee
5. Tommy Locust
Best Local Musician (Individual)
Jesika Von Rabbit
Runners up:
2. Nico Flores
3. Keisha D
4. Kal David
5. EeVaan Tre
Best Local Visual Artist
Sofia Enriquez
Runners up:
2. Elena Bulatova
3. Ryan “Motel” Campbell
4. Marconi Calindas
Best Movie Theater
Century La Quinta and XD
Runners up:
2. Camelot Theatres
3 TIE
Regal Palm Springs Stadium 9
Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
5. Century Theatres at the River
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
3. Coachella Valley History Museum
4. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
5. La Quinta Museum
Best Outdoor Venue
Empire Polo Club
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert
3. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
4. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
5. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Coyote StageWorks
5. Dezart Performs
LIFE IN THE VALLEY
Best Alternative Health Center
La Quinta Wellness Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Healing Center
3. Desert Hot Springs Health and Wellness Center
Best Farmers’ Market
College of the Desert Street Fair Farmers’ Market
Runners up:
2. Certified Farmers’ Market Old Town La Quinta
3. Certified Farmers’ Market Palm Springs
4. Palm Springs VillageFest
5. Certified Farmers’ Market Palm Desert
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Animal Shelter
3. Desert AIDS Project
4. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
5. Shelter From the Storm
Best Gym
24 Hour Fitness
Runners up:
2. World Gym
3. EOS Fitness
4. In-Shape
5. Planet Fitness
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans
3. Palm Springs Mayor Rob Moon
4. Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors
Best Yoga
Urban Yoga
Runners up:
2. Bikram Yoga Palm Desert-El Paseo
3. TIE
Evolve Yoga
Yoga Central
5. Bikram Yoga University Village
Best Bowling
Fantasy Springs Bowling Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes Bowling at Morongo
Best Auto Repair
Palms to Pines Automotive
Runners up:
2. Desert Classic Cars
3. Desert Lexus
4. L&L Automotive
5. Singh’s Automotive Repair
Best Car Wash
Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Car Wash
3. Indio Car Wash
4. Airport Quick Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
The Living Desert’s Palo Verde Garden Center
Runners up:
2. Moller’s Garden Center
3. Vintage Nursery
4. Bob Williams Nursery
Best Pet Supplies
Petco
Runners up:
2. Bones ’n’ Scones
3. PetSmart
4. Miriam’s Poochella Grooming
5. Desert Feed Bag
Best Annual Charity Event
Evening Under the Stars (AIDS Assistance Program)
Runners up:
2. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
3. Ramblin’ and Gamblin’ (Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert)
4. Dinner in the Canyons (Agua Caliente Cultural Museum)
5. Center Stage (LGBT Community Center of the Desert)
Best Place to Gamble
Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Spa Resort Casino
4. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
5. Spotlight 29
Best Local TV News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. KMIR Channel 6
3. CBS Local 2
Best Local TV News Personality
Ginger Jeffries, KMIR Channel 6
Runners up:
2. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
3. Karen Devine, KESQ News Channel 3
4. Bianca Rae, KESQ News Channel 3
5. Gino LaMont, KMIR Channel 6
Best Local Radio Station
Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. 93.7 KCLB
3. Jammin 99.5 FM
4. K-News 94.3
5. La Ponderosa 96.7 FM
Best Local Radio Personality
Jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald, CV 104.3 FM
Runners up:
2. Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
3. Mozingo, Mix 100.5
4. Bill Feingold, K-News 94.3
5. Dan McGrath, Sunny 103.1 FM
Best Bookstore
Barnes & Noble
Runners up:
2. Rancho Mirage Public Library Booknook
3. Revivals
4. The Book Rack
Best Retail Music/Video Store
Record Alley
Runners up:
2. Best Buy
3. Barnes and Noble
Best Comics/Games Shop
Game Stop
2. Desert Oasis
3. Interstellar Comic Books and Collectables
Best Hotel Pool
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. The Riviera
5. The Saguaro
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Spencer’s Gifts
4. GayMart
FASHION AND STYLE
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Bobby G’s
2. Wil Stiles
3. Glossy
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Angel View
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Gypsyland
4. Penny Lane Boutique
5. Plato’s Closet
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Ashley Furniture Homestore
4. Mor Furniture for Less
Best Antiques/Collectables Store
TIE
The Estate Sale Co
Victoria’s Attic
Runners up:
3. Misty’s Consignments
4. Classic Consignment
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
El Paseo Jewelers
Runners up:
Leeds and Son
Hephaestus
Daniel’s Jewelers
Robann’s Jewelers
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Salon 119 and Spa
3. Dishwater Blonde Salon
4. Revive Salon and Spa
5. Read Brown
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
Spa La Quinta (La Quinta Resort)
Runners up:
2. The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
3. Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente
4. Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells
5. Well Spa at Miramonte
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
Massage Envy
Runners up:
2. Desert Zen
3. Studio M Salon and Spa
4. Revive Wellness Center
5. Bliss Chakra Spa
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Indio Florist
3. Rancho Mirage Florist
4. Palm Springs Florist
5. Lotus Garden Center
Best Tattoo Parlor
TIE
Art and Ink Tattoo Studio
The Tattoo Gallery
Runners up:
3. Flagship Tattoo
4. Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
5. Strata Tattoo Lab
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. Milauskas Eye Institute
4. Walmart
5. Old Town Optometry
OUTSIDE!
Best Urban Landscaping
El Paseo
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. Downtown Palm Springs
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
3. Sunnylands
4. El Paseo
5. Ruth Hardy Park
Best Place for Bicycling
La Quinta
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs
3. Palm Desert
4. Highway 74
5. Frank Sinatra Drive
Best Recreation Area
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Canyon
3. Whitewater Preserve
4. Lake Cahuilla
5. Coachella Valley Preserve
Best Hike
Bump and Grind
Runners up:
2. Indian Canyons
3. Tahquitz Canyon
4. Palm Springs Museum Trail
5. South Lykken Trail
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. TIE
Freedom Park (Palm Desert)
Ruth Hardy Park
4. Rancho Las Flores (Coachella)
5. Demuth Park (Palm Springs)
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Desert Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Cyclery
3. Tri-A-Bike
4. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
Best Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
4. Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis
5. PGA Tour Superstore
Best Public Golf Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Runners up:
2. PGA West
3. Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs
4. The Golf Club at Terra Lago
5. The Lights at Indio Golf Course
FOR THE KIDS
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Rancho Mirage Community Park
5. Cathedral City Town Square
Best Place to Buy Toys
Toys “R” Us
Runners up:
2. Mr. G’s for Kids
3. Target
4. Walmart
5. Big Lots
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. The Childrens Place
3. Tillys
4. Fallas
5. Revivals
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Shakey’s Pizza
3. Red Robin
4. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
5. Old Spaghetti Factory
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
3. Boomers
4. Chuck E. Cheese
5. Desert Ice Castle
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert
3. Boomers
4. Lulu California Bistro
5. Desert Ice Castle
FOOD AND RESTAURANTS
Best Casual Eats
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. In-n-Out Burger
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Eureka!
5. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
2. Lavender Bistro
3. Jennifer’s Kitchen and Catering
4. Dash and a Handful
5. Cello’s Pantry
Best Diner
Keedy’s Fountain Grill
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
3. Elmer’s
4. John’s
5. Rick’s Restaurant
Best Organic Food Store
Trader Joe’s
2. Sprouts Farmers Market
3. Whole Foods
4. Harvest Health Foods
5. Clark’s Nutrition
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Real Italian Deli
5. Clementine Gourmet Marketplace
Best Custom Cakes
TIE
Over the Rainbow
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Exquisite Desserts
Best Desserts
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. French Corner Café
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Over the Rainbow
5. Manhattan in the Desert
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Cold Stone Creamery
Runners up:
2. Great Shakes
3. Ben and Jerry’s
4. Brandini Toffee
5. Creamistry
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Great Shakes
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland
2. Beach House
3. Golden Spoon
4. Jus Chillin
5. Eddie’s Frozen Yogurt
Best Bakery
French Corner Café
Runners up:
2. Aspen Mills
3. Over the Rainbow
4. Pastry Swan Bakery
5. Peninsula Pastries
Best Barbecue
Smoke Tree BBQ Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
3. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Best Burger
In-n-Out Burger
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Tyler’s Burgers
4. Eureka!
5. Smokin’ Burgers and Lounge
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Palm Greens Café
4. Trio
5. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
Best Sandwich
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. The Sandwich Spot
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Aspen Mills
Best Pizza
Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Bill’s Pizza
3. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
4. Piero’s PizzaVino
5. Blaze Pizza
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Wingstop
4. Neil’s Lounge
5. Billy Q’s
Best Bagels
Townie Bagels
Runners up:
2. Panera Bread
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Einstein Bros. Bagels
5. Manhattan in the Desert
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Jamba Juice
3. Juice It Up
4. Beach House Yogurt
Best Buffet
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet at Agua Caliente
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs
4. Oasis Buffet at Spa Resort Casino
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Coffee Shop for Coffee
Starbucks
Runners up:
2. Koffi
3. IW Coffee
4. Vintage Coffee House
5. Ristretto
Best Coffee Shop for Hanging Out
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Old Town Coffee
4. IW Coffee
5. Ernst Coffee
Best Tea
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Teavana
4. Koffi
5. Ristretto
Best Breakfast
Wilma and Frieda’s Café
Runners up:
2. Elmer’s
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Sunshine Cafe
5. John’s
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Cliffhouse
3. Zin American Bistro
4. Spencer’s Restaurant
5. Trio
Best Brunch
Pinocchio in the Desert
Runners up:
2. Wilma and Frieda’s
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Louise’s Pantry
5. The Tropicale
Best Chinese
PF Chang’s
Runners up:
2. City Wok
3. Wang’s in the Desert
4. JOY at Fantasy Springs
5. New Fortune
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Miro’s Restaurant
3. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
4. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio
5. Athena Gyro
Best French
La Brasserie
Runners up:
2. Si Bon
3. Le Vallauris
4. Cuistot
5. Chez Pierre
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runners up:
2. India Oven
3. Naan House
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. JOY at Fantasy Springs
4. Shabu Shabu Zen
5. Shogun Restaurant
Best Italian
Mario’s Italian Cafe
Runners up:
2. Ristorante Mamma Gina
3. Castelli’s
4. Trilussa
5. Livreri’s Palm Springs
Best Sushi
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
Runners up:
The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge
Shogun Restaurant
Dragon Sushi
Edoko Sushi
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Spencer’s Restaurant
Best Steakhouse
LG’s Prime Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
3. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
4. TIE
Morgan’s in the Desert
Steakhouse at the Spa
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Thai House
3. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
4. Le Basil
5. Blue Orchid
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Pho 533
3. Rooster and the Pig
4. Watercress Vietnamese Bistro
5. Pho Na
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Palm Greens Café
3. Nature’s Health Food and Café
4. Luscious Lorraine’s
5. Café Jasmin
Best Upscale Cuisine
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Wally’s Desert Turtle
3. Le Vallauris
4. Johannes
5. Jillian’s
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. Las Casuelas Terraza
4. Lavender Bistro
5. The Tropicale
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Alicante
4. Smokin’ Burgers
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Mexican
La Casita
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave
3. El Mirasol
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill’
5. Casa Mendoza
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas (Original)
Runners up:
2. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. Las Casuelas Quinta
5. Felipe’s
Best Burrito
Taqueria Guerrero
Runners up:
2. Castaneda’s Mexican Food
3. Chipotle
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Mendoza
SPIRITS AND NIGHTLIFE
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. The Beer Hunter
4. Eureka!
5. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brew House
Best Local Brewery
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brew House
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. Hunters
4. Bart Lounge
5. Score the Game Bar
Best Cocktail Menu
Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Eureka!
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Trio
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Toucan’s
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar
3. Hunters
4. The Tropicale
5. Spurline
Best Happy Hour
Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Applebee’s
3. The Tropicale
4. La Quinta Cliffhouse
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. Hair of the Dog
4. Red Barn
5. Score
Best Margarita
Las Casuelas (Original)
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave
3. El Mirasol
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Mendoza
Best Martini
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Mitch’s on El Paseo
3. Mastro’s Steakhouse
4. The Tropicale
5. Trio
Best Nightclub
Copa
Runners up:
2. Zelda’s
3. Hunter’s
4. Bart Lounge
5. Chill Bar
Best Sports Bar
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. Buffalo Wild Wings
4. Alicante
5. Village Pub
Best Wine Bar
Zin American Bistro
Runners up:
2. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
3. La Rue Wine Bar
4. Vue Grille and Bar
5. Dead or Alive
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. BevMo!
3. Costco
4. Trader Joe’s
5. Fame Lounge
Best Bar Ambiance
Eureka!
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar
3. The Tropicale
4. Matchbox
5. Workshop Kitchen+Bar
District Disagreements: State Sen. Jeff Stone Hopes to Upset Rep. Raul Ruiz in November
September 15 2016
Rep. Raul Ruiz upset Mary Bono Mack four years ago to become the California District 36 congressman.
This year, state Sen. Jeff Stone hopes to pull off an upset of his own.
The Democratic Party has high hopes this year. Party leaders think it’s possible to retain the presidency, regain control of the Senate, and increase the number of Democrats in the Republican-dominated House of Representatives.
Given this electoral outlook, incumbent Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz is in what seems like a fairly favorable position. He garnered 58.5 percent of June’s primary vote and had raised close to $2.5 million through June.
District 36 is a former Republican stronghold that includes all of the Coachella Valley, yet Ruiz’s challenger, State Sen. Jeff Stone, attracted only 31.6 percent of primary voters in June. (Another Republican received 9.9 percent of the vote.) He had raised only about a tenth of Ruiz’s haul through June—around $250,000.
What a difference four years makes.
Stone is measured when asked about his chances for an upset this year. “I’m not presumptuous to tell you that I will be elected—but I hope to be elected,” he said during a recent interview with the Independent.
When asked about the major differences between him and Ruiz, Stone mentioned last year’s nuclear deal with Iran. “It’s my belief that the (Iran nuclear) deal, that Congressman Ruiz supported, has aided and abetted a rogue country like Iran, the largest sponsor of terrorism on the globe, to continue their sponsorship of terrorism. But more importantly, it allows them a pathway to get to a nuclear bomb.”
Of course, Ruiz views his vote differently. “I voted for the Iran nuclear agreement,” he told the Independent, “because its purpose is for Iran to never, ever, ever—not now, not in 10, not in 15, not in 20, not in 50 years, not ever, ever—get a nuclear bomb. And already, we are seeing results.”
Stone also takes issue with the way that he said Ruiz arrived at his stance on the controversial deal.
“I was in the room (in Washington, D.C.) with members of the Coachella Valley contingent when Raul Ruiz made it very clear that he was not going to support any deal with Iran that allowed them to continue with their nuclear program. He flip-flopped for reasons I’ll never understand,” Stone said. “(Ruiz) said in a subsequent Desert Sun editorial that (paraphrasing), ‘It is with great humility that I am supporting this deal with Iran.’ Well, that humility could translate into future generations of Americans being the beneficiaries of a nuclear bomb on our soil.”
Ruiz said keeping his constituents safe is a major priority.
“We’ve got to keep the pressure on (Iran),” Ruiz said. “We will continue to conduct aggressive inspections which will give us intelligence that gives us the upper hand, now and in the future, to always maintain strict vigilance and ensure that they never get a nuclear bomb.”
Each candidate shared their views on other issues of concern. Ruiz mentioned the economy.
“We have to make sure that life is more affordable,” Ruiz said. “A lot of the American people and a lot of my constituents are struggling, working hard and still finding it hard to make ends meet. We need to make sure we expand the middle class by empowering our consumers and giving them a raise in the minimum wage.
“Locally, I’ve worked very closely and aggressively in promoting and helping our small businesses. I’ve successfully brought the first and only Small Business Administration office in the entire Inland Empire right here to the Coachella Valley so that our businesses have the tools, the equipment, the information and the capital they need to expand and create more jobs.”
Stone sees border security as a major challenge.
“I believe we need to secure our border—and I’m not for doing it the way that Donald Trump has been stereotyped,” Stone said. “We need to secure our borders in the name of national security. I am so worried that we are going to have a person from the Mideast who is going to transport radioactive material that is smuggled into Mexico and then smuggled into the United States and used as a dirty bomb.
“In addition, the scourge of narcotics that is claiming the lives of so many youngsters in our country … all of it is coming from Mexico because of our porous borders,” Stone said. “I’m not an advocate of building a big wall. I believe that with technology and allowing our Border Patrol agents to do their jobs, we can accomplish these tasks.”
Ruiz weighed in on the topic as well.
“I’ve got to make sure that we secure America and that we keep my constituents safe,” he said. “We need to make sure that our military and law enforcement have the tools that they need. That’s why I have voted repeatedly and consistently to give them those tools.”
Ruiz touted his achievements in supporting U.S. veterans.
“I’m very proud that we started the first-ever Veterans University that brought in over 500 veterans, their family members and community members who care about veterans in order to give them the tools necessary to improve their access to the benefits that they’ve earned,” Ruiz explained. “We help them navigate the health-care system so that they can get the mental-health services they need to prevent suicides and reduce the effect of post-traumatic stress disorder. In terms of legislation, last cycle, one of my bills … made it into the CHOICE Act that became law.
“Locally, I’ve been working hard to expand the VA Palm Desert clinic to bring in more mental-health specialists. We just successfully brought in a mobile veterans’ center that will be making stops in Hemet, Palm Springs and Indio. But you know, I miss seeing patients in the emergency room, so I’m doctoring by seeing my constituents on the case work when they come into my office. We’ve been very successful in bringing in over $2 million in benefits owed to our veterans and cutting through the red tape to make sure they get the health care that they need, when they need it.”
Stone shared his thoughts on how to improve veterans’ services.
“To me, it’s very tragic when you have 22 veterans (nationwide) who are committing suicide every single day,” Stone said. “Now I appreciate that he (Ruiz) has got this van that’s going to provide for some mobile services. … I commend him. But my plan is completely different. It will allow people not to wait for a van in a district as large as our 36th Congressional District. If I am elected, one of my first bills is going to be to completely privatize the VA—to sell off the Veterans Administration hospitals to private-sector hospitals and to enroll every veteran into the Medicare program or a Medicare-like program that allows them the freedom of choice to get the physician they want and go to the hospital that they choose. This will eliminate the backlog of people who are falling prey to a monstrous bureaucracy within the Veterans Administration.”
We asked the candidates about the failure of Congress to approve any funding thus far to combat the increasing presence of the Zika virus.
“I think that it’s an example of the partisan gridlock that puts partisanship against the best interests of the citizens of the United States of America,” Stone said. “I strongly support funding for the development of a vaccine quickly, because we’re seeing the horrific birth defects caused as a result of the virus. I think that something needs to be done in the next 30 days. They need to sit down like adults and come up with the appropriate funding, and let’s get that Zika vaccine out there before we see an epidemic of the Zika virus … infecting a lot of pregnant women who will have severely disabled children on their hands.”
Ruiz said he’s also concerned about the virus and its possible effects on families.
“I’m concerned not only about potential stressful and emotional experiences tied to giving birth to infants with microcephaly, because that means they’ll have to cope with the burdens and emotional stress of caring for a developmentally challenged loved one for the rest of their lives, but also about the struggle with a $10 million or more financial burden for the lifetime of that loved one,” he said. “That is why I’m advocating for the full funding that the scientists and public-health experts and health-care providers have said they need.
“I am thoroughly disappointed that the House Republicans introduced a bill that only had a third of the funding necessary. Still, there are things that I can do locally. I’m holding town halls, and educating my constituents through social media and PSAs so that they know how to keep themselves safe from the Zika virus. I’ve visited the Coachella Valley (Mosquito and Vector Control District) and discussed ways that we can collaborate so that they have the resources and information that they need to move forward. I’ll encourage (Speaker Paul Ryan) not to play politics and put riders into a bill. … There is no ‘wait and see’ here, because once a child has microcephaly, they will always have microcephaly in their lifetime.”
Stone said he supports a bipartisan approach to tackling problems.
“You know, it shouldn’t depend on whether you have a ‘D’ or an ‘R’ after your name. If you come up with a good solution to a problem, it should be embraced in the best interests of the state of California, or if you go to Congress, in the best interest of the 339 million people living in this country,” he said. “It shouldn’t be based on just partisanship. Those are areas that I think the public is frustrated with, and I think that’s why you’re seeing the popularity of Donald Trump. I think that’s why you saw the popularity of Bernie Sanders, because people are tired of politically correct speech and people just toeing party lines and not getting things done. This is going to be a very unique election.”
Ruiz expressed optimism about his chances in November.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to represent my constituents in my home area for another two years,” he said.
Rep. Raul Ruiz and state Sen. Jeff Stone will take part in a debate at 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16. The debate will air live on News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2, and will be streamed live at KESQ.com and Desertsun.com.
Just after 2 a.m. on Sunday, June 12, Omar Mateen walked into Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., and started firing at the 320 or so people who were still in the club after the bartenders announced last call. In the three terrible hours that followed, at least 50 people lost their lives.
The country woke up to this horrifying news on Sunday morning, and the LGBT Community Center of the Desert quickly assembled a vigil to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Arenas Road in downtown Palm Springs.
Mike Thompson, the LGBT Center’s chief executive officer, explained how the vigil came together.
“It was really kind of a matter of minutes,” Thompson told the Independent. “A few people already coordinated some activities, so it was immediately getting together with them and organizing the community organizers. It was great to have something to rally around, and the support has been tremendous.”
Thompson said that he had not spoken with anyone at The Center, Orlando’s LGBT community center, but he said he was heartened to see how many similar vigils and events had been scheduled in solidarity with Orlando.
“I’m on a list with a bunch of other community centers, and it’s been phenomenal to see the kind of support that’s being shown. There are 152 events scheduled over the next couple of days in 32 states, including San Juan, Puerto Rico and in Mexico City. In a 12-hour period of time, what’s been able to come together when communities mobilize—it’s pretty fantastic.”
He said it was important for the vigil to be held on Arenas—the epicenter of gay nightlife in the Coachella Valley.
“Because this event in Orlando happened in a gay bar, and we had our own tragedy with George Zander on Arenas back in November, it was important for us as a community to gather on this street and show our solidarity in our community. This is significant on so many levels for this community.”
Richard Noble, who walked across America with the rainbow flag to promote LGBT civil rights, was present holding a sign that said “Enough Gun Violence.”
Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2016, Christopher Durbin, said he felt sadness, followed by anger, when he heard about what is now the deadliest mass shooting ever in the United States.
“Enough is enough,” he said. “We’ve had many incidents like these of gun violence in the past, and nothing is being done. Maybe with the largest and most severe one in American history, something will be done.”
Durbin said the vigil offered inspiration on what was otherwise a dark day.
“I am so filled with pride and joy right now. This incredible turnout happened in a matter of a few hours,” he said. “It is heartwarming to see, and it is incredible to see what can be done so quickly in our beautiful town of Palm Springs.”
Just before the vigil started, the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus gave a beautiful performance of “God Bless America,” which resulted in some people choking back tears during the moment of silence that Thompson led, shortly before Congressman Raul Ruiz started to speak.
Ruiz spoke at length about the need for better gun-control laws.
“This is a time where we reaffirm our commitment to defeat terrorism around the international community,” Ruiz told the audience to applause.
At that moment, a man screamed, “Raul! What are you going to tell the NRA when you get back to Washington?”
Ruiz’s response: “I’m going to tell them to stop their bullshit!” he said to thunderous applause.
Ruiz ended his speech on a high note.
“I want to say that I stand with you; I mourn with you; and I dream of an equal America that demonstrates its greatness through the equality of its values, and I will always march with you,” Ruiz said.
When Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon spoke, he emphasized that safety was a priority.
“I want to assure you as your mayor that the city of Palm Springs and your Palm Springs City Council recognizes public safety is the No. 1 responsibility of our city and our City Council,” Moon said.
Moon added a call for solidarity.
“We must put a stop to this violence and tragic loss of life,” he said. “We must continue to work together, to support one another, and not give up the fight for equality for every person in the United States—regardless of their gender, their gender identity, their age, their religion or their sexual orientation. Let’s keep fighting until we win this battle.”
The first of three religious leaders to speak was Rabbi David Lazar, of Temple Isaiah.
“Look where you are standing, because you’re standing on holy ground,” Lazar told the crowd. “We are sanctifying this ground, this street, this row of clubs by being here and saying and doing and just being here. We’re sanctifying this ground. A place where other people come to be together to hold hands and celebrate—that place was defiled. While we can’t go to Orlando right now to do what we’re doing, we symbolically do it here.”
Imam Reymundo Nour from the Islamic Society of Palm Springs spoke out in support of the LGBT community.
“The Islamic Society of Palm Springs wants you to know that we stand with other Islamic organizations, civic leaders, human rights organizations, the clergy and the LGBT community,” Nour said. “We stand together in condemning this senseless act of violence.”
Imam Nour reminded attendees what happened to the Islamic Society of Palm Springs back in December—an attack which made national headlines.
“Recently, in December, our mosque was firebombed by an individual who had similar hate sentiments,” he said. “The LGBT community stood behind us, so we’re here to stand behind you today. We pray for the victims and their loved ones, and we urge the residents of our valley, we urge the citizens of our nation, to stand with them in their time of need as they stood with us in ours and consistently stand with us in our time of need against bigotry, hatred, and discrimination.”
Kevin Johnson, of Bloom in the Desert Ministries, referenced the jigsaw-puzzle pattern on the stole he was wearing.
“It is a time for drawing together, and we are doing that,” he said. “It is also a time when we are called to action. The ordination stole I am wearing right now is rainbow-colored puzzle pieces. I wear it because it represents the intersection of oppressions … in the LGBT community. Let’s eliminate the lines, but until that can happen, but like jigsaw puzzles, our communities are connected to one another, and we can live, support, and work for one another.”
Johnson said it was important to speak out against violence and included the old ACT UP slogan, “Silence = Death.”
“Thoughts and prayers are fine, but they are not enough,” Johnson said. “Ending this madness will take votes, and I encourage everyone of good faith to cast votes to elect leaders and pass laws to bring sensible gun laws into our communities.”
Lisa Middleton, a transgender woman who is a member of the Palm Springs Planning Commission and former board member at the LGBT Community Center of the Desert, choked up when she first started speaking.
“We remember Harvey Milk; we remember Matthew Shepard; and we remember Brandon Teena,” Middleton said. “We did not need another reminder, but now we have Orlando.
“I have news for the haters: You are going to lose! There are more of us than there are of them. We are stronger than they are; we are better organized; and we have a pulse. It is time that people like Omar Mateen cannot get an AR-15. It is past time for that to happen. We know the club he went to; we know why he went to that club; we know who he targeted; and we know who he was after. He’s not going to win. They have tried to stop us before, put us in jail for who we loved, fired us when we came out, tried to stop us from getting married—and it didn’t work out too well for them. We are stronger; we are together; and this is our town and our country. It is our time! We’re going to stand together. We will stand strong, and ladies and gentlemen, we shall overcome!”
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Mayor Moon, Richard Noble and Others
Mayor Moon, Richard Noble and Others
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Rabbi David Lazar
Rabbi David Lazar
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We Are the Pulse
We Are the Pulse
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Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus
Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus
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The Crowd
The Crowd
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Lisa Middleton
Lisa Middleton
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Kevin Johnson of Bloom in the Desert
Kevin Johnson of Bloom in the Desert
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Imam Reymundo Nour
Imam Reymundo Nour
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Christopher Durbin
Christopher Durbin
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Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
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Mayor Rob Moon
Mayor Rob Moon
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Rep. Raul Ruiz
Rep. Raul Ruiz
https://cvindependent.com/index.php/en-US/news/local-issues/itemlist/tag/raul%20ruiz#sigProId178124b4d0
Running Against Raul Ruiz: State Sen. Jeff Stone Thinks He Has What It Will Take to Unseat the Democratic Congressman
February 19 2016
On June 7, Coachella Valley voters will go to the polls to cast their votes in the California primary—and the Republican Party is going all-out to reclaim the 36th Congressional District seat, currently held by Dr. Raul Ruiz, a Democrat.
So far, two Republicans have declared their intentions to take on Ruiz (who did not return repeated requests for comment for this story).
“When I entered the field, there was no Republican who had thrown their hat into this race and stayed in the race,” novice candidate Dwight Kealy told Independent. “We’re looking at a district where a strong Republican should have a good showing. Historically, it’s been a Republican district.”
That historical advantage was altered dramatically in 2012, when Ruiz, then a novice candidate himself, upset heavily favored Republican incumbent Mary Bono Mack in a tight race. In 2014, Ruiz won re-election, handily beating Brian Nestande.
“Right now, there’s a pretty likable Democrat in office, quite frankly,” Kealy admitted. “He’s from the district, and he obviously appeals to the Latino vote as well.
“(The Republicans) needed someone with a good story, so I was encouraged to explore this opportunity. I talked to a bunch of people throughout the district and introduced myself, and they were excited about it. I talked to the state leadership and at the national level to the Republican Party. They all seemed really excited.”
But not long after Kealy had committed, 24-year political veteran Jeff Stone, currently serving in the state Senate, made public his intention to challenge Dr. Ruiz as well. (Shortly after this story was published, Kealy announced he was dropping out of the race.)
“When the paperwork becomes available, we’ll expeditiously acquire the general-nomination papers and get them filled out,” Stone said. “We’ll get 40 registered voters in the district to sign those, which should not require much of an effort, and we’ll get them filed, and we will be officially in the race.”
Stone said he has been working hard to gather endorsements and raise funds for his likely battle against Ruiz, who already has $1.5 million in the bank for his campaign.
Is Stone concerned how voters will react to his decision to run for national office less than halfway into his four-year term as a state senator?
“I have to balance my responsibilities as a state senator, which are going to come first,” he said. “I’ll use what spare time I have to get into the district and talk to constituents—and, of course, you’ve got to be able to raise money to get your message out. So we have roughly 10 fundraisers that are planned between now and June at various areas of the district, in the state of California, and some that will actually be outside of California.”
Stone said his decision to jump into the congressional race resulted from a string of unexpected occurrences, beginning last March, when he made a trip to Washington, D.C.
“I went there to hear Benjamin Netanyahu and to show that there were a number of us in the country who did not believe the Iran deal was a good deal,” said Stone, “and also to lobby members of Congress to not support that deal the president was proposing with Iran. I walked the halls of Congress and met with our state delegation, including Dr. Raul Ruiz. While we were sitting with Dr. Ruiz, he made it very clear he was going to stand with Israel. I walked away from that meeting, just as many people did, thinking he was not going to support this horrific deal.”
But according to Stone, Ruiz broke his word when he ultimately voted to support the deal.
“He got a message from (House Minority Leader) Nancy Pelosi that he had to support the president of the United States, and he was pretty much told what to do, and he flip-flopped on the vote. I was so disappointed, because that rarely has happened in the 24 years I’ve been an elected official, that somebody would make such a major policy shift on such an important issue, namely national security.”
Stone wrote a “Valley Voice” piece for The Desert Sun, voicing his opposition to the nuclear deal, last September.
“After that, I was getting phone calls and emails from people saying, ‘Senator Stone, where do we sign up? And where do send funds?’ And I said, ‘Well, what are you talking about?’ And they said, ‘Aren’t you running for Congress?’ I said, ‘I’m not running for Congress.’”
In November, Stone said, he returned to Washington, D.C., to lobby for federal assistance for his California district, and encountered two longtime Republican congressmen from California, Darrell Issa and Ken Calvert.
“‘You know Jeff, we really need you to get into this race,’” Stone recalled them telling him. “‘This is a race that’s about 50-50 Democrat-Republican. And frankly, Dr. Ruiz has been in Congress now long enough that he has a record that can be scrutinized. … So we’re asking you to step up to the plate.”
Although Stone has been in his state Senate seat for less than two years, he also has a voting record that is scrutinized by some groups. For instance, the California League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club California and the California Teachers Association all gave Stone unfavorable ratings for the votes he cast in 2015 on legislative matters affecting their interests.
On the other hand, the National Rifle Association gave him high marks for the votes he cast.
“There are many things that will show a dramatic difference between Dr. Ruiz and myself,” Stone said. “People will have a clear choice on one ideology and vision for our country or another. I look forward to challenging Dr. Ruiz to a series of debates. I’m hoping we can get five debates in before the primary (June 7) so that the wonderful constituents of the Coachella Valley and the Hemet Valley and the Idyllwild area will have an opportunity to vet both of us.”
How did first-in candidate Dwight Kealy responding to Stone’s candidacy before dropping out?
“The goal has been to have the best Republican candidate. So if every one in the Republican Party and all the groups get together and say, ‘Hey, Dwight, Stone’s better than you, and we’re not giving you any money or any votes,’ then this would be a horrible hobby to spend my next six months doing.”
Best of Coachella Valley 2015-2016: Readers' Picks
November 24 2015
On the surface, this “Best Of” package may seem pretty simple: It’s a list of winners and finalists in more than 115 categories, as voted on by Coachella Valley Independent readers, along with a handful of staff picks and photos—with a feature on the Best Local Band thrown in for good measure.
But if you look a little deeper, you’ll see these results paint a fairly interesting picture of the Coachella Valley as it stands today. For example: The fact that such varied and diverse local bands, musicians and DJs were chosen by our readers as winners and finalists points to an increasingly varied and diverse local music scene. If you peruse the places selected as winners and finalists in the various food and restaurant categories, you’ll discover the vast majority of them are locally owned places—pointing to an increasingly good local food scene.
On the flip side, you can find hints of deficiencies in the valley as well. For example: Because there are only three finalists in the Best Indian food category, one can guess there aren’t all that many Indian-food joints in the Coachella Valley. (In fact, you can guess there are probably three, give or take.) And a chain won in the Best Chinese category. ’Nuff said.
I could go on and on, but I won’t; I’ll simply leave you to the results instead.
Oh, one more thing (maybe two): Thank you to all of the many, many readers who voted—and congratulations to all of the winners and finalists. And mark your calendars: The Best of Coachella Valley 2015-2016 Awards Party will be on Tuesday, Dec. 15. Details coming soon.
Welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2015-2016!
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Arts
Best Art Gallery
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Runners up:
2. Heather James Gallery
3. CODA Gallery
4. Archangel Gallery
5. Hohmann Fine Art
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. The Hood Bar and Pizza
4. The Show at Agua Caliente
5. Fantasy Springs Special Event Center
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Runners up:
2. McCallum Theatre
3. Palm Springs Art Museum
4. La Quinta Arts Foundation
5. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
Best Local Band
The Flusters
Runners up:
2. IIIZ (formerly The Yip Yops)
3. War Drum
4. Thr3 Strykes
5. R. Buckle Road
Best Local DJ
Alf Alpha
Runners up:
2. DJ Day
3. Alex Harrington
4. House Whores
5. One4All/Tommy Locust
Best Local Musician (Individual)
Jesika Von Rabbit
Runners up:
2. EeVaan Tre
3. John Robbins
4. Steve Madaio
5. Kal David
Best Local Visual Artist
Sofia Enriquez
Runners up:
2. Michael Murphy
3. Elena Bulatova
4. Ryan “Motel” Campbell
5. Michael Weems
Best Movie Theater
Century Theatres at The River
Runners up:
2. Cinemas Palme d’Or
3. UltraStar Mary Pickford Stadium 14
4. Camelot Theatres
5. Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Children’s Discovery Museum
3. La Quinta Museum
4. Coachella Valley History Museum
5. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Best Outdoor Venue
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Empire Polo Club
4. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
5. La Quinta Civic Center
Best Theater Company
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Coyote Stageworks
5. Dezart Performs
Life in the Valley
Best Alternative Health Center
Palm Springs Healing Center
Runners up:
2. Desert Hot Springs Health and Wellness Center
3. Neuro Vitality Center (formerly the Stroke Recovery Center)
Best Farmers’ Market
Old Town La Quinta Certified Farmers’ Market
Runners up:
2. College of the Desert Street Fair
3. Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market (Saturday)
4. Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market (Wednesday)
5. Palm Springs VillageFest
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Runners up:
2. Desert AIDS Project
3. Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
4. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
5. Mizell Senior Center
Best Gym
World Gym Palm Desert
Runners up:
2. In-Shape Cathedral City
3. EOS Fitness Palm Springs
4. Palm Springs Fitness
5. World Gym Palm Springs
Best Public Servant
Congressman Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans
3. Palm Springs City Council Member Ginny Foat
4. Palm Springs City Council Member Paul Lewin
5. La Quinta City Council Member Robert Radi
Best Yoga Studio
Bikram Yoga University Village
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Art Scene
3. Urban Yoga
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Springs Bowling Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes Bowling at Morongo
Best Auto Repair
Desert Classic Cars
Runners up:
2. TIE
Andy’s Auto Repair
Palms to Pines Automotive
4. European Auto Service
5. OMAG Automotive Machine
Best Car Wash
Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Car Wash
3. TIE
Airport Car Wash
Desert 100% Hand Car Wash
5. Red Carpet Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
The Living Desert’s Palo Verde Garden Center
Runners up:
2. Moller’s Garden Center
3. Moorten Botanical Garden
4. Bob Williams Nursery
Best Pet Supplies
PetSmart
Runners up:
2. Cold Nose Warm Heart
3. Petco
4. Bones ‘n’ Scones
5. Pet Oasis
Best Annual Charity Event
La Quinta Arts Festival
Runners up:
2. Paint El Paso Pink (Desert Cancer Foundation)
3. Evening Under the Stars (AIDS Assistance Program)
4. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala (Desert AIDS Project)
5. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
Best Place to Gamble
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
Runners up:
2. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
3. Morongo Casino Resort Spa
4. Spa Resort Casino
5. Spotlight 29
Best Local TV News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. KMIR Channel 6
3. CBS Local 2
Best Local TV News Personality
Bianca Rae, KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. Ginger Jeffries, KMIR Channel 6
3. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
4. Jenifer Daniels, CBS Local 2
5. Gino LaMont, KMIR Channel 6
Best Radio Station
KCRW 89.3 FM
Runners up:
2. Q102.3 Classic Rock
3. Mix 100.5
4. The Bull 98.5
5. K-News 94.3
Best Local Radio Personality
Jim "Fitz" Fitzgerald, 103.9 FM The Breeze
Runners up:
2. Jeff Michaels, Big 106 (KPLM)
3. Bill Feingold, K-News 94.3
4. Dan McGrath, 103.1 Sunny FM
5. Joey English, K-News 94.3
Best Bookstore
Barnes and Noble
Runners up:
2. Crystal Fantasy
3. The Book Rack
4. Just Fabulous
5. Revivals
Best Retail Music/Video Store
Record Alley
Runners up:
2. Best Buy
3. Barnes and Noble
Best Comics/Games Shop
Desert Oasis Comics
Runners up:
2. Barnes and Noble
3. JB Sports and Varsity Jackets
Best Hotel Pool
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Runners up:
2. Riviera Palm Springs
3. Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa
4. La Quinta Resort
5. The Saguaro
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Red Panties Boutique
Fashion and Style
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Bobby G’s
Runners up:
2. Grayse El Paseo
3. Wil Stiles
4. R&R Men’s Wear
5. Glossy
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
TIE
Angel View
Revivals
Runners up:
3. Gypsyland
4. Resale Therapy
5. The Fine Art of Design
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Misty’s Consignments
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. Scandinavian Designs (formerly Plummers)
Best Antiques/Collectibles Store
The Estate Sale Co.
Runners up:
2. Misty’s Consignments
3. Antique Galleries of Palm Springs
4. Victoria’s Attic Antiques
5. The POP Shop
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
Leeds and Son
Runners up:
2. El Paseo Jewelers
3. The Jewelry Bar
4. Hephaestus
5. B. Alsohns Jewelers
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Dishwater Blonde
3. Brien O’Brien Salon
4. Razors
5. Revive Salon Spa
Best Spa
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Resort
3. Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa
4. Studio M
5. Miracle Springs
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Rancho Mirage Florist
3. Palm Springs Florist
4. The Flower Company
5. Vaso Bello Celebrations
Best Tattoo Parlor
The Tattoo Gallery
Runners up:
2. TIE
Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
Strata Tattoo Lab
4. Art and Ink Tattoo Studio and Design
5. Contrast Tattoo Studios
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. Ooh La-La de Paris
4. Desert Eyecare Center
5. Old Town Optometry
Outside!
Best Urban Landscaping
Sunnylands
Runners up:
2. El Paseo
3. Palm Springs (downtown)
4. Rancho Mirage (general)
5. Palm Springs International Airport
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. El Paseo
4. Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden at the PS Art Museum Palm Desert
5. Palm Desert Community Gardens
Best Place for Bicycling
Palm Springs (general)
Runners up:
2. La Quinta (general)
3. Frank Sinatra Drive
Best Recreation Area
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Idyllwild
3. Indian Canyons
4. Whitewater Preserve
5. Tahquitz Canyon
Best Hike
Indian Canyons
Runners up:
2. Bump and Grind Trail
3. Painted Canyon
4. Palm Springs Art Museum Trail
5. South Lykken Trail
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Demuth Park
5. Francis Stevens Park
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5
3. Yellow Mart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Cyclery
3. Tri.A.Bike
4. Mike’s Bike Truck
Best Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5
3. The Sports Authority
Best Public Golf Course
Indian Wells Golf Resort
Runners up:
2. Desert Willow Golf Resort
3. Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
4. SilverRock Resort
5. The Lights at Indio GC
For the Kids
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Demuth Park
5. Cathedral City Town Square
Best Place to Buy Toys
Toys “R” Us
Runners up:
2. Target
3. Mr G’s For Kids
4. Big Lots
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Crazy 8
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Red Robin
3. Islands
4. Ruby’s
5. Burgers and Beer
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Wet ’n’ Wild
3. Children’s Discovery Museum
4. Boomers
5. Chuck E. Cheese’s
Best Place for a Birthday Party
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Children’s Discovery Museum
3. TIE
Boomers
Chuck E. Cheese’s
5. Peaks Restaurant (Top of the Tram)
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
Eureka!
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Stuft Pizza
4. Bill’s Pizza
5. Pho 533
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Lavender Bistro
3. Dash and a Handful
4. Desert Cities Catering
5. Lynn Hammond
Best Diner
Keedy’s Fountain Grill
Runners up:
2. Elmer’s
3. King’s Highway at the Ace
4. John’s
5. Bit of Country
Best Organic Food Store
Whole Foods
Runners up:
2. Sprouts Farmers Market
3. Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods
4. Nature’s Health Food and Café
5. Harvest Health Foods
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s
Runners up:
2. Manhattan in the Desert
3. Clementine Gourmet Marketplace and Cafe
4. Real Italian Deli
5. It’s a Deli
Best Custom Cakes
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Pastry Swan Bakery
5. Exquisite Desserts
Best Desserts
Manhattan in the Desert
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s
3. French Corner Cafe and Bakery
4. Over the Rainbow
5. Pastry Swan Bakery/Fix a Dessert House
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Great Shakes
Runners up:
2. Cold Stone Creamery
3. Ben and Jerry’s
4. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
5. Lappert’s Ice Cream
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Great Shakes
3. Palm Greens Cafe
Best Frozen Yogurt
Beach House
Runners up:
2. Tutti Frutti
3. Yogurt Island
4. Jus Chillin
5. Eddie’s Frozen Yogurt
Best Bakery
Aspen Mills
Runners up:
2. Nothing Bundt Cakes
3. French Corner Cafe and Bakery
4. Over the Rainbow
5. Frankie’s Old World Italian Bakery
Best Barbecue
Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Jackalope Ranch
4. Smoke Tree BBQ Bar and Grill
5. CV BBQ
Best Burger
Eureka!
Runners up:
2. Grill-A-Burger
3. Woody’s Burgers
4. Burgers and Beer
5. Smokin’ Burgers
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Grill-A-Burger
4. Lulu California Bistro
5. Woody’s Burgers
Best Sandwich
Sherman’s
Runners up:
2. The Sandwich Spot
3. TKB Bakery and Deli
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Aspen Mills
Best Pizza
Stuft Pizza
Runners up:
2. Bill’s Pizza
3. Piero’s PizzaVino
4. Matchbox
5. Giuseppe’s
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Upper Crust Pizza
3. TIE
Bar
The Village Pub
5. Lulu California Bistro
Best Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Runners up:
2. New York Bagel and Deli
3. Townie Bagels Bakery Cafe
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Sherman’s
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Jamba Juice
3. Juice It Up!
4. Koffi
5. Nature’s Health Food and Café
Best Buffet
Grand Palms Buffet at Agua Caliente
Runners up:
2. Emperor Buffet
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs
4. Oasis Buffet at Spa Resort Casino
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Coffee Shop for Coffee
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
4. Ernest Coffee
5. Ristretto
Best Coffee Shop for Hanging Out
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Old Town Coffee Company
3. Starbucks
4. Ernest Coffee
5. Ristretto
Best Tea
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Runners up:
2. Teavana
3. Koffi
4. Starbucks
5. Ristretto
Best Breakfast
Wilma and Frieda’s Cafe
Runners up:
2. Elmer’s
3. John’s
4. TIE
Lulu California Bistro
Spencer’s Restaurant
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. TIE
Trio
Zin American Bistro
4. Tropicale
5. Copley’s on Palm Canyon
Best Brunch
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Escena Lounge and Grill
4. Vue Grille and Bar
5. Tropicale
Best Chinese
P.F. Chang’s
Runners up:
2. City Wok
3. Wang’s in the Desert
4. China 8
5. New Fortune
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio
3. TIE
Miro’s Restaurant
Nina’s Greek Cuisine
5. Santorini Gyro Hamburger/Greek Food and Grill
Best French
Le Vallauris
Runners up:
2. La Brasserie
3. Pomme Frite
4. Cuistot
5. Chez Pierre
Best Indian
India Oven
Runners up:
2. Monsoon Indian Cuisine
3. Naan House
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Gyoro Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise
3. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
4. Shabu Shabu Zen
5. Sushi Domo
Best Italian
Ristorante Mamma Gina
Runners up:
2. La Bella Cucina
3. Mario’s Italian Cafe
4. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
5. Trilussa
Best Sushi
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
Runners up:
2. Gyoro Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise
3. The Venue
4. No Da Te
5. Sushi Domo
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market and Grill
Runners up:
2. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
3. Ruben and Ozzy’s
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5.Oceans Seafood Restaurant
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
LG’s Prime Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
3. The Steakhouse at Spa Resort Casino
4. Outback Steakhouse
5. Chop House
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Thai Smile of Rancho Mirage (now in Palm Desert)
3. Blue Orchid
4. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
5. Le Basil
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Rooster and the Pig
3. Pho 533
4. Pho of the Desert
5. Le Basil
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Palm Greens Café
3. Nature’s Health Food and Café
Best Upscale Restaurant
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Wally’s Desert Turtle
3. Lavender Bistro
4. Jillian’s
5. Tropicale
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. Lavender Bistro
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Le Vallauris
5. Tropicale
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. King’s Highway at the Ace
3. Smokin’ Burgers
4. Alicante
5. Gyoro Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise
Best Mexican
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. El Mirasol
3. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Pueblo Viejo Grill
5. La Tablita
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Pueblo Viejo Grill
3. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Loco Charlie’s Mexican Grill
5. Los Pepes Mexican Grill and Bar
Best Burrito
Chipotle
Runners up:
2. El Ranchito Taco Shop
3. El Gallito
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. La Tablita
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Bart Lounge
4. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
5. Gyoro Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise
Best Local Brewery
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Bart Lounge
3. Hunters
4. Neil’s Lounge
5. Palm Springs Lanes
Best Cocktail Menu
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Bar
4. Zin American Bistro
5. Tropicale
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Toucan’s
Runners up:
2. Hunters
3. Chill
4. Tool Shed
5. Streetbar
Best Happy Hour
La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill and Bar
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Wang’s in the Desert
4. Hunters
5. Tropicale
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Red Barn
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Score
5. Toucan’s
Best Margarita
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Armando’s Dakota Bar and Grill
3. El Mirasol
4. TIE
Los Pepes Mexican Bar and Grill
Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
Best Martini
Mastro’s Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Melvyn’s
3. The Falls (no longer in business)
4. Zin American Bistro
5. Tropicale
Best Nightclub
Bart Lounge
Runners up:
2. Copa
3. Chill
4. Hunters
5. Bardot Nightclub
Best Sports Bar
Yard House
Runners up:
2. The Beer Hunter
3. Burgers and Beer
4. Playoffs Sports Bar and Lounge
5. Score
Best Wine Bar
Zin American Bistro
Runners up:
2. La Rue Wine Bar
3. Sullivan’s Steak House
4. La Brasserie
5. 12th Floor Cocktail Lounge and Wine Bar at Fantasy Springs
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. BevMo!
3. LQ Wine
4. Desert Wines and Spirits in the Go Deli Market
5. Fame Lounge
Best Bar Ambiance
Bart Lounge
Runners up:
2. Bar
3. Melvyn’s
4. Tropicale
5. Chill
Best of Coachella Valley 2015-2016: Staff Picks
Best of Coachella Valley 2015-2016: Best Local Band: The Flusters
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