Coachella Valley Independent
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Independent news, music, arts coverage, commentary and culture for the entire Coachella Valley. Founded in 2012.
Topics addressed include Barbie, worker safety laws, leeches, rental cars—and more!
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Dec. 11, 2025!
Topics addressed include Barbie, worker safety laws, leeches, rental cars—and more!
cvindependent.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Topics addressed include Barbie, worker safety laws, leeches, rental cars—and more!
The first known European sightings of Joshua trees were by Pedro Fages, who led a Spanish expedition into the area in 1772, looking for deserters from the Spanish Army. In 1826, explorer Jedediah Smith led a group of American fur trappers along the nearby Mojave Trail, and other Americans followed.
CV History: Before It Received Federal Protection, Joshua Tree National Park Was a Rather Wild Place
The first known European sightings of Joshua trees were by Pedro Fages, who led a Spanish expedition into the area in 1772, looking for deserters from the Spanish Army. In 1826, explorer Jedediah Smith led a group of American fur trappers along the nearby Mojave Trail, and other Americans soon followed.
cvindependent.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:51 AM
The first known European sightings of Joshua trees were by Pedro Fages, who led a Spanish expedition into the area in 1772, looking for deserters from the Spanish Army. In 1826, explorer Jedediah Smith led a group of American fur trappers along the nearby Mojave Trail, and other Americans followed.
While none of this year’s crop has generated the buzz of 2024’s Hot Frosty (how do you top a snowman come to life as a rock-abbed Chippendales dancer?), there are still some so-bad-yet-so-good festive flicks arriving this month.
New Christmas Movies: The 2025 Holiday Season Brings Many New Cheestastic Flicks
While none of this year’s crop has generated the buzz of 2024’s Hot Frosty (how do you top a snowman come to life as a rock-abbed Chippendales dancer?), there are still some so-bad-yet-so-good festive flicks arriving this month.
cvindependent.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:55 PM
While none of this year’s crop has generated the buzz of 2024’s Hot Frosty (how do you top a snowman come to life as a rock-abbed Chippendales dancer?), there are still some so-bad-yet-so-good festive flicks arriving this month.
Featuring a knockout performance from Jessie Buckley as Agnes, wife of the aspiring playwright Will Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), Hamnet winds up being one of cinema’s all-time most brutal and despairing depictions of death and loss. It’s also mesmerizingly beautiful.
Behind the Bard: Jessie Buckley’s Performance in ‘Hamnet’ as Shakespeare’s Wife Is Magnificent
Featuring a knockout performance from Jessie Buckley as Agnes, wife of the aspiring playwright Will Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), Hamnet winds up being one of cinema’s all-time most brutal and despairing depictions of death and loss. It’s also mesmerizingly beautiful.
cvindependent.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Featuring a knockout performance from Jessie Buckley as Agnes, wife of the aspiring playwright Will Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), Hamnet winds up being one of cinema’s all-time most brutal and despairing depictions of death and loss. It’s also mesmerizingly beautiful.
Jay Kelly doesn’t really offer anything all that new, but with a top-notch George Clooney as the title character, and Adam Sandler as Ron, as his worn-out manager, it’s a good time at the movies.
Actors Acting: George Clooney and Adam Sandler Make ‘Jay Kelly’ Worth a Watch
Jay Kelly doesn’t really offer anything all that new, but with a top-notch George Clooney as the title character, and Adam Sandler as Ron, as his worn-out manager, it’s a good time at the movies.
cvindependent.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Jay Kelly doesn’t really offer anything all that new, but with a top-notch George Clooney as the title character, and Adam Sandler as Ron, as his worn-out manager, it’s a good time at the movies.
This year, our wine scribe is leaning into six sparklers that cover the whole spectrum, from cheerful crowd-pleasers to serious, knees-weak Champagne. They’re beautifully packaged and reliably delicious, and each one has a personality—and a setting—where it absolutely shines.
Vine Social: Six Holiday Recommendations for Sparkling Wine That Will Please Your Guests (and, Most Importantly, You)
This year, our wine scribe is leaning into six sparklers that cover the whole spectrum, from cheerful crowd-pleasers to serious, knees-weak Champagne. They’re beautifully packaged and reliably delicious, and each one has a personality—and a setting—where it absolutely shines.
cvindependent.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:47 PM
This year, our wine scribe is leaning into six sparklers that cover the whole spectrum, from cheerful crowd-pleasers to serious, knees-weak Champagne. They’re beautifully packaged and reliably delicious, and each one has a personality—and a setting—where it absolutely shines.
The characters, loosely based on our Peanuts friends, are now in high school, dealing with raging hormones, anxiety, drug use, body image and bullying.
Good (Literal) Grief: The Bent’s Poignant yet Dark ‘Dog Sees God’ Is a Timely Coming-of-Age Story
The characters, loosely based on our Peanuts friends, are now in high school, dealing with raging hormones, anxiety, drug use, body image and bullying.
cvindependent.com
December 7, 2025 at 6:04 PM
The characters, loosely based on our Peanuts friends, are now in high school, dealing with raging hormones, anxiety, drug use, body image and bullying.
Dylan Garcia’s latest single, “Love Is True,” is a hooky-pop tune, and the music video for the song has Garcia dancing and singing throughout the desert at famed spots like a Coachella mural and downtown Indio.
The Lucky 13: Singer/Songwriter Abel Garcia III, aka Dylan Garcia
Dylan Garcia’s latest single, “Love Is True,” is a hooky-pop tune, and the music video for the song has Garcia dancing and singing throughout the desert at famed spots like a Coachella mural and downtown Indio.
cvindependent.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Dylan Garcia’s latest single, “Love Is True,” is a hooky-pop tune, and the music video for the song has Garcia dancing and singing throughout the desert at famed spots like a Coachella mural and downtown Indio.
While the solo artist uses hyperpop vocal techniques and electronic beats in a majority of his musical moments, flashes of rock, indie, funk, R&B, rap and more make it unfair to give Allen Condes a singular-genre label.
No Labels: Allen Condes Gets a Little Help From His Friends on His New LP
While the solo artist uses hyperpop vocal techniques and electronic beats in a majority of his musical moments, flashes of rock, indie, funk, R&B, rap and more make it unfair to give Allen Condes a singular-genre label.
cvindependent.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:42 PM
While the solo artist uses hyperpop vocal techniques and electronic beats in a majority of his musical moments, flashes of rock, indie, funk, R&B, rap and more make it unfair to give Allen Condes a singular-genre label.
CVRep's production of the show that won six Tony Awards is a must-see for lovers of musical theater.
Waving Through a Window: CVRep’s ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Is a Masterful Musical-Theater Production
CVRep's production of the show that won six Tony Awards is a must-see for lovers of musical theater.
cvindependent.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:48 PM
CVRep's production of the show that won six Tony Awards is a must-see for lovers of musical theater.
I counted more than two-dozen sandwich options on Duke's menu, along with breakfast options and salads. There’s even a whole separate Mexican menu, with tacos, burritos and more.
The Indy Endorsement: The Grinder at Duke’s Mini Mart and Deli
I counted more than two-dozen sandwich options on Duke's menu, along with breakfast options and salads. There’s even a whole separate Mexican menu, with tacos, burritos and more.
cvindependent.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:20 PM
I counted more than two-dozen sandwich options on Duke's menu, along with breakfast options and salads. There’s even a whole separate Mexican menu, with tacos, burritos and more.
Topics broached this week include superhumans, ANTIFA agents, Chat GPT, self-reliance—and more!
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Dec. 4, 2025!
Topics broached this week include superhumans, ANTIFA agents, Chat GPT, self-reliance—and more!
cvindependent.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Topics broached this week include superhumans, ANTIFA agents, Chat GPT, self-reliance—and more!
The newly opened Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs will host a screening of the Alive in the Catacombs concert film, as well as a behind-the-scenes documentary, on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Homme will attend the screening and take part in a Q&A.
From Paris to the Plaza Theatre: Josh Homme Screens Queens of the Stone Age’s ‘Alive in the Catacombs’ Film With a Live Q&A
The newly opened Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs will host a screening of the Alive in the Catacombs concert film, as well as a behind-the-scenes documentary, on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Homme will attend the screening and take part in a Q&A.
cvindependent.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The newly opened Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs will host a screening of the Alive in the Catacombs concert film, as well as a behind-the-scenes documentary, on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Homme will attend the screening and take part in a Q&A.
Frank Meyer's debut solo album, Living Between the Lines, features all-star collaborations from Cherie Currie (The Runaways), Lisa Kekaula (The Bellrays) and Eddie Spaghetti (The Supersuckers).
The Lucky 13: Frank Meyer, Frontman of The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs, Performing Solo at Mojave Gold on Thursday, Dec. 4
Frank Meyer's debut solo album, Living Between the Lines, features all-star collaborations from Cherie Currie (The Runaways), Lisa Kekaula (The Bellrays) and Eddie Spaghetti (The Supersuckers).
cvindependent.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Frank Meyer's debut solo album, Living Between the Lines, features all-star collaborations from Cherie Currie (The Runaways), Lisa Kekaula (The Bellrays) and Eddie Spaghetti (The Supersuckers).
The bluefin tuna carpaccio is simple—just six rolled pieces of wonderful tuna, accompanied by yuzu dressing, ponzu, a sesame sauce and chili oil, with a thin slice of fresh garlic atop each piece.
The Indy Endorsement: The Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio at Ponzu Sushi
The bluefin tuna carpaccio is simple—just six rolled pieces of wonderful tuna, accompanied by yuzu dressing, ponzu, a sesame sauce and chili oil, with a thin slice of fresh garlic atop each piece.
cvindependent.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:15 PM
The bluefin tuna carpaccio is simple—just six rolled pieces of wonderful tuna, accompanied by yuzu dressing, ponzu, a sesame sauce and chili oil, with a thin slice of fresh garlic atop each piece.
Trey Kennedy puts relatable jokes about kids, partners, friends, parents and more into both his online sketch videos and his standup set, always keeping things PG.
Clean Laughs: The Family-Friendly Humor of Trey Kennedy, Coming to Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage, Works Both Online and Onstage
Trey Kennedy puts relatable jokes about kids, partners, friends, parents and more into both his online sketch videos and his standup set, always keeping things PG.
cvindependent.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Trey Kennedy puts relatable jokes about kids, partners, friends, parents and more into both his online sketch videos and his standup set, always keeping things PG.
Season 4 is the series’ best so far, and the jury is still out on Season 5, because, obviously, it’s not complete yet—but the first four episodes are on par with the fourth season’s greatness.
Beginning of the End: The First Four Episodes of ‘Stranger Things 5’ Are More of the Same—and That’s a Good Thing
Season 4 is the series’ best so far, and the jury is still out on Season 5, because, obviously, it’s not complete yet—but the first four episodes are on par with the fourth season’s greatness.
cvindependent.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Season 4 is the series’ best so far, and the jury is still out on Season 5, because, obviously, it’s not complete yet—but the first four episodes are on par with the fourth season’s greatness.
The Desert View Power plant in Mecca has now been out of operation for more than a year. But worries remain: Fustrated community members are seeking the assessment of pollution levels at the plant, and a rapid cleanup of any toxic materials found in and around it.
Answers, Then Justice: Mecca Residents Want to Know More About the Status of the Decommissioned Desert View Power Plant—and the Pollution It Has Caused
The Desert View Power plant in Mecca has now been out of operation for more than a year. But worries remain: Fustrated community members are seeking the assessment of pollution levels at the plant, and a rapid cleanup of any toxic materials found in and around it.
cvindependent.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:32 PM
The Desert View Power plant in Mecca has now been out of operation for more than a year. But worries remain: Fustrated community members are seeking the assessment of pollution levels at the plant, and a rapid cleanup of any toxic materials found in and around it.
Our beer scribe had the good fortune to attend Smog City Brewing’s Eighth Anniversary Rarest of the Rare beer fest, in Torrance.
Caesar Cervisia: Torrance’s Smog City Produces Some Incredible Beers—and Throws a Fantastic Party
Our beer scribe had the good fortune to attend Smog City Brewing’s Eighth Anniversary Rarest of the Rare beer fest, in Torrance.
cvindependent.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Our beer scribe had the good fortune to attend Smog City Brewing’s Eighth Anniversary Rarest of the Rare beer fest, in Torrance.
A preview of December's desert entertainment offerings, including Moulin Rouge!, Matt Friend, Broadway Barbara—and more!
The Venue Report, December 2025: Barry Manilow, War, Jimmy Dale—and a Lot More!
A preview of December's desert entertainment offerings, including Moulin Rouge!, Matt Friend, Broadway Barbara—and more!
cvindependent.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:16 PM
A preview of December's desert entertainment offerings, including Moulin Rouge!, Matt Friend, Broadway Barbara—and more!
A preview of December's nighttime and early morning skies.
December Astronomy: The Month Brings the Geminid Meteor Shower, and Simultaneous Views of the Winter and Summer Triangles
A preview of December's nighttime and early morning skies.
cvindependent.com
November 30, 2025 at 9:15 PM
A preview of December's nighttime and early morning skies.
In the novel, failed lawyer Robert Green has a plan for the ultimate, fail-safe heist: Crack 300 safe-deposit boxes and sail off to South America with loads of cash and his brilliant, morally flexible sister, Penny. If weren’t for the damned freezing rain …
Chapter 13, Wonder Valley: An Excerpt From Tod Goldberg’s New Novel, ‘Only Way Out’
In the novel, failed lawyer Robert Green has a plan for the ultimate, fail-safe heist: Crack 300 safe-deposit boxes and sail off to South America with loads of cash and his brilliant, morally flexible sister, Penny. If weren’t for the damned freezing rain …
cvindependent.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:31 PM
In the novel, failed lawyer Robert Green has a plan for the ultimate, fail-safe heist: Crack 300 safe-deposit boxes and sail off to South America with loads of cash and his brilliant, morally flexible sister, Penny. If weren’t for the damned freezing rain …
Topics touched upon this week include lavish gifts, food-cart vendors, comedians, talking Barbies, and more!
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Nov. 27, 2025!
Topics touched upon this week include lavish gifts, food-cart vendors, comedians, talking Barbies, and more!
cvindependent.com
November 27, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Topics touched upon this week include lavish gifts, food-cart vendors, comedians, talking Barbies, and more!
Our latest restaurant news column offers tidbits on a new Mediterranean restaurant in Palm Desert; new Italian "fresh cuisine" in Palm Springs; and more!
Restaurant News Bites: A New Farmers’ Market in DHS; On the Mark Expanding to Rancho Mirage; and More!
Our latest restaurant news column offers tidbits on a new Mediterranean restaurant in Palm Desert; new Italian "fresh cuisine" in Palm Springs; and more!
cvindependent.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Our latest restaurant news column offers tidbits on a new Mediterranean restaurant in Palm Desert; new Italian "fresh cuisine" in Palm Springs; and more!
Here they are: The Best of Coachella Valley 2025-2026, as chosen by you, our readers.
Best of Coachella Valley 2025-2026: Readers’ Picks
Here they are: The Best of Coachella Valley 2025-2026, as chosen by you, our readers.
cvindependent.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Here they are: The Best of Coachella Valley 2025-2026, as chosen by you, our readers.