As far as accomplishments go, Shannon Miller has already achieved a lifetime’s worth in her career thus far. Currently the Vice President of Branding and Community Relations for Firebird Hockey and Acrisure Arena, Shannon has had an impressive professional track record, spanning from law enforcement to Olympic coaching, all while earning notable honors at a national level.

Last November, the Palm Springs City Council voted to finalize an agreement on how the city and Riverside County will purchase property on McCarthy Road and convert it into a homeless navigation center at Desert Highland Gateway Community.

As the cold of February comes to a close, early spring emerges with a season of new possibilities. Start the month off in the most artful way with the La Quinta Art Celebration from March 3-6 at the La Quinta Civic Center. As a community steeped in pride for the arts, the La Quinta Art Celebration features a trifecta of visual, performing, and culinary arts all at one event, sponsored by the City of La Quinta.

Those familiar with the Coachella Valley music scene would be well-acquainted with the name Derek Jordan Gregg. He is a tour de force of a singer/songwriter known for his involvement in The Hive Minds band as well as his solo work, performing his soulful guitar-looper show across various desert venues. Derek has now branched out into a more personalized solo debut with his new double album called “GEMINI” Home & Abroad.

For the first time ever, the Riverside County Fairgrounds will welcome Thrillville from February 18- 27 in Indio. The 10-day event will feature adrenaline-pumping rides, classic favorite carnival games, delectable fair food, live music, commercial vendors, unicyclists, stilt walkers, contortionists, jugglers, and a variety of world-class entertainment for the whole family.

From February 11 to 13, the 6th Annual Taste of Jalisco Festival will take place in downtown Cathedral City to celebrate the sights, sounds, and tastes of the state of Jalisco, Mexico. This annual celebration honors the 25-year sister city relationship between Cathedral City and Tequila, Jalisco (Mexico) through culture, cuisine, music, and fashion. Admission to the festival is free and open to the public.

The Women Leaders Forum (WLF) will be hosting a renowned panel of local experts at their February installment of the speaker series, “Let’s Interact,” to discuss ideas on ways to balance work, family and love in these challenging times.

The beauty and grand appeal of art is the notion that each work is open to interpretation and has the ability to connect with anyone. The 35th annual Southwest Arts Festival will return to the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio from January 27 to 30 to astound attendees with original art from across the country.

The Coachella Valley has come to know Patrick Evans as a familiar face with a diverse presence in the desert—ranging from television personality to the owner of an Italian food company. Evans has also made his mark in radio, having been named Coachella Valley Best Of’s Radio Personality of the Year for 2020-2021 and hosting a show block on CV 104.3 for five years before the station changed formats.

On January 13, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in celebration of the newly built executive Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) facility Desert Jet Center, located at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal.

Over the past few weeks, the statewide seven-day average case rate of positive COVID-19 cases has increased by more than sixfold as hospitalizations across California have doubled due to the new omicron variant.

For high-class Parisian-style cuisine, Café des Beaux-Arts on El Paseo has been a delicious hub for authentic French dishes since 1993. The iconic restaurant is now offering guests a special dinner menu available from January 7 to 16, prepared by renowned French chef Thierry Barot.

The Street Fair at College of the Desert has been a trademark of Palm Desert ever since its establishment in 1983, inviting vendors and small business owners to share their wares with the public. The COD Street Fair was closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19 public health mandates. After almost two years, it has finally made a return this month.

Actor and comedian Jason Stuart has seen an eventful year in 2021. In addition to his show-stopping comedy performances, Stuart has had successful recognition with his Amazon, Revry / Apple TV / U Tube comedy series Smothered. He also starred in the Billy Bob Thornton drama series Goliath opposite Oscar winner J.K. Simmons.

It seems like 2021 has passed by in the blink of an eye, but now is the time to get 2022 off to a fun start with these New Year’s Eve celebrations right here in the Coachella Valley. From dinners to entertainment, it will be a night to remember and a whole year to look forward to in the desert.

Christmas is approaching fast, and two very important figures that embody the season of joy and giving are St. Nick and his missus. La Quinta residents Gregory and Laura Little have been in the Santa game for over 10 years, dressing up in the iconic red costumes and making appearances at various fundraising events and private parties to bring a little bit more magic to the holidays.

The second annual Palm Springs Pinot Noir Festival, “A Passion 4 Pinot,” will return to the Coachella Valley on Saturday, January 8, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert. There will be over 60 top-tier Pinot Noir producing wineries, offering a unique opportunity to engage with winery owners and winemakers while learning about winemaking practices and philosophies.

On December 10 and 11, the first-ever Desert Air music event will debut at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Desert Air will be a dance music getaway experience presented by Splash House and Goldenvoice.

Recognized as the first golf course in the City of Palm Desert, Shadow Mountain Golf Club is a landmark of the Coachella Valley with decades of history. It was incorporated in 1958, and by the end of the year 1960, the Club had over 270 members. In recent times, Shadow Mountain Golf Club has found itself in financial distress with endless looming deferred maintenance issues that caused it to be facing bankruptcy.

November festivities have reached the Coachella Valley, and while food and family might be on the forefront of everyone’s minds right now as they scramble to get that perfect Thanksgiving turkey, it is also important to help those in need this approaching holiday season. There are many wonderful organizations here in the desert that strive to make a difference this Thanksgiving, with the community encouraged to participate for a great cause.

The second-Saturday Downtown Nights event took place Saturday across various art galleries in Joshua Tree, showcasing the diverse range of talent situated in the Hi-Desert.

Born from the creative ambition of two longtime friends and an appreciation for the important role honeybees play in nature, the Joshua Tree Bee Company offers products from locally sourced honey.

Every day people are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other disasters. Single- and multi-family fires account for 90% of disaster responses. The American Red Cross is making an effort to reestablish a presence in the Morongo Basin, so that recruited volunteers can be part of a team that responds to over 60,000 emergencies every year.

Directors with the Morongo Valley Community Services District discussed naming a park playground after the late Chuck Osborne during a special meeting Feb. 24.

The 2022 Miss Yucca Valley, Lei Lonie Liechti, was crowned at the annual scholarship program held by the Rotary Club of Yucca Valley Feb. 12 at Joshua Springs Christian Schools. Jaylene Ramos is the first Princess and Lilah Foster is second princess.

“Live life to the fullest” is a sentiment often echoed to promote a lifestyle of freedom and adventure. Yucca Valley resident Stephen Rackleff took that idea to heart. He has participated in landmark events through the decades. The retired aerospace engineer was involved with testing rocket engines on all of the Apollos. He finished his career testing new medical technology, and has partaken in many thrilling pastimes throughout his life.

The music streaming platform Spotify has been in the public spotlight due to the recent controversy involving podcaster Joe Rogan and musician Neil Young. Some local artists say there have been challenges with the platform for years, but the exposure makes it worth it.

The Morongo Basin Conservation Association will focus on climate change and Joshua trees for its 53rd annual meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday online.

The John Wayne Grit Series, a group of four runs that raise money for Wayne’s cancer organization, will begin in Pioneertown May 7.

A fire that destroyed a pickup truck here Wednesday is believed to have been purposely set, the local fire department and county Sheriff’s Department said.

Witnesses saw a man and woman leaving the scene of a fire that burned a pickup truck Sunday morning. The fire is being investigated as suspected arson.

Every year, the dusty deserts of Johnson Valley become populated with excited race fans camping out to get a glimpse of the world-famous King of the Hammers races.

The Lighthouse Christian Center has served the Joshua Tree community by “Guiding People by the Light of Christ” for many decades. The family church is now coming up on its 40th anniversary, maintaining a legacy of instilling faith in attendees of all ages and backgrounds.

A space heater caused a fire that destroyed a home and killed two dogs at 9386 Terrace Drive Tuesday afternoon.

Mojave Desert native band Daytime Moon has been in the music scene for over a decade, releasing tracks that harken back to the golden age of mid-2000s pop punk, a la Blink 182, and reinvent the genre with psychedelic desert riffs.

The Morongo Valley fire station is at a critical stage in its survival, according to a report released by San Bernardino County’s Local Agency Formation Commission Jan. 12.

A series of droughts that California has been experiencing has also affected the way that plant life, specifically certain shrubs in the Southwest desert regions, adapts to longer periods without water.

An increase in maternally-spread syphilis cases is causing alarm within the public and scientific communities.

A recent report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics encompassing the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario area revealed that prices for consumers have increased 1.4% over the past two months, and went up 7.9% over the last 12 months.

Driving down Twentynine Palms Highway, one might come across the curious sight of a deep red billboard with the word “love” neatly printed in large white letters. As simple as the image might be, it carries with it a profound message as part of a nationwide movement that embodies the very word on its surface.

Greater Palm Springs has been an evergreen resource for world-class wellness experiences since the days of Old Hollywood, sure to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. From equine therapy to sound baths and salt rooms, this Southern California oasis has everything you need to ease your mind, body and spirit.

Greater Palm Springs provides stunning views of the natural desert terrain and mountain ranges from just the right vantage point. For a fun family event that showcases all the wonderful sights of this Southern California oasis, attend the 7th Annual Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival & Food Truck Fiesta.

There is an abundance of natural beauty found in the desert landscapes of Greater Palm Springs. It is a picturesque oasis filled with scenic vistas and breathtaking wildlife, which makes hiking a popular pastime. Although our destination is home to more than 1,000 miles of gorgeous hiking trails with varied terrain, it is important to keep in mind the temperature. June to October daytime temperatures can reach 100 °F (37.78 °C) and beyond.

Check in and chill out, literally, on your getaway to this Southern California oasis. Relaxing in refreshing chilled pools and ice rooms is the perfect way to spend summer in Greater Palm Springs. With an assortment or resorts and spas that not only offer top-notch service but also beautiful ambience and luxurious amenities, you are bound to have the coolest summer yet. Here is a roundup of chilled pools and ice rooms that you won’t want to miss this season.

Movie magic is never in short supply in Greater Palm Springs, and this year is no exception as the 31st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival begins on Thursday, January 2, 2020. The festival will run through January 13 across various theaters and venues, celebrating the artistic achievements in cinema within the past year. Here is your guide to this globally famous festival, including need-to-know dates, events, and what to expect.

It’s the end of a busy week, and what better way to wind down over the weekend than with some good friends, refreshing drinks, and surround sound screens playing as you cheer on your favorite sports team. Greater Palm Springs is home to sports bars that offer delicious dining options, craft beers and brews sure to impress the whole night through. Whether you come for the game or the food, these sports bars are a surefire way to enjoy the entertainment nightlife of the oasis.

There’s no denying that technology has become a prevalent part of our lives. With gadgets and phones in hand, we are constantly swiping, clicking, and mousing through the day without taking in the views around us. If you’re looking to escape from the digital confines of the modern technological world, look no further than a disconnected vacation in Greater Palm Springs.

Summer dining in Greater Palm Springs is about to get even more delicious as the 4th Annual Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage event takes place from July 12 to August 18. Participating diners who purchase wristbands can enjoy $4 appetizers, desserts and drinks—with a portion of the proceeds benefitting local Greater Palm Springs charities and the chamber of commerce.

In addition to its natural beauty and luxurious vistas, Greater Palm Springs is also home to the movie magic of Hollywood. The world-famous Palm Springs International Film Festival takes place every January and boasts a large selection of films from all over the globe, but to guarantee that visitors can experience the cinematic culture of the desert in the summer as well, the 25th annual ShortFest will take place on June 18-24, 2019.

The bond between a mother and child is something that cannot be outmatched, providing years of support and unconditional love to create memories that will last a lifetime. This Mother’s Day, treat your mom to a day of pampering and indulgence with these Greater Palm Springs spa packages and restaurant deals. Here is a round-up of local hotspots to celebrate the leading lady in your life.

Just as the summer draws near, Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week will bring the best lunch and dinner deals of the year. From May 31 through June 9, over 100 restaurants across Greater Palm Springs will participate in a 10-day restaurant extravaganza featuring can’t-miss discounts and special menus. From delectably savory Mexican cuisine to refreshingly fruity beverages that bring the tropics to the desert, there is a vast array of dining selections to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

April is music month in Greater Palm Springs! With Coachella Music Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival hosting a slew of headlining artists, there's little wonder why thousands of visitors flock to Greater Palm Springs every April to enjoy their favorite bands. To kick off this concert season, the Wedbush Garden Jam Music Festival comes to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on April 5 and 6, showcasing several talents from the world of jazz, blues, rock, and country.

Recognized as the #1 ranked art festival in the nation, the La Quinta Arts Festival returns for its 37th year from March 7-10 at the La Quinta Civic Center Campus. Over 200 artists will have their work on display for this four-day artistic extravaganza, featuring live music, delicious food, and refreshing wine and beer.

There are many attractions that the Greater Palm Springs area has to offer, from its fabulous golf courses to the plentiful resorts and spas that make for a relaxing day. Although the oasis can be a playground for adults, there are numerous places and activities perfect for youngsters to enjoy as well. Whether they love sports, art, animals, or music, there’s fun for all ages to be had in Greater Palm Springs.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for movie buffs and lovers of cinema as the Palm Springs International Film Festival returns for its 30th year. The world-famous festival offers 12 days of events and screenings of over 180 films from around the world. Whether this is your first time at the star-studded event or you’re a festival expert, it’s time for a refresher course on the ins and outs of the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

The month of November is all about being thankful, and there’s even more reason to be with the return of the Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival on November 17 at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Now in its seventh year, the festival will last from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and feature over 25 new and returning California breweries for the public to enjoy. Props & Hops prides itself on being the only craft beer festival with flying vintage aircraft in Southern California.

November marks the beginning of First Weekend events in Palm Desert, where you can experience the city like a local with an assortment cultural festivities, fabulous food, and one-of-a-kind entertainment, taking place the first weekend of every month until May. While the city of Palm Desert may host a variety of noteworthy events year-round, First Weekends allow visitors to enjoy unique activities catered to the season at little to no cost.

Thousands of visitors flock to the desert during its peak music festival season to see world-class artists and make unforgettable memories. Coachella and Stagecoach are two famous festivals that guarantee a good time, but while you plan your perfect outfit and pack all of your party essentials, it’s important to remember some basic necessities that will help you navigate these action-packed weekends safely.

The beautiful desert city of Rancho Mirage offers scenic mountain views, world-class resorts, fine-dining and shopping experiences for an unforgettable family weekend away. There’s no shortage of recreation or relaxation in this sun-soaked enclave of Greater Palm Springs. Combine leisure with luxury as you hit the green for a round of championship golf, then indulge in a serene spa treatment at Spa Las Palmas.

Greater Palm Springs hosts a variety of shopping and dining options unique to the region—with the most famous of them all being The Shops on El Paseo in Palm Desert. The Shops on El Paseo will tantalize your senses with first-to-market retailers like Ralph Lauren, Athleta, White House Black Market, Soft Surroundings and Chico’s, along with a variety of top-notch restaurants like Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and Kitchen 86, to name a couple. But as the saying goes, “the more, the merrier!”

Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches, and Greater Palm Springs is the perfect setting to celebrate the occasion with your sweetheart. A romantic dinner at one of these 10 must-visit restaurants will create a night to remember with delicious food and treasured memories.

Pride Month is here with a welcoming rainbow of deals and amenities at local Palm Springs hotels! To celebrate this special month, treat you and your partner to a luxurious stay at any one of these LGBT-friendly hotels for a romantic getaway filled with sleek charm and poolside fun.

Hit the Highway in Style, and Have Yourself a Day in Greater Palm Springs The all-new Audi e-tron has a bold vision for the future. More than just an automobile, the Audi e-tron is an advanced technology platform with features designed to make your next trip anything but ordinary. When you buy from indiGO Auto’s Audi dealership in Rancho Mirage, you can expect white-glove service and a relaxing buying experience.

This story is from the pages of a previous LOCALE print magazine. As state and county regulations are in a constant state of flux due to Covid-19, some of the businesses mentioned may be temporarily closed. Please visit their individual websites to ensure they are currently open, and please follow all safety procedures in place. It’s the end of a busy week, and the best way to recuperate is to treat yourself to some retail therapy and delicious bites at The Shops on El Paseo.

Romantic desert ambiance and the mysterious allure of adventure awaits at La Quinta Resort & Club, the backdrop of season 16 of “The Bachelorette,” where both Clare Crawley and Tayshia Adams began their journey to love. The resort’s 45 vibrant acres are ideally suited for social distancing with spacious white-washed adobe casitas.

There’s no dispute—the holidays revolve around eating and drinking. And while it’s totally normal to celebrate and indulge, it’s equally as important to balance your holiday diet with wholesome foods too. So if you’re looking to avoid gaining that winter weight this season, or just stick to a healthy routine, Fresh Juice Bar is right for you.

Breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day, and in Greater Palm Springs, there’s no shortage of choices when it comes to selecting which morning dish you’re in the mood to enjoy. From homestyle, tried-and-true classics like eggs and a hearty stack of pancakes to more avant-garde selections like candy-coated bacon or French toast topped with Swiss cheese, there’s a little something for everyone to dig into at the breakfast table.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants across Greater Palm Springs have taken every recommended precaution to keep their staff and guests safe—this includes Andie Hubka, owner of Tu Madres Cantina & Grill, Heirloom Craft Kitchen and Cork & Fork. Hubka has reduced capacity, increased outdoor dining and implemented scheduled hand washing and mandatory mask policies at all three of her eating establishments.

Our favorite local shops need us now more than ever! It’s no secret that recent social distancing has put a dent in our economy, so show your support for your Greater Palm Springs’ makers and sellers and shop local for all your beauty, style and home needs. The best place to start? These 9 handpicked shops straight from our Shoppe Guide. Happy Shopping!

Greater Palm Springs is home to beautiful resorts and stunning mountain views, but visitors also have the chance to explore the desert’s very own Rodeo Drive of high-end fashion and fine dining at The Gardens on El Paseo. Located in the sunny city of Palm Desert, The Gardens on El Paseo offers one-of-a kind restaurants.

Husband-and-wife duo Jeremy Smick and Samantha Caltagiron bring a unique blend of antiquated quirkiness and industrial style to Palm Springs at Thick as Thieves. Established in 2017, the shop carries a variety of handmade goods, clothing, gifts, oddities and unique finds.

The Beer Hunter Sports Bar & Grill in La Quinta is known for its top-notch selection of brews and spirits, along with an assortment of happy hour staples to chow down on while watching your favorite sports on the big screen. Through a recent collaboration between Live Well Clinic and The Beer Hunter, a new menu has been created.

Friendship can take many forms, and for some, the bond shared between a pet and owner is a relationship that makes it difficult to part ways with your furry companion. When it comes to vacationing, trying to plan arrangements for your pet can be a challenge. Thankfully, in Greater Palm Springs, multiple pet-friendly hotels will eliminate the fear of being separated from your four-legged friend.

‘Tis the season for spreading holiday cheer and spending time with loved ones, and if you’re looking for ways to join in on the festivities, here’s a list of special events happening in December. Grab your coat, make some hot cocoa and get ready for a winter of fun in Greater Palm Springs!

As the fall season brings more temperate desert weather, you deserve a cool-down period, too. With that in mind, what better way to pamper yourself than with some zen vibes at a luxurious spa in the Greater Palm Springs city of Indian Wells? The City of Indian Wells offers the best spa treatments at its finest resorts—perfect for spending some quality downtime away from the stress of everyday life.

Greater Palm Springs is known for its festivals, from Coachella to the Palm Springs International Film Festival, but this desert paradise has even more food festivals to offer that will make your stomach growl and your mouth water. These delectable events offer one-of-a-kind cuisine and beverages to attendees every year—some of which are so famous, they have earned national recognition.

This year passed in the blink of an eye, but the new year brings many chances to reminisce on good memories and hope for more cherished moments in the near future. Why not celebrate the end of the year with a bang and usher in 2019 with style by attending some of the exciting events taking place in Palm Springs? From grand parties with delicious food to music-filled soirées that will get you dancing until the clock strikes midnight.

“All the world’s a stage” is how the old saying goes, and whether your child has a tendency for dramatics or is simply looking for a creative outlet to express themselves as an after school activity, the Coachella Valley offers several different theater programs to inspire budding actors. According to research conducted by Dr. James Catterall of UCLA’s Graduate School of Education, students who take part in theater as an extracurricular are more likely to get involved in community service.

Creativity and innovation are not in short supply at Old Town Artisan Studios, nestled within an idyllic green campus in the city of La Quinta. The nonprofit organization strives to partner with local schools, senior centers, and a wide variety of other establishments with the intention of reaching a goal of serving over 9,000 art experiences this year.

The Family YMCA of the Desert offers a wide variety of children programs, from licensed childcare to sport activities. In partnership with Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC), the YMCA oversees after school programs for children in low income communities, in turn providing homework help, healthy snacks, arts and crafts, computer time, and an assortment of STEM activities.

According to ChildHelp.org, more than 3.6 million referrals are made to child protection agencies involving more than 6.6 million children every year. Olive Crest is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse, treating and educating at-risk children, and preserving the family. The organization has a branch in Palm Desert to serve families in the Coachella Valley. Most children arrive via County Departments of Children and Family Services.

Adults are most often the ones coming to the aid of children, but this is an instance of kids advocating for kids with James Monroe Elementary’s School to School Water Project. Three years ago, Nathan Manderfeld’s fifth grade class started a movement called the School to School Water Project with the intention of getting students involved in service learning through building clean water wells at schools in the developing world.

It is often said that those who view the world in black-and-white have trouble seeing the whole picture, and this goes to show for the streaks of red covering our television screens. Consumer culture runs rampant with the notion that to have is to hoard and to collect is to control. But what does the pursuit of satisfying these desires say about the primal urge for power, and to what degree do humans’ violent tendencies have to show for it? These ideas are explored in Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor’s 2009 science fiction film Gamer. While glazed over with gratuitous amounts of gore, brutality, and overt sexuality, Gamer’s surface-level thrills house a time capsule—a message from the past that is even more relevant now than it was over ten years ago when the movie was released. In this evolving age of technology, government oppression, and civil uprisings, the video game-inspired action flick is a reflection of the fear that currently plagues society today.

The short film, Dani, focuses on a woman who gives her mother a call to tell her about her breast cancer prognosis. This film was included in the Through Thick and Thin and Closing Night film programs at this year’s Palm Springs International ShortFest, where it received a warm reception and won the award for Best Animated Short. Director Lizzy Hogenson discussed more about her film, Dani, for Borrowing Tape.

The 25th Annual Palm Springs International Short Film Festival showcased over 300 films from around the world during its run from June 18 to June 24. “Best of the Fest” awards were given on the last day of the festival, including “The Christmas Gift” directed by Bogdan Muresanu taking the highest honor for Best of the Festival, “Guaxuma” directed by Nara Normande for Best International Short, and “Dani” directed by Lizzy Hogenson for Best Animated Short. From comedy to drama, and even horror, here are some short films that deserve recognition for their standout stories.

Serving as the Danish entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 91st Academy Awards, The Guilty [2018] is a thrilling drama that takes place entirely inside an emergency call center. The plot follows phone operator, Asger Holmes (Jakob Cedergren), who receives a distress call from a woman named Iben (Jessica Dinnage) who appears to have been kidnapped by her ex-husband, leaving her two young children alone at home.

Director Nick Frangione's new drama, Buck Run starring James Le Gros and Nolan Lyons, had its world premiere at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 6. The film follows 15-year-old Shaw Templeton as he goes to live with his estranged father after the sudden death of his mother. Borrowing Tape got the chance to speak with Frangione about his experience making Buck Run and the personal connection he shares with the project.

Being the second Singapore-born filmmaker to win the World Cinema Directing Award at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, Sandi Tan is making waves in the world of contemporary cinema with her documentary, Shirkers [2018]. The film tells the true story of how Tan and a group of friends attempted to make the first Singapore road movie as teenagers in the summer of 1992. After completing it, her mentor took the 16 mm film with him, never to be seen again, until now.

Mystery is afoot in Asghar Farhadi’s Spanish thriller, Todos lo saben, or Everybody Knows [2018] set in the confines a European village where a wedding is to take place. Laura (Penelope Cruz) brings her young son and teenage daughter to attend her sister’s marriage ceremony, meeting up with family members and an old flame (Javier Bardem) whom she has not seen for years.

Director Nick Frangione’s indie drama Buck Run [2019] follows 15-year-old Shaw (Nolan Lyons) as he copes with the death of his mother and goes to live with his estranged father (James Le Gros) in their rural Pennsylvania town. The teenager struggles emotionally with transitioning to a new household, harassment from his peers at school, and his lack of a father figurine to be there in his time of need.

Premeditated revenge drives the plot of Director Jiang Wen’s action comedy Hidden Man [2018], acting as the Chinese entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 91st Academy Awards. This is the third installment in his action-packed film trilogy and based on the novel Xia Yin by author Zhang Beihai. Hidden Man chronicles the elaborate scheme that Li Tianran (Eddie Peng) has concocted to exact deadly revenge on the people who were responsible for the death of his family 15 years ago.

The old adage goes, “no pain, no gain,” but that can be a problem when it’s impossible for you to feel any sort of pain even after getting hurt. Vasan Bala’s Hindi action comedy Mard Ko Dar Nahi Hota, or The Man Who Feels No Pain, is blatant in its title, as it follows Surya (Abhimanyu Dasani) who has a rare condition called congenital insensitivity to pain, which prohibits him from feeling physical pain.

Director Asim Abbasi’s Pakistani dramedy, Cake (2018), highlights the personal developments and discoveries of one family as three grown siblings unite after their parents become ill. With this bittersweet reunion, old flames are reignited and a long-hidden secret threatens to tear their bond apart. Chosen as the Pakistani entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 91st Academy Awards, Cake presents polished chaos in its subject matter and delivery.

The Great Gatsby [2013]: Baz Luhrmann’s movie adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, was held in much anticipation among the likes of literature junkies, DiCaprio fanatics, and box office skeptics. With a film that proceeds a handful of remakes decades apart, this 2013 version had critics doubting Luhrmann’s rendition measurable to the 1974 Gatsby movie starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow–which there might, in perspective, have been a good reason to do so.

Mara [2018]: In his supernaturally-charged psychological thriller, director Clive Tonge centers his story on the case of a psychologist named Kate Fuller (Olga Kurylenko) who is involved in an investigation where a mother is guilty of killing her husband in his sleep. During the interview, the suspect claims that her husband was killed by a sleep demon known as Mara, with her young daughter witnessing the creature too.

Adding to the collection of film festivals hosted in the desert hideaway of the stars, The Palm Springs International Animation Festival & Expo boasted a large selection of animated films from around the world. A total of 103 countries were represented in the programming, consisting of 250+ short films and five full-length feature films. Different styles of animation were showcased throughout the festival such as hand-drawn, watercolor, stop-motion, VFX, and 3-D. Hand-picked from the catalogue of cinematic offerings is Borrowing Tape’s top picks from the 2018 Festival.

Skyfall [2012]: In the twenty-third installment of the James Bond series, Skyfall, tension surfaces between Agent 007 (Daniel Craig) and M (Judi Dench) after a questionable decision out in the field. When MI6 is targeted by a mysterious figure from the past looking to settle a score, Bond’s loyalties are put to the test as he comes to terms with his role in the agency and the technological advancements changing the old game of espionage.

Middle school is a time filled with awkward growing pains and moments of self-discovery, though many may try to repress those memories. Comedian-turned-director Bo Burnham encapsulates the essence of early adolescence in his debut feature film, Eighth Grade. The comedic drama centers on the everyday life of 13-year-old Kayla Day (Elsie Fisher) as she encounters the trials and triumphs of her eighth-grade year, such as making new friends, figuring out love, and finding herself.

The conflicts depicted in film come in many forms—whether they be products of nature or purely circumstantial by just being in the right place at the right time. The Palm Springs International ShortFest presented a program of short films appropriately titled “Desperate Measures,” showcasing different scenarios that are unified in theme about how the decisions we make can ultimately affect the outcome of future events. Shining the spotlight on fate, this collection of films poses the question of, “what would you do?”

Living up to its reputation as being the largest and most diverse short film festival in the nation, the 2018 Palm Springs International ShortFest brought a program with a unique selection of films. “And Now For Something Completely Different…” attracted guests who were interested in seeing shorts that were offbeat, bizarre, and far from the typical Hollywood blockbuster formula. Borrowing Tape has got you covered in rating these cinematic oddities and introducing you to the more artsy side of the big screen.

This summer, the 2018 Palm Springs International ShortFest’s “Thrills & Chills” program provided attendees with an homage to the horror genre, consisting of eight short films enticing those eager to get a glimpse of the darker side of cinema. From France to South Korea, these scary shorts tap into a worldwide culture of fear.

To conclude, the interconnected plot lines in Cloud Atlas weave a universal fabric of collective experience. Although most of the ensemble of characters in the film are not related by blood or exist in the same time-frame as each other, they are related in a sense, as evidenced by a comet-shaped birthmark that they all possess in various locations on their bodies. The narrative also rekindles the missed opportunities of former characters and redeems them during their second lives.

Since the very start of freshman year, every college student anticipates the moment they will walk across the stage at graduation with a degree to show for their efforts in pursuing a higher education. It’s a Hallmark moment filled with smiling farewells, inspirational speeches, and group pictures to capture that feeling of accomplishment forever. What often gets overlooked in the afterglow of alumnal bliss, however, is the question that lurks in the back of a recent graduate’s mind: what’s next?

The 2018 graduating class of Emerging Leaders held their completion ceremony at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa on May 11. Consisting of 14 students from College of the Desert and the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, the eight-month Emerging Leaders program allowed them to tour local Coachella Valley businesses and practice professional skills necessary to assume leadership roles in the community.

A valuable resource that some communication majors at the CSUSB campus may not be aware of is the video lab located in the basement of University Hall. The video production lab gives students the resources needed to produce multimedia projects using a variety of equipment and software. Some of the features of the lab are a multi-camera studio and control room, five self-contained editing bays and an assortment of field production equipment, such as DSLR cameras, lights, microphones and tripods.

As the spring quarter reaches its midway point, students can unwind from the stress of heavy coursework with a good book. The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) at the CSUSB Santos Manuel Student Union has been hosting its first book club since April 24 and invites readers of all majors and genders to attend. The book club, organized by English major Lizette Casillas Rodriguez, has been reading cultural critic Roxane Gay’s 2014 collection “Bad Feminist: Essays.”

On May 4, California State University, San Bernandino Associated Students Incorporated announced the winning candidates for this year’s campus-wide general election in the SMSU Bay. Students were sent emails reminding them that polls opened on May 2 and closed the following night on May 3 and providing them a link to the official ballot.

For the first week of May, California State University, San Bernandino held an assortment of activities to celebrate Cinco de Mayo across both of its campuses. Cinco de Mayo is a Latino holiday that commemorates the victory of the Mexican army during the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In San Bernardino, the Cross Cultural Center hosted four days of events to showcase the national heritage and importance of the holiday. A program called “The history that was banned” took place on May 1.

The arrival of spring allows for eager gardeners to put their green thumbs to work and grow an assortment of flowering plants. CSUSB’s Palm Desert Campus (PDC) took advantage of the season’s temperate weather with the creation of a community garden. As a partnership between the campus and the city of Palm Desert, PDC has access to a plot of land near the campus at University Park to grow organic vegetables and produce.

This month, the CSUSB Title IX and Gender Equity is presenting a series of events to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Whether it is wearing the official SAAM color teal, or sporting the symbolic ribbons, students can show support through the activities planned for April. The occasion began April 2-5 when CSUSB VOICE peers displayed a resource table near the west entrance of the Santos Manuel Student Union.

California State University System’s proposed tuition increase is scheduled to take place in the 2018-2019 academic year, and with that date drawing near, the CSUSB Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) has launched “Scan Me Before It Costs You” to help students fight the hike. This digital campaign involves the placement of various signs on campus that say “Scan Me Before It Costs You” with a QR code.

Located in room 352 of University Hall, the Office of Undergraduate Studies (UGS) provides important services that CSUSB undergraduate students can use to assist in their academic journey. According to the department webpage, the main goal of UGS is to “help prepare students to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, collaborative employees, scholars, and colleagues who will be the future leaders in a rapidly evolving world.”

The CSUSB Associated Students Inc. (ASI) will be hosting a free special event, Sí Se Puede: A Dialogue with Dolores Huerta, on March 7. A civil rights activist known for her work in establishing the National Farm Workers Association alongside Cesar Chavez, Huerta is also the recipient of the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom for her speaking engagements.

The CSUSB Theatre Arts department will continue to present its 2017-18 play lineup themed Power & Control with its upcoming production of “Frankenstein.” Opening at the Barnes Theatre stage on March 9 and continuing its run on March 10, 15, 16, and 17 at 8 p.m. and March 11 and 18 at 2 p.m., this adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic gothic tale will be directed by professor Tom Provenzano.

On Feb. 8, the CSUSB Student Health Center-Health Promotion Program organized a “Step into Awareness” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the John M. Pfau Library Lawn. Step into Awareness featured a display of 1,100 flip-flop sandals to represent the 1,100 college students nationwide that die by suicide each year and their stories. Dispersed among the flip-flops were written accounts by the loved ones of those who died of suicide, expressing how much they miss them.

Olive Crest has made it their priority to prevent child abuse while treating and educating at-risk youth. This non-profit organization provides a variety of services to protect neglected children, and has been doing so for over forty years, including adoption placement and support, educational support and services, independent life skills training, counseling, mental health treatment, and family crisis intervention.

The annual Dia Latino celebration was be held on Feb. 8 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Santos Manuel Student Union Event Center at the Cal State San Bernardino campus. With the first event organized ten years ago, Dia Latino is a collaborative effort among the Acto Latino and Los Amigos student clubs and the department of world languages and literatures.

The Cal State San Bernardino Palm Desert campus welcomed its new associate dean Michael Salvador at the beginning of this fall quarter. Salvador was previously the chair of the communication studies department at the San Bernardino campus, but relocated to the Coachella Valley and continues to show his Coyote pride at Palm Desert’s only four-year university. The Coyote Chronicle caught up with Salvador to discuss his new position, his transition to the desert and what he sees for the future.

Gone are the days when alternative rock made its way to mainstream radio as the 2010s usher in a wave of breathy, club-ready pop hits with little distinction. The neglected genre still thrives, however, in the company of its loyal fanbase. One such case is the Tennessee-native metal band 10 Years, consisting of vocalist Jesse Hasek, guitarist Matt Wantland and drummer Brian Vodinh.

On Nov. 28, CSUSB held its first Giving Tuesday, where a new tradition was formed involving students, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff coming together to fund new student scholarships. Known as a nationally recognized event, Giving Tuesday is celebrated around the world as a way to use social media as a platform to spread the gift of giving after the Thanksgiving holiday.

On Nov. 16, the CSUSB Palm Desert campus hosted a free talk for students with Adam Schomer, award-winning producer of the documentary “HEAL,” which premiered at the Indian Wells Theater a day later. “HEAL” is a film directed by Kelly Noonan that focuses on by changing one’s thoughts, emotions, and perceptions, the human body can heal itself from any disease.

CSUSB students are all too familiar with the forms they receive every quarter asking them to rate their experience in the classroom and the quality of teaching from their professors, but just how helpful are these surveys? For Fall 2017, SOTE (Student Opinion of Teaching Effectiveness) evaluation forms were distributed to the different CSUSB colleges and departments on Nov. 1. The SOTEs will be administered to students between Nov. 9 and Dec. 4.