Coachella Valley Independent
@cvindependent.bsky.social
Independent news, music, arts coverage, commentary and culture for the entire Coachella Valley. Founded in 2012.
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.
The Independent's staff and contributors offer their two cents on the Coachella Valley's best.
Best of Coachella Valley 2025-2026: Staff Picks
The Independent's staff and contributors offer their two cents on the Coachella Valley's best.
cvindependent.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The Independent's staff and contributors offer their two cents on the Coachella Valley's best.
Pass keeps performances fresh and audiences coming back for more by crafting theme nights, from American Songbook evenings to Broadway-themed shows.
An Entertainer’s Journey: Ron Pass, a Regular at Melvyn’s and One Eleven Bar, Knows How to Command a Piano Bar
Pass keeps performances fresh and audiences coming back for more by crafting theme nights, from American Songbook evenings to Broadway-themed shows.
cvindependent.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Pass keeps performances fresh and audiences coming back for more by crafting theme nights, from American Songbook evenings to Broadway-themed shows.
The membership-based business offers board games for sale, about a dozen big tables perfect for throwing dice and exploring fantasy worlds, and friendly vibes all around.
RPG Refuge: The Dragon’s Den Offers a Safe Space for Tabletop-Game Players of All Levels—and Beginners Are Welcome
The membership-based business offers board games for sale, about a dozen big tables perfect for throwing dice and exploring fantasy worlds, and friendly vibes all around.
cvindependent.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:57 PM
The membership-based business offers board games for sale, about a dozen big tables perfect for throwing dice and exploring fantasy worlds, and friendly vibes all around.
History + Community: Sunnylands, a Retreat for Presidents and Celebrities, Reaches Out to Locals With Movies, Dance, Yoga and More
Numerous presidents have visited, and the destination hosted the wedding of Frank and Barbara Sinatra. But Sunnylands’ popularity among local residents and tourists…
Numerous presidents have visited, and the destination hosted the wedding of Frank and Barbara Sinatra. But Sunnylands’ popularity among local residents and tourists…
History + Community: Sunnylands, a Retreat for Presidents and Celebrities, Reaches Out to Locals With Movies, Dance, Yoga and More
Numerous presidents have visited, and the destination hosted the wedding of Frank and Barbara Sinatra. But Sunnylands’ popularity among local residents and tourists has little to do with this storied past.
cvindependent.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:56 PM
History + Community: Sunnylands, a Retreat for Presidents and Celebrities, Reaches Out to Locals With Movies, Dance, Yoga and More
Numerous presidents have visited, and the destination hosted the wedding of Frank and Barbara Sinatra. But Sunnylands’ popularity among local residents and tourists…
Numerous presidents have visited, and the destination hosted the wedding of Frank and Barbara Sinatra. But Sunnylands’ popularity among local residents and tourists…
The overall tone of the film is murky/dark; the musical numbers are so-so; and the story just doesn’t have a satisfying payoff.
Not So Bewitching: ‘Wicked: For Good’ Is an Underdeveloped, Disappointing Bore
The overall tone of the film is murky/dark; the musical numbers are so-so; and the story just doesn’t have a satisfying payoff.
cvindependent.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:42 PM
The overall tone of the film is murky/dark; the musical numbers are so-so; and the story just doesn’t have a satisfying payoff.
Without a doubt, the mesmerizing Rhea Seehorn, who never won an Emmy Award for her excellent portrayal of Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, will get an Emmy for this show.
Sci-Fi Triumph: Apple TV+’s ‘Pluribus’ May Be the Year’s Best New TV Show
Without a doubt, the mesmerizing Rhea Seehorn, who never won an Emmy Award for her excellent portrayal of Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, will get an Emmy for this show.
cvindependent.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Without a doubt, the mesmerizing Rhea Seehorn, who never won an Emmy Award for her excellent portrayal of Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, will get an Emmy for this show.
After Fred Drake’s passing in 2002, the band continued to make occasional live appearances, with album drops here and there. Now in 2025, a seven-piece earthlings? lineup is embarking on a mini-tour, and is performing in the desert for the first time since 2021.
Cats Herded: Dave Catching Gets His Earthlings? Bandmates Together for a Rare Four-Date Tour
After Fred Drake’s passing in 2002, the band continued to make occasional live appearances, with album drops here and there. Now in 2025, a seven-piece earthlings? lineup is embarking on a mini-tour, and is performing in the desert for the first time since 2021.
cvindependent.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:47 PM
After Fred Drake’s passing in 2002, the band continued to make occasional live appearances, with album drops here and there. Now in 2025, a seven-piece earthlings? lineup is embarking on a mini-tour, and is performing in the desert for the first time since 2021.
Topics broached this week include doomsday bunkers, Big Medicine, sea monkeys, clouds—and more!
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Nov. 20, 2025!
Topics broached this week include doomsday bunkers, Big Medicine, sea monkeys, clouds—and more!
cvindependent.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Topics broached this week include doomsday bunkers, Big Medicine, sea monkeys, clouds—and more!
Powell eventually decided to detail his childhood trauma in a book, titled Red-Headed Stepchild. He published it himself and said the response has been amazing.
Know Your Neighbors: Meet Jason Powell, a Palm Springs High Music teacher—and a Child-Abuse Survivor Who Tells His Story to Help Others
Powell eventually decided to detail his childhood trauma in a book, titled Red-Headed Stepchild. He published it himself and said the response has been amazing.
cvindependent.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Powell eventually decided to detail his childhood trauma in a book, titled Red-Headed Stepchild. He published it himself and said the response has been amazing.
Descending from tall, piney ridges at 7,800 feet in elevation, among the lower slopes of the San Bernardino Mountains, the preserve covers 25,500 acres of wilderness that spans into the Pioneertown Valley.
Hiking With T: Discovering the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve Is Like Finding Gold
Descending from tall, piney ridges at 7,800 feet in elevation, among the lower slopes of the San Bernardino Mountains, the preserve covers 25,500 acres of wilderness that spans into the Pioneertown Valley.
cvindependent.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Descending from tall, piney ridges at 7,800 feet in elevation, among the lower slopes of the San Bernardino Mountains, the preserve covers 25,500 acres of wilderness that spans into the Pioneertown Valley.
Swingle was optimistic about the date palm’s chances in California. He wrote: “No heat is too great and no air too dry for this remarkable plant, which is actually favored by a rainless climate and by hot desert winds.”
CV History: Dates, the Coachella Valley’s Top Agricultural Crop, Were Introduced to the Area 125 Years Ago
Swingle was optimistic about the date palm’s chances in California. He wrote: “No heat is too great and no air too dry for this remarkable plant, which is actually favored by a rainless climate and by hot desert winds.”
cvindependent.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Swingle was optimistic about the date palm’s chances in California. He wrote: “No heat is too great and no air too dry for this remarkable plant, which is actually favored by a rainless climate and by hot desert winds.”
Predator: Badlands features a franchise-best performance from Elle Fanning as two synthetic androids who cross paths with Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a “runt” predator on a terrifying alien planet trying to hunt a mystical, unbeatable beast.
Surprising POV: ‘Predator: Badlands’ Offers a Surprisingly Compelling New Take on the Vicious Alien
Predator: Badlands features a franchise-best performance from Elle Fanning as two synthetic androids who cross paths with Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a “runt” predator on a terrifying alien planet trying to hunt a mystical, unbeatable beast.
cvindependent.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Predator: Badlands features a franchise-best performance from Elle Fanning as two synthetic androids who cross paths with Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a “runt” predator on a terrifying alien planet trying to hunt a mystical, unbeatable beast.
After a quick start, the film heads into a meandering middle and, ultimately, a final act that doesn’t save things. In the end, it’s not a terrible movie; but it’s far from good.
Near-Miss Remake: ‘The Running Man’ Starts Off Well, but Fades Due to a Lack of Variety, Good Dialogue
After a quick start, the film heads into a meandering middle and, ultimately, a final act that doesn’t save things. In the end, it’s not a terrible movie; but it’s far from good.
cvindependent.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:09 PM
After a quick start, the film heads into a meandering middle and, ultimately, a final act that doesn’t save things. In the end, it’s not a terrible movie; but it’s far from good.
You don’t typically see many new TV series being dropped in November; maybe the streaming services are throwing out bonus Q4 content to distract from ever-rising subscription rates and corporate mega-mergers.
New in November: Here Are Seven New Shows That Premiered This Month
You don’t typically see many new TV series being dropped in November; maybe the streaming services are throwing out bonus Q4 content to distract from ever-rising subscription rates and corporate mega-mergers.
cvindependent.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:55 PM
You don’t typically see many new TV series being dropped in November; maybe the streaming services are throwing out bonus Q4 content to distract from ever-rising subscription rates and corporate mega-mergers.
When lonely Iowa divorcee Sharon places an ad looking for a roommate, Robyn, an enigmatic lesbian from the Bronx, shows up. They initially seem to have nothing in common.
Living Together: DET’s Production of ‘The Roommate’ Depicts Middle-Age Angst With Lots of Laughs, Superb Acting
When lonely Iowa divorcee Sharon places an ad looking for a roommate, Robyn, an enigmatic lesbian from the Bronx, shows up. They initially seem to have nothing in common.
cvindependent.com
November 15, 2025 at 6:26 PM
When lonely Iowa divorcee Sharon places an ad looking for a roommate, Robyn, an enigmatic lesbian from the Bronx, shows up. They initially seem to have nothing in common.
Topics addressed this week include toddlers, Ikea, consistency, warrants—and more!
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Nov. 13, 2025!
Topics addressed this week include toddlers, Ikea, consistency, warrants—and more!
cvindependent.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Topics addressed this week include toddlers, Ikea, consistency, warrants—and more!