Palm Springs police chief Dominguez RESIGNS
that Palm Springs police
Chief David Dominguez would keep his job.
That determination came after the city’s internal review of police procedure during the 2009 Warm Sands neighborhood public gay sex sting. Dominguez was among those accused of making offensive comments against the gay men arrested in the sting.
Though state law prevents city officials from releasing any details on their review, Ready said, “I don’t believe one comment in his 30-year history should result in his termination.“I’m convinced that his statement, although inappropriate … was not made in any discriminatory regard.”
TODAY HOWEVER, Dominguez resigned.
In case you don’t know the story, Dominguez came under fire after a June 2009 operation in the Warm Sands neighborhood. The sting, which netted 19 arrests, was done in response to what police said were complaints about drug use, public sex and prostitution in Warm Sands. However, it drew complaints that police were targeting gay men unfairly.
During a pretrial hearing, one defendant said a police officer could be heard using a gay slur on a video recording in an undercover vehicle. An attorney for some of those arrested said Dominguez was in that particular car.
The lawyer lodged a complaint, alleging Dominguez disparaged the arrestees to his officers.
“What a bunch of filthy mother f**ckers,” Dominguez allegedly said. “You guys should get paid extra for this.” – another officer involved in the sting was overheard using the slur ‘c**ksuckers.'”
Dominguez apologized last week, and was told he could keep his job, but issued this statement today : ““After careful consideration of the events surrounding the Warm Sands undercover operation, I believe this decision is in the best interest of my family, the city and the Police Department.”
Gay Jazz Artist Dave Koz Brings Christmas Tour To Palm Desert December 12th
COMING OUT,
DOES NOT HURT ONES CAREER,
contrary to popular belief!
Just ask Dave Koz.
When he came out in The Advocate in 2004, Dave Koz instantly expanded his already large fan base and shattered a lot of myths about gay men and music.
In a career that spans twenty years and a dozen albums, saxophonist Dave Koz has established himself as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary music. But for as noteworthy as his body of recorded work and as entertaining his live performances and other past accomplishments might be, Koz finds himself in an era of dramatic and sweeping change where everything once taken for granted is suddenly up for grabs. For Koz – and for all of us in this first decade of the new century – it’s a new day, full of new challenges and opportunities, and new rules that are still being written.
Koz embraces this era of change – and even the uncertainty that comes with it – on Hello Tomorrow, his debut on Concord Records (released on October 12, 2010. “Put The Top Down,” the breezy lead single from the album, rocketed to #1 at Radio after just three weeks!). Produced by Grammy winners John Burk and Marcus Miller (who also appears on most tracks), the album features a diverse army of high-profile guests: Herb Alpert, Jonathan Butler, Brian Culbertson, Sheila E., Boney James, Jeff Lorber, Keb’ Mo’, Ray Parker, Jr., Lee Ritenour, Christian Scott and others. Each of the thirteen tracks – most of them written by Koz and his collaborators, others penned by friends and legends – focuses on being open to new beginnings, and trusting that the future is unfolding in all the right ways for all the right reasons.
Looking back on the Advocate Coming Out interview, he says, “I think everyone makes that leap at the right time in their own lives—there is no absolute rule, and thus I tend to shy away from giving anyone else advice on how to do this. In my own experience however, I never had a master plan to come out…that moment shocked me when it came—I sort of knew it instinctively and I said to myself, “It’s time”. Up until that point it was something I was either too worried, or too freaked out to do. I wasn’t willing to risk it…but then something surprising happened.
I was doing an interview for another gay publication—and the interviewer initially said it was just to speak on the music, no personal questions. His editors had a different agenda and he came back to me saying that in order for the article to run I would have to address my sexuality. Well, I noticed the way this information made me feel…and for the first time ever, it didn’t scare the &*%# out of me! I went to my managers with the idea of coming out—they were super supportive, having helped Melissa Etheridge along her journey. But they said if you’re going to do it, do it with The Advocate. And that’s exactly what happened—a few months later, just about in sync with my turning 40, it was done. This little piece of information that I’d been guarding so preciously all my adult life was finally out there for the world to see. Of course at the time I was freaking out…but I haven’t looked back since. By far, the very best thing I’ve ever done for myself. “
LAST WEEK, Dave added his effort to the Dan Savage It Get’s Better Project. You can watch his video and listen to his growing up gay story . And he reveals how his music got him through the struggles of growing up gay. Music – and more specifically, the saxophone – have been Koz’s primary survival tools since his childhood and adolescence in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley. “The saxophone became my best friend, my most trusted ally, because it enabled me to communicate feelings that I didn’t have the words for. In many ways, it saved my life.”
This is shows 13th Anniversary! And this year’s run will feature special guests South African singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler, keyboardist Brian Culbertson and Dutch saxophone star Candy Dulfer. It will mark Dulfer’s first tour with Koz while Butler and Culbertson are back by popular demand.
The artists will perform hits from their respective catalogues and join together on a variety of holiday standards for an inspirational, high-energy show that has become a cherished tradition for many fans. The tour will take them from coast to coast and include three Los Angeles area shows (December 17th & 18th at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and December 19th at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live). The festivities will conclude with a show at Modesto’s Gallo Center for the Arts on December 20th.
DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS… A SMOOTH JAZZ CHRISTMAS
2010 TOUR COMES TO Palm Desert, CA 7:00pm
Dec. 12, 2010, McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts !
“Holiday music is like comfort food – when you hear these songs, they transport you,” says Dave, who has three classic holiday albums to his credit (December Makes Me Feel This Way, A Smooth Jazz Christmas Dave Koz & Friends, Memories of a Winter’s Night). “It’s like when you smell a fresh apple pie, and it conjures up memories of your grandmother’s baking and all the traditions that make this such a special time of year.”
Tickets for the Palm Desert show ON SALE NOW!
Palm Springs Gay Pride November 6 and 7
2010 Greater
Palm Springs Pride Festival
Saturday & Sunday Nov. 6-7, 2010
10AM – 8PM Sat., 10AM – 6PM Sun.
Palm Springs Baseball Stadium
2010 Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
Sunday Nov. 7, 2010 10AM
Known for its crystal blue skies, year-round sunshine, stunning landscape, palm tree lined streets and starry nights the City of Palm Springs comes alive during the annual pride celebration. The 24th anniversary of Pride celebrations in Palm Springs will be held over the weekend of November 6 and 7, 2010.
On Sunday, November 7 rainbow flags and glitter will fill the streets as the ever present Mount San Jacinto Mountains star in the most scenic pride parade in the world. The downtown parade steps off at 10am and travels along historic Palm Canyon Drive.
Only a rainbow mile from downtown, the unique two-day pride festival is held at the former spring training home of the California Angels and Chicago White Sox. On pride weekend, thousands take to the field with the baseball diamond serving as the gathering spot for friends and a celebration of diversity and unity. Complete with gay-owned and LGBT friendly companies, the festival includes music, dancing, food vendors, and booths staffed by local organizations.
With over 125 parade contingents, 100 exhibitors, and several entertainment venues, the Palm Springs Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest annual gathering of LGBT people and allies in the Greater Palm Springs area.
More info at PS PRIDE !
Gay Palm Springs Caballeros returns for 12th Season
Caballeros
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Palm Springs
is excited to announce the beginning of our 12th Season with a Holiday concert on December 18th and 19th at St Paul in the Desert.
Auditions are taking place during ”info night” on Thursday, September 9th from 7 to 9 PM in the parish hall at St Paul in the Desert, located at 125 W El Alameda. If you sing or know anyone who does, the chorus encourages all to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
The chorus is also looking for non-singers to help behind the scenes. If you have skills in marketing, PR, fund-raising, grant-writing or just want to help out at rehearsals or concerts, the chorus would love to meet with you.
Rehearsals begin on September 16 and continue each Thursday from 7-10pm at St. Paul’s. For more information please call 760-322-3112 or send an email to info @ caballerosps.com.
Caballeros is really looking forward to meeting you.
Caballeros The Gay Men’s Chorus of Palm Springs was founded as a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization in 1999. They were first presented to the public as guest artists in the last annual Holiday concert GMCLA presented in Palm Springs. The new chorus sang four songs and received a rousing approval from the community. Beginning with only 24 singers, the chorus had grown to over 70 members by April, 2002, when they presented Robert Seeley’s “Naked Man” under the guest baton of noted conductor, Jon Bailey. Performing in glittering events such as The Steven Chase Awards Banquet, “Evening Under the Stars”, and “One Night Only”, Caballeros has become a major participant in their desert community. Guests in the chorus’s own concerts have included opera singer, Janet Hopkins, renowned dance company, Tango Nacional Argentina, and the multi-talented Florence Henderson. Notable local performers Dana Atkins, Mona Caywood, Lori Donato, Derrick Lewis, and Tommi Rose, among others, have also graced their stage. There have also been memorable joint concerts with other GALA choruses such as the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Francisco, and Vox Femina.
Caballeros is a performance group of gay men which welcomes all GLBT and GLBT-supportive people as members of their Board and Support team. The chorus is a proud member of their community and they love to perform to all regardless of any human difference.
$10 Cabaret Live Shows in Palm Springs
In this tight economy, who doesn’t appreciate a good deal?
Les Michaels and Joslyn Center in Palm Desert are bringing high quality, professional entertainment to the 180 seat Arthur Newman Theatre.
Best of all, ticket prices are only $10 – cash at the door!
Upcoming shows include –
LIVE IT UP! Final show this weekend!
2pm Matinee Sunday July 25th
It’s like GLEE, but live! 11 cast members and big dance numbers!
The Kathy Holly Champagne Cabaret Show / Live cabaret musical comedy concert
Arthur Newman Theatre At The Joslyn Center
Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 7 PM Reservations: 760-325-2731 $10 cash at the door
The Peggy Judy & Perry Lambert Surprise Reunion Show / Live cabaret musical comedy concert
Arthur Newman Theatre At The Joslyn Center
Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 7 PM Reservations: 760-325-2731 $10 cash at the door
Norman Lasiter / Live cabaret music concert with piano accompaniment
Arthur Newman Theatre At The Joslyn Center Theater
Saturday, August 7, 2010 – Show time: 7 PM Reservations: 760-325-2731
$10 cash at the door or on line at Brown Paper Tickets #120779
Joslyn Center Theater 73-750 Catalina Way Palm Desert, CA. 92260
Gay Palm Springs Summer Splash 2010
If you’ve never been to Palm Springs, California, now’s the time to discover America’s Great Gay Oasis! Long a favorite for Winter getaways, Palm Springs is fast becoming a Summer hot spot as well. Why? The answer is simple. Summer Deals and Summer Splash!
2010 marks the third year for Summer Splash! – the Palm Springs Summer Promotion sponsored by the Desert Gay Tourism Guild. The number of participating businesses is greater than ever before, and the line-up of special events and special offers is both vibrant and varied.
Discover amazing hotels deals (Like INNdulge 2nd Night Free !), special discounts from retailers and restaurants, savings on movies, Summer events and local attractions. There are even special airline discounts from American Airlines, Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air and Westjet, and a great rental car offer from Enterprise Rent-A-Car!
New for Summer Splash! this year is the SPLASH PASS – a wallet-sized discount card that gets you special savings at area restaurants, retailers and other businesses, and discounted admission to many area attractions and special events. It’s the perfect addition to Summer Splash! The best part? The SPLASH PASS is absolutely FREE to everyone – valley visitors and residents alike!
Sound like fun? It is!
The party starts on June 1st, 2010, and continues all the way through September 30th, 2010.
Don’t miss it!
To find out more, visit Palm Springs Summer Splash , or go to Palm Springs Gay Info
Sally Mayes Concert June 6th
Tony Awards
preparations begin a week early in the Desert this year when, Broadway star and Tony Nominated Actress Sally Mayes (SHE LOVES ME and CLOSER THAN EVER) performs live in concert celebrating music from the Great White Way. Mingle with a crowd of Broadway veterans, local Celebrities and enjoy the incredible Sally Mayes whom The New York Times hails “A singer of incandescent ebullience, deliciously saucy!”
The Broadway Concert includes highlights from Sally’s leading roles on Broadway and a special preview for THE MAN THAT GOT AWAY: Ira Without George which is a concert evening hosted by Rex Reed featuring a cast that includes Sally Mayes, Polly Bergen, Tom Wopat and several other high quality talents. In the audience mix and mingle with Broadway veterans and Tony Nominee’s and Winners from previous years such as Kaye Ballard, Donna Theadore, David Zippel and many more!
SALLY MAYES: The Broadway Concert
will take place on Sunday, June 6th at 4:00pm
in the Arthur Newman Theatre at
The Joslyn Center (73-750 Catalina Way Palm Desert, CA).
Tickets to attend the event in Palm Desert are $75.00* for VIP seating, $25 General Admission and a special Joslyn Center rate of $18.00 for 65+ and members of the Center.
*VIP tickets include premium table seating, private pre-show champagne party and an autographed copy of Sally Mayes latest solo CD in addition to the performance. A portion of proceeds from VIP tickets benefit The Joslyn Center.
For tickets to attend Sunday, June 6th call 800-838-3006 or visit Brown Paper Tickets .
Jimmy James at Hotel Zoso Z Lounge Series This Weekend
The amazing talents
of singer/illusionist JIMMY JAMES
comes to the Z Lounge Series
for 3 nights, April 22, 23 and 24.
James has established himself as a musical virtuoso/impressionist, recreating the sounds and styling’s of some of the best known singers, past and present. His artistry has gained accolades internationally and his return to the desert promises the popular standards expected of this extraordinary stage presence, providing some of his famous renderings along with recent additions to his canon of time-honored vocalists.
HEARING IS BELIEVING!
Check out Jimmy James on YOUTUBE
Buy Tickets online or call 760-322-3554
Best Gay Palm Spings and New Gay Travel Guide and Best Gay Cities
PLEASE NOTE!
While we try to post news here as often as possible, most of our time is spent on
NEW GAY TRAVEL GUIDE and BEST GAY CITIES
Check those Gay Travel sites as well!
January is HOT in Palm Springs!
Happenings in January:
January 5-18 – Palm Springs International Film Festival
Palm Springs Film Fest
January 9-10 – Palm Springs Winter Softball Classic
Palm Springs Winter Classic
January 15 – Michael Feinstein and Cheyenne Jackson at The McCallum Theater
McCallum Theatre
January 15 – Lionel Richie at Fantasy Springs Casino
Fantasy Springs
January 15-17 – National Gay Pilots Association Winter Warm-Up
Gay Pilots
January 22-24 – STOMP at The McCallum Theater
McCallum Theatre
January 23 – Harry Connick Jr. at Fantasy Springs Casino
Fantasy Springs
January 29-31 – An Evening with Lily Tomlin at the McCallum Theater
McCallum Theatre
DEAL OF THE MONTH!~STAY WITH INNdulge
JANUARY SPECIAL: Wednesday Night FREE!
Wednesday Night is FREE during the month of January at
INNdulge Palm Springs! Minimum two night stay.
Better yet, Stay Seven Nights, and Get Two Free! Both
Wednesday Night and your Seventh Night are FREE !
The Best of Gay Palm Springs
Researchers in Texas May Have Found Cure for HIV!
Researchers in Texas say they may have found a way to kill the HIV virus. The idea would be used, not only to control the disease for people already infected, but actually prevent infection for anybody who might be at risk!
There is going to be a HUGE piece of news released on December 1st – World Aids Day!
And check this out – Actors, performers, comedians, HIV activists, and scientists come together for this PSA to show support for Covalent Immunology, and Dr. Sudhir Paul. The Cast includes Lady Bunny, Justin Bond, Ben Andrews, Angie Pontani, Kristen Renton, Thea Gill, Wilson Cruz, The Pixie Harlots, and Hydeia Broadbent.
$5 is all it takes – lets face it, a cure and vaccine isn’t gonna come from the big pharma, its gonna come from a brilliant scholar/researcher…DR. PAUL!!
WATCH THE VIDEO
Covalent Immunology Foundation
READ MORE AT FOX NEWS
Happy Pride! celebrate Diversity!
Wishing everyone a safe and HAPPY PRIDE!
From Best of Gay Palm Springs and Best Gay Cities
In Palm Springs – Pride is celebrated in November.
2009 Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival
Saturday & Sunday Nov. 7-8, 2009
10AM – 8PM Sat., 10AM – 6PM Sun.
Palm Springs Baseball Stadium
2009 Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
Sunday Nov. 8, 2009
10AM – Steps off at Alejo Road moving south down historic Palm Canyon Drive to Ramon Road
Coachella Music and Art Fest a Success Despite Economy
Perhaps it’s the scenery — listening to music on a grassy polo field surrounded by swaying palm trees and craggy desert mountains. Or maybe it’s the thrill of discovering new artists and rediscovering old ones standing shoulder-to-shoulder with friends, strangers and the random Hollywood celebrity. Like Paris Hilton!
Always lots of eye candy!
The three day event takes place every year in India, California, just outside of Palm Springs. Organized by Goldenvoice and held at the Empire Polo Fields . The event features many genres of music including alternative rock, hip hop, and Electronic music as well as large sculptural art.
The event has several stages/tents set-up throughout the grounds, each playing live music continuously. This years BIG NAME was Paul McCartney. Previous year names ranged from Madonna to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Despite economic times, promoters say the turnout exceeded expectations, and this year’s attendance figure might be the third largest in the festival’s 10-year history.
The three-day ticket price may have been steep — roughly $300, including service charges — but when divided among the 131 acts on the bill, that breaks down to less than $2.50 per act.
Each year, the festival also features interesting installation art and sculptures. Most of the pieces are interactive, and provide entertainment and eye candy for attendees walking throughout the Polo grounds.
Some of the works were initially created for the Burning Man festival. In contrast to the largely non-repeating roster of musical artists represented at the festival, a few of the visual artists, such as Robochrist Industries, the Tesla Coil (Cauac), Cyclecide, and The Do LaB, have appeared during several consecutive years at Coachella.
EVERY APRIL, COACHCELLA draws in thousands from around the world.
The evening dance event and visual light presentations are like nothing you have ever seen. WATCH THE YOU TUBE COACHELLA CLIP.
And see ya there next year!
ES Collection – The Hottest Gay Mens Swimsuits and Underwear this side of the Desert!
is just weeks away!
and if you want something NO ONE ELSE has yet, this hot new line from Barcelona is what you need!
ES COLLECTION
Previously only available in Spain, it is spreading worldwide this year, but still in limited quantities.
Now going into its fourth year of production they will be unveiling the 2010 underwear collection this fall in the US. I just got back from Barcelona and bought a couple of the swimsuits from the 2009 collection – VERY HOT! Clean lines, fresh styles, bold color combinations and amazing fit!
This swimwear and underwear for men, is honestly some of the hottest styles we have seen with PERFECT construction and craftsmanship. Made in Barcelona, “ES tries to be unique, different and fresh in a market that is fast and more brands are joining this fast market every day. Made in Barcelona with the best fabrics that we can get from the EU market but still we can be competitive with any other brand out there on quality, price,design and delivery.”
Their designs have a wonderful cut to them, accenting your body perfectly! I purchased some of their men’s underwear and men’s swimwear, and they fit comfortable and like a glove! Many of the swimsuits features the “Pack Up” system which can easily be removed if aren’t in the mood for extra padding however is perfect for giving you that perfect “beach bulge” if you want it! It does not make your package look HUGE or anything. But it just accentuates your own package nicely and provides a wonderful smooth fit.
One of the great things about ES Collection Swimwear is the high quality of craftsmanship. With extras like the metal grommet holes and the plastic tips on the drawstring you’ll never have to “fish” out the drawstring. They also use high quality zippers, rubber logos, and just overall high quality finishing.
Word of advice for Americans – As for sizing, I would suggest, if ordering from the US, order 1 size larger than usual. Both my partner and I are 32-33″ waist, and would normally buy Medium – but their Large fits perfect. I always find European clothes run smaller than most US brands are labeled.
And who doesn’t love a SALE! Each collection features “X” number of pieces in so many sizes. Each year when the new collection is launched, anything that did not sell from the previous collection, is marked down! So when you visit their website ES COLLECTION, make sure you check out the SALE OUTLET.
MUST SEE – VIDEO of the NEWEST ES STYLES and all of their HOT models!
If you are visiting Barcelona, stop by their main store and see the entire collection on display.
Consell de Cent, 218 and right around the corner is ES4U, the outlet store at Casanova, 56!
They also have a shop at 35007 Las Palmas de G.C., Carnary Islands and soon will have stores in Bilbao, Valencia, and Madrid!
And of course, you can order worldwide via their ES COLLECTION site!
The New Gay Travel Guides and Best Gay Cities
Miss-ed California Carrie Prejean’s Fumble
Miss USA 2009 runner-up Carrie Prejean of California is making headlines for actually having an opinion beyond “world peace is a good thing.”
Miss California’s (Carrie Prejean) answer to judge (and gossip provocateur) Perez Hilton’s question about legalizing gay marriage started out rather political but soon veered into tangible conviction: “We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that’s how I was raised.”
These women are savvy, goal-oriented and aware. The delegates who become part of the Miss Universe Organization display those characteristics in their everyday lives, both as individuals, who compete with hope of advancing their careers, personal and humanitarian goals, and as women who see to improve the lives of others.(missusa.com)
Nothing about Miss California’s answer to the question of Gay Marriage says “humanitarian” nor does it coincide with improving the lives of others. Discrimination does not promote human welfare.
All that said, she may have grounds for a discrimination lawsuit herself — against the Miss USA pageant, a legal analyst says.
“It’s her religious beliefs which prompted her to say ‘I don’t believe in same-sex marriages.’ So she was espousing her beliefs,” and could sue for a violation of Title VII, which forbids discrimination on the basis of religion.
Are you kidding me?!
